Pyrazole as an anti-microbial scaffold: A comprehensive review

Abstract:

Serious and lethal infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Numerous anti-microbial agents have been developed during last few decades for treating these infectious diseases, but these are still expanding worldwide over. Moreover, microorganisms are developing resistance against commercially available medicines. So, antimicrobial resistance is expanding as the most serious health threat particularly in developing countries due to easier availability of anti-microbial drugs. So, scarcity of effective antibiotics is suggesting the pressing demand of new anti-microbial agents. Modern drug discovery regarded heterocyclic compounds as its heart due to their striking structural characteristics. Pyrazole is considered as significant heterocyclic nucleus in modern drug development. This review brings a considerable summary regarding derivatives of pyrazole developed over last decade for their anti-microbial action along with docking studies carrying an expectation that it will be beneficial for medicinal chemists working in anti-microbial drug development.

Densely methylated DNA traps Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 but permits free diffusion by Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 3

The methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 and 3 proteins (MBD2 and MBD3) provide structural and DNA-binding function for the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex. The two proteins form distinct NuRD complexes and show different binding affinity and selectivity for methylated DNA. Previous studies have shown that MBD2 binds with high affinity and selectivity for a single methylated CpG dinucleotide while MBD3 does not. However, the NuRD complex functions in regions of the genome that contain many CpG dinucleotides (CpG islands). Therefore, in this work, we investigate the binding and diffusion of MBD2 and MBD3 on more biologically relevant DNA templates that contain a large CpG island or limited CpG sites. Using a combination of single-molecule and biophysical analyses, we show that both MBD2 and MBD3 diffuse freely and rapidly across unmethylated CpG-rich DNA. In contrast, we found methylation of large CpG islands traps MBD2 leading to stable and apparently static binding on the CpG island while MBD3 continues to diffuse freely. In addition, we demonstrate both proteins bend DNA, which is augmented by methylation. Together, these studies support a model in which MBD2-NuRD strongly localizes to and compacts methylated CpG islands while MBD3-NuRD can freely mobilize nucleosomes independent of methylation status.

Significance of Molecular Docking in Developing Potent Antimicrobial 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives

Abstract:

New drug development has been recognized as a convoluted, costly, tedious, and difficult job. Overall, enormous sums of money are required for new drug development pipeline through traditional methods. The pharmaceutical industry is facing challenges to diminish the research cost and time-period for new drug discovery. For quicker, less expensive, and more successful drug designs, artificial intelligence has contributed the industry by giving a new paradigms such as computer-aided drug discovery. In recent times, the fast development of computational tools for drug discovery is exhibiting remarkable effects on drug designing. This article delivers knowledge and successful stories of artificial intelligence via Computer Aided Drug Design (CADD) in Medicinal Chemistry and considers assistance of molecular docking in developing anti-microbial thiadiazole derivatives during last decade.

Factors associated with screening failure and study withdrawal in multidrug-resistant TB

SETTING: Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) clinical trial in Lima, Peru and Cape Town, South Africa.OBJECTIVE: To identify baseline factors associated with screening failure and study withdrawal in an MDR-TB clinical trial.DESIGN: We screened patients for a randomized, blinded, Phase II trial which assessed culture conversion over the first 6 months of treatment with varying doses of levofloxacin plus an optimized background regimen (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01918397). We identified factors for screening failure and study withdrawal using Poisson regression to calculate prevalence ratios and Cox proportional hazard regression to calculate hazard ratios. We adjusted for factors with P < 0.2.RESULTS: Of the 255 patients screened, 144 (56.5%) failed screening. The most common reason for screening failure was an unsuitable resistance profile on sputum-based molecular susceptibility testing (n = 105, 72.9%). No significant baseline predictors of screening failure were identified in the multivariable model. Of the 111 who were enrolled, 33 (30%) failed to complete treatment, mostly for non-adherence and consent withdrawal. No baseline factors predicted study withdrawal in the multivariable model.CONCLUSION: No baseline factors were independently associated with either screening failure or study withdrawal in this secondary analysis of a MDR-TB clinical trial.

Nanoscale zerovalent copper (nZVC) catalyzed environmental remediation of organic and inorganic contaminants: A review

Over the past decade, the nano zerovalent copper has emerged as an effective nano-catalyst for the environment remediation processes due to its ease of synthesis, low cost, controllable particle size and high reactivity despite its release during the remediation process and related concentration dependent toxicities. However, the improvised techniques involving the use of supports or immobilizer for the synthesis of Cu⁰ has significantly increased its stability and motivated the researchers to explore the applicability of Cu⁰ for the environment remediation processes, which is evident from access to numerous reports on nano zerovalent copper mediated remediation of contaminants. Initially, this review allows the understanding of the various resources used to synthesize zerovalent copper nanomaterial and the structure of Cu⁰ nanoparticles, followed by focus on the reaction mechanism and the species involved in the contaminant remediation process. The studies comprehensively presented the application of nano zerovalent copper for remediation of organic/inorganic contaminants in combination with various oxidizing and reducing agents under oxic and anoxic conditions. Further, it was evaluated that the immobilizers or support combined with various irradiation sources originates a synergistic effect and have a significant effect on the stability and the redox properties of nZVC in the remediation process. Therefore, the review proposed that the future scope of research should include rigorous focus on deriving an exact mechanism for synergistic effect for the removal of contaminants by supported nZVC.

Varicella vaccination in India's universal immunisation program -is it time?

We report two representative cases of complicated varicella in immunocompetent children highlighting the significant vaccine preventable varicella burden in the Indian population. A robust surveillance programme followed by incorporation of varicella vaccine in routine immunization would be the way forward to mitigate this illness.

Contaminants of emerging concerns in recycled water: Fate and risks in agroecosystems

Recycled water (RW) has been increasingly recognized as a valuable source of water for alleviating the global water crisis. When RW is used for agricultural irrigation, many contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are introduced into the agroecosystem. The ubiquity of CECs in field soil, combined with the toxic, carcinogenic, or endocrine-disrupting nature of some CECs, raises significant concerns over their potential risks to the environment and human health. Understanding such risks and delineating the fate processes of CECs in the water-soil-plant continuum contributes to the safe reuse of RW in agriculture. This review summarizes recent findings and provides an overview of CECs in the water-soil-plant continuum, including their occurrence in RW and irrigated soil, fate processes in agricultural soil, offsite transport including runoff and leaching, and plant uptake, metabolism, and accumulation. The potential ecological and human health risks of CECs are also discussed. Studies to date have shown limited accumulation of CECs in irrigated soils and plants, which may be attributed to multiple attenuation processes in the rhizosphere and plant, suggesting minimal health risks from RW-fed food crops. However, our collective understanding of CECs is rather limited and knowledge of their offsite movement and plant accumulation is particularly scarce for field conditions. Given a large number of CECs and their occurrence at trace levels, it is urgent to develop strategies to prioritize CECs so that future research efforts are focused on CECs with elevated risks for offsite contamination or plant accumulation. Irrigating specific crops such as feed crops and fruit trees may be a viable option to further minimize potential plant accumulation under field conditions. To promote the beneficial reuse of RW in agriculture, it is essential to understand the human health and ecological risks imposed by CEC mixtures and metabolites.

Management of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in a Patient with Post-partum Cardiomyopathy

Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a congenital heart condition in which the atrioventricular (AV) node is bypassed by an accessory pathway that connects the atria and ventricle directly. WPW syndrome in patients with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy (pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy) is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to failure of the pump and the conduction system of the heart. Management of these cases deals with arrhythmia and systolic heart failure, which becomes more challenging in pregnant patients as it requires treatment methods that minimize risks to the fetus. We report a case of a young female patient with WPW syndrome and postpartum cardiomyopathy presenting with symptomatic arrhythmias (tachycardia).

A Monte Carlo investigation of some important radiation parameters and tissue equivalency for photons below 1 keV in human tissues

The attenuation coefficients are important input values in estimating not only the dose and exposure in radiotherapy and medical imaging, but also in the proper design of photon shields. While studies are widely available above 1 keV, the attenuation coefficients of human tissues for photon energies less than 1 keV have not been studied yet. In this study, the attenuation coefficients of water and some human tissues were estimated for low energy photons using the MCNP6.1 code in the energy region 0.1 keV-1 keV. Mass attenuation coefficients were estimated at photon energies of 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 and 1000 eV for water and ten human tissues (Soft, Breast, Lung, Bone, Brain, Eye lens, Ovary, Skin, Thyroid and Prostate). Results were compared with those available in literature and a fairly good agreement has been obtained. These data were then used to calculate the mean free path, half value layer, tenth value layer, effective atomic number and specific gamma-ray constant (useful for calculation of dose rate) as well. Moreover, for comparison the effective atomic number of the water has been obtained using the results of this work and using the data available in NIST database from 0.1 to 1 keV. In addition, the human tissues were compared with some tissue equivalent materials in terms of effective atomic number and specific gamma-ray constant to study the tissue equivalency from the results, the muscle-equivalent liquid with sucrose has been found to be the best tissue equivalent material for soft tissue, eye lens and brain with relative difference below 4.1%.

Comparative evaluation of various diagnostic techniques for detection of Cryptosporidium infection from the faecal samples of diarrhoeic bovine calves

BACKGROUND

Cryptosporidium, an opportunistic, zoonotic, apicomplexan parasite, is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in neonatal bovine calves around the globe. Bovine calves act as a major source of infection by excreting huge numbers of highly resistant oocysts in faeces, which can survive for a long time in extreme environmental conditions. As low as ten oocysts can cause disease and mortality, leading to the requirement of an early and accurate diagnosis for proper and favorable prognosis, management, and control.

AIMS

The current study was conducted with the objective to evaluate various diagnostic techniques (acid fast staining, negative staining, fluorescent, ELISA, PCR, nested PCR, and qPCR) for the detection of Cryptosporidium in the faecal samples of diarrheic bovine calves.

METHODS

Two hundred diarrheic faecal samples from bovine calves were collected and subjected to these techniques for Cryptosporidium diagnosis. Results of these were evaluated for diagnostic comparison.

RESULTS

Out of 200 faecal samples evaluated, 24% (48/200) were detected positive for Cryptosporidium using a combination of two techniques as gold standard criteria. Cohen's kappa value indicated moderate to almost perfect agreement (0.616 to 0.986) among all the techniques used in the present study. Leishman staining showed the lowest sensitivity (54.17%), while nested PCR and qPCR showed the highest sensitivity (97.92%). Diagnostic specificity of all these tests ranged from 98.68 to 100%.

CONCLUSION

Auramine stain was used for the first time in the bovine calves in India for the detection and diagnostic comparison of Cryptosporidium. It showed strong agreement with the molecular as well as classical diagnostic techniques, and can be used for primary screening for better diagnosis.

A fluorescence polarization assay using recombinant protein ESAT-6 for the detection of antibodies against pathogenic Mycobacterium bovis in bovine

BACKGROUND

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a major bacterial disease that causes significant economic disruption across the globe.

AIMS

Our study was based on using a fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) that used fluorescein-labeled ESAT-6 protein to detect Mycobacterium bovis antibodies in bovine serum.

METHODS

The ESAT-6 protein was used in a FPA. Positive TB reactors were determined by the comparative intradermal test (CID) and interferon gamma test (IFN-γ). Antibodies against M. bovis were detected using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled tracer and a whole culture FITC labeled tracer in the positive cattle.

RESULTS

Of the 192 animals tested for bTB, 37 were found to be positive by either the CID or IFN-γ assays. Using the mP values from five culture-positive serum samples, a cutoff value of more than >127 mp provided the best discrimination between positive reactors and negative bTB animals. The ESAT-6 results of FPA in comparison with CID results revealed sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 64.6%, and in comparison with results IFN-γ, showed sensitivity of 95.7% and specificity of 49%. FPA using FITC labelled ESAT-6 as a tracer has better sensitivity (95.7%) and specificity (49.1%) than IFN-γ test in humoral immune response in animals.

CONCLUSION

This work revealed that the ESAT-6 protein as an antigen can be used in diagnosing bTB using a practical and sensitive humoral test.

Role of inhaled levosimendan in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Levosimendan is an inodilator agent, which was initially widely used in low contractility states. However, its use has been restricted because of the invariable need to use a vasoconstrictor like norepinephrine, since it causes a marked fall in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Hence its beneficial effects on the heart are compromised by the excessive fall in SVR. The inhalational route provides a better opportunity to exploit the positive cardiac effects, with a minimal effect on SVR. In this case report, we present a postpartum patient presenting with heart failure, in which inhalational levosimendan improved the hemodynamics and cardiac function, which was associated with relief of symptoms, with no need for other inotropes. As per our knowledge and extensive literature search, this is the first documented use of inhaled levosimendan in peripartum cardiomyopathy.

TIN2 is an architectural protein that facilitates TRF2-mediated trans- and cis-interactions on telomeric DNA

The telomere specific shelterin complex, which includes TRF1, TRF2, RAP1, TIN2, TPP1 and POT1, prevents spurious recognition of telomeres as double-strand DNA breaks and regulates telomerase and DNA repair activities at telomeres. TIN2 is a key component of the shelterin complex that directly interacts with TRF1, TRF2 and TPP1. In vivo, the large majority of TRF1 and TRF2 are in complex with TIN2 but without TPP1 and POT1. Since knockdown of TIN2 also removes TRF1 and TRF2 from telomeres, previous cell-based assays only provide information on downstream effects after the loss of TRF1/TRF2 and TIN2. Here, we investigated DNA structures promoted by TRF2-TIN2 using single-molecule imaging platforms, including tracking of compaction of long mouse telomeric DNA using fluorescence imaging, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of protein-DNA structures, and monitoring of DNA-DNA and DNA-RNA bridging using the DNA tightrope assay. These techniques enabled us to uncover previously unknown unique activities of TIN2. TIN2S and TIN2L isoforms facilitate TRF2-mediated telomeric DNA compaction (cis-interactions), dsDNA-dsDNA, dsDNA-ssDNA and dsDNA-ssRNA bridging (trans-interactions). Furthermore, TIN2 facilitates TRF2-mediated T-loop formation. We propose a molecular model in which TIN2 functions as an architectural protein to promote TRF2-mediated trans and cis higher-order nucleic acid structures at telomeres.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Aided Diagnosis of Glutathione Synthetase Deficiency

Glutathione synthetase (GSS) deficiency is a rare disorder, occurring with a frequency of less than 1 in 100,000 individuals worldwide. The clinical presentation may vary from mild to severe, and manifestations include hemolytic anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, metabolic acidosis, neurological problems, and sepsis. Herein, we present a case of a newborn boy with the most severe phenotype of GSS deficiency, diagnosed based on clinical features and increased urinary 5-oxoproline levels determined via gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) testing.

Case Studies of Two Classical Imprinting Growth Disorders: Silver–Russell and Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndromes

The genetic influences on human growth are being increasingly deciphered. Silver–Russell and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndromes (SRS; BWS) are two relatively common genetic syndromes with under- and overgrowth-related issues being the reason for referral. Aberration in genomic imprinting is the underlying genetic pathomechanism behind these syndromes. Herein, we described a series of children with these two growth disorders and give an orientation to the reader of the concept of imprinting as well as the genetic testing strategy and counseling to be offered in these syndromes.

Antibiotic sensitivity patterns in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from goat milk in association with molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes

Background

Microbes become unresponsive to the drugs used to treat infections due to their ability to acquire antimicrobial resistance.

Aims

The present research aimed to study the patterns of phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from goat milk.

Methods

A total of 200 milk samples were collected to isolate Staphylococcus spp. from mastitic and healthy goats from Punjab state, India. The isolates were then identified biochemically and molecularly (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)). An antibiotic sensitivity test was conducted using 15 different antibiotics. Molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes was done using PCR. Chi-square test was done to study the association between genotypic and phenotypic resistance patterns among the isolates.

Results

A total of 47 Staphylococcus spp. were isolated of which 33 and 14 isolates were respectively coagulase positive and negative. The isolates phenotypically showed the highest resistance to Penicillin G (P) (91.4%). Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found 56.25%. Amongst the antibiotic resistance genes, tetK (87.23%) was the most prevalent isolated gene followed by blaZ (85.10%), mecA (48.93%), and tetM (14.89%). Statistical analysis revealed that the genotypic and phenotypic resistance patterns were significantly associated with penicillin and methicillin (MET) resistances.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp., especially MRSA, in goat milk is of concern and needs to be addressed in this area.

Management of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy

Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a congenital heart condition in which the atrioventricular (AV) node is bypassed by an accessory pathway that connects the atria and ventricle directly along with symptoms of syncope or palpitations. WPW syndrome in patients with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy (pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy) is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality secondary to failure of the pump and the conduction system of the heart. Management of these cases deals with arrhythmia and systolic heart failure, which becomes more challenging in pregnant patients as it requires treatment methods that minimize risks to the fetus. We report a case of a young female patient with WPW syndrome and peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting with symptomatic arrhythmias (tachycardia).

A Systematic Literature Review of Blockchain Technology for Smart Villages

According to the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals are framed for improving rural health, hunger, poverty issues, environmental conditions, and illiteracy globally. With the upcoming technology, there have been many advances in the lifestyle of people all around the world. Comparatively, more emphasis has been given to the development of urban areas than rural. The sustainable development of a country depends on the growth of its rural areas. Countless technological and theoretical models, projects, and frameworks have been proposed and implemented to help overcome sundry issues and challenges faced by rural people in quotidian life. New technological methods are deemed to be the future of livability, therefore; a technologically advanced solution for sustainable rural development is called for. Blockchain Technology is the next step for innovation and development and it has far many applications in sustainable rural development that are yet to be discovered. The objective of this paper is to explicitly review research conducted in rural development to fill the undone work in the future with better research ideas, to make rural areas a livable and advanced place while also maintaining their integrity leading to sustainable development. To conduct such a review, a systematic research methodology is applied following regulations in the conduction of standardized but explorative analysis. Within the timeline of 2010-2021, 112 papers are carefully selected to perform the systematic review. This review will provide a comprehensible as well as concise research compendium for all applications proposed, implemented, and possible in the future to realize the concept of smart villages for the development of rural areas using blockchain technology.

Using Atomic Force Microscopy to Study the Real Time Dynamics of DNA Unwinding by Mitochondrial Twinkle Helicase

Understanding the structure and dynamics of DNA-protein interactions during DNA replication is crucial for elucidating the origins of disorders arising from its dysfunction. In this study, we employed Atomic Force Microscopy as a single-molecule imaging tool to examine the mitochondrial DNA helicase Twinkle and its interactions with DNA. We used imaging in air and time-lapse imaging in liquids to observe the DNA binding and unwinding activities of Twinkle hexamers at the single-molecule level. These procedures helped us visualize Twinkle loading onto and unloading from the DNA in the open-ring conformation. Using traditional methods, it has been shown that Twinkle is capable of unwinding dsDNA up to 20-55 bps. We found that the addition of mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein (mtSSB) facilitates a 5-fold increase in the DNA unwinding rate for the Twinkle helicase. The protocols developed in this study provide new platforms to examine DNA replication and to explore the mechanism driving DNA deletion and human diseases. Graphic abstract: Mitochondrial Twinkle Helicase Dynamics.