Synthesis, in silico modelling, and in vitro biological evaluation of substituted pyrazole derivatives as potential anti-skin cancer, anti-tyrosinase, and antioxidant agents

Twenty-five azole compounds (P1-P25) were synthesised using regioselective base-metal catalysed and microwave-assisted approaches, fully characterised by high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and infrared spectra (IR) analyses, and evaluated for anticancer, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-oxidant activities in silico and in vitro. P25 exhibited potent anticancer activity against cells of four skin cancer (SC) lines, with selectivity for melanoma (A375, SK-Mel-28) or non-melanoma (A431, SCC-12) SC cells over non-cancerous HaCaT-keratinocytes. Clonogenic, scratch-wound, and immunoblotting assay data were consistent with anti-proliferative results, expression profiling therewith implicating intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis activation. In a mushroom tyrosinase inhibition assay, P14 was most potent among the compounds (half-maximal inhibitory concentration where 50% of cells are dead, IC50 15.9 μM), with activity greater than arbutin and kojic acid. Also, P6 exhibited noteworthy free radical-scavenging activity. Furthermore, in silico docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) simulations predicted prominent-phenotypic actives to engage diverse cancer/hyperpigmentation-related targets with relatively high affinities. Altogether, promising early-stage hits were identified - some with multiple activities - warranting further hit-to-lead optimisation chemistry with further biological evaluations, towards identifying new skin-cancer and skin-pigmentation renormalising agents.

Retroperitoneal Cyst of Mullerian Type

Retroperitoneal mullerian cysts are rare, benign neoplastic cyst of urogenital subtype. They are usually asymptomatic and may present with symptoms if they grow considerably in size with pressure over the adjacent organ or follow infection, hemorrhage or rupture. Histologically, these cyst are lined with benign ciliated columnar epithelium. We present the case of a 30-year-old female with history of abdominal distension and epigastric pain. The mass excised was in retroperitoneal space and microscopic examination revealed benign cyst of mullerian origin.

Appendiceal Neuroendocrine Tumor Mimicking Acute Appendicitis

Appendiceal carcinoids are the most frequent tumors arising from the appendix, comprising between 32 and 57% of all the appendiceal tumors. The gross appearance of the appendix showed perforation at the tip with 30 ml of periappendicular collection. On histopathological examination, carcinoid tumor on the tip of appendix was found with tumor cells arranged in tubules, acini and nests infiltrating the muscularis propria and sub serosa. Perineural and vascular invasion was not seen. Immunohistochemistry for Synaptophysin was positive with Ki-67 labelling index of 2%. We present a case of appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor with the chief complaint of acute appendicitis.

Cartilaginous Choristoma of Tonsil: A hidden clinical entity

Choristoma is a tumor like mass which is an ectopic rest of normal tissue due to embryological developmental defect. The presence of choristoma in tonsil is extremely rare. On histopathological examination, mature hyaline cartilage were found surrounded by lymphoid follicles. We present a case of cartilaginous choristoma with the complaint of recurrent tonsillitis.

Endometriosis of Groin Mimicking Neoplasm

Endometriosis is principally a disease of women in active reproductive life. Although it is rare, foci of endometrial tissue may be seen in the bowel, the umbilicus, abdominal surgical scars and in the lungs. Inguinal endometriosis is challenging to the clinicians and pathologist and often diagnosed accidentally. We present a case of inguinal endometriosis mimicking neoplasm. A 40 year old woman presented with a swelling in the right inguinal region associated with cyclical pain. In view of presence of atypical cells in fine needle aspiration cytology, metastatic carcinoma was rendered as diagnosis. Histopathological examination revealed endometrial glands and stroma which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Diagnosis of inguinal endometriosis is difficult and often challenging because of unusual site. The clinician must have high index of suspicion with any patient who has cyclical symptoms. A good history and physical examination can guide clinical diagnosis of endometriosis.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices among Mothers at Chapagaun VDC

BACKGROUND

Since childhood under nutrition and mortality are high in Nepal, promotion of infant and young child feeding practices among children is most critical intervention,which contributes to improved nutrition, health and development of children ultimately having impact on child survival. The objective of the study was to identify infant and young child feeding practices.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers visiting Chapagaun Primary Health Care and Resource Centre (PHCRC) with child aged 6-23 months between January1-14, 2016. Interview of 62 respondents was done by using structured questionnaire. The obtained data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Chi square test was performed.

RESULTS

Majority (72.6%) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery and gave colostrum as the first feed to the child. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 61.3%. Some of the children were initiated complementary feeding after 6 months, while 58% mothers practiced complementary feeding after the recommended age and 38.6% even before the recommended age. One fifth of the children received dietary diverse meal. Only 12.9% received complementary food with recommended frequency, 40.3% with appropriate consistency and 12.9% with adequate amount. Statistically there was significant association of practice with age of mother and mode of delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The practice of breastfeeding was good while complementary feeding practices were poor. The feeding practices were found to be sub-optimal. The findings from the study highlight the importance of education at immunization clinic in order to improve the practices.