Investigating the anticancer properties of six benzothiazolopyrimidine derivatives on colon carcinoma cells, in vitro and in vivo.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Despite considerable improvements in the treatment of this cancer, further research to discover novel and more effective agents is ongoing. In this study, possible cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of six benzothiazolopyrimidine derivatives were studied. To assess the IC50 values of these agents, MTT assay was performed on HCT 116, CT26, and NIH/3T3 cells. Moreover, cell death mechanism induced by studied compounds was evaluated by PI/annexin V staining. Then, based on molecular docking results and in vitro experiments, the compounds with the highest anticancer properties were further analyzed in vivo in a mouse model of CRC. MTT results indicated that BTP(1) and BTP(4) had the highest selective cytotoxicity on colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry results demonstrated a considerable increase in the percentage of the early apoptotic cells in BTP(1)- and BTP(4)-treated groups. In vivo studies confirmed the antitumor properties of the two compounds by a significant regression in tumor size of BTP(1)- and BTP(4)-treated mice compared to control groups. Histopathological examination of tumor tissues showed an increased number of apoptotic cells in these two groups compared to the control animals. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin staining of the spleen and liver of treated mice did not exhibit considerable tissue damage. Thus, BTP(1) and BTP(4) can be considered promising agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer, although further experiments are required to assess their mechanism of action before their application in clinical studies.

Synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@Pr-NH2@DAP as a magnetic recyclable nano-catalyst for efficient synthesis of pyranothiazolopyrimidines and 4H-pyrans under solvent-free condition.

In this research, we describe the synthesis of silica-coated nano-Fe3O4 particles, which were successfully modified by diaminopyrimidine, and their physicochemical properties were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, EDX-mapping, and TGA. The catalytic activity of this novel nano-catalyst was evaluated by three-component reactions for the preparation of pyranothiazolopyrimidines and 4H-pyrans under solvent-free conditions. Recyclability of the catalyst up to six consecutive rounds, atom economy, high yield and purity of desired products, and easy work-up method are some of the exciting features of this system that make it more favorable from a green chemistry point of view.

Efficient and green synthesis of novel hexahydro-5H-thiazolo[2',3':2,3]pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline derivatives.

Herein, we report a catalyst-free, one-pot three-component reaction of 5-amino-2,3-dihydro-7H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-7-one, aromatic aldehyde, and dimedone in ethylene glycol as a green solvent at 100 °C for the easy access of hexahydro-5H-thiazolo[2',3':2,3]pyrimido[4,5-b]quinoline. Catalyst-free, green solvent, simple procedure, mild reaction conditions, easy work-up procedure, and good to excellent yields are the significant advantages of this protocol.

Biomimetic hydrogenation of electron deficient olefins using in situ generated 2-arylbenzimidazoline: synthesis of novel 3-benzylbenzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones.

In the present study, 2-Arylbenzimidazoline generated in situ from reaction of aromatic aldehydes and o-phenylenediamine used as biomimetic reductive agents for reductive alkylation of 2-hydroxy-4H-benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one for synthesis of novel 3-benzyl-2-hydroxy-4H-benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones is described. The main benefits of this protocol include simplicity, reaction mildness, high yield, easy work up, and simple purification. The molecular structures were characterized by IR spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis.

An efficient diastereoselective synthesis of novel fused 5H-furo[2,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones via one-pot three-component reaction.

Herein, a convenient and efficient synthesis of 7-benzoyl-6-(aryl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-furo[2,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-one derivatives was achieved from the reaction of isoquinolinium N-ylides, aromatic aldehydes, and heterocyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds via one-pot three-component diastereoselective domino reaction in good-to-excellent yields. The advantages of this protocol are easily available starting materials, operational simplicity, and avoidance of hazardous organic solvents and catalyst. The synthesized products were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra. Additionally, the conclusive structure of target compounds was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction analysis.

Evaluation of blood lead among painters of buildings and cars.

Exposure to lead-based paints is a major threat to the health of painters. This study aimed to evaluate the blood concentration of lead (Pb) in painters of buildings and cars. The present study was a cross-sectional study in which a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic information. Lead concentration in blood samples was determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. A total of 32 male painters were selected based on inclusion criteria. The mean blood lead level (BLL) in the painters was 8.1 ± 4.93 µg/dL. Pb levels in car and building painters were 9.42 ± 5.5 µg/dL and 6.7 ± 1.85 µg/dL, respectively. Pb concentration in none of the blood samples was more than 30 µg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥ 5 µg/dL and BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL was 97% and 19%, respectively. According to the findings, the rate of BLL among car painters was higher than building painters. Considering the presence of Pb in all blood samples, it seems necessary to increase the awareness of painters about the adverse effects of lead exposure even in low concentrations. However, the sample size in this study was small and more investigations are required in this regard.

Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots from Elaeagnus angustifolia and its Application as Tartrazine Sensor.

This article has introduced and examined a novel and green approach for the very first time, which had been developed for the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) and performed through the utilization of Elaeagnus angustifolia (E. A) as a natural carbon source. This straightforward procedure has been based upon a hydrothermal treatment with a quantum yield of 16.8% that had been designed to synthesize water-soluble CDs in one step and result in a satisfying fluorescence. Additionally, we have attempted to assess the sensing system that had been exerted through the usage of CDs for the detection of food colorant tartrazine, since they can function as a fluorescent sensor due to the interplay that occurs among tartrazine and CDs leading to the quenching of their fluorescence. The detection limit has been measured to be equaled to 0.086 µM (86 nM) and the linear range has been observed to be 0.47-234 µM. The proposed highly sensitive and simple method has exhibited an excellent selectivity and proved to be effectively applicable for distinguishing the tartrazine of real samples.

Adsorption of Pb (II) and Zn (II) ions from aqueous solutions by Red Earth.

This study was carried out to investigate Pb (II) and Zn (II) removal from aqueous solutions by Red Earth (RE) as a new local natural adsorbent in using the batch method. The chemical structure of RE adsorbent was characterized by XRF. Giles, Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherms were used to describe the adsorption data. The effect of metals concentration, initial pH, adsorbent dosage, and agitation time were studied. The results showed that RE contains of SiO2 (58 %) and Al2O3 (15.2 %) as major compounds. The equilibrium time was reached following 30 min and the maximum adsorption capacities (mg/g), based on Langmuir equation were 10.31 and 8.74 for Pb (II) and Zn (II), respectively. By increasing the initial metal ions concentration, the adsorption efficiencies were decreased and adsorption capacity of RE increased with an increase in the initial pH.

Efficient removal of Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto a native natural bentonite.

The new Native Natural Bentonite (NNB) for adsorption of Pb(II) and Zn(II) ions from aqueous environments was investigated at 27 ±â€¯10C by in batch laboratory experiments. Chemical and mineralogical structure of the NNB adsorbent was characterized by XRF and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The effect of pH, metals concentration, adsorbent dose, and agitation time were also studied. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm and the Giles classification isotherm were used for describing the equilibrium data. The results show that the NNB contains silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) as a major chemical compound. The maximum adsorption capacity (mg/g), based on Langmuir isotherm were 8.55 and 7.90 for Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Pb(II) and Zn(II) removal efficiency was increasing by increasing the initial pH of solutions, adsorbent dose, and contact time. Therefore, the results of this study show that the equilibrium is reached slowly (180 min), indicating the adsorption sites are not well exposed. By increasing the initial metals ion concentration, the capacity of adsorption decreased and the uptake of Pb(II) and Zn(II) per unit weight of the adsorbent (mg/g) increased. The adsorption efficiency of Pb(II) was higher than Zn(II).

Efficient photocatalytic oxidation of arsenite from contaminated water by Fe2O3-Mn2O3 nanocomposite under UVA radiation and process optimization with experimental design.

The efficiency of photocatalytic oxidation process in arsenite (As(III)) removal from contaminated water by a new Fe2O3-Mn2O3 nanocomposite under UVA radiation was investigated. The effect of nanocomposite dosage, pH and initial As(III) concentration on the photocatalytic oxidation of As(III) were studied by experimental design. The synthesized nanocomposite had a uniform and spherical morphological structure and contained 49.83% of Fe2O3 and 29.36% of Mn2O3. Based on the experimental design model, in photocatalytic oxidation process, the effect of pH was higher than other parameters. At nanocomposite concentrations of more than 12 mg L-1, pH 4 to 6 and oxidation time of 30 min, photocatalytic oxidation efficiency was more than 95% for initial As(III) concentration of less than 500 µg L-1. By decreasing pH and increasing the nanocomposite concentration, the photocatalytic oxidation efficiency was increased. Furthermore, by increasing the oxidation time from 10 to 240 min, in addition to oxidation of As(III) to arsenate (As(V)), the residual As(V) was adsorbed on the Fe2O3-Mn2O3 nanocomposite and total As concentration was decreased. Therefore, Fe2O3-Mn2O3 nanocomposite as a bimetal oxide, at low doses and short time, can enhance and improve the efficiency of the photocatalytic oxidation and adsorption of As(III) from contaminated water resources. Furthermore, the energy and material costs of the UVA/Fe2O3-Mn2O3 system for photocatalytic oxidation of 1  mg L-1 As(III) in the 1 L laboratory scale reactor was 0.0051 €.

The influence of two imidazolium-based ionic liquids on the structure and activity of glucose oxidase: Experimental and theoretical studies.

The search for ionic liquids (ILs) with biochemical and biomedical applications has recently gained great attention. IL containing solvents can change the structure, stability and function of proteins. The study of protein conformation in ILs is important to understand enzymatic activity. In this work, conformational stability and activity of the enzyme in two imidazolium-based ILs (1-butyl 3-methyl-imidozolium and 1-hexyl 3-methyl-imidozoliumbromides) were investigated. We treated glucose oxidase as dimer-active enzyme in different IL concentration and seen that GOx activity was inhibited in the presence of ILs. Our experimental data showed that inhibition of activity and reduction of enzyme tertiary structure are more for hexyl than butyl derivative. These experimental results are in agreement with foregoing observations. To find a possible mechanism, a series of molecular dynamics simulation of the enzyme were performed at different IL concentration. The structure parameters obtained from MD simulation showed that conformational changes at the active site and FAD-binding site support the hypothesis of enzyme inhibition at the presence of ILs. Root mean square deviation and fluctuation calculations indicated that the enzyme has stable conformation at higher IL concentration, in agreement with experimental observation. But hexyl derivative has a much stronger stabilization effect on the protein structure. In summary, the present study could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism about the ionic liquid effects on the structure and activity of proteins.

Biodegradation and nutrients removal from greywater by an integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) in different organic loadings rates.

In this study, the efficiency of Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IFAS) system in synthetic greywater treatment and nutrients removal was studied in duration of 105 days according to different Organic Loadings Rates (OLRs). The study was operated in pilot-scale and OLRs of 0.11-1.3 gCOD/L.d. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image showed that the biofilm with a proper thickness was formed on IFAS reactor's media. The results indicated that the best removal efficiency of BOD5, COD, and TSS were 85.24, 92.52 and 90.21%, respectively, in an organic loading of 0.44 gCOD/L.d. Then, with the OLR increased, the removal efficiencies of BOD5, COD, and TSS increased as long as the organic loading reached 0.44 gCOD/L.d. But with the OLR increased more, the removal efficiency of these parameters decreased. The ANOVA statistical test results showed that the mean difference of removal efficiency in organic loadings for BOD5 (p ≤ 0.001) and COD (p = 0.003) was significant, while it was insignificant for TSS (p = 0.23). The best removal efficiencies of Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) were 89.60 and 86.67%, respectively, which were obtained at an OLR of 0.44 gCOD/L.d. By increasing OLR up to 0.44 gCOD/L.d, removal efficiencies of TN and TP increased, while the removal efficiency decreased with the OLR increased more, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.021). Finally, the results showed that the IFAS system provided a proper efficiency in treatment of the synthetic greywater and it could be used in a full scale.

Synthesis, Characterization and Fluorescence Properties of Zn(II) and Cu(II) Complexes: DNA Binding Study of Zn(II) Complex.

Zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes containing Schiff base, 2- methoxy-6((E)-(phenylimino) methyl) phenol ligand (HL) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The fluorescence properties and quantum yield of zinc complex were studied. Our data showed that Zn complex could bind to DNA grooves with Kb = 10(4) M(-1). Moreover, Zn complex could successfully be used in staining of DNA following agarose gel electrophoresis. MTT assay showed that Zn complex was not cytotoxic in MCF-7 cell line. Here, we introduce a newly synthesized fluorescence probe that can be used for single and double stranded DNA detection in both solution and agarose gels.

Three-component reactions of isocyanides, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, and trans-cinnamoyl chlorides for the synthesis of highly functionalized 2-vinyl furans.

In this study, we present a convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of novel, highly substituted 2-vinyl furans using a three-component reaction. The zwitterions generated from the reaction of isocyanides and dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates are reacted with trans-cinnamoyl chlorides to produce the desired products in good yields.

N,N'-dipyridoxyl Schiff bases: synthesis, experimental and theoretical characterization.

Three N,N'-dipyridoxyl Schiff bases (L1, L2 and L3) have been newly synthesized and characterized by IR, (1)H NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Their optimized geometries together with the theoretical assignment of the vibrational frequencies and the (1)H NMR chemical shifts of them have been computed by using density functional theory (DFT) method. In the optimized structures of the Schiff bases, two pyridine rings are not in a same plane; however the substitutions are essentially in the same plane with the pyridine rings. Also, the benzene ring(s) in the bridge region is (are) not in the same plane with the pyridine rings and azomethine moieties. In all the species, engagement in intramolecular-hydrogen bonds causes to weakness of the phenolic O-H bonds. Consistency between the theoretical results and experimental evidence confirms suitability of the optimized geometries for the synthesized Schiff bases.

Synthesis, experimental and theoretical characterization of N,N'-dipyridoxyl (1,4-butanediamine) Schiff-base ligand and its Cu(II) complex.

A new N,N'-dipyridoxyl(1,4-butanediamine) [=H(2)BS] Schiff-base ligand and its Cu(II) salen complex, [Cu(BS)(H(2)O)(CH(3)OH)], were synthesized and characterized by IR, UV-vis, (1)H NMR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Also, full optimization of the geometries, (1)H NMR chemical shifts (for the H(2)BS) and vibrational frequencies were calculated by using density functional theory (DFT) method. Structure of the H(2)BS ligand is not planar, i.e. two pyridine rings are not in the same plane. In the structure of the Cu complex, the Schiff-base ligand acts as a dianionic tetradentate ligand in N, N, O(-), O(-) manner. The coordinating atoms of BS(2-) occupy equatorial positions of the octahedral complex, where the H(2)O and CH(3)OH ligands locate at axial positions. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data, confirming the suitability of the proposed and optimized structures for the H(2)BS ligand and its Cu complex.

Weight loss and proteinuria: systematic review of clinical trials and comparative cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The impact of weight loss on proteinuria and renal function is less clear. We aimed to determine the effect of intentional weight loss on proteinuria and kidney function. METHODS: Three bibliographic databases including Medline, Cochrane and SCUPOS as well as reference list of articles were searched. We included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials as well as single-arm trials published in English through May 2009 which examined urinary protein among obese or overweight adults before and after weight loss interventions including dietary restriction, exercise, anti-obesity medications and bariatric surgery. Study characteristics and methodological quality of trials were assessed. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-two subjects from five controlled and eight uncontrolled trials were included. Weight loss interventions were associated with decreased proteinuria and microalbuminuria by 1.7 g [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.7 to 2.6 g] and 14 mg (95% CI, 11 to 17 mg), respectively (P < 0.05). Meta-regression showed that, independent of decline in mean arterial pressure, each 1 kg weight loss was associated with 110 mg (95% CI, 60 to 160 mg, P < 0.001) decrease in proteinuria and 1.1 mg (95% CI, 0.5 to 2.4 mg, P = 0.011) decrease in microalbuminuria, respectively. The decrease was observed across different designs and methods of weight loss. Only bariatric surgery resulted in a significant decrease in creatinine clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss is associated with decreased proteinuria and microalbuminuria. There were no data evaluating the durability of this decrease or the effect of weight loss on CKD progression.

The effect of maternal breast variations on neonatal weight gain in the first seven days of life.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine whether specific maternal breast variations (such as flat nipple, inverted nipple, large breast or/and large nipple) are barriers for weight gain in breastfed infants during the first seven days of life. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 100 healthy term neonates were followed from birth to day seven in two groups; Group A: fifty neonates born to mothers with specified breast variations and Group B: fifty neonates born to mothers without such breast variations ("normal breasts"). All neonates were the first child of their families and there was no sex ratio difference between the two groups. Neonates' weight at birth and day seven were measured and the mean weight differences in the two groups were compared using paired t-test. RESULTS: Neonates born to mothers without the specified breast variations had a mean weight gain of (+) 53 +/- 154.4 g at day seven., Not only there was no increase in the mean weight of neonates in the other group, but they had a mean decrease of weight of (-) 162 +/- 125.5 g by the seventh day of their life compared to birth weight. Thus, neonates born to mothers without breast variations had significantly greater weight gain than neonates born to the mothers with the specified variations (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Breast variation among first-time mothers acts as an important barrier to weight gain among breastfed neonates in the early days of life. Health professionals need skills in the management of breastfeeding among mothers with the specified breast variations, so that mothers are given appropriate advice on how to breastfeed and overcome these problems.

Synthesis, experimental and theoretical characterization of tetra dentate N,N'-dipyridoxyl (1,3-propylenediamine) salen ligand and its Co(III) complex.

The new tetra dentate dianionic H2PS (N,N'-dipyridoxyl (1,3-propylenediamine)) Schiff-base ligand and its octahedral Co(III) salen complex [Co(PS)(H2O)(CH3OH)]+CH3COO(-) were synthesized, where coordinating atoms of H2PS (N,N,O(-),O(-)) occupied equatorial positions with H2O and CH3OH as axial ligands. The nature of the H2PS and its complex were determined by elemental and spectrochemical (IR, UV-vis, 1H NMR and Mass) analysis. Also, the fully optimized geometries and vibrational frequencies of them together with the 1H NMR chemical shifts of H2PS have been calculated using density functional theory (B3LYP) method. Obtained structural parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data reported for similar compounds. The calculated and experimental results confirmed the suggested structures for the ligand and complex.

Ferritin concentration and pregnancy outcome: linear models for predicting birthweight and birth length.

BACKGROUND: Iron-deficiency anemia can have negative consequences for pregnant women. Previous investigations conducted to explore the association between iron-related components of mothers' serum and the outcome of pregnancy have had diverse results. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ferritin concentration (as the index of stored iron) of mothers' serum during the last 24 hours of pregnancy and birth outcome. METHODS: Respondents were chosen from the list of all women who had given birth between January 1 and March 30, 2006, in a Rafsanjan county maternal hospital in southeast Iran. The study checklist was completed for 600 to 900 mothers (over a period of 30 days), and about 600 were eligible to participate. Blood samples were taken from 120 eligible women who were randomly selected after they had given their second consent. Data, including birthweight and birth length, were analyzed with SPSS; parametric (t-test, correlation, logistic regression) and nonparametric (chi-square, Mann-Whitney U) tests were used where appropriate. RESULTS: No significant differences between different groups of respondents were found in birthweight, birth length, or the ferritin concentration of mothers' serum, indicating that the effect of confounder variables (e.g., baby's sex, mother' educational status, mother's age, gestational age, etc.) was controlled successfully. Significant positive correlations were found between the mother's ferritin concentration and the baby's birthweight (r = 0.434, N = 120, p < .001) and birth length (r = 0.396, N=120, p < .001). Linear models revealed that the ferritin concentration of mothers' serum during the last 24 hours of pregnancy could be suitable to predict both birthweight and birth length. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that provision of sufficient amounts of iron-related components to pregnant women is necessary to improve pregnancy outcome.