Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward exercises among women visiting an infertility clinic: A cross-sectional study.

Globally, there is a rising prevalence of infertility, and it has a negative consequence on the quality of life of women. The researchers aimed to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practice of women with infertility toward exercises. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 332 women aged between 18 and 45 years attending an infertility clinic in a tertiary hospital in Southern India. Participants filled a self-developed, content validated, pilot-tested questionnaire. Informants perceived stress and weight gain to be the major causes of infertility. Exercise was believed to improve fertilization by 55.4% of the participants, and walking and yoga were the preferred mode of exercises.

Diagnostic Accuracy of e-FAST in Stable Blunt Trauma Chest: A Prospective Analysis of 110 Cases at a Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND: Focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) is an important adjunct and an extension of the clinical examination in an emergency setting for the last three decades. e-FAST visualizes the lung bases and injuries related to the lungs in addition to the intra-abdominal and pericardial bleed. In trauma patients, time is precious. Noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) chest is the gold standard for the evaluation of blunt trauma chest. However, it is cumbersome and time-consuming and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, evaluation of trauma patients at the trauma bay with e-FAST which is available at all times will not only save time but also the lives of trauma patients. Our endeavor is to find whether e-FAST can be substituted for NCCT for assessing injuries accurately in a stable blunt trauma patient. PATIENT AND METHODS: Prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care trauma center during the period of November 2017 to 2019. Of the 197 patients presenting to the trauma surgeon in the trauma center, 110 were included in the study after satisfying the inclusion criteria. Eighty-seven patients being hemodynamically unstable were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in the comparative data between the groups and all with "p" values more than 0.05. This accepts the null hypothesis and establishes the fact that there is no difference between NCCT chest which is the gold standard for chest blunt trauma and e-FAST. CONCLUSION: We conclude that e-FAST is a better adjunct to the diagnosis and management of blunt trauma chest patients. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Devadoss H, Sharma P, Nair VV, Rehsi SS, Roy N, Rao PP. Diagnostic Accuracy of e-FAST in Stable Blunt Trauma Chest: A Prospective Analysis of 110 Cases at a Tertiary Care Center. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(10):1167-1172.

Water-Promoted Regiospecific Azidolysis and Copper-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition: One-Pot Synthesis of 3-Hydroxy-1-alkyl-3-[(4-aryl/alkyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl]indolin-2-ones.

An efficient, eco-friendly, base free, one-pot, sequential protocol was developed for epoxide azidolysis and copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition using water as the solvent for the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-1-alkyl-3-[(4-aryl/alkyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl]indolin-2-ones. The optimized reaction conditions have been generalized in the case of aromatic as well as aliphatic alkyne partners to afford good yields and high regioselectivity.

Management of Soft-tissue Defects of Hand in a Conflict Combat Zone: A Case Series.

Introduction: Managing soft-tissue defects of hand is a challenging problem for any surgical team, even more in a field hospital setting of a conflict combat zone, where resources are scarce and such cases due to blunt trauma, gunshot wound and deep tissue infections are common. Case Report: We present four different cases, all middle aged males, who sustained injuries due to crush, low velocity gun shot, and defects post-debridement of acute onset infections following abrasions. The first patient was managed with doubled pedicled abdominal flap, the second patient was managed with external fixation for fracture, and cross finger flap for the defect. The third and fourth patients had similar presentations of acute onset deep soft tissue and bony infection, out of which one was managed with full thickness skin graft from anterior abdominal wall and the other with bi-pedicled abdominal flap. All the patients had good functional outcomes with no functional restrictions at follow-up of 12 weeks. Conclusion: All the cases were performed in a challenging situation of a highly active combat field zone, with limited resources and lack of availability of a trained hand surgeon. An early soft-tissue coverage, as soon as possible, was crucial in saving the hand function and guaranteeing a speedy return to function in view of lack of a professional hand surgery team and specialized microsurgery equipment.

1,2,4-Oxadiazoles: a new class of anti-prostate cancer agents.

Sulfide and sulfonyl derivatives of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized and screened by MTT assay on the prostate cancer cells, DU-145. Six compounds were identified as potential anti-prostate cancer agents with IC(50) values ranging from 0.5 to 5.1µM. These compounds exhibited good activity on the androgen independent cells PC-3, while the results were moderate on androgen dependent LNCaP cells, suggesting the possibility of a mechanism of action different from that of the bioisosteric bicalutamide. Also a very low cytotoxicity was observed on non-cancerous cells MCF-10A.

Natural prenylated resveratrol analogs arachidin-1 and -3 demonstrate improved glucuronidation profiles and have affinity for cannabinoid receptors.

RATIONALE: The therapeutic promise of trans-resveratrol (tRes) is limited by poor bioavailability following rapid metabolism. We hypothesise that trans-arachidin-1 (tA1) and trans-arachidin-3 (tA3), peanut hairy root-derived isoprenylated analogs of tRes, will exhibit slower metabolism/enhanced bioavailability and retain biological activity via cannabinoid receptor (CBR) binding relative to their non-prenylated parent compounds trans-piceatannol (tPice) and tRes, respectively. RESULTS: The activities of eight human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) toward these compounds were evaluated. The greatest activity was observed for extrahepatic UGTs 1A10 and 1A7, followed by hepatic UGTs 1A1 and 1A9. Importantly, an additional isoprenyl and/or hydroxyl group in tA1 and tA3 slowed overall glucuronidation. CBR binding studies demonstrated that all analogs bound to CB1Rs with similar affinities (5-18 µM); however, only tA1 and tA3 bound appreciably to CB2Rs. Molecular modelling studies confirmed that the isoprenyl moiety of tA1 and tA3 improved binding affinity to CB2Rs. Finally, although tA3 acted as a competitive CB1R antagonist, tA1 antagonised CB1R agonists by both competitive and non-competitive mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Prenylated stilbenoids may be preferable alternatives to tRes due to increased bioavailability via slowed metabolism. Similar structural analogs might be developed as novel CB therapeutics for obesity and/or drug dependency.

Assessment of fear among the general public of Kerala, India, following a surge of COVID-19 cases.

During the initial stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the community spread of the virus had efficiently been prevented in Kerala, India. The present study aimed to assess fear and its predictors among the general public following the unforeseen surge of COVID-19 cases in July, 2020 using a reliable and validated tool, the 'Fear of COVID-19 Scale', administered through social media. Of 1,100 responses, 1,046 responses were included in the analysis. The majority of the respondents expressed mild fear 44.6%; moderate fear was found in 39.4% of the respondents, severe fear in 13.6% and very severe fear in 2.4% of the respondents. The mean fear score was found to be 15.93±5.81. Statistically significant (P≤0.05) associations were found between fear and sociodemographic variables, such as age, sex, education and occupation, along with predictors, such as the district of residence, healthcare stakeholders in the family, and the presence of an infected individual in the family. Women and students were found to be the most affected. On the whole, the present study provides sufficient insight into the fear associated with COVID-19. The findings presented herein may enable authorities to take adequate measures to prevent the aftermath.

Experiences of surviviors of commercial sexual explotation availing rehabilitation at R and P homes in India.

BACKGROUND: Sex trafficking constitutes the primary form of human trafficking and involves predominantly young girls and women. Rehabilitation of victims rescued from commercial sexual exploitation is critical for efficient reintegration into society. AIMS: To explore the narratives of survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, analysing various factors associated with eventual rehabilitation in Rehabilitation and Protection (R and P) homes in India. METHOD: The study involves mixed method qualitative study at R and P Homes in India. In total, 30 victims of commercial sexual exploitation, aged 29-50 years, participated in the study. Conversational interviews guided the data collection through a dedicated interview protocol. RESULTS: Thematic analysis explored factors promoting or inhibiting rehabilitation in R and P Homes. The results reflected positive change in respondents' individual and social behaviour and identified facilitators for rehabilitation through R and P Homes. The result highlighted various barriers to rehabilitation, including lack of dedicated focus on psychological assistance, financial stability, and sense of safety and security within society. The analysis also reflected various internal and external factors contributing to effective rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: The results provide insight into creating an inclusive model of rehabilitation for victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Diastereoselective syntheses of 3-aryl-5-(arylalkyl)-6-methyl-1-(1-phenylethyl)thioxotetrahydropyrimidin-4(1H)-ones: a stereochemical perspective from endo and exocyclic chiral centres.

Diastereoselective syntheses of 3-aryl-(S/R)-6-methyl-1-[(S/R)-1-phenylethyl)]-2-thioxotetrahydro pyrimidin-4(1H)-ones were achieved in good yields by the condensation of aryl isothiocyanates with ethyl 3-(1-phenylethylamino)butanoate in a one-pot reaction. Benzylation of these substrates illustrated that the orientations of the exocylic and endocylic groups determine the stereochemical outcome of the product formed.

Functional characterization of a stilbene synthase gene using a transient expression system in planta.

The expression and functionality of a resveratrol synthase (RS) gene from peanut (Arachis hypogaea) was studied using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Functional analysis of RS was demonstrated by tracking its expression during 96 h. To measure the transcripts levels of RS transgene, real-time qRT-PCR was used and revealed that the highest level of transcripts was at 48 h post-transfection. Western blot analyses showed that RS protein was accumulated to the highest levels at 72 h post-transfection. Finally, HPLC and mass spectrometry analyses revealed the production of trans-piceid (resveratrol glucoside) as the major stilbenoid compound confirming the functional activity of the RS enzyme in planta. No activity of RS transgene was detected in negative controls. This strategy showed advantages over conventional systems because it does not require establishment of cell cultures, feeding with appropriate substrates or generation of stable transgenic plants. This transient system proved to be a rapid and direct approach to perform functional analysis of stilbene synthases, such as resveratrol synthase. Furthermore, this approach can be useful to study the metabolic effects of over-expressing or silencing specific genes within a short period of time.

Development of dissolution tests for the quality control of complementary/alternate and traditional medicines: application to African potato products.

PURPOSE: Unlike orthodox medicines, specific guidelines for dissolution testing of complementary/alternate (CAMs) and traditional medicines (TMs) have not been developed nor is dissolution testing a requirement for the quality control of such products. In this report, the dissolution of African Potato (AP) products, an African traditional medicine (ATM) which has been ingested by man for a diversity of ailments, has been investigated. A norlignan glycoside namely hypoxoside and a sterol, beta-sitosterol (BSS) are purported to be the most important phytochemicals in marketed products of AP. Dissolution testing of AP products containing labelled content of sterols and those containing only hypoxoside is proposed whereby BSS and hypoxoside are monitored as markers for the release of the contents of the abovementioned products, respectively. METHODS: The FDA dissolution guidance for industry was used to study the best dissolution condition for several formulations of AP. Buffers in the range of pH 1.2 to 7.5 were used to investigate the dissolution of AP products containing hypoxoside as a marker compound. Similarly, biorelevant dissolution media such as fasted state simulation fluid (FaSSIF) and fed state simulation fluid (FeSSIF) at different pH were used to investigate the release of BSS in AP formulations labelled to contain sterols which exhibited poor water solubility. RESULTS: Dissolution testing of AP products containing hypoxoside, conducted at pH 1.2 using USP Apparatus 1 indicated that more than 75% of hypoxoside was released within 1 hr. Dissolution testing of products containing sterols, conducted in FeSSIF at a pH of 5.0 resulted in a release of at least 75% of BSS after 1 hr for all but one of the products tested. CONCLUSIONS: Dissolution testing conditions have been developed for AP products containing two different marker compounds where one of the components, hypoxoside, is water soluble, whereas another component, BSS is poorly water soluble. This necessitated the use of different dissolution media and pHs in order to monitor the respective release of hypoxoside and BSS from AP products. The results of this study indicate the necessity and possibility of developing appropriate dissolution testing procedures for use in the quality control of CAMs/TMs.

Investigation of the antioxidant activity of African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea).

African potato (AP) is widely used as an immune booster for the treatment of various ailments. The norlignan glycoside hypoxoside, a major phytoconstituent of AP, its aglycon rooperol, and an aqueous preparation of lyophilized AP corms were screened for in vitro antioxidant activity using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine) and FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma) tests. Inhibition of quinolinic acid (QA) induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver tissue was studied in vitro using the thiobarbituric assay (TBA). Superoxide free radical scavenging activity was determined by the nitroblue tetrazolium assay. An isocratic HPLC method was developed to quantitatively determine both hypoxoside and rooperol concurrently. While rooperol and AP extracts reduced QA-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenates and significantly scavenged the superoxide anion at pharmacological doses, in comparison, hypoxoside was virtually devoid of activity. Since hypoxoside is converted to rooperol in vivo following administration of AP, the results indicate that the hypoxoside component in AP could have value as an antioxidant prodrug.

High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of Hypoxoside in African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea) and in commercial products containing the plant material and/or its extracts.

Hypoxoside is a norlignan diglucoside present in the corms of African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea). The latter is used as a popular African traditional medicine for it's nutritional and immune-boosting properties. A reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the determination of hypoxoside using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile:water (20:80, v/v). The method was linear throughout the range of 10-100 microg/mL and provided a high degree of accuracy (100 +/- 4%). The recovery of the method was found to be 100 +/- 5%, and the precision of the study, % relative standard deviation intraday and interday (over three separate days), was better than 6.15 and 5.64%, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were calculated to be 0.75 and 3.5 microg/mL, respectively. This method was applied to the analysis and quality control of African potato corms as well as 12 commercially available products. The daily intake of hypoxoside through traditionally prepared African potato decoction was also evaluated.

Synthesis of oxazolidinedione derived bicalutamide analogs.

The synthesis of chiral oxazolidinedione derived bicalutamide analogs has been discussed.

Synthesis of irreversibly binding bicalutamide analogs for imaging studies.

A new synthetic methodology for preparing radioactive androgen receptor binding compounds in order to determine receptor-ligands interactions has been developed.

Comparison of the pharmacological effects of a novel selective androgen receptor modulator, the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride, and the antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide in intact rats: new approach for benign prostate hyperplasia.

Tissue-selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) demonstrate tissue selectivity in both castrated and intact male rats, behaving as partial agonists in androgenic tissues (i.e. prostate and seminal vesicle), but full agonists in anabolic tissues (i.e. levator ani muscle). The partial agonist activity of SARMs (compounds S-1 and S-4) in the prostate of intact rats suggested that SARM could be used for androgen suppression in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This study was designed to explore the mechanisms of action of SARM and to characterize the tissue selectivity of S-1 in intact male rats compared with that of hydroxyflutamide (antiandrogen) and finasteride (5alpha-reductase inhibitor), two major drugs used for androgen suppression treatment of BPH. In intact male rats, S-1 (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg) selectively decreased the prostate weight with similar efficacy to finasteride (5 mg/kg), without affecting the levator ani muscle or increasing the plasma levels of testosterone, LH, and FSH. Hydroxyflutamide (0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 25 mg/kg), however, decreased both the prostate and levator ani muscle weights without any selectivity and increased plasma hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, S-1 and S-4 showed very weak inhibitory effects toward transiently expressed type I and II human 5alpha-reductase (Ki, >20 microm) during in vitro assays. Therefore, although S-1 and finasteride showed very similar suppressive effects in the prostate of intact male rats, they decreased prostate size via different mechanisms of action. S-1 simply worked as androgen receptor partial agonist, whereas finasteride inhibited prostatic 5alpha-reductase. These studies indicate that SARMs may demonstrate clinical utility as single agent or combination therapy for BPH.

Total synthesis of a pyrroloindoloquinazoline alkaloid.

A highly concise stereoselective synthesis of a newly identified alkaloid with a pyrroloindoloquinazoline skeleton has been achieved. To this end, a chiral auxiliary mediated asymmetric acetate aldol reaction on tryptanthrin was explored and the resulting adduct was converted to the product by a novel one-pot reductive cyclization/transamidation using NiCl2·6H2O/NaBH4 in methanol.

Stereoregulations of pyrimidinone based chiral auxiliary in aldol and alkylation reactions: a convenient route to oxyneolignans.

(S)-4-Isopropyl-1-phenyltetrahydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one was synthesized and evaluated as a chiral auxiliary for asymmetric acetate and propionate aldol reactions, by generation of titanium and lithium enolates, affording excellent yields and stereoselectivities for syn and anti aldol diastereomers, respectively. High stereoselectivities were also obtained in lithium mediated alkylation reactions. The application of the auxiliary was exemplified in the asymmetric synthesis of a natural oxyneolignan, (+)-(7S,8S)-4-hydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-8',9'-dinor-8,4'-oxyneoligna-7,9-diol-7'-oic acid.

Reversal of selectivity in acetate aldol reactions of N-acetyl-(S)-4-isopropyl-1-[(R)-1-phenylethyl]imidazolidin-2-one.

Synergistic effects of the exo- and endocyclic chiral centers of an imidazolidinone-based auxiliary were investigated in the perspective of acetate aldol reactions. The reversal in diastereoselectivity was accomplished by lithium and titanium enolate reactions, which proceed through proposed open and closed transitions states, respectively. The aldol adducts were used in the stereoselective synthesis of fluoxetine.