Evaluation of qualitative properties of amaranth (Amaranthus)

The work contains results of determination of protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, ash, energy value, B group vitamins (B1, B2, PP, B6) and minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Na, K, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb) in three products of amaranth. The nutrients components were determined by general approved analytical methods. Vitamins group B were determined using microbiological methods. Minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K, Cu, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb were determined using the flame AAS method. Phosphorus was determined spectrophotometrically as phosphates with ammonium molybdate. Mean percentage content of protein, fat, caborhydrates, water and ash in products of amaranth examined (seeds, meal, expanded seeds "popping") were: 13.5-14.4; 7.1-7.6; 63.8-71.7; 3.0-12.3; 3.1-3.4 respectively; there energy value expressed in Kcal/100 g were 373-412. Vitamins content in products of amaranth (mg/100 g) were: 0.019-0.029 thiamin; 0.100-0.143 riboflavin; 1.02-1.20 niacinamide and 0.563-0.615 pyridoxin. The levels (mg/100 g) of minerals were as follow: 204-223 Ca; 712-792 P; 8.3-9.7 Fe; 200-235 Mg; 2.9-3.1 Zn; 1.03-1.38 Cu; 3.78-4.54 Mn; 6.30-8.42 Na; 318-337 K; 0.040-0.055 Cr; 0.185-0.292 Ni and 0.045-0.051 Co. Mean contents of cadmium ranged 5-9 micrograms/100 g and lead 27-35 micrograms/100 g in examined products of amaranth.     

1990-2019年中国慢性呼吸系统疾病死亡情况及变化趋势

目的:分析1990-2019年我国慢性呼吸系统疾病（CRD）死亡情况及其变化趋势。方法:利用2019年全球疾病负担（GBD）中国分省研究结果,采用GBD2019世界标准人口对CRD死亡率进行标化,应用Joinpoint 4.8.0.1软件计算各类CRD死亡人数及标化死亡率的平均年度变化百分比（AAPC）,基于GBD比较...     

Novel 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazole derivatives: Synthesis and antiproliferative activity

Microwave irradiation promotes the rapid O,N-acylation–cyclodehydration cascade reaction of oximes and acid chloride. Twenty novel 2,4,5-trisubstituted oxazole derivatives containing heterocycle moiety were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity. The twenty compounds are all first reported and their structures were established by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra. The bioassay tests showed that compounds 2-(2-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5-ylthio)benzo[d]thiazole (6af), 2-(2-(pyridin-3-yl)-4-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5-ylthio)pyrimidine (6bg) and 2-(2-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)oxazol-5-ylthio)-5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (6cf) displayed good antiproliferative activity in vitro, which were comparable to the positive control (5-fluorouracil).     

Stereoselective synthesis and β-blocking activity of substituted (E)- and (Z)-4(1H)-[1-(3-alkylamino-2-hydroxypropyl)oximino]-2,3-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine. Potential antihypertensive agents. Part VI

The synthesis of R-(+)- and S-(-)-isomers of substituted (E)- and (Z)-4(1H)-[1-(3-alkylamino-2-hydroxypropyl)-oximino]-2, 3-dihydro-1, 8-naphthyridine, in enantiomeric pure form, is described. These compounds showed an interesting β-blocking activity. Generally, the (S)-enantiomers possess a slighthly higher affinity for β receptors than the (R)-enantiomers.     

Serotonin content of foods: effect on urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid

Using a highly specific radioenzymatic assay we determined the serotonin concentration in 80 types of foods. The following fruits had a high serotonin concentration (mean +/- SEM) expressed in micrograms/g weight: plantain 30.3 +/- 7.5; pineapple 17.0 +/- 5.1; banana 15.0 +/- 2.4; Kiwi fruit 5.8 +/- 0.9; plums 4.7 +/- 0.8; and tomatoes 3.2 +/- 0.6. Only nuts in the walnut or hickory family had a high serotonin concentration expressed in micrograms/g weight; butternuts 398 +/- 90; black walnuts 304 +/- 46; English walnuts 87 +/- 20; shagbark hickory nuts 143 +/- 23; mockernut hickory nuts 67 +/- 13; pecans 29 +/- 4; and sweet pignuts 25 +/- 8. Ingestion of these fruits and nuts resulted in an increase in urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid excretion with no change in platelet serotonin concentration. The above foods should not be eaten while a urine is being collected for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid analysis.     

Acute inhalation-intoxication by combustion of polyvinylchloride

Summary The pulmonary effects of an acute intoxication by inhalation of gases produced by combustion of polyvinylchloride are studied in 20 persons.Initially each subject showed a syndrome of acute obstructive lung disease. After a follow-up period of 3 months residual injuries seemed to persist.Abbreviations VC vital capacity - FEV₁ forced expiratory volume in 1 s - TLC total lung capacity - RV He residual volume determined with helium - CO carbon monoxide - Raw airway resistance - RV_box RV by body plethysmography - Gaw conductance = 1/Raw - TGV thoracic gas volume - FRC functional residual capacity - pa0₂ arterial oxygen tension - paCO₂ arterial carbon dioxide tension - DL_CO diffusing capacity measured with helium and CO     

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of 2-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5-(substituted-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazoles

In the present investigation a series of novel 2-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5-(substituted-phenyl)-[1,3,4]oxadiazoles (4a–j) were synthesized by cyclization of substituted-benzoic acid N′-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxy-phenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl]-hydrazide by using phosphorousoxychloride at 120 °C. The chemical structure of the newly synthesized compounds was characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and LC–MS) methods. The title compounds were screened for qualitative (zone of inhibition) and quantitative antibacterial activity (MIC) by agar cup plate and microtitration methods, respectively. Among the synthesized compounds in this series compound 2-[1-(5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (4b) was found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity with MICs of 22.4, 29.8, 29.6 and 30.0 μg/mL against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. The other compounds exhibited moderate activity when compared to standard substance Ampicillin.     

Recombinant Lactobacillus casei expressing Clostridium perfringens toxoids α, β2, ε and β1 gives protection against Clostridium perfringens in rabbits

The present study used Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 as antigen delivery system to express C. perfringens toxoids α-β2-ε-β1 to construct the recombination Lactobacillus casei pPG-2-α-β2-ε-β1/L. casei 393. After being induced by 1% xylose, the specificity and integrity of recombinant strain were determined by Western-blotting. Rabbits as native animal model were immunized orally with pPG-2-α-β2-ε-β1/L. casei 393 and the titers of specific IgG and sIgA were determined by ELISA. The result showed that oral administration with the recombinants could elicit both local mucosal and systemic immune responses. The proliferation of spleen lymphocytes in rabbits immunized with pPG-2-α-β2-ε-β1/L. casei 393 was observed. Levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ produced were significantly higher in lymphocytes isolated from the vaccine group than those from the control groups. Flow cytometry assay showed that both the percentages of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells from the vaccine group were significantly increased than the control groups. All these results showed that immunizing with recombinants can elicit both humoral immunity and cellular immunity. Besides, in order to determine the effectiveness of oral immunization with pPG-2-α-β2-ε-β1/L. casei 393, rabbits of vaccine group and control groups were challenged with 1 × LD₁₀₀ unit of culture filtrate of C. perfringens type C and type D toxins respectively. After challenge, 100% of the immunized rabbits survived, while the rabbits of the control group were killed within 48 h. Observation on histopathology showed that histopathological changes were obviously found in heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, intestine and brain of rabbits from the control groups, while no apparent histopathological change was observed in the vaccine group. All the results show that pPG-2-α-β2-ε-β1/L. casei 393 can elicit effective immunoprotection against C. perfringens. All of these suggest that the use of pPG-2-α-β2-ε-β1/L. casei 393 can be regarded as candidate for the development of a vaccine against C. perfringens.     

Heterocyclic 1,2-epoxyalkan-3-ones as cytotoxic agents

A series of 1-{2-(3-,4-)[1-oxidopyridinyl]}-1,2-epoxybutan-3-ones 13 and 1-[2-(3-,4-)pyridinyl]-1,2-epoxy-alkan-3-ones 12, 16 and 17 was synthesized. In vitro screening against L1210 leukemic cells indicated that thes tereochemistry of the oxiranyl substituents and/or size of the R² alkyl substituents are determinants of cytotoxic activity. Increasing the length of the R² alkyl substituent for trans-16 decreased activity. The lipophilic effect of the R² substituent does not appear to be a significant determinant of activity. Some structure—activity correlations are described.     

The relationship between body mass index and 10-year trajectories of physical functioning in middle-aged and older Russians: Prospective results of the Russian HAPIEE study

Objective

To investigate the associations of overweight and obesity with longitudinal decline in physical functioning (PF) among middle-aged and older Russians.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Four rounds of data collection in the Russian Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe study with up to 10 years of follow-up.

Participants

9,222 men and women aged 45-69 years randomly selected from the population of two districts of Novosibirsk, Russia.

Measurements

PF score (range 0-100) was measured by the Physical Functioning Subscale (PF-10) of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) at baseline and three subsequent occasions. Body mass index (BMI), derived from objectively measured body height and weight at baseline, was classified into normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9), obesity class I (BMI 30.0-34.9), and obesity class II+ (BMI≥35.0).

Results

The mean annual decline in the PF score during the follow-up was -1.92 (95% confidence interval -2.17; -1.68) in men and -1.91 (-2.13; -1.68) in women. At baseline, compared with normal weight, obesity classes I and II+ (but not overweight) were associated with significantly lower PF in both sexes. In prospective analyses, the decline in PF was faster in overweight men (difference from normal weight subjects -0.38 [-0.63; -0.14]), class I obese men and women (-0.49 [-0.82; -0.17] and -0.44 [-0.73; -0.15] respectively) and class II+ obese men and women (-1.13 [-1.73; -0.53] and -0.43 [-0.77; -0.09] respectively). Adjustment for physical activity and other covariates did not materially change the results.

Conclusions

PF decreased more rapidly in obese men and women than among those with normal weight. The adverse effect of high BMI on PF trajectories appeared to be more pronounced in men than in women, making more extremely obese Russian men an important target population to prevent/slow down the process of decline in PF.

     

A simple index to measure hygiene behaviours

BACKGROUND: Spot checks are becoming a popular method to assess hygiene behaviours; however, little is known about their repeatability or predictability. We evaluated the within-household repeatability of hygiene indices created from spot checks and their ability to predict incidence of diarrhoea in young Guatemalan children. METHODS: We observed hygiene behaviours in 588 households in four rural Guatemalan communities over 36 months. Four indices related to drinking water (DWI; score = 0-3), food (FI; score = 0-3), personal hygiene (PHI; score = 0-3), and domestic household hygiene (DHI; score = 0-6) and one summary hygiene index (SHI; range 0-15) were created. Morbidity of 694 children aged birth to 36 months living in the study households was assessed using biweekly recall. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess within-household repeatability; the generalized estimating equations approach was employed to analyse diarrhoea morbidity. RESULTS: Households were observed a mean of 22.1 +/- 11.2 times. All indices decreased with duration of follow-up (SHI = -0.67 +/- 0.05 points/year; WI = -0.04 +/- 0.01; FI = -0.07 +/- 0.01; PHI = -0.21 +/- 0.01; DHI = -0.37 +/- 0.02; all P < 0.05). Intraclass correlations were low to moderate (SHI = 0.35-0.51; DWI = 0.17-0.21; FI = 0.16-0.18; PHI = 0.27-0.32; DHI = 0.27-0.38). Six separate spot checks would be needed to estimate a household's underlying level of hygiene within 20%. SHI and PHI scores were inversely associated with diarrhoea morbidity (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hygiene indices created using spot checks can be a rapid and efficient method for assessing hygiene and useful for predicting diarrhoea morbidity in young children. Multiple measures are required to accurately estimate the true hygiene pattern of a household.     

Synthesis of the carbohydrate moiety from the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis and their antigenicity against human sera

Stereocontrolled syntheses of biotin-labeled oligosaccharide portions with a Galβ1-3GalNAc core of the Em2 glycoprotein antigen obtained from the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis have been accomplished. Trisaccharide Galβ1-3(GlcNAcβ1-6)GalNAcα1-R (G), tetrasaccharide Galβ1-3(Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-6)GalNAcα1-R (J) and pentasaccharide Galβ1-3(Galα1-4Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-6)GalNAcα1-R (K) (R = biotinylated probe) were synthesized by block synthesis by the use of 5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-2-azido-4-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-α-d-galactopyranoside as a common glycosyl acceptor. Moreover, linear trisaccharide Galα1-4Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-R (H) and branched tetrasaccharide Galα1-4Galβ1-3(GlcNAcβ1-6)GalNAcα1-R (I) were synthesized by stepwise condensation. We examined the antigenicity of these five oligosaccharides by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our results demonstrate that biotinylated oligosaccharides H, I and K show good serodiagnostic potential to detect infections caused by the parasite E. multilocularis. Among them the linear sequence Galα1-4Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-R in oligosaccharide (H) appears to show the highest sensitivity (95%). Moreover, our study clarified the dominant carbohydrate epitope of Em2 antigen.     

Influence of Solar Activity on Ambient Dose Equivalent H*(10) Measured with Thermoluminescent Dosimeters in Slovenia

Ambient dose equivalent H *(10) is measured to assess general population exposure to ionising radiation. From its spatial and time variations it is possible to identify sources of exposure. In Slovenia, semi-annual H *(10) is measured routinely with thermoluminescence dosimeters at 66 locations around the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Krško and at 50 other locations covering the rest of Slovenian territory. Since the Chernobyl accident contamination had ceased to contribute to ambient dose equivalents, we have been calculating correlation coefficients between annual mean number of sunspots and annual H *(10). These correlation coefficients were calculated for five locations in western Slovenia and for five annual H *(10) extracted from measurements around NPP Krško. Their ranges between –0.64 and –0.38 suggest a clear negative correlation between solar activity and H *(10). Mean annual H *(10) averted by solar activity in the past two solar maxima reached 0.070 mSv around NPP Krško (155 m.a.s.l.) and 0.132 mSv and 0.180 mSv at Kredarica (2515 m.a.s.l.). Quantifying the influence of the solar activity on the ambient dose equivalent helps us to better understand exposure of the general population to ionising radiation.Key Words: averted ambient dose equivalent, Chernobyl contamination, correlation coefficient, cosmic rays, soil radioactivity, solar cycle     

Copper deficiency does not lead to taurine deficiency in rats

Copper deficiency has been reported to cause a decrease in urinary taurine excretion in rats. We determined whether Cu deficiency would decrease taurine status and the hepatic activities of cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) and/or cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) in rats. Ten weanling male rats were assigned to either a Cu-adequate (+Cu) or Cu-deficient (-Cu) group. All rats consumed a Cu-deficient purified diet and water ad-libitum for 16 wk. The water for the (+Cu) group contained 20 mg Cu/L as CuSO(4). At wk 16, the groups differed (P < 0.05) in the following variables (means +/- SEM, -Cu vs. +Cu): body weight (BW), 375 +/- 19 vs. 418 +/- 2.9 g; food intake, 16.2 +/- 0.7 vs. 18.5 +/- 0.4 g/d; hematocrit, 0.294 +/- 0.027 vs. 0.436 +/- 0.027; hemoglobin, 95.2 +/- 9 vs 134 +/- 10 g/L; liver Cu, 8.7 +/- 2.0 vs. 65.9 +/- 2.5 nmol/g; plasma Cu, 0.38 +/- 0.09 vs. 13.4 +/- 0.61 micromol/L; plasma ceruloplasmin activity, 1.75 +/- 1.0 vs. 67.9 +/- 8.4 IU; relative heart weight, 0.56 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.35 +/- 0.02% BW; relative liver weight, 4.06 +/- 0.23 vs. 3.37 +/- 0.06% BW; and liver CSAD activity, 18.8 +/- 1.37 vs. 13.5 +/- 1.11 nmol x min(-1) x mg protein(-1). The groups did not differ at wk 16 in: plasma taurine, 249 +/- 14 vs. 298 +/- 63 micromol/L; whole blood taurine, 386 +/- 32 vs. 390 +/- 25 micromol/L; urinary taurine excretion, 82.5 +/- 15 vs. 52.0 +/- 8.3 micromol/d; liver taurine, 2.6 +/- 0.7 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.4 micromol/g; liver total glutathione, 6.9 +/- 0.48 vs. 6.3 +/- 0.40 micromol/g; liver cyst(e)ine, 96 +/- 7.1 vs. 99 +/- 5.3 nmol/g and liver CDO activity, 2.19 +/- 0.33 vs. 2.74 +/- 0.21 nmol x min(-1) x mg protein(-1). These findings support the conclusion that Cu deficiency does not affect body taurine status.     

Control del paciente diabético en Atención Primaria: influencia de cartera de servicios y otros factores

ObjectiveTo study the effect of the type of follow-up according to Service Portfolio and other associated factors, in the reduction of HbA_1c levels in people with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and poor initial control.DesignAnalytical observational study of a cohort under routine clinical practice conditions.Location262 Primary Health Care Centres in Madrid.Participants1,838 individuals older than 18 years with a new diagnosis of type 2 DM and initial HbA1c levels ≥ 7%, or ≥ 8.5% if older than 75 years.InterventionsThe exposure variable was the type of follow-up according to Portfolio, categorised as minimum, medium, and optimal, according to the number of interventions performed and periodicity of type of therapeutic-pharmacological plan.Main measurementsA study was made of the comorbidity, therapeutic-pharmacological plan, diet - exercise advice and deprivation index. The main outcome was the difference between the final and initial HbA1c.ResultsAfter 2 years of follow-up there was a mean decrease in HbA_1c by -1.7 percentage points (95% CI: -1.6;-1.8), which was 0.36 points higher in patients with optimal follow-up: -2.1 (95% CI: -1.7;-2.4). The factors associated with a decrease in HbA1c were the optimal follow-up -0.29 (95% CI: -0.5;-0.1), the medium follow-up -0.26 (95% CI: -0.5; -0.0), and the initial HbA1c value -0.9 (95% CI: -0.9; -0.9. The factors associated with the increase were insulin treatment and living in socially disadvantaged areas.ConclusionsGlycaemic control was improved in patients with a new diagnosis of diabetes in which optimal follow-up is performed as proposed in the Service Portfolio.     

Acute dark chocolate and cocoa ingestion and endothelial function: a randomized controlled crossover trial

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest cardioprotective benefits of dark chocolate containing cocoa. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the acute effects of solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa intake on endothelial function and blood pressure in overweight adults. DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind crossover trial of 45 healthy adults [mean age: 53 y; mean body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 30]. In phase 1, subjects were randomly assigned to consume a solid dark chocolate bar (containing 22 g cocoa powder) or a cocoa-free placebo bar (containing 0 g cocoa powder). In phase 2, subjects were randomly assigned to consume sugar-free cocoa (containing 22 g cocoa powder), sugared cocoa (containing 22 g cocoa powder), or a placebo (containing 0 g cocoa powder). RESULTS: Solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa ingestion improved endothelial function (measured as flow-mediated dilatation) compared with placebo (dark chocolate: 4.3 +/- 3.4% compared with -1.8 +/- 3.3%; P < 0.001; sugar-free and sugared cocoa: 5.7 +/- 2.6% and 2.0 +/- 1.8% compared with -1.5 +/- 2.8%; P < 0.001). Blood pressure decreased after the ingestion of dark chocolate and sugar-free cocoa compared with placebo (dark chocolate: systolic, -3.2 +/- 5.8 mm Hg compared with 2.7 +/- 6.6 mm Hg; P < 0.001; and diastolic, -1.4 +/- 3.9 mm Hg compared with 2.7 +/- 6.4 mm Hg; P = 0.01; sugar-free cocoa: systolic, -2.1 +/- 7.0 mm Hg compared with 3.2 +/- 5.6 mm Hg; P < 0.001; and diastolic: -1.2 +/- 8.7 mm Hg compared with 2.8 +/- 5.6 mm Hg; P = 0.014). Endothelial function improved significantly more with sugar-free than with regular cocoa (5.7 +/- 2.6% compared with 2.0 +/- 1.8%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The acute ingestion of both solid dark chocolate and liquid cocoa improved endothelial function and lowered blood pressure in overweight adults. Sugar content may attenuate these effects, and sugar-free preparations may augment them.     

Synthesis and dopamine receptor binding of bridged tricyclic dopamine analogues

The bridged tricyclic dopamine analogues exo-2-(N-n-propylamino)-6,7-dihydroxybenzonorbornene, exo-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino)-6,7-dihydroxybenzonorbornene, and exo-2-amino-6,7-dihydroxybenzobicyclo[2.2.2]octene have been synthesized and assayed for their effects on the binding of [³H]spiperone and [³H]apomorphine to rat striatal membranes. The inactivity of these compounds is rationalized on the basis of proposed topographical models of dopamine receptors.     

Characterization by photoacoustic spectroscopy of the photosynthetic Scenedesmus armatus system affected by fuel oil contamination

The effect of aqueous fuel oil extract (AFOE)¹ on the photosynthetic system in green algae Scenedesmus armatus cultures was examined by photoacoustic spectroscopy. After a 24-h culture growth, the photosynthetic energy storage (ES) decreased, with increasing AFOE concentration in the culture. In these algae, ES is lowered by 41% by a 90% AFOE concentration. The plot of relative ES vs the measuring light intensity, i.e., analogous to the classic photosynthesis light-saturation curve, was determined for the fuel oil-affected culture, and a simple mathematical formula was adopted to derive the photosynthetic system parameters.Abbreviations AFOE aqueous fuel oil extract - BBM Bold's basal medium - DCMU 3 -(3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1- dimethylurea - E_K irradiance at which the ES_rel.m would be reached if ES_rel were to increase linearly - ES photosynthetic energy storage - ES_rel relative photosynthetic energy storage capacity - ES_rel.m the maximum value of ES_rel - J incident measuring light intensity - P photosynthetic rate - P_m maximum specific photosynthetic rate - PA photoacoustics     

Emergency Communications within the Limited English Proficient Chinese Community

Limited English speaking communities face communication challenges during emergencies. Our objective was to investigate Chinese limited English proficiency individuals’ perceptions of and inclination to interact with emergency communication systems. A telephone survey was conducted in Mandarin or Cantonese with 250 ethnic Chinese individuals who spoke little or no English. Respondents who spoke no English were less likely to name 9-1-1 as their first source of help for a medical emergency than those who spoke some English (p < 0.01). Those reporting higher levels of confidence in handling the situation were more likely to name 9-1-1 as their first source of help, as were those who listed 9-1-1 as their most trusted source of help (p < 0.01). For this group, the results indicate that calling 9-1-1 may require a sense of self-efficacy. Not calling 9-1-1 in a medical emergency can have serious health consequences, thus interventions are needed to increase confidence in accessing 9-1-1.     

A facile synthesis of carbocycle-fused mono and bis-1,2,3-selenadiazoles and their antimicrobial and antimycobacterial studies

A series of mono and bis-1,2,3-selenadiazole derivatives have been synthesized by the oxidative cyclization of mono and bis semicarbazones of 2-(3-oxo-1,3-diarylpropyl)-1-cyclohexanones using selenium(IV) oxide. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 11632) and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) and in vitro antituberculosis activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (MTB). Among these compounds, 1,3-di(4-chlorophenyl)-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazol-4-yl)-1-propanone (2h) and 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1,2,3-benzoselenadiazol-4-yl)-1-propanone (2g) were found to be the most active compounds with MIC of 3.3 and 3.5 μM respectively against MTB.