Morphological Study of Small Cardiac Vein, Right Marginal Vein, Posterior Vein of the Left Ventricle, Left Marginal Vein, Oblique Vein of Marshall, and Anterior Cardiac Veins in Human Hearts of Western Region of U.P – Clinical Implication

Introduction:Cardiac venous system is an important system for various cardiac interventional procedures such as cardiac catheterization. Various veins like right marginal vein, small cardiac vein (SCV), posterior vein of the left ventricle, left marginal vein, oblique vein of Marshall drain into coronary sinus. While anterior cardiac veins drain right ventricular wall directly into right atrium. Materials and Methods: An observational cross‑sectional study was conducted on thirty cadaveric hearts during a 2‑year period in Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Anatomy Department. The length, diameter of SCV, left marginal vein, posterior vein of the left ventricle, right marginal vein, and oblique vein of Marshall were taken. Results: The study reveals the length of SCV as 28.12 ± 22.87 mm. The length of right marginal vein and posterior vein of the left ventricle is having a significant correlation with age. The length of oblique vein of Marshall is lower in males as compared to females. A number of ACVs were significantly related to weight of cadaver in males. Conclusions: The present study provides data of cardiac veins for various cardiac interventional procedures.

Molecular docking and Antibacterial activities of Cobalt (II) complexes derived from precursors of Hydrazones

The Schiff base ligands in their deprotonated forms have been utilized to synthesize thermodynamically and kinetically stabilized Cobalt(II) complexes. In the complexes, cobalt ion present is in distorted octahedral arrangement and is coordinated by four tridentate ligands in complexes. The synthesized Schiff base ligands coordinate with Cobalt (II) ion through four azomethine nitrogen atoms and two sulfur atoms developing a 6- membered chelate ring. Synthesized Cobalt(II) complexes via hexadentate ligands have been characterized thoroughly through various spectroscopic techniques like FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1HNMR, TGA, TEM, SEM, Particle size, Elemental analysis (C, H, N, Co, S) and conductivity measurements. All Cobalt(II) complexes have been evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity against isolated bacterial strains of E. coli (MTCC-1687), E. faecalis (MTCC-439), S. aureus (MTCC-737) and MR S. aureus (Indigenous). All Cobalt complexes show mild to moderate antibacterial activity. The MIC ranged from 50 µg/ mL to 3.125 µg/ mL. All Cobalt(II) complexes displayed in-vitro antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. It may be proved that the antibacterial activity of the complexes is related to the cell wall structure of the tested bacteria. In-vitro toxicity tests explained the Cobalt complexes were less cytotoxic than the Vancomycin drug on A431 cancer cell lines and the results explain that synthesized Cobalt complexes can act as potent antimicrobial agents and can be considered as a good drug candidate for medicinal chemistry researchers.

A bioinformatic approach to establish P38? MAPK inhibitory mechanism of selected natural products in psoriasis-Supplementary data

In the present study, molecular docking studies of some selected natural products were carried out to identify the potential inhibitors and subsequently to suggest their mechanism of action in relation to P38? mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38? MAPK) enzyme. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by skin hyper-proliferation, differentiation in keratin expression, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increased expression of phosphorylated P38? MAPK in the cytoplasm and nucleus is observed in psoriatic lesions. Twelve natural antipsoriatic agents were included in the study and their molecular docking studies were carried out using AutoDock 4.2 simulator using a Lamarckian genetic algorithm. The crystal structure of P38? MAPK was retrieved from the protein data bank and three-dimensional chemical structures of natural ligands were prepared using ChemSketch 2015. Results indicated that all the natural ligands were fitted into the active site. Hypericin and Catechin (?9.00 and ?8.05 kcal/mol, respectively) have shown good binding efficacy among other ligands. However, only Epicatechin interacted with residues in the enzyme required for enzyme inhibition. The study concludes that the Epicatechin effectively inhibited the enzyme and proved itself to be a type-I1/2 inhibitor of the enzyme among other natural ligands and responsible for the treatment of psoriasis preclinically through this mechanism of action.

A bioinformatic approach to establish P38? MAPK inhibitory mechanism of selected natural products in psoriasis

In the present study, molecular docking studies of some selected natural products were carried out to identify the potential inhibitors and subsequently to suggest their mechanism of action in relation to P38? mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38? MAPK) enzyme. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder characterized by skin hyper-proliferation, differentiation in keratin expression, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increased expression of phosphorylated P38? MAPK in the cytoplasm and nucleus is observed in psoriatic lesions. Twelve natural antipsoriatic agents were included in the study and their molecular docking studies were carried out using AutoDock 4.2 simulator using a Lamarckian genetic algorithm. The crystal structure of P38? MAPK was retrieved from the protein data bank and three-dimensional chemical structures of natural ligands were prepared using ChemSketch 2015. Results indicated that all the natural ligands were fitted into the active site. Hypericin and Catechin (?9.00 and ?8.05 kcal/mol, respectively) have shown good binding efficacy among other ligands. However, only Epicatechin interacted with residues in the enzyme required for enzyme inhibition. The study concludes that the Epicatechin effectively inhibited the enzyme and proved itself to be a type-I1/2 inhibitor of the enzyme among other natural ligands and responsible for the treatment of psoriasis preclinically through this mechanism of action.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking and antibacterial activities of Bis-[(E)-3{2-(1-4-chlorophenyl) ethylidiene}hydrazinyl]-N-(4-methylphenyl)-3-oxopropanamideZinc (II) complex

The title Zn (II) complex was synthesized by reacting the compound Bis-[(E)-3{2-(1-4-chlorophenyl) ethylidiene}hydrazinyl]-N-(4-methylphenyl)-3-oxo propanamide with Zn (II) chloride dihydrate in alkaline dimethylsulphoxide and ethanol solution under reflexing condition for 8 h. The resultant compound was filtered and recrystallized from ethanol. The hydrazone Schiff base ligand and its Zn (II) complex were characterized by using UV-Vis spectroscopy and XRD, TEM and SEM analysis. The antibacterial activities of ligand and its Zn complex were examined using disc diffusion method. The spectra results showed that the hydrazone ligand undergoes keto-enoltautomerism forming a bidentated ligand (N,N) towards Zn+2 (II) ion. It is very interesting that on sides of the two hydrazone ligands which coordinate to the Zn+2 ions, an additional two thiosemicarbazine moiety were also coordinated with Zn+2 ions in the crystalline powder, resulting in a hexa coordinated octahedral Zn (II) complex. Both hydrazone Schiff base ligand and its Zn (II) complex were found to exhibit good antibacterial activity even when the concentrations were high. Molecular docking analysis also deciphered that Zinc complex and carbohydrazone ligand both were found to be fitted into the active sites of molecular targets and Zn complex showed better binding affinities towards macromolecules compared to ligand.

Role of Impulse Oscillometry in Assessing Asthma Control in Children

Background: Impulse oscillometry is an effort-independenttechnique of assessment of airway resistance and reactance, andcan be performed in children unable to complete spirometry.Objective: To evaluate the utility of impulse oscillometry andspirometry for assessing asthma control in children.Study design: Prospective cohort study.Participants: Children aged 5-15 years, with mild to severepersistent asthma.Intervention: On each 3-monthly follow-up visit, clinicalassessment, classification of control of asthma, impulseoscillometry and spirometry were performed.Outcome: Utility of impulse oscillometry parameters [impedance(Z5), resistance (R5), reactance (X5) at 5 Hz, and R5-20(resistance at 20Hz -5Hz) (% predicted), and area of reactance(AX, actual values)] and FEV1 (% predicted) to discriminatebetween controlled and uncontrolled asthma was assessed byreceiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Association ofFEV1 and impulse oscillometry parameters over time withcontrolled asthma was evaluated by generalized estimatingequation model.Results: Number of visits in 256 children [mean (SD) age, 100(41.6) mo; boys: 198 (77.3%)], where both impulse oscillometryand spirometry were performed was 2616; symptoms werecontrolled in 48.9% visits. Area under the curve fordiscrimination between controlled and uncontrolled asthma byFEV1, AX, R5-20, Z5, R5, and X5 were 0.58, 0.55, 0.55, 0.52,0.52 and 0.52, respectively. FEV1 [OR (95% CI): 1.02 (1.01-1.03)]and AX [OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.81-0.97)] measured over theduration of follow-up were significantly associated withcontrolled asthma.Conclusion: Spirometry and impulse oscillometry parametersare comparable in ascertaining controlled asthma. Impulseoscillometry being less effort-dependent may be performed formonitoring control of childhood asthma, especially in youngerchildren.

Myocardial Performance Index in Patients of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Evaluation of ventricular systolic and diastolic functions is an essential part of echocardiographic evaluation in a patient of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Both systolic and diastolic functions change as disease progresses. There are many limitations of the echocardiographic indices of LV functions used routinely in patients of acute coronary syndrome. Tei Chuwa devised a reliable index of myocardial performance (The Tei Index/ Myocardial Perfomance Index). It is a reliable index for evaluation of LV systolic and diastolic performance in acute coronary syndrome. Materials and Methods: 75 patients of acute coronary syndrome and 25 controls were studied. All patients admitted with the complaints of ischemic chest pain were included in the study. An informed consent was taken from all patients. Detailed history and physical examination were carried out and baseline investigations were done. Tei index was calculated from the ratio of time intervals: a-b/b, derived with the aid of pulse doppler echocardiography. Its relationship was studied with acute coronary syndrome and complications after ACS. Results: The Cardiac Output was not significantly different from controls in UA; but it was significantly deranged in STEMI (p<0.001) and NSTEMI (p <0.001). MPI was significantly different in all the three groups from controls. The t and p values of MPI of various groups on comparison with controls were t=9.0, p<0.001; t=12.5, p<0.001; t=18, p< 0.001 for UA, STEMI and NSTEMI respectively. The MPI of STEMI patients was 0.64±0.08 that of NSTEMI patients was 0.57±0.059, that of UA was 0.48±0.06 and that of controls was 0.39±0.04. The correlation showed that MPI was more strongly related to complications as compared to other echocardiographic parameters. Conclusion: MPI is a non-geometric doppler index, that combines systolic and diastolic performance of left ventricle. As compared to controls, MPI was found to be deranged in patients of acute coronary syndrome. when recorded within 24 hours of admission, myocardial performance index was a sensitive and independent predictor of in-hospital events.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Children with Acute Exacerbation of Asthma.

Objective: To determine whether fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) has a utility as a diagnostic or predictive maker in acute exacerbations of asthma in children. Design: Analysis of data collected in a pediatric asthma cohort. Setting: Pediatric Chest Clinic of a tertiary care hospital Methods: A cohort of children with asthma was followed up every 3 months in addition to any acute exacerbation visits. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) and FENO were obtained at all visits. We compared the FENO values during acute exacerbations with those at baseline and those during the follow up. Results: 243 asthmatic children were enrolled from August 2009 to December 2011 [mean (SD) follow up - 434 (227) days]. FENO during acute exacerbations was not different from FENO during follow up; however, FENO was significantly higher than personal best FENO during follow up (P < 0.0001). FENO during acute exacerbation did not correlate with the severity of acute exacerbation (P=0.29). The receiver operating characteristics curve for FENO as a marker for acute exacerbation had an area under the curve of 0.59. Cut-off of 20 ppb had a poor sensitivity (44%) and specificity (68.7%) for acute exacerbation. Conclusions: FENO levels during acute exacerbation increase from their personal best levels. However, no particular cut off could be identified that could help in either diagnosing acute exacerbation or predicting its severity.

Aeroallergen Sensitization in Childhood Asthmatics in Northern India.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of sensitization to common aeroallergens in asthmatic children and study the differences in characteristics of atopics and non atopics. Design: Analysis of data from a prospective cohort study. Setting: Pediatric Chest Clinic of tertiary care center in Northern India Patients: Asthmatic children from 5-18 year of age. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of sensitization to common aeroallergens. Results: Skin prick testing (SPT) was performed on 180 children above 5 years of age, with a mean (SD) age of 111.4 (34.2) months. 100 children (55.6%) were sensitized to at least one aeroallergen, suggesting atopy; 68 (37.8%) were sensitized to more than one allergen. 36.7% children were sensitized to housefly antigen; 31.1% to rice grain dust, 18.3% to cockroach, and 7.8% to house dust mite antigens. Atopic children had significantly higher median FENO during follow up than nonatopic children (17.5 ppb vs 13 ppb, P=0.002). There was a positive correlation between age and the number of allergens that an individual was sensitized to (r= 0.21; P=0.0049). Conclusions: More than half of asthmatic children in our cohort had sensitization to one or more aeroallergens suggesting atopy; sensitization was most commonly seen to housefly antigen and rice grain dust. Atopic children had significantly higher FENO measurements during follow up as compared to non-atopic children.

Inhibitory effect of the plant Boerhavia diffusa l. against the dermatophytic fungus Microsporum fulvum.

Antifungal activity (reduction in colony diameter) of various extracts (pt. ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol and aqueous) of aerial and root parts of Boerhavia diffusa (Nictaginaceae) was screened against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum fulvum. Statistically significant increase has been recorded in the % inhibition of the target fungal species with increasing test concentrations (1000-5000 ppm) of chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol extracts of the root. The maximum % inhibition observed in various solvent extracts of root was about 26% (chloroform), 46% (ethyl alcohol) and 57% (ethyl acetate) at 5000 ppm concentration with time exposure of 10 days. The colony diameter of the target mycelial colony decreased with increasing supplementation of the phytoextract, showing the presence of significant amount of some antifungal phytochemical moiety.

Antifungal activity of Boerhavia diffusa against some dermatophytic species of Microsporum.

Various extracts petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethyl alcohol) of aerial and root parts of Boerhavia diffusa was sereened for Antitungal activity (Inhibition in sporulation) against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum gypseum, M. fulvum and M. canis by using broth dilution method. Extracts of aerial part not show any noticeable antifungal activity. Ethyl acetate extract of root part of the plant was found to be most effective of against target fungal species. The maximum inhibition of mycelial growth was observed for M. gypseum (78.83%) followed by M. fulvum (62.33%) and M. canis (42.30%) of ethyl acetate in the test concentration of 1000 microg/ml 24 hours of incubation. The sporulation of target fungal species decreases with increasing supplementation of phytoextract, confirms the presence of some antifungal phytochemical moiety in roots of the plant.