A synthetic approach towards drug modification: 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde based imine-zwitterion preparation, single-crystal study, Hirshfeld surface analysis, and computational investigation

The current work is about the modification of primary amine functionalized drugs, pyrimethamine and 4-amino-N-(2,3-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide, via condensation reaction with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde to produce new organic zwitterionic compounds (E)-1-(((4-(N-(2,3-dihydrothiazol-2-yl)sulfamoyl)phenyl)iminio)methyl)naphthalen-2-olate (DSPIN) and (E)-1-(((4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidin-2-yl)iminio)methyl)naphthalen-2-olate (ACPIN) in methanol as a solvent. The crystal structures of both compounds were confirmed to be imine-based zwitterionic products via single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analysis which indicated that the stabilization of both crystalline compounds is achieved via various noncovalent interactions. The supramolecular assembly in terms of noncovalent interactions was explored by the Hirshfeld surface analysis. Void analysis was carried out to predict the crystal mechanical response. Compound geometries calculated in the DFT (Density Functional Theory) study showed reasonably good agreement with the experimentally determined structural parameters. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis showed that the DSPIN HOMO/LUMO gap is by 0.15 eV smaller than the ACPIN HOMO/LUMO gap due to some destabilization of the DSPIN HOMO and some stabilization of its LUMO. The results of the charge analysis implied formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and suggested formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole and dispersion interactions.

Comparative study between surgical wound catheter, femoral nerve block, and adductor canal block for postoperative analgesia after knee arthroplasty: A double blind randomized clinical trial

Objectives

The present study compared the surgical wound catheter (SWC), femoral nerve block (FNB), and adductor canal block (ACB) for postoperative analgesia after knee arthroplasty.

Methods

The study included (180) patients scheduled for unilateral total knee replacement and were randomly allocated into three groups. Patients received postoperative analgesia via continuous infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% (10 ml bolus followed by continuous infusion of 5 ml/hour) through the SWC, FNB, or ACB groups. All groups received supplemental analgesia by IV morphine using patient controlled analgesia. Pain scores were assessed at rest and during movements, the worst and least pain scores, and how often were in worst pain during the first 72 hours. The functional activity and patient's satisfaction were also recorded.

Results

The study showed significant reductions in pain scores at rest and during movements in all groups compared to the baseline scores. Significant reductions in pain scores were observed in both ACB and FNB groups compared to the SWC group (P < 0.05). The worst pain scores were (6.15 ± 2.9, 5.85 ± 2.7, and 5.025 ± 1.513), least pain scores (2.06 ± 0.72, 1.92 ± 1.34 and 1.89 ± 1.76), percentage of time in worst pain (17.67 ± 9.15, 11.42 ± 7.50, and 9.8.8 ± 8.14) and the total morphine consumption (39.24 ± 6.82, 34.55 ± 7.86, and 26.40 ± 8.47 mg) in the SWC, FNB, and ACB groups, respectively. Functional assessments and patient's satisfaction, at 6 and 24 hours, were significantly better in ACB followed by SWC, and lastly FNB group (P < 0.5). No significant differences in the incidence of side effects (P > 0.05). Local anesthetic leak from the SWC was a continuous concern by the orthopedic surgeons.

Conclusions

In terms of efficiency, ACB provided the highest quality of analgesia in terms of pain relief, functional activity, and patient's satisfaction. Both ACB and FNB provided higher quality of analgesia compared to the SWC. While ACB and SWC provided better functional improvements compared to FNB.

Synthetic methods of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine Derivatives

Abstract:

This review deals with the synthetic methods of pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine derivatives using one-pot multi-component reactions via modern and traditional methods. The synthetic methods are subdivided into groups according to the type of reactants e.g (1) one-pot three-component reaction of 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione, aldehydes and acetonitriles; (2) one-pot three-component reaction of 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione, aldehydes and aroyl acetonitriles; (3) one-pot three-component reaction of 2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione, aldehydes and acetylacetone or 4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one or acetylene derivatives; (4) one-pot four-component condensation reaction of phthalimide, hydrazine hydrate, aldehydes and acetonitriles; (5) one-pot four-component reaction of phthalic acid, hydrazine hydrate, indole-3- carbaldehyde and acetonitriles; and (6) one-pot three-component condensation reaction of 2,3- dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione, aldehyde, and dimedone derivatives. Moreover, the various methods were reported.

Bioplastic (poly-3-hydroxybutyrate) production by the marine bacterium Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis through date syrup valorization and structural assessment of the biopolymer

Biobased degradable plastics have received significant attention owing to their potential application as a green alternative to synthetic plastics. A dye-based procedure was used to screen poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing marine bacteria isolated from the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Among the 56 bacterial isolates, Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis, identified using 16S rRNA gene analyses, accumulated the highest amount of PHB. The highest PHB production by P. xiamenensis was achieved after 96 h of incubation at pH 7.5 and 35 °C in the presence of 4% NaCl, and peptone was the preferred nitrogen source. The use of date syrup at 4% (w/v) resulted in a PHB concentration of 15.54 g/L and a PHB yield of 38.85% of the date syrup, with a productivity rate of 0.162 g/L/h, which could substantially improve the production cost. Structural assessment of the bioplastic by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed the presence of methyl, hydroxyl, methine, methylene, and ester carbonyl groups in the extracted polymer. The derivative products of butanoic acid estimated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [butanoic acid, 2-amino-4-(methylseleno), hexanoic acid, 4-methyl-, methyl ester, and hexanedioic acid, monomethyl ester] confirmed the structure of PHB. The present results are the first report on the production of a bioplastic by P. xiamenensis, suggesting that Red Sea habitats are a potential biological reservoir for novel bioplastic-producing bacteria.

How far can one-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy be implemented in intra-abdominal testes with short spermatic vessels?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of the prospective cohort who had one-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy (LFSO) with an earlier, similar cohort who had a two-stage LFSO. Both cohorts included only intra-abdominal testes (IATs) with short spermatic vessels.

STUDY DESIGN

The present study initially included all patients between the age of six months and preschool age, presenting with an IAT to the authors' tertiary clinic from January 2012 to December 2014. Only intra-abdominal testes with short testicular vessels, correlating to type 3A, 3B and 4A as per the updated Ain Shams classification, were included in this study. One-stage LFSO was performed on all patients. Patients with bilateral intra-abdominal testes had the procedure performed on the contralateral side 6-8 weeks later. Follow-up was performed at 6, 12 and 36 months postoperatively by means of Doppler ultrasound in the first two visits. A similar subgroup of the historical cohort from years 2002 to 2010 had a two-stage LFSO, with the second stage being performed 12-16 weeks later. In bilateral cases, a three-interval surgery based on two-stage LFSO was performed, with a follow-up at 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The recent cohort included 16 IATs (10 unilateral and 3 bilateral). The median age of the patients was 1.41 years. At 6-month follow-up, 4 testes were found atrophic (25%), whereas the remaining 12 testes (75%) were viable. In those viable, only half of them had a low scrotal position. No difference was found at 12- or 36-month follow-up. Doppler ultrasound confirmed adequate intratesticular blood flow at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. In the similar subgroup of the historical cohort, 3 of 25 (12%) testes were found atrophied at six months postoperatively, with only one testis (4%) having a high scrotal position. In a comparison of both cohorts, the two-stage LFSO was found to be associated with a halving of the testicular atrophy rate (p value = 0.401) and a higher incidence of low scrotal position (p value = 0.004). A comparison of both cohorts is shown in the summary table.

CONCLUSION

Although one-stage LFSO may seem tempting, it still holds a higher rate of testicular atrophy, which is not justified.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III (Case-control study).

Production and Characterization of Bioplastic by Polyhydroxybutyrate Accumulating Erythrobacter aquimaris Isolated from Mangrove Rhizosphere

The synthesis of bioplastic from marine microbes has a great attendance in the realm of biotechnological applications for sustainable eco-management. This study aims to isolate novel strains of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing bacteria from the mangrove rhizosphere, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, and to characterize the extracted polymer. The efficient marine bacterial isolates were identified by the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA genes as Tamlana crocina, Bacillus aquimaris, Erythrobacter aquimaris, and Halomonas halophila. The optimization of PHB accumulation by E. aquimaris was achieved at 120 h, pH 8.0, 35 °C, and 2% NaCl, using glucose and peptone as the best carbon and nitrogen sources at a C:N ratio of 9.2:1. The characterization of the extracted biopolymer by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) proves the presence of hydroxyl, methyl, methylene, methine, and ester carbonyl groups, as well as derivative products of butanoic acid, that confirmed the structure of the polymer as PHB. This is the first report on E. aquimaris as a PHB producer, which promoted the hypothesis that marine rhizospheric bacteria were a new area of research for the production of biopolymers of commercial value.

2-(5-Methyl-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C17H13N5O, comprises four independent molecules (A–D). The respective interplanar angles between the phenyl/oxadiazole/methyltriazole/phenyl rings for the four independent molecules are A 8.8 (2), 13.0 (2), 22.5 (2)°; B 6.3 (2), 8.9 (2), 29.0 (1)°; C 4.0 (2), 10.0 (2), 24.5 (2)°; D 3.5 (2), 10.1 (2), 27.2 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules form two separate stacks parallel to the b-axis direction: one consists of A and D molecules, and the other of B and C molecules. Aromatic π–π stacking is observed within each stack, with the shortest centroid–centroid separation being 3.552 (2) Å.

(E)-1-[5-Methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one

The title compound, C19H16N4O3, crystallizes with two molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. In molecule A, the dihedral angles between the triazole ring and the toluyl and nitrobenzene rings are 62.68 (16) and 10.77 (15)°, respectively. The corresponding data for molecule B are 68.61 (17) and 15.59 (15)°, respectively. In the crystal, the B molecules are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds to generate [001] chains. Weak C—H...π(benzene) and N—O...π(triazole) contacts are also present.

4-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-(3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-{3-[5-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3-thiazole

In the title compound, C37H28Br2N8S, the dihedral angles between the planes of tolyl–triazolyl–pyrazolyl–phenyl rings are 47.5 (1), 11.4 (2) and 22.4 (2)°, respectively, and the angles between the bromophenyl–thiazolyl–dihydropyrazolyl–bromophenyl rings are 16.0 (2), 5.1 (2) and 0.8 (2)°, respectively. The dihedral angle between the planes of the pyrazolyl and dihydropyrazolyl rings is 67.7 (1)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...Br interactions form chains of molecules propagating in the [010] direction.

4-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-{3-[5-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3-thiazole

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C37H28BrClN8S, comprises one molecule. The molecule consists of two ring systems joined by a C—C bond between the dihydropyrazolyl and pyrazolyl rings of the two extended ring systems. The angles between adjacent ring planes of the tolyl–triazolyl–pyrazolyl–phenyl ring system are 48.2 (1), 12.3 (2) and 22.2 (2)°, respectively, with angles of 19.7 (1), 5.6 (2) and 0.9 (2)° between the rings of the chlorophenyl–thiazolyl–dihydropyrazolyl–bromophenyl set. The pyrazolyl and dihydropyrazolyl rings are inclined at 68.3 (1)° to one another. In the crystal, C—H...Cl interactions form chains of molecules parallel to theb-axis direction.

1-{2-Anilino-4-methyl-5-[5-methyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonyl]thiophen-3-yl}ethanone

In the title compound, C24H22N4O2S, the dihedral angle between the triazole and thiophene rings is 4.83 (14)°. The dihedral angles between the triazole and tolyl rings and between the thiophene and phenyl rings are 48.42 (16) and 9.23 (13)°, respectively. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) loop. In the crystal, molecules are stacked parallel to thea-axis direction with weak π–π interactions between adjacent thiophenyl and triazolyl groups within the stack [centroid–centroid separation = 3.9811 (16) Å].

5-Methyl-N′-(5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbonyl)-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbohydrazide

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C20H18N8O2, comprises one complete molecule and a half molecule completed by crystallographic twofold symmetry leading toZ= 12. The dihedral angles between the planes of the linked phenyl and methyltriazolyl groups are 69.48 (5) and 44.85 (9)° for the first molecule and 42.88 (9)° for the second. The conformations of the diformyl hydrazyl groups of the molecules are similar as indicated by C—N—N—C torsion angles of −83.4 (2) and −86.4 (3)°. In the crystal, neighbouring molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds to form independent columns propagating parallel to thec-axis direction.

Identification of MMP-9 as a biomarker for detecting progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex immunological disease with multiple pathological features that is primarily induced by smoking together with additional genetic risk factors. COPD is frequently underdiagnosed; forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) is considered to be the main diagnostic measure for COPD, yet it is insufficiently sensitive to monitor disease progression. Biomarkers capable of monitoring COPD progression and severity are needed. In this report, we evaluated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as an early marker for the detection and staging of COPD, by assessing the mRNA levels of MMP-9 in peripheral blood samples collected from 22 COPD patients, 6 asymptomatic smokers, and 5 healthy controls. Our results demonstrate that the mRNA levels of MMP-9 increased more than two-fold in severe COPD relative to non-COPD smokers or moderate COPD groups. Moreover, in the very severe COPD group, MMP-9 mRNA levels showed a 4-fold increase relative to the non-COPD smokers or the moderate COPD groups, while there was a mild increase (∼40%) when compared to the severe COPD group. Taken together, our results suggest that MMP-9 serves as a biomarker for the grade and severity of COPD.

Synthesis and Microbial Activity of Novel 3-Methyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one Derivatives

2-Oxo-2H-chromene-3-carbohydrazide derivatives2a,breact with 2-{[4-(substituted thiazol-2-yl)iminoethyl)-phenyl]hydrazono}-3-oxo-butyric acid ethyl esters4a–cto give 3-methyl-1-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl) carbonyl]-4-{[4-(substituted thiazol-2-yl)iminoethyl)-phenyl]hydrazono}]-2-pyrazolin-5-one derivatives5a–f. A considerable increase in the reaction rate had been observed with better yield using microwave irradiation for the synthesis of compounds2a,b,3a–c, and5a–f. The synthesized products were tested againstB. subtilis,S. aureus, andE. colias well asC. albicanscompared with tetracycline and nystatin as reference drugs.

Amelioration of lead toxicity on rat liver with Vitamin C and silymarin supplements

The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the combined administration of Vitamin C and silymarin on lead toxicity. Male albino rats were subdivided into three groups: the first was a control group, the second received lead acetate in diet as 500 mg/kg diet daily, the third received the same lead acetate dose and supplemented with Vitamin C (1 mg/100g body weight) and silymarin (1 mg/100g body weight) by gastric tube three times per week. Blood samples were taken after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. Significant lead-induced elevations in serum ALT, AST, GGT and ALP activities were observed after different periods of treatment. However, serum LDLc was decreased. The intensities of RNA and apoptotic fragments of DNA were measured as optical density by Gel-pro program. Lead acetate decreased the intensity of DNA at 6 weeks and induced apoptotic DNA fragments reversibly with time. After 2 weeks of lead administration dilation and congestion of terminal hepatic veins and portal vein branches were observed. Lead also induced hepatocyte proliferation without any localized distribution among zones 1-3. Portal inflammatory infiltrate with disruption of the limiting plates (interface hepatitis), steatosis, apoptosis and mild fibrosis were detected especially by sixth week of lead administration. Combined treatment of lead-exposed animals with Vitamin C and silymarin showed marked improvement of the biochemical, molecular and histopathological findings. These experimental results strongly indicate the protective effect of Vitamin C and silymarin against toxic effects of lead on liver tissue.

Host-parasite relationships between Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma liei and their intermediate host Biomphalaria alexandrina using RAPD-PCR analysis

Biomphalaria alexandrina are known to be intermediate hosts for both Schistosoma mansoni and Echinostoma liei. RAPD-PCR assay offers a new approach to host-parasite relationships. This was performed by investigating the genetic variation and compatibility among S. mansoni, E. liei and their intermediate host B. alexandrina with special emphasis on variations occurring in snails infected with S. mansoni and/or E. liei. Six primers were screened for DNA analysis and gave total patterns from 28 to 37 reproducible bands for each species. All specimens analyzed by the RAPD-PCR gave interpretable electrophoretic banding patterns that were polymorphic and compatible in the amplified products of these primers within each species.

Cryptosporidiosis in Benha, study of some recent modalities in diagnosis and treatment

A total prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was carried out on 1087 diarrheal patients of all age groups attending the outpatient clinics using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain (MZN) and Meriflour direct immunofluorescent technique (IFA). IFA was more sensitive, specific and gave positive results 19.5% than MZN stain which gave a positivity 13.5% Cases were divided into 3 groups, each group was treated by one of nitazoxanid (NTZ), or co-trimoxazole or placebo. The most effective drug was NTZ which cured 39 patients (79.6%) out of 49 patients followed by co-trimoxazole that gave cure of 20 (41.6%) out of 48 patients. Placebo cured 20 (40%) out of 50 patients.

Human chronic fascioliasis: hepatitis B and C among infected cases

Sera from one hundred and fifty three chronic Fasciola cases were screened for the presence of HB markers (HBsAg, anti HBc and anti HBs) and anti HCV using ELISA technique. Quantitative stool examination and estimation of liver enzymes (AST-ALT-bilirubin) levels of the study population were performed. HBsAg was present in 5 (3.3%), anti HBs in 13 (8.5%), HBexposed (HBex) in 44 (28.8%) and anti HCV in 13 (8.5%) of examined sera. HBV and HCV markers were significantly higher among older age groups. Concerning familial aggregation of hepatitis markers, 7 (15.9%) of the 44 HBex cases had two individuals per family who had evidence of exposure to HBV. No significant change in Fasciola GMEC and liver function tests have been noticed.

Prevalence of trachoma in school children and ophthalmological outpatients in rural Egypt

The prevalence of trachoma in school children and ophthalmological patients in rural villages of the Qalyub Governorate of Egypt was determined by clinical and laboratory diagnostic procedures and reported as mild, moderate, or severe according to the WHO classification scheme. Of 777 primary school students examined in 3 villages, 204 (26%) had clinically active trachoma. The overall prevalence of the disease in this population ranged from 16% to 35%. The prevalence of infection was higher in younger groups and decreased throughout primary school. Of 312 patients with ocular complaints examined at the village outpatient clinics, 100 (32%) had trachoma infections. Monoclonal FA staining showed higher sensitivity in detecting positive cases of trachoma than did Giemsa staining. This study has shown that trachoma is still prevalent in rural Egypt and that the monoclonal FA staining is a relatively sensitive and practical test for the laboratory diagnosis of trachoma in a field study, where reasonable facilities for culture diagnosis are not available.