Synthesis, Structural Elucidation, In Silico and In Vitro Studies of New Class of Methylenedioxyphenyl-Based Amide Derivatives as Potential Myeloperoxidase Inhibitors for Cardiovascular Protection

Novel methylenedioxyphenyl-based amides, especially N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-6-nitrobenzo-[1,3]-dioxole-5-carboxamide (MDC) and N-(3-acetylphenyl)-6-nitrobenzo-[1,3]-dioxole-5-carboxamide (ADC), potential cardiovascular preventive agents, are successfully synthesized, and their chemical structures are verified by 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) analyses. Data obtained from SC-XRD reveal that MDC and ADC are both monoclinic molecules with Z = 2 and 4, respectively. From density functional theory (DFT) calculations, 3.54 and 3.96 eV are the energy gaps of the optimized MDC and ADC structures, respectively. MDC and ADC exhibit an electrophilicity index value of more than 1.5 eV, suggesting that they can act as an electrophile, facilitating bond formation with biomolecules. Hirshfeld surface analysis demonstrates that more than 25% of atomic interactions in both MDC and ADC are from H···H interactions. Based on pharmacokinetic predictions, MDC and ADC exhibit drug-like properties, and molecular docking simulations revealed favorable interactions with active site pockets. Both MDC and ADC achieved higher docking scores of -7.74 and -7.79 kcal/mol, respectively, with myeloperoxidase (MPO) protein. From docking results, MPO was found to be most favorable followed by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and α-glucosidase (α-GD). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and in vitro enzymatic studies of MDC and ADC indicate that MDC is more selective toward MPO and more potent than ADC. The application of MDC to inhibit myeloperoxidase could be ascertained to reduce the cardiovascular risk factor. This can be supported from the results of computational docking (based on hydrogen bonding and docking score), in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and MPO enzymatic inhibition (based on the percentage of inhibition and IC50 values).

A Low-Cost Paper-Based Device for the Colorimetric Quantification of Bilirubin in Serum Using Smartphone Technology

Total bilirubin values have been used as a potential marker to pre-screen and diagnose various liver-based diseases such as jaundice, bile obstruction, liver cancer, etc. A device known as KromaHealth Kit, composed of paper and an acrylic backbone, is developed to quantify total bilirubin in human serum using image processing and machine learning technology. The biochemical assays are deposited on absorbent paper pads that act as reaction zones when serum is added. A dedicated smartphone app captures images of the colorimetric changes on the pad and converts them into quantitative values of bilirubin. The range of bilirubin concentration that can be quantified using the device ranges from 0.5 mg/dl to 7.0 mg/dl. The precision, limit of detection, interference analysis, linearity, stability, and comparison with a predicate are studied in this paper in accordance with clinical and laboratory standards institute. The results indicate that the KromaHealth Kit can be used as an inexpensive alternative to conventional bilirubin testing in clinical settings. With its level of precision, ease-of-use, long shelf-life, and short turnaround time, it will prove to be invaluable in limited-resource settings.

Heart rate variability and meditation: a meta-analysis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Meditation can induce changes in autonomic balance, which can benefit cardiovascular health. The present meta-analysis evaluated changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in meditators.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for primary prospective studies using the search terms ‘heart rate variability’ and ‘meditation’ until January 18th, 2019. The statistical significance of the difference between subgroups is evaluated by the standardized mean difference (SMD), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P-value. I2 value was used to assess the statistical heterogeneity between the included studies.

Results

Twenty-one studies involving 538 meditators (experienced= 209, beginners= 329) and 334 controls (mean age= 40.61, 35% male) were included. Regarding time-domain indices, no statistically significant differences were observed when assessing HRV between i) meditators versus controls (SMD= -0.17; 95% CI: [-0.50, 0.17]; p= 0.30; I2= 0%), ii) pre- versus post-meditation (SMD= -0.41; 95% CI: [-1.10, 0.28]; p= 0.25; I2= 80%) or iii) at baseline versus during meditation (SMD= -0.40; 95% CI: [-0.94, 0.14]; p= 0.14; I2= 72%). Pertaining to frequency-domain indices, analysis of low frequency (LF), normalized low frequency (LFnu) and high frequency (HF) between i) meditators versus controls, ii) at baseline versus post-meditation and iii) at baseline versus during meditation yet again did not show any variations. Seven studies assessed normalized high frequency (HFnu) at baseline versus during meditation collectively demonstrated a significantly higher HFnu during meditation in beginners with notable heterogeneity (SMD= 1.29; 95% CI: [0.09, 2.49]; p= 0.04; I2= 95). Moreover, LF/HF was evaluated by seven studies at baseline versus during meditation. Both meta-analysis (SMD= 0.76; 95% CI: [-0.17, 1.69]; p= 0.11; I2= 94%) as well as subset analysis of experienced meditators (SMD= -0.46; 95% CI: [-0.88, -0.03]; p= 0.03; I2= 0%) revealed a significantly lower LF/HF at baseline.

Conclusions

Short-term changes in HRV indices were observed during meditation, but there is limited evidence for significant long-term effects.

β-catenin regulates HIV latency and modulates HIV reactivation

Latency is the main obstacle towards an HIV cure, with cure strategies aiming to either elicit or prevent viral reactivation. While these strategies have shown promise, they have only succeeded in modulating latency in a fraction of the latent HIV reservoir, suggesting that the mechanisms controlling HIV latency are not completely understood, and that comprehensive latency modulation will require targeting of multiple latency maintenance pathways. We show here that the transcriptional co-activator and the central mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin, inhibits HIV transcription in CD4+ T cells via TCF-4 LTR binding sites. Further, we show that inhibiting the β-catenin pathway reactivates HIV in a primary TCM cell model of HIV latency, primary cells from cART-controlled HIV donors, and in CD4+ latent cell lines. β-catenin inhibition or activation also enhanced or inhibited the activity of several classes of HIV latency reversing agents, respectively, in these models, with significant synergy of β-catenin and each LRA class tested. In sum, we identify β-catenin as a novel regulator of HIV latency in vitro and ex vivo, adding new therapeutic targets that may be combined for comprehensive HIV latency modulation in HIV cure efforts.

An in vitro evaluation of efficacy of ViaSpan, aloe vera, gatorade solution, and propolis storage media for maintaining the periodontal ligament cell viability

Background

Replantation is a commonly performed method for avulsed tooth. A vital periodontal membrane (periodontal ligament [PDL]) is significant for the successful healing of replanted teeth. Hence, various storage media are used to preserve the viability of periodontal cells before replantation.

Objectives

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of ViaSpan, Aloe vera, Gatorade solution, and propolis storage media for maintaining the PDL cell viability.

Materials and Methods

The present study was conducted on 40 recently extracted teeth which were randomly divided into four study storage groups: Group I: ViaSpan, Group II: Aloe vera, Group III: Gatorade solution, and Group IV: Propolis. Later they were subjected to centrifugation, and the cells from supernatant were colored with 0.4% trypan blue for determination of viability. The obtained data were statistically evaluated with SPSS package (21.0 version, Inc.; Chicago, IL, USA) using analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney test, and Post hoc tests.

Results

The mean viable periodontal cell in Group I was 30.2 cumm, in Group II was 24.6 cumm, Group III was 14.5 cumm, and Group IV in 31.4. The difference was significant (P < 0.01). Post hoc test between different groups revealed a significant difference in mean viable periodontal cells (P < 0.001). Propolis, ViaSpan, and Aloe vera had higher pH and osmolality values.

Conclusion

This study found that propolis had higher periodontal cell viability followed by ViaSpan solution and Aloe vera and least in Gatorade solution. Propolis, ViaSpan, and Aloe vera media can be used as a storage media.

Smartphone-based Compression-Induced Scope with Temperature Sensor for Inflammatory Breast Cancer Screening

The Smartphone-based Compression-induced Scope (SCIS) is a mobile device designed to sense the mechanical properties of tumors. Here, an SCIS system with an infrared temperature (SCIS-T) sensor is developed. The color and texture information of target skin are extracted from the SCIST images using a color-based edge detection technique and a texture filter. This new system provides mechanical properties (size, elasticity) of the inclusion as well as the skin surface (color, temperature, texture) characteristics. The application of this system is in the identification of inflammatory breast cancer, which is characterized by color, texture, and temperature change. The device is tested using chicken breast phantoms with embedded silicone inclusion.

In situ characterization of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in collagen and model extracellular matrix by solid state NMR

Non-enzymatic glycation of extracellular matrix with (U-13C5)-d-ribose-5-phosphate (R5P), enables in situ 2D ssNMR identification of many deleterious protein modifications and crosslinks, including previously unreported oxalamido and hemiaminal (CH3-CH(OH)NHR) substructures. Changes in charged residue proportions and distribution may be as important as crosslinking in provoking and understanding harmful tissue changes.

Biomechanical comparison of short-segment posterior fixation including the fractured level and circumferential fixation for unstable burst fractures of the lumbar spine in a calf spine model

OBJECTIVE There has been a transition from long- to short-segment instrumentation for unstable burst fractures to preserve motion segments. Circumferential fixation allows a stable short-segment construct, but the associated morbidity and complications are high. Posterior short-segment fixation spanning one level above and below the fractured vertebra has led to clinical failures. Augmentation of this method by including the fractured level in the posterior instrumentation has given promising clinical results. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical stability of short-segment posterior fixation including the fractured level (SSPI) to circumferential fixation in thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS An unstable burst fracture was created in 10 fresh-frozen bovine thoracolumbar spine specimens, which were grouped into a Group A and a Group B. Group A specimens were instrumented with SSPI and Group B with circumferential fixation. Biomechanical characteristics including range of motion (ROM) and load-displacement curves were recorded for the intact and instrumented specimens using Universal Testing Device and stereophotogrammetry. RESULTS In Group A, ROM in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial rotation was reduced by 46.9%, 52%, 49.3%, and 45.5%, respectively, compared with 58.1%, 46.5%, 66.6%, and 32.6% in Group B. Stiffness of the construct was increased by 77.8%, 59.8%, 67.8%, and 258.9% in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and axial rotation, respectively, in Group A compared with 80.6%, 56.1%, 82.6%, and 121.2% in Group B; no statistical difference between the two groups was observed. CONCLUSIONS SSPI has comparable stiffness to that of circumferential fixation.

Laparoendoscopic Transgastric Enucleation of an awkwardly sited Peri-Cardial Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST): A Multi- Modal Approach

In the modern era of surgery, minimally invasive surgery is increasingly applied for excision of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Site, size and tumor location are important factors that affect the surgical approach and excision. We performed a laparoendoscopic transgastric enucleation of a 4-cm pericardial endophytic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) using an energy device. The surgery was successful and post-operative recovery uneventful. No tumor recurrence was detected on surveillance gastroscopy. In the safe hands of a well-trained laparoscopic upper gastrointestinal surgeon, pericardial GIST can be enucleated safely by this method. The avoidance of surgical staplers is not only cost-effective, but also reduces the risk of associated complications.

Dielectric studies on struvite urinary crystals, a gateway to the new treatment modality for urolithiasis

Struvite or magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MAPH) are biological crystals, found in the kidney, which are formed due to the infection caused by urea splitting bacteria in the urinary tract. The struvite crystals observe different morphologies and were developed using single diffusion gel growth technique. The crystalline nature and its composition were studied from different characterization techniques like X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. The dielectric behavior of the developed crystal was studied by varying temperature and at different frequencies. The parameters like dielectric constant, dielectric loss, ac conductivity, ac resistivity, impedance and admittance of the struvite crystals were calculated. The studies proved that the dielectric loss or dissipation heat is high in lower frequencies at normal body temperature, which develops a plasma state in the stones and in turn leads to the disintegration of urinary stones. The dielectric nature of the stones leads to the dielectric therapy, which will be a gateway for future treatment modality for urolithiasis.

A Polarized Light Microscopic Study to Comparatively evaluate Four Remineralizing Agents on Enamel viz CPP-ACPF, ReminPro, SHY-NM and Colgate Strong Teeth

AIM

To compare and evaluate the remineralizing potential of four commercially available products namely SHY-NM, GC Tooth Mousse Plus, ReminPro and Colgate strong teeth on demineralized human teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 50 extracted premolars having 3 × 3 mm window prepared on the middle third of the tooth, which was then subjected to demineralization for 48 hours at 37°C. Teeth were randomly selected and grouped into five study groups of 10 teeth in each. Each group was treated with respective remineralizing agent and sectioned using hard-tissue microtome. Each section obtained was visualized under polarized light microscope and analyzed using Image J software.

RESULTS

The statistically evaluated results revealed that SHY-NM has the most remineralizing potential followed by ReminPro, GC Tooth Mousse Plus and fluoridated toothpaste.

CONCLUSION

Based on the study, the SHY-NM was superior to the GC Tooth Mousse Plus, ReminPro and Colgate strong teeth on demineralized human teeth. How to cite this article: Rajan R, Krishnan R, Bhaskaran B, Kumar SV. A Polarized Light Microscopic Study to Comparatively evaluate Four Remineralizing Agents on Enamel viz CPP-ACPF, ReminPro, SHY-NM and Colgate Strong Teeth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(1):42-47.

Characterising effects of impact velocity on brain and behaviour in a model of diffuse traumatic axonal injury

The velocity of impact between an object and the human head is a critical factor influencing brain injury outcomes but has not been explored in any detail in animal models. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the interplay between impact velocity and injury severity in a well-established weight-drop impact acceleration (WDIA) model of diffuse brain injury in rodents. We modified the standard WDIA model to produce impact velocities of 5.4, 5.85 and 6.15 m/s while keeping constant the weight and the drop height. Gradations in impact velocity produced progressive degrees of injury severity measured behaviourally, electrophysiologically and anatomically, with the former two methods showing greater sensitivity to changes in impact velocity. There were impact velocity-dependent reductions in sensorimotor performance and in cortical depth-related depression of sensory cortex responses; however axonal injury (demonstrated by immunohistochemistry for β-amyloid precursor protein and neurofilament heavy-chain) was discernible only at the highest impact velocity. We conclude that the WDIA model is capable of producing graded axonal injury in a repeatable manner, and as such will prove useful in the study of the biomechanics, pathophysiology and potential treatment of diffuse axonal injury.

Association between various types of obesity and macular pigment optical density

PURPOSE

To elucidate the association between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and various types of obesity in the South-Indian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 300 eyes of 161 healthy volunteers of South-Indian origin were studied. MPOD was measured psychophysically at 0.25°, 0.50°, 1.00°, and 1.75° eccentricities from fovea. Anthropometric measurements included waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). Using the WHO Expert Consultation guidelines, obesity was defined based on BMI alone (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m(2)), based on WC alone (WC ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women), and based on WHR alone (≥ 0.90 for men and ≥ 0.85 for women). Isolated generalized obesity was defined as increased BMI and normal WC. Isolated abdominal obesity was defined as increased WC and normal BMI. Combined obesity was defined as increased BMI and increased WC.

RESULTS

Mean MPOD at all eccentricities was not significantly different between men and women. Mean MPOD values did not significantly differ in various types of obesity, when compared with the normal subjects. On subgroup analysis, in age group ≥ 60 years, mean MPOD values were significantly higher in subjects with obesity based on BMI (0.61 vs 0.41, P=0.036), obesity based on WHR (0.67 vs 0.41, P=0.007), and isolated generalized obesity (0.66 vs 0.41, P=0.045) in comparison with normal subjects at 0.25° eccentricity.

CONCLUSION

We found lack of an association between MPOD and obesity in the South-Indian population. A similar finding was also noted on age group- and gender-wise analyses.

Pressure necrosis secondary to negative pressure dressing

Wound complications in patients with significant co-morbidities is common; however, in our patient the problem was compounded by the inappropriate placement of negative pressure dressing.

Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference: setting the limits of resectable disease

The annual Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference was held in Montreal, Quebec, October 22-24, 2009. Health care professionals involved in the care of patients with colorectal cancer participated in presentation and discussion sessions for the purposes of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses current issues in the management colorectal cancer, such as the management of hepatic and pulmonary metastases, the role of monoclonal antibodies to the epidermal growth factor receptor, and the benefits and safety of chemotherapy in elderly patients. The management of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours and gastric cancer are also discussed.

Severe and extensive neonatal hearing loss in cats results in auditory cortex plasticity that differentiates into two regions

We examined the response characteristics of primary auditory cortex (A1) neurons in adult cats partially but extensively deafened by ototoxic drugs 2-8 days after birth. The damage evoked extensive A1 topographic map reorganization as also found by others, but a novel finding was that in the majority of cats with low-frequency edges to the cochlear lesion, the area of reorganization segregated into two areas expressing the same novel frequency inputs but differentiated by neuronal sensitivity and responsiveness. Immediately adjacent to normal A1 is an approximately 1.2-mm-wide area of reorganization in which sensitivity and responsiveness to sound are similar to that in normal A1 in the same animals and in unlesioned adult animals. Extending further into deprived A1 is a more extensive area of reorganization where neurons have poorer sensitivity and responsiveness to new inputs. These two areas did not differ in response-area bandwidth and response latency. We interpret these novel changes as the cortical consequences of severe receptor organ lesions extending to low-frequency cochlear regions. We speculate that the two areas of A1 reorganization may reflect differences in the transcortical spatial distribution of thalamo-cortical and horizontal intracortical connections. Qualitatively similar changes in response properties have been seen after retinal lesions producing large areas of visual cortical reorganization, suggesting they might be a general consequence of receptor lesions that deprive large regions of cortex of normal input. These effects may have perceptual implications for the use of cochlear implants in patients with residual low-frequency hearing.

Flow of formulation granules through a conical hopper

Gravity flow characteristics of various pharmaceutical granules through static conical hoppers of different cone angles were studied. Mass flow rate depends on properties of granules and cone angles when environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity are kept within a fixed range. The granules were made with active pharmaceutical ingredients as per Indian pharmacopoeia with other additives like binders and diluents. Lubricants were added with the granules to observe their effects on mass flow rate. Magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide of different proportions were used as lubricants after granulation. A new dimensionally analyzed equation was developed to predict flow rate of the granules. The developed equation agreed well with the experimental data with a percentage deviation of ±10%.

The relationship between cancer and medication exposures in systemic lupus erythaematosus: a case-cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine if, in systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE), exposure to immunosuppressive therapy (cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate) increases cancer risk.

METHODS

A case-cohort study was performed within a multi-site international SLE cohort; subjects were linked to regional tumour registries to determine cancer cases occurring after entry into the cohort. We calculated the hazard ratio (HR) for cancer after exposure to an immunosuppressive drug, in models that controlled for other medications (anti-malarial drugs, systemic glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin), smoking, age, sex, race/ethnicity, geographic location, calendar year, SLE duration, and lupus damage scores. In the primary analyses, exposures were treated categorically (ever/never) and as time-dependent.

RESULTS

Results are presented from 246 cancer cases and 538 controls without cancer. The adjusted HR for overall cancer risk after any immunosuppressive drug was 0.82 (95% CI 0.50-1.36). Age > or = 65, and the presence of non-malignancy damage were associated with overall cancer risk. For lung cancer (n = 35 cases), smoking was also a prominent risk factor. When looking at haematological cancers specifically (n = 46 cases), there was a suggestion of an increased risk after immunosuppressive drug exposures, particularly when these were lagged by a period of 5 years (adjusted HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.02-5.15).

CONCLUSIONS

In our SLE sample, age > or = 65, damage, and tobacco exposure were associated with cancer risk. Though immunosuppressive therapy may not be the principal driving factor for overall cancer risk, it may contribute to an increased risk of haematological malignancies. Future studies are in progress to evaluate independent influence of medication exposures and disease activity on risk of malignancy.