1.Removal of a broken needle in the pterygomandibular space: a case report
Muhammad Usman Akhtar ; Kamran Ali
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2012;7(1):34-36
Needle breakage following inferior alveolar nerve block is an unusual yet alarming complication in contemporary dental practice. We report a case of surgical retrieval of a broken needle in the pterygomandibular space following an inferior alveolar block in a 21 years old male. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and no complications were observed. Prompt removal of a broken needle is advisable to avoid complications.
2.An unusual case of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis of the mandible
Kamran Ali ; Ashfaq Akram ; Muhammad Usman Akhtar
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2012;7(1):37-41
Osteomyelitis of the mandible, a serious complication of untreated odontogenic infection has been reported. This case report describes an interesting presentation of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis (CSO) of the mandible in a 13 years old anaemic male patient. Investigations revealed inversion of his permanent teeth leading to trans-cutaneous extra-oral eruption along with marked destruction of mandible on the affected side. The treatment included a pre surgical course of antibiotics followed by the removal of the retained second premolar tooth, surgical debridement of the affected bone, and resection of the cutaneous sinus tract. The post-operative healing was uneventful. A combination of antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement were effective in the treatment of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis.
3.A panoramic view on phytochemical, nutritional, ethanobotanical uses and pharmacological values of Trachyspermum ammi Linn
Asif Muhammad Hafiz ; Sultana Sabira ; Akhtar Naveed
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2014;(z2):545-553
Trachyspermum ammi Linn. (T. ammi) is an aromatic, grassy, annual plant belonging to Umbelliferae family which grows in the east of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt. T. ammi has been used traditionally to treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. In addition to these medicinal uses, T. ammi continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to relief the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstrual periods. These multiple uses can be explained by its several active compounds. The phytochemical studies on T. ammi seeds have revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, fixed oils, glycosides, tannins, saponin and flavonoids, cumene, thymene, amino acids and dietary fiber essential oils like thymol, c-terpinene, p-cymene. Several pharmacological studies on anti-tussive effect, inhibitory effect on histamine (H1) receptors, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti mutagenic activities of T. ammi seed extracts have been reported in the literature. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of T. ammi.
4.Epidemiological survey of helminths of goats in southern Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz ; Muhammad Asif Raza ; Saeed Murtaza ; ; Saleem Akhtar
Tropical Biomedicine 2013;30(1):62-71
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of helminths of goats such as Fasciola hepatica, Haemonchus contortus, Paramphistomum cervi,
Oesophagostomum columbian, Cotylophoron cotylophorum, Monezia expansa, Oestertagia oestertagi and Oestertagia circumcincta. The overall prevalence of all species of helminthes was 52% in goat. The study was designed to investigate the factors of helminths prevalence
on the basis of sex and age of goat with the help of Chi-square. All the results obtained were
non-significant due to some factors which directly affects the prevalence of helminths.
5.Argemone mexicana extract alleviates gastrointestinal disorders by stimulating muscarinic receptors and blocking voltage-gated L-type calcium channels
Iqbal RABIA ; Hamid IRFAN ; Janbaz Hussain KHALID ; Akhtar Furqan MUHAMMAD ; Saleem AMMARA ; Sharif ALI ; Peerzada SOHAIB ; Akhtar BUSHRA ; Sohail KASHIF ; Ali SAJID
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2021;11(5):214-221
Objective: To investigate the pharmacological potential of Argemone mexicana in treating constipation and emesis by using in vitro and in vivo models.Methods: The spasmogenic and spasmolytic effects were evaluated on isolated rabbit jejunum fragments loaded in a tissue organ bath. The response was recorded with an isotonic transducer attached with Power Lab Data Acquisition System. The laxative and antiemetic activities were assessed in BALB-c mice and poultry chicks challenged with carbamylcholine and copper sulphate stimulated emesis, respectively. Results: The total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of the extract were (267.75 ± 5.77) mg GAE/g and (73.86 ± 6.01) mg QE/g, respectively. Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmogenic effect on isolated rabbit jejunum segments with an EC50 value of 0.016 mg/mL, which was blocked by atropine (0.3 μM). Argemone mexicana extract exerted spasmolytic effect in atropine treated jejunum fragments with an EC50 value of 2.185 mg/mL. Furthermore, Argemone mexicana extract relaxed potassium (80 mM)-induced contractions (EC50: 9.07 mg/mL), similar to a standard drug verapamil. The calcium channel blocker activity was confirmed by a rightward shift of concentration-response curve of calcium in the presence of Argemone mexicana extract (1-5 mg/mL) and verapamil (0.1-1 μM). In addition, the extract increased the distance travelled by a charcoal in the gastrointestinal tract and exhibited antiemetic effect on copper sulphate induced emesis in chicks. Conclusions: Argemone mexicana shows cholinergic agonist and calcium channel blocker activities, as well as antiemetic effect. It may be used as a potential agent for treating gastrointestinal disorders.
6.Evaluation of antidepressant activity of methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Acorus calamus L. rhizome through tail suspension test and forced swimming test of mice
Yousuf SHAISTA ; Haq Marifatul SHIEKH ; Rasool AKHTAR ; Zulfajri MUHAMMAD ; Hanafiah Mohd MARLIA ; Nafees HUDA ; Tasneem SHOEIBA ; Mahboob MOHAMMED
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2020;7(3):301-307
Objective: Acorus calamus (AC) L. (Araceae) is an annual semi-aquatic and aromatic plant found in Europe, North America and Asia. Its rhizomes are often used by Native Americans, Americans, and Chinese as well as by other cultures. Ethnobotanical studies and documents have shown their use in various disease treatments, such as insomnia, mental disorders, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, inflamma-tion, asthma, neuropathic pain, and diarrhea. In this study, the antidepressant activity of methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of the AC rhizome part in mice was investigated. Methods: Three doses of methanolic extract of AC rhizome (MEACR) (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt), three doses of hydroalcoholic extract of AC rhizome (HAACR) (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt), and standards (imipramine, 15 mg/kg b.wt and fluoxetine, 20 mg/kg b.wt) was daily oral administration to the mice for consecutive 14 days. The extract effect on the immobility time was monitored by a tail suspension test (TST) and a forced swimming test (FST). Monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels were also analyzed using standard methods. Results: The optimum antidepressant activity was viewed at 100 mg/kg b.wt of MEACR extract and 400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract with 23.82% and 20.59% immobility period reduction, respectively. Besides, the extracts weakened the FST-induced elevation of MAO activity significantly and returned to near-normal levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. 100 mg/kg b.wt or above of MEACR extract significantly prevented the MAO-A and MAO-B activities in mice brain at a dose-dependent fashion. But, just 400 mg/kg b.wt of HAACR extract prevented the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B. Fluoxetine and imipramine showed a tendency to prevent the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B. Conclusion: This study suggests that AC rhizome extract mediated antidepressant activity by modulating the central neurochemical and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to FST and TST-induced stress. Therefore, AC rhizome extract can be used as a valuable plant supplement to treat depressive disorders.
7.Molecular detection and characterization of ovine herpesvirus-2 using heminested PCR in Pakistan
Aayesha RIAZ ; Inga DRY ; Robert DALZIEL ; Saif Ur REHMAN ; Muhammad Ali SHAH ; Hafiz Muhammad Naeem AKHTAR ; Arfan YOUSAF ; Ruqia BAIG
Journal of Veterinary Science 2021;22(4):e51-
Background:
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a highly fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle, deer, bison, water buffalo, and pigs caused by the gamma-herpesviruses alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2).
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OvHV-2 in sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalo in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, by applying molecular and phylogenetic methods.
Methods:
Blood samples were aspirated from sheep (n = 54), goat (n = 50), cattle (n = 46) and buffalo (n= 50) at a slaughterhouse and several farms. The samples were subjected to heminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the OvHV-2 POL gene and the OvHV-2 ORF75 tegument protein gene.
Results:
The highest percentage of MCF positive samples was in sheep (13%), whereas goat, cattle, and buffalo had lower positive percentages, 11%, 9%, and 6.5%, respectively. Four OvHV-2-positive PCR products obtained from sheep samples were sequenced. The sequences obtained were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database (MK852173 for the POL gene;MK840962, MK852171, and MK852172 for the ORF75 tegument protein gene). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close similarity of study sequences with those of worldwide samples.
Conclusions
This study is the first cross-sectional study on the prevalence and molecular detection of OvHV-2 in apparently healthy cattle and buffalo that could be carrying OvHV-2 acquired from OvHV-2-positive sheep and goats. The results indicate that OvHV-2 is circulating in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to characterize OvHV-2 and elucidate further its prevalence.
8.Molecular detection and characterization of ovine herpesvirus-2 using heminested PCR in Pakistan
Aayesha RIAZ ; Inga DRY ; Robert DALZIEL ; Saif Ur REHMAN ; Muhammad Ali SHAH ; Hafiz Muhammad Naeem AKHTAR ; Arfan YOUSAF ; Ruqia BAIG
Journal of Veterinary Science 2021;22(4):e51-
Background:
Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is a highly fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle, deer, bison, water buffalo, and pigs caused by the gamma-herpesviruses alcelaphine herpesvirus-1 (AlHV-1) and ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2).
Objectives:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OvHV-2 in sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalo in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, by applying molecular and phylogenetic methods.
Methods:
Blood samples were aspirated from sheep (n = 54), goat (n = 50), cattle (n = 46) and buffalo (n= 50) at a slaughterhouse and several farms. The samples were subjected to heminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the OvHV-2 POL gene and the OvHV-2 ORF75 tegument protein gene.
Results:
The highest percentage of MCF positive samples was in sheep (13%), whereas goat, cattle, and buffalo had lower positive percentages, 11%, 9%, and 6.5%, respectively. Four OvHV-2-positive PCR products obtained from sheep samples were sequenced. The sequences obtained were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database (MK852173 for the POL gene;MK840962, MK852171, and MK852172 for the ORF75 tegument protein gene). Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close similarity of study sequences with those of worldwide samples.
Conclusions
This study is the first cross-sectional study on the prevalence and molecular detection of OvHV-2 in apparently healthy cattle and buffalo that could be carrying OvHV-2 acquired from OvHV-2-positive sheep and goats. The results indicate that OvHV-2 is circulating in Pakistan. Further studies are needed to characterize OvHV-2 and elucidate further its prevalence.
9.Role of anticoagulation with apixaban in left‑sided atrial tachycardias
Fraz Ahmed BAIG ; Muhammad Syed ANWAR ; Muhammad Firdous KHAN ; Aroon KUMAR ; F. N. U. MUSKAN ; Jiyanth PARKASH ; Ali KARIM ; Iftikhar AHMED ; Waheed AKHTAR ; Jahanzeb MALIK
International Journal of Arrhythmia 2024;25(2):10-
Background:
Atrial tachycardia poses challenges in patient management due to the associated risks of stroke and systemic embolism. While anticoagulation is recommended in atrial fibrillation (AF), its role in atrial tachycardia remains less defined. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, in individuals diagnosed with left-sided atrial tachycardias.
Methods:
Patients diagnosed with left-sided atrial tachycardia (n = 439) were observed over 3 years. Baseline characteristics, medication regimens, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Apixaban-treated individuals (n = 213) received standard or reduced dosages, while the control group (n = 226) received standard care. Primary outcomes included stroke, systemic embolism, bleeding, and mortality rates.
Results:
Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The apixaban cohort showed a lower incidence of stroke (7.0% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.027) and decreased all-cause mortality (11.7% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.012) compared to controls.No significant differences were found in major bleeding or systemic embolization between groups.
Conclusion
Apixaban demonstrated a potential benefit in reducing stroke and mortality rates in patients with leftsided atrial tachycardia. While requiring further validation, these findings suggest a potential role for apixaban in anticoagulation strategies for atrial tachycardia management.
10. Anti-obesity effect and UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS based metabolite profiling of Solanum nigrum leaf extract
Zain AABIDEEN ; Muhammad MUMTAZ ; Muhammad RAZA ; Muhammad NADEEM ; Muhammad Tayyab AKHTAR ; Hamid MUKHTAR ; Ahmad IRFAN ; Ahmad IRFAN ; Syed RAZA ; Yee LING
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2022;12(4):164-174
Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant potential and pancreatic lipase inhibitory action of optimized hydroethanolic extracts of Solanum nigrum. Methods: Optimized extraction for maximum recovery of metabolites was performed using a combination of freeze-drying and ultrasonication followed by determination of antioxidant and antiobesity properties. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry was used to analyze metabolite profiling of Solanum nigrum. Computational studies were performed using molecular docking and electrostatic potential analysis for individual compounds. The hypolipidemic potential of the most potent extract was assessed in the obese mice fed on fat rich diet. Results: The 80% hydroethanolic extract exhibited the highest extract yield, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents along with the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, total antioxidant power, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory properties. The 80% hydroethanolic extract not only regulated the lipid profile of obese mice but also restricted the weight gain in the liver, kidney, and heart. The 80% hydroethanolic extract also reduced alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase concentrations in serum. The effects of plant extract at 300 mg/kg body weight were quite comparable with the standard drug orlistat. Conclusions: Solanum nigrum is proved as an excellent and potent source of secondary metabolites that might be responsible for obesity mitigation.