Role of Bis(phosphinimino)methanides as Universal Ligands in the Coordination Sphere of Metals across the Periodic Table.

The coordination chemistry of bis(phosphinimino)methanide ligands is widespread and accompanies a large number of metal ions in the periodic table ranging from lithium to neptunium. This unique class of ligand systems show copious coordination chemistry with the main-group, transition, rare-earth, and actinide metals and are considered to be among the most attractive ligand systems to researchers. The bis(phosphinimino)methanide metal complexes offer an extensive range of applications in various fields and have been demonstrated as one of the universal ligand systems to stabilize the metal ions in not only their usual but also their unusual oxidation states. The main-group and transition metal chemistry using bis(phosphinimino)methanides as ligands was last updated almost a decade ago. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of various state-of-the-art bis(phosphinimino)methanide-supported metal complexes by dealing with their synthesis, characterization, reactivity, and catalytic studies which were not included in the last critical reviews.

First Report of Brown Leaf Rot Disease on Dendrobium nobile Caused by Xylaria flabelliformis in Guizhou Province, China.

Dendrobium nobile is the largest species of the Orchidaceae family and produces dendrobine, a compound with medicinal properties (Sarsaiya et al., 2020a; Sarsaiya et al., 2024; Qian et al., 2024). The accumulation of dendrobine in D. nobile is regulated by various pathogenic fungi, which directly and indirectly influence dendrobine biosynthesis (Sarsaiya et al., 2019a; Sarsaiya et al., 2019b). In a field planted with D. nobile in Guizhou Province, China, small lesions were initially observed on the upper part of the leaves from May to June 2019, which later developed into larger brown necrotic leaf lesions. Over time, these lesions greatly impacted the medicinal value (dendrobine) and productivity of the plant. A pure culture of Xylaria flabelliformis from infected wild D. nobile leaves was recovered and subsequently cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25 °C for 5 days. Xylaria flabelliformis grew slowly and was composed of white mycelia. Colonies were initially white, with a regular margin, and formed stromata that consisted of mycelia sterilia without ascospores. We identified the strain as Xylaria flabelliformis based on its morphological characteristics (Liu et al., 2007) and by sequencing elongation factor-1α (EF-1α). The length of the DNA sequence of EF-1α that was used for the analysis of Xylaria flabelliformis was 1188 bp. BLASTx (nucleotide 6-frame translation-protein) analysis using the National Center for Biotechnology Information database showed that the obtained protein sequence (BLASTx protein accession no.: UTS95822.1, BLASTn nucleotide sequence accession no.: MW508334.1) had the highest similarity (98.21%) with the X. flabelliformis hypothetical protein (TRX95197.1) based on a thorough phylogenetic comparison with other Xylaria species. Healthy D. nobile seedlings were planted in pots and sterilized. The terminal leaves were excised from all pre-sterilised D. nobile seedlings and inoculated with Xylaria flabelliformis mycelial plugs, whereas sterile PDA plugs and moist cotton plugs were used as controls. All seedlings were maintained under optimum temperature and humidity conditions (25 °C and 80%, respectively) for seven days for observation and analysis. All experiments were performed in triplicate. After the incubation period, brown leaf rot lesions were observed for the first time on the inoculated D. nobile leaves, but no symptoms were observed on the leaves of the two control groups (sterile PDA plugs and moist cotton plugs). To complete Koch's postulates, Xylaria flabelliformis was re-isolated and identified from all diseased tissues by DNA sequencing of the EF-1α. It was determined for the first time that Xylaria flabelliformis can cause brown leaf lesions in D. nobile. Moreover, the pathogenicity of Xylaria flabelliformis in D. nobile has not been previously reported (Mead et al., 2019; Meng et al., 2019; Sarsaiya et al., 2019a; Sarsaiya et al., 2020b; Chen et al., 2023; Rinchen, 2023; Cao et al., 2024). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BLRS lesions in D. nobile leaves caused by Xylaria flabelliformis in Guizhou Province, China. Identification of Xylaria flabelliformis as a pathogen of D. nobile is crucial for advancing effective management and control practices against brown leaf rot disease. This discovery provides valuable insights into the development of targeted strategies to mitigate the impact of Xylaria flabelliformis on D. nobile, safeguard medicinal properties such as dendrobine, and enhance overall productivity.

Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Reattached Fractured Tooth Fragment Stored in Different Storage Media: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To evaluate the fracture resistance of coronal fractured tooth fragments stored in five different storage media when reattached with nanohybrid flowable composite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crown portion of 50 extracted human permanent maxillary central incisors were divided into three equal parts (incisal third, middle third and cervical third) and then marked incisal third were cut with the diamond disk. These were divided into five equal groups according to the type of storage media used i.e. dry storage, fresh tender coconut water, HBSS, milk, and propolis for 2 hours. Coronal fractured part with their respective apical parts were then reattached with flowable composite (G-aenial Universal Flo, GC India), then after thermocycling process samples were subjected to universal testing machine for testing fracture resistance. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using one way ANOVA and Post-hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that large amount of force is required to fracture the reattached teeth which were stored in milk and fresh tender coconut water as compared to those which were stored in dry environment, HBSS and propolis. CONCLUSION: In this study, maximum fracture resistance was seen in teeth stored in milk and fresh tender coconut water. Therefore, these two were considered as better storage media. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Due to increased interest towards the use of tooth colored restoration, recently, fractured teeth reattachment treatment procedure gaining attention by preserving life like translucency of treated tooth.

Molecular Identification of Endophytic Fungi and Their Pathogenicity Evaluation Against Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium officinale.

: Dendrobium are tropical orchid plants that host diverse endophytic fungi. The role of these fungi is not currently well understood in Dendrobium plants. We morphologically and molecularly identified these fungal endophytes, and created an efficient system for evaluating the pathogenicity and symptoms of endophytic fungi on Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium officinale though in vitro co-culturing. ReThe colony morphological traits of Dendrobium myco-endophytes (DMEs) were recorded for their identification. Molecular identification revealed the presence of Colletotrichum tropicicola, Fusarium keratoplasticum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The pathogenicity results revealed that T. longibrachiatum produced the least pathogenic effects against D. nobile protocorms. In seedlings, T. longibrachiatum showed the least pathogenic effects against D. officinale seedlings after seven days. C. tropicicola produced highly pathogenic effects against both Dendrobium seedlings. The results of histological examination of infected tissues revealed that F. keratoplasticum and T. longibrachiatum fulfill Koch's postulates for the existence of endophytes inside the living tissues. The DMEs are cross-transmitted inside the host plant cells, playing an important role in plant host development, resistance, and alkaloids stimulation.

Design of porous silica supported tantalum oxide hollow spheres showing enhanced photocatalytic activity.

Silica-supported tantalum oxide (ST) hollow spheres were designed for photocatalytic applications in the UV range of 4.1 to 4.8 eV. These nanostructures with a variable diameter of 100-250 nm and shell thickness of 24-58 nm were obtained by the hydrothermal treatment of tantalum isopropoxide and tetraethylorthosilicate at 120 °C for 48 h in the presence of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, which was used as a capping agent. The maximum observed surface area was found to be 610 m(2)/g and pore size distribution of ST hollow spheres varied from 13.4 to 19.0 nm. Lewis acidity of silica and the contact area between SiO2 and Ta2O5 plays a crucial role in controlling the photocatalytic properties of the ST hollow spheres. We observe a remarkable 6× enhancement in the photoactivity of silica-supported tantalum oxide hollow spheres compared to pure Ta2O5.

Omics approaches in understanding the benefits of plant-microbe interactions.

Plant-microbe interactions are pivotal for ecosystem dynamics and sustainable agriculture, and are influenced by various factors, such as host characteristics, environmental conditions, and human activities. Omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have revolutionized our understanding of these interactions. Genomics elucidates key genes, transcriptomics reveals gene expression dynamics, proteomics identifies essential proteins, and metabolomics profiles small molecules, thereby offering a holistic perspective. This review synthesizes diverse microbial-plant interactions, showcasing the application of omics in understanding mechanisms, such as nitrogen fixation, systemic resistance induction, mycorrhizal association, and pathogen-host interactions. Despite the challenges of data integration and ethical considerations, omics approaches promise advancements in precision intervention and resilient agricultural practices. Future research should address data integration challenges, enhance omics technology resolution, explore epigenomics, and understand plant-microbe dynamics under diverse conditions. In conclusion, omics technologies hold immense promise for optimizing agricultural strategies and fortifying resilient plant-microbe alliances, paving the way for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Chemical diversity, traditional uses, and bioactivities of Rosa roxburghii Tratt: A comprehensive review.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT), known as chestnut rose, has been a subject of growing interest because of its diverse chemical composition and wide range of traditional uses. This comprehensive review aimed to thoroughly examine RRT, including its traditional applications, chemical diversity, and various bioactivities. The chemical profile of this plant is characterized by the presence of essential nutrients such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), flavonoids, triterpenes, organic acids, tannins, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, carotenoids, triterpenoids, volatile compounds, amino acids, and essential oils. These constituents contribute to the medicinal and nutritional value. Additionally, we explore the multifaceted bioactivities of RRT, including its potential as an anticancer agent, antioxidant, antiaging agent, antiatherogenic agent, hypoglycemic agent, immunoregulatory modulator, radioprotective agent, antimutagenic agent, digestive system regulator, anti-inflammatory agent, cardioprotective agent, and antibacterial agent, and its intriguing role in modulating the gut microbiota. Furthermore, we discuss the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of this plant species and shed light on its ecological significance. This comprehensive review provides a holistic understanding of RRT, bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific research, and highlights its potential applications in medicine, nutrition, and pharmacology.

Enhancing dendrobine production in Dendrobium nobile through mono-culturing of endophytic fungi, Trichoderma longibrachiatum (MD33) in a temporary immersion bioreactor system.

Introduction: Dendrobine, a valuable alkaloid found in Dendrobium nobile, possesses significant pharmaceutical potential. Methods: In this study, we explored innovative approaches to enhance dendrobine production by utilizing endophytic fungi in a Temporary Immersion Bioreactor System (TIBS, Nanjing BioFunction Co. Ltd., China) and traditional test bottles. Dendrobine was unequivocally identified and characterised in D. nobile co-culture seedlings through UHPLC analysis and LC-MS qTOF analysis, supported by reference standards. Results: The CGTB (control group) and EGTB (experimental group) 12-month-old D. nobile seedlings exhibited similar peak retention times at 7.6±0.1 minutes, with dendrobine identified as C16H25NO2 (molecular weight 264.195). The EGTB, co-cultured with Trichoderma longibrachiatum (MD33), displayed a 2.6-fold dendrobine increase (1804.23 ng/ml) compared to the CGTB (685.95 ng/ml). Furthermore, a bioanalytical approach was applied to investigate the mono-culture of T. longibrachiatum MD33 with or without D. nobile seedlings in test bottles. The newly developed UHPLC-MS method allowed for dendrobine identification at a retention time of 7.6±0.1 minutes for control and 7.6±0.1 minutes for co-culture. Additionally, we explored TIBS to enhance dendrobine production. Co-culturing D. nobile seedlings with Trichoderma longibrachiatum (MD33) in the TIBS system led to a substantial 9.7-fold dendrobine increase (4415.77 ng/ml) compared to the control (454.01 ng/ml) after just 7 days. The comparative analysis of dendrobine concentration between EGTB and EGTIBS highlighted the remarkable potential of TIBS for optimizing dendrobine production. Future research may focus on scaling up the TIBS approach for commercial dendrobine production and investigating the underlying mechanisms for enhanced dendrobine biosynthesis in D. nobile. The structural elucidation of dendrobine was achieved through 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, revealing a complex array of proton environments and distinct carbon environments, providing essential insights for the comprehensive characterization of the compound. Discussion: These findings hold promise for pharmaceutical and industrial applications of dendrobine and underline the role of endophytic fungi in enhancing secondary metabolite production in medicinal plants.

A rapid and green GC-MS method for the sampling of volatile organic compounds in spices and flowers by concurrent headspace single-drop microextraction and solid-phase microextraction.

The equilibrium rather than the exhaustive nature of headspace single-drop microextraction (HS-SDME) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) allowed the concurrent sampling of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the same sample in the same vial in a dual extraction configuration. This has avoided the necessity of conducting a separate set of experiments and was found to produce results in the time duration of a single sample preparation experiment. The results obtained by HS-SDME were validated against those found by the standard method of HS-SPME. Rectilinear calibration was made for certain VOCs tested as analytes over the range of 0.01-8 µg g-1, and the average values of R2, LOD and LOQ were found to be, respectively, 0.9992, 1.9 ng g-1 and 5.7 ng g-1 in HS-SDME, and 0.9991, 3.1 ng g-1 and 9.1 ng g-1 in HS-SPME. The spiked recoveries and RSD were, respectively, 100.5% and 3.3% in HS-SDME and 98.1% and 3.6% in HS-SPME. HS-SDME is convenient to perform and produce results in a much cheaper way than HS-SPME and free from the inconveniences of memory effects. With GC-MS, this method has also been implemented as a rapid, reliable and green procedure (by GAPI and AGREE tools) for the sampling of VOCs in real samples of spices, flowers, and a beetle nut chewing sample illicitly containing tobacco.

A binuclear aluminium complex as a single competent catalyst for efficient synthesis of urea, biuret, isourea, isothiourea, phosphorylguanidine, and quinazolinones.

The synthesis and characterisation of two mononuclear aluminium alkyl complexes with the general composition [Al(Me)2{Ph2P(E)N(CH2)2N(CH2CH2)2O}] (E = Se (2a); S (2b)), and two binuclear aluminium complexes, [Al(Me)2{Ph2P-(E)N(CH2)2N(CH2CH2)2O}(AlMe3)] (E = Se (3a) and S (3b)), are described. The binuclear aluminium alkyl complex 3a proved to be a proficient catalyst for the addition of simple nucleophiles to heterocumulenes, leading to the synthesis of a variety of products such as urea, biuret, isourea, isothiourea, phosphorylguanidine, and quinazolinone derivatives, in contrast to its mononuclear analogues. Complex 3a is the first example of a single competent catalyst, which is also low-cost and eco-friendly and derived from a main-group metal, under solvent-free conditions either at room temperature or mild temperatures. Complex 3a possessed a wide functional group tolerance including heteroatoms, yielding the corresponding insertion products in good quantities and with high selectivity.

Validation of diagnostic codes for subtrochanteric, diaphyseal, and atypical femoral fractures using administrative claims data.

Administrative claims databases have large samples and high generalizability. They have been used to evaluate associations of atypical femoral fractures with bisphosphonates. We developed and assessed accuracy of claims-based algorithms with hospital and physician diagnosis codes for these fractures. Medical records and radiology reports of all adults admitted at University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System from 2004 to 2008 with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision hospital discharges and surgeons' fracture repair codes for subtrochanteric femoral fractures and random sample of other femoral fractures were reviewed. We identified 137 persons with suspected subtrochanteric femoral fractures and randomly selected 50 persons with either suspected diaphyseal femoral fractures or hip fractures other than subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures (typical hip fractures). Eleven patients had radiographic features indicative of atypical femoral fractures. The positive predictive value (PPV) of claims-based algorithms varied with primary or secondary positions on discharge diagnoses and the sources of diagnosis codes. The PPV for fractures ranged 69-89% for subtrochanteric femoral, 89-98% for diaphyseal femoral, and 85-98% for typical hip fractures. The PPV of administrative codes for defining a femoral fracture as atypical was low and imprecise. Claims-based algorithms combining hospital discharges with surgeon's diagnosis codes had high PPV to identify the site of subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fractures vs typical hip fractures. However, claims-based data were not accurate in identifying atypical femoral fractures. These claims algorithms will be useful in future population-based observational studies to evaluate associations between osteoporosis medications and subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femoral fractures.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and diffuse reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for iodate determination in food grade salt and food samples.

A novel method based on diffused reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (DRS-FTIR) was employed for iodate determination in food grade salt and food products. The method attained sensitivity that was comparable to or better than that in most of the contemporary spectrophotometric methods. This was realized through a combination of azo dye formation and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction of dye when a 37-fold enrichment was obtained. FT-IR enabled integrating alternative target peak, and freedom in sample solvent composition relative to UV-visible spectrophotometry where the solvent polarity, pH, and presence of ions may affect the spectral properties of the measurable coloured species. Food samples containing iodide or covalently bonded iodine were oxidized with alkaline permanganate for mineralization and iodate formation. Optimization of both reaction conditions was carried out by means of response surface methodology. The method had a linear range 0.04-10 mg kg-1 iodate and limit of detection of 4.4 µg kg-1.

Diorganotin-based coordination polymers derived from sulfonate/phosphonate/phosphonocarboxylate ligands.

The reactions of diorganotin precursors [R(2)Sn(OR(1))(OSO(2)R(1))](n) [R = R(1) = Me (1); R = Me, R(1) = Et (2)] with an equimolar amount of t-butylphosphonic acid (RT, 8-10 h) in methanol result in the formation of identical products, of composition [(Me(2)Sn)(3)(O(3)PBu(t))(2)(O(2)P(OH)Bu(t))(2)](n) (3). On the other hand, a similar reaction of 2, when carried out in dichloromethane, affords [(Me(2)Sn)(3)(O(3)PBu(t))(2)(OSO(2)Et)(2)·MeOH](n) (4). A plausible mechanism implicating the role of solvent in the formation of these compounds has been put forward. In addition, the synthesis of [(Me(2)Sn)(3)(O(3)PCH(2)CH(2)COOMe)(2)(OSO(2)Me)(2)](n) (5) and [R(2)Sn(O(2)P(OH)CH(2)CH(2)COOMe)(OSO(2)R(1))](n) [R = Et, R(1) = Me (6); R = (n)Bu, R(1) = Et (7)] has been achieved by reacting 1 and related diorganotin(alkoxy)alkanesulfonates with 3-phosphonopropionic acid in methanol. The formation of a methylpropionate functionality on the phosphorus center in these structural frameworks results from in situ esterification of the carboxylic group. X-ray crystallographic studies of 1-7 are presented. The structures of 1 and 2 represent one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers composed of alternate [Sn-O](2) and [Sn-O-S-O](2) cyclic rings formed by µ(2)-alkoxo and sulfonate ligands, respectively. For 3-5 and 7, variable bonding modes of phosphonate and/or sulfonate ligands afford the construction of two- and three-dimensional self-assemblies that are comprised of trinuclear tin entities with an Sn(3)P(2)O(6) core as well as [Sn-O-P-O](2) and/or [Sn-O-S-O](2) rings. The formation of a 1D coordination polymer in 6 is unique in terms of repeating eight-membered cyclic rings containing Sn, O, P, and S heteroatoms. The contribution from hydrogen-bonding interactions is also found to be significant in these structures.

Combined liquid phase microextraction and fiber-optics-based cuvetteless micro-spectrophotometry for sensitive determination of ammonia in water and food samples by the indophenol reaction.

The Berthelot reaction for ammonia is revisited with the aim of miniaturization and addressing interferences as encountered with food and water samples. Headspace single drop microextraction of ammonia in phosphoric acid served to attain selectivity in complex matrices, and liquid-liquid microextraction of red or blue indophenol species into 1-octanol-isooctane (60:40, v/v) resulted into high sensitivity. Fiber-optics-based cuvetteless micro-spectrophotometry has been used for colorimetric determination on microliter volumes of extract. The linear dynamic range, limit of detection and enrichment factor have been found to be 0.2-3 mg kg-1, 0.14 mg kg-1 and 38, respectively, measuring red species for milk, cheese and beer (4.9-5.5% error; 4.8-6.3% RSD; n = 5); and 5-400 µg L-1, 0.4 µg L-1 and 137, respectively, measuring blue species for water samples (3.3-5.7% error; 3.6-6.8% RSD; n = 5). A plausible reaction scheme has been proposed for nitroprusside catalysis in indophenol reaction.

Changes in global Orchidaceae disease geographical research trends: recent incidences, distributions, treatment, and challenges.

Many of the Orchidaceae species are threatened due to environmental changes and over exploitation for full fill global demands. The main objective of this article was critically analyzed the recent global distribution of Orchidaceae diversity, its disease patterns, microbial disease identification, detection, along with prevention and challenges. Critical analysis findings revealed that Orchidaceae growth and developments were affected indirectly or directly as a result of complex microbial ecological interactions. Studies have identified many species associated with orchids, some are pathogenic and cause symptoms such as soft rot, brown rot, brown spot, black rot, wilt, foliar, root rot, anthracnose, leaf spot. The review was provided the comprehensive data to evaluate the identification and detection of microbial disease, which is the most important challenge for sustainable cultivation of Orchidaceae diversity. Furthermore, this article is the foremost of disease triggering microbes, orchid relations, and assimilates various consequences that both promoted the considerate and facts of such disease multipart, and will permit the development of best operative disease management practices.

Transcriptomic analysis of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit T2 plus line provides insights in host responses resist Pectobacterium carotovorum infection.

Transcriptome is used to determine the induction response of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit T2 plus line (abbreviated as PT2P line) infected with Pectobacterium carotovorum. The main objective of the study was to deal with the transcriptome database of PT2P line resistance to soft rot pathogens to provide a new perspective for identifying the resistance-related genes and understanding the molecular mechanism. Results indicated that water soaking and tissue collapse started at 20 h after PT2P line was infected by P. carotovorum. A total of 1360 and 5768 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 0 h and 20 h, respectively. After 20 h of infection, growth and development-related pathways were inhibited. Meanwhile, DEGs were promoted the colonization of P. carotovorum pathogens in specific cell wall modification processes at the early infected stage. A shift to a defensive response was triggered at 0 h. A large number of DEGs were mainly up-controlled at 20 h and were substantially used in the pathogen recognition and the introduction of signal transformation cascades, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, pathogenic proteins activation, transcription aspects and numerous transporters. Furthermore, our data provided novel insights into the transcript reprogramming of PT2P line in response to P. carotovorum infestation.

Cleavage of Sn-C and S-C(alkyl) bonds on an organotin scaffold: synthesis and characterization of a novel organotin-sulfite cluster bearing methyltin- and dimethyltin fragments.

Hydrolysis of the mixed-ligand dimethyltin(ethoxy)ethanesulfonate, [Me(2)Sn(OEt)(OSO(2)Et)](n) (1a) in moist hexane proceeds via disproportionation and partial cleavage of Sn-C and S-C bonds to afford a novel oxo-/hydroxo- organotin cluster of the composition [(Me(2)Sn)(MeSn)(4)(OSO(2)Et)(2)(OH)(4)(O)(2)(SO(3))(2)] (1) bearing both mono- and dimethyltin fragments and in situ generated sulfite (SO(3)(2-)) anion in the structural framework. On the other hand, similar reactions with analogous mixed ligand diorganotin precursors, [R(2)Sn(OR(1))(OSO(2)R(1))](n) (R = n-Bu, R(1) = Et (2a); R = Et, R(1) = Me (3a)), result in the formation of tetranuclear diorganotin clusters, [{(n-Bu(2)Sn)(2)(OH)(OSO(2)Et)}O](2) (2) and [(Et(2)Sn)(4)(OH)(O)(2)(OSO(2)Me)(3)] (3), respectively. The activation of the Sn-C or S-C bond is not observed in these cases. These findings provide a preliminary insight into the unusual reactivity of 1a under hydrolytic conditions.

Determination of amoxapine and nortriptyline in blood plasma and serum by salt-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction and high-performance liquid chromatography.

A new, selective and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of tricyclic antidepressant drugs, amoxapine and nortriptyline, in human blood plasma and serum, involving their reaction with allyl isothiocyanate and extraction of thiourea derivatives with water-miscible organic solvent acetonitrile. The phase separation was effected by addition of ammonium sulphate, a process called salt-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction. The extract was analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at 254 nm. The method has been optimized for derivatization reaction time and temperature, solvent for extraction, and salt for solvent phase separation. Under the optimal conditions, a linear calibration graph was obtained between the amount of drug and the peak area of thiourea derivatives in the range of 0.002-20 mg/L drugs. The correlation coefficient and limit of detection values for amoxapine and nortriptyline in serum/plasma samples were in the range of 0.9953-0.9999 and 0.46-0.58 µg/L, respectively. The recovery in spiking experiments ranged, respectively, 75-88% (RSD 3.4-7.2%) and 79-97% (RSD 3.7-7.9%) for the two drugs.

New Insights into Detection of a Dendrobine Compound From a Novel Endophytic Trichoderma longibrachiatum Strain and Its Toxicity Against Phytopathogenic Bacteria.

Dendrobium nobile is the only plant that could produce the natural bioactive dendrobine. No other source of dendrobine has been found to date except from D. nobile and via chemical synthesis. In this study, we aimed to examine the potential fungal endophyte isolated from D. nobile stem segments using the molecular method and to detect dendrobine compound through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and their metabolite for their antibacterial activity. The potential dendrobine producer strain was recognized as Trichoderma longibrachiatum based on molecular DNA sequencing and GenBank databases. The T. longibrachiatum MD33 produced dendrobine and other compounds in a potato dextrose medium (PDM), as confirmed by HPLC retention time peak analysis. The HPLC results revealed that T. longibrachiatum MD33 biomass showed a peak retention time of 5.28 ± 0.2 min, similar to wild D. nobile stem dendrobine (5.32 ± 0.2 min) and standard chemical reference dendrobine (5.30 ± 0.2 min), indicating the presence of dendrobine in the fungal biomass. Results of GC-MS and LC-MS analysis revealed that T. longibrachiatum MD33 produced the same molecular weight (263 in GC-MS and 264.195 in LC-MS) of dendrobine as compared with standard chemical reference dendrobine and D. nobile dendrobine. Antibacterial activity data revealed that T. longibrachiatum MD33 produced the strongest bactericidal activity against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus mycoides, and Staphylococcus species, and the diameter of the bacterial growth inhibition zone was 12 ± 0.2, 9 ± 0.2, and 8 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate T. longibrachiatum as a dendrobine producer, and the results revealed that T. longibrachiatum was directly involved in the potential production of a similar bioactive compound to D. nobile (dendrobine). In addition, the T. longibrachiatum metabolite exhibited potent antibacterial activity and can be a potential strain for medical and industrial purposes.

Validity of physician-reported hospitalized infections in a US arthritis registry.

OBJECTIVE: In safety studies, events reported as infections may be misclassified and, therefore, affect the validity of estimated risks associated with biologic agents. Using data from the Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America (CORRONA), we evaluated hospitalized infection reports contributed by rheumatologists to establish their validity. METHODS: All patients hospitalized with infections from 2002 to 2007 reported to CORRONA were examined and compared with information from hospital discharge summaries and other confirmatory data. Infectious episodes were classified by two physicians as confirmed, empirically treated, possible or unlikely. RESULTS: Of 562 reported hospitalized infectious episodes, 9% were classified as unlikely and had minimal or no supporting evidence for infection, leaving 509 hospitalized infectious episodes. Of these, 53% of the infectious episodes were classified as confirmed, 15% empirically treated and 32% possible. The confirmation status of infectious episodes for younger or biologic-exposed participants was similar to older and biologic-unexposed participants. CONCLUSION: More than two-thirds of hospitalized infections reported by rheumatologists were confirmed or had evidence that the physician was treating an infection. In almost all cases, there was at least modest evidence for an infection. Future studies should consider case definitions for infections or sensitivity analyses, or both, regarding the certainty of an infection to account for possible misclassification and reduce bias.