Ampyrone appended 1,2,3-triazole as selective fluorescent Cu(II) ion sensor: DFT and docking findings.

The present report describes the application of the 'Click Chemistry' pathway to synthesize a fluorescent probe (APT) based on ampyrone (4-aminoantipyrine), entailing two benzyl groups as the fluorophores coupled to the antipyrine structure through 1,2,3-triazole moieties. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C), and mass spectrometry were the standard spectroscopic methods used to characterize APT. The ion recognition potential of the probe was analyzed through absorption and emission spectroscopy employing a 4:1 combination of CH3CN and H2O, which demonstrated APT to be an efficient sensing agent for Cu(II) ions, wherein the absorption spectrum of the probe displayed a hypsochromic shift with a hyperchromic shift on gradually adding the metal ion solution of Cu(II), whereas quenching of the probe's fluorescence emission on Cu(II) addition was attributed to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching (CHEQ), induced by the d9 electronic configuration of Cu(II). The stoichiometry of the complexation of APT with Cu(II) is indicative of a 1:1 ratio, while the detection limit (LOD) and quantification limit (LOQ) as estimated from the fluorescence titration results were 3.11 µM and 10.35 µM respectively. Furthermore, DFT analysis was also undertaken to yield the energy-optimized structures and HOMO-LUMO density plots of APT and its corresponding Cu(II) complex via the B3LYP/631G+(d,p) level of theory for APT, and LANL2DZ basis set for the APT-Cu(II) complex. Docking analysis of the probe with the synaptic vesicle protein (SV2A) gave glimpses about its anticonvulsant properties.

Appraisal of microbial contamination of dental unit water systems and practices of general dental practitioners for risk reduction.

The study aims to evaluate the microbial contamination in dental unit water system (DUWS) in Chandigarh, India, including knowledge, attitude, and practices of general dental practitioners (GDPs) to reduce the microbiological risks of DUWS. Microbiological risks were assessed by collecting water samples from 18 dental chair units including three main water supply units. Total of 44 water samples were examined for bacteriological contamination and the highest microbial contamination was observed in the ultrasound scalers having a range of 100 to 12,000 CFU/ml, with a median count of 950 CFU/ml. Only 2.3% of the water samples met the European Union recommendation of less than 100 CFU/ml, whereas 97.7% of the water samples have the total bacterial count exceeding 100 CFU/ml. In comparison to Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, only 20.5% water samples fall within the recommended quality of drinking water (less than 500 CFU/ml), and the rest of the samples (79.5%) exceed the total bacteria count with a median count of 1100 CFU/ml. Acinetobacter species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Sphingomonas paucimobilis were found in most of the water samples from DUWS. Dental chair units show higher microbial load and hence failed to meet any international guidelines, e.g., CDC. The highest microbial contamination was observed in ultrasound scaler and air/water syringe outlets. Hence, the study demand for Indian guidelines for the type of water used in DUWS water and urges for the proper training of GDPs to avoid further risks to the dental patients.

A preliminary evaluation of comparative effectiveness of riluzole in therapeutic regimen for irritable bowel syndrome

Objective: To develop agents that are specifically effective in controlling the key disturbance of visceral hyperalgesia besides abating of associated multiple symptoms, and evaluate comparative effectiveness for IBS symptom relief for standard regimen (antispasmodic and probiotic) and add-on amitriptyine or riluzole regimens following two weeks administration.Methods:groups were studied. First group received standard treatment (mebeverine 200 mg twice daily and probiotic 200 mg twice daily). Second group received add-on amitriptyline 25 mg before bedtime, while the third group got add-on riluzole 50 mg twice daily. Overall gastrointestinal symptom rating scale improving symptoms and hospital anxiety depression scale improving associated psychological morbidity were employed as measures at induction and at two-week follow-up period. Individual symptom scores were also examined to define the outcome profiles.Results:108 patients with visceral hypersensitivity accompanying IBS, divided into three rating scale score, not the other two regimens. Pain relief was seen with both riluzole and amitriptyline regimens significantly superior to standard treatment regimen, but riluzole effect appeared specific and independent anxiolytic effect. Amitriptyline caused relief in diarrhea and did not benefit in constipation point to non-specific remedial role in IBS. Riluzole regimen resulted in significant reduction of overall gastrointestinal symptom Conclusions: Riluzole specifically relieves visceral hypersensitivity and is proved to be superior to current treatments in IBS patients. It appears a lead remedy based on glutamate transporter mechanisms in visceral hypersensititvity.

Brucellosis in a rural community.

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