In Silico Design and Experimental Validation of Novel Oxazole Derivatives Against Varicella zoster virus

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection causes severe disease such as chickenpox, shingles, and postherpetic neuralgia, often leading to disability. Reactivation of latent VZV is associated with a decrease in specific cellular immunity in the elderly and in patients with immunodeficiency. However, due to the limited efficacy of existing therapy and the emergence of antiviral resistance, it has become necessary to develop new and effective antiviral drugs for the treatment of diseases caused by VZV, particularly in the setting of opportunistic infections. The goal of this work is to identify potent oxazole derivatives as anti-VZV agents by machine learning, followed by their synthesis and experimental validation. Predictive QSAR models were developed using the Online Chemical Modeling Environment (OCHEM). Data on compounds exhibiting antiviral activity were collected from the ChEMBL and uploaded in the OCHEM database. The predictive ability of the models was tested by cross-validation, giving coefficient of determination q2 = 0.87-0.9. The validation of the models using an external test set proves that the models can be used to predict the antiviral activity of newly designed and known compounds with reasonable accuracy within the applicability domain (q2 = 0.83-0.84). The models were applied to screen a virtual chemical library with expected activity of compounds against VZV. The 7 most promising oxazole derivatives were identified, synthesized, and tested. Two of them showed activity against the VZV Ellen strain upon primary in vitro antiviral screening. The synthesized compounds may represent an interesting starting point for further development of the oxazole derivatives against VZV. The developed models are available online at OCHEM http://ochem.eu/article/145978 and can be used to virtually screen for potential compounds with anti-VZV activity.

Synthesis, characterization of novel N-(4-cyano-1,3-oxazol-5-yl)sulfonamide derivatives and in vitro screening their activity against NCI-60 cancer cell lines

A novel series of N-(4-cyano-1,3-oxazol-5-yl)sulfonamides have been synthesized and characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and chromato-mass-spectrometry. The anticancer activities of all newly synthesized compounds were evaluated via a single high-dose assay (10 μM) against 60 cancer cell lines by the National Cancer Institute (USA) according to its screening protocol. Among them, compounds 2 and 10 exhibited the highest activity against the 60 cancer cell lines panel in the one-dose assay. Compounds 2 and 10 showed inhibitory activity within the GI50 parameter and in five dose analyses. However, their cytostatic activity was only observed against some cancer cell lines, and cytotoxic concentration was outside the maximum used, i. e., >100 μM. The COMPARE analysis showed that the average graphs of the tested compounds have a moderate positive correlation with compounds with the L-cysteine analog and vinblastine (GI50 ) as well as paclitaxel (TGI), which target microtubules. Therefore, disruption of microtubule formation may be one of the mechanisms of the anticancer activity of the tested compounds, especially since among tubulin inhibitors with antitumor activity, compounds with an oxazole motif are widely represented. Therefore, N-(4-cyano-1,3-oxazol-5-yl)sulfonamides may be promising for further functionalization to obtain more active compounds.

In Silico, in Vitro and in Vivo Study of Substituted Imidazolidinone Sulfonamides as Antibacterial Agents

New substituted imidazolidinone sulfonamides have been developed using a rational drug design strategy. Predictive QSAR models for the search of new antibacterials were created using the OCHEM platform. Regression models were applied to verify a virtual chemical library of new imidazolidinone derivatives designed to have antibacterial activity. A number of substituted imidazolidinone sulfonamides as effective antibacterial agents were identified by QSAR prediction, synthesized and characterized by spectral and elemental, and tested in vitro. Six studied compounds have shown the highest in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus multidrug-resistant strains. The in vivo acute toxicity of these imidazolidinone sulfonamides based on the LC50 value ranged from 16.01 to 44.35 mg/L (slightly toxic compounds class). The results of molecular docking suggest that the antibacterial mechanism of the compounds can be associated with the inhibition of post-translational modification processes of bacterial peptides and proteins.

Quinoline Hydrazone Derivatives as New Antibacterials against Multidrug Resistant Strains

To develop novel antimicrobial agents a series of 2(4)-hydrazone derivatives of quinoline were designed, synthesized and tested. QSAR models of the antibacterial activity of quinoline derivatives were developed by the OCHEM web platform using different machine learning methods. A virtual set of quinoline derivatives was verified with a previously published classification model of anti-E. coli activity and screened using the regression model of anti-S. aureus activity. Selected and synthesized 2(4)-hydrazone derivatives of quinoline exhibited antibacterial activity against the standard and antibiotic-resistant S. aureus and E. coli strains in the range from 15 to 30 mm by the diameter of growth inhibition zones. Molecular docking showed the complex formation of the studied compounds into the catalytic domain of dihydrofolate reductase with an estimated binding affinity from -8.4 to -9.4 kcal/mol.

Design and experimental validation of the oxazole and thiazole derivatives as potential antivirals against of human cytomegalovirus

QSAR studies of a set of previously synthesized azole derivatives tested against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were performed using the OCHEM web platform. The predictive ability of the classification models has a balanced accuracy (BA) of 73-79%. The validation of the models using an external test set proved that the models can be used to predict the activity of newly designed compounds with a reasonable accuracy within the applicability domain (BA = 76-83%). The models were applied to screen a virtual chemical library with expected activity of compounds against HCMV. The five most promising new compounds were identified, synthesized and their antiviral activities against HCMV were evaluated in vitro. Two of them showed some activity against the HCMV strain AD169. According to the results of docking analysis, the most promising biotarget associated with HCMV is DNA polymerase. The docking of the most active compounds 1 and 5 in the DNA polymerase active site shows calculated binding energies of -8.6 and -7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The ligand's complexation was stabilized by the formation of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with amino acids Lys60, Leu43, Ile49, Pro77, Asp134, Ile135, Val136, Thr62 and Arg137.

Synthesis, Characterization and In Vitro Anticancer Evaluation of 5-Sulfinyl(sulfonyl)-4-arylsulfonyl Substituted 1,3-Oxazoles

A novel series of 5-sulfinyl(sulfonyl)-4-arylsulfonyl-substituted 1,3-oxazoles has been synthesized, characterized and subjected to NCI in vitro assessment. Cancer cell lines of all subpanels were most sensitive to 2-{[4-[(4-fluoro-phenyl)-sulfonyl]-2-(2-furyl)-1,3-oxazol-5-yl]sulfinyl}acetamide (3l). Its antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity averaged over each subpanel was manifested in a very narrow range of concentrations (GI50: 1.64-1.86 µM, TGI: 3.16-3.81 µM and LC50: 5.53-7.27 µM), i.e. practically did not depend on the origin of the cancer cell line. The COMPARE matrix using TGI vector showed a high positive correlation of 3l (r=0.88) with the intercalating agent aclarubicin, which inhibits topoisomerases. The absence in the database of standard agents that have a high correlation with the cytotoxicity of this compound suggests that it may have a unique mechanism of action. According to the results of the docking analysis, the most promising anticancer target for compound 3l is DNA topoisomerase IIβ. The obtained results indicate the anticancer activity of 5-sulfinyl(sulfonyl)-4-arylsulfonyl-sub-stituted 1,3-oxazoles, which may be useful for the development of new anticancer drugs. 2-{[4-[(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-sulfonyl]-2-(2-furyl)-1,3-oxazol-5-yl]sulfinyl}acetamide (3l), as the most active, can be recommended for further in-depth studies.

The influence of child and adolescent maltreatment on personality disorders and criminal activity in adult women

Introduction

Since the rates of female criminality are rising it would appear important to conduct the study of the relationship between criminal behaviour and psychiatric diagnoses in female offenders.

Objectives

The main purpose of this investigation is to find out origins of crimes in women and to reveal the influence of child and adolescent maltreatment on personality disorders in adult women.

Methods

Clinical psychopathological, psychological, statistical.

Results

A cohort of 13 females with diagnosis of personality disorders was examined. All of them had committed crimes of violence. In the majority of the sample women had a previous history of psychiatric admissions (child psychiatric hospitals, adolescent units). The retrospective review revealed that the majority of women in their childhood were exposed to emotional, physical and sexual abuse in their families. Our results point that maltreatment may distort personality formation and social adjustment and contribute to behaviour problems, negative relation to socialization and criminal behaviour in adulthood.

Conclusions

The study revealed that psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence are predictive of adult criminality in females and also revealed the risk of girls who are victims of maltreatment to become a perpetrator in adulthood. This findings may be used as prognostic indicators of development of aggression in female forensic patients.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The relationship between treatment motivation, coping, and psychosocial functioning in a schizophrenia patient’s sample

Introduction

Schizophrenia is characterized by impairments in motivation and coping and decrements in psychosocial functioning in major life areas.

Objectives

This study attempted to examine the links between treatment motivation, coping, and psychosocial functioning for persons with schizophrenia. Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

One hundred thirty-eight participants were recruited at random from outpatient psychosocial rehabilitation programs in Moscow-based psychiatric hospitals. The measures of motivation were administered by testers blind to scores on other study variables; measures of coping (COPE, CERQ) and psychosocial functioning (PSP, EQ5D5L, SF36, Q-Les-Q-18) were administered. Data were analyzed using latent construct modeling to test for mediator and moderator effects.

Results

There were strong bivariate relationships between coping, motivation, and psychosocial functioning. The results demonstrated that coping strongly mediated the relationship between motivation and psychosocial functioning. This mediation was evidenced by: 1) the direct path from motivation to a functional outcome no longer being statistically significant after introducing coping into the model; 2) the statistical significance of the indirect path from motivation through coping to functional outcome. There was no support for the moderation hypotheses.

Conclusions

Motivation influences psychosocial functioning through its relationship with coping, and coping is a critical mechanism for explaining the relationship between motivation and psychosocial functioning. These results will be compared with work on motivation, neurocognition, and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenia (Nakagami et al. 2008), as well as with gender issues. Professionals working with schizophrenia patients should consider such variables as coping when designing and implementing gender-sensitive intervention programs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Women’s mental health during the COVID 19 pandemic and the problem of domestic violence in a lockdown situation

Introduction

The current situation caused by restrictive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic provokes the high level of aggressiveness and all forms of domestic violence. These results in mental health problems.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to find out the consequences of domestic violence against women and to identify psychological problems and mental disorders in women.

Methods

A cohort of 18 females was examined by psychiatrists and psychologists. All women turned to specialists at the Moscow Institute of Psychiatry for help.

Results

All women were victims of violence by their husbands and partners. Lockdown situation associated with COVID 19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of domestic violence. Clinical assessment has revealed different depressive symptoms, anxiety, fear, suicidal tendencies forming the clinical picture of adjustment disorder (2 cases), acute reaction to stress (3 cases), post-traumatic stress disorder (2 cases), depressive episode (8 cases), eating disorders behavior in the form of bulimia and anorexia (3 cases).

Conclusions

The research has revealed that domestic abuse against women associated with lockdown situation during the COVID 19 pandemic often results in psychological and long-term mental health problems. In these cases, prevention is needed to combat violence against women with the participation of public health specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Design of new imidazole derivatives with anti-HCMV activity: QSAR modeling, synthesis and biological testing

The problem of designing new antiviral drugs against Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was addressed using the Online Chemical Modeling Environment (OCHEM). Data on compound antiviral activity to human organisms were collected from the literature and uploaded in the OCHEM database. The predictive ability of the regression models was tested through cross-validation, giving coefficient of determination q² = 0.71-0.76. The validation of the models using an external test set proved that the models can be used to predict the activity of newly designed compounds with reasonable accuracy within the applicability domain (q² = 0.70-0.74). The models were applied to screen a virtual chemical library of imidazole derivatives, which was designed to have antiviral activity. The six most promising compounds were identified, synthesized and their antiviral activities against HCMV were evaluated in vitro. However, only two of them showed some activity against the HCMV AD169 strain.

Mental disorders and psychological problems of women-victims of domestic violence during self-isolation in the covid 19 pandemic

Introduction

Domestic violence is a troubling problem, but it has acquired a new, previously unknown significance during the COVID 19 pandemic. According to WHO, the number of calls from victims of domestic violence to hotlines during quarantine in many countries has increased by an average of 5 times.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to find out the consequences of domestic violence against women and to identify psychological problems and mental disorders. Attention was paid to the mental health of victims of violence in self - isolation during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We analyzed the psychological problems and mental disorders of women who applied to the newly created hotline for women at the Serbsky Center in Moscow during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Results

The situation caused by restrictive quarantine measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic provokes aggressiveness and all forms of domestic violence.Clinical interview has revealed depression, anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, self-harm behavior, which formed the clinical picture of adaptation disorders, acute stress disorders, PTSR, psychosomatic disorders, substance abuse), sexual dysfunctions, eating disorders in the form of bulimia and anorexia.

Conclusions

The study requires taking into account social, economic and gender characteristics. In all types of emergencies, including epidemics, violence against women tends to increase. This is facilitated by a number of factors, such as the crowding of the stay,a decrease in prosperity, provocation of alcohol abuse, state of uncertainty.

A study of the impact of child and adolescent abuse on personality disorders in adult women

Introduction

Researches on female offenders have indicated a high degree of psychiatric morbidity amongst women. Since the rates of female criminality are rising it would appear important to conduct the study of the relationship between criminal behaviour and psychiatric diagnoses in female offenders.

Objectives

The main purpose of this investigation is to find out origins of crimes in women and to reveal the influence of child and adolescent maltreatment on personality disorders in adult women.

Methods

Clinical psychopathological, psychological, statistical.

Results

A cohort of 24 females with diagnosis of personality disorders was examined. All of them had committed crimes of violence. In the majority of the sample women had a previous history of psychiatric admissions (child psychiatric hospitals, adolescent units). The retrospective review revealed that the majority of women in their childhood were exposed to emotional, physical and sexual abuse in their families. Our results point that maltreatment may distort personality formation and social adjustment and contribute to behavior problems, negative relation to socialization and criminal behavior in adulthood.

Conclusion

The study revealed that psychiatric disorders in childhood and adolescence are predictive of adult criminality in females. This findings may be used as prognostic indicators of development of aggression in female forensic patients.

The study is supported by the Russian Fund of Fundamental Investigations 6-06-00314

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Forensic Psychiatric and Legal Aspects of Infanticide and Neonaticide in Russia

Aims:

To find out clinical and social factors contributing to specific female crimes - infanticide and neonaticide.

Method:

Clinical, descriptive statistical.

Results:

The problem of the murder of children by their mothers remains a burning issue in Russia. The most complicated for forensic psychiatrists are the cases when children were killed by not mentally ill mothers, especially in the situations when women killed their children within 24 hours of birth. Neonaticide reflects mostly social than clinical factors. The research has revealed that these women were young, single or separated and often exposed to psychogenic situations with high level of stress (financial and housing problems, concealment of illegitimate pregnancy). In accordance with the Criminal Code of Russia enacted in 1997 the special law governs infanticide and neonaticide. This law takes into account that:

1.

Conclusion:

Thus due to the new law these cases are dealt more leniently and it reflects more constructive and humane approach to such a complicated phenomenon as child murder.

Quality of Life and Gender Related Mechanisms of Social Adaptation in Patients with Schizophrenia

Aims:

To investigate the quality of life of schizophrenic patients, the influence of gender on their social adjustment and to compare male and female attitude to the quality of life.

Method:

Clinical and statistical, instruments for assessing Quality of Life (QOL). 200 patients (150 women and 50 men) were evaluated. We have compared clinical picture, socio-demographic factors, parameters of social adaptation and subjective attitude to the QOL in male and female schizophrenic patients.

Results:

The research has indicated sex related differences in the compared parameters. Male patients more frequently revealed personality disorders-like symptoms, they had poor social functioning and even social desadaptation, they were prone to aggression, substance abuse. Nevertherless they displayed subjective satisfaction with their QOL. Female patients more often revealed hypochondriacal symptoms but positive variant of social adaptation. at the same time women subjectively were not satisfied with their QOL.

The study has revealed that gender related mechanisms of social adaptation in women were presented by high compliance. Comparative analysis of males and females of the study exposed that gender related mechanisms of social adaptation with the inclusion of attitudes and behavioural patterns connected with regard of health and compliance are universal irrespective of clinical and social factors.

Conclusion:

There are considerable gender differences in the subjective perception of QOL among patients with schizophrenia. the study indicate better social adaptation of females based on specific gender mechanisms. Results will contribute to improve treatment and rehabilitation.

Russian literature and psychiatry

The subject of this paper is psychiatry, forensic psychiatry and Russian literature. It is well-known that people with literary talent often possess unusually keen psychological insight. Their literary portrayals of psychological analysis, descriptions of how the human mind and consciousness work and depiction of different psychic states, both normal and pathological, are of great value for psychology and psychiatry and have always attracted the active attention of specialists.