Design, Synthesis and In-Silico Studies of Piperidine-Dihydropyridine Hybrids as Anticancer Agents

In this study, we designed, synthesized and characterized a novel series of piperidine-dihydropyridine hybrid compounds and characterized them by 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry (MS), and elemental analysis. Subsequently, we assessed their in vitro anticancer potentials against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 and the lung cancer cell line A-549. Several of these compounds demonstrated significant activity, with IC50 values ranging from 15.94 μM to 48.04 μM for A-549 and 24.68 μM to 59.12 μM for MCF-7, when compared to the reference drug Cisplatin.Notably, a compound featuring a 3-fluoro substitution in the carboxamide series exhibited robust inhibitory effects, with an IC50 of 15.94±0.201 μM against A-549 cells and an IC50 of 22.12±0.213 μM against MCF-7 cells, respectively. Additionally, a compound containing a cyclobutyl ring displayed potent activity, with an IC50 of 16.56±0.125 μM against A-549 and an IC50 of 24.68±0.217 μM against MCF-7 cells, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) (PDB ID: 2J6M) revealed favourable binding scores and interactions, suggesting their potential as promising candidates for further investigation in the context of anticancer drug development.

Vibronic coupling and ultrafast relaxation dynamics in the first five excited singlet electronic states of bithiophene

The vibronic structure and nuclear dynamics in the first five excited singlet electronic states of bithiophene (2T) are investigated here. Specifically, considerations are given to comprehend the first two structureless and broad electronic absorption bands and the role of nonadiabatic coupling in the excited state relaxation mechanism of 2T in the gas phase. Associated potential energy surfaces (PESs) are established by constructing a model vibronic coupling Hamiltonian using 18 vibrational degrees of freedom and extensive ab initio electronic structure calculations. The topographies of these PESs are critically examined, and multiple conical intersections are established. The nuclear dynamics calculations are performed by propagating wave packets on the coupled electronic manifold. The present theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental observations. It is found that strong nonadiabatic coupling between the S1-S4 and S1-S5 states along totally symmetric modes is predominantly responsible for the structureless and broad first absorption band, and overlapping S2, S3, S4, and S5 states form the second absorption band. Photorelaxation from the highly excited S5 to the lowest S1 state takes place through a cascade of diabatic population transfers among the S1-S4-S5 electronic manifold within the first ∼100 fs. Totally symmetric C=C stretching, C-S stretching, C-H wagging, ring puckering, and inter-ring bending modes collectively drive such relaxation dynamics.

Shedding Novel Photophysical Insights Toward Discriminative Detection of Three Toxic Heavy Metal Ions and a hazard class 1 nitro-explosive By Using a Simple AIEE Active Luminogen

In this work, we introduced a simple aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) sensor (PHCS) which can selectively detect and discriminate three environmentally and biologically imperative heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+ and Hg2+) and a hazard class 1 categorized nitro-explosive picric acid (PA) in differential media. By virtue of its weak fluorescence attributes in pure organic medium owing to the synergistic operation of multiple photophysical quenching mechanisms, the molecular probe showcased highly selective 'TURN ON' fluorogenic response towards hazardous Hg2+ with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 97 nM. Comprehensive investigation of binding mechanism throws light on the cumulative effect of probe-metal complexation induced chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect and subsequent AIEE activation within the formed probe-metal adducts. Noteworthily, the probe (PHCS) can be readily used in real water samples for the quantitative determination of Hg2+ in a wide concentration range. In addition, the probe displayed modest colorimetric recognition performances to selectively detect and discriminate two essential heavy metal ions (Cu2+ and Co2+) with a LOD of 96 nM and 65 nM for Cu2+ and Co2+ respectively, in semi-aqueous medium. Intriguingly, based on high photoluminescence efficiency, the AIEE active nano-aggregated PHCS displayed a remarkable propensity to be used as a selective and ultra-sensitive 'TURN-OFF' fluorogenic chemosensor towards PA with LOD of 34.4 ppb in aqueous medium. Finally, we specifically shed light on the interaction of PHCS hydrosol towards PA using some unprecedented techniques, which helped uncover new photophysical insights of probe-explosive molecule interaction. We shed light on novel photophysical insights toward unique multifunctional sensory aptitude of a simple aggregation-induced emission enhancement active organic functional molecule in differential media, enabling ultra-sensitive discriminative detection of toxic heavy metal ions and explosive molecule simultaneously.

Occurrence of canine parvovirus type 2c in diarrhoeic faeces of dogs in Kolkata, India

Canine parvovirus-2(CPV-2) causes a highly contagious disease of dogs characterised by acute hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, lethargy, vomiting, fever and usually bloody or mucoid diarrhoea. In the present study, 41 faecal samples collected from dogs exhibiting the signs of fever, vomition, bloody or mucoid diarrhoea in Kolkata, India were screened by haemagglutination test and PCR for detection of capsid protein coding VP2 gene. The viral genotype was detected by multiplex PCR and analysis of partial VP2 gene nucleotide sequences of selected PCR products with bioinformatics tool. Thirteen (31.71%) samples were found positive with HA titre ≥ 32 whereas 28 (68.29%) samples were positive by PCR of VP2 gene indicating higher sensitivity of PCR. Highest occurrence of CPV-2 was observed in the age group of 1-6 months (80.65%) and non-descript breeds with no history of vaccination (85%). Three samples were antigenic type CPV-2a, rest were CPV-2b/CPV 2c. Six CPV sequences were found to be highly similar to published CPV 2c sequences in BLAST analysis revealing a maximum identity of 99-100% with other CPV-2c strains and clustered together with CPV-2c strains of India and other countries in phylogenetic analysis. The present study highlights the need for continuous monitoring of samples to detect gradual changes in circulating CPV-2 genotypes in India.

Self-Assembly of Solvent-Stabilized Au Nanocluster as Efficient Förster Resonance Energy-Transfer Initiator for White Light Generation

Aggregation-induced enhancement (AIE) in the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) from 12.5 to 51% in the N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)-stabilized Au nanocluster (AuNC) system is reported here. The self-assembling of AuNC has been achieved via hydrogen bonding interaction, which is further utilized in designing the AuNC_DCM system for realizing a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based white LED (WLED), having CIE coordinates of (0.35, 0.29). The solution-processed fabrication strategy used, has given us the liberty to optimize its components for optimal full-spectrum light output. The CIE coordinates of the designed WLED have been improved further to (0.33, 0.32), with a high color rendering index of 93 and correlated color temperature of 5620 K by incorporating a green emitter, namely nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQD), in the AuNC_DCM system. The excellent spectral quality of the as-designed WLED and the repeatability of the proposed fabrication method will make the developed AuNCs_DCM FRET conjugate useful in practical photonic applications.

Assessing the clinical significance of echocardiograms in determining treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in neonates

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the utility of echocardiogram (ECHO) in detection and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) in preterm neonates.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case-control study of all preterm infants born or admitted to the level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in McMaster Children's Hospital from January 2009 to January 2013. These cases were further classified into the following sub-groups: group A) hsPDA confirmed on ECHO; and the control, group B) PDA (but not hemodynamically significant) confirmed on ECHO. Patients without an ECHO were excluded from all analyses. The primary outcome was incidence of treatment for PDA.

RESULTS

PDA treatment was administered in 83.3% and 11.2% of patients in groups A and B respectively (P < 0.05). Among patients with a hsPDA within group A, 17% did not receive treatment, while 11% of patients with non-hemodynamically significant PDA received treatment for the PDA. Within the cohort of patients who received treatment for a hsPDA, gestational age below 35 weeks as well as murmurs heard on auscultation were both found to be predictors of treatment.

CONCLUSION

While the ECHO remains the gold standard for detecting pathological PDA, there is evidence that other traditional clinical measures continue to guide clinical practice and treatment decisions. Further research is required to gain an understanding of how clinical measures and ECHO may be used in conjunction to optimize resource utilization.

Parents of Very Young Children with Congenital Heart Defects Report Good Quality of Life for Their Children and Families Regardless of Defect Severity

The purpose of this study was to investigate parent reports of quality of life for their very young children with congenital heart defects (CHD) and to compare their scores to previously published data. Parents of children 1-3 years old with CHD or innocent heart murmurs completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) core, cardiac, and family impact modules. Multivariable regression analyses assessed the impact of age, sex, family income, and CHD treatment history (study group) on PedsQL scores. Correlations between family impact and core/cardiac modules were examined. PedsQL scores were compared to healthy norms. 140 parents of young children participated within four study groups: CHD no treatment (n = 44), CHD treatment without bypass (n = 26), CHD treatment with bypass (n = 42) ,and innocent heart murmurs (n = 28). Male sex was associated with higher core (F = 4.16, p = 0.04, σ² = .03) and cardiac quality of life (F = 4.41, p = .04, σ² = 0.04). Higher family income was associated with higher family quality of life (F = 8.89, p < .01, σ² = 0.13). Parents of children with innocent heart murmurs and children with CHD not requiring treatment had higher core quality of life compared to young healthy children. Cardiac-related quality of life scores were associated with family impact (r = 0.68) and core module (r = 0.63) quality of life scores. Parents of very young children with CHD report good quality of life for their children and families. Quality of life exceeds in children with innocent murmurs or CHD not requiring repair. Parents report a lower quality of life among girls, and lower family quality of life is associated with lower family income.

On the higher-order T2 ⊗ (e + t2) Jahn–Teller coupling effects in the photodetachment spectrum of the alanate anion (AlH4−)

The higher-order JT coupling terms (beyond the standard second-order JT theory) are important to understand the first photoelectron band of AlH₄.

A multi-responsive thiosemicarbazone-based probe for detection and discrimination of group 12 metal ions and its application in logic gates

A new simple 3-in-1 multi-response thiosemicarbazone-based chemosensor has been synthesized and characterized.

Use of Doppler velocimetry in diagnosis and prognosis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): A Review

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition which has been difficult to assess at an early stage, resulting in the delivery of children who have poor genetic growth potential. Currently, IUGR classification is based upon the system of ultrasound biometry. Doppler velocimetry allows the measurement of hemodynamic flow of major fetal vessels, comparing the flow indices and patterns of normal and IUGR cases. In this review, the effectiveness of Doppler velocimetry in assessing blood flow in major vessels including the umbilical artery, ductus venosus, and middle cerebral artery was studied for both diagnostic and prognostic screening of IUGR. The umbilical artery is the most frequently studied vessel in Doppler velocimetry due to its accessibility and the strength of its associations with fetal outcomes. Abnormalities in the ductus venosus waveform can be indicative of increased resistance in the right atrium due to placental abnormalities. The middle cerebral artery is the most studied fetal cerebral artery and can detect cerebral blood flow and direction, which is why these three vessels were selected to be examined in this context. A potential mathematical model could be developed to incorporate these Doppler measurements which are indicative of IUGR, in order to reduce perinatal mortality. The purpose of the proposed algorithm is to integrate Doppler velocimetry with biophysical profiling in order to determine the optimal timing of delivery, thus reducing the risks of adverse perinatal outcomes.

Origin of distinct structural symmetry of the neopentane cation in the ground electronic state compared to the methane cation

An ab initio quantum dynamics study has been performed to explore the distinct structural symmetry of C(CH3)4(+) in the ground electronic state compared to CH4(+). Additionally, the underlying details of the highly diffuse and complex vibronic structure of the first photoelectron band of C(CH3)4 have been investigated. Associated potential energy surfaces over the two-dimensional space of nuclear coordinates, subject to the T2⊗ (e + t2) Jahn-Teller effect, are established from extensive electronic structure calculations and (then) the nuclear dynamics calculations are done on them via wave packet propagation including the nonadiabatic coupling of the three electronic sheets. The theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental observations. The JT stabilization energies due to T2⊗e, T2⊗t2 and T2⊗ (e + t2) distortions in the X[combining tilde](2)T2 electronic manifold of C(CH3)4(+) illustrate that the highest stabilization occurs through the T2⊗t2-JT distortion (in the ground state of C(CH3)4(+)). However, CH4(+) gains such maximum stabilization due to T2⊗ (e + t2)-JT distortion. From this novel result and applying the epikernel principle, we propose that the structural evolution of C(CH3)4(+) from Td to C3v minimum energy configuration occurs via JT active vibrations of t2 symmetry, whereas CH4(+) rearranges to the C2v structure through a combination of JT active e and t2 bending vibrations.

Atrial arrhythmia after newborn eye exam, to caffeine or not to caffeine?

Mydriatic drops are routinely administered to premature neonates to screen for retinopathy of prematurity. Adverse anticholinergic side effects, particularly convulsions and tachycardia have been reported in the pediatric age group following instillation of mydriatics for diagnostic fundus examination [1, 2]. Caffeine is frequently used for apnea of prematurity. In the neonatal intensive care unit, the combined use of caffeine and mydriatic drops is a common practice. Here we report two cases of atrial arrhythmias after neonatal eye exam that improved with conservative management. Both patients were receiving caffeine at the time of events.

RuIII-edta (edta4− = ethylenediaminetetraacetate) mediated photocatalytic conversion of bicarbonate to formate over visible light irradiated non-metal doped TiO2 semiconductor photocatalysts

[Ru^III(edta)] mediates the conversion of bicarbonate to formate via formation of a [Ru^III(edta)(HCO₃)]²⁻ which undergoes photocatalytic reduction at the conduction band of the visible light irradiated non-metal doped TiO₂ semiconductor particles.

Structural evolution of the methane cation in subfemtosecond photodynamics

An ab initio quantum dynamics study has been performed to explore the structural rearrangement of ground state CH4 (+) in subfemtosecond resolved photodynamics. The method utilizes time-dependent wave-packet propagation on the X˜(2)T2 electronic manifold of the title cation in full dimensionality, including nonadiabatic coupling of the three electronic sheets. Good agreement is obtained with recent experiments [Baker et al., Science 312, 424 (2006)] which use high-order harmonic generation to probe the attosecond proton dynamics. The novel results provide direct theoretical support of the observations while unravelling the underlying details. With the geometrical changes obtained by calculating the expectation values of the nuclear coordinates as a function of time, the structural evolution is predicted to begin through activation of the totally symmetric a1 and doubly degenerate e modes. While the former retains the original Td symmetry of the cation, the Jahn-Teller active e mode conducts it to a D2d structure. At ∼1.85 fs, the intermediate D2d structure is further predicted to rearrange to local C2v minimum geometry via Jahn-Teller active bending vibrations of t2 symmetry.

Development and validation of a generic scale for use in transition programmes to measure self-management skills in adolescents with chronic health conditions: the TRANSITION-Q

AIM

To develop a generic self-management skills scale for use with adolescents diagnosed with a chronic health condition who are aged 12 to 18 years.

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of methodologically sound scales for healthcare teams to use to measure self-management skills in adolescents with chronic conditions transitioning to adult care.

METHODS

Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with a broad range of chronic health conditions, including neurodevelopmental conditions, were recruited from May to August 2013 from nine outpatient clinics at McMaster Children's Hospital (Canada). Thirty-two participated in a cognitive interview, and 337 completed a questionnaire booklet. Interviews were used to develop the TRANSITION-Q. Rasch measurement theory (RMT) analysis was used to identify items that represent the best indicators of self-management skills. Traditional psychometric tests of measurement performance were also conducted.

RESULTS

The response rate was 92% (32/32 cognitive; 337/371 field test). RMT analysis resulted in a 14-item scale with three response options. The overall fit of the observed data to that expected by the Rasch model was non-significant, providing support that this new scale measured a unidimensional construct. Other tests supported the scale as scientifically sound, e.g. Person Separation Index = 0.82; good item fit statistics; no differential item function by age or gender; low residual correlations between items; Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; test-retest reliability = 0.90; and tests of construct validity that showed, as hypothesized, fewer skills in younger participants and in participants who required assistance to complete the scale. Finally, participants who agreed they are ready to transfer to adult healthcare reported higher TRANSITION-Q scores than did participants who disagreed.

CONCLUSIONS

The TRANSITION-Q is a short, clinically meaningful and psychometrically sound scale. This generic scale can be used in research and in paediatric and adolescent clinics to help evaluate readiness for transition.

Left pulmonary artery sling: difference in monochorionic monoamniotic twin presentation

Pulmonary artery sling (PAS) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly where the left pulmonary artery (LPA) originates from the right pulmonary artery and passes between the trachea and esophagus. Limited literature has been published about PAS in twins. This report demonstrates two different outcomes in mono-mono twins presenting with PAS. Patients with PAS can experience sequelae including wheezing, stridor, atelectasis, or emphysema. Vascular rings occur when the anomalous LPA encircles the airway and esophagus, causing direct compression and respiratory distress. In the case of LPA sling, the sling does not encircle the airway and esophagus but acts as a cradle so the airway which is adjacent to the vessel is not directly compressed. Unfortunately, patients with LPA sling may become severely ill due to airway narrowing even when there is no compression of the adjacent airway. This is the more common presentation in PAS and was seen in Twin A whereas direct airway compression was seen in Twin B. PAS usually presents in patients during their first year of life and high clinical suspicion is important for diagnosis. As this case report demonstrates, presentations and outcomes can be variable in mono-mono twins with LPS and as a result, appropriate investigations should be offered with monitoring of respiratory compromise.

Diffuse coronary artery dilatation in a neonate: a case report

In this case, we describe a newborn that presented on the first day of life with diffuse, bilateral coronary artery dilatation, in the absence of intrauterine hypoxia or other identifiable causes of coronary artery ectasia. The infant's symptoms followed an acute course before spontaneously recovering. Kawasaki disease, though relatively rare in neonates, may present in this population in the absence of classical criteria. If untreated, the cardiac sequelae of this disease can be serious. Through this case, where spontaneously remitting coronary dilatation is the paramount finding, we entertain the possibility that this may represent the earliest known presentation of Kawasaki disease.

Esophageal atresia and diverticulum of Kommerell

Diverticulum of Kommerell is an outpouching from the descending aorta that, along with an aberrant subclavian artery and ductus arteriosus, may form a vascular ring compressing the trachea and/or the esophagus. It has been reported as an incidental finding as well as the cause of persistent dysphagia, cough, "asthma," or airway compromise at various ages but has never been reported as a cause of esophageal atresia in a newborn. We present a newborn with diverticulum of Kommerell, a vascular ring, and esophageal atresia.

Resurgence of malaria in Calcutta in 1995: a hospital based study

A total of 405 cases of fever who were either admitted to the Hospital or attended in paediatric out patient Department or Emergency of Medical College Hospital, Calcutta between January '95 and November '95 were included in the study. Majority of cases presented with usual features of malaria like fever with chill and rigor, hepatosplenomegaly, pallor. Apart from these, complicated manifestations like shock, convulsion D.I.C and jaundice were also observed. Some unusual presentations with severe diarrhoea, dehydration and features like that of acute viral respiratory tract infection were highly confusing in terms of clinical diagnosis. P. falciparum was observed in 35.5% of cases. Overall therapeutic response to chloroquin was good, However, two patients died of cerebral Malaria. Five cases of severe malaria were caused by P. vivax however, other etiological features could not be found to attribute the severe nature of these illnesses.

Mumps hemiplegia

Neurological involvement of mumps is commonly restricted to aseptic meningitis. However, rarely mumps is associated with more severe encephalitic illness; other known associations described with mumps are cases of transverse myelitis and Gullain Barre like illness. We report a case of hemiplegia due to mumps parotitis probably caused by involvement of carotid artery.