Design, synthesis, and docking study of saccharin N-triazolyl glycoconjugates

To achieve better-repurposed motifs, saccharin has been merged with biocompatible sugar molecules via a 1,2,3-triazole linker, and ten novel 1,2,3-triazole-appended saccharin glycoconjugates were developed in good yield by utilizing modular CuAAC click as regioselective triazole forming tool. The docking study indicated that the resulting hybrid molecules have an overall substantial interaction with the CAXII macromolecule. Moreover, the galactose triazolyl saccharin analogue 3h has a binding energy of -8.5 kcal/mol with 5 H-bonds, and xylosyl 1,2,3-triazolyl saccharin analogue 3d has a binding energy of -8.2 kcal/mol with 6 H-bond interactions and have exhibited the highest binding interaction with the macromolecule system.

Design, Synthesis, and Docking Study of Quinine-9-Triazolyl Conjugates

To develop a better chemotherapeutically potential candidate for lung cancer treatment and cure with repurposed motifs, quinine has been linked with biocompatible CuAAC-inspired regioselective 1,2,3-triazole linker and a series of ten novel 1,2,3-triazolyl-9-quinine conjugates have been developed by utilizing click conjugation of glycosyl ether alkynes with 9-epi-9-azido-9-deoxy-quinine under standard click conditions. In parallel, the docking study indicated that the resulting conjugates have an overall appreciable interaction with ALK-5 macromolecules. Moreover, the mannose-triazolyl conjugate exhibited the highest binding interactions of -7.6 kcal/mol with H-bond interaction with the targeted macromolecular system and indicate the hope for future trials for anti-lung cancer candidates.

Glycosyl Triazole Ligand for Temperature-Dependent Competitive Reactions of Cu-Catalyzed Sonogashira Coupling and Glaser Coupling

Glycosyl triazoles have been introduced as efficient ligands for the Cu-catalyzed Sonogashira reaction to overcome the challenges of sideways homocoupling reactions in Cu catalysis in this reaction. The atmospheric oxygen in a sealed tube did not affect the coupling, and no need of complete exclusion of oxygen was experienced in the presence of glycohybrid triazole ligand L3. High product yields were obtained at 130 °C for a variety of substrates including aliphatic and aromatic terminal alkynes and differently substituted aromatic halides including 9-bromo noscapine. In contrast, at room temperature, a very low loading of the L3-Cu catalytic system could produce excellent yields in Glaser coupling including homocoupling and heterocoupling of a variety of aliphatic and aromatic alkynes.

d-Glucosamine as the Green Ligand for Cu(I)-Catalyzed Regio- and Stereoselective Domino Synthesis of (Z)-3-Methyleneisoindoline-1-ones and (E)-N-Aryl-4H-thiochromen-4-imines

d-Glucosamine, a natural, inexpensive, and conveniently accessible sugar, has been explored as an efficient ligand for the Cu(I)-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective synthesis of an array of (Z)-3-methyleneisoindoline-1-ones and (E)-N-aryl-4H-thiochromen-4-imines in good-to-excellent yield in a tandem fashion via the reaction of 2-halobenzamide and 2-halobenzothioamide with terminal alkynes, respectively. The water solubility and biocompatible nature of the ligand offer easy separation of the catalytic system toward the aqueous phase as well as change in the reaction path in terms of the product also demonstrated the variation of the reaction temperature. The domino reaction proceeds by the Sonogashira and Ullmann type cross-coupling reaction, followed by Cu(I)-promoted additive cyclization of heteroatom to the triple bond. In addition, d-glucosamine causes successful Glaser-Hay coupling of terminal alkynes under Cu catalysis to produce a high yield of respective 1,3-diynes.

Cu(I)-Catalyzed Click Chemistry in Glycoscience and Their Diverse Applications

Copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between organic azides and terminal alkynes, commonly known as CuAAC or click chemistry, has been identified as one of the most successful, versatile, reliable, and modular strategies for the rapid and regioselective construction of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles as diversely functionalized molecules. Carbohydrates, an integral part of living cells, have several fascinating features, including their structural diversity, biocompatibility, bioavailability, hydrophilicity, and superior ADME properties with minimal toxicity, which support increased demand to explore them as versatile scaffolds for easy access to diverse glycohybrids and well-defined glycoconjugates for complete chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological investigations. This review highlights the successful development of CuAAC or click chemistry in emerging areas of glycoscience, including the synthesis of triazole appended carbohydrate-containing molecular architectures (mainly glycohybrids, glycoconjugates, glycopolymers, glycopeptides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycoclusters, and glycodendrimers through regioselective triazole forming modular and bio-orthogonal coupling protocols). It discusses the widespread applications of these glycoproducts as enzyme inhibitors in drug discovery and development, sensing, gelation, chelation, glycosylation, and catalysis. This review also covers the impact of click chemistry and provides future perspectives on its role in various emerging disciplines of science and technology.

Synthesis of a Series of a Few Hydrosulfide Complexes of Cu(I). A μ3-SH-Bridged Rare Cubane-like Tetramer Showing Efficient Catalytic Activity toward Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition

A cubane-like tetranuclear hydrosulfido complex of Cu(I), [Cu₄(SH)₄(PPh₃)₄] (1), has been synthesized by the reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, NaSCOPh, and Cu(PPh₃)₂NO₃ and characterized structurally. Complex 1 represents the first example of crystallographically characterized μ₃-SH-bridged cubanoid hydrosulfide. By direct reactions of [(PPh₃)₂Cu(NO₃)] and NaSH, neutral hydrosulfide complexes [Cu(SH)(PPh₃)₂]·C₆H₆ (2), [Cu₂(SH)₂(PPh₃)₃] (3), and [Cu₂(SH)₂(PPh₃)₄] (4) have also been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 2 is monomeric with a terminal hydrosulfide ligand. The other two, 3 and 4, are μ₂-SH-bridged unsymmetrical and symmetrical dinuclear complexes, respectively. In the symmetric one (4), both Cu(I) ions are tetrahedrally coordinated while in the unsymmetric one (3), one Cu(I) ion is tetrahedral and the other one has a trigonal-planar coordination geometry. The catalytic activity of a hydrosulfido complex in a "click" azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction has been explored for the first time, and complex 1 is found to be an efficient catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of glycoconjugate triazoles.

N-Acylbenzotriazoles as Proficient Substrates for an Easy Access to Ureas, Acylureas, Carbamates, and Thiocarbamates via Curtius Rearrangement Using Diphenylphosphoryl Azide (DPPA) as Azide Donor

A diverse range of ureas, N-acylureas, carbamates, and thiocarbamates has been synthesized in good to excellent yields by reacting N-acylbenzotriazoles individually with amines or amides or phenols or thiols in the presence of diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) as a suitable azide donor in anhydrous toluene at 110 °C for 3–4 hours. In this route, DPPA was found to be a good alternative to trimethylsilyl azide and sodium azide for the azide donor in Curtius degradation. The high reaction yields, one-pot and metal-free conditions, straightforward nature, easy handling, use of readily available reagents, and in many cases avoidance of column chromatography are the notable features of the devised protocol.

Recent Developments on Denitrogenative Functionalization of Benzotriazoles

Benzotriazoles are employed as useful synthons in organic synthesis, and due to their unique structural motif, they are able to undergo denitrogenation during the construction of new bonds. Various methods for the functionalization of benzotriazoles as precursors of ­ortho-amino arenediazoniums have recently been developed that involve transition-metal-catalyzed coupling reactions, mainly via cyclization, borylation, alkenylation, alkylation, carbonylation and the formation of carbon–heteroatom bonds. In this short review, we primarily focus on the recent applications of benzotriazoles in organic chemistry that proceed via a denitrogenative process, and the mechanisms are also discussed.

1 Introduction

2 Common Synthetic Routes Allowing Easy Access to Benzotriazole Derivatives

3 Formation of C–C Bonds

3.1 Cyclization Reactions

3.2 Arylation, Alkenylation, Alkylation and Carbonylation Reactions

4 Carbon–Heteroatom Bond Formation

5 Miscellaneous Denitrogenative Functionalization

6 Conclusions and Future Perspectives

Click inspired synthesis of p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene tethered benzotriazolyl dendrimers and their evaluation as anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm agents

CuAAC inspired calix-[4]arene tethered benzotriazolyl dendrimers were developed and investigated for their therapeutic potential, where 7 displayed potent anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activities against drug-resistant & slime producing organisms.

An Improved Synthesis of Urea Derivatives from N-Acylbenzotriazole via Curtius Rearrangement

The good leaving tendency of the benzotriazole moiety has been exploited for the synthesis of symmetric, unsymmetric, N-acyl, and cyclic ureas in good yields from N-acylbenzotriazoles by treating the latter with various amines in the presence of TMSN3/Et3N in a sealed tube. The salient features of the devised protocol includes the high-yield, mild, metal-free, one-pot reaction conditions, and short reaction time. Furthermore, in many cases, no column chromatography is required for the purification.

Synthesis of Benz-Fused Azoles via C-Heteroatom Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Cu(I) in the Presence of Glycosyltriazole Ligands

Glycosyl triazoles are conveniently accessible and contain multiple metal-binding units that may assist in metal-mediated catalysis. Azide derivatives of d-glucose have been converted to their respective aryltriazoles and screened as ligands for the synthesis of 2-substituted benz-fused azoles and benzimidazoquinazolinones by Cu-catalyzed intramolecular Ullmann type C-heteroatom coupling. Good to excellent yields for a variety of benz-fused heterocyles were obtained for this readily accessible catalytic system.

Silicon Industry Waste Polymethylhydrosiloxane-Mediated Benzotriazole Ring Cleavage: A Practical and Green Synthesis of Diverse Benzothiazoles

A green modification has been introduced to the synthesis of benzothiazoles by using polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) for successive steps of benzotriazole ring cleavage and cyclization, an approach which was previously developed in our lab by the use of n-Bu₃SnH. The use of the silicone industry byproduct PMHS makes this protocol a cost-effective and nontoxic one and thus may be considered for the industrial importance.

Benzotriazole as an Efficient Ligand in Cu-Catalyzed Glaser Reaction

Benzotriazole has been established as an efficient ligand in Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling of terminal alkynes to form 1,3-dialkynes using CuI as the catalyst and K2CO3 as the base at room temperature in an open round-bottom flask. The established protocol has the following notable advantages: simple to handle, easy work-up, mild reaction condition, high substrate scope, requirement of less quantity of ligand and also Cu-catalyst, less expensive, and high reaction yield.

Catalytic activity of new heteroleptic [Cu(PPh3)2(β-oxodithioester)] complexes: click derived triazolyl glycoconjugates

Highly efficient and reusable precatalysts of Cu(i) β-oxodithioester PPh₃ complexes for the synthesis of triazolyl glycoconjugates under “click” conditions.

Click inspired synthesis of hexa and octadecavalent peripheral galactosylated glycodendrimers and their possible therapeutic applications

Click inspired glycodendrimers comprising a rigid hexapropargyloxy benzene core with peripheral β-d-galactopyranosidic units were developed and evaluated for their therapeutic potential.

Defining myocardial fibrosis in haemodialysis patients with non-contrast cardiac magnetic resonance

Background

Extent of myocardial fibrosis (MF) determined using late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) predicts outcomes, but gadolinium is contraindicated in advanced renal disease. We assessed the ability of native T1-mapping to identify and quantify MF in aortic stenosis patients (AS) as a model for use in haemodialysis patients.

Methods

We compared the ability to identify areas of replacement-MF using native T1-mapping to LGE in 25 AS patients at 3 T. We assessed agreement between extent of MF defined by LGE full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) and the LGE 3-standard-deviations (3SD) in AS patients and nine T1 thresholding-techniques, with thresholds set 2-to-9 standard-deviations above normal-range (1083 ± 33 ms). A further technique was tested that set an individual T1-threshold for each patient (T11SD). The technique that agreed most strongly with FWHM or 3SD in AS patients was used to compare extent of MF between AS (n = 25) and haemodialysis patients (n = 25).

Results

Twenty-six areas of enhancement were identified on LGE images, with 25 corresponding areas of discretely increased native T1 signal identified on T1 maps. Global T1 was higher in haemodialysis than AS patients (1279 ms ± 5.8 vs 1143 ms ± 12.49, P < 0.01). No signal-threshold technique derived from standard-deviations above normal-range associated with FWHM or 3SD. T11SD correlated with FWHM in AS patients (r = 0.55) with moderate agreement (ICC = 0.64), (but not with 3SD). Extent of MF defined by T11SD was higher in haemodialysis vs AS patients (21.92% ± 1 vs 18.24% ± 1.4, P = 0.038), as was T1 in regions-of-interest defined as scar (1390 ± 8.7 vs 1276 ms ± 20.5, P < 0.01). There was no difference in the relative difference between remote myocardium and regions defined as scar, between groups (111.4 ms ± 7.6 vs 133.2 ms ± 17.5, P = 0.26).

Conclusions

Areas of MF are identifiable on native T1 maps, but absolute thresholds to define extent of MF could not be determined. Histological studies are needed to assess the ability of native-T1 signal-thresholding techniques to define extent of MF in haemodialysis patients.

Data is taken from the PRIMID-AS (NCT01658345) and CYCLE-HD studies (ISRCTN11299707).

Honey bee foraging induces upregulation of early growth response protein 1, hormone receptor 38 and candidate downstream genes of the ecdysteroid signalling pathway

In honey bees, continuous foraging at an artificial feeder induced a sustained upregulation of the immediate early genes early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) and hormone receptor 38 (Hr38). This gene expression response was accompanied by an upregulation of several Egr-1 candidate downstream genes: ecdysone receptor (EcR), dopamine/ecdysteroid receptor (DopEcR), dopamine decarboxylase and dopamine receptor 2. Hr38, EcR and DopEcR are components of the ecdysteroid signalling pathway, which is highly probably involved in learning and memory processes in honey bees and other insects. Time-trained foragers still showed an upregulation of Egr-1 when the feeder was presented at an earlier time of the day, suggesting that the genomic response is more dependent on the food reward than training time. However, presentation of the feeder at the training time without food was still capable of inducing a transient increase in Egr-1 expression. Thus, learnt feeder cues, or even training time, probably affect Egr-1 expression. In contrast, whole brain Egr-1 expression changes did not differ between dancing and nondancing foragers. On the basis of our results we propose that food reward induced continuous foraging ultimately elicits a genomic response involving Egr-1 and Hr38 and their downstream genes. Furthermore this genomic response is highly probably involved in foraging-related learning and memory responses.

Actual and perceived weight status and its association with slimming and energy-balance related behaviours in 10- to 12-year-old European children: the ENERGY-project

BACKGROUND

Both parents' and children's perception of children's weight status may be important predictors of slimming and energy-balance related behaviours, independent of children's actual weight status.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the cross-sectional association of children's self-reported slimming and energy-balance related behaviours with children's (i) actual, (ii) self-perceived and (iii) parent-perceived weight status.

METHODS

Data of 10- to 12-year-old European children and their parents were used. Multilevel logistic and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, gender, parental weight controlling behaviours, education, marital status and ethnicity.

RESULTS

Independent of their actual weight status, a higher proportion of children reported slimming when they or their parents perceived them as too fat. Children's self-perceived weight status was more strongly associated with slimming than their parents' perception or their actual weight status. Moreover, children who perceive themselves as overweight reported less physical activity and more screen time. Children whose parents perceive them as overweight reported less physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Children's own perception of their weight status appears to be more important for their self-reported slimming than their actual or their parent's perceptions of their weight status. Additionally, children's self-perceived weight status seems important in engaging more physical activity and reduces screen time.

A dinuclear copper(i) thiodiacetate complex as an efficient and reusable ‘click’ catalyst for the synthesis of glycoconjugates

A novel Cu(i) complex as an efficient and reusable homogeneous “click” catalyst.

An evidence-update on the prospective relationship between childhood sedentary behaviour and biomedical health indicators: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence for adverse health effects of excessive sedentary behaviour in children is predominantly based on cross-sectional studies, measuring TV viewing as proxy for sedentary behaviour. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the evidence on the prospective relationship between childhood sedentary behaviour and biomedical health indicators, overall and stratified by type of sedentary behaviour (TV viewing, computer use/games, screen time and objective sedentary time). PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane were systematically searched till January 2015. Methodological quality of all included studies was scored, and a best evidence synthesis was applied. We included 109 studies of which 19 were of high quality. We found moderate-to-strong evidence for a relationship of overall sedentary time with some anthropometrics (overweight/obesity, weight-for-height), one cardiometabolic biomarker (HDL-cholesterol) and some fitness indicators (fitness, being unfit). For other health indicators, we found no convincing evidence because of inconsistent or non-significant findings. The evidence varied by type of sedentary behaviour. The meta-analysis indicated that each additional baseline hour of TV viewing (β = 0.01, 95%CI = [-0.002; 0.02]) or computer use (β = 0.00, 95%CI = [-0.004; 0.01]) per day was not significantly related with BMI at follow-up. We conclude that the evidence for a prospective relationship between childhood sedentary behaviour and biomedical health is in general unconvincing.

Cu-Catalyzed Click Reaction in Carbohydrate Chemistry

Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC), popularly known as the "click reaction", serves as the most potent and highly dependable tool for facile construction of simple to complex architectures at the molecular level. Click-knitted threads of two exclusively different molecular entities have created some really interesting structures for more than 15 years with a broad spectrum of applicability, including in the fascinating fields of synthetic chemistry, medicinal science, biochemistry, pharmacology, material science, and catalysis. The unique properties of the carbohydrate moiety and the advantages of highly chemo- and regioselective click chemistry, such as mild reaction conditions, efficient performance with a wide range of solvents, and compatibility with different functionalities, together produce miraculous neoglycoconjugates and neoglycopolymers with various synthetic, biological, and pharmaceutical applications. In this review we highlight the successful advancement of Cu(I)-catalyzed click chemistry in glycoscience and its applications as well as future scope in different streams of applied sciences.

An efficient one-pot synthesis of N,N′-disubstituted ureas and carbamates from N-acylbenzotriazoles

A facile one-pot synthesis of carbamates and N,Nʹ-disubstituted symmetrical ureas from N-acylbenzotriazoles has been devised. It is believed that, the intermediate acyl-azide undergo Curtius rearrangement.

Successful pregnancy outcome in two patients with Pyonephrosis treated with percutaneous Nephrostomy

Urinary tract infections in pregnancy are common in the form of cystitis and pyelonephritis. Rarely patients may have pyonephrosis. Some of these patients may respond to antibiotic therapy. However those who do not, can be treated by drainage of pus under USG guided percutaneous nephrostomy. Though invasive procedures are generally avoided in pregnancy, however if required, it should be undertaken judiciously or the primary condition may aggravate which may lead to adverse pregnancy outcome. These cases are being presented to highlight that appropriate intervention in the form of percutaneous nephrostomy, is associated with favorable maternal and fetal outcome.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 109-111

Review of cesarean section on maternal request in a tertiary care institute; scenario in developing country

Mother requesting of caesarean reflects a belief among society that elective caesarean safer than vaginal delivery in term of fetus and mother. Although the study data neglecting the facts other skewed part in this issue is consideration of resources, as in developing countries, where maternal mortality is still high due to lack of adequate resources. Mother coming to obstetrician with mother's request should individualize in every case considering mother's argument, society and evidence base guideline.

An unprecedented deoxygenation protocol of benzylic alcohols using bis(1-benzotriazolyl)methanethione

A new method of silane or Bu₃SnH promoted radical deoxygenation of benzylic alcohols using bis(1-benzotriazolyl)methanethione has been developed.

Body mass index, waist circumference and skin-fold thickness in 12- to 14-year-old Dutch adolescents: differences between 2003 and 2011

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare anthropometrics of 12- to 14-year-old Dutch adolescents attending lower levels of education in 2011 with adolescents measured in 2003.

METHODS

We used baseline data from two trials evaluating a school-based obesity prevention programme in 2003 (randomized controlled trial with 18 schools) and in 2011 (cluster controlled trial with 29 schools). We measured adolescents' body height and weight, skin-fold thickness, and waist circumference in 2003 (n = 1000; response rate 76%) and 2011 (n = 1898; response rate 86%). We used multivariable multilevel linear or logistic regression analyses stratifying for gender, ethnicity and prevocational education track (vocational or theoretical) where appropriate.

RESULTS

In boys, prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, triceps, biceps and subscapular skin-folds were significantly higher in 2011. This was also true for vocational girls, except for the subscapular skin-fold. Girls, attending the theoretical track, had a significantly larger waist circumference, but thinner subscapular and suprailiac skin-fold thickness in 2011.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in Dutch adolescents attending prevocational education is worrisome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN87127361 and Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN92755979.

Person-related determinants of TV viewing and computer time in a cohort of young Dutch adults: Who sits the most?

We aimed to assess the associations of person-related factors with leisure time television (TV) viewing and computer time among young adults. We analyzed self-reported TV viewing (h/week) and leisure computer time (h/week) from 475 Dutch young adults (47% male) who had participated in the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study at the age of 32 and 36 years. Sociodemographic factors (i.e., marital and employment status), physical factors (i.e., skin folds, aerobic fitness, neuromotor fitness, back problems), psychological factors (i.e., problem- and emotion-focused coping, personality), lifestyle (i.e., alcohol consumption, smoking, energy intake, physical activity), and self-rated health (i.e., general health status, mild health complaints) were assessed. Univariable and multivariable generalized estimating equations were performed. Male gender, higher sum of skin folds, lower values of aerobic fitness, higher rigidity, higher self-sufficiency/recalcitrance, and smoking were positively associated with TV time. Male gender, higher sum of skin folds, higher scores on self-esteem, low energy intake, and a not so good general health status were significantly associated with higher computer time. Determinants of TV viewing and computer time were not identical, suggesting that both behaviors (a) have different at-risk populations and (b) should be targeted differently.

Differences in weight status and energy-balance related behaviours according to ethnic background among adolescents in seven countries in Europe: the ENERGY-project

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore differences in weight status and energy balance behaviours according to ethnic background among adolescents across Europe.

METHODS

A school-based survey among 10-12-year-old adolescents was conducted in seven European countries. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured; engagement in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour, and sleep duration was assessed by child and parent-report. A distinction between native and non-native ethnic background was based on language spoken at home, and the parents' country of birth. Analyses were conducted with and without adjustment for parental education.

RESULTS

With valid data on both indicators of ethnic background for 5149 adolescents, 7307 adolescents (52% girls; 11.6 ± 0.7 years) participated. Significantly higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, body mass index and waist circumference were observed among non-native compared with native adolescents. Non-native adolescents had less favourable behavioural patterns (sugary drinks, breakfast skipping, sport, TV and computer time, hours of sleep) with the exception of active transport to school. Similar patterns were observed for both indicators of ethnicity, and in most of the separate countries; however, in Greece, weight status indicators were better among non-native adolescents. After adjustment for parental education, most differences remained significant according to country of origin of the parents, but not according to language spoken at home.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents of native ethnicity of the country of residence have, in general, more favourable weight status indicators and energy balance-related behaviours than adolescents of non-native ethnicity across Europe.

Dysmenorrhea due to a rare müllerian anomaly

Müllerian duct anomalies may produce reproductive failure like abortion and preterm birth, or obstetric problems like malpresentation, retained placenta, etc., or they may be asymptomatic. Unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating functional rudimentary horn is a type of müllerian anomaly that results in obstruction to menstrual blood flow, leading to endometriosis and dysmenorrhea. Though the majority of cases of dysmenorrhea in adolescents are primary in nature and require only reassurance and symptomatic management, it is important to be aware of rare causes such as müllerian anomalies so that these cases can be properly managed. Hence, we present this case report, with interesting illustrations, so as to increase awareness regarding these anomalies.

Relationship between young peoples' sedentary behaviour and biomedical health indicators: a systematic review of prospective studies

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the prospective relationship between childhood sedentary behaviour and health indicators. We identified prospective studies from searches in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo and Cochrane, from January 1989 through April 2010. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts for eligibility, rated the methodological quality of the studies, and extracted data. We identified 31 papers, examining 27 different cohorts. The quality score of the studies ranged from 38 to 88%. Nine studies were scored as high quality. According to the best evidence synthesis we found insufficient evidence for a longitudinal positive relationship between 'sedentary time'- mainly TV viewing - and body mass index (BMI) and more specific indicators of fat mass. One high quality and two low quality studies found a significant inverse relationship between sedentary time - mainly TV viewing - and aerobic fitness, leading to moderate evidence for this inverse relationship. There was insufficient evidence for a longitudinal relationship between sedentary time and blood pressure, blood lipids or bone mass. Our systematic review suggests that there is moderate evidence for a longitudinal inverse relationship between screen time and aerobic fitness during childhood. Thus there is evidence to limit screen time in young people in order to prevent low levels of fitness. The possible detrimental health effects of prolonged or excessive sitting on other health indicators needs further study.

A validated reverse phase HPLC method for the determination of disodium EDTA in meropenem drug substance with UV-detection using precolumn derivatization technique

This paper deals with development and validation of a high performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of disodium EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in Meropenem active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). EDTA was derivatized with Ferric chloride solution by heating at 70 °C in water bath for about 20 minutes and the chromatographic separation achieved by injecting 100 μL of the derivatized mixture into a Waters HPLC system with photodiode array detector using a Phenomenex Luna C18(2) column (250 × 4.6 mm), 5 μ. The mobile phase consisting of 5% methanol and 95% of 0.7 g/L solution of Tetra butyl ammonium bromide and 4.6 g/L solution of sodium acetate trihydrate in water (pH adjusted to 4.0 with the help of acetic acid glacial) and a flow rate of 1 milliliter/minute. EDTA eluted at approximately 6 minutes. The method was suitably validated with respect to specificity, linearity of response, precision, accuracy, ruggedness, stability in analytical solution, limit of quantitation and detection and robustness for its intended use.

The effects of a fruit and vegetable promotion intervention on unhealthy snacks during mid-morning school breaks: results of the Dutch Schoolgruiten Project

BACKGROUND

Ample fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake has been associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. The health-enhancing effects of increased F&V consumption, however, would be even more apparent if the increased F&V consumption additionally led to a lower intake of unhealthy, high calorie snacks. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether a primary school-based intervention (the Dutch Schoolgruiten Project) that promoted F&V intake could additionally reduce the intake of unhealthy, high calorie snacks during school breaks.

METHODS

The study applied a longitudinal design with baseline and two follow-up measurements. Children were aged 9-10 years old at baseline; 705 children were included. The main strategy was a F&V scheme that improved the availability, accessibility and exposure to F&V at school by providing one serving of fruit or vegetables twice a week at no cost. The amounts of F&V and unhealthy snacks for consumption at school were measured using a single-item question included in a questionnaire. Multilevel autoregressive logistic regression models with a three-level structure (school, child and time) were used to assess the effect of the intervention on both F&V and unhealthy snack consumption.

RESULTS

The children of the intervention group brought F&V from home to school at follow-up significantly more often than the children of the control schools [odds ratio (OR) = 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04; 1.90] and brought fewer unhealthy snacks (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34; 0.92).

CONCLUSION

The present study provides some evidence that the Schoolgruiten intervention effect on F&V intake also reduced unhealthy snacking during school breaks.

A better view of the temporomandibular joint: a technical note

The authors present a method of gaining access to the temporomandibular joint that improves visibility and surgical access. It should reduce operating times and improve results.

A Validated Stability-indicating Reverse Phase HPLC Assay Method for the Determination of Memantine Hydrochloride Drug Substance with UV-Detection Using Precolumn Derivatization Technique

This present paper deals with the development and validation of a stability indicating high performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of Memantine hydrochloride. Memantine hydrochloride was derivatized with 0.015 M 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC) and 0.5 M borate buffer solution by keeping it at room temperature for about 20 minutes and the chromatographic separation achieved by injecting 10 μL of the derivatized mixture into a Waters HPLC system with photodiode array detector using a kromasil C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm), 5 μ. The mobile phase consisting of 80% acetonitrile and 20% phosphate buffer solution and a flow rate of 2 milliliter/minute. The Memantine was eluted at approximately 7.5 minutes. The volume of FMOC used in derivatization, concentration of FMOC and derivatization time was optimized and used. Forced degradation studies were performed on bulk sample of Memantine hydrochloride using acid (5.0 Normal (N) hydrochloric acid), base (1.0 N sodium hydroxide), oxidation (30% hydrogen peroxide), thermal (105°C), photolytic and humidity conditions. The developed LC method was validated with respect to specificity, precision (% RSD about 0.70%), linearity (linearity of range about 70–130 μg/mL), ruggedness (Overall % RSD about 0.35%), stability in analytical solution (Cumulative % RSD about 0.11% after 1450 min.) and robustness.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour: review of the literature and an analysis of 33 cases from South Africa

The adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) is a benign lesion of odontogenic origin. It is a slow growing tumour that results in a painless expansion of the jaws. This is a retrospective review of the demographic, clinical and radiographic features of AOTs diagnosed in a black South African population over 20 years. Of the 746 odontogenic tumours diagnosed, 4% were AOTs. The patients' ages ranged from 9 to 37 years with a mean age of 15 years. The highest incidence was in the second decade of life (85%). The female to male ratio was 5.6:1. The maxilla was more commonly affected than the mandible in a ratio of 1.5:1. The sizes of the lesions ranged from 2 to 7cm, with 60% involving an entire quadrant. All were of the central follicular type and appeared as well-demarcated radiolucent lesions. The canine was the most common impacted tooth. The treatment of choice was enucleation of the lesion, with no recurrences being reported.

PET imaging of the immune system: immune monitoring at the whole body level

As newer immunotherapies are developed, the necessity to non-invasively and temporally assess the changes in the immune system will be more important. Currently, a variety of cytokine therapies, vaccines, adoptive cellular therapy, and immunoregulatory antibodies are being advanced in the preclinical and clinical arenas. These developments highlight the necessity to use non-invasive imaging techniques to follow the therapeutic site of action, duration of immune response and the response of the tumor. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has emerged as a flexible tool which allows the user to assess multiple aspects of the immune response, including the ability to monitor the primary and secondary immune response, particular effector subpopulations of the immune response, and with novel probes, to more selectively monitor the immune response versus the tumor. This review focuses on the use of PET imaging to monitor the dynamic, multicellular and distinct spatiotemporal aspects of immunotherapy for malignancy.

Process evaluation of a school-based weight gain prevention program: the Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT)

Health promotion programs benefit from an accompanying process evaluation since it can provide more insight in the strengths and weaknesses of a program. A process evaluation was conducted to assess the reach, implementation, satisfaction and maintenance of a school-based program aimed at the prevention of excessive weight gain among Dutch adolescents [Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT)]. Our process evaluation involved data collections by means of questionnaires among students, teachers, school board and site staff. The results indicated immense difficulties in the recruitment phase and therefore a low reach at school level. However, among adolescents of the schools that participated, the reach was high (84%). Furthermore, the classroom intervention was implemented successfully based on the number of lessons taught. Most teachers rated the DOiT-intervention positively; students rated the intervention 6.6 on a scale of 1-10. The majority of the teachers planned to implement the DOiT-intervention program in the future, as they perceived DOiT feasible for pre-vocational education students.

Motor fitness in Dutch youth: differences over a 26-year period (1980-2006)

This study aimed to compare neuromotor fitness test scores of 9-12-year-old Dutch youth in 2006 with scores of same aged children in 1980. Body height, body weight and performance on neuromotor fitness test items were measured in 2050 Dutch children from 9 to 12 years in 2006 and were compared with data of 2603 same aged Dutch children measured in 1980 with the same neuromotor fitness test battery. Dutch 9-12 year olds in 2006 were significantly taller and heavier than their peers in 1980. Age- and sex-specific performance on almost all neuromotor fitness test items was significantly worse in 2006. Thus, our data suggest that neuromotor fitness of Dutch youth has significantly decreased over the past 26 years.

A clinical evaluation of dry sockets at the Medunsa Oral Health Centre

Dry sockets, or alveolar osteitis, is one of the most common postoperative complications following the extraction of teeth. For the patient this is often a very painful and distressing condition. Most dental practitioners will experience this complication at some or other stage of their career. The aetiology of dry socket is multifactorial with several predisposing factors having been identified. The aims of this study were to assess the incidence of dry sockets at the Medunsa Oral Health Centre, to assess the demographic details of these patients and to explore the predisposing factors for the development of dry socket. It is hoped that this will help to minimize or prevent this condition from occurring. This was a prospective study conducted over an eight-month period in the Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Limpopo, Medunsa Campus. The data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Of the 4077 patients that presented for dental extractions, 2% (79) developed a dry socket. The ages of the patients ranged from 12-79 years with a mean age of 35 years. There was a slight female preponderance (1.5:1). The mandibular second molar was the most common site to be affected (22%). Pain was the most common presenting symptom. Underlying systemic conditions were found in 19% of the patients, while 25% smoked, consumed alcohol or both. Identifying risk factors, attention to procedural details and patient education were found to be important in the prevention of dry socket.

Tracking of childhood overweight into adulthood: a systematic review of the literature

Overweight and obesity in youth are important public health concerns and are of particular interest because of possible long-term associations with adult weight status and morbidity. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and update evidence concerning persistence of childhood overweight. A computerized bibliographical search--restricted to studies with a prospective or retrospective longitudinal design--was conducted. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies in four dimensions (i) study population and participation rate; (ii) study attrition; (iii) data collection and (iv) data analysis. Conclusions were based on a rating system of three levels of evidence. A total of 25 publications were selected for inclusion in this review. According to a methodological quality assessment, 13 studies were considered to be of high quality. The majority of these high-quality studies were published after 2001, indicating that recently published data, in particular, provide us with reliable information. All included studies consistently report an increased risk of overweight and obese youth becoming overweight adults, suggesting that the likelihood of persistence of overweight into adulthood is moderate for overweight and obese youth. However, predictive values varied considerably. Limiting aspects with respect to generalizability and methodological issues are discussed.

Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Male and Female Mithun Calves on Green Forage-based Diet

A comparative study of growth rate and feed intake and its utilization in male and female Mithun calves was carried out in hilly tracts of Nagaland. The animals of both sexes were fed fresh jungle grasses ad libitum and 2.0 kg of rice bran fortified with 1% mineral mixture and 1% salt daily. Growth rates of 369.50 and 305.67 g/day were observed in male and female calves, respectively. Sex-related differences in feed and nutrient intakes were statistically significant, whereas no significant difference was found in digestibility coefficients of nutrients between the groups as well as among the animals. Dry matter, digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrient intakes were recorded to be 107.81, 8.08 and 74.73 g/kgW0.75 per day, respectively, irrespective of sex. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and nutritive value of the ration were similar in both male and female calves. Results obtained from the study indicate that the growth rate and nutrient intakes were higher in male than female calves but the sex of the animal did not have any significant effect on nutrient utilization.