In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, hemolytic activities and in silico POM/DFT/DNA-binding and pharmacokinetic analyses of new sulfonamide bearing thiazolidin-4-ones

In this work, Schiff bases and Thiazolidin-4-ones, were synthesized using Sonication and Microwave techniques, respectively. The Schiff base derivatives (3a-b) were synthesized via the reaction of Sulfathiazole (1) with benzaldehyde derivatives (2a-b), followed by the synthesis of 4-thiazoledinone (4a-b) derivatives by cyclizing the synthesized Schiff bases through thioglycholic acid. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as FT IR, NMR and HRMS. The synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant and in vivo cytotoxicity and hemolysis ability. The synthesized compounds displayed better antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and low toxicity in comparison to reference drugs and negative controls, respectively. The hemolysis test revealed the compounds exhibit lower hemolytic effects and hemolytic values are comparatively low and the safety of compounds is in comparison with standard drugs. Theoretical calculations were carried out by using the molecular operating environment (MOE) and Gaussian computing software and observations were in good agreement with the in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) results indicate the presence of three combined antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor pharmacophore sites. The molecular docking revealed the significant binding affinities and non-bonding interactions between the compounds and Erwinia Chrysanthemi (PDB ID: 1SHK). The molecular dynamics simulation under in silico physiological conditions revealed a stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment. HighlightsNew series of Thaiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized.Sonication and microwave techniques are used.Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and hemolysis activities were observed for all synthesized compounds.Molecular Docking and DFT/POM analyses have been predicted.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Green synthesis, antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of new thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives: molecular dynamic simulation, POM study and identification of antitumor pharmacophore sites

In this study, a series of thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives 3a-i were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains of Bacillus licheniformis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Newly prepared thiazolidine (TZD) derivatives were further screened separately for in vitro antifungal activity against cultures of fungal species, namely, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria brassicicola, Chaetomium murorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Lycopodium sp. and Penicillium notatum. The electron-donating substituents (-OH and -OCH3) and electron-withdrawing substituents (-Cl and -NO2) on the attached arylidene moieties of five-membered heterocyclic ring enhanced the broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The molecular docking study has revealed that compound 3h strongly interacts with the catalytic residues of the active site of the β-carbonic anhydrase (P. aeruginosa) and has the best docking score. In silico pharmacokinetics studies showed the drug-likeness and non-toxic nature of the synthesized compounds, which indicates the combined antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor pharmacophore sites of the targeted drug. This work demonstrates that potential TZD derivatives bind to different types of bacterial and fungal pathogens for circumventing their activities and opens avenues for the development of newer drug candidates that can target bacterial and fungal pathogens.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Influence of root debridement with adjunct photodynamic therapy on periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid cortisol levels among patients with and without type-2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of scaling and root planing (SRP) with adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on periodontal parameters and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cortisol levels in type-2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-eight patients with periodontitis (64 with and 64 without type-2 diabetes mellitus, respectively) were included. In the test- and control-groups, patients underwent SRP with and without aPDT, respectivey. In both groups, plaque and gingival indices (PI and GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), marginal bone loss (MBL) and GCF volume and cortisol levels were assessed at baseline and three and six-months after SRP with or without aPDT. The aPDT was performed at baseline using methylene blue and photobiomodulation. The Kruskall-Wallis test was used to assess data normality; and group-comparisons were done. P-values, which were below 0.01 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

Sixty-four type-2 diabetic patients with and 64 non-diabetic patients with periodontitis were included. All individuals had Stage-III/Grade-C periodontitis. Among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM), there was no statistically significant difference in hemoblobin A1c, PI, GI, PD, CAL and MBL at baseline and at 3- and 6-months intervals. Amongst diabetic patietns, there was no difference in the GCF volume and cortisol levels in the test- and control-groups at all time intervals. In non-diabetic patients, there was a significqnt reductionin GCF volume and cortisol levels when SRP was done with aPDT than when SRP was carried out as the sole treatment strategy CONCLUSION: Among non-diabetic patients, SRP with aPDT helps reduce periodontal inflammation and GCF cortisol levels for up to 6-months; however poorly-controlled DM compromises the beneficial effects of this treatment strategy.

Comparison of self-rated oral symptoms and periodontal status among cigarette smokers and individuals using electronic nicotine delivery systems

Objective: The aim was to compare the self-rated oral symptoms (OS) and clinical and radiographic periodontal status among cigarette smokers and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users.Participants: Self-reported cigarette smokers and electronic cigarette and JUUL users were included.Methods: Self-rated OS and demographic data were recorded. Clinical attachment loss (AL), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), number of missing teeth, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were determined. p Values<.05 were deemed significant.Results: Bad breath (p<.001) and pain in gums (p<.001) were more often reported by cigarette-smokers than ENDS users. Compared with never-smokers, pain in teeth (p<.001), bad-breath (p<.001), and pain in gums (p<.001) were higher among cigarette smokers. There was no significant difference in pain in teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath, and pain in gums when JUUL users were compared with never-smokers and electronic cigarette users. PI (p<.05) and PD (p<.05) were increased in cigarette smokers than ENDS users and never-smokers.Conclusions: Pain in teeth and gums are more often perceived by cigarette smokers than electronic cigarette and JUUL users and never-smokers.

Photodynamic activation of irrigation (using different laser prototypes) on push out bond strength of fiber posts

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the influence of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and light activated irrigation (LAI) using different laser prototypes Er,Cr:YSGG (ECYL), Er:Yag (EYL), Nd-Yag (NYL) on pushout bond strength of Pre-fabricated fiber reinforced composite (PFRC) post to radicular dentin.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Fifty maxillary and mandibular teeth were collected, cleaned and decoronated. Canals were instrumented using crown-down technique. Flaring of canals was performed using protaper S1, SX files. F1, F2 and F3 files were utilized for finishing of canal preparations. Prepared root canals were dried and obturated with gutta percha. Teeth were placed vertically within the section of polyvinyl pipes using acrylic resin. Post space preparation was completed using peso-reamers. Based on the PDT and laser activated irrigation (LAI) with different laser prototypes, samples were divided into five groups of 10 specimens each. Group 1- PDT, group 2-5.25 % NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) and 17 % EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid), group 3-5.25 % NaOCl with 17 % EDTA and NYL, group 4-5.25 % NaOCl with 17 % EDTA and EYL ; and group 5-5.25 % NaOCl +17 % EDTA and ECYL. Fiber post were luted in root canals with self-etch dual cure cement and teeth were sectioned at three levels (apical, middle and coronal). Push-out test was performed by placing the specimens in universal testing machine. Failure analysis of debonded surfaces was evaluated using stereomicroscope at 40× magnification. Means and standard deviations of push out bond strength were assessed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Comparison between means of push out bond strength was evaluated using Tukey multiple comparison tests (p = 0.05).

RESULT

The highest push out bond strength was observed in group 5 at all three levels, coronal (10.08 ± 0.74 MPa), middle (8.95 ± 0.94 MPa) and apical (6.00 ± 0.88 MPa). The lowest push out bond strength was demonstrated by group 2 at all levels, coronal (6.15 ± 1.22 MPa), middle (5.65 ± 0.95 MPa) and apical (2.25 ± 0.55 MPa). Intra-group comparison showed decrease in push out bond strength in the coronal to apical direction among all investigated groups. Inter-group comparison exhibited comparable push out bond strength at all three levels of root for group 1 and group 2 specimens (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

LAI with different laser prototypes improved push out bond values of PFRC post to root dentin as an adjunct to NaOCl and EDTA treatment. PDT improved push out strength compared to conventional canal cleaning regime.

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Men in the Middle East: A Retrospective Study

The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious global health concern. The world is experiencing type 2 diabetes epidemics and prevalence differs by gender, regions, and level of socioeconomic development. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in men increased at a faster rate and numbers are continuing to rise in some regions of the world. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of T2DM among men in the Middle East countries. Seventy-four research articles were identified through search engines including Web of Science, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Ovid databases by using keywords "epidemiology," "prevalence," "diabetes mellitus," and individual names of the Middle East states. Finally, 17 studies were included for the assessment of prevalence of T2DM among men in the Middle East. In the Middle East, high prevalence of T2DM among men was identified in Bahrain (33.60%), Saudi Arabia (29.10%), United Arab Emirates (UAE; 25.83%), and Kuwait (25.40%), whereas low prevalence was reported in Iran (9.90%) and Yemen (9.80%). The random pooled prevalence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states was (24.0%) compared to non-GCC states (16.0%), and in both GCC and non-GCC countries combined, it was 19%. The prevalence was significantly associated with the gross domestic product of these states ( p = .0005). Despite different socioeconomic and cultural settings in the Middle East, the rising T2DM prevalence among men was identified in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. These states must incorporate future diabetes defensive strategies targeting the Middle East population to minimize the burden of DM from the region.

Clinical and radiographic peri-implant outcomes of short dental implants placed in posterior jaws of patients with treated generalized aggressive periodontitis: A 3-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Studies assessing clinical and radiographic peri-implant parameters around short dental implants (SDIs) in treated generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) patients are scant.

OBJECTIVES

This 3-year follow-up study aimed to compare the clinical peri-implant and radiographic bone status around SDIs placed in partially edentulous patients treated for GAgP and periodontally healthy patients and to assess the implant success rate between both the groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of seven patients clinically diagnosed with GAgP and seven periodontally healthy patients was included in the clinical study. Forty-eight (29 maxilla; 19 mandible) and 11 (8 maxilla; 3 mandible) SDIs were placed in the GAgP group and healthy group, respectively. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at six sites around all teeth and implants. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was studied incorporating in a specialized software and examined on a calibrated computer display screen with the help of an image analyzer. Patient satisfaction was recorded using a questionnaire sheet that contained questions regarding esthetics and function of the restorations.

RESULTS

The implant survival rate after 3 years was 81.25%. BOP and CAL around SDIs of GAgP patients were significantly higher than in periodontally healthy subjects (P = .01) throughout the follow-up. CAL around the teeth of GAgP patients was significantly greater during the follow-up than around the teeth of periodontal healthy subjects (P = .02). The PI and BOP between the teeth and implants showed no statistical significant difference. The mean PD at teeth was 0.4 mm greater than at implants. Implants showed significantly increased attachment loss than teeth (P = .01). The overall mean satisfaction of visual analogue scale was 12.8 ± 1.45.

CONCLUSION

This short-term follow-up study indicates SDIs remain functionally stable in the posterior jaws of treated GAgP patients.

INPP5K variant causes autosomal recessive congenital cataract in a Pakistani family

Congenital cataract (CC) is clinically and genetically highly heterogeneous. Here, we enrolled a consanguineous kindred (LUCC15) from Pakistan, with 3 affected individuals suffering with CC. Exome sequencing revealed a transition mutation [c.149 T > C; p.(Ile50Thr)] in INPP5K. Inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase K, encoded by INPP5K, is involved in dephosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4,5-bisphosphate, and PtdIns 3,4,5-trisphosphate. Recently, pathogenic variants in INPP5K have been reported in families with congenital muscular dystrophies, intellectual disability, and cataract. In our family LUCC15, mild to moderate intellectual disability along with speech impairment was observed in 2 affected individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain and muscles tissues did not reveal any cerebellar or muscular atrophy. However, electromyography of both upper and lower limbs revealed irritable myopathy. Comparison of clinical phenotype of all the known affected individuals, including LUCC15 family, homozygous for INPP5K alleles revealed reduced penetrance of muscular dystrophy and intellectual disability. Similarly, skeletal muscle abnormalities were highly variable among inpp5ka zebrafish mutants analyzed in this study. These phenotypic variabilities may be due to epigenetic factors and/or genetic modifiers.

Effect of exposure to silica in inducing autoimmune hepatitis: an experimental animal-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the effect of subcutaneous and oral sodium silicate in inducing the autoimmune hepatitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve Brown Norway rats were studied, six rats were challenged with Sodium Silicate and the rest were challenged with normal saline as a control group. At 14th week post-sodium silicate or normal saline exposure, the rats were sacrificed. Histopathological studies were conducted in six positive autoantibodies responding silicate group rats and then compared with an equal number of negative autoantibodies responding control rats.

RESULTS

The liver findings from sodium silicate group of animals showed a histopathological reaction in 3/6 (50%) compared with 0/6 of the corresponding control saline group (p = 0.09). However, the absolute differences in the percentage between the two groups was 50%, the subcutaneous sodium silicate sub-group showed hepatic tissue response close to being statistically significant level (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

After correlating the results with autoantibodies including serum antinuclear antibodies and anti ribo-nucleoprotein response of the same rats, it is concluded that sodium silicate play a role in inducing the autoimmune hepatitis in a genetically susceptible rat model.

Effect of environmental air pollution on type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Air pollution is a novel risk factor for insulin resistance and occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the evidence is limited and diverse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of environmental air pollution on incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

In this study, we identified 102 published studies through a systematic data base search including ISI-Web of Science, EMBASE and PubMed. We searched the related literature by using the key terms including diabetes mellitus, air pollution, occupational and environmental pollution, gaseous, NO2, particulate matter pollutants PM2.5, and PM10. Studies in which diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, air pollution, occupational and environmental pollution was discussed were included in the study. No confines on publication status, study design or language of publication were considered. Descriptive and quantitative information were extracted from the selected literature. Finally we included 21 publications and remaining studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Air pollution is a leading cause of insulin resistance and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The association between air pollution and diabetes is stronger for traffic associated pollutants, gaseous, nitrogen dioxide, tobacco smoke and particulate matter.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to air pollutants is significantly associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is suggested that, environmental protection officials must take high priority steps to minimize the air pollution, hence to decrease the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Weight loss during chronic, cervical vagus nerve stimulation in depressed patients with obesity: an observation

Fourteen patients were treated over 2 years with cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for adjunctive therapy of severe, treatment-resistant depression. Here, we report the serendipitous observation that this treatment was associated with highly significant, gradual weight loss despite the patients' report of not dieting or exercising. The weight loss was proportional to the initial BMI, that is, the more severe the obesity, the greater the weight loss. Weight loss did not correlate with changes in mood symptoms. The vagus nerve carries visceral information to and from the brain; modulation of its activity may alter eating behavior. Chronic cervical VNS may merit controlled study for the treatment of severe obesity.

Infective endocarditis in children--incidence, pattern, diagnosis and management in a developing country

BACKGROUND

In developing countries, patients with infective endocarditis are referred late, there is low yield of blood cultures and incidence of rheumatic heart disease is still high.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate clinical pattern, assess diagnostic criteria in our settings and determine outcome.

SETTING

A tertiary referral center for paediatric and adult cardiology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All children with infective endocarditis admitted to a single center from April 1997 to March 2000 were analysed. The diagnosis was based on Duke's criteria, which proposed two major and six minor criteria. Minor criteria were expanded to include raised acute phase reactants and presence of newly diagnosed or increasing splenomegally. The patients were stratified as definite, possible and rejected cases.

RESULTS

Of 1402 hospital admissions, 45 patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for infective endocarditis giving an incidence of 32 per 1000 hospital admissions. The mean age was 7.9 +/- 4 years (4 months to 16 years) with only two patients under 1 year of age. Rheumatic heart disease was the underlying lesion in 24 patients (53%) while congenital heart lesions occurred in 20 patients (45%). Previous antibiotic treatment was given in 26 patients (58%) definitely. Blood cultures were positive in 21 patients (47%); Streptococcus Viridans being the most common organism, while vegetations on echocardiography were present in 32 patients (71%). Surgery was undertaken in four patients and five patients left against medical advise. Of 10 patients with aortic valve involvement, there were three deaths (30%) and overall mortality was 13% (six patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of infective endocarditis is 32 per 1000 (3.2%) hospital admissions in a tertiary paediatric cardiology referral center. Rheumatic heart disease is still the most common underlying heart lesion. Blood cultures are positive in less than 50% of cases and echocardiography in expert hands is a more sensitive tool in our set up. Mortality is still high and aortic valve involvement in particular, carried poor prognosis.

Individual Xenopus histone genes are replication-independent in oocytes and replication-dependent in Xenopus or mouse somatic cells

We have assessed the response of many histone H3 mRNAs and an H1C mRNA in Xenopus tissue culture cells after treatment with the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea. The amount of the histone mRNAs falls rapidly in response to the inhibitor. This response is prevented by cycloheximide. Cloned Xenopus histone genes were transfected into mouse cells and a cell line was obtained in which the Xenopus genes were actively expressed giving rise to mRNA with correct 5'-termini. The Xenopus genes were correctly regulated at the level of mRNA amounts in the mouse cell line. Nuclear microinjection experiments with Xenopus oocytes and S1 nuclease analysis of normal ovary RNA showed that the H1C gene, and probably also two H3 genes, which are replication-dependent in somatic cells are expressed in oocytes and are therefore replication-independent in this cell type. The same promoters are used in both replication-dependent and independent expression.