Reporting on data monitoring committees in neonatal randomised controlled trials is inconsistent.

AIM: To evaluate the reported use of data monitoring committees (DMCs), the frequency of interim analysis, prespecified stopping rules and early trial termination in neonatal randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We reviewed neonatal RCTs published in four high-impact general medical journals, specifically looking at safety issues including documented involvement of a DMC, stated interim analysis, stopping rules and early trial termination. We searched all journal issues over an 11-year period (2003-2013) and recorded predefined parameters on each item for RCTs meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Seventy neonatal trials were identified in four general medical journals: Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), British Medical Journal and Journal of American Medical Association. A total of 43 (61.4%) studies reported the presence of a DMC, 36 (51.4%) explicitly mentioned interim analysis, stopping rules were reported in 15 (21.4%) RCTs and seven (10%) trials were terminated early. The NEJM most frequently reported these parameters compared to the other three journals reviewed. CONCLUSION: While the majority of neonatal RCTs report on DMC involvement and interim analysis, there is still scope for improvement. Clear documentation of safety-related issues should be a central component of reporting in neonatal trials involving newborn infants.

Recognition and separation of sulfate anions.

This tutorial review focuses on some recent aspects in the development of synthetic receptors for selective sulfate anion recognition and separation, with a special emphasis to: (i) receptors for selective recognition of sulfate in organic and aqueous media and (ii) receptors for separation of sulfate from water via liquid-liquid extraction and crystallization.

A fluorophoric-axle-based, nonfluororescent, metallo anti-[3]pseudorotaxane: recovery of fluorescence by means of an axle substitution reaction.

A Cu(2+)-templated, multinuclear, nonfluorescent, anti-[3]pseudorotaxane was synthesized on a fluorophoric axle. The Cu(2+)-templated [3]pseudorotaxane was characterized by the electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray data. The ESI-MS showed peaks that support the formation of [3]pseudorotaxane. The UV/Vis spectrum of [3]pseudorotaxane in CH(3)CN showed a characteristic d-d band of a Cu(2+) complex at 650 nm. Further, the X-band in the EPR spectrum of [3]pseudorotaxane suggested a distorted square-pyramidal geometry of Cu(2+). Importantly, formation of the [3]pseudorotaxane was confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray structural analysis, which showed that one fluorophoric axle was threaded into two Cu(2+) macrocyclic wheels (MC-Cu(2+)) with an anti conformation. The UV/Vis and fluorescence titration experiments were carried out to follow the solution-state formation of [3]pseudorotaxane by MC-Cu(2+) and fluorophoric axle in CH(3)CN. In both studies, the sigmoidal curve fit supported the formation of 1:2 complex of the fluorophoric axle and MC-Cu(2+) complex. Secondly, the release of the fluorophoric axle from the nonfluorescent [3]pseudorotaxane through the formation of a [2]pseudorotaxane was demonstrated by titrating a solution of the [3]pseudorotaxane with a stronger bidentate chelating ligand, such as 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen). Substitution of the fluorophoric axle from the [3]pseudorotaxane with about 100% efficiency was achieved by the addition of approximately two equivalents of Phen, and the formation of a Phen-threaded [2]pseudorotaxane was established by ESI-MS of the resulting solution and a single-crystal X-ray study. Axle substitution was also confirmed by a fluorescence titration experiment, which showed a step-wise recovery of the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophoric axle. The association constants for the formation of the [3]- and [2]pseudrotaxanes were calculated from the fluorescence and UV/Vis data. In addition, 2,2'-bipyridine (BPy), which is a relatively weaker bidendate chelating ligand compared to Phen, showed an inefficient and incomplete axle substitution of the [3]pseudorotaxane, although BPy previously showed the formation of [2]pseudrotaxane with the MC-Cu(2+) wheel in solution and ESI-MS studies. In this context, the formation of a BPy-threaded [2]pseudrotaxane was further established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study.

Anion binding in the C3v-symmetric cavity of a protonated tripodal amine receptor: potentiometric and single crystal X-ray studies.

Tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) based pentafluorophenyl-substituted tripodal L, tris[[(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)amino]ethyl]amine receptor is synthesized in good yield and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Detailed structural aspects of binding of different anionic guests toward L in its triprotonated form are examined thoroughly. Crystallographic results show binding of fluoride in the C(3v)-symmetric cavity of [H(3)L](3+) where spherical anion fluoride is in tricoordinated geometry via (N-H)(+)···F interaction in the complex [H(3)L(F)]·[F](2)·2H(2)O, (3). In the case of complexes [H(3)L(OTs)]·[OTs](2), (4) and [H(3)L(OTs)]·[NO(3)]·[OTs], (5), tetrahedral p-toluenesulphonate ion is engulfed in the cavity of [H(3)L](3+) via (N-H)(+)···O interactions. Interestingly, complex [(H(3)L)(2)(SiF(6))]·[BF(4)](4)·CH(3)OH·H(2)O, (6) shows encapsulation of octahedral hexafluorosilicate in the dimeric capsular assembly of two [H(3)L](3+) units, via a number of (N-H)(+)···F interactions. The kinetic parameters of L upon binding with different anions are evaluated using a potentiometric study in solution state. The potentiometric titration experiments in a polar protic methanol/water (1:1 v/v) binary solvent system show high affinity of the receptor toward more basic fluoride and acetate anions, with a lesser affinity for other inorganic anions (e.g., chloride, bromide, nitrate, sulfate, dihydrogenphosphate, and p-toluenesulphonate).

Zinc(II) and PPi selective fluorescence OFF-ON-OFF functionality of a chemosensor in physiological conditions.

A fluorescent chemosensor based on a quinoline derivative, L(2) (OFF state), selectively senses Zn(2+) by effective chelate-enhanced fluorescence (ON state), which further shows selectivity toward PPi over competing anions like Pi, AMP, and ATP via fluorescence quenching (OFF state) in a 100% aqueous HEPES buffer (pH 7.4). A plausible mode for the selective binding of PPi to 1 has been demonstrated by quantum mechanical density functional theory calculations and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis.

Dual-host approach for liquid-liquid extraction of potassium fluoride/chloride via formation of an integrated 1-D polymeric complex.

Extraction of KF/KCl from aqueous solution by distinct cationic and anionic receptors is demonstrated. Structural studies of the extracted complexes showed 1D-polymers of the receptors containing respective ions in their cavities.

Cu(II) assisted self-sorting towards pseudorotaxane formation.

A new triamino macrocycle shows Cu(II) templated self-sorting of a pseudorotaxane out of sixteen such possibilities from the mixture of nine components of a tridentate, four bidentate ligands and four transition metal ions.

Unusual recognition of (n-Bu4N)2SO4 by a cyanuric acid based host via contact ion-pair interactions.

A tripodal neutral receptor selectively binds tetrabutylammonium sulfate where anion is encapsulated in the cavity and cations are in close contact with the anion via C-H...O interactions. This organic cation capped sulfate-bowl exists both in solid and solution states and the sulfate assisted cap can be opened and closed reversibly with a temperature key.

Efficient fixation of atmospheric CO2 as carbonate in a capsule of a neutral receptor and its release under mild conditions.

Efficient fixation of aerial carbon dioxide as carbonate by a simple tripodal urea receptor is demonstrated by crystallizing the carbonate encapsulated molecular capsule in almost quantitative yield, followed by regeneration of free receptor from the capsule under mild conditions.

Structural studies on encapsulation of tetrahedral and octahedral anions by a protonated octaaminocryptand cage.

Structural aspects of the binding of inorganic anions such as perchlorate, hydrogen sulfate, and hexafluorosilicate with the proton cage of octaaminocryptand L(1), N(CH(2)CH(2)NHCH(2)-p-xylyl-CH(2)NHCH(2)CH(2))(3)N), are examined thoroughly. Crystallographic results for a hexaprotonated perchlorate complex of L(1), [(H(6)L(1))(6+)(ClO(4) (-))]5(ClO(4) (-)).11H(2)O.CH(3)CN (1), an octaprotonated hydrogen sulfate complex of L(1), [(H(8)L(1))(8+)(HSO(4) (-))]7(HSO(4) (-)).3H(2)O.CH(3)OH (2) and an octaprotonated fluorosilicate complex of L(1), [(H(8)L(1))(8+)(HSiF(6) (-))]3(SiF(6) (2-)).(HSiF(6) (-)).15H(2)O (3), show encapsulation of one perchlorate, hydrogen sulfate and hexafluorosilicate, respectively inside the cage of L(1) in their protonated states. Further, detailed structural analysis on complex 1 reveals that the hexaprotonated L(1) encapsulates a perchlorate via two N-H...O and five O-H...O hydrogen bonds from protonated secondary nitrogen atoms of L(1) and lattice water molecules, respectively. Encapsulated hydrogen sulfate in complex 2 is "glued" inside the octaprotonated cage of L(1)via four N-H...O and six C-H...O hydrogen bonds whereas encapsulated HSiF(6) (-) in complex 3 has short contacts via six N-H...F and three C-H...F hydrogen bonds with [H(8)L(1)](8+). In the cases of complexes 2 and 3, the cryptand L(1) in octaprotonated state shows monotopic encapsulation of the guest and the final conformation of these receptors is spherical in nature compared to the elongated shape of hexaprotonated state of L(1) in complex 1.

Anion complexation of a pentafluorophenyl-substituted tripodal urea receptor in solution and the solid state: selectivity toward phosphate.

The binding and selectivity of halides (spherical) and oxyanions (tetrahedral) toward a recently reported pentafluorophenyl-substituted tripodal urea-based receptor L(1) are examined thoroughly in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray crystallography as well as in solution by multinuclear NMR techniques. Crystallographic results show proof of a fluoride encapsulation in the cavity of L(1) in complex [L(1)(F)][Bu(4)N], . Fluoride encapsulation inside the C(3v) symmetric cleft is observed via six hydrogen bonds to all six urea protons of the receptor. In case of complex crystallographic results show encapsulation of sulfate ion inside a supramolecular cage formed upon 1 : 2 (guest-host) complex formation between sulfate and L(1). Sulfate encapsulation is observed via fourteen hydrogen bonding interactions from all six urea moieties of two L(1) units. Our effort to isolate single crystal of halides/oxyanions complexes of L(2) always yield single crystals of free L(2) though literature shows anion binding with this receptor in solution. Solution state binding studies of L(1) are carried out by (1)H-NMR titration to calculate binding constants, which show the following anion binding sequence H(2)PO(4)(-) > SO(4)(2-)> CH(3)COO(-) > F(-) > Cl(-) >> Br(-) whereas there is no binding with I(-), NO(3)(-) and ClO(4)(-) guests. Comparison of phosphate and sulfate binding in L(1) and L(2), show higher binding with the pentafluorophenyl substituted receptor, L(1). Further (19)F and (31)P-NMR experiments in solution are also carried out to probe the binding of F(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-) with L(1), respectively. Extensive (1)H-NMR experiments in solution and crystallization in the presence of multiple anions are also undertaken to evaluate the selectivity of H(2)PO(4)(-) over other anions.

A new hexaaza bicyclic cyclophane with dual binding sites.

A new C3-symmetric drum-shaped homoditopic haxaamino bicyclic cyclophane and its hexachloride and hexaiodide complexes have been synthesized and characterized and dual recognition of guests has been demonstrated. Single-crystal X-ray analysis illustrates that bicyclic cyclophane has a cavity and side pockets for acetone molecules. The hexaprotonated state of this bicycle shows encapsulation of an iodide inside its cavity, and in hexachloride complex, chloride is recognized as Cl(-)...H2O in each of the three side pockets which are in extensive hydrogen bonding interactions with the water and chlorides. (1)H NMR experiments have also been carried out on hexatosylated cyclophane with the halides to study solution state binding.

Spherical versus linear anion encapsulation in the cavity of a protonated azacryptand.

Grams scale synthesis of an octaaminocryptand L(2) with high yield is obtained in one-pot by low-temperature [2 + 3] condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine with isophthalaldehyde, followed by sodium borohydride reduction. Structural aspects of octaaminocryptand L(2) x MeOH, binding of iodide (spherical) and bichloride (linear) in L(2), (1,4,11,14,17,24,29,36-octa-azapentacyclo-[12.12.12..2(6,9).2(19,22).2(31,34)]-tetratetraconta 6(43),7,9(44),19(41),20,22(42),31(39),32,34(40)-nonane, N(CH2CH2NHCH2-m-xylyl-CH2NHCH2CH2)3N), in the hexaprotonated and tetraprotonated states, respectively, are examined. Crystallographic results show binding of single iodide [H6L(2)I](I)5 x 4 H2O, (2), in a hexaprotonated cryptand L(2). Monotopic recognition of iodide is observed via (N-H)(+)...iodide interactions. The tetraprotonation of L(2) by hydrochloric acid showed the formation and encapsulation of a bichloride inside the cavity, which is examined from the single-crystal X-ray study. Encapsulation and binding of a proton-bridged linear bichloride inside the cavity of tetraprotonated L(2), [H4L(2)(ClHCl)](Cl)3 x nH2O (3), via (N-H)(+)...chloride interactions is observed in the structural investigation. This study shows that degree of protonation and its distribution in the receptor architecture play an important role in guest encapsulation. Further, it represents the first example of an encapsulated bichloride inside the cavity of an organic host.

Trapped inorganic phosphate dimer.

Single crystal X-ray crystallographic signature of the pentafluorophenyl substituted tripodal urea-based receptor shows formation of a pseudo dimeric cage which also encapsulates a phosphate dimer via numerous hydrogen bonding and anion[dot dot dot]pi interactions.

Encapsulation of halides within the cavity of a pentafluorophenyl-substituted tripodal amine receptor.

Pentafluorophenyl-substituted tripodal amine L, tris[[(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)amino]ethyl]amine, is becoming a potential receptor for encapsulation of Cl- and Br- within the pseudo-C3-symmetric tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (L1) cavity upon protonation of the secondary amines. 1H NMR titration results indicate that [H3L]3+ binds with Cl- and Br- strongly compared to the [H3L2]3+ receptor, where L2 is N,N',N' '-tris[(2-benzylamino)ethyl]amine.

A perfect linear Cu-NNN-Cu unit inside the cryptand cavity and perchlorate entrapment within the channel formed by the cascade complex.

Dicopper complexes of bis-tren cryptand L1 having 1,4-xylyl spacers, becoming a potential receptor for perfect linear recognition of N3-, generate a Cu-NNN-Cu unit inside the cryptand cavity. Solid-state packing of this cascade complex shows the formation of a thorough channel which encapsulate perchlorate anion within the channel.