In vitro biological activities of new heterocyclic chalcone derivatives

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of new heterocyclic chalcone derivatives 3(a–j) and in vitro biological evaluation for antiproliferative, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The antiproliferative efficacy and LC₅₀ of the compounds against HepG2 cell lines were determined. The LC₅₀ for 3d was found to be 8 μg/mL. All the compounds exhibited moderate DPPH scavenging activity and moderate to good antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial and fungal strains. Further, the compounds at their respective maximum non-toxic concentrations did not inhibit DNA viruses like buffalopox, camelpox, and goatpox.     

Interobserver and intraobserver variations in tibial pilon fracture classification systems

BackgroundTibial pilon injuries are a complex group of fractures, whose classification and radiological assessment has been under constant reform. Till date, there is no universally accepted classification system.ObjectiveTo determine the interobserver agreement and intraobserver reproducibility of Ruedi and Allgower, AO, and Topliss et al. classification systems for tibial pilon fractures, with CT scans.MethodForty-seven CT scans of tibial pilon fractures were evaluated independently by 5 orthopaedic surgeons. Fractures were classified according to Ruedi and Allgower, AO and Topliss et al. types. Assessment was done on two occasions, eight weeks apart.ResultsThe interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility for Ruedi and Allgower, AO and Topliss et al. classifications showed only moderate agreement. The interobserver agreement was dependent on the familiarity and specificity of the classification system.ConclusionCurrently used classification systems for tibial pilon fracture have moderate interobserver and intraobserver agreements, even with the help of CT scans. Therefore Tibial pilon fracture classification still remains largely undetermined.     

Bilateral retinal detachment in Goldenhar syndrome

The ocular features of Goldenhar syndrome (GS) are typically external, like surface dermoids and lid coloboma. Retinal detachment (RD) is rare and has not been reported in absence of other concomitant predisposing congenital ocular disorders. We present a unique case of bilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with GS. To the best of our knowledge, this association of GS with RRD is novel and has not been reported earlier in ophthalmic and systemic literature on RRD.     

Toric intraocular lenses: Expanding indications and preoperative and surgical considerations to improve outcomes

Since the introduction of the first toric intraocular lens (IOLs) in the early 1990s, these lenses have become the preferred choice for surgeons across the globe to correct corneal astigmatism during cataract surgery. These lenses allow patients to enjoy distortion-free distance vision with excellent outcomes. They also have their own set of challenges. Inappropriate keratometry measurement, underestimating the posterior corneal astigmatism, intraoperative IOL misalignment, postoperative rotation of these lenses, and IOL decentration after YAG-laser capsulotomy may result in residual cylindrical errors and poor uncorrected visual acuity resulting in patient dissatisfaction. This review provides a broad overview of a few important considerations, which include appropriate patient selection, precise biometry, understanding the design and science behind these lenses, knowledge of intraoperative surgical technique with emphasis on how to achieve proper alignment manually and with image-recognition devices, and successful management of postoperative complications.     

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of a Novel Series of 2,3‐Diaryl‐substituted‐imidazo(2,1‐b)‐benzothiazole Derivatives

Benzothiazole and imidazole compounds are extensively studied heterocyclics due to their wide spectrum of bioactivities. Among them, the imidazo(2,1‐b)‐benzothiazole derivatives are pharmacologically important because of their immunostimulant, anti‐inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antitumor, and other activities. In the present research work, a novel series of 2,3‐diaryl‐substituted imidazo(2,1‐b)‐benzothiazoles 13a–o have been synthesized by reaction of substituted 2‐aminobenzothiazoles 1–8 and an appropriately substituted α‐bromo‐1‐(4′′‐substituted)‐phenyl‐2‐(4′‐substituted)‐phenyl‐1‐ethanones 9–12 in the presence of anhydrous acetonitrile. They were characterized by physicochemical, elemental, and spectral (IR, ¹H‐NMR, and Mass) data. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in‐vitro antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria. The investigation of antibacterial screening data revealed that most of the compounds tested have demonstrated congruent activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as compared with the standard ampicillin. Among the series, compounds 13d , 13h , and 13m exhibited excellent an antibacterial activity profile as compared with the standard. In summary, preliminary results indicate that some of the newly synthesized title compounds exhibited promising antibacterial activities and they warrant more consideration as prospective antimicrobials.     

Can ‘sniff nasal inspiratory pressure’ determine severity of scoliosis in paediatric population?

Introduction  

Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) has become a valuable tool in assessing respiratory muscle weakness. Its role in the scoliosis population is still being defined.