Facile Synthesis of Some New Peptidomimetic ß3 -and ß2,3 -Amino Alcohols Possessing Pyridyl Moiety via Reductive Ring Opening of Pyridyl-isoxazolidines.

Regio- and stereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of C-(3-pyridyl)-N-phenylnitrone (2) with variedly substituted dipolarophiles (3, 4) were carried out to obtain substituted pyridyl-isoxazolidines (5-8). Reductive cleavage of pyridyl-isoxazolidines (5-8) with ammonium formate, methanol-THF solvents, at ambient temperature, in the presence of Pd/C provided a facile route for the synthesis of ß3 -and ß2,3 -amino alcohols (9-12), with a substitution pattern having pronounced influence on torsional angles. The obtained compounds (9-12) are valuable scaffolds which can be utilized for peptidomimetics. Thus, the present methodology for reductive opening of isoxazolidine ring avoids the disadvantages of using expensive apparatus and hazards involved in the use of hydrogen gas. The preferential formation of amino-alcohols in case of bicyclic isoxazolidines (8a-c), which precludes any recyclization is rationalized by DFT calculations.

Association between Yoga Participation and Arterial Stiffness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Yoga may help adults of all fitness levels increase their physical activity and decrease their cardiovascular disease risk. AIM: To determine if arterial stiffness is lower (beneficial) in yoga versus non-yoga participants. METHOD: This cross-sectional study included 202 yoga (48.4 + 14.1 years, 81% female) and 181 (42.8 + 14.1 years, 44% female) non-yoga participants. The primary outcome was carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). The two groups were compared using analysis of covariance with adjustments for demographic (age and sex), hemodynamic (mean arterial pressure and heart rate), lifestyle (physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, smoking status and perceived stress score) and cardiometabolic (waist-to-hip ratio, total cholesterol and fasting glucose) factors. RESULTS: Following adjustments, cfPWV was significantly lower in yoga compared to non-yoga participants with a mean difference: -0.28 m.s-1, (95% CI = -0.55 to 0.08). CONCLUSION: At a population level, yoga participation may assist with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults.

Association between Hamstring Flexibility and Sprint Speed after 8 Weeks of Yoga in Male Rugby Players.

BACKGROUND: A Yoga-asana-based intervention has demonstrated its ability to improve flexibility of individuals, but has not been explored in rugby players. We hypothesized that a structured yoga intervention may have an effect on flexibility and sprint performance in male rugby union players. METHODS: It was a controlled trial research design and players were assigned using random sampling to one of the two groups; a yoga group (n = 16) that practised yoga for 1 h 2 times a week for 8 weeks in addition to their normal rugby training and a control group (n = 15) with regular rugby training but no yoga intervention. Yoga intervention included 32 yoga postures to address both the upper and lower extremities of the body. Data were collected during preseason and mid-season on hamstring flexibility (sit and reach test), and sprint performance (measured at 5, 10, and 30 m). RESULTS: One hundred and twenty participants were screened and thirty-one players volunteered for the study. Interactions between groups and differences between pre- and post-intervention scores were analyzed using analysis of variance using SPSS (version 24.0). Significance was set at an alpha level of P = 0.05. The yoga group showed a small nonsignificant decrease (-1.2% ± 21.4%, P = 0.05) in hamstring flexibility compared to the control group which demonstrated a large significant decrease (-14.8% ± 23.7%) (mean % change ± 95% confidence interval [CI], P < 0.05). The yoga group also showed minor nonsignificant improvements in sprint times -3.2% ± 10.4%, -0.7% ± 9.0% for the 5 and 10 m sprints, respectively, (mean % change ± 95% CI) compared to controls -0.4% ± 10.2%, 0.4% ± 7.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that completing a structured yoga intervention alongside normal rugby training during the rugby season, yoga helped rugby players maintain their hamstring flexibility but did little to improve sprint performance during the season.

Analysis of Heart Rate Variability and Implication of Different Factors on Heart Rate Variability.

BACKGROUND: The heart is the central organ of the circulatory system, which maintains the flow of blood along with the transport of nutrients to different cells and tissues. A well-functioning cardiac state is a complicated mode of changeability. A healthy heart is not only about oscillation, as the rhythmometer is not the same in every circumstance. Heart rate shows variations so that it can be regulated according to psychophysiological conditions to maintain the effect of the internal-external stimulus. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this review is to provide a piece of all-inclusive information about heart rate variability (HRV) and different variables affecting HRV. The direct interconnection so that HRV can be used in clinical practices. METHODS: This review article contains a detailed survey of literature about HRV available in different online sources such as; Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science, etc. In this review, the authors have focused on the role of the autonomic nervous system in the regulation of HRV and the role of various factors affecting HRV. RESULTS: The variation in the time between two heartbeats is termed as HRV. It is one of the indicators of many pathological conditions related to cardiovascular health. It provided reliable information about the interaction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The analysis of the variation of heart rate is a well-known non-invasive technique to identify the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) depends on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system for transferring information. The cardio-accelerating center, lungs, and non-striated muscles are innervated by cardiac sympathetic nerves. This division of ANS latches upon the heart accordingly via the cervicothoracic ganglion and vagus nerve. It is found that cardiac normal variability depends upon this stimulation towards the sinoatrial node (pacemaker), which can be evaluated by analyzing the HRV. In human-based studies, it has been found that a low level of HRV is one of the main causes of death rate among adults. Hence, HRV helps in identifying the risk of cardiac diseases and the state of ANS. CONCLUSION: The heart plays a vital role in the human body and the well-functioning of the cardiac system is the need for a healthy life. The heart contains its nervous system termed as neurocardio system in which ANS plays a key role in which the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems interplay to regulate HRV. High HRV is associated with healthy condition, while low HRV is associated with pathological conditions. The HRV is influenced by various variables such as; pathological, physiological, psychological, environmental factors, lifestyle factors, and genetic factors, etc.

Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Role of Vitamins, and Herbal Extracts in the Reduction of Cardiovascular Risks.

BACKGROUND: Heart disease (cardiovascular disease: CVD) is considered the leading cause of worldwide death. These diseases are recognized as group of disorders which are related to heart and blood vessels. Generally, heart diseases are considered life style associated diseases but many other factors are also found associated with cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to provide the till date information regarding local and circulatory disorders, role of different vitamins and herbs on heart diseases. METHODS: This review article contains a detailed survey of literature about cardiovascular diseases, which was available in different online databases such as; PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc. In this review, the authors have focused on the description of cardiovascular disorders, their pathophysiological properties and importance of micronutrients, vitamins and herbs in the management of cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: Cardiovascular diseases are considered responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths annually at the global level. Surprisingly, low- and middle-income countries count for 75% of CVD deaths. These diseases represent disorders related to circulatory systems specially heart and coronary arteries. Many lifestyle associated factors such as; high cholesterol consumption, smoking, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, metabolic disorders, stress, and other factors such as; family history, age, gender and genetic factors, etc. have been found involved in occurrence of CVDs. That's why management of diet, management of tobacco and alcohol consumption, management of stress, increased physical activities are considered population-wide strategies for control cardiovascular diseases. On the basis of pathophysiology, heart diseases are of many types and out of them, Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) and Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) are considered serious and catastrophic cardiac disorders. Intake of vitamins, micronutrients, lycopene, omega 3 fatty acid and many herbs like Crataegus oxyacantha (Hawthron), Allium sativum (garlic), Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi), Ginkgo biloba have been identified good for cardiovascular diseases management and treatment. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular diseases are considered one of the fatal clinical conditions, as many of them are asymptomatic. The regulation of diet, increased physical activities, and healthy lifestyle are recommended to control the development of cardiovascular problems. Including this, scientific studies have supported the role of many vitamins, nutrients and herbs as beneficial in cardiovascular diseases, but many of them could not demonstrate their role at clinical level but it is suggested that their role as nutrients can not be ignored and their consumption may reduce the cardiovascular risks.

Correction: Synthesis of non-toxic, biocompatible, and colloidal stable silver nanoparticle using egg-white protein as capping and reducing agents for sustainable antibacterial application.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C8RA03649G.].

Comparison of expectation and satisfaction among new and existing denture wearers and correlation of duration of previous denture-wearing experience to satisfaction in completely edentulous patients: A pilot study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the patients' expectation and satisfaction with complete dentures before and after the treatment concerning retention, mastication, phonetics, esthetics, and comfort among the first-time denture wearers and already denture wearers and to find the correlation between duration of denture-wearing experience and satisfaction. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross sectional survey . MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was given to the patient before the onset of the treatment, and ratings were given by the patient for expectation regarding retention, mastication, phonetics, esthetics, and comfort. Patient-related variables regarding previous denture experience and duration of wearing were also recorded. After the treatment was completed, the patient was asked to complete the same questionnaire to assess the satisfaction. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics, frequency and percentage analysis, Wilcoxon signed- rank test, Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Expectation and satisfaction were met for all the variables except mastication (P = 0.004) for first-time wearers and except mastication (P = 0.001) and comfort (P = 0.007) among existing denture wearers. However, no significant correlation was elicited between patient expectation and satisfaction in both these groups as the overall mean satisfaction percentage was similar. A clinical significance of P = 0.037 was seen with respect to the duration of denture-wearing experience among existing wearers. Regression model analysis showed a decreased satisfaction with increased duration of wearing (r = 0.396). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction and expectation were found to be almost the same irrespective of whether they are first-time wearers or existing wearers. With the increase in the duration of denture-wearing experience, the satisfaction of the patients decreased.

Synthesis of non-toxic, biocompatible, and colloidal stable silver nanoparticle using egg-white protein as capping and reducing agents for sustainable antibacterial application.

For nearly a decade, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been the most prevalent commercial nanomaterials products widely used in different biomedical applications due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, their poor long-term stability in different environments, namely, pH, ionic strength, and temperature, and cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells has restricted their more extensive applications. Hence, there is urgent need to develop highly biocompatible, non-toxic, and stable silver nanoparticles for wide-ranging environments and applications. In the present study, a simple, sustainable, cost-effective and green method has been developed to prepare highly stable aqueous colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-EW) using the ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and ovomucoid of egg-white as reducing and capping agents accomplished under the irradiation of direct sunlight. Then, we evaluated the effects of freezing-drying (lyophilization) and freeze-thaw cycles on the stability of AgNPs-EW in aqueous solution under visual inspection, transmission electron microscopy, and absorbance spectroscopy. In addition, we studied the antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli, carried out biocompatibility studies on chicken blood, and tested acute, chronic toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. The results suggest that AgNPs-EW did not aggregate upon freeze-thawing and lyophilization, thus exhibiting remarkable stability. The antibacterial activity results showed that the AgNPs-EW had the highest antibacterial activity, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs-EW for E. Coli and S. typhimurium were 4 and 6 µg ml-1, respectively. The biocompatibility study revealed that the AgNPs-EW did not induce any hemolytic effect or structural damage to the cell membranes of chicken erythrocytes up to a concentration of 12 µg ml-1. Similarly, no acute and chronic toxicity was observed on melanization, fecundity, hatchability, viability, and the duration of development in the 1st generation of Drosophila melanogaster at the concentration range of 10 mg L-1 to 100 mg L-1 of AgNPs-EW, and all the flies completed their full developmental cycle. Therefore, the present study successfully demonstrated the green and sustainable preparation of non-toxic AgNPs-EW having good biocompatibility, enhanced colloidal stability, and antibacterial activity. Hence, the synthesized AgNPs-EW could be used for the development of an antimicrobial formulation for controlling microbial infection.

Mining of Microbial Genomes for the Novel Sources of Nitrilases.

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) has made it feasible to sequence large number of microbial genomes and advancements in computational biology have opened enormous opportunities to mine genome sequence data for novel genes and enzymes or their sources. In the present communication in silico mining of microbial genomes has been carried out to find novel sources of nitrilases. The sequences selected were analyzed for homology and considered for designing motifs. The manually designed motifs based on amino acid sequences of nitrilases were used to screen 2000 microbial genomes (translated to proteomes). This resulted in identification of one hundred thirty-eight putative/hypothetical sequences which could potentially code for nitrilase activity. In vitro validation of nine predicted sources of nitrilases was done for nitrile/cyanide hydrolyzing activity. Out of nine predicted nitrilases, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Sphingopyxis alaskensis, Saccharomonospora viridis, and Shimwellia blattae were specific for aliphatic nitriles, whereas nitrilases from Geodermatophilus obscurus, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei, Runella slithyformis, and Streptomyces albus possessed activity for aromatic nitriles. Flavobacterium indicum was specific towards potassium cyanide (KCN) which revealed the presence of nitrilase homolog, that is, cyanide dihydratase with no activity for either aliphatic, aromatic, or aryl nitriles. The present study reports the novel sources of nitrilases and cyanide dihydratase which were not reported hitherto by in silico or in vitro studies.

4-Substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent antibacterial agents: Rational design, microwave-assisted synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies.

In an attempt to discover a new class of antibacterial agents with improved efficacy and to overcome the drug-resistant problems, some novel 4-substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines have been synthesized via microwave-assisted methodology and evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacterial strains. Compounds 12b and 13c showed the promising inhibitory potencies against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with MICs ranging from 2 to 10 µg/ml. Compound 13c was also found to be highly potent against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with MIC value of 4 µg/ml. Docking simulation studies have been performed to unravel the mode of action and association study indicate the binding of potent compounds with DHPS enzyme. In silico ADME studies suggest the drug-like characteristics of the potent compounds.

Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Performances of Pyridine Based Monomer and Polymer Capped ZnO Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

The present research work describes the comparative analysis and performance characteristics of 4-pyridine based monomer and polymer capped ZnO dye-sensitized solar cells. The N, N-dimethyl-N4-((pyridine-4yl)methylene) propaneamine (4,monomer) and polyamine-4-pyridyl Schiff base (5, polymer) dyes were synthesized through one step condensation reaction between 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde 1 and N, N-dimethylpropylamine 2/polyamine 3. Products obtained N, N-dimethyl-N4-((pyridine-4yl)methylene)propaneamine (4) and polyamine-4-pyridyl Schiff base (5) were purified and characterized using 1H, 13C NMR, mass, IR and CHN spectroscopy. Both the dyes 4 and 5 were further coated over ZnO nanoparticles and characterized using SEM, DLS and XRD analysis. Absorption profile and emission profile was monitored using fluorescence and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. A thick layer of these inbuilt dye linked ZnO nanoparticles of dyes (4) and (5) was pasted on one of the conductive side of ITO glass followed with a liquid electrolyte and counter electrode of the same conductive glass. Polyamine-4-pyridyl Schiff base polymer (5) decorated dye sensitized solar cell has shown better exciting photovoltaic properties in the form of short circuit current density (J(sc) = 6.3 mA/cm2), open circuit photo voltage (V(oc) = 0.7 V), fill factor (FF = 0.736) than monomer decorated dye sensitized solar cell. Polymer dye (5) based ZnO solar cell has shown a maximum solar power to electrical conversion efficiency of 3.25%, which is enhanced by 2.16% in case of monomer dye based ZnO solar cell under AM 1.5 sun illuminations.

Pyrimidine-based functional fluorescent organic nanoparticle probe for detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A pyrimidine-based sensor () has been synthesized through the facile one pot reaction of pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, 2-aminobenzimidazole and 1, 3-dimethylbarbituric acid in methanol using a few drops of HCl as a catalyst. Further, compound was fabricated into its fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) and characterized using DLS and SEM. The photophysical evaluation of the FONPs was done against bacteria and fungi. It was observed that the fluorescence intensity of the FONPs was selectively enhanced in the presence of the Gram -ve bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a detection limit of 46 CFU. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on the use of the FONPs of pyrimidine derivative for the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in various samples.

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles of dihydropyrimidone derivatives for selective recognition of iodide using a displacement assay: application of the sensors in water and biological fluids.

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FON's) derived from dihydropyrimidone derivatives (1-4) were developed and evaluated for their sensor properties. Nano-aggregates of compound 3 and 4 resulted in sensors. Nano-aggregates of compound 3 showed enhancement in the monomer peaks of the pyrene moiety after the addition of mercury. Nano-aggregates of compound 4 resulted in quenching of intensity upon addition of Hg(2+). On the other hand, no sensor activity was recorded for nano-aggregates of compounds 1 and 2. Further, the complex of nano-aggregates of 3 and mercury (3·Hg(2+)) recognised iodide ions by showing quenching in monomer and excimer emission with a detection limit of 0.2 nM in aqueous medium; however the resultant metal complex 4·Hg(2+) does not show any anion sensing activity. Receptor 3·Hg(2+) has a highly sensitive and selective response toward I(-) ions. Therefore, the iodide content of tap water, urine and blood serum is monitored using this sensor and it is found that the sensor can detect a range of iodide in tap water, urine and blood serum. To the best of our knowledge, the system represents the first example of iodide recognition using FONs.

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles of Biginelli-based molecules: recognition of Hg2+ and Cl- in an aqueous medium.

Biginelli-based molecules (1-3) have been synthesized and developed as a new class of fluorescent organic nanoparticle-based chemosensors. Chemosensor 2 has shown excellent selectivity and sensitivity for detection of Hg(2+) in an aqueous medium. It can detect Hg(2+) up to 1 nM, and the resultant 2Hg(2+) complex can detect Cl(-) ions (micromolar level) in an aqueous medium.

Unusual transformation of substituted-3-formylchromones to pyrimidine analogues: synthesis and antimicrobial activities of 5-(o-hydroxyaroyl)pyrimidines.

Substituted-3-formylchromones (4a-e) on reaction with 1,3-bis-dimethylaminomethylene-thiourea (5) in refluxing toluene solution give novel substituted 5-(o-hydroxyaroyl)pyrimidines (6a-e) in high yields. A mechanistic rationalization of the formation of products (6a-e) is proffered. Antimicrobial activities of all the synthesized compounds (6a-e) were evaluated against various fungal and bacterial strains. Compound 6d display significant antifungal activity (MIC 15) against Geotrichum candidum in comparison fluconazole used as positive control. Some of the compounds also display good antibacterial activity. Cytotoxic profile of compound 6d against HeLa cells indicates that at concentration (20 µM) no significant cell death (~2%) was observed.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel 2-substituted-quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.

A novel series of 2-substituted-quinazolin-4(3H)-ones were synthesized by reacting 3,5-disubstituted-anthranilic acid with acetic anhydride/benzoyl chloride, which were further reacted with different primary amines to obtain 2,6,8-substituted-quinazolin-4(3H)-ones 6a-f, 7, 8. All the synthesized compounds were characterized and screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 6,8-dibromo-2-phenyl-3-(4'-carboxyl phenyl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 7 and 6,8-dibromo-2-phenyl-3-(2'-phenylethanoic acid)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 8 displayed good analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to the reference standards acetyl salicylic acid and indomethacin, respectively.

Cytotoxic activity of 3-(5-phenyl-3H-[1,2,4]dithiazol-3-yl)chromen-4-ones and 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbothioic acid N-phenylamides.

6/6,7-Substituted-3-formylchromones (8a-g) were reacted with 2 equivalents thiobenzamide (9) in refluxing toluene to furnish substituted-3-(5-phenyl-3H-[1,2,4]dithiazol-3-yl)chromen-4-ones (10a-g) in high yields. Similarly, when substituted-2-anilino-3-formylchromones (8a-d) were reacted with thiobenzamide (9, 2 equivalents) in refluxing xylene, 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbothioic acid N-phenylamides (11a-d) were obtained in high yields. All the compounds (10a-g) and (11a-d) display significant cytotoxic activity against a number of human cancer cell lines. Among these compounds 10e (IC(50) = 10 microM), 10b (IC(50) = 14.6 microM) and 10a (IC(50) = 10.5 microM) showed maximum cytotoxic activity on neuroblastoma. Also, the compound 10c (IC(50) = 10.5 microM) showed maximum cytotoxic activity on ovarian cancer cell line.

Mechanism of unusual formation of 3-(5-phenyl-3H-[1,2,4]dithiazol-3-yl)chromen-4-ones and 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbothioic acid N-phenylamides and their antimicrobial evaluation.

6/6,7-Substituted 3-formylchromones (9a-e) react with 2 equivalents of 2-phenyl-4-dimethylamino-1-thia-3-azabuta-1,3-diene (10) or thiobenzamide (11) in refluxing toluene to furnish novel substituted 3-(5-phenyl-3H-[1,2,4]dithiazol-3-yl)chromen-4-ones (12a-e). However, reactions of substituted 2-anilino-3-formylchromones (15a-d) with thiobenzamide (11, 2 equivalents) in refluxing xylene furnish 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbothioic acid N-phenylamide (17a-d) in high yields. A mechanistic rationalization of the conversion of 2-anilino-3-formylchromones (15a-d) to N-phenylamides (17a-d), and 3-formylchromones (9a-e) to the corresponding thioaldehydes, is proffered. All the compounds (12a-e, 17a-d) display very high antifungal and antibacterial activities against a number of strains. Dithiazole 12d exhibits a very high antifungal activity (MIC 5 microg/ml) against Geotrichum candidum, better than fluconazole (MIC 09 microg/ml) and also possesses good antibacterial activity (MIC 52 microg/ml) against Shigella flexneri.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of some novel polycyclic gamma-butyrolactones.

Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 5-aryl-7,11,11-trimethyltricyclo[5.4.0.0(3,6)]-undec-1-en-4-ones 4a-h by H(2)O(2) and formic acid in methanol yields mixtures of 3b,7,7-trimethyl-3-phenyl-3,3a,3b,4,5,6,7,8a-octahydro-1H-indeno-[1,2-c]furan-1-ones 8a-h and 3b,7,7-trimethyl-3-phenyl-3,3a,3b,4,5,6,7,8a-octahydro-1H-indeno-[1,2-c]furan-2-ones 9a-h in high yields. The obtained butyrolactones 8a-h display cytotoxic activity against a number of human cancer cells.