Synthesis and characterization of a novel series of 1,4‐dihydropyridine analogues for larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis

The new‐fangled bis(4‐substituted benzyl) 4‐(4‐substitued phenyl)‐2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate derivatives were synthesized by the union of substituted aryl aldehyde, tert‐butyl acetoacetate, ammonium carbonate with 4‐substituted benzyl alcohol via Hantzsch ester synthesis in aqueous medium under catalyst‐free conditions. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C), ESI mass, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The characterized title compounds were evaluated for the larvicidal activity against Anopheles arabiensis by standard WHO larvicidal assay method using Temephos as standard at 4 μg/ml. The title compounds bis(4‐methoxybenzyl) 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate and bis(4‐chlorobenzyl) 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate exhibited promising larvicidal activity at 65.6% and 72.2%, respectively, when compared with the standard compound at 98.9%.     

Fetus papyraceous: a rare cause for obstruction to spontaneous placental expulsion

Fetus papyraceous is a mummified compressed fetus occurring in association with a viable twin. Incidence of this rare condition is 1 in 12,500 cases of twins. We report a case of fetus papyraceous which caused obstruction to spontaneous expulsion of placenta. Antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound examination is not always possible. Careful exploration of placenta after delivery is recommended. Diagnosis of this condition helps in evaluation of risk to surviving fetus as well as registration and documentation of this rare condition.     

Coronary artery vasospasm with iron sucrose.

Sir, A 45-year-old lady with chronic renal failure (stage 4) andanaemia of chronic disease was administered intravenous ironsucrose. There was no history of cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinalblood loss, migraine, Raynaud's phenomenon or allergy. She didnot smoke or consume illicit drugs. Her haemoglobin was 8.6 gm/dl     

Subclinical synovitis and enthesitis in psoriasis patients and controls by ultrasonography in Saudi Arabia; incidence of psoriatic arthritis during two years

Clinical Rheumatology - To evaluate ultrasonographic subclinical inflammatory synovitis and enthesitis in psoriasis patients, without clinical arthritis or enthesitis compared with healthy...     

In shoulder adhesive capsulitis,ultrasound-guided anterior hydrodilatation in rotator interval is more effective than posterior approach: a randomized controlled study

Clinical Rheumatology - Shoulder adhesive capsulitis, also called frozen shoulder, is a musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain and functional disability. This study aimed to compare the...     

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy: Still a viable option in children with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collection

Background/objectivesEndoscopic transmural drainage is the preferred method of drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in adults; however, there is scant literature in children. We analyzed our experience of 33 endoscopic cystogastrostomies done in 29 children to find its efficacy and safety.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected database of 31 consecutive children (<18 years) who underwent endoscopic cystogastrostomy from June 2013 to December 2017. The procedure was done using the standard technique with an adult duodenoscope. Data related to clinical details, technical success, complications and follow-up were collected.ResultsThe median age was 14 (3–17) years (22 males). Indications were early satiety in 28 (90%), vomiting in 15 (48%), and duodenal obstruction and infected pseudocyst in 2 children each. Etiology includes acute pancreatitis 22, post-traumatic 4 and chronic pancreatitis 5. The procedure was successful in 29 of 31 (93.5%) children with no mortality. Adverse events happened in four cases (12.9%); two infections, another with bleeding and another with pneumoperitonium, both of which resolved spontaneously. Incidents (minor bleeding) were noted in 6 (19%). Stents were removed in 26 (90%) after 12 (7–20) weeks and got spontaneously migrated out in 3 (10%) cases. Over a median follow-up of 26 (5–48) months, 26 (90%) had no recurrence of pseudocyst and 3 (10%) had recurrence of a small, asymptomatic pseudocyst.ConclusionsEndoscopic cystogastrostomy is a safe and effective method of draining bulging PFCs in children. The procedure carries acceptable morbidity with minimal recurrence. In younger children it may be the preferred method of drainage of PFCs.