Anti-HIV-1 and cytotoxicity studies of piperidyl-thienyl chalcones and their 2-pyrazoline derivatives

A series of 12 new pyrazoline derivatives was prepared from piperidyl chalcones, which in turn were synthesized by condensing 4-piperidin-1-ylbenzaldehyde with diverse acetylthiophenes. The target compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, MS) and elemental analysis. All the compounds were screened for cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 activities. Compounds 1c, 1g, 1j, 2a, 2c, 2e, 2g, and 2k demonstrated potential anti-HIV activity but were cytotoxic except for 2e and 2k, which displayed no cytotoxicity in primary human cells. Bioassay results show that the type and positions of the substituents seem to be critical for their cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 activities.     

Assessment of thyroid endocrine system impairment and oxidative stress mediated by cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles in zebrafish larvae

Fascinating super paramagnetic uniqueness of iron oxide particles at nano‐scale level make them extremely useful in the state of the art therapies, equipments, and techniques. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are extensively used in nano‐based medicine and electronics, results in extensive discharge and accumulation into the environment. However, very limited information is available for their endocrine disrupting potential in aquatic organisms. In this study, the thyroid endocrine disrupting ability of CoFe₂O₄ NPs in Zebrafish larvae for 168‐h post fertilization (hpf) was evaluated. The results showed the elevated amounts of T4 and T3 hormones by malformation of hypothalamus pituitary axis in zebrafish larvae. These elevated levels of whole body THs leads to delayed hatching, head and eye malformation, arrested development, and alterations in metabolism. The influence of THs disruption on ROS production and change in activities of catalase (CAT), mu‐glutathione s‐transferase (mu‐GST), and acid phosphatase (AP) were also studied. The production of significantly higher amounts of in vivo generation of ROS leads to membrane damage and oxidative stress. Presences of NPs and NPs agglomerates/aggregates were also the contributing factors in mechanical damaging the membranes and physiological structure of thyroid axis. The increased activities of CAT, mu‐GST, and AP confirmed the increased oxidative stress, possible DNA, and metabolic alterations, respectively. The excessive production of in vivo ROS leads to severe apoptosis in head, eye, and heart region confirming that malformation leads to malfunctioning of hypothalamus pituitary axis. ROS‐induced oxidative DNA damage by formation of 8‐OHdG DNA adducts elaborates the genotoxicity potential of CoFe₂O₄ NPs. This study will help us to better understand the risk and assessment of endocrine disrupting potential of nanoparticles. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 2068–2080, 2016.     

Impact of electrostatic and conventional sprayers characteristics on dispersion of barrier spray

A study was conducted to analyze the performance of 3 electrostatic (Electrolon BP-2.5, Spectrum Electrostatic 4010, and Spectrum Electrostatic head on a Stihl 420) and 2 conventional (Buffalo Turbine CSM2 and Stihl 420) sprayers for barrier sprays to suppress an adult mosquito population in an enclosed area. Sprayer characteristics such as charge-mass ratio, air velocity, flow rate, and droplet spectra were measured while spraying water. Dispersion of the spray cloud from these sprayers was determined using coverage on water-sensitive cards at various heights (0.5 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m, 2.0 m, 2.5 m, and 3.0 m) and depths (1 m, 3 m, and 5 m) into the under-forest vegetation while spraying bifenthrin (Talstar 7.9% AI; FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, PA) at the rate of 21.8 ml/300 m of treated row. The charge-mass ratio data show that Electrostatic head on a Stihl 420 did not impart enough charge to the droplets to be considered as an electrostatic sprayer. In general, the charged spray cloud moved down toward the ground. The Electrolon BP 2.5 had significantly lower spray coverage on cards, indicating lack of spray dispersion. This sprayer had the lowest air velocity and did not have the air capacity needed to deliver droplets close to the target for electrostatic force to affect deposition. The analysis shows that these 2 sprayers are not a suitable choice for barrier sprays on vegetation. The results indicate that the Buffalo Turbine is suitable for barriers wider than 3 m, and the Spectrum 4010 and Stihl 420 are suitable for 1-3-m-wide barriers.     

Carnosic acid ameliorates depressive‐like symptoms along with the modulation of FGF9 in the hippocampus of middle carotid artery occlusion‐induced Sprague Dawley rats

The increased survival rate of stroke patients has led to the higher incidences of post‐stroke depression. Carnosic acid has the ability to cross blood brain barrier with good neuro‐modulatory actions. Recently, inclined level of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) in the postmortem brain of the depressed patients was noted. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of carnosic acid on post‐stroke depression‐like behavior, and the expression of FGF9 were evaluated. After 3 weeks of middle carotid artery occlusion in Sprague Dawley rats, carnosic acid (20 and 40 mg/kg) was administered for 2 weeks. Sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and open field test were performed and hippocampi were analyzed for FGF9 and FGFR‐3. In comparison to post‐stroke depressed rats, carnosic acid increased the sucrose preference, and reduced the immobility time of the rats by ~2×. The speed and distance‐covered were also increased. At 40 mg/kg, FGF9 was reduced by ~3× while FGFR‐3/Actin was increased by ~1.5×. Altogether results suggest anti‐depressant‐like activity of carnosic acid in post‐stroke depressed rats with decreased expression of hippocampal FGF9.     

Self-assessment in the measurement of public health workforce preparedness for bioterrorism or other public health disasters

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine effective ways to evaluate public health workers' competence for preparedness. METHODS: The Public Health Ready project, developed by the National Association of County and City Public Health Officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a pilot program designed to prepare local public health agencies to respond to emergency events. Workers at a Public Health Ready site (N=265) rated their need for training and their competence in meeting generic emergency response goals. Cluster analysis of cases was conducted on the self-assessed need for training. RESULTS: Three groups of workers emerged, differing in their overall ratings of need for training. A given worker tended to report similar needs for training across all training goals. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, workers' ratings of need for training may reflect an overall interest in training rather than need for training in a particular area. Caution should be exercised in interpretation when generic goals and self-assessment are used to measure need for training. Future assessments of training needs may be more effective if they use objective measures of specific local plans.     

Use of the Ilizarov apparatus to improve alignment in proximal humeral fractures treated initially by a unilateral external fixator

One of the recommended methods for the management of displaced unstable proximal humeral fractures is the unilateral external fixator. In polytrauma cases this method may be especially useful for the stabilisation of these fractures. However, problems may arise if the fracture is fixed in a malaligned or distracted position. Conversion of the treatment concept to other modalities is difficult because of the problem of pin tract infection. The Ilizarov apparatus provides an useful method in such situations, as it allows distraction, translation and compression without the need for further anaesthesia and additional fixation.     

Pseudolymphoma of colon

A case of pseudolymphoma of the colon is reported. Radiographically and endoscopically the lesion could not be conclusively distinguished from malignant neoplasm, particularly lymphoma or segmental colitis, thus necessitating right hemicolectomy. Careful histological examination established the diagnosis of pseudolymphoma with pathologic features identical to the focal form of pseudolymphoma more commonly observed in the stomach.