Decolorization of reactive azo dye using novel halotolerant yeast consortium HYC and proposed degradation pathway

The presence of high salinity levels in textile wastewater poses a significant obstacle to the process of decolorizing azo dyes. The present study involved the construction of a yeast consortium HYC, which is halotolerant and was recently isolated from wood-feeding termites. The consortium HYC was mainly comprised of Sterigmatomyces halophilus SSA-1575 and Meyerozyma guilliermondii SSA-1547. The developed consortium demonstrated a decolourization efficiency of 96.1% when exposed to a concentration of 50 mg/l of Reactive Black 5 (RB5). The HYC consortium significantly decolorized RB5 up to concentrations of 400 mg/l and in the presence of NaCl up to 50 g/l. The effects of physicochemical factors and the degradation pathway were systematically investigated. The optimal pH, salinity, temperature, and initial dye concentration were 7.0, 3%, 35 °C and 50 mg/l, respectively. The co-carbon source was found to be essential, and the addition of glucose resulted in a 93% decolorization of 50 mg/l RB5. The enzymatic activity of various oxido-reductases was assessed, revealing that NADH-DCIP reductase and azo reductase exhibited greater activity in comparison to other enzymes. UV-Visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were utilized to identify the metabolites generated during the degradation of RB5. Subsequently, a metabolic pathway was proposed. The confirmation of degradation was established through alterations in the functional groups and modifications in molecular weight. The findings indicate that this halotolerant yeast consortium exhibits promising potential of degrading dye compounds. The results of this study offer significant theoretical basis and crucial perspectives for the implementation of halotolerant yeast consortia in the bioremediation of textile and hypersaline wastewater. This approach is particularly noteworthy as it does not produce aromatic amines.

Characterization and bioactivities of exopolysaccharide produced from Azotobacter salinestris EPS-AZ-6

This study involved the extraction of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Azotobacter salinestris AZ-6, which was isolated from soil cultivated with leguminous plants. In a medium devoid of nitrogen, the AZ-6 strain displayed a maximum EPS yield of 1.1 g/l and the highest relative viscosity value of 3.4. The homogeneity of the polymer was demonstrated by the average molecular weight of 1.61 × 106 Da and a retention time of 17.211 min for levan. The presence of characteristic functional groups and structural units of carbohydrate polymers has been confirmed through spectroscopic analyses utilizing Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a noteworthy decrease in weight (74 %) in the temperature range spanning from 260 to 350 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was utilized to verify the crystalline and amorphous characteristics of EPS-AZ-6. The EPS-AZ-6 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the MCF-7 tumor cell line, as evidenced by an IC50 value of 6.39 ± 0.05 μg/ml. It also demonstrated a moderate degree of cytotoxicity towards HepG-2 cell line, as indicated by an IC50 value of 29.79 ± 0.41 μg/ml. EPS-AZ-6 exhibited potent antioxidant and in vitro antibacterial properties. These characteristics suggest the potential application value of EPS-AZ-6 in the food industry and pharmaceutical applications.

Streptomyces rochei MS-37 as a Novel Marine Actinobacterium for Green Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications

Periodontitis, as one of the most common diseases on a global scale, is a public health concern. Microbial resistance to currently available antimicrobial agents is becoming a growing issue in periodontal treatment. As a result, it is critical to develop effective and environmentally friendly biomedical approaches to overcome such challenges. The investigation of Streptomyces rochei MS-37's performance may be the first of its kind as a novel marine actinobacterium for the green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and potentials as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antibiofilm, and antioxidant candidates suppressing membrane-associated dental infections. Streptomyces rochei MS-37, a new marine actinobacterial strain, was used in this study for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles for various biomedical applications. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy showed a peak at 429 nm for the SNPs. The SNPs were spherical, tiny (average 23.2 nm by TEM, 59.4 nm by DLS), very stable (-26 mV), and contained capping agents. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the SNPs that showed potential antibacterial action ranged from 8 to 128 µg/mL. Periodontal pathogens were used to perform qualitative evaluations of microbial adhesion and bacterial penetration through guided tissue regeneration membranes. The findings suggested that the presence of the SNPs could aid in the suppression of membrane-associated infection. Furthermore, when the anti-inflammatory action of the SNPs was tested using nitric oxide radical scavenging capacity and protein denaturation inhibition, it was discovered that the SNPs were extremely efficient at scavenging nitric oxide free radicals and had a strong anti-denaturation impact. The SNPs were found to be more cytotoxic to CAL27 than to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), with IC50 values of 81.16 µg/mL in PBMCs and 34.03 µg/mL in CAL27. This study's findings open a new avenue for using marine actinobacteria for silver nanoparticle biosynthesis, which holds great promise for a variety of biomedical applications, in particular periodontal treatment.

Disinfectant as Removal Agent of the Pre-Formed Biofilm by Staphylococcus sp. Isolated from Dental Clinics in Taif, KSA

Background and purpose: Staphylococcus sp. are pathogenic bacteria widely investigated for its high incidence in clinical environments and its ability to form strong biofilms. The biofilm-related infections can resist several antimicrobial agents; therefore, the therapy of these infections may face difficulties. The aim of this study is to identify staphylococcal bacteria isolated from dental clinics, evaluate the effect of some disinfectants on removing the preformed biofilms and to demonstrate the adhesion of cells on the surfaces of some materials used for manufacturing the dental material using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Material and Methods: Out of 70 different swabs, 12 Staphylococcal isolates were recovered. All isolates were subjected to 13 antimicrobial agents to test their sensitivity. The biofilm established isolates, as well as the effect of some disinfectant as removal agents of the preformed biofilm were estimated using microtiter plate (MtP) test. SEM was used for demonstrating biofilm formation by the tested isolates on stainless steel and rubber surfaces. Results: Of 12 Staphylococcus isolates, 33.3, 16.6 and 50% were shown strong, moderate and weak biofilm producers, respectively. Adhesions of the preformed biofilm were found to be reduced in the presence of betadine and sodium bicarbonate. Captured photographs by SEM confirmed the capability of biofilm formation by S. aureus H3 and S. hominis M0401 on stainless steel and rubber surfaces. Conclusion: the effective preventive strategies for infection control are essential to prevent staphylococcal infections in the dental clinics. This study reveals effective antibiofilm agents as betadine and sodium bicarbonate.

Streptomyces catenulae as a Novel Marine Actinobacterium Mediated Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization, Biological Activities, and Proposed Mechanism of Antibacterial Action

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Bio-SNPs) were synthesized from the marine actinobacterium strain Streptomyces catenulae M2 and characterized using a variety of techniques, including UV–vis spectrum, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and zeta potential. The antibacterial activity of Bio-SNPs alone and in combination with antibiotic was evaluated using a microtiter-dilution resazurin assay against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Bio-SNPs’ minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacterial strains was determined. To assess the synergistic effect of Bio-SNPs in combination with antibiotics, the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) was calculated. While the safety of Bio-SNPs in biomedical applications is dependent on their use, the in vitro cytotoxicity of Bio-SNPs on normal human epithelial colon cells (NCM460) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (CaCo2) were evaluated using the [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay and cell lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. The presence of Bio-SNPs was revealed by UV–vis spectroscopy, which revealed a peak in the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectrum at 439.5 nm. Bio-SNPs were spherical in shape and small in size (average 33 nm by TEM, 58.8 nm by DLS), with good stability (−30 mV) and the presence of capping agents. Bio-SNPs had MIC values ranging from 2 to 64 μg/ml against the bacteria tested. The MIC for P. aeruginosa was the lowest (2 μg/ml). Antibiotics have been shown to have a significant synergistic effect when combined with Bio-SNPs against tested bacteria. Bio-SNPs exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against NCM460 and CaCo2 cancer cells, with the latter exhibiting far greater toxicity than  the  former.  NCM460  and CaCo2  cell   viability   decreased   from  99.3 to 95.7% and 92.3 to 61.8%, respectively, whereas LDH leakage increased from 200 to 215 nmol/ml and 261 to 730 nmol/ml, respectively. The half inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) for NCM460 and CaCo2 cancer cells were 79.46 and 10.41 μg/ml and 89.4 and 19.3 μg/ml, respectively. Bio-SNPs were found to be biocompatible and to have anti-inflammatory activity. Bio-SNPs are highly appealing for future nanomedicine applications due to their antibacterial and biocompatible properties and their inherent “green” and simple manufacturing.

Exploring the potential of a newly constructed manganese peroxidase-producing yeast consortium for tolerating lignin degradation inhibitors while simultaneously decolorizing and detoxifying textile azo dye wastewater

MnP-YC4, a newly constructed manganese peroxidase-producing yeast consortium, has been developed to withstand lignin degradation inhibitors while degrading and detoxifying azo dye. MnP-YC4 tolerance to major biomass-derived inhibitors was promising. MnP induced by lignin was found to be highly related to dye decolorization by MnP-YC4. Simulated azo dye-containing wastewater supplemented with a lignin co-substrate (3,5-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde) decolorized up to 100, 91, and 76% at final concentrations of 20, 40, and 60%, respectively. MnP-YC4 effectively decolorized the real textile wastewater sample, reaching up to 91.4%, and the COD value decreased significantly during the decolorization, reaching 7160 mg/l within 7 days. A possible dye biodegradation pathway was proposed based on the degradation products identified by UV-vis, FTIR, GC/MS, and HPLC techniques, beginning with azo bond cleavage and eventually mineralized to CO₂ and H₂O. When compared to the phytotoxic original dye, the phytotoxicity of MnP-YC4 treated dye-containing wastewater samples confirmed the nontoxic nature.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potentials of Exopolysaccharides Derived From Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria: Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Periodontal Regeneration

The metabolites of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria (Bb) have recently received a lot of attention due to their ability to protect interactions in blood and tissues, as well as their biodegradability and biocompatibility in human tissue. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from bacteria have a long history of use in therapeutic and other industrial applications with no adverse effects. In this regard, EPSs were isolated and characterized from LAB and Bb culture supernatants to determine their antioxidant, antitumor, and periodontal regeneration properties. The antioxidant capacity of the EPSs varied with concentration (0.625-20 mg/ml). The highest antioxidant activity was found in LAB: Streptococcus thermophiles DSM 24731-EPS1, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus DSM 20081T-EPS5, Limosilactobacillus fermentum DSM 20049-EPS6, and Bb; Bifidobacterium longum ssp. longum DSM 200707-EPS10. Human breast cancer cells (MCF7), human colon cancer cells (CaCo2), human liver cancer cells (HepG2), and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells were used as controls to assess the antitumor properties of the selected EPSs. According to the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay, EPS5 had the highest cytotoxicity against MCF7, CaCo2, and HepG2, with IC50 values of 7.91, 10.69, and 9.12 mg/ml, respectively. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was significantly higher in cell lines treated with EPS5-IC50 values compared to other EPSs-IC50 values (p < 0.05). Real time (RT)-PCR results showed that EPS5 treatment increased Bax, Caspase 8, Caspase 3, and p53 gene expression. The expression of the BCL2, MCL1, and Vimentin genes, on the other hand, was reduced. The MTT test was used to examine the effect of EPS5 on the viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells (hPDLFCs), and it was discovered that EPS5 increased hPDLFC viability. According to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, galactose made up 12.5% of EPS5. The findings of this study pave the way for the use of EPS, which hold great promise for a variety of therapeutic purposes such as antioxidant, antitumor, and periodontal regeneration.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Marine Actinobacterium Nocardiopsis dassonvillei and Exploring Their Therapeutic Potentials

Nanoparticles have recently emerged as a popular research topic. Because of their potential applications in therapeutic applications, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNPs) have gained much attention in recent years. Cell-free extracts (CFE) from a marine culture of actinobacteria and silver nitrate were used to reduce Ag+ ions and create Bio-AgNPs. Nocardiopsis dasonvillei KY772427, a new silver-tolerant actinomycete strain, was isolated from marine water and used to synthesize AgNPs. In order to characterize Bio-AgNPs, UV-Vis spectral analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering spectroscopy (DLS) were all utilized. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, a peak in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrum at 430 nm revealed the presence of Bio-AgNPs. The TEM revealed spherical AgNPs with a diameter of 29.28 nm. DLS determined that Bio-AgNPs have a diameter of 56.1 nm and a negative surface charge (-1.46 mV). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Bio-AgNPs was determined against microbial strains. Using resazurin-based microtiter dilution, the synergistic effect of Bio-AgNPs with antimicrobials was investigated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest MIC of Bio-AgNPs (4 μg/ml). Surprisingly, the combination of antimicrobials and Bio-AgNPs had a significant synergistic effect on the tested strains. The insecticidal activity of Bio-AgNPs (200 μg/ml) against Macrosiphum rosae was found to be maximal after 36 h. Additionally, Bio-AgNPs demonstrated significant scavenging activity against 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH - ) radicals, with IC 50 values of 4.08 and 8.9 g/ml, respectively. In vitro studies using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability when CaCo2 cells were exposed to Bio-AgNPs. With the decrease in cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase leakage (LDH) increased. The findings of this study open up a new avenue for the use of marine Nocardiopsis dasonvillei to produce Bio-AgNPs, which have significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal, and anticancer potential.

Wood-feeding termite gut symbionts as an obscure yet promising source of novel manganese peroxidase-producing oleaginous yeasts intended for azo dye decolorization and biodiesel production

BACKGROUND

The ability of oxidative enzyme-producing micro-organisms to efficiently valorize organic pollutants is critical in this context. Yeasts are promising enzyme producers with potential applications in waste management, while lipid accumulation offers significant bioenergy production opportunities. The aim of this study was to explore manganese peroxidase-producing oleaginous yeasts inhabiting the guts of wood-feeding termites for azo dye decolorization, tolerating lignocellulose degradation inhibitors, and biodiesel production.

RESULTS

Out of 38 yeast isolates screened from wood-feeding termite gut symbionts, nine isolates exhibited high levels of extracellular manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity ranged between 23 and 27 U/mL after 5 days of incubation in an optimal substrate. Of these MnP-producing yeasts, four strains had lipid accumulation greater than 20% (oleaginous nature), with Meyerozyma caribbica SSA1654 having the highest lipid content (47.25%, w/w). In terms of tolerance to lignocellulose degradation inhibitors, the four MnP-producing oleaginous yeast strains could grow in the presence of furfural, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, acetic acid, vanillin, and formic acid in the tested range. M. caribbica SSA1654 showed the highest tolerance to furfural (1.0 g/L), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (2.5 g/L) and vanillin (2.0 g/L). Furthermore, M. caribbica SSA1654 could grow in the presence of 2.5 g/L acetic acid but grew moderately. Furfural and formic acid had a significant inhibitory effect on lipid accumulation by M. caribbica SSA1654, compared to the other lignocellulose degradation inhibitors tested. On the other hand, a new MnP-producing oleaginous yeast consortium designated as NYC-1 was constructed. This consortium demonstrated effective decolorization of all individual azo dyes tested within 24 h, up to a dye concentration of 250 mg/L. The NYC-1 consortium's decolorization performance against Acid Orange 7 (AO7) was investigated under the influence of several parameters, such as temperature, pH, salt concentration, and co-substrates (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, or agricultural wastes). The main physicochemical properties of biodiesel produced by AO7-degraded NYC-1 consortium were estimated and the results were compared to those obtained from international standards.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study open up a new avenue for using peroxidase-producing oleaginous yeasts inhabiting wood-feeding termite gut symbionts, which hold great promise for the remediation of recalcitrant azo dye wastewater and lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production.

Enhanced Efficacy of Some Antibiotics in Presence of Silver Nanoparticles Against Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Recovered From Burn Wound Infections

Burn wound infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are shown in many countries as severe widespread health threats. Consequently, attention has been devoted to new nanoparticle-based materials in the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy for burn wound infections. This study aimed to evaluate both in vitro and in vivo efficacies of nanoparticle–antibiotic combinations as new classes of materials subjected against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of 40 Gram-negative isolates, 23 P. aeruginosa were recovered from patients with burn wound infections attending different hospitals in Tanta, Egypt. The susceptibility test revealed that 95.7% of P. aeruginosa isolates were MDR with a high incidence of resistance against carbenicillin. Antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against the isolates examined showed various inhibition zone diameters ranging from 11 to 17 mm. Strong synergistic efficacy of neomycin was reported in combination with Ag-NPs against MDR P. aeruginosa P₈ and P₁₄ isolates. The in vivo effectiveness of various pharmaceutical formulations prepared from a combination of neomycin antibiotic with Ag-NPs in the treatment of induced bacterially infected mice burns showed that maximum healing activity along with faster wound contraction reported with the combination of neomycin-Ag-NPs in the spray formulation. Generally, data indicated that incorporating Ag-NPs in combination with certain antibiotics may be a new, promising application for wound treatments, especially burns infected with MDR P. aeruginosa.

Enhanced anaerobic digestion performance by two artificially constructed microbial consortia capable of woody biomass degradation and chlorophenols detoxification

Catalpa sawdust (CSW) is a promising biomass-based biofuel. However, the complex lignocellulosic structure limits its efficient utilization in biorefinery applications. It is even more so when chlorophenols (CPs), highly toxic organic substances widely used as wood preservatives, are present. Hence, it is crucial to develop effective and eco-friendly approaches to attain deconstruction of lignocellulose and chlorophenols simultaneously as well as to improve methane (CH4) production efficiently. This study might be the first to explore the performance of the novel constructed microbial consortia CS-5 and BC-4 on woody biomass degradation and CPs detoxification simultaneously with CH4 production. After the degradation of CSW and CPs for 15 days by C5-5 or BC-4, significant reduction in lignocellulosic components and CPs mixture was realized with a total weight loss of 69.2 and 56.3 % and CPs degradation of 89 and 95 %, respectively. The toxicity of individual or mixed CPs after 15 days of degradation was reduced by approximately 90 %. The synergistic action of CS-5 and BC-4 enhanced biogas and CH4 yields over 76 and 64 % respectively, higher than control. Furthermore, CH4 production increased by 113.7 % at the peak phase of AD process. Methanosataceae represented 45.1 % of the methanogenic Archaea in digester G-III.

Construction of novel microbial consortia CS-5 and BC-4 valued for the degradation of catalpa sawdust and chlorophenols simultaneously with enhancing methane production

This study might be the first to explore the novel constructed microbial consortia CS-5 and BC-4 for enhancing methane (CH₄) production during anaerobic digestion (AD) with simultaneous degradation of catalpa sawdust and chlorophenols (CPs). Significant reduction in cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents was achieved after the biodegradation of catalpa sawdust for 15 days by CS-5 and BC-4, with a total weight loss of 69.2 and 56.3%, respectively. The synergistic microbial consortia enhanced cumulative biogas and CH₄ yields by 76.3 and 64.3%, respectively higher than the corresponding control at the end of AD. More than 90% of CH₄ was produced within 18 days of AD as a result of microbial pretreatment of catalpa sawdust. These consortia resulted in remarkably higher energy conversion efficiency of 44.3% (218.1 L_N CH₄/kg TS) over the control. CS-5 and BC-4 removed more than 69 and 77% of the total amount of CPs tested after 15 days.

Antibacterial activity of Salvadora persica against oral pathogenic bacterial isolates

Objective

The objective was to determine the antibacterial activity of Salvadora persica extract against bacteria isolated from dental plaque of patients.

Materials and Methods

Out of 40 different clinical specimens collected from patients suffering from plaque-induced gingivitis, 12 Staphylococcus aureus and 8 Streptococcus sp. isolates were recovered. The isolates were screened for their biofilm-forming capacity using tissue culture plate (TCP), tube method (TM), and congo red agar (CRA) method. Antibacterial activity of methanolic S. persica extract as well as of commercial antimicrobials against tested isolates was performed. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography-MS (GC-MS) analysis were performed for S. persica crude extract and its volatile oil, respectively, to determine their constituents.

Results

Out of 20 isolates, 80%, 85%, and 90% showed positive results using TM, CRA, and TCP, respectively. The highest antimicrobial activity of methanolic S. persica extract was observed at 200 mg/ml. HPLC-MS analysis shows many polyphenols in S. persica extract such as Chrysin-8-c-β-D-glucopyranoside, ferulic acid, gallic acid, and stigmasterol. Chemical composition of the essential oil of S. persica was determined by GC-MS yield; a mixture of monoterpene and hydrocarbons. The major compounds were butylated hydroxytoluene followed by benzene (isothiocyanatomethyl).

Conclusion

Methanolic extract of S. persica had significant antibacterial effect against S. aureus and Streptococcus sp. isolates, and it may be gave a good alternative method for controlling oral pathogen.

Efficacy of microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria in Helicobater pylori eradication therapy

BACKGROUND

Probiotic delivery systems are widely used nutraceutical products for the supplementation of natural intestinal flora. These delivery systems vary greatly in the effectiveness to exert health benefits for a patient. This study focuses on providing probiotic living cells with a physical barrier against adverse environmental conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Microencapsulation of the selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) using chitosan and alginate was performed. Physical examination of the formulated LAB microcapsules was observed using phase contrast inverted microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the survival of microencapsulated and noncapsulated bacteria was cheeked in the simulated human gastric tract (GT). The potential antimicrobial activity of the most potent microencapsulated LAB strain was in vivo evaluated in rabbit models.

RESULTS

Microencapsulated L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, and L. bulgaricus DSMZ 20080 were loaded with 1.03 × 10(10) CFU viable bacteria/g, 1.9 × 10(10) CFU viable bacteria/g, and 5.5 × 10(9) CFU viable bacteria/g, respectively. The survival of microencapsulated cells was significantly higher than that of the free cells after exposure to simulated gastric juice (SGJ) at pH 2. Additionally, in simulated small intestine juice (SSJ), larger amounts of the selected LAB cells were found, whereas in simulated colon juice (SCJ), the released LAB reached the maximum counts. In vivo results pointed out that an 8-week supplementation with a triple therapy of a microencapsulated L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, and L. bulgaricus DSMZ 20080 might be able to reduce H. pylori.

CONCLUSION

Microencapsulated probiotics could possibly compete with and downregulate H. pylori infection in humans.

Detection of Peripheral Arterial Disease Within the Foot Using Vascular Optical Tomographic Imaging: A Clinical Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

Vascular optical tomographic imaging (VOTI) is a novel imaging modality that is capable of detecting hemoglobin concentrations in tissue. VOTI is non-invasive, non-ionizing and does not require contrast injection. This technology was applied to the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) within lower extremities of diabetic patients with calcified arteries. This could be of substantial benefit as these patients suffer from comorbidities such as arterial incompressibility, which complicates diagnosis and monitoring.

METHODS

Forty individuals (10 non-diabetic patients with PAD, 10 diabetic patients with PAD, and 20 healthy volunteers) were enrolled in a diagnostic pilot study using the VOTI system. The patients were imaged during at high pressure cuff occlusion.

RESULTS

The VOTI system was capable of quantifying the blood volume changes within the foot during the thigh cuff occlusion and outputting diagnostic parameters, such as change in hemoglobin concentration, enabling the assessment of foot perfusion. This study resulted in a statistically significant difference between the healthy cohort and both the non-diabetic and the diabetic PAD cohorts (p = .006, p = .006). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that PAD diagnosis could be made with over 80% sensitivity or specificity depending on the characteristic cutoff point. In addition, VOTI was capable of providing the locations of under-perfused regions within the foot and evaluating the severity of arterial disease, even within diabetic patients with calcified arteries, who are traditionally difficult to diagnose.

CONCLUSION

VOTI can effectively diagnose PAD independently of arterial compressibility, making it very useful for assessing vascular disease in diabetic patients.

Neuroblastoma stem cells - mechanisms of chemoresistance and histone deacetylase inhibitors

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) form a small proportion of tumor cells that have stem cell properties: self-renewal capacity, the ability to develop into different lineages and proliferative potential. The interest in CSCs emerged from their expected role in initiation, progression and recurrence of many tumors. They are generally resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are two hypotheses about their origin: The first assumes that CSCs may arise from normal stem cells, and the second supposes that differentiated cells acquire the properties of CSCs. Both hypotheses are not mutually exclusive, as it is possible that CSCs have a diverse origin in different tumors. CD133+ cells (CD133 is marker of CSC in some tumors) isolated from NBL, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma cell lines are resistant to cisplatin, carboplatin, etoposide and doxorubicin than the CD133- ones. Being resistant to chemotherapy, there were many attempts to target CSCs epigenetically including the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors. The diverse influence of valproic acid (histone deacetylase inhibitor) on normal and cancer stem cells was proved in different experiments. We have found an increase percentage of CD133+ NBL cells after their incubation with VPA in a dose that does not induce apoptosis. Further researches on CSCs and clinical application for their detection are necessary: (i) to define the CSC function in carcinogenesis, cancer development and their role in metastasis; (ii) to find a specific marker for CSCs in different tumors; (iii) to explain the role of different pathways that determine their behavior and (iv) to explain mechanisms of chemoresistance of CSCs.

A wireless handheld probe with spectrally constrained evolution strategies for diffuse optical imaging of tissue

We present a low-cost, portable, wireless diffuse optical imaging device. The handheld device is fast, portable, and can be applied to a wide range of both static and dynamic imaging applications including breast cancer, functional brain imaging, and peripheral artery disease. The continuous-wave probe has four near-infrared wavelengths and uses digital detection techniques to perform measurements at 2.3 Hz. Using a multispectral evolution algorithm for chromophore reconstruction, we can measure absolute oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration as well as scattering in tissue. Performance of the device is demonstrated using a series of liquid phantoms comprised of Intralipid(®), ink, and dye.

Thioglycolic acid and pyrazole derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinone: synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation

New derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinone were synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. The derivatives are: 3-Aryl-2-[3-aryl-1-(carboxymethylthio)-3-oxopropyl)]-4(3H)-quinazolinones 2a-f; 3-Aryl-2-(3-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 3a-f; 3-Aryl-2-(1,3-diaryl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 4a-f; 3-Aryl-2-(3-aryl-1-thiocarbamoyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones 5a-f; 3-Aryl-2-[3-aryl-1-(carboxymethylthio)-3-hydroxyiminopropyl)]-4(3H)- quinazolinones 6a-f; and 3-Aryl-2-[3-aryl-1-(carboxymethy- lthio)-3-thiocarbamoyliminopropyl)]-4(3H)-quinazolinones 7a-f. Some of the tested compounds showed activity comparable to that of the standard references used.

Soil-atmosphere exchange of radiatively and chemically active gases

Exchanges between the soils and the atmosphere may control or significantly affect the global budgets of many environmentally important trace gases, both natural and man-made. Flux measurements, taken in several ecosystems, show that soils are a substantial source of chloroform (8 +/- 4 microg/m(2)/d) and a sink for methyl chloride (-10(-3)(+6) microg/m(2)/d). The known sources and sinks of these gases are insufficient to explain the observed concentrations. Our findings will help to balance the global budget of chloroform but may put the budget of methyl chloride further out of balance. We also found, consistent with previous research, that soils are a substantial source of nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide and take up hydrogen and methane. The uptake of man-made chlorocarbons was observed, but the rates are small. Observed fluxes of non-methane hydrocarbons showed few patterns except that soils may be a source of ethane and butane.

African histoplasmosis: report of four cases from north-eastern Nigeria

Four cases of African histoplasmosis with lesions of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and lymph nodes diagnosed histologically are described from the Borno State of Nigeria. Three of the cases were autochthonous to this State, whereas the fourth one originated from the Anambra State of Nigeria. These cases constitute the first record of African histoplasmosis from the arid zone of the north-eastern part of Nigeria.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents: synthesis of novel benzopyrazolyl, benzoxazolyl and quinazolinyl derivatives of 4(3 H)-quinazolinones

Four novel series of 4(3 H)-quinazolinone derivatives have been synthesized by cyclization of the intermediate 3-aryl-2-(6-aryl-2-cyclohexen-1-on-5-yl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinones 3a-f with hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, hydroxylamine and thiourea. The products are 3-aryl-2-(6-aryl-3-methyl-1 H-4,5-dihydrobenzo[d]pyrazol-4-yl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinones 4a-f; 3-aryl-2-(6-aryl-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1 H-4,5-dihydrobenzo[d]pyrazol-4-yl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinones 4g-1; 3-aryl-2-(6-aryl-3-methyl-4,5-dihydrobenzo[d]-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinones 5a-f, and 3-aryl-2-(7-aryl-4-methyl-5,6-dihydro-2(1 H)thioxoquinazolin-5-yl)-4(3 H)-quinazolinones 6a-f. Some of these compounds showed anti-inflammatory activity comparable to or higher than that of the reference compound proquazone.

Steroidal anti-inflammatory antedrugs: synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 16 alpha-alkoxycarbonyl-17-deoxyprednisolone derivatives

In a continuing effort to minimize the systemic adverse effects of potent anti-inflammatory steroids, a series of 16 alpha-alkoxycarbonyl-17-deoxyprednisolone derivatives: methyl (8a), ethyl (8b), isopropyl (8c), and benzyl (8d) 11 beta,21-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-1,4-pregnadiene-16 alpha-carboxylate, was synthesized and evaluated for their topical and local anti-inflammatory activities. In the acute croton oil-induced ear edema dose-response bioassay, the topical anti-inflammatory potencies of these esters relative to prednisolone, 1, were: 8a:1.0, 8b:1.3, 8c:4.0, 8a:4.7 and 1:1.0. The putative metabolite, 11 beta,21-dihydroxy-3,20-dioxo-1,4-pregnadiene-16 alpha-carboxylic acid, 7, was inactive in this test. A seven day cotton pellet granuloma bioassay was employed to study the local and systemic anti-inflammatory activities of these steroids. The local anti-inflammatory potencies of these esters relative to prednisolone, 1, were 1.3, 1.5, 2.3, 2.5, and 1.0 for 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and 1, respectively. In this semi-chronic study, only prednisolone exhibited significant untoward side effects, such as reduction in thymus weights, normal body weight gain, and normal plasma corticosterone levels. The increase in the topical and local potencies of these steroid esters was consistent with the increase in their 1-octanol/buffer partition coefficient. The ratio of local to systemic anti-inflammatory activity of 8c and 8d was four times that of prednisolone. The effects of increasing the size of the alkoxy group of these new steroids on both topical and local anti-inflammatory activity and their concomitant decrease in untoward systemic effects were unequivocally demonstrated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Linear least squares method for time series analysis with an application to a methane time series

A simple method of time series analysis, based upon linear least squares curve fitting, is developed. The method's advantages and disadvantages are discussed, and an example is presented using the Vostok Core methane record.

Lead, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and hematological parameters in normal maternal and umbilical cord blood from subjects of the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia

A survey was undertaken among 124 pregnant women living in Riyadh City to investigate the passage of lead from the pregnant mother to the unborn child. The mean maternal blood lead level was 5.49 +/- 2.6 micrograms/dl and for the umbilical cord was 4.14 +/- 1.81 micrograms/dl. Lead levels were higher in maternal than in the umbilical cord blood. The results are in agreement with other studies. In this study, an excellent correlation between the maternal and cord blood lead levels (r = .83, p < .0001) confirms the transfer of lead from the mother to the fetus. A weak but significant relationship was found between maternal blood lead concentrations and birth weight of newborns (r = -.271, p < .05), and it is concluded that low levels of lead exposure to pregnant women may be considered hazardous.

Meloidogyne javanica Parasitic on Peanut

Peanut fields in four governorates of Egypt were surveyed to identify species of Meloidogyne present. Fourteen populations obtained from peanut roots were all identified as M. javanica based on perineal patterns, stylet and body lengths of second-stage juveniles, esterase phenotypes, and restriction fragment length polymorphisms of mtDNA. Three of 14 populations, all from contiguous fields in the Behara governorate, had individuals with a unique two-isozyme esterase phenotype. All populations of M. javanica tested on peanut had levels of reproduction on the M. arenaria-susceptible peanut cultivar Florunner that were not different from M. arenaria (P = 0.05), and had lower levels of reproduction on the M. arenaria-resistant genotype TxAG-7 than on Florunner (P = 0.05). Reproduction of the five Egyptian populations of M. javanica tested was lower on root-knot nematode resistant tomato cultivars Better Boy and Celebrity than on the root-knot nematode susceptible cultivar Rutgers (P = 0.05). These data are evidence that some populations of M. javanica are parasitic on peanut and that the peanut and tomato genotypes resistant to M. arenaria are also resistant to these populations of M. javanica.

Novel fluorinated antiinflammatory steroid with reduced side effects: methyl 9 alpha-fluoroprednisolone-16-carboxylate

In an effort to test the hypothesis that 9 alpha-fluorination of a steroidal antedrug would enhance receptor binding affinity and local antiinflammatory activity, without concomitantly increasing adverse systemic effects, a fluorinated analog, 10, of methyl 11 beta, 21-dihydroxy- 3,20-dioxo-1,4-pregnadiene-16 alpha-carboxylate (DP16CM, 1) was synthesized and evaluated. In the acute rat croton oil-induced ear edema bioassay, 10 was found to be twice as potent as 1. This increase in topical potency was consistent with enhanced binding affinity of 10, relative to 1. The IC50 values for displacement of [3H]dexamethasone from glucocorticoid receptors of rat hepatoma tissue culture cells were 0.16, 1.2, and 0.03 microM for 10, 1, and prednisolone, respectively. Following multiple topical ID50 applications of predniosolone, 1, and its new fluorinated analog, 10, in the rat subacute croton oil-induced ear edema bioassay, only prednisolone exhibited significant untoward effects, such as reduction in relative thymus and adrenal weights, plasma corticosterone levels, and normal body weight gain. Thus, while fluroination of 1 enhanced its topical potency, there was not a concomitant increase in untoward systemic effects. This lack of adverse systemic effects is ostensibly due to the presence of the metabolically labile 16-carboxylate ester moiety.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents: novel pyrazolyl-, 1,2-oxazolyl-, and 1,3-diazinyl derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinones

Four novel series of 4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives have been prepared by cyclization of the key intermediates 3-aryl-2-(3-aryl-3-oxopropenyl)-4-(3H)-quinazolinones with different reagents: 3-aryl-1-iminocarbamoyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolines, 3-aryl-2-(3-aryl-1-thiocarbamoyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolines, 3-aryl-2-(3-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1,2-oxazol-5-yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones , and 3-aryl-2-(4-aryl-2-thioxo-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1,3-diazin-6-yl )-4(3H)- quinazolinones. The antiinflammatory activity of representatives of these compounds is comparable to or higher than that of proquazone.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of novel oxa(thia)diazolylquinolines and oxa(thia)diazepino[7,6-b] quinolines

Three novel series of quinoline derivatives have been prepared by cyclization of the intermediate 3[(substituted)thiocarbamoyl-hydrazonomethyl]-2-chloroquinoline s and 3-aroylhydrazonomethyl-2-chloroquinolines: 3-(3-Acetyl-5-(substituted)-2,3-dihydro-1,3,4-oxa(thia)diazol-2-yl )-2- chloroquinolines (4; 5), 3-(5-(substituted)-1,3,4-oxa(thia)diazol-2-yl)-2-chloroquinolin es (6; 7), and 2-(substituted)-1,3,4-oxa(thia)diazepino[7,6-b]quinolines (8; 9). The antimicrobial activity of these compounds was studied.

Repair of symptomatic pseudoarthrosis of anterior cervical fusion. Posterior versus anterior repair

Thirty-four patients with symptomatic pseudarthrosis of anterior cervical fusion were treated. There were 16 men and 18 women. Eighteen patients had pseudarthrosis at 1 level; 14 at 2 levels; and 2 at 3 levels, with C5-6 and C6-7 levels most commonly involved. Anterior repair of pseudarthrosis was done in 17 patients, which resulted in 76% radiologic fusion. Of 17 patients repaired posteriorly, 94% achieved radiologic fusion. Average follow-up was 60 months, with a minimum of 24 months. "Excellent" or "Good" results were achieved in 59% of anterior repair and 88% of posterior fusion group. This study demonstrates that posterior cervical fusion is the more effective method for repairing symptomatic pseudarthrosis of anterior cervical fusion.

Correlation of radiologic assessment of lumbar spine fusions with surgical exploration

Although inspection of posterolateral lumbar fusion is the best method of determining its solidity, routine exploration of the fusion is somewhat impractical because of the morbidity and expense involved. Removal of internal fixation devices or implantable batteries or reoperation for failed back surgery enabled the exploration and assessment of lumbar spine fusions in 214 operations on 175 patients. The preoperative radiologic assessment (plain roentgenographs, polytomography, bending films, and computed tomographic scans) were correlated with surgical findings. This study indicated a significant percentage of inaccuracy of all radiologic modalities used. Noncorrelations were present in 36% of plain roentgenographs, 41% of polytomograms, 38% of bending films, and 43% of computed tomographic scans. Radiologic inaccuracy was manifest on both the positive and negative sides. Computed tomographic scanning presented the lowest percentage of inaccuracy (22%) and bending films the highest percentage (27%). Based on these findings, there exists the need for more accurate noninvasive methods to determine the solidity of spine fusions.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, inotropic, and chronotropic activities of novel 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinolines

Starting from the 2-quinolylhydrazine 1 the title compounds were prepared according to Schemes 1 and 2. Some of them show activities described in the title of this paper.

Synthesis of some thiazole-, 1,3,4-thiadiazole-, and 4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives of pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline

Three novel series of pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines were prepared, namely: 1-(3-substituted-4-phenylthiazolin-2-ylidene)hydrazinocarbonylm ethyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines 3a-d; 1-(5-substituted amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines 4b-d, and 1-(4-substituted-4H-5- thioxo-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl)methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines 5a-d. These compounds were prepared by cyclization of the new key intermediates 1-(substituted thiocarbamoylhydrazinocarbonyl)methyl-1H- pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinolines 2a-d. The alkylthio, aralkylthio 6a-f as well as the Mannich bases 8a-f derived from compounds 5a-d were also prepared. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by elemental analyses, IR, 1H-NMR-, and mass spectra. The antimicrobial as well as inotropic and chronotropic activities were studied.

Non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents. Synthesis of novel 2-pyrazolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones

Four novel series of pyrazolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones have been prepared through the reaction of 3-aryl-2-hydrazino-4(3H)-quinazolinones with antipyrylazo-derivatives of ethyl acetoacetate, acetylacetone or diethyl malonate. These series of compounds are 3-aryl-2-[1-ethoxycarbonyl-1-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H - pyrazol-4-yl)hydrazono-2-propylidene]hydrazino-4(3H)-quinazo linones; 3-aryl-2-[4-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) hydrazono-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-4(3H)-quinaz olinones; 3-aryl-2-[4-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)azo -3,5- dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-4(3H)-quinazolinones and 3-aryl-2-[4-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) hydrazono-3,5-dioxo-pyrazolidin-2-yl]-4(3H)-quinazolinones. The antiinflammatory activity of some representatives of the prepared compounds was studied.

Synthesis of novel naphtho[2,1-b]-1,4,5-oxa- or thiadiazepines as potential antimicrobial and anticancer agents

Two novel series of quinone derivatives have been synthesized. Thus, condensation of 2-ethoxycarbonylmethylthio-; 3-ethoxycarbonylmethylthio-2-methyl- and 3-ethoxycarbonylmethoxy-2-methyl derivatives of 1,4-naphthoquinone with substituted phenylhydrazines afforded the corresponding hydrazones, while cyclization of the same quinones with the same substituted hydrazines in glacial acetic acid gave the corresponding naphtho[2,1-b]-1,4,5-oxa- or thiadiazepine derivatives. The antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the synthesized compounds were studied.

Antilipidemic agents, III: Synthesis of some heterocyclic derivatives of beta-sitosterol

Four novel series of heterocyclic derivatives of beta-sitosterol were prepared by the reaction of 3-beta-sitosterol hemisuccinate with SOCl2 then with thiols, amines or phenols. These series are: 3 beta-[(3-substituted-4(3H)-quinazolinon-2- yl)thiocarbonylproprionyloxy]stigmast-5-ene; 3 beta- ([4-substituted-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl] thiocarbonylpropionyloxy)stigmast-5-ene; 3 beta- [(5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)carbamoylpropionyloxy] stigmast-5-ene and 3 beta-(substituted carbamoyl or oxycarbonylpropionyloxy)stigmast-5-ene. The antilipidemic activity of representative compounds was studied.

Non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents, II: Synthesis of novel pyrazole and pyrazoline derivatives of 4(3H)-quinazolinone

Antiinflammatory and/or analgesic activities have been ascribed to compounds containing the 4(3H)-quinazolinone or pyrazole moiety. Continuation to the previous work in the field of the synthesis of non-steroidal antiinflammatory 4(3H)-quinazolinones, the present investigation deals with the synthesis of new compounds having the pyrazole or pyrazoline and 4(3H)-quinazolinone moieties in one molecule, hoping that such combination might improve their antiinflammatory activity. alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones when treated with hydrazine hydrate achieve cyclization to the corresponding pyrazoline derivatives, whereas, when arylhydrazines are used, pyrazole derivatives are formed.

Synthesis of 3-aryl-2-substituted-4(3H)-quinazolines as potential antimicrobial agents

Three new series of 4(3H)-quinazolinone derivatives were synthesized, namely: [3-Aryl-4(3H)-quinazolinon-2-yl]-methylenehydrazino-(N- substituted)-thiocarbamides, 3-Aryl-2-(3-substituted-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydrothiazol-2-ylidenehy drazonomethyl)-4 (3H)-quinazolinones and 3-Aryl-2-(3-substituted-4-oxothiazolidin-2-ylidenehydrazonometh yl)-4(3H)-quinazolinones. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were also studied.

Synthesis of novel 2-substituted quinoline derivatives: antimicrobial, inotropic, and chronotropic activities

Three novel series of quinoline derivatives have been prepared by cyclization of the intermediate 3-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2-substituted thiocarbamoyl-hydrazinoquinolines with different alpha-halocarbonyl compounds. These series are: 3-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2-(3-substituted-4-phenylthiazolin-2-y lidene) hydrazinoquinolines; 3-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2-(3-substituted-5-ethoxycarbonyl- 4-methylthiazoline-2-ylidene)hydrazinoquinolines and 3-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2- (3-substituted-4-thiazolidinon-2-yl)hydrazinoquinolines. The active methylene group of the latter series was used for the preparation of their arylidene derivatives. The antimicrobial as well as inotropic and chronotropic activities of the prepared compounds were studied.

Bilharzial arthropathy of the temporomandibular joint

Bilharzial was experimentally induced in Swiss albino mice in order to study the histopathological changes in the TMJ in case of Bilharzial infection. The bony components of the joint showed massive chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. The articular disk (meniscus) showed thickening and hyperplastic changes with narrowing of the joint space. The articulating surfaces showed erosions and irregularity. It was concluded that Bilharziasis can cause arthropathy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Synthesis of some 1,2,4-triazolo [3,4-b] [1,3,4]thiadiazoles as potential anthelmintics

Two novel series of triazolothiadiazole derivatives were synthesized, namely: 6-substituted-3-(4-substituted phenoxymethyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4- b] [1,3,4]thiadiazoles and 6-mercapto-3-(4-substituted phenoxy-methyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4- b] [1,3,4]thiadiazoles. The anthelmintic activity of representative compounds was studied.

Segmental ("floating") lumbar spine fusions

A traditional teaching in orthopaedic surgery has been that, in cases of fusion for L4-5 discopathy or instability, one must include the lumbosacral joint. There is nothing in the literature to support this time-honored dictum. The senior author, among others, has rejected this concept; and, the authors are, therefore, in a position to present a 32-year experience with segmental or "floating" fusion. Two hundred six floating fusions were performed, of which 184 were available for follow-up. Of these, 83.7% achieved "Excellent" or "Good" results; 15.2% were rated "Fair"; and 2% were rated "Poor." Only five patients (2.7%) had subsequent disc herniation at the lumbosacral level necessitating discectomy and extension of fusion to incorporate the sacrum.

Synthesis of some thiazoline and thiazolidinone derivatives of 1,4-benzoquinone as potential antimicrobial agents

Three novel series of benzoquinone derivatives were synthesized, namely: N-(3-aryl-4-phenylthiazolin-2-ylidene)-N-(1,4-benzoquinone carbonyl) hydrazines; N-(3-aryl-5-carbethoxy-4-methylthiazolin-2-ylidene)-N-(1,4- benzoquinone carbonyl)hydrazine and N-(3-arylthiazolin-4-one-2-ylidene)-N-(1,4- benzoquinone carbonyl) hydrazines. These series were prepared by oxidation of the new hydroquinone precursors. The antimicrobial activity of representative compounds of benzoquinone, as well as of hydroquinone derivatives was studied.