Biology-oriented drug synthesis and evaluation of secnidazole esters as novel enzyme ınhibitors

The identification of novel compounds that can inhibit physiologically and metabolically important drug targets or enzymes has prime importance in medicinal chemistry. With this aim, a range of secnidazole esters 1-30 were synthesized under the heading of biology-oriented drug synthesis by the 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole-mediated coupling reaction between secnidazole and varyingly benzoic acid derivatives. All compounds were screened for inhibitory activity against human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and α-glucosidase. The results indicate that all the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibitory activities against all targets, as compared to the standard inhibitors, revealed by IC₅₀ values. K_i values of the secnidazole derivatives 1-30 for hCA I, hCA II, AChE, BChE, and α-glucosidase enzymes were obtained in the ranges of 47.37-190.74, 44.38-198.21, 12.14-68.37, 8.04-61.53, and 7.78-45.91 nM, respectively. To assess the enzyme-ligand interactions, the optimized most active compounds 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 17, and 23 were subjected to molecular docking studies with modeled AChE, BChE, hCA I, hCA II, and α-glucosidase enzymes, where several important and key interactions were monitored with amino acid residues of each target enzyme.

A Case of Intermittent Left Bundle Branch Block

An 82-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension and occasional exertional dyspnea was found to be in intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB). Her laboratory results, echocardiogram, and ischemic workup were unremarkable. This case highlights that intermittent LBBB is not always associated with coronary ischemia, vasospasm, blunt cardiac injury, drugs, and high catecholaminergic or inflammatory states. 

Cardiac Manifestations in a Case of Severe Hyperkalemia

Severe hyperkalemia is a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance that may lead to fatal arrhythmias. ECG (electrocardiogram) and serum potassium levels are vital for diagnosing and stratifying the risk. Management involves shifting potassium intracellularly and eliminating it through renal and gastrointestinal routes. Failure to diagnose early and manage severe hyperkalemia requires emergent hemodialysis.

2-Arylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones: Inhibitory Activities Against Xanthine Oxidase

2-Arylquinazolin-4(3H)-ones (1-25) were synthesized, and evaluated for their xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. Significant to moderate activities were exhibited by the compounds 1-3, 7, 9, 13-15, 19-21, and 23 with IC50 between 2.80 - 28.13 µM as compared to the standard allopurinol (IC50 (IC50 = 2.01 ± 0.01 µM). Compounds 4-6, 8, 11-12, 16-18, 22, and 24 demonstrated a weak activity with IC50 values 44.60 - 112.60 µM. Nonetheless, compounds 10 and 25 did not show any activity. Amongst all derivatives, compound 2, containing a C-4´ dimethylamino group, was the most potent inhibitor of the enzyme with an IC50 value comparable to the standard. Kinetics studies on the most active compounds (2, 7, 9, 14, 15, 19, and 20) were conducted in order to determine their modes of inhibition and dissociation constants Ki. Some of the compounds of 2-arylquinazolin-4(3H)-one series were thus identified as potential leads for further studies towards the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout.

Prevalence and specificity of red-blood-cell antibodies in a multiethnic South and East Asian patient population and influence of using novel MUT+Mur+ kodecytes on its detection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Appropriate screening for irregular red-cell antibodies is essential for ensuring transfusion compatibility and for antenatal management of mothers at risk of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Screening for all relevant antibodies is, however, limited by screening cells that do not express antigens present in the patient and donor population. Technology to artificially incorporate antigens into red cells is currently available and may be an option for customizing screening cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We sought to identify retrospectively the changing patterns of alloantibody prevalence in our multiethnic population on change of screening cells. Antibody screening records of 143 501 patients tested from 2004 to 2010 were retrieved and divided into two groups: period-1 (2004-2008) and period-2 (2009-2010). During period-1, standard screening cells were used while in period-2, MUT+Mur+ KODE(™) transformed red cells (kodecytes) were used.

RESULTS

Four per cent of samples tested during period-2 were positive on antibody screening compared to 3·2% in period-1. Specific antibodies, excluding anti-D, were identified in 1·66% and 1·52% of patients in period-2 and -1, respectively. When confined to antibodies of clinical significance only, period-2 showed higher alloantibody prevalence of 1·16% as compared to 0·66% in period-1. Antibodies to glycophorin variants of MNS (vMNS) were more commonly detected while antibodies to Lewis antigens declined during period-2.

CONCLUSION

  Antibodies to vMNS antigens are common in South and East Asian populations and are often missed when using standard screening cells. Use of specifically engineered screening cells to express red-cell antigens artificially is beneficial in detecting the diverse alloantibodies present in our population.

Influence of lactic acid bacteria on survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in inoculated Minas cheese during storage at 8.5 degrees C

Minas cheese is a typical Brazilian fresh cheese, manufactured by addition of rennin and CaCl2 to milk, followed by draining the curd. The intrinsic characteristics of this product make it favorable for growth of pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157:H7. The influence of the addition of a commercial mesophilic type O lactic culture to this product on the growth of this pathogen during storage at 8.5 degrees C was evaluated. Eight different formulations of Minas cheese were manufactured using raw or pasteurized milk and with or without salt and lactic culture. Individual portions of each formulation were transferred to sterile plastic bags and inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 to yield ca. 10(3) or 10(6) CFU/g. After blending by hand massaging the bags, samples were stored at 8.5 degrees C for up to 14 days. E. coli O157:H7 was counted after 1, 2, 7, and 14 days of storage using 3M Petrifilm Test Kit-HEC. Counts in samples without added lactic culture showed a 2-log increase in the first 24 h and remained constant during the following 14 days. Counts in samples with added lactic culture showed a 0.5-log increase in the first 24 h, followed by a decrease. These variations were statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant variations (P > 0.05) were obtained for cheese samples manufactured with pasteurized or raw milk, with or without salt. Results indicate that the addition of type O lactic culture may be an additional safeguard to well-established good manufacturing practices and hazard analysis and critical control point programs in the control of growth of E. coli O157:H7 in Minas cheese.

Acquired urethral diverticula in the male

Male urethral diverticula are rare. In our review of the literature between 1928 and 1980 we found only about 250 cases. Acquired diverticula are only slightly more frequent than congenital ones. The 13 cases we present (1965-1980) are all acquired. In 50% of these cases periurethral suppuration was the promoting etiology. Urinary tract infection complicated 12 cases. Retrograde urethrography was diagnostic in all instances. We recommend urethral diverticulectomy as the treatment of choice whenever possible. We stress prophylaxis via gentle manipulation of the urethra and proper drainage of periurethral suppuration.

Radiologic findings of bilharzial (schistosomal) contracted bladder

The radiologic findings in bilharzial contracted bladder are presented. Calcifications of the bladder were seen in only 4.3 per cent, hydronephrosis in 37.2 per cent, and reflux in 62.8 per cent.

Can bilharziasis of the seminal vesicles be a cause of obstructive infertility?

In patients with bilharzial seminal vesiculitis, it has been proved by the fructose test, seminal vesiculography, and casting that the vesicular and ampullary canals as well as the ejaculatory ducts are patient. Thus bilharziasis plays no role in the production of obstructive infertility in males.

Early arabian medicine: contribution to urology

Although a great deal of urology was written and practiced during the early Arabian era, most of it is still uncovered and not translated into the English language or translated by non-physicians. As Arab urologists, who have access to the original Arabic manuscripts, and as a token to our ancestors as well as to the modern urologist interested in Arab history we believe we should translate a part of this treasure.