An observational, multicenter, registry-based cohort study of Turkish Neonatal Society in neonates with Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant cause of mortality and short- and long-term morbidities. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been shown to be the standard care for HIE of infants ≥36 weeks gestational age (GA), as it has been demonstrated to reduce the rates of mortality, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aims to determine the incidence of HIE in our country, to assess the TH management in infants with HIE, and present short-term outcomes of these infants. METHODS: The Turkish Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Online Registry database was established for this multicenter, prospective, observational, nationally-based cohort study to evaluate the data of infants born at ≥34 weeks GA who displayed evidence of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) between March, 2020 and April 2022. RESULTS: The incidence of HIE among infants born at ≥36 weeks GA (n = 965) was 2.13 per 1000 live births (517:242440), and accounting for 1.55% (965:62062) of all neonatal intensive care unit admissions. The rates of mild, moderate and severe HIE were 25.5% (n = 246), 58.9% (n = 568), and 15.6% (n = 151), respectively. Infants with severe HIE had higher rates of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and mortality (p<0.001). No significant difference in mortality and abnormal MRI results was found according to the time of TH initiation (<3 h, 3-6 h and >6 h) (p>0.05). TH was administered to 85 (34.5%) infants with mild HIE, and of those born of 34-35 weeks of GA, 67.4% (n = 31) received TH. A total of 58 (6%) deaths were reported with a higher mortality rate in infants born at 34-35 weeks of GA (OR 3.941, 95% Cl 1.446-10.7422, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The incidence of HIE remained similar over time with a reduction in mortality rate. The timing of TH initiation, whether <3 or 3-6 h, did not result in lower occurrences of brain lesions on MRI or mortality. An increasing number of infants with mild HIE and late preterm infants with HIE are receiving TH; however, the indications for TH require further clarification. Longer follow-up studies are necessary for this vulnerable population.

Fabrication and optimization of 3D printed gelatin methacryloyl microneedle arrays based on vat photopolymerization.

Microneedles (MNs) are micrometer-sized arrays that can penetrate the skin in a minimally invasive manner; these devices offer tremendous potential for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic molecules. Although there are many conventional techniques for manufacturing MNs, most of them are complicated and can only fabricate MNs with specific geometries, which restricts the ability to adjust the performance of the MNs. Herein, we present the fabrication of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) MN arrays using the vat photopolymerization 3D printing technique. This technique allows for the fabrication of high-resolution and smooth surface MNs with desired geometries. The existence of methacryloyl groups bonded to the GelMA was verified by 1H NMR and FTIR analysis. To examine the effects of varying needle heights (1000, 750, and 500 µm) and exposure times (30, 50, and 70 s) on GelMA MNs, the height, tip radius, and angle of the needles were measured; their morphological and mechanical properties were also characterized. It was observed that as the exposure time increased, the height of the MNs increased; moreover, sharper tips were obtained and tip angles decreased. In addition, GelMA MNs exhibited good mechanical performance with no breakage up to 0.3 mm displacement. These results indicate that 3D printed GelMA MNs have great potential for transdermal delivery of various therapeutics.

YIF1B-related Kaya-Barakat-Masson Syndrome: Report of a new patient and literature review.

Kaya-Barakat-Masson syndrome (KABAMAS) is a recently identified severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe global developmental delay, epilepsy, movement disorder, epilepsy, and microcephaly. KABAMAS is caused by bi-allelic variants in the YIF1B gene which encodes a trafficking protein involved in the anterograde traffic from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell membrane including neural cells in association with other trafficking proteins and also Golgi apparatus morphology. That's why clinical overlapping between KABAMAS and golgipathies isn't surprising. It is a rare condition with only 24 patients reported to date. Here we described a 5.5-year-old boy presenting with severe global developmental delay, epileptic encephalopathy, microcephaly, dystonia, spasticity, blindness, feeding difficulties, respiratory failure, and dysmorphic features. Whole exome sequencing identified homozygous splice site variation (NM_001039672.3: c.297+1G > A) in the YIF1B gene. This splice site variant is rare in the general population (gnomAD Variant allele fraction (VAF): 0.0007%, 2 heterozygotes, 0 homozygotes) and has not previously been associated with the disease. Multiple in silico tools predict a deleterious effect of this splice site change. Considering the points mentioned above, we have considered the detected variant as pathogenic according to guidelines in light of current knowledge. By reporting a new case with the homozygous YIF1B splice site variant we provide further evidence to clinical and molecular data of this recently recognized severe neurodevelopmental disorder. We further emphasize that trafficking errors should be considered as an underlying mechanism in undiagnosed severe neurodevelopmental disorders.

A novel higher polyhydroxybutyrate producer Halomonas halmophila 18H with unique cell factory attributes.

For cost-competitive biosynthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), the screening of efficient producers and characterization of their genomic potential is fundamental. In this study, 94 newly isolated halophilic strains from Turkish salterns were screened for their polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) biosynthesis capabilities through fermentation. Halomonas halmophila 18H was found to be the highest PHB producer, yielding 63.72 % of its biomass as PHB. The PHB produced by this strain was physically and chemically characterized using various techniques. Its genome was also sequenced and found to be large (6,713,657 bp) and have a GC content of 59.9 %. Halomonas halmophila 18H was also found to have several copies of PHB biosynthesis genes, as well as 20 % more protein-coding genes and 1075 singletons compared to other high PHB producers. These unique genomic features make it a promising cell factory for the simultaneous production of PHAs and other biotechnologically important secondary metabolites.

Stimuli-responsive nanoparticle-nanofiber hybrids for drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.

Hybrid nanomaterials possess integrated multi-components to syncretize various properties and functions within a single entity. Owing to this synergistic effect, they promise efficient anti-cancer therapy. In line with this target, we produced stimuli-responsive nanoparticle-nanofiber hybrids (NNHs) via embedding photoresponsive natural melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) within a biocompatible polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber matrix. Electrospinning was performed to produce monolithic and core-shell structured NNHs using a single and a coaxial nozzle. The NNHs were upgraded to drug delivery systems by model hydrophilic drug-ampicillin (amp)-loading. The drug release results showed that monolithic PCL meshes displayed a burst release, whereas nanohybrid formation with MNPs improved the release profile toward Fickian diffusion. Core-shell NNH presented a more sustained drug release profile than its MNP-free replica and monolithic NNH because its encapsulating shell layer hindered the diffusion of the drug. The photodynamic therapy accompanied by UV-A-irradiation on monolithic and core-shell NNHs yielded up to 34 % and 37 % malignant melanoma cell death. Moreover, this study proved the potency of MNPs-enhanced NNHs in drug delivery and photodynamic therapy applications. Even so, more efforts should be concerted to unlock unknown features of the NNHs, which have the power to advance emerging areas, including but not limited to material science, biosensing, and theranostics.

Risk Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the risk factors and clinical features of metabolic bone disease of prematurity (MBDP) in premature infants compared with infants of similar gestational age and birth weight without MBDP. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective case-control study was performed by comparing 81 cases of MBDP with 63 controls to identify potential risk factors. Premature infants with a gestational age ≤33 weeks and birth weight <1,500 g were included. Medical records were examined in terms of maternal conditions, potential risk factors, and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Bone fractures and invasive ventilator dependence were the most common clinical features of MBDP. Duration of invasive ventilation and total mechanical ventilation days, necrotizing enterocolitis, corticosteroid use, anticonvulsive drug use, duration of dexamethasone and caffeine use, total parenteral nutrition, and length of hospitalization were significantly higher in neonates with MBDP (p < 0.05). Breastfed neonates and those receiving human milk fortifier had a lower incidence of MBDP than those premature formula or mixed feeding (p < 0.05). Anticonvulsive drug use (odds ratio: 2.935; 95% confidence interval: 1.265-6.810) was identified as a risk factor for MBDP at multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our results show that anticonvulsive drug use is a significant risk factor for the development of MBDP. If long-term use is not required, anticonvulsive drugs should be stopped as soon as possible. Further studies involving patients with MBDP are required to determine the risk factors and clinical features. KEY POINTS: · MBDP is a multifactorial disorder.. · Anticonvulsive drug use is an important risk factor for the development of MBDP.. · Bone fractures and invasive ventilator dependence are the most common clinical features of MBDP..

Whole-genome sequencing and genome-scale metabolic modeling of Chromohalobacter canadensis 85B to explore its salt tolerance and biotechnological use.

Salt tolerant organisms are increasingly being used for the industrial production of high-value biomolecules due to their better adaptability compared to mesophiles. Chromohalobacter canadensis is one of the early halophiles to show promising biotechnology potential, which has not been explored to date. Advanced high throughput technologies such as whole-genome sequencing allow in-depth insight into the potential of organisms while at the frontiers of systems biology. At the same time, genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) enable phenotype predictions through a mechanistic representation of metabolism. Here, we sequence and analyze the genome of C. canadensis 85B, and we use it to reconstruct a GEM. We then analyze the GEM using flux balance analysis and validate it against literature data on C. canadensis. We show that C. canadensis 85B is a metabolically versatile organism with many features for stress and osmotic adaptation. Pathways to produce ectoine and polyhydroxybutyrates were also predicted. The GEM reveals the ability to grow on several carbon sources in a minimal medium and reproduce osmoadaptation phenotypes. Overall, this study reveals insights from the genome of C. canadensis 85B, providing genomic data and a draft GEM that will serve as the first steps towards a better understanding of its metabolism, for novel applications in industrial biotechnology.

Evaluation of the effect of different block techniques on open-heart surgery in the postoperative period: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Open-heart surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain. Adequate analgesia after open-heart surgery improves patients' early postoperative recovery, extubation, ambulation and early discharge from hospital. Regional anaesthesia techniques are the new hope for adequate postoperative analgesia after cardiac surgery and are widely used for early pain management in the first six hours. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I-III, aged 18 years and over, undergoing open-heart surgery with sternotomy for coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement under general anaesthesia, were included in this study. For postoperative analgesia, 50 patients with pectoral nerve (PECS II) block and 50 with parasternal (PS) block were consecutively enrolled in one of the groups at the end of the surgery and compared in terms of sedation scores, ventilation duration, pain scores at rest after extubation, block duration, total morphine consumption and complications. RESULTS: The block duration in the PS group was statistically significantly higher than in the PECS II group (p = 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively). The visual analogue scale scores at rest in the fourth and sixth hours were statistically significantly higher in the PECS II group than in the PS group ( p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01). Cumulative morphine consumption in the PECS II group was statistically significantly higher than in the PS group in the fourth, sixth, 12th and 24th hours ( p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PS block provided longer block duration with lower postoperative pain and sedation scores than the PECS II block, with lower cumulative morphine consumption.

Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis With Heterozygous STX11 and Homozygous UNC13D Mutations Diagnosed in the Neonatal Period.

Patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis may present with different mutations and phenotypic findings. It is usually presented as case reports because of its rare occurrence. Here, we discuss a case diagnosed with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis 3, that presented in the neonatal period and was detected to have homozygous UNC13D and heterozygous STX11 mutations.

Prenatal and Postnatal Management of Intrauterine Pleural Effusions Associated with Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis.

OBJECTIVE: Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is defined as the accumulation of excess fluid in two or more body cavities in the fetus without blood incompatibility between mother and baby. We aimed to present our prenatal and postnatal management of intrauterine pleural effusions associated with NIHF. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 60 patients diagnosed with NIHF with intrauterine pleural effusion were analyzed retrospectively. Gestational age of delivery or fetal demise, the intrauterine treatment procedure including extrauterine intrapartum treatment (EXIT), chest tube, and medical treatment methods in fetuses with chylothorax analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (65%) were born alive between 26 and 38 weeks. A thoracoamniotic shunt was placed in one patient during the intrauterine period. Seven patients were placed bilaterally during the postnatal period, all without the umbilical cord being clamped during delivery. But 25 patients died within the first few days following birth. A total of four patients had chylothorax. Two patients who did not respond to medical treatment (somatostatin) were injected with thoracic local batticon and cured. A total of 14 patients were discharged with healing. CONCLUSION: Cases of progressive prenatal pleural effusions associated with NIHF have a high risk for fetal and neonatal death. We think that extreme prematurity increases postnatal mortality because it negatively affects the development of the lung and heart. A close obstetric follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach are required for the management to be selected.

Evaluation of the Postoperative Analgesic Effect of 2 Different Blocks after Pediatric Circumcision Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Circumcision is a painful day-case surgery. Regional anesthesia techniques are used effectively for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia after pediatric circumcision surgery. OBJECTIVE: Our prospective observational study aimed to compare postoperative analgesic efficiency of a dorsal penile nerve (DPN) block with a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block after male pediatric circumcision surgery and complications related to each block. STUDY DESIGN: We enrolled 80 male children under the age of 10 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II status scheduled for circumcision in this prospective observational study. A TAP or DPN block was performed after induction of general anesthesia before surgery with ultrasound (US) guidance. Postoperative pain was assessed with Faces Pain Scale-Revised and the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability scale. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding 30-min pain score levels (p > 0.05). But, the 1st hour, 2nd hour, 6th hour, 12th hour, and 24th-hour pain score levels in the TAP block group were statistically significantly higher than those of the DPN block group (p < 0.05). The 1st rescue analgesic requirement in the TAP block group was at the 6th hour postoperative. There was no need for rescue analgesia in the DPN block group during the postoperative 24-h follow-up. DISCUSSION: A US-guided DPN block provided effective and long-lasting postoperative analgesia for circumcision surgery with statistically significantly lower pain score levels than a US-guided TAP block. CONCLUSION: This study found that a TAP block alone was insufficient to provide adequate postoperative analgesia for circumcision surgery compared to DPN block.

A dangerous causative microorganism of early onset neonatal sepsis: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Two case reports and a review of the literature.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is an important aerobic, non-fermentative, Gram-negative, multidrug resistant organism. Although this microorganism is frequently reported as a causative agent of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care unit, a few cases were reported about as a causative microorganism of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). We report two cases with EONS caused by S. maltophilia and also, we reviewed the EONS reported caused by S. maltophilia.

The effect of different anaesthesia techniques on postoperative pain and hospital discharge in varicose vein surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Venous insufficiency caused by varicose veins, especially in the lower extremities, is widespread and can cause severe complications. Anaesthesia is essential for any surgical approaches in varicose vein surgery. This study evaluated the effect of single-dose epidural anaesthesia on postoperative pain scores and length of hospitalisation after varicose vein surgery, comparing it with general anaesthesia. METHODS: The study was conducted on a total of 100 patients, aged 18 years and older, with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I-III, undergoing unilateral lower-extremity stripping due to varicose veins within a six-month period at the Prof Dr Cemil Tasçioglu City Hospital Anesthesiology and Reanimation Service. Fifty patients with single-dose epidural anaesthesia were consecutively included in the EA group. For comparison, 50 patients who were operated on under general anesthesia were included in the GA group. RESULTS: The groups showed statistically significant differences between the 30th-minute and first-, second-, fourth- and sixth-hour visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Patients with epidural anaesthesia had lower 30th-minute VAS scores compared to those administered general anaesthesia. There were statistically significant differences identified between the groups for the additional analgesia requirements of patients (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Subjects with epidural anaesthesia had lower additional analgesic requirements than those administered general anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: Epidural anaesthesia provided adequate anaesthesia with more effective postoperative analgesia compared to patients operated on under general anaesthesia and receiving multimodal analgesia for postoperative analgesia.

Development and validation of nomogram to predict severe illness requiring intensive care follow up in hospitalized COVID-19 cases.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of severe COVID-19 patients who will need intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up and providing rapid, aggressive supportive care may reduce mortality and provide optimal use of medical resources. We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict severe COVID-19 cases that would need ICU follow-up based on available and accessible patient values. METHODS: Patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between March 15, 2020, and June 15, 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective study with 35 variables obtained upon admission considered. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to select potential predictive parameters using 1000 bootstrap samples. Afterward, a nomogram was developed with 5 variables selected from multivariable analysis. The nomogram model was evaluated by Area Under the Curve (AUC) and bias-corrected Harrell's C-index with 95% confidence interval, Hosmer-Lemeshow Goodness-of-fit test, and calibration curve analysis. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1022 patients, 686 cases without missing data were used to construct the nomogram. Of the 686, 104 needed ICU follow-up. The final model includes oxygen saturation, CRP, PCT, LDH, troponin as independent factors for the prediction of need for ICU admission. The model has good predictive power with an AUC of 0.93 (0.902-0.950) and a bias-corrected Harrell's C-index of 0.91 (0.899-0.947). Hosmer-Lemeshow test p-value was 0.826 and the model is well-calibrated (p = 0.1703). CONCLUSION: We developed a simple, accessible, easy-to-use nomogram with good distinctive power for severe illness requiring ICU follow-up. Clinicians can easily predict the course of COVID-19 and decide the procedure and facility of further follow-up by using clinical and laboratory values of patients available upon admission.

Vitamin D Deficiency Prevalence in Late Neonatal Hypocalcemia: A Multicenter Study

Objective: Late neonatal hypocalcemia (LNH) is a common metabolic problem associated with hypoparathyroidism, high phosphate intake and vitamin D deficiency, often presenting with seizures. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D deficiency in LNH in Turkey and to describe the characteristics of affected newborns. Methods: Conducted with a cross-sectional design and with the participation of 61 neonatal centers from December 2015 to December 2016, the study included term neonates with LNH (n=96) and their mothers (n=93). Data were registered on the FAVOR Web Registry System. Serum samples of newborns and mothers were analyzed for calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Results: The median (range) onset time of hypocalcemia was 5.0 (4.0-8.0) days of age, with a male preponderance (60.4%). The median (range) serum 25(OH)D levels of the neonates and their mothers were 6.3 (4.1-9.05) and 5.2 (4.7-8.8) ng/mL, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) was high in both the neonates (86.5%) and mothers (93%). Serum 25(OH)D levels of the infants and mothers showed a strong correlation (p<0.001). While the majority (93.7%) of the neonates had normal/high phosphorus levels, iPTH levels were low or inappropriately normal in 54.2% of the patients. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency prevalence was found to be high in LNH. Efforts to provide vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be encouraged. Evaluation of vitamin D status should be included in the workup of LNH.

Amitriptyline Intoxication in Children: Twenty Years' Experience in a Tertiary Care Center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Amitriptyline ingestion is an important cause of poisoning morbidity and mortality in Turkey and other countries. In contrast to adults, data concerning amitriptyline intoxication in children are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate amitriptyline intoxication findings in the pediatric population, based on age groups and reported dosages. METHODS: The medical records of 192 patients admitted to the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Faculty Farabi Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department, Turkey, due to amitriptyline intoxication in 1997-2017 were examined retrospectively. Patients were divided into 6 groups based on amitriptyline doses and 4 groups based on age. Complete blood count, blood glucose, serum electrolytes, renal and liver function tests, coagulation tests (prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time), and blood gas analysis were studied in all patients. Electrocardiography was performed on all children, and chest radiography and electroencephalography on those with respiratory or central nervous system symptoms. RESULTS: Amitriptyline intoxication was most frequently observed between the ages of 1 and 4 years. The most common signs and symptoms observed at time of hospital admission were lethargy and drowsiness (45.3%), sinus tachycardia (19.2%), and nausea and vomiting (13%). The most common laboratory finding was hyperglycemia (17.7). Six patients were intubated because of respiratory failure, and mechanical ventilation was initiated in these cases. One patient with amitriptyline overdose had persistent supraventricular tachycardia. Four children died due to amitriptyline intoxication. CONCLUSIONS: Tricyclic antidepressant intoxication is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children. It is therefore particularly important to identify the clinical and laboratory findings that develop with high-dose consumption.

Early Pneumopericardium after Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy.

Pneumopericardium is a condition characterised by the presence of air within the pericardium. We hereby present a case of a rare potentially life-threatening complication, which is, to our knowledge, the first report of the pneumopericardium after single port endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (SPETS). A 25-year male patient with a history of bilateral palmar hyperhidrosis underwent SPETS. Routine chest X-ray at post-anesthesia care unit showed presence of diffuse subcutaneous emphysema, helping to establish the diagnosis of pneumopericardium with no symptoms after the surgery.  Pneumopericardium should be considered among the possible complications of SPETS. Such complication may progress to a fatal event, if not recognised early and managed rapidly. Based on clinical experience, routine postoperative clinical follow-up protocols should be established and applied for each patient following SPETS. Key Words: Palmar hyperhidrosis, Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, Pneumopericardium.

Microwave assisted synthesis, experimental and theoretical characterization and antibacterial activity screening of novel azomethine compounds containing thiophene and aminophenol functionality.

Eight new azomethine compounds (3a-3h) containing thiophene and aminophenol functionality were synthesized in excellent yields by using conventional heating and microwave assisted synthesis methods. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR and elemental analysis. UV-Vis and 1H NMR results show that all compounds prefer the phenol-imine tautomer form in solvent media. The chemical structure of 3a, 3b and 3g was also confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The molecular conformations of 3a, 3b and 3g are stabilized by an N+-H⋯O- type intramolecular hydrogen bond in zwitterionic form in the crystalline solid state. The optimized molecular structures, 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift values, UV-Vis spectroscopic parameters, HOMO-LUMO energies, Mulliken (MPA) and natural (NBO) atomic charges, Natural bond orbitals (NBO), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps and solvent accessible surfaces (SASs) for 3a-3h were calculated by using DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(2d,p) approach. The theoretical spectroscopic features obtained by DFT calculations show a very good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the synthesized compounds (3a-3h) were screened for their antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus (NRRL-B3711), Bacillus subtilis (NRRL-B4378), Escherichia coli (NRRL B-3008), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-6538) and Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC-13311). The results show that investigated compounds have either moderately active, slightly active or inactive among the tested microorganisms. 3a exhibited the stronger antibacterial activity against all test bacteria than other compounds. It also has been observed that compounds with relatively low HOMO-LUMO energy gaps exhibit better antibacterial effects.

Controlled drug release performance of plasma modified slab and mat matrices: A model study with "Ampicillin".

Two types of ampicillin carrier platforms were prepared with polycaprolactone (PCL) and the release behavior of a hydrophilic model drug (ampicillin sodium salt) from those matrices was investigated. Spin coating and electrospinning techniques were used to prepare slab and mat platforms, respectively. Ampicillin sodium salt (ASS) at 5% (w:w) concentration was loaded into the slab or mat structures of PCL. The thickness of the slab was measured 3.349 ± 0.345 µm and surface morphology of the slabs showed uniform PCL spherulites. On the other hand, fiber diameter of PCL and ASS loaded PCL (ASSLPCL) was measured 604 ± 176 nm and 549 ± 119 nm, respectively. The dynamic behavior of the controlled release was improved by a very thin film (<100 nm) formation of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) over the surface via plasma polymerization. Plasma coating was facilitated and speed up the drug diffusion, then led to 45.60 ± 6.46% and 63.67 ± 4.33% enhancement of drug from slab and mat, respectively. Transport mechanism from all matrices showed a Fickian diffusion behavior and plasma modification of the surface did not affected the mechanism. The in vitro antibacterial property of ASS loaded matrices against S. aureus and E. coli was studied through the comparison of bacterial inhibition zones and ASS showed antibacterial effect after all processes.