Estimation of Target Hazard Quotients and Potential Health Risks for Toxic Metals and Other Trace Elements by Consumption of Female Fish Gonads and Testicles

The aim of this study was to assess the risk to consumers associated with the intake of toxic metals and other trace elements in diets that include the female gonads, testicles, and muscles of four popular freshwater fish species in Poland—common bream (Abramis brama L.), European perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), common roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), and northern pike (Esox Lucius L.). The following methods were used to determine the elements: GF-AAS (Pb, Cd); CV-AAS (Hg); ICP-AES (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Li, Cr, Al). The concentration of toxic elements (Hg, Cd, Pb) in the female gonads and testicles ranged from 0.004 ± 0.006 mg/kg (Cd) to 0.028 ± 0.018 mg/kg (Pb). Of the other elements, the lowest content was noted for Cr (0.122 ± 0.182 mg/kg) and the highest for Al (46.98 ± 31.89 mg/kg). The study confirmed that female gonads and testicles are a valuable source of essential trace elements (Zn, Fe). Considering the content of toxic elements, the raw material of female gonads and testicles posed no health risks (THQ < 1).

Influence of Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment on the Changes in Residues of Important Elements in Drinking Water

Drinking water is the essential medium for food production, and is also needed for direct consumption; while it must be free of harmful substances, it also must have a composition that is beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of water and wastewater treatment on reducing the concentrations of zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the Western Pomerania Voivodeship in Poland. The research was carried out in 2017–2019. The analysis was performed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The concentrations of trace elements in drinking water were below maximum acceptable concentrations (MACs). Reductions in the most dangerous elements during water treatment fluctuated from 48.5% (As) to 97% (Pb). Wastewater treatment reduced the concentrations of analyzed elements by a range of 28.6 to 60.8%, and the most toxic elements (Pb and As) by over 50%. Trace element concentrations in treated wastewater were below MAC values, and ranged from 1.15% (Pb) to 6.23% (As) of MACs for toxic elements. The concentrations of both essential elements (Zn, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu) and toxic elements (Pb, As) in drinking water were below the MACs. Water treatment had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on decreasing trace element concentrations.

Endocrine-disrupting organochlorine xenobiotics in fish products imported from Asia-an assessment of human health risk

The sources of endocrine-disrupting persistent organochlorine compounds (OC) are environmental pollutants. Contaminated food is a direct result of environmental pollution, and fish are considered as the main source of OC in the human diet. This study aimed to analyze the contamination of imported fish fillets with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in the context of potential health risks of consumers in Poland in the light of the new tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values. The tested compounds in fish products were determined by liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GS-MS) method. Despite the detection of almost all pesticides analyzed in the fish fillets tested, the risk factor (hazard quotient) was significantly lower than 1.0, ranging from 0.003 to 0.013. Considering the previous recommended TWI value (14 pg-TEQ/kg bw/week), the estimated weekly intake was lower at 43-53% of TWI. However, according to the new TWI values set by the EFSA in 2018, the estimated weekly intake was about three times higher than the TWI. This raises concerns regarding threats to consumer health.

SYNTHESIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF NEW MANDELATE IONIC LIQUIDS

Novel mandelate ionic liquids with quartenary ammonium cations were synthesized and characterized. The compounds exhibit antimicrobial activity and the most potent one is of similar efficacy against Gram+ bacteria as its counterpart chloride. On the other hand, the mandelates are much less active against Gram-bacteria and fungi. QSAR models suggest that, with respect to cation, their potency depends on lipophilicity. The synthesized ionic liquids are also quite cytotoxic against mammalian cells.

Long-alkyl-chain quaternary ammonium lactate based ionic liquids

A new group of quaternary ammonium lactate based ionic liquids have been prepared and characterized. Didecyldimethylammonium (DDA) and benzalkonium (BA) D,L- and L-lactates are air-stable, hydrophilic, surface-active salts. They are very effective antibacterial and antifungal agents, especially the DDA lactates, against Streptococcus mutants and Candida albicans. Their activities are comparable or more effective than the original benzalkonium chloride. In addition, they have been shown to be good insect-feeding deterrents. However, they are poor antifungal agents for wood preservation. The toxicity of the DDA and BA lactates has also been studied and the results are presented in this paper.

Intravenous amiodarone for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common causes of hospital admission, with a prevalence of up to 5% of the population, increasing with advancing age. Emergency direct current cardioversion is the therapy of choice when arrhythmia leads to hemodynamic compromise, but in patients who are hemodynamically stable, antiarrhythmic drugs are usually given to restore sinus rhythm.

HYPOTHESIS

The study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of intravenous amiodarone in cardioversion of recent-onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). No standard antiarrhythmic therapy has been accepted for pharmacologic cardioversion of AF. Amiodarone seems to be a promising candidate, but only few randomized trials are available and the results are inconsistent.

METHODS

In all, 160 patients with AF lasting < 24 h were randomly assigned (2:1 fashion) to the amiodarone group (n = 106) receiving 5 mg/kg as a 30 min intravenous (i.v.) infusion, followed by i.v. infusion of 10 mg/kg during 20 h diluted in 1000 ml of 10% glucose with 20 IU of rapid-action insulin, 80 mEq of potassium chloride, and 8 g of magnesium sulphate (GIKM), or to the control group (n = 54) receiving 1000 ml of GIKM alone. Treatment was continued up to 20 h independent of sinus rhythm restoration.

RESULTS

Sinus rhythm was restored 20 h after initiation of therapy in 88 (83%) patients in the amiodarone group and in 24 (44%) patients in the control group (p < 0.0001). The difference between efficacy of the two treatment modalities became significant already after 8 h of therapy (53 vs. 14 patients with sinus rhythm, respectively, p < 0.05). The mean dose of amiodarone administered until sinus rhythm restoration was 740 +/- 296 mg. The presence and the type of underlying heart disease did not influence the conversion rate in either group. In two patients (1.8%) treated with amiodarone, the return of sinus rhythm was preceded by asystole.

CONCLUSION

Amiodarone is effective in the termination of AF lasting < 24 h. It may be particularly useful in patients with organic heart disease in whom class I antiarrhythmic agents may be contraindicated. During treatment, the heart rhythm should be monitored continuously.

Molecular structure of some 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone derivatives

It is generally accepted that the specific, energetically preferred conformation of a compound decides on the nature of interactions with pharmacological receptor. Therefore it is of basic importance to get an insight into such molecular parameters as charge distribution, most preferred conformations or the distances between specified points within a molecule. The structure of some 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone derivatives with the aid of NMR spectroscopy (13C and 15N) and X-ray analysis was investigated. Analysis of AS-8 structure revealed that the crystals of hydrochloride salt are built up of cation-anion pairs and crystallized with molecule of water. The results allowed to identify the primary place of the molecule interaction with an acid residue within putative receptor site.

Rigid analogues of buspirone and gepirone, 5-HT1A receptors partial agonists

Rigid analogues of buspirone and gepirone, 5-HT1A receptors partial agonists, were obtained. The compounds exhibited very low affinity to the receptors. Their structural features resembled to a large extent the arrangement of the respective structural elements found in the solid state of buspirone and in the theoretical structure of NAN-190 (5-HT1A postsynaptic antagonist) rigid analogue exhibiting high affinity to the receptor. The obtained results would thus suggest that the bioactive conformation of buspirone might not be the extended one. That would additionally suggest that either both groups of compounds could occupy different areas at the receptor binding sites (or bind to different receptor states) or the constrained structure of 2 does not represent well 5-HT1A receptor binding site requirements.

[Hypertension and metabolic syndrome in population of one company. Monotherapy with amlodipine and doxazosin]

In Poland diagnosing of hypertension (HA) and the efficacy of treatment of this condition is still insufficient. Consideration of the concomitant metabolic disorders may help to choose the best line of therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the incidence of HA and concomitant lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disturbances in population of one company. To assess the efficacy of monotherapy of HA and the influence of therapy on some metabolic parameters.

METHODS

The blood pressure was measured in 599 subjects. Patients with HA (> or = 140/90 mmHg) were treated according to metabolic parameters. Patients with fasting total cholesterol (TC) > or = 200 mg% and/or fasting glucose level > or = 110 mg% received doxazosin (D); initial dose 1 mg. The remaining patients received amlodipine (A); initial dose 5 mg.

RESULTS

HA was found in 154 patients (27.5%). In this group, 50 of subjects were unaware of the disease, the remaining 67 (44%) were not treated or treated insufficiently. Elevated glucose and/or TC levels were found in 51% of hypertensives. After one month of treatment with A or D, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p = 0.001). Monotherapy was effective in 88.9% of subjects in group D and in 92.1% in group A. In group D, TC concentration decreased by 9.5% comparing to baseline (p = 0.001). The tolerance of treatment was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

One fourth of the examined company population under medical attention of the local health service had HA. One third of HA patients were unaware of the disease. The half of patients with HA had metabolic disorders. Doxazosin and amlodipine were equally effective and well tolerated during one month of treatment. Treatment with doxazosin positively influenced the metabolic profile.

Synthesis and anti-microbial activities of some pyridinium salts with alkoxymethyl hydrophobic group

A novel class of functionalized cationic surfactant has been obtained. The work-up procedure of synthesis is very simple, the yield is high and the pyridinium salts with alkoxymethyl hydrophobic group are easily purified. All the salts examined showed anti-microbial activities. Some of them exhibited strong activity and wide anti-bacterial spectra similar to the activity of benzalkonium chloride. The relationship between chemical structure and anti-microbial activity was analysed by the QSAR method.

Synthesis and hypolipidemic and antiplatelet activities of alpha-asarone isomers in humans (in vitro), mice (in vivo), and rats (in vivo)

A series of alpha-asarone isomers was synthesized and investigated for their hypolipidemic and antiplatelet activity. Considering the hypolipidemic activity in rats at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day, some isomers were more potent than clofibrate at 150 mg/kg. Compound 3 was one of the most active agents elevating the HDL cholesterol level by 56% and lowering the LDL cholesterol level by 46.8% in rats after 7 days of administration. The activities of the platelet aggregation test in vitro were significant but lower than those of the reference substances (indomethacine and acetylsalicylic acid). In the pulmonary thromboembolic in vivo test in mice, two compounds (alpha-asarone (6) and compound 4) produced significant antithrombotic effects at 100 mg/kg, namely 44% and 52% protection against lung microembolia, respectively. alpha-Asarone derivatives form a new group of potential hypolipidemic and/or antithrombotic agents. The compounds 3, 4, and 6 may serve as lead substances whose structural modifications may result in original drugs.

[Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of spironolactone and furosemide in patients with severe congestive heart failure]

21 patients with NYHA class III to IV congestive heart failure were randomised to Aldactone (200 mg i.v., 11 pts) or furosemide (20 mg i.v., 10 pts). The mean urine volume in 24 hours in Aldactone group was 1145 ml (range 600 to 2500 ml) and 1678 ml (range 1000 to 3500 ml) in furosemide group (NS). Reduction of magnesium plasma level in furosemide group 24 hours after treatment (from 2.16 +/- 0.18 to 2.01 +/- 0.12 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and slight elevation in Aldactone group (from 1.96 +/- 0.3 to 2.11 +/- 0.18, NS) were observed. Ventricular arrhythmias detected on 24 hour Holter monitoring didn't differ between the study groups.

Molecular modeling of buspirone-serotonin receptor interactions

Modern concepts of buspirone activity as an anxiolytic drug are reviewed. Particular attention is focused on the molecular aspects of buspirone interactions in the phases that simulate cellular environment. Three-dimensional models of buspirone-serotonin receptor complexes are discussed as well.

Selective hydrolysis of nucleotides to nucleosides and free bases

The kinetics of the hydrolysis of 2'-deoxyadenosine-5'-monophosphoric acid (dAMP), 2'-deoxycytidine-5'-monophosphoric acid (dCMP), 2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-monophosphoric acid (dGMP) and tymidine-5'-monophosphoric acid (dTMP) was studied in the presence of Xanthomonas maltophilia [1]. The reaction products are nucleosides: 2'-deoxyadenosine (dA), 2'-deoxycytidine (dC), 2'-deoxyguanosine (dG) and tymidine (dT), respectively, or the respective free bases. Hydrolysis of dTMP and dGMP proceeded stepwise according to the sequence: nucleotide-->nucleoside-->free base, whereas no accumulation of the free base was observed during the hydrolysis of dAMP and dCMP.

13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning NMR and gauge-independent atomic orbital, coupled Hartree-Fock calculations of buspirone analogues. Part 2. Hydrochlorides and perchlorates of 1-arylpiperazine-4-alkylimides

13C cross-polarization (CP) magic angle spinning (MAS) solid state NMR spectra of hydrochlorides and perchlorates of buspirone analogues (2-5) were recorded. In the spectra for each compound, one set of signals appeared, in agreement with single crystal X-ray diffraction data indicating the presence of one molecule per crystal unit. The resonances of 2-5 hydrochlorides were assigned by comparison with the solution chemical shifts. For perchlorate 2b and diperchlorate 2c, the reasonable assignment of signals was made with the aid of the theoretical studies. Ab initio calculations of the carbon shieldings were performed by means of the GIAO-CHF method for two model systems: perchlorate and diperchlorate of quinoline-(N-methyl)piperazine. As no remarkable differences between carbon chemical shifts of hydrochlorides 3-5 in solid state and in solution were observed, it was concluded that in solution these compounds adopted the same conformation as in the solid state.

The ligand-binding site of buspirone analogues at the 5-HT1A receptor

A three-dimensional model of the 5-HT1A receptor in man was constructed by molecular-modelling techniques and used to study the molecular interactions of a series of buspirone analogues with the 5-HT1A receptor by molecular-mechanical-energy minimization and molecular-dynamics simulations. The receptor has seven trans-membrane alpha helices (TMHs) organized according to the electron-density-projection map of visual rhodopsin, and includes all loops between TMHs and the N- and C-terminal parts. The best fit between the buspirone analogues and the receptor model was obtained with the quinolinyl part of the ligand molecules interacting with amino acids in TMH6, the imide group interacting with amino acids in TMH2, TMH3 and TMH7, and the carbonyl groups hydrogen-bonded with Ser86 and Ser393. The ligand-binding rank order deduced from the experimentally determined inhibition constant was reproduced by calculation of receptor-binding energies of the buspirone analogues. The models suggest that steric hindrance and repulsive forces between the receptor and the imide group of the buspirone analogues are the most important determinants of ligand-binding affinity for discriminating between these ligands.

Conformational flexibility of serotonin1A receptor ligands from crystallographic data. Updated model of the receptor pharmacophore

Preparation and affinity to 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors of new buspirone analogues 7-17 are reported. The compounds possess high to low affinity to 5-HT1A and moderate to low to 5-HT2A receptors. The crystal structures have been determined for compounds 11, 12, 13, and 14. For low affinity ligand (15) of 5-HT1A receptor conformational analysis was performed and compared with similar analyses performed for know high (buspirone 1) and very high (WY-48,723 2) affinity ligands of the receptor. Structure-activity relationship is discussed for the affinity to 5-HT1A receptor. A three-point pharmacophore explaining interactions of buspirone-like molecules with the receptor binding site is proposed.

Some derivatives of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone influencing neurotransmission of dopamine and serotonin

The influence of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone derivatives 1-9 on dopaminergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission was tested. It was found that all tested compounds exhibited modulating activity on one (or both) of the neurotransmissions, the effect being dependent on the aromatic ring substituent.

Buspirone analogues as ligands of the 5-HT1A receptor. II: Capacity factors as chromatographic parameter of lipophilicity evaluation in a series of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor ligands

The lipophilicity of a series of buspirone related agents was studied by means of reversed-phase HPLC using an octadecylsilane stationary phase a mixture of aqueous solution of sodium phosphate and methanol as a mobile phase. Comparison of the measured capacity factors with log P values has shown very good correlations with regression correlation coefficients in the range of 0.994-0.996.

Effects of captopril on ventricular arrhythmias in the early and late phase of suspected acute myocardial infarction. Randomized, placebo-controlled substudy of ISIS-4

The antiarrhythmic effect of oral captopril was studied during the early (day 3) and late (day 14) phase of acute myocardial infarction among 304 patients in a randomized placebo-controlled substudy of ISIS-4. Ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular ectopic beats per hour) occurred significantly less frequently among captopril-allocated patients than among those allocated placebo at day 3 (logarithmic scale: 0.48 +/- 0.8 captopril vs 0.84 +/- 1.3 placebo; P < 0.003) and at day 14 (0.51 +/- 1.0 vs 0.77 +/- 1.3; P < 0.05). The number of patients with frequent ventricular arrhythmias (more than 10 ventricular ectopic beats per hour) was also significantly lower among those allocated captopril at day 3 (7.3% vs 14.4%; P < 0.05) and at day 14 (7.3% vs 14.8%; P < 0.05). These results support the hypothesis that the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic system may underlie heart rhythm disturbances in acute myocardial infarction, and that early use of converting enzyme inhibitor therapy may ameliorate these disturbances.

Intravenous amiodarone is safe and seems to be effective in termination of paroxysmal supraventricular tachyarrhythmias

BACKGROUND

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) leading to hemodynamic compromise are among the most common reasons for admission to the coronary care unit (CCU) and need prompt and efficient therapy. Direct current cardioversion is the therapy of choice, but if found contraindicated or unavailable some antiarrhythmic agents are usually given to restore sinus rhythm. Many of these drugs have obvious limitations, especially in patients with acute myocardial infarction and/or heart failure.

HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous amiodarone in the acute termination of PAF or PSVT refractory to other antiarrhythmic agents in a large group of patients consecutively admitted to our CCU.

METHODS

In the present study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of amiodarone given intravenously in 142 consecutive patients with PAF or PSVT lasting < 24 h. In 37% of patients no evidence of underlying heart disease which may have caused arrhythmias were defined. A median of two other antiarrhythmic agents given prior to the first amiodarone injection had been ineffective.

RESULTS

Sinus rhythm was restored in 91 patients (64%) (65% in the PAF group and 61% in the PSVT group). The mean time to rhythm conversion was 5.5 +/- 6.1 h for patients with PAF and 1.2 +/- 1.2 h for patients with PSVT. The mean dose of amiodarone administered up to conversion was 340 +/- 220 mg for PAF and 220 +/- 105 mg for PSVT. Except for transient first-degree atrioventricular block in two patients, no adverse effects possibly related to amiodarone were observed (including proarrhythmia and incidence or aggravation of heart failure symptoms).

CONCLUSION

Amiodarone given intravenously for acute termination of supraventricular tachyarrhythmias is completely safe and seems effective. The results of this study, which is the largest ever made, indicate a need of randomized, controlled trials for the ultimate assessment of the efficacy of amiodarone in this clinical setting.

Structure-activity relationship in a series of new 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine derivatives with hypnotic activity

Preparation, biological properties and QSAR of new derivatives of 1-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-1, 3-butandione (11-13, and 15-18) and 3-[4-(2-pirimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-oxopropanoate (20-22) exhibiting hypnotic activity in mice are reported. The best therapeutic indices (TI = LD50/ED50) 4.7 and 9.4 for po and ip administration, respectively, were found for 1-[4-(2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-n-pentyl-1,3-butandione (15). QSAR studies showed that the biological activity grows initially with an increase in lipophilicity to drop dramatically for log P > 2.5.

Buspirone analogues as ligands of the 5-HT1A receptor. 1. The molecular structure of buspirone and its two analogues

An interdisciplinary (X-ray, 1H and 13C NMR, IR, and theoretical quantum mechanical) study on the potent 5-HT1A receptor ligand buspirone (1) and its two structural analogues, mesmar (4,4-dimethyl-1-[4-[4-(2-quinolinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl]-2,6- piperidinedione) (2) and kaspar (8-[4-[4-(2-quinolinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane - 7,9-dione) (3), has been reported. The results have shown that buspirone-like molecules should appear in an extended rod-shape form, possessing several potential interaction sites with the receptor.

Some analogues of 1,4-disubstituted piperazines as hypnotic and sedative agents

Preparation, analytical data, and biological properties such as acute toxicity, influence on spontaneous and amphetamine induced locomotor activity, hypnotic activity, influence on hexobarbital narcosis and anticonvulsant activity of new analogues of pyrimidyl piperazines--ethyl 3-[4-(2-pyrimidyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3-oxopropanoate (4), 1-[4-(2-pyrimidyl)-1-piperazinyl]-1,3-butandione (5), ethyl 3-[4-(2-pyrimidyl)-1-piperazinyl]butanoate (6) and 1-[4-(2-pyrimidyl)-1-piperazinyl]-2-acetyl-1-hexanone (7)--are reported.