In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, hemolytic activities and in silico POM/DFT/DNA-binding and pharmacokinetic analyses of new sulfonamide bearing thiazolidin-4-ones

In this work, Schiff bases and Thiazolidin-4-ones, were synthesized using Sonication and Microwave techniques, respectively. The Schiff base derivatives (3a-b) were synthesized via the reaction of Sulfathiazole (1) with benzaldehyde derivatives (2a-b), followed by the synthesis of 4-thiazoledinone (4a-b) derivatives by cyclizing the synthesized Schiff bases through thioglycholic acid. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as FT IR, NMR and HRMS. The synthesized compounds were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant and in vivo cytotoxicity and hemolysis ability. The synthesized compounds displayed better antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and low toxicity in comparison to reference drugs and negative controls, respectively. The hemolysis test revealed the compounds exhibit lower hemolytic effects and hemolytic values are comparatively low and the safety of compounds is in comparison with standard drugs. Theoretical calculations were carried out by using the molecular operating environment (MOE) and Gaussian computing software and observations were in good agreement with the in vitro and in vivo biological activities. Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration (POM) results indicate the presence of three combined antibacterial, antiviral and antitumor pharmacophore sites. The molecular docking revealed the significant binding affinities and non-bonding interactions between the compounds and Erwinia Chrysanthemi (PDB ID: 1SHK). The molecular dynamics simulation under in silico physiological conditions revealed a stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment. HighlightsNew series of Thaiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized.Sonication and microwave techniques are used.Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and hemolysis activities were observed for all synthesized compounds.Molecular Docking and DFT/POM analyses have been predicted.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Discovery and optimization of 2,3-diaryl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one-based derivatives as potent and selective cytotoxic agents with anti-inflammatory activity

Several studies have indicated the potential therapeutic outcomes of combining selective COX-2 inhibitors with tubulin-targeting anticancer agents. In the current study, a novel series of thiazolidin-4-one-based derivatives (7a-q) was designed by merging the pharmacophoric features of some COXs inhibitors and tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Compounds 7a-q were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against MCF7, HT29, and A2780 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 0.02-17.02 μM). The cytotoxicity of 7a-q was also assessed against normal MRC5 cells (IC50 = 0.47-13.46 μM). Compounds 7c, 7i, and 7j, the most active in the MTT assay, significantly reduced the number of HT29 colonies compared to the control. Compounds 7c, 7i, and 7j also induced significant decreases in the tumor volumes and masses in Ehrlich solid carcinoma-bearing mice compared to the control. The three compounds also exhibited significant anti-HT29 migration activity in the wound-healing assay. They have also induced cell cycle arrest in HT29 cells at the S and G2/M phases. In addition, they induced significant increases in both early and late apoptotic events in HT29 cells compared to the control, where 7j showed the highest effect. On the other hand, compound 7j (1 μM) displayed weak inhibitory activity against tubulin polymerization compared to colchicine (3 μM). On the other hand, compounds 7a-q inhibited the activity of COX-2 (IC50 = 0.42-29.11 μM) compared to celecoxib (IC50 = 0.86 μM). In addition, 7c, 7i, and 7j showed moderate inhibition of inflammation in rats compared to indomethacin, with better GIT safety profiles. Molecular docking analysis revealed that 7c, 7i, and 7j have higher binding free energies towards COX-2 than COX-1. These above results suggested that 7j could serve as a potential anticancer drug candidate.

Recent Progress in Synthesis, POM Analyses and SAR of Coumarin-Hybrids as Potential Anti-HIV Agents-A Mini Review

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the primary cause of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), one of the deadliest pandemic diseases. Various mechanisms and procedures have been pursued to synthesise several anti-HIV agents, but due to the severe side effects and multidrug resistance spawning from the treatment of HIV/AIDS using highly active retroviral therapy (HAART), it has become imperative to design and synthesise novel anti-HIV agents. Literature has shown that natural sources, particularly the plant kingdom, can release important metabolites that have several biological, mechanistic and structural representations similar to chemically synthesised compounds. Certainly, compounds from natural and ethnomedicinal sources have proven to be effective in the management of HIV/AIDS with low toxicity, fewer side effects and affordability. From plants, fungi and bacteria, coumarin can be obtained, which is a secondary metabolite and is well known for its actions in different stages of the HIV replication cycle: protease, integrase and reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibition, cell membrane fusion and viral host attachment. These, among other reasons, are why coumarin moieties will be the basis of a good building block for the development of potent anti-HIV agents. This review aims to outline the synthetic pathways, structure-activity relationship (SAR) and POM analyses of coumarin hybrids with anti-HIV activity, detailing articles published between 2000 and 2023.

An overview of structure-based activity outcomes of pyran derivatives against Alzheimer's disease

Pyran is a heterocyclic group containing oxygen that possesses a variety of pharmacological effects. Pyran is also one of the most prevalent structural subunits in natural products, such as xanthones, coumarins, flavonoids, benzopyrans, etc. Additionally demonstrating the neuroprotective properties of pyrans is the fact that this heterocycle has recently attracted the attention of scientists worldwide. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatment and diagnosis are two of the most critical research objectives worldwide. Increased amounts of extracellular senile plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and a progressive shutdown of cholinergic basal forebrain neuron transmission are often related with cognitive impairment. This review highlights the various pyran scaffolds of natural and synthetic origin that are effective in the treatment of AD. For better understanding synthetic compounds are categorized as different types of pyran derivatives like chromene, flavone, xanthone, xanthene, etc. The discussion encompasses both the structure-activity correlations of these compounds as well as their activity against AD. Because of the intriguing actions that were uncovered by these pyran-based scaffolds, there is no question that they are at the forefront of the search for potential medication candidates that could treat Alzheimer's disease.

In silico and POM analysis for potential antimicrobial agents of thymidine analogs by using molecular docking, molecular dynamics and ADMET profiling

Nucleoside analogs are an important, well-established class of clinically useful medicinal agents that exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. Thus, we designed to explore the synthesis and spectral characterization of 5'-O-(myristoyl)thymidine esters (2-6) for in vitro antimicrobial, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, SAR, and POM analyses. An unimolar myristoylation of thymidine under controlled conditions furnished the 5'-O-(myristoyl)thymidine and it was further converted into four 3'-O-(acyl)-5'-O-(myristoyl)thymidine analogs. The chemical structures of the synthesized analogs were ascertained by analyzing their physicochemical, elemental, and spectroscopic data. In vitro antimicrobial tests along with PASS, prediction indicated expectant antibacterial functionality of these thymidine esters compared to the antifungal activities. In support of this observation, their molecular docking studies have been performed against lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A1) and Aspergillus flavus (1R51) and significant binding affinities and non-bonding interactions were observed. The stability of the protein-ligand complexes was monitored by a 100 ns MD simulation and found the stable conformation and binding mode in a stimulating environment of thymidine esters. Pharmacokinetic predictions were studied to assess their ADMET properties and showed promising results in silico. SAR investigation indicated that acyl chains, lauroyl (C-12) and myristoyl (C-14), combined with deoxyribose, were most effective against the tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. The POM analyses provide the structural features responsible for their combined antibacterial/antifungal activity and provide guidelines for further modifications, with the aim of improving each activity and selectivity of designed drugs targeting potentially drug-resistant microorganisms. It also opens avenues for the development of newer antimicrobial agents targeting bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Computer Analysis of the Inhibition of ACE2 by Flavonoids and Identification of Their Potential Antiviral Pharmacophore Site

In the present study, we investigated the antiviral activities of 17 flavonoids as natural products. These derivatives were evaluated for their in vitro antiviral activities against HIV and SARS-CoV-2. Their antiviral activity was evaluated for the first time based on POM (Petra/Osiris/Molispiration) theory and docking analysis. POM calculation was used to analyze the atomic charge and geometric characteristics. The side effects, drug similarities, and drug scores were also assumed for the stable structure of each compound. These results correlated with the experimental values. The bioinformatics POM analyses of the relative antiviral activities of these derivatives are reported for the first time.

Potential SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors of cytidine derivatives: Molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, ADMET, and POM analyses for the identification of pharmacophore sites

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the optimum targets for antiviral drug design and development. The hydroxyl groups of cytidine structures were modified with different aliphatic and aromatic groups to obtain 5´-O-acyl and 2´,3´-di-O-acyl derivatives, and then, these derivatives were employed in molecular modeling, antiviral prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, pharmacological and POM studies. Density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G++ level analyzed biochemical behavior and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) of the modified cytidine derivatives. The antiviral parameters of the mutated derivatives revealed promising drug properties compared with those of standard antiviral drugs. Molecular docking has determined binding affinities and interactions between the cytidine derivatives and SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. The modified derivatives strongly interacted with prime Pro620 and Lys621 residues. The binding conformation and interactions stability were investigated by 200 ns of molecular dynamics simulations and predicted the compounds to firmly dock inside the RdRp binding pocket. Interestingly, the binding residues of the derivatives were revealed in high equilibrium showing an enhanced binding affinity for the molecules. Intermolecular interactions are dominated by both Van der Waals and electrostatic energies. Finally, the pharmacokinetic characterization of the optimized inhibitors confirmed the safety of derivatives due to their improved kinetic properties. The selected cytidine derivatives can be suggested as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. The POM Theory supports the hypothesis above by confirming the existence of an antiviral (Oδ--O'δ-) pharmacophore site of Hits.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies of lauroyl thymidine analogs against SARS-CoV-2: POM study and identification of the pharmacophore sites

Nucleoside precursors and nucleoside analogs occupy an important place in the treatment of viral respiratory pathologies, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. From this perspective, the present study has been designed to explore and evaluate the synthesis and spectral characterisation of 5́-O-(lauroyl) thymidine analogs 2–6 with different aliphatic and aromatic groups through comprehensive in vitro antimicrobial screening, cytotoxicity assessment, physicochemical aspects, molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis, along with pharmacokinetic prediction. A unimolar one-step lauroylation of thymidine under controlled conditions furnished the 5́-O-(lauroyl) thymidine and indicated the selectivity at C-5́ position and the development of thymidine based potential antimicrobial analogs, which were further converted into four newer 3́-O-(acyl)-5́-O-(lauroyl) thymidine analogs in reasonably good yields. The chemical structures of the newly synthesised analogs were ascertained by analysing their physicochemical, elemental, and spectroscopic data. In vitro antimicrobial tests against five bacteria and two fungi, along with the prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS), indicated promising antibacterial functionality for these thymidine analogs compared to antifungal activity. In support of this observation, molecular docking experiments have been performed against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, and significant binding affinities and non-bonding interactions were observed against the main protease (6LU7, 6Y84 and 7BQY), considering hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as standard. Moreover, the 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation process was performed to monitor the behaviour of the complex structure formed by the main protease under in silico physiological conditions to examine its stability over time, and this revealed a stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment of thymidine analogs. Cytotoxicity determination confirmed that compounds were found less toxic. Pharmacokinetic predictions were investigated to evaluate their absorption, distribution, metabolism and toxic properties, and the combination of pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness predictions has shown promising results in silico. The POM analysis shows the presence of an antiviral (O1^δ-, O2^δ-) pharmacophore site. Overall, the current study should be of great help in the development of thymidine-based, novel, multiple drug-resistant antimicrobial and COVID-19 drugs.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, SAR, PASS, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and pharmacokinetics studies of 5'-O-uridine derivatives bearing acyl moieties: POM study and identification of the pharmacophore sites

Because of their superior antibacterial and pharmacokinetic capabilities, many nucleoside-based esters show potential against microorganisms, and may be used as pharmacological agents to address multidrug-resistant pathogenic problems. In this study, several aliphatic and aromatic groups were inserted to synthesize various 5'-O-decanoyluridine (2-5) and 5'-O-lauroyluridine derivatives (6-7) for antimicrobial, in silico computational, pharmacokinetic and POM (Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration). The chemical structures of the synthesized uridine derivatives were confirmed by physicochemical, elemental, and spectroscopic analyses. In vitro antimicrobial screening against five bacteria and two fungi, as well as the prediction of substance activity spectra (PASS), revealed that these uridine derivatives have promising antifungal properties when compared to the antibacterial activities. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to calculate the thermodynamic and physicochemical properties. Molecular docking was conducted against lanosterol 14a-demethylase CYP51A1 (3JUV) and Aspergillus flavus (1R4U) and revealed binding affinities and non-covalent interactions with the target. Then, a 150 ns molecular dynamic simulation was performed to confirm the behavior of the complex structure formed by microbial protein under in silico physiological conditions to examine its stability over time, which revealed a stable conformation and binding pattern in a stimulating environment of uridine derivatives. The acyl chain {CH₃(CH₂)₉CO-} and {CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CO-} in conjunction with sugar, was determined to have the most potent activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens in a structure-activity relationships (SAR) investigation. POM analyses were conducted with the presence of an antifungal (O ^δ- -- O' ^δ-) pharmacophore site. Overall, the present study might be useful for the development of uridine-based novel multidrug-resistant antimicrobial.

Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity of Different Honey Samples Collected in the Pre-Saharan Region in Algeria

Despite the challenging conditions in the pre-Saharan areas of Algeria, such as weak plant cover and a harsh climate, beekeeping is being developed and spread. In the present work, honey samples collected from ten locations in the El Oued region were examined during the spring of 2021. A melissopalynological analysis was carried out, followed by a floristic investigation. The 10 honey samples were also investigated for their physicochemical properties and antioxidant and antibacterial activity against five strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Listeria innocua, and Micrococcus luteus. The floristic analysis found 65 species belonging to 33 botanical families, with a dominance of the Asteraceae family accounting for 18.461% of the total. The melissopalynological study revealed only one monofloral honey (Ziziphus lotus), whereas the nine others were multi-floral. The honey’s color changed from light to dark amber, and most tested honey was of high quality, fulfilling international criteria. The total phenol and flavonoid contents varied considerably amongst the various honey samples. Furthermore, LC-MS-MS phenolic profile analysis identified the presence of 20 chemicals, of which only three phenols were found in all honey types. Antioxidant capacity analyzed with FRAP test and antiradical activities against DPPH differed from one honey sample to another. Moreover, a significant correlation was recorded between the antioxidant activity, honey’s color, polyphenol, and flavonoid contents. The S. aureus strain was the most sensitive regarding honey antibacterial activity, while M. luteus and B. subtilis strains were only moderately sensitive.

Crystallographic study, biological assessment and POM/Docking studies of pyrazoles-sulfonamide hybrids (PSH): Identification of a combined Antibacterial/Antiviral pharmacophore sites leading to in-silico screening the anti-Covid-19 activity

The discovery and development of new potent antimicrobial and antioxidant agents is an essential lever to protect living beings against pathogenic microorganisms and free radicals. In this regard, new functionalized pyrazoles have been synthesized using a simple and accessible approach. The synthesized aminobenzoylpyrazoles 3a-h and pyrazole-sulfonamides 4a-g were obtained in good yields and were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The structures of the synthesized compounds were determined using IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The structure of the compound 4b was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The results of the in vitro screening show that the synthesized pyrazoles 3 and 4 exhibit a promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Among the tested compounds, pyrazoles 3a, 3f, 4e, 4f, and 4g have exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against some microorganisms. In addition, compounds 3a, 3c, 3e, 4a, 4d, 4f, and 4g have shown a significant antioxidant activity in comparison with the standard butylhydroxytoluene (BHT). Hence, compounds 3a, 4f, and 4g represent interesting dual acting antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. In fact, pyrazole derivatives bearing sulfonamide moiety (4a-g) have displayed an important antimicrobial activity compared to pyrazoles 3a-h, this finding could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the pyrazole and sulfonamide pharmacophores. Furthermore, Molecular docking results revealed a good interaction of the synthesized compounds with the target proteins and provided important information about their interaction modes with the target enzyme. The results of the POM bioinformatics investigations (Petra, Osiris, Molinspiration) show that the studied heterocycles present a very good non toxicity profile, an excellent bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. Finally, an antiviral pharmacophore (O ^δ−, O ^δ−) was evaluated in the POM investigations and deserves all our attention to be tested against Covid-19 and its Omicron and Delta mutants.

Triazoles and Their Derivatives: Chemistry, Synthesis, and Therapeutic Applications

Among the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, triazoles emerge with superior pharmacological applications. Structurally, there are two types of five-membered triazoles: 1,2,3-triazole and 1,2,4-triazole. Due to the structural characteristics, both 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazoles are able to accommodate a broad range of substituents (electrophiles and nucleophiles) around the core structures and pave the way for the construction of diverse novel bioactive molecules. Both the triazoles and their derivatives have significant biological properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, antitubercular, anticancer, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities. These are also important in organocatalysis, agrochemicals, and materials science. Thus, they have a broad range of therapeutic applications with ever-widening future scope across scientific disciplines. However, adverse events such as hepatotoxicity and hormonal problems lead to a careful revision of the azole family to obtain higher efficacy with minimum side effects. This review focuses on the structural features, synthesis, and notable therapeutic applications of triazoles and related compounds.

In silico evaluation of molecular interactions between macrocyclic inhibitors with the HCV NS3 protease. Docking and identification of antiviral pharmacophore site

An array of computational approaches DFT/QSAR/POM methods has been used for a better understanding of drug properties regarding 13 inhibitor derivatives containing either P2 cyclopentane P1 carboxylic acid moiety (1-9) or a P1 cyclopropyl acyl sulfonamide (10-13). To further recognize binding interactions and their activity trends, molecular docking studies were carried out with the use of HCV, which can be used to accurately predict the interactions of ligands with the receptor. The QSAR models are developed through the use of Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) together with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods. The statistical results indicate the multiple correlation coefficient R² = 0.840, which shows favorable estimation stability, as well as showing a significant correlation between the HCV NS3 protease of the studied compounds and their electron-accepting ability. The POM analysis of the Physico-chemical properties of compounds 1-13, shows that they are bearing (O1, O2) and/or (O1, O2, O3) antiviral pockets, whereby all oxygen atoms are Osp2 and bearing negative charges. Similar to the reference ligand (F9K), the most active compound 10 was bound deeply into the binding cavity of NS3 protease making interactions with the residues Gly137, His57, Ala157, and His528. The anti-hepatitis pharmacophore site is similar to the anti-HIV pharmacophore site.

Icotinib, Almonertinib, and Olmutinib: A 2D Similarity/Docking-Based Study to Predict the Potential Binding Modes and Interactions into EGFR

In the current study, a 2D similarity/docking-based study was used to predict the potential binding modes of icotinib, almonertinib, and olmutinib into EGFR. The similarity search of icotinib, almonertinib, and olmutinib against a database of 154 EGFR ligands revealed the highest similarity scores with erlotinib (0.9333), osimertinib (0.9487), and WZ4003 (0.8421), respectively. In addition, the results of the docking study of the three drugs into EGFR revealed high binding free energies (ΔG_b = −6.32 to −8.42 kcal/mol) compared to the co-crystallized ligands (ΔG_b = −7.03 to −8.07 kcal/mol). Analysis of the top-scoring poses of the three drugs was done to identify their potential binding modes. The distances between Cys797 in EGFR and the Michael acceptor sites in almonertinib and olmutinib were determined. In conclusion, the results could provide insights into the potential binding characteristics of the three drugs into EGFR which could help in the design of new more potent analogs.

Medicinal Applications of Cannabinoids Extracted from Cannabis sativa (L.): A New Route in the Fight Against COVID-19?

Cannabis sativa is a well-known plant that has been recognized for its benefits since ancient times by several medicinal systems, including those of China, India, Greece, and Egypt. Although C. sativa is one of the most investigated medicinal plants in the world, it faces some of the greatest controversies surrounding its legalization and use as a medication. C. sativa contains several hundred phytoconstituents, including the infamous "cannabinoids". It is necessary to properly understand the medicinal importance of these phytochemicals and spread awareness among the countries where cannabis is still facing legal obstacles. The current review focuses on the most recent literature pertaining to various applications of cannabinoids, with a special focus on the medicinal aspect of these phytochemicals. Peer-reviewed articles focusing on the importance of cannabis and cannabinoids are the target of this review. Articles were selected based on the relevance to the general scope of the work, i.e., application of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids can truly be regarded as wonder drugs, considering their immense diversity of usage. Unfortunately, however, many of the mares have never been researched biologically or pharmacologically due to their low yield in the plant. However, the approval of some cannabinoids by the FDA (along with other recognized national medical health systems) has opened the horizon for the use of these natural drugs in medicines such as Epidiolex® (cannabidiol, used for the treatment of severe forms of epilepsy) and Sativex®(Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, used for the treatment of spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis). Many pharmacological properties of C. sativa are attributed to cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component, along with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), a psychoactive component. This review addresses the most important applications or current utilization of cannabinoids in a variety of treatments such as chronic pain, cancer, emesis, anorexia, irritable bowel syndrome, communicable diseases, glaucoma, and central nervous system disorders. The biosynthetic pathway of cannabinoids is also discussed. In short, cannabis has a myriad of bioactive compounds that have the potential to increase the list of approved cannabinoids suitable for therapy.

How to face COVID-19: proposed treatments based on remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine in the presence of zinc sulfate. Docking/DFT/POM structural analysis

Remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine derivatives form two important classes of heterocyclic compounds. They are known for their anti-malarial biological activity. This research aims to analyze the physicochemical properties of remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine compounds by the computational approach. DFT, docking, and POM analyses also identify antiviral pharmacophore sites of both compounds. The antiviral activity of hydroxychloroquine compound's in the presence of zinc sulfate and azithromycin is evaluated through its capacity to coordinate transition metals (M = Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Ru, Pt). The obtained bioinformatic results showed the potent antiviral/antibacterial activity of the prepared mixture (Hydroxychloroquine/Azithromycin/Zinc sulfate) for all the opportunistic Gram-positive, Gram-negative in the presence of coronavirus compared with the complexes Polypyridine-Ruthenium-di-aquo. The postulated zinc(II) complex of hydroxychloroquine derivatives are indeed an effective antibacterial and antiviral agent against coronavirus and should be extended to other pathogens. The combination of a pharmacophore site with a redox [Metal(OH₂)₂] moiety is of crucial role to fight against viruses and bacteria strains. [Formula: see text]Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Association between graduates' factors and success rate on the Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination: A single-Institution cross-sectional study

Introduction

The Saudi Pharmacists Licensure Examination’s (SPLE) initial results were revealed in February 2020, which showed enormous inconsistency with the passing rates. Hence, we aimed to investigate the predictors of pharmacy graduates’ success rate on the SPLE of a single-college in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study of 2019-graduates, data were collected via-phone interviews and retrieved from the college’s database. Graduates’ data were retrieved from the college’s database, which includes high school grade point average (GPA), General Aptitude Test, Scholastic Achievement Admission Test, preparatory year GPA, pharmacy GPA, and all courses' grades. The data collected via-phone interview includes information that was not recorded in the college’s database, such as date of birth, SPLE score, and the number of SPLE attempts. We only included students who agreed to be interviewed and had attempted the SPLE at least once. We developed a prediction model using correlational analyses and stepwise multiple linear regression to examine graduates’ factors in predicting success on the SPLE.

Results

Out of the 149 graduates, 105 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Around 84% of them passed the SPLE. Correlation analyses showed a significant direct correlation between preparatory year GPA and pharmacy GPA with SPLE scores (r = 0.228, P = 0.0193 and r = 0.533, P < 0.0001, respectively). In addition, the results showed that all of the four SPLE content areas were positively correlated with SPLE scores (P < 0.0001). The stepwise multivariable regression showed that being a male graduate and scoring high-grade points in pharmacology and therapeutics courses were significantly associated with high SPLE scores (P = 0.0053, P = 0.0256, and P = 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

This single cross-sectional study found that being a male, pharmacology GPA, and therapeutics GPA were significantly associated with a higher SPLE score. Further studies should focus on the GPA cut off below which we should give remediation to improve SPLE passing rate.

Immunoinformatics-guided design of an epitope-based vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike glycoprotein

AIMS

With a large number of fatalities, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has greatly affected human health worldwide. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization has declared a global pandemic of this contagious disease. Researchers across the world are collaborating in a quest for remedies to combat this deadly virus. It has recently been demonstrated that the spike glycoprotein (SGP) of SARS-CoV-2 is the mediator by which the virus enters host cells.

MAIN METHODS

Our group comprehensibly analyzed the SGP of SARS-CoV-2 through multiple sequence analysis and a phylogenetic analysis. We predicted the strongest immunogenic epitopes of the SGP for both B cells and T cells.

KEY FINDINGS

We focused on predicting peptides that would bind major histocompatibility complex class I. Two optimal epitopes were identified, WTAGAAAYY and GAAAYYVGY. They interact with the HLA-B*15:01 allele, which was further validated by molecular docking simulation. This study also found that the selected epitopes are able to be recognized in a large percentage of the world's population. Furthermore, we predicted CD4+ T-cell epitopes and B-cell epitopes.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study provides a strong basis for designing vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2. However, laboratory work is required to validate our theoretical results, which would lay the foundation for the appropriate vaccine manufacturing and testing processes.

Mechanistic investigations on Pinnick oxidation: a density functional theory study

A computational study on Pinnick oxidation of aldehydes into carboxylic acids using density functional theory (DFT) calculations has been evaluated with the (SMD)-M06-2X/aug-pVDZ level of theory, leading to an important understanding of the reaction mechanism that agrees with the experimental observations and explaining the substantial role of acid in driving the reaction. The DFT results elucidated that the first reaction step (FRS) proceeds in a manner where chlorous acid reacts with the aldehyde group through a distorted six-membered ring transition state to give a hydroxyallyl chlorite intermediate that undergoes a pericyclic fragmentation to release the carboxylic acid as a second reaction step (SRS). 1H NMR experiments and simulations showed that hydrogen bonding between carbonyl and t-butanol is unlikely to occur. Additionally, it was found that the FRS is a rate-determining and thermoneutral step, whereas SRS is highly exergonic with a low energetic barrier due to the Cl(III) → Cl(II) reduction. Frontier molecular orbital analysis, intrinsic reaction coordinate, molecular dynamics and distortion/interaction analysis further supported the proposed mechanism.

Arylpropionic acid-derived NSAIDs: New insights on derivatization, anticancer activity and potential mechanism of action

NSAIDs displayed chemopreventive and anticancer effects against several types of cancers. Moreover, combination of NSAIDs with anticancer agents resulted in enhanced anticancer activity. These findings have attracted much attention of researchers working in this field. The 2-arylpropionic acid-derived NSAIDs represent one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, they displayed antiproliferative activities against different types of cancer cells. Large volume of research was performed to identify molecular targets responsible for this activity. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anticancer activity of profens is still unclear. In this review article, the anticancer potential, structure activity relationship and synthesis of selected profen derivatives were summarized. This review is focused also on non-COX targets which can mediate the anticancer activity of this derivatives. The data in this review highlighted profens as promising lead compounds in future research to develop potent and safe anticancer agents.

Computational assessments of diastereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition and 1,3-borotopic shift of a dearomatized tertiary boronic ester intermediate: reactivities explained through transition-state distortion energies

Interception of a dearomatized tertiary boronic ester, formed through a kinetically and thermodynamically favorable 1,2-metalate rearrangement/anti-S_N2′ elimination of an activated ortho-lithiated benzyl amine, in a [4+2] cycloaddition or 1,3-borotopic shift has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT). Although superacitvated “naked” Li⁺ was found to greatly promote 1,3-borotopic shift, the diastereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition was favored. It was revealed that the factor that controls the diastereoselectivity was the steric bulk provided by the diene, which is in agreement with experimental diastereoselectivity. A comparison of unreactive dienophiles such as maleic anhydride, diethyl maleate, and others with 4-phenyl-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5(4H)-dione (PTAD) was found to be in an excellent agreement with the experiments; where their lack of reactivity is attributed to the high deformation energies of the interacting components to achieve the transition state structure which was pronounced with the high energy of LUMO orbitals.

Interception of dearomatized tertiary boronic ester in a diastereoselective [4+2] cycloaddition or 1,3-borotopic shift in the presence or absence of “naked” Li⁺, understanding reactivities by activation/strain model, were evaluated by DFT calculations.

Antibacterial activity of synthetic pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines armed with nitrile groups: POM analysis and identification of pharmacophore sites of nitriles as important pro-drugs

A pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine series has exhibited inhibitory effects on the growth of bacterial strains.