Phytochemical analysis and biological investigation of Cheilanthes tenuifolia (Burm.f.) Swartz

Introduction: Cheilanthes tenuifolia is an evergreen ornamental small fern, belonging to the family Pteridaceae, that grows in warm and rocky regions worldwide. Many species of Cheilanthes genus are evidently endowed with important phytochemicals and bioactivities. This study aimed to perform a preliminary phytochemical analysis of Cheilanthes tenuifolia leaves alongside an evaluation of free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and clot lysis activities of extract fractions. Materials and methods: A preliminary phytochemical analysis was done after fractionation of ethanolic extract (ECT) with n-hexane (HCT) and chloroform (CCT). Then, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, egg albumin and RBC membrane stabilization tests, disc diffusion, and human blood clot lysis assays were performed. Results: Phytochemical investigations suggested that the plant is rich in alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and flavonoids. All obtained fractions exhibited concentration-dependent radical scavenging, inhibition of egg protein denaturation and RBC membrane lysis capacities. Except for antifungal tests, ECT exhibited better DPPH radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and clot lysis capacities than HCT and CCT fractions. However, all fractions exhibited a mild anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: C. tenuifolia might be a good source of antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-atherothrombotic agents. Further studies are required to isolate and characterize the active principles liable for each bioactivity, along with possible molecular interactions.

Novel Mutation in the Feline NPC2 Gene in Cats with Niemann-Pick Disease

Niemann-Pick disease (NP) type C is an autosomal, recessive, and inherited neurovisceral genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycolipids in cellular lysosomes and late endosomes, with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. This study aimed to determine the molecular genetic alterations in two cases of felines with NP in Japan, a Siamese cat in 1989 and a Japanese domestic (JD) cat in 1998. Sanger sequencing was performed on 25 exons of the feline NPC1 gene and 4 exons of the feline NPC2 gene, using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. The sequenced exons were compared with reference sequences retrieved from the GenBank database. The identified mutations and alterations were then analyzed using different prediction algorithms. No pathogenic mutations were found in feline NPC1; however, c.376G>A (p.V126M) was identified as a pathogenic mutation in the NPC2 gene. The Siamese cat was found to be homozygous for this mutation. The JD cat was heterozygous for the same mutation, but no other exonic NPC2 mutation was found. Furthermore, the JD cat had a homozygous splice variant (c.364-4C>T) in the NPC2 gene, which is not known to be associated with this disease. The NPC2:c.376G>A (p.V126M) mutation is the second reported pathogenic mutation in the feline NPC2 gene that may be present in the Japanese cat population.

Novel Mutation in the Feline GAA Gene in a Cat with Glycogen Storage Disease Type II (Pompe Disease)

Glycogen storage disease type II (Pompe disease: PD) is an autosomal recessively inherited fatal genetic disorder that results from the deficiency of a glycogen hydrolyzing enzyme, acid α-glucosidase encoded by the GAA gene. Here, we describe the molecular basis of genetic defects in an 8-month-old domestic short-haired cat with PD. The cat was previously diagnosed with PD based on the clinical and pathological findings of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and excessive accumulation of glycogen in the cardiac muscles. Sanger sequencing was performed on 20 exons of the feline GAA gene using genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded liver tissues. The affected cat was found to be homozygous for the GAA:c.1799G>A mutation resulting in an amino acid substitution (p.R600H) of acid α-glucosidase, a codon position of which is identical with three missense mutations (p.R600C, p.R600L, and p.R600H) causing human infantile-onset PD (IOPD). Several stability and pathogenicity predictors have also shown that the feline mutation is deleterious and severely decreases the stability of the GAA protein. The clinical, pathological, and molecular findings in the cat were similar to those of IOPD in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pathogenic mutation in a cat. Feline PD is an excellent model for human PD, especially IOPD.

Outcome of Temporalis Myofascial Flap as an Interpositional Material in Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a common problem in Bangladesh due to trauma and infection. Diverse interpositional materials have been proposed in this regard with especial advantages and limitation. Interpositional arthroplasty is the best solution. The aim of this review article is to provide a useful clinical update about interpositional arthroplasty in temporomandibular joint ankylosis, its advantages and limitations. For this purpose eighteen articles were selected through searching internet, reviewed and are summarized here. Dental surgeons need proper training for proper diagnosis and adequate treatment. Research in this field will be helpful for both patients and doctors. Temporomandibular joint ankylosis, treatment objectives of TMJ ankylosis and update of temporalis myofascial flap as an interpositional material are described here. J Enam Med Col 2020; 10(3): 186-189

Detection of hemoparasites in bats, Bangladesh

A cross sectional study was conducted (2010–2013) to determine the diversity of hemoprotozoa among bats of Bangladesh.  Microscopic examination of blood smears (N=533; Pteropus medius (377), Rousettus leschenaultii (111), Megaderma lyra (45)) revealed 9% of bats (95% confidence interval CI: 7–12%) were positive for hemoprotozoa.  The overall prevalence of hemoparasites among P. medius was 5% (n=20, 95% CI: 3–8%); where Babesia sp. was 3% (n=12, 95% CI: 2–5%) and Hepatocytis sp. was 2% (n=8, 95% CI: 1–4%).  Moreover, 13% of R. leschenaultii were positive (n=14, 95% CI: 7–20%) where prevalence of Babesia sp. was 10% (n=11, 95% CI: 5–17%) and prevalence of Hepatocystis sp. was 3% (n=3, 95% CI: 1–8%).  Twenty-nine percent (n=13, 95% CI: 16–44%) of M. lyra harbored hemoparasites, among which 20% (n=9, 95% CI: 10–35%) were Babesia sp. and 9% (n=4, 95% CI: 2–21%) were Hepatocystis sp.  The study indicates bats remain important hosts for various zoonotic parasites and suggests further research.

A 25-Year-Old Female with Unusually Large Complex Odontoma in Mandibular Molar Area Associated with Unerupted Tooth

Odontomas are benign tumours of odontogenic origin consisting of different dental tissues. Usually they are tooth size or smaller, but occasionally complex variety can exhibit considerable growth. They are usually asymptomatic and often are discovered during routine radiograph. Morphologically odontoma can be classified as complex when present as irregular masses containing different types of dental tissues, or as compound if there is superficial anatomic similarity to even rudimentary teeth known as denticles. We report a case of large complex odontoma that causes pain, infection and facial asymmetry. J Enam Med Col 2019; 9(1): 57-59