"DNA signaturing" database construction for Tetradesmus species identification and phylogenetic relationships of Scenedesmus-like green microalgae (Scenedesmaceae, Chlorophyta).

Species identification of Scenedesmus-like microalgae, comprising Desmodesmus, Tetradesmus, and Scenedesmus, has been challenging due to their high morphological and genetic similarity. After developing a DNA signaturing tool for Desmodesmus identification, we built a DNA signaturing database for Tetradesmus. The DNA signaturing tool contained species-specific nucleotide sequences of Tetradesmus species or strain groups with high similarity in ITS2 sequences. To construct DNA signaturing, we collected data on ITS2 sequences, aligned the sequences, organized the data by ITS2 sequence homology, and determined signature sequences according to hemi-compensatory base changes (hCBC)/CBC data from previous studies. Four Tetradesmus species and 11 strain groups had DNA signatures. The signature sequence of the genus Tetradesmus, TTA GAG GCT TAA GCA AGG ACCC, recognized 86% (157/183) of the collected Tetradesmus strains. Phylogenetic analysis of Scenedesmus-like species revealed that the Tetradesmus species were monophyletic and closely related to each other based on branch lengths. Desmodesmus was suggested to split into two subgenera due to their genetic and morphological distinction. Scenedesmus must be analyzed along with other genera of the Scenedesmaceae family to determine their genetic relationships. Importantly, DNA signaturing was integrated into a database for identifying Scenedesmus-like species through BLAST.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking study and molecular dynamics simulation of new coumarin-pyrimidine hybrid compounds having anticancer and antidiabetic activity.

Coumarin-pyrimidine hybrid compounds were synthesized by condensation reaction of α,ß-unsaturated ketones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin with guanidine. The reaction yields were of 42-62%. The antidiabetic and anticancer activities of these compounds were examined. These compounds displayed low toxicity to two cancer cell lines (including KB and HepG2 ones), but exhibited remarkably active against α-amylase with IC50 values of 102.32 ± 1.15 µM to 249.52 ± 1.14 µM and against α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 52.16 ± 1.12 µM to 184.52 ± 1.15 µM. Amongst these compounds, 6c was the best inhibitory activity against α-amylase, and 6f had the highest activity against α-glucosidase. The kinetics of inhibitor 6f was competitive α-glucosidase inhibitor property. ADMET predictions showed that almost all synthesized compounds exhibited drug-like activity. IFD and MD simulations were carried out on enzymes 4W93 and 5NN8 to elucidate inhibitory potential of 6c and 6f against tested enzymes. The binding free energy calculation by MM-GBSA approach showed that Coulomb, lipophilic and van der Waals energy terms are major contributors for the inhibitor binding. Molecular dynamics simulations in water solvent system were carried out for the 6f/5NN8 complex to elucidate the variability of active interactions between ligand 6f and active pockets of this enzyme.

Determination of enantiomeric impurity of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on a cellulose tris(3,5-dichlorophenyl-carbamate) chiral stationary phase and the characterization of its related substances.

A simple and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to determine the enantiomeric impurity of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, an orally bioavailable prodrug of tenofovir, commonly used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B. Tenofovir disoproxil and its enantiomer, were completely separated on a Chiralpak IC column (3 µm, 100 × 4.6 mm, i.d.). The chiral separation was achieved using a mobile phase containing n-hexane, ethanol, methanol, and triethylamine 65/25/10/0.1 (v/v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. Ideally, the reversal of enantiomer elution order was achieved on the Chiralpak IC column, to allow the elution of the minor enantiomeric impurity before the major component. Moreover, the proposed method was able to discriminate the active ingredient from the related substances available in the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate raw materials. These compounds were isolated and structurally elucidated by MS and nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on the spectral data, the structures of related substances were confirmed as tenofovir isoproxil monoester and fumaric acid. The high-performance liquid chromatography method was optimized by the design of experiment approach and successfully validated following the International Conference on Harmonization guideline. Proposed method was effectively applied for the quantification of enantiomeric impurity in tenofovir disoproxil fumarate raw materials.

A capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of the linagliptin enantiomeric impurity.

Linagliptin is a highly specific, long-acting inhibitor that is used as an orally administrable agent for type-2 diabetes treatment. Because only the R-enantiomer is of clinical use, we developed a capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of the enantiomeric impurity of this compound. Carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin was selected as the chiral selector for the separation of linagliptin enantiomers. Design of experiments and desirability functions were used for the analytical optimization, which was focused on understanding and improving the electrophoretic process. The effects of significant parameters (background electrolyte concentration and pH, cyclodextrin concentration, temperature, and voltage) were thoroughly investigated. The complete separation of linagliptin and its enantiomeric impurity with baseline resolution was achieved within 10 min on an uncoated fused-silica capillary (50 µm inner diameter, 365 µm outer diameter, 64.5/56 cm in total/ effective length) maintained at 25°C, under an applied voltage of 28.0 kV. The background electrolyte contained 70 mM sodium acetate and 4.7 mM carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin, and the pH was adjusted to 6.10. The method was validated, and a limit of quantitation of 0.05% for the impurity was estimated.

[Expression of the kallistatin gene in rat corpus cavernosum].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of the kallistatin gene in the corpus cavernosum and search for some new molecular targets for the regulation of penile erectile function and treatment of ED. METHODS: Using reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence staining, we detected the expression of kallistatin in the rat corpus cavernosum and compared it with that in the aorta. RESULTS: The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot revealed both mRNA and protein expressions of kallistatin in the rat corpus cavernosal tissue, with no statistically significant difference from those in the aorta (P > 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that kallistatin was expressed in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the corpus cavernosum and localized in the cytoplasm, with no statistically significant difference from its expression in the aorta (P > 0.05) either. CONCLUSIONS: The kallistatin gene is highly expressed in the corpus cavernosum and localized in cavernosal endothelial and smooth muscle cells, suggestive of its involvement in the cellular function of cavernosal endothelial and smooth muscle cells and its participation in the regulation of penile erectile function.

Effects and mechanisms of the secondary structure on the antimicrobial activity and specificity of antimicrobial peptides.

A 15-mer cationic α-helical antimicrobial peptide HPRP-A1 was used as the parent peptide to study the effects of peptide secondary structure on the biophysical properties and biological activities. Without changing the amino acid composition of HPRP-A1, we designed two α-helical peptides with either higher or lower helicity compared with the parent peptide, a ß-sheet peptide and a random coiled peptide using de novo design approach. The secondary structures were confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The three α-helical peptides exhibited comparable antibacterial activities, but their hemolytic activity varied from extreme hemolysis to no hemolysis, which is correlated with their helicity. The ß-sheet peptide shows poor antibacterial and strong hemolytic activities. More interestingly, the random coil peptide shows no antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, weak antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, and extremely weak hemolytic activity. Bacterial membrane permeabilization was also testified on peptides with different secondary structures. Tryptophan fluorescence experiment revealed that the peptide binding preference to the lipid vesicles for mimicking the prokaryotic or eukaryotic membranes was consistent with their biological activities. With the de novo design approach, we proved that it is important to maintain certain contents of amphipathic secondary structure for a desirable biological activity. We believe that the de novo design approach of relocation of the amino acids within a template sequence could be an effective approach in optimizing the specificity of an antimicrobial peptide.

Preparation and Characterization of Palmitoyl Grafted Cellulose Nano Absorbent for the Efficient Adsorption of Pyrene from Aqueous Solution.

Palmitoyl grafted modified cellulose were prepared by simple chemical grafting method and applied as nano adsorbent for removal of pyrene from aqueous solution. The chemical properties and morphology of prepared nano-adsorbent were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TGA, and contact angle. Results showed that palmitoyl successfully grafted on the surface of cellulose and possess effective organic functional groups for the adsorption of pyrene from aqueous solution. The adsorption performance of modified cellulose was significantly improved toward pyrene in aqueous solution. It is worthy to note that 0.25 g of palmitoyl grafted cellulose (PMC) removed 92% pyrene compared to unmodified cellulose which adsorbed 36% pyrene from 1.65 ppm aqueous solution of pyrene in very short contact time at room temperature. Results showed that, presence of various organic functional groups from palmitoyl chains grafted on cellulose backbone affected to pyrene removal. After completion of adsorption phenomenon nano-adsorbent can be removed by simply filtration process and reused several times. The adsorption capacity was studied under different experimental conditions and their effects on adsorption such as temperature, pH, and contact time were also studied. The kinetics and isotherms of material were also determined.

Glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenases (1 and 2) in cancer and other diseases.

The glycerol 3-phosphate shuttle (GPS) is composed of two different enzymes: cytosolic NAD+-linked glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GPD1) and mitochondrial FAD-linked glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2). These two enzymes work together to act as an NADH shuttle for mitochondrial bioenergetics and function as an important bridge between glucose and lipid metabolism. Since these genes were discovered in the 1960s, their abnormal expression has been described in various metabolic diseases and tumors. Nevertheless, it took a long time until scientists could investigate the causal relationship of these enzymes in those pathophysiological conditions. To date, numerous studies have explored the involvement and mechanisms of GPD1 and GPD2 in cancer and other diseases, encompassing reports of controversial and non-conventional mechanisms. In this review, we summarize and update current knowledge regarding the functions and effects of GPS to provide an overview of how the enzymes influence disease conditions. The potential and challenges of developing therapeutic strategies targeting these enzymes are also discussed.

Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) increases with age, with >50% of men aged >40 years reporting erectile dysfunction (ED). In recent years, wearable male sex devices (WMSDs) have been increasingly utilized by patients and recommended by sexual medicine clinicians. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to investigate the safety and efficacy of products currently marketed for the treatment of MSD. METHODS: Available products for WMSDs were reviewed by analyzing product websites, forums, advertisements, and clinical recommendations. Qualitative comparisons were based on patient reviews, cost, and specific features. Investigatory evidence and Food and Drug Administration status were also reviewed. Additionally, Google Trends was used to determine the popularity of devices over time. RESULTS: Eight WMSDs for the treatment of MSD and enhancement of sexual pleasure were reviewed. Constriction bands, such as the Maintain Ring Loop, Eddie by Giddy, and Xialla, have shown significant benefits in clinical trials and were the most popular devices among patients. Smart devices can provide real-time feedback on erectile quality and/or sexual performance. Similar to the RigiScan, the Adam sensor provides feedback on erectile quality while monitoring changes in penile tumescence during sleep with additional analysis available through a mobile application. Neuromodulation devices such as the Morari Patch and vPatch/in2 Patch use electrical stimulation to delay ejaculation and improve sexual function. The FirmTech Performance Ring uses sensors to track the vital signs of erectile fitness with clinical trials ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this review describes the available investigatory evidence for a range of WMSDs and highlights the potential benefits and limitations of these devices in treating MSD and enhancing sexual pleasure. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these devices and to determine which ones may be the most suitable for individual patients.

Prevalence of common autosomal recessive mutation carriers in women in the Southern Vietnam following the application of expanded carrier screening.

The common autosomal recessive (AR) mutation carrier is still unknown in Vietnam. This study aims to identify the most common AR gene mutation carriers in women of reproductive age to build a Vietnamese-specific carrier screening panel for AR and X-linked disorders in the preconception and prenatal healthcare program. A cross-sectional study was conducted at University Medical Center-Branch 2 in Ho Chi Minh City from December 1st, 2020, to June 30th, 2023. 338 women have consented to take a 5 mL blood test to identify 540 recessive genes. The carrier screening panel was designed based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)-recommended genes and suggestions from 104 clinical experts in Vietnam. Obstetricians and genetic experts counseled all positive testing results to discuss the possibility of recessive diseases in their offspring. The most common recessive disorders were defined at a prevalence of 1 in 60 or greater, and those were added to a Vietnamese-specific carrier screening panel. 338 non-pregnant and pregnant women underwent the expanded carrier screening (ECS). The carrier frequency was 63.6%, in which 215 women carried at least one AR gene mutation. GJB2 hearing impairment was identified as the most common chronic condition (1 in 5). The second most common AR disorder was beta-thalassemia (1 in 16), followed by cystic fibrosis (1 in 23), G6PD deficiency (1 in 28), Wilson's disease (1 in 31), Usher's syndrome (1 in 31), and glycogen storage disease (1 in 56). Seven common recessive genes were added in ethnic-based carrier screening. Women in the South of Vietnam have been carried for many recessive conditions at high frequency, such as hearing impairment, genetic anemia, and cystic fibrosis. It is necessary to implement a preconception and prenatal screening program by using seven widely popular AR genes in a Vietnamese-specific carrier screening panel to reduce the burden related to AR and X-linked disorders.

Global mortality of chronic liver diseases attributable to Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections from 1990 to 2019 and projections to 2030.

BACKGROUND: The burden of chronic liver disease (CLD) deaths attributable to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains unknown. Further research is required to elucidate the extent of this burden in the eventual elimination of these diseases. METHODS: Data on liver cancer, cirrhosis, and other CLD among 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019 was extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) published in 2019. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the temporal trend and predict the disease burden by 2030. RESULTS: The number of HCV-related CLD deaths surpassed that of CLD deaths caused by HBV in 2019 (536833 deaths versus 523003 deaths) and is expected to be maintained until 2030 (689124 deaths versus 628824 deaths). East Asia had the highest burden of chronic HBV and HCV infections during the study period. In 2019, the largest age-standardized death rates (ASDR) of CLD deaths caused by HBV and HCV were mainly observed in Western Sub-Saharan Africa (18.75%) and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (16.42%), respectively. South Asia and East Asia are predicted to have the highest number of CLD deaths related to HCV and HBV by 2030. Eastern Europe and South Asia show the largest expected increase in disease burden caused by HCV or HBV between 2019 and 2030. No GBD region is projected to achieve the WHO target of a 65% reduction in mortality from chronic HBV and HCV infections by 2030. CONCLUSIONS: Although the mortality of CLD caused by HBV and HCV decreased in the last three decades (from 1990 to 2019), the number of deaths will continue to increase until 2030. Therefore, governments and international organizations need to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, screening, and treatment, especially in potential emerging hotspot regions.

Analysis of the factors influencing teamwork among oncology nurses based on multigroup structural equation model.

Background: Effective teamwork among nurses could help reduce patient mortality and improve patient satisfaction. Previous studies have revealed factors influencing nursing teamwork, including internal factors, types of hospitals and departments, demographic factors of nurses, and scheduling. However, the factors influencing teamwork among oncology nurses have not yet been analyzed in domestic studies. This study investigated the status quo and influencing factors of teamwork among oncology nurses in order to inform strategies for improving clinical treatment effect and survival time of cancer patients. Methods: Nurses from the oncology department were recruited through convenience sampling. The survey tools included a general information questionnaire, professional identity scale, missed nursing care scale, and nursing teamwork scale. SPSS 25.0 and Amos 24.0 were used to verify the reliability and validity of each scale and to modify them. A structural equation model was constructed to analyze the model fit and each path coefficient. The structural equation model was used to analyze the factors influencing nursing teamwork in the oncology department, and a multigroup structural equation model was used to analyze whether the degree of nurses' participation in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) was a moderating variable of nursing teamwork. Results: A total of 583 valid questionnaires were collected from participants, and the total score for nursing teamwork was 126.86±15.62. The comprehensive influence path coefficients of professional identity and missed nursing care on nursing teamwork were as follows: team leadership (0.454) > trust and support (0.407) > team mental model (0.348). The coefficients of structural path H4 (professional identity → trust and support), H5 (professional identity → team leadership), and H7 (missed nursing care → team mental model) in the 2 group structural equation models based on the degree of nurses' participation in ERAS showed significant differences [Δχ2 =7.033, Degrees of freedom (DF)=4, P=0.000]. Conclusions: The professional identity of oncology nurses had a direct positive impact on team leadership, trust and support, team mental model, and missed nursing care. The degree of nursing staff's participation in ERAS had a moderating effect on nursing teamwork.

Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, ADMET and Molecular Docking Studies of Some Quinoline-Pyrimidine Hybrid Compounds: 3-(2-Amino-6-arylpyrimidin-4- yl)-4-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-2(1H)-ones.

AIMS: This study aims are the synthesis of 3-(2-amino-6-arylpyrimidin-4-yl)-4-hydroxy-1- methylquinolin-2(1H)-ones and estimation their anticancer activities on HepG2 and KB cancer lines. BACKGROUND: Many derivatives of quinoline-2-on have been interested to synthesize and evaluate their biological properties by organic chemists due to their various biological effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activities. Quinoline-pyrimidine hybrid compounds exhibited various biological activities, such as antituberculosis, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, etc. The connection of 4-hydroxyquinoline-2-one with 2-amino-pyrimidine could initiate the new activities. OBJECTIVE: α,ß-Unsaturated ketones of 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2-one were prepared. Novel 2-amino-6-aryl-4-(4'-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2'-on-3'-yl)pyrimidines have been synthesized by reaction of these corresponding α,ß-unsaturated ketones with guanidine hydrochloride. Human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and squamous cell carcinoma KB cancer lines were used for screening their cytotoxicity. METHODS: 3-Acetyl-4-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2-one was prepared from N-methylaniline and diethyl malonate. Reaction of (un)substituted benzaldehydes with this 4-hydroxyquinoline-2-one produced corresponding substituted α,ß-unsaturated ketones in the presence of piperidine as catalyst. 2- Amino-6-aryl-4-(4'-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2'-on-3'-yl)pyrimidines have been synthesized from these α,ß-unsaturated ketones of 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2-one by reaction of corresponding α,ß-unsaturated ketones with guanidine hydrochloride. All obtained pyrimidines were screened for anticancer activity using MTT bio-assay method. RESULTS: Seven substituted (E)-4-hydroxy-3-(3-(aryl)acryloyl)-1-methylquinolin-2(1H)-ones were prepared and converted to corresponding substituted 2-amino-6-aryl-4-(4'-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin- 2'-on-3'-yl)pyrimidines with yields of 58-74%. All the synthesized pyrimidines were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and squamous cell carcinoma KB cancer lines. Compounds 6b and 6e had the best activity in the series, with IC50 values equal to 1.32 and 1.33 µM, respectively. ADMET properties showed that compounds 6b, 6e, and 6f possessed the drug-likeness behavior. Cross-docking results indicated that residues GLN778(A), DT8(C), DT9(D), DA12(F), and DG13(F) in the binding pocket as potential ligand binding hot-spot residues for compounds 6b, 6e, and 6f. CONCLUSION: New substituted 2-amino-6-aryl-4-(4'-hydroxy-N-methylquinolin-2'-on-3'-yl)pyrimidines were obtained and displayed significant inhibition against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and squamous cell carcinoma KB cancer lines.

HTDMA-modified bentonite clay for effective removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution.

This work studies the Pb(II) removal onto bentonite clay modified by hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA). Characterizations of the unmodified and modified materials were performed by using XRD, SEM, TG-DSC, FT-IR, and BET surface area analyses. Factors influencing the uptake of Pb(II) from aqueous solution, such as pHsolution, ion strength, uptake time, adsorbent dosage, and initial Pb(II) concentration, were examined. The obtained results showed that bentonite clay was successfully modified by HDTMA, resulting in an increase in its surface area by about 70 %. The Pb(II) adsorption onto modified bentonite clay reached equilibrium at pH = 5.0 after 120 min. Studies within the isotherm and kinetic models demonstrated that the adsorption followed the Sips isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir model at 30 °C was 25.8 mg/g, which is much higher than that obtained for the unmodified sample (18.9 mg/g). The FT-IR and TG-DSC analyses indicated that the formation of inner-sphere complexes plays a fundamental role in the mechanism of Pb(II) uptake onto HDTMA-bentonite clay. This mechanism of Pb(II) adsorption was further investigated, for the first time, by using the positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) and electron momentum (EMD) measurements. The PAL and EMD analyses indicated that the existence of Al and Si mono-vacancies in the HDTMA-bentonite should have essential contributions to the adsorption mechanism. In particular, we found a very interesting mechanism that the Pb(II) adsorption should occur inside the interlayer spaces of the HDTMA-bentonite.

Ce3+/Ce4+-Doped ZrO2/CuO Nanocomposite for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue under Visible Light.

In recent years, photocatalysis has been used as an environmentally friendly method for the degradation of organic pigments in water. In this study, Ce3+/Ce4+-doped ZrO2/CuO as a mixed semiconductor oxide was successfully prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. The Ce3+/Ce4+-doped ZrO2/CuO has shown high degradation efficiency of methylene blue (MB), and the maximum degradation percentage was observed to be 94.5% at 180 min under irradiation visible light. The photocatalytic activity increases significantly by doping Ce3+/Ce4+ in ZrO2/CuO for MB degradation. Ce3+/Ce4+ doping is shown to reduce the (e-/h+) recombination rate and improve the charge transfer, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity of materials. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR, EDS, BET and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS).

Dynamic stability of cholesterol and desmosterol in human milk from four Asian countries.

Cholesterol is one of the functional nutrients in human milk, which is indispensable for infant growth. In this study, the concentration of cholesterol and desmosterol in human milk from four Asian countries (n = 578), including Korea, China, Vietnam, and Pakistan, were investigated. The average cholesterol concentrations of Korea and China were similar ranging between 90.2-91.6 mg/L, but those from Vietnam and Pakistan were higher at 113.8 and 175.7 mg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations were 31-36%, except for Pakistan (51%), showing a broad distribution of 48 to 612 mg/L. Desmosterol concentrations were similar, ranging between 11.2 and 12.8 mg/L except for Pakistan, which was lower than other countries at 9.4 mg/L. In addition, the cholesterol and desmosterol concentrations during the lactation periods were not significantly different in all four Asian countries. Mothers' BMI did not significantly impact the cholesterol and desmosterol concentration in maternal milk within the same country. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01141-9.

Synthesis of some 1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Series Containing Chromene Ring from α,ß-Unsaturated Ketones of 6-Acetyl-5-Hydroxy-4-Methylcoumarin.

BACKGROUND: Reaction of α,ß-unsaturated ketones with o-phenylenediamine afforded corresponding 2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines. OBJECTIVE: α,ß-Unsaturated ketones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin are precursors for synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines by a reaction with o-phenylenediamine. METHODS: Enones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin were prepared from this ketone and (un)substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of piperidine, triethylamine, or pyridine as a catalyst in absolute ethanol with 1:1 molar ratios, respectively. 2',3'-Dihydro-1H-1',5'-benzodiazepines were synthesized by using the reaction of these enones with o-phenylenediamine in absolute ethanol in the presence of glacial acetic acid as a catalyst. Their biological activities were evaluated using the disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Seven new 2',3'-dihydro-1H-1',5'-benzodiazepines were obtained and their structures were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography, IR, NMR and MS spectra. Some synthesized benzodiazepines showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli (Gram-(-) bacterium), Staphylococus epidermidis (Gram-(+) bacterium). Candida albicans (fungus). CONCLUSION: The formation of enones from 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and (un)substituted benzaldehydes could be catalyzed by piperidine, triethylamine, pyridine to afford similar yields. 2',3'-dihydro-1H- 1',5'-benzodiazepines have been synthesized from the aforementioned enones and o-phenylenediamine.

Removal of Tetracycline from Aqueous Solution Using Nanocomposite Based on Polyanion-Modified Laterite Material.

This work investigated the removal of antibiotic tetracycline (TC) from wastewater using nanocomposite material based on laterite modified with polyanion, polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). The effective factors influenced on the TC removal using nanocomposite PSS-modified laterite (NCPML) were optimized and found to be pH 4, solid-liquid ratio 5 mg/mL, and contact time 180 min. The highest removal of TC reached about 88% under the optimum adsorption conditions. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics of TC adsorption onto NCPML were in good agreement with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The characteristics of the NCPML material before and after TC adsorption were examined by zeta (ζ) potential measurements, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The TC adsorption onto NCPML was induced by electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and diffusion interaction. The TC removal from wastewater was approximately 94% while efficiency still reached 66% after five regenerations. Our research reveals that NCPML is a high-performance adsorbent for TC removal from wastewater.

A Comparison of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Gugging Swallowing Screen in Predicting Stroke-Associated Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: There have been many scales to predict pneumonia in stroke patients, but they are so complex, making it difficult to apply in practice. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the role of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) in predicting stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). These scales are routinely used in stroke patients. Therefore, their application in predicting SAP risk will be of high value in clinical practice. There has been no previous study evaluating the effectiveness of SAP risk prediction for each of these scales. AIM: This study aimed to compare the value of NIHSS and GUSS in SAP prediction and their convenience in clinical practice. METHODS: It was a cohort study. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the scales. Area under the curves (AUC) were calculated, and we compared them. RESULTS: NIHSS had a medium value of predictor of SAP with AUC 0.764 (95% CI 0.735-0.792), 65.4% Se, 76.5% Sp. GUSS had good value in predicting SAP with AUC 0.858 (95% CI 0.833-0.880), 80.5% Se, 80.1% Sp. Pairwise comparison of ROCs curves demonstrated that the difference between two AUCs was significant (p < 0.01). Performing GUSS required 24.5 ± 6.7 minutes, 2.5 times longer than NIHSS (9.9 ± 2.0 minutes). CONCLUSION: GUSS had a better predictive value of SAP than NIHSS. But NIHSS was more convenient in clinical practice because of its simple instrument and quick performance.

Risk Factors for Stroke Associated Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Stroke patients are at high risk for stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). If patients suffer from pneumonia their prognosis will worsen. AIM: To identify factors that increases the risk of SAP in stroke patients. METHODS: A group of 508 patients hospitalized within 5 days after the onset of stroke were enrolled prospectively. RESULTS: The incidence of SAP was 13.4%. Some major risk factors for SAP are: mechanical ventilation (MV) had odds ratio (OR) 16.4 (p <0.01); the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) > 15 OR 9.1 (p <0.01); the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) 0-14 OR 11.7 (p <0.01). CONCLUSION: SAP is a frequent complication. We identified some risk factors of SAP, especially stroke severity (NIHSS > 15), swallowing disorder (GUSS < 15) and mechanical ventilation.