[Cardiovascular health status of Chinese adults based on "Life's Essential 8" score]

Objective: To assess the cardiovascular health status of adults in China by using the "Life's Essential 8" score, and provide reference for the development and improvement of cardiovascular disease prevention and control policies and measures. Methods: Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance was conducted in 298 counties/districts in 2015 in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) across China, multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select 45 households in each village or neighborhood, and 20 households were further selected to conduct dietary surveys. In this study, a total of 70 093 adults aged ≥20 years who completed the dietary survey and had complete information were included, their cardiovascular health status were assessed by using the "Life's Essential 8" score, a cardiovascular health scoring standard released by the American Heart Association in 2022. All results were adjusted using complex design-based sampling weights to achieve a better estimate of the population. Results: In 2015, the overall cardiovascular health score of Chinese adults aged ≥20 years was 73.3±12.6, the score was significantly higher in women (77.9±11.6) than in men (68.7±11.8), and higher in urban area (74.5±12.8) than in rural area (71.9±12.2), the differences were significant (P<0.001). It was estimated that about 0.25% (95%CI: 0.16%-0.33%) of adults in China had cardiovascular health score of 100, and 33.0% (95%CI: 31.6%-34.3%), 63.2% (95%CI: 62.1%-64.3%), and 3.9% (95%CI: 3.5%-4.2%) of adults had high, moderate and low cardiovascular health scores, respectively. The proportion of those with high cardiovascular health scores was relatively low in men, those with low education level, those with low income, those living in rural areas, and those living in southwest China (P<0.001). Of the eight factors, diet had the lowest mean score (46.0, 95%CI: 44.7-47.3), followed by blood pressure (59.4, 95%CI: 58.2-60.6) and tobacco exposure (61.4, 95%CI: 60.6-62.2). Conclusions: The cardiovascular health status of two-thirds of adult population in China needs to be improved. Diet, tobacco exposure, and blood pressure are the factors affecting the cardiovascular health of Chinese population, to which close attention needs to be paid, and men, rural residents, and those with lower socioeconomic status are key groups in cardiovascular health promotion.

[Blood glucose levels and the relationship of body mass index and circumference with blood glucose in China]

Objective: To describe and compare blood glucose levels in adults aged 18 years old and above in China and explore the relationship between BMI and waist circumference with blood glucose. Methods: China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance were conducted in 298 counties/districts in China in 2018, covering 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities). A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method selected permanent residents aged 18 years and above. Information on demographics, behavior-related risk factors, BMI, waist circumference, and blood glucose were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire, physical measurement, and laboratory examination. After complex weighting of data, they described the blood glucose levels of people with different characteristics and explored the relationship of BMI and waist circumference with blood glucose by multiple linear regression model analysis. Results: A total of 177 816 adults were included in the study. The average fasting blood glucose and average glycosylated hemoglobin were (5.73±1.46) mmol/L and (5.37±0.83) %, with people aged 60 years old and above group highest than that of other, with males higher than females (P<0.001); and urban was higher slightly than rural for the average of average glycosylated hemoglobin (P<0.001). The average fasting blood glucose and average glycosylated hemoglobin increased with increased BMI and waist circumference (P<0.001). Results from multiple linear regression model analysis showed that: 1) for each increase in BMI unit and waist circumference, the fasting glucose levels increased by 0.019 mmol/L and 0.008 mmol/L (all P<0.001) in those not diagnosed with diabetes, 2) by 0.021 mmol/L (P=0.163) and 0.014 mmol/L (P=0.004) in those newly detected as diabetes, and 3) by 0.028 mmol/L (P=0.088) and 0.023 mmol/L (P<0.001) in those self-reported as having been diagnosed as diabetes, respectively. However, glycosylated hemoglobin levels increased: 1) by 0.015% and 0.006% in those not diagnosed as diabetes (all P<0.001), 2) by 0.050% and 0.019% in those newly detected as diabetes (all P<0.001), and 3) by 0.033% and 0.019% in those self-reported as having been diagnosed as diabetes (all P<0.001), respectively. These associations with waist circumference were more robust than with BMI. Conclusions: Adults not diagnosed with diabetes with abnormal BMI or waist circumference are the key population for prevention and control. Measures improving the awareness rate of waist circumference should be taken to maintain average blood glucose in various groups.

[Blood glucose measurement in Chinese adults, 2018]

Objective: To analyze the status of measuring the blood glucose among Chinese residents aged 18 years and above and to provide a scientific basis for evaluating the Healthy China Initiative. Methods: China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance were conducted in 298 counties/districts in China in 2018, covering 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities). A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method selected permanent residents aged 18 years and above. Questionnaires collected demographic characteristics, blood glucose measurements, and significant chronic disease prevalence. Body measurements were conducted to collect body height, weight, and waist circumference; Fasting venous blood was collected from participants to measure FPG before OGTT-2 h was obtained among participants without a self-reported history of diagnosed diabetes. The analysis included 177 904 residents aged 18 and above. After being weighed, the blood glucose measurement rates of adults in different groups were compared. Results: Among adults who had not been diagnosed with diabetes, The blood glucose measurement rates of regular, prediabetes, and newly detected elevated blood glucose within 12 months were 32.0% (95%CI: 30.5%-33.5%), 39.5% (95%CI: 37.4%-41.6%) and 43.8% (95%CI: 41.0%-46.4%), respectively. The measurement rates were higher in females than males; urban was higher than rural. The blood glucose rates increased with age, education, and BMI. These differences were significant (P<0.05). Among the adults with diabetes, the blood glucose measurement rate within six months was 89.6% (95%CI: 88.4%-90.8%); the measurement rate was higher in females than in males and higher in the west than in east and central regions of China, with statistical significance (P<0.05). Among adults in the study who did not have 1 or 2 or ≥3 major chronic diseases, the blood glucose measurement rates within six months were 19.6% (95%CI: 18.4%-20.7%), 41.8% (95%CI: 40.1%-43.5%), 58.9% (95%CI:57.0%-60.7%),71.9% (95%CI: 69.0%-74.9%), respectively. The blood glucose measurement rate was on the rise and increased with the number of comorbidities (P<0.001). The blood glucose measurement rate of adults who did not have 1 or 2 major chronic diseases was higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The blood glucose rates increased with age, education, and BMI and the differences were significant (P<0.05). The blood glucose measurement rate of adults with ≥3 major chronic diseases was higher in females than in males (P<0.001), and there was no difference among other groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to promote blood glucose measurement in residents aged 18 years and above in China. Relevant departments should strengthen the publicity and education to promote regular blood glucose measurement for high-risk populations to improve the efficiency of preventing and treating diabetes and its complications.

[Awareness and influencing factors on weight and waist circumference among adult Chinese residents in 2018]

Objective: To understand the awareness of weight and waist circumference and their influencing factors among residents aged ≥18 years in China and provide a reference for the development of relevant prevention and treatment policies and evaluation of intervention effects. Methods: We selected 298 counties (districts) from the 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) which participated in the 2018 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance program and included 194 779 permanent residents aged ≥18 years. To obtain the demographic characteristics of the study population, we used a multi-stage stratified whole-group random sampling method, questionnaires, and physical measurements. In this study, 179 045 people who completed the survey and had complete information on weight and waist circumference awareness were used as the study subjects. The weight awareness rate and waist circumference awareness rate were calculated by gender stratification, age, urban-rural, and education level groups. A multi-factor logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors related to weight and waist circumference awareness of residents aged ≥18 years. Results: The weight awareness rate of adult residents in China in 2018 was 45.4% (95%CI: 41.9%-48.9%), higher among men [46.2% (95%CI: 42.5%-49.8%)] than women [44.6% (95%CI: 41.1%-48.2%)], and in urban areas [54.3% (95%CI: 49.3%-59.3%)]. The highest weight awareness rate appeared in residents with low BMI grouping [49.9% (95%CI: 44.3%-55.6%)], and the weight awareness rate in residents with undiagnosed central obesity, hypertension, and diabetes was higher than that of residents with diagnosed diabetes, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The waist circumference awareness rate of adult residents was 11.6% (95%CI: 9.7%-13.4%), higher in women [12.8% (95%CI: 10.8%-14.8%)] than in men [10.3% (95%CI: 8.6%-12.0%)], higher in urban [14.6% (95%CI: 11.7%-17.4%)] than in rural [8.3% (95%CI: 6.5%-10.2%)], and the waist circumference awareness rate was higher among residents with confirmed diabetes than those with undiagnosed diabetes, with statistically significant differences (P=0.020). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The weight and waist circumference awareness rate increased with education level and annual per capita household income. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis suggested that urban, highly educated, high per capita annual household income and health check-up residents may have higher weight and waist circumference awareness rates among adult residents in China. Conclusion: Less than half of the adult residents in China know their weight status, and only about one-tenth know their waist circumference. Rural residents, those with low education levels and low annual per capita household income, and those who are obese need to be given prioritized attention. The relevant government departments should strengthen the popularization of the importance of weight and waist circumference on health and improve the awareness of our residents about their waist circumference and weight.

[Study on community health management and control of hypertension in patients aged 35 years and above in China, 2015]

Objective: To understand the current status of community health management, treatment and control of hypertension in patients aged 35 years and above in China in 2015, and identify the influencing factors. Methods: Using the questionnaire survey results and physical measurement information collected by China Chronic Diseases and Nutrition Monitoring System in 2015, hypertension patients aged 35 years and above diagnosed at township health center level (community health service centers) or above were selected as the research subjects. The patients were complexly weighted to analyze their general characteristics, community health management, treatment and control status. Results: This study included 23 974 hypertension patients aged 35 years and above diagnosed by medical and health institutions at township level and above in 2015. After complex weighting, the community health management rate of hypertension patients aged 35 years and above was 54.10% (95%CI: 51.02%-57.17%), the standardized community management rate was 45.72% (95%CI: 42.93%-48.51%), the treatment rate was 88.16% (95%CI: 87.00%-89.31%), and the control rate was 22.67% (95%CI: 21.25%-24.09%), the treatment control rate was 27.76% (95%CI: 26.09%-29.42%). Multivariate analysis showed that patients in urban areas as well as in rural areas who were aged over 65 years old (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.05-1.87; OR=3.11, 95%CI: 2.22-4.36), taking medicine as prescribed (OR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.46-3.15; OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.13-1.62), monitoring blood pressure (OR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.88-2.90; OR=3.10, 95%CI: 2.72-3.53) were more willing to accept community health management of hypertension. Urban hypertension patients with high education level (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.39-0.66), moderate alcohol consumption (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.57-0.84) or excessive alcohol consumption (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.58-0.92) had a poor acceptance of community hypertension management. Overweight (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.61-0.91; OR=0.83, 95%CI: 0.71-0.98), obesity (OR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.45-0.65; OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.54-0.83) patients in urban areas as well as in rural areas with hypertension had poor blood pressure control, and patient taking medication as prescribed (OR=4.58, 95%CI: 3.16-6.63; OR=2.84, 95%CI: 2.18-3.69) had better blood pressure control. Urban hypertension patients in central China (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.61-0.89) or with excessive alcohol consumption (OR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.54-0.97) had poor blood pressure control while urban hypertension patients with other chronic diseases (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.04-1.44) and participating in standardized hypertension community management (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.06-1.58) had better blood pressure control.Rural hypertension patients who located in central and western China (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.58-0.87; OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.47-0.80), with moderate alcohol consumption (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.67-0.98), taking salt more than 6 g per day (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.69-0.93) had poor blood pressure control, and the rural hypertension patients who underwent blood pressure monitoring (OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.18-1.61) had better blood pressure control. Conclusions: The community health management of hypertension in patients aged 35 years and above has been improved in China, but there is still a certain gap between the control of hypertension and related indicators. It is necessary to take multi standardized intervention measures for the better prevention and control of hypertension.

Design, synthesis, and anticonvulsant effects evaluation of nonimidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists containing triazole moiety

Histamine H₃ receptors (H₃R) antagonists/inverse agonists are becoming a promising therapeutic approach for epilepsy. In this article, novel nonimidazole H₃R antagonists/inverse agonists have been designed and synthesised via hybriding the H₃R pharmacophore (aliphatic amine with propyloxy chain) with the 1,2,4-triazole moiety as anticonvulsant drugs. The majority of antagonists/inverse agonists prepared here exerted moderate to robust activities in cAMP-response element (CRE) luciferase screening assay. 1-(3-(4-(3-Phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenoxy)propyl)piperidine (3l) and 1-(3-(4-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenoxy)propyl)piperidine (3m) displayed the highest H₃R antagonistic activities, with IC₅₀ values of 7.81 and 5.92 nM, respectively. Meanwhile, the compounds with higher H₃R antagonistic activities exhibited protection for mice in maximal electroshock seizure (MES)-induced convulsant model. Moreover, the protection of 3m against the MES induced seizures was fully abrogated when mice were co-treated with RAMH, a CNS-penetrant H₃R agonist, which suggested that the potential therapeutic effect of 3m was through H₃R. These results indicate that the attempt to find new anticonvulsant among H₃R antagonists/inverse agonists is practicable.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of anticonvulsant activities of benzoxazole derivatives containing the 1,2,4-triazolone moiety

A novel series of benzoxazole derivatives containing 1,2,4-triazolone (5a-m) was designed. These compounds were synthesized in order to screen their anticonvulsant activities by the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model and the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (sc-PTZ) seizure model in mice. The rotarod test was used to evaluate their neurotoxicities. Most of the compounds showed anti-MES activities at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Compound 5f, which showed potential anticonvulsant activity in the MES model with ED₅₀ values of 22.0 mg/kg, was considered as the most promising one in this study. It exhibited greater safety than that of carbamazepine and valproate regarding neurotoxicity. The efficacy of compound 5f in inhibiting the tonic seizures and death induced by the convulsants 3-mercaptopropionic acid and BIC was also verified. In an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, compound 5f and the positive drug phenytoin significantly increased the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level in the mouse brain. Further, pretreatment with an inhibitor of the GABA synthesizing enzyme dramatically raised the ED₅₀ value of 5f in the MES model. These results confirmed that the compound 5f plays its anticonvulsive action via regulating the GABA function in the brain. Also, a docking study of the compound 5f in the benzodiazepine (BZD) binding site of the GABA_A receptor confirmed possible binding of the compound 5f with BZD receptors.

Recent developments on triazole nucleus in anticonvulsant compounds: a review

Epilepsy is one of the common diseases seriously threatening life and health of human. More than 50 million people are suffering from this condition and anticonvulsant agents are the main treatment. However, side effects and intolerance, and a lack of efficacy limit the application of the current anticonvulsant agents. The search for new anticonvulsant agents with higher efficacy and lower toxicity continues to be the focus and task in medicinal chemistry. Numbers of triazole derivatives as clinical drugs or candidates have been frequently employed for the treatment of various types of diseases, which have proved the importance of this heterocyclic nucleus in drug design and discovery. Recently many endeavours were made to involve the triazole into the anticonvulsants design, which have brought lots of active compounds. This work is an attempt to systematically review the research of triazole derivatives in the design and development of anticonvulsant agents during the past two decades.

Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of N-Arylsulfonylindole Analogs Bearing a Rhodanine Moiety as Antibacterial Agents

Due to the rapidly growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the scarcity of novel agents under development, bacterial infections are still a pressing global problem, making new types of antibacterial agents, which are effective both alone and in combination with traditional antibiotics, urgently needed. In this paper, seven series of N-arylsulfonylindole analogs 5–11 bearing rhodanine moieties were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for antibacterial activity. According to the in vitro antimicrobial results, half of the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition against four Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values in the range of 0.5–8 µg/mL. For multidrug-resistant strains, compounds 6a and 6c were the most potent, with MIC values of 0.5 µg/mL, having comparable activity to gatifloxacin, moxiflocaxin and norfloxacin and being 128-fold more potent than oxacillin (MIC = 64 µg/mL) and 64-fold more active than penicillin (MIC = 32 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureusATCC 43300.

Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of (S,Z)-4-methyl-2-(4-oxo-5-((5-substituted phenylfuran-2-yl) methylene)-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)Pentanoic Acids

The microbial resistance has become a global hazard with the irrational use of antibiotics. Infection of drug-resistant bacteria seriously threatens human health. Currently, there is an urgent need for the development of novel antimicrobial agents with new mechanisms and lower levels of toxicity. In this paper, a series of (S ,Z)-4-methyl-2-(4-oxo-5-((5-substitutedphenylfuran-2-yl) methylene)-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)pentanoic acids via a Knoevenagel condensation were synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity in - vitro. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, (1)H NMR and MS. The antibacterial test in - vitro showed that all of the synthesized compounds had good antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria (including multidrug-resistant clinical isolates) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 2-4 µg/mL. Especially compounds 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f were the most potent, with MIC values of 2 µg/mL against four multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial strains.

Gene expression profiling of Duchenne muscular dystrophy reveals characteristics along disease progression

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy with no cure currently available. In this study, using two microarray data sets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we conducted a dysfunctional pathway-enrichment analysis and investigated deregulated genes that are specific to different phases of the disease in order to determine pathogenic characteristics in the progression of DMD. We identified 41 and 33 dysfunctional pathways that were enriched with differentially expressed genes in presymptomatic patients and in symptomatic patients, respectively. Over 70% of pathways were shared between both phases and many of them involved the inflammatory process, suggesting that inflammatory cascades were induced soon after the birth of the patients. Further investigation showed that presymptomatic patients performed better with respect to muscle regeneration and cardiac muscle calcium homeostasis maintenance. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase, dihydropyridine receptors, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase, and phospholamban may serve as potential targets for further molecular diagnostic tests. Our results may provide a better understanding for the treatment of DMD.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of 7-alkoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b]benzothiazol-3(2H)-ones

A new series of 7-alkoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b]benzothiazol-3(2H)-ones were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities. Among these compounds, 7-propoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b]benzothiazol-3(2H)-one (4c) and 7-butoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b]benzothiazol-3(2H)-one (4d) showed the highest activity against maximal electroshock (MES)-induced tonic extension [effective dose (ED)50 : 11.4 and 13.6 mg/kg, respectively]. It is worth mentioning that compound 4d showed especially low neurotoxicity, which led to a high protective index (PI >51). The orally anticonvulsant activity data of compound 4d further confirmed its efficacy, in an MES test, and its high safety with a PI value of 50.2. In addition, the potency of compound 4h against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and bicuculline in the chemical-induced seizure tests suggested that compound 4d may exert its anticonvulsant activity through affecting the GABAergic system.

Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Evaluation of some New 6-(Substituted-phenyl)thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole Derivatives in Mice

Epilepsy is the most frequent nearological affiction and afflicts 1% about of the world's population. Currently there is an urgent need for the development of novel anticonvulsants with higher levels of potency and lower levels of toxicity. In this paper, a series of new 6-(substituted-phenyl)thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anticonvulsant activities using the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) screens, which are the most widely employed seizure models for early identification of candidate anticonvulsants. Their neurotoxicity was determined applying the rotarod test. In these compounds, 6-(4-fluorophenyl)thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole (3c) showed selective protection against the MES seizures with an ED50 value of 49.1 mg/Kg and a TD50 value of 94.1 mg/Kg, which provided compound 3c a protective index (PI = TD50/ED50) of 1.9 in the MES test. 6-(4-Propoxyphenyl)thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole (5b) was found to be active in both models, i.e. MES test and PTZ test. In the PTZ screen, compound 5b gave an ED50 of 63.4 mg/Kg and a TD50 of 105.6 mg/Kg, resulting in a PI value of 1.7 which is higher than carbamazepine.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (E)-1-(substituted)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-ones bearing rhodanines as potent anti-microbial agents

Herein, we report the design, syntheses and in vitro anti-microbial activity of two series of rhodanines with chalcone moiety. Anti-microbial tests showed that some of the synthesized compounds exhibited good inhibition (MIC = 1-8 µg/mL) against multi-drug-resistant Gram-positive organisms, including methicillin resistant and quinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in which the compound 4g was found to be the most potent with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1 µg/mL against two methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Synthesis and evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of 8-alkoxy-4,5-dihydrobenzo[b][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-d][1,4]thiazepine derivatives

Two series of 8-alkoxy-4,5-dihydrobenzo[b][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-d][1,4]thiazepine derivatives (6a-q and 7a-q) were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity using the maximal electroshock (MES) method. All of the compounds prepared were effective in the MES screens. Among which, compound 7j was considered as the most promising one with an ED50 value of 26.3 mg/kg and a superior protective index value of 12.6. The potency of compound 7j against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, 3-mercaptopropionic acid and bicuculline suggested that two different mechanisms of action might potentially be involved in its anticonvulsant activity, including the inhibition of voltage-gated ion channels and the modulation of GABAergic activity. A computational study was also conducted to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of the compounds prepared, with the results supporting the use of these compounds as a group of promising antiepileptic agents.

Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of rhodanine-based 5-aryloxy pyrazoles against selected methicillin resistant and quinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA and QRSA)

With an intention to synergize the anti-bacterial activity of 5-aryloxy pyrazole and rhodanine derivatives, eight series of hybrid compounds have been synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activity. The majority of the synthesized compounds showed good inhibitory activity against selected methicillin resistant and quinolone-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, QRSA) with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values in the range of 1-32 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity test suggests that these compounds exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations. These studies therefore suggest that rhodanine-based 5-aryloxy pyrazoles are interesting scaffolds for the development of novel Gram-positive antibacterial agents.

Design, synthesis, and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of 4-(3-alkoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-ones

A series of 4-(3-alkoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-ones were synthesized using the appropriate synthetic route and evaluated experimentally in the maximal electroshock test; their neurotoxicities were evaluated by the rotarod neurotoxicity test. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by IR, MS, (1) H-NMR, and elementary analysis. All target compounds exhibited anticonvulsant activity to varying degrees in the maximal electroshock test. 4-(3-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazol-3-one (4i) was the most promising compound with an ED(50) value of 30.5 mg/kg and a protective index (PI) of 18.63, showing a higher safety than the standard carbamazepine (PI=6.45). In addition, the potency of compound 4i against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole and 3-mercaptopropionic acid suggested its broad-spectrum activity, and the mechanisms of action including inhibition of voltage-gated ion channels and modulation of GABAergic activity might be involved in its anticonvulsant activity.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of 6-substituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a](tetrazolo[5,1-a])phthalazine derivatives

With the aim of finding new anticonvulsant drugs, new 6-substituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a] (tetrazolo[5,1-a]) phthalazine derivatives (1-34) have been designed and synthesized. All the compounds were evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities using the maximal electroshock test (MES). Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited potent anticonvulsant activities in the MES. The most promising compound 14 showed significant anticonvulsant activity in MES test with ED₅₀ value of 9.3 mg/kg. It displayed a wide margin of safety with protective index much higher than the standard drug Carbamazepine. And the potency of compound 14 against seizures induced by Pentylenetetrazole, Isoniazid, Thiosemicarbazide and 3-Mercaptopropionic acid in the chemical-induced seizure tests suggested that compound 14 displayed wide spectrum of activity in several models.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activities of some triazolothiadiazole derivatives

The present study describes the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of 6-substituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives (4a-4x) and their partially dehydrogenated products 5,6-dihydro-6-substituted-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives (5a-5n). The bioevaluation demonstrated that most compounds in the series of 4a-4x exhibited potent anticonvulsant activity in the maximal electroshock test. Among which, 6-(4-chlorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole (4h) emerged as the most promising candidate on the basis of its favorable ED(50) value of 23.7 mg/kg and PI value of 10.8. In addition, the potency of compound 4h against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and bicuculline in the chemical-induced seizure tests suggested that compound 4h displayed broad-spectrum activity in several models, and it may exert its anticonvulsant activity through affecting the GABAergic system.

N-palmitoylethanolamide, an endocannabinoid, exhibits antidepressant effects in the forced swim test and the tail suspension test in mice

The antidepressant-like effects of N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a putative endocannabinoid, was investigated in mice using the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swimming test (FST). In TST, PEA (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) produced a statistically significant reduction in immobility (50, 32, and 34%, respectively, vs. the control group), whereas fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) reduced immobility by 38%. In FST, PEA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) produced a statistically significant reduction in immobility (15, 21, and 36%, respectively), whereas fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) reduced immobility by 18%. Moreover, PEA (20 mg/kg) did not significantly change motor activity in a spontaneous behavioral test. In conclusion, PEA (dose range of 5-40 mg/kg) administered orally reduced immobility in TST and FST, comparable to the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine, and had no effect on spontaneous activity in mice.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 7-alkoxy-triazolo-[3, 4-b]benzo[d]thiazoles

The present study describes the chemical synthesis and anticonvulsant activity evaluation of a series of 7-alkoxy-triazolo-[3, 4-b]benzo[d]thiazoles. Most compounds exhibited good anticonvulsant activity in the Maximal electroshock (MES) test. And the structure-activity relationships (SAR) were analyzed. Among the compounds studied, 7-octyloxy-triazolo-[3, 4-b]benzo[d]thiazole (5g) was found to be the most potent compound with a median effective dose (ED(50)) value of 8.0 mg/kg and a protective index (PI) value of 15.0, possessing better anticonvulsant activity and higher safety than marketed drugs carbamazepine and phenytoin. The mechanism study of compound 5g showed that it displayed broad spectrum activity in several models, and it is likely to have several mechanisms of action (including inhibiting voltage-gated ion channels and GABAergic activity).

Synthesis and antidepressant-like action of 9-alkoxy-7H-furo[3,2-g] chromen-7-ones in mice

The present study describes the chemical synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of 9-alkoxy-7H-furo[3,2-g]-chromen-7-ones. The pharmacological results of these compounds show that nine of them, given orally, reduced the immobility time in the forced swimming test. The results of the open-field test further confirmed that these compounds possessed an antidepressant-like effect. In the 5-hydroxytryptophan induced head-twitch test, 9-(3-chlorobenzyloxy)-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one (3 m, 40 mg/kg p. o.) significantly increased the cumulative numberof head twitches. This finding suggested that the antidepressant-like profile seems to involve the serotonergic system as underlying mechanism.

Synthesis and primary anticonvulsant activity evaluation of 6-alkyoxyl-tetrazolo [5,1-a]phthalazine derivatives

A new series of 6-alkyoxyl-tetrazolo[5,1-a] phthalazine derivatives (4 a-4 o) were synthesized as potential anticonvulsant agents. Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by the maximal electroshock (MES) test. Neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod neurotoxicity test. The pharmacological results showed that 6-(4-chlorophenyoxyl)-tetrazolo[5,1-a]phthalazine (4 m) was the most potent agent, with a median effective dose (ED50) of 6.8 mg/kg and a median neurotoxic dose (TD50) of 456.4 mg/kg. The protective index (PI = TD50/ED50) for compound 4 m was 67.1, which was significantly higher than that for the reference drug carbamazepine (PI = 6.4).

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of some 7-alkoxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-ones and 7-alkoxy-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-d]benzo[b][1,4]thiazines

A series of 7-alkoxy-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3(4H)-ones and a new series of 7-alkoxy-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-d]benzo[b][1,4]thiazine derivatives were synthesized using 5-methoxybenzo[d]thiazol-2-amine as starting material. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by IR, (1)H-NMR spectroscopic data and microanalyses. The anticonvulsant activity of these compounds was evaluated by maximal electroshock (MES) test and rotarod test following intraperitoneal injection in KunMing mice. Among the synthesized compounds 3a-v, 7-(hexyloxy)-2H-benzo[b][1,4]thiazin-3(4H)-one (3f) could be considered potentially the most useful and safe therapeutic compound. Among the synthesized compounds 4a-u, compound 7-(2-fluorobenzyloxy)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-d]benzo[b][1,4]thiazine (4k) was the most active compound with an ED(50) of 17.0 mg/kg, TD(50) of 243.9 mg/kg and protective index (PI) of 14.3. Its neurotoxicity was lower than all the other synthesized compounds and also markedly lower than that of the reference drug carbamazepine.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 1-formamide-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoline derivatives

Using 6-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolone as the starting material, a series of 1-formamide-triazolo[4, 3-a]quinoline derivatives (6a-6n) was synthesized, the anticonvulsant effect and neurotoxicity of the compounds was calculated with maximal electroshock test and rotarod tests with intraperitoneally injected in KunMing mice. The results demonstrated that compound 7-(hexyloxy)-4,5-dihydro-[1,2,4] triazolo[4,3-a]quinoline-1-carboxamide (6d) was the most active one and also had the lowest toxicity. In the anti-maximal electroshock potency test, it showed median effective dose (ED(50)) of 30.1 mg/kg, median toxicity dose (TD(50)) of 286 mg/kg, and the protective index of 9.5 which is greater than the reference drug carbamazepine with the protective index value of 6.0.

Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of a new 6-alkoxy-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine

A series of 6-alkoxy-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine derivatives were synthesized. In initial screening and quantitative evaluation, compound 2r was among the most active agents, exhibiting in the same time the lowest toxicity. In the anti-maximal electroshock test, it showed median effective dose (ED50) of 17.3 mg/kg and median toxicity dose (TD50) of 380.3 mg/kg, and the protective index (PI) of 22.0, which is much better than PI of the reference drugs. In a subsequent test, compound 2r had median hypnotic dose (HD50) of 746.6 mg/kg, thus demonstrating much better margin of safety compared to reference drugs. Compound 2r also showed oral activity against MES-induced seizures and lower oral neurotoxicity. For explanation of the putative mechanism of action, compound 2r was tested in chemical induced models.

[The discovery and study on invasive strain of Escherichia coli O121]

A strain of Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli was isolated from the stool with blood and mucus of a child suffering from acute diarrhea. The strain shows the following characteristics: rapid fermentation of glucose (with gas), no fermentation of lactose, beta-galactosidase reaction positive, growth in acetate media, lysine decarboxylase negative, non-motility causing keratoconjunctivitis in guinea pigs and invading into epithelial cells, with a plasmid of 140 Md, Serotype is O121:H- which is a new serotype of Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli.