A platinum blue complex exerts its cytotoxic activity via DNA damage and induces apoptosis in cancer cells

Here, we describe the characteristics of a Pt‐blue complex [Pt₄(2‐atp)₈(H₂O)(OH)] (2‐atp: 2‐aminothiophenol) as a prodrug for its DNA‐binding properties and its use in cancer therapy. The nature of the interaction between the Pt‐blue complex and DNA was evaluated based on spectroscopic measurements, the electronic absorption spectra, thermal behavior, viscosity, fluorometric titration, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Our results suggested that the compound was able to partially intercalate DNA and appeared to induce both single‐ and double‐stranded breaks (DBS) on DNA in vitro, but no DSBs in cells. The ability of the compound to induce DNA damage was dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. There was also elevated formation of ROS and SOD expression in response to drug treatment in cell culture. The complex was found to be more cytotoxic to cancer cells in comparison with noncancer controls using WST‐1 assay. The mean of cell death was determined to be apoptosis as assessed via biochemical, morphological, and molecular observations, including DNA condensation/fragmentation analysis, live cell imaging microscopy, TUNEL analyses, and increase in the levels of pro‐apoptotic genes such as Bag3, Bak, Bik, Bmf, and Hrk. Hence, the Pt‐blue complex under study grants premise for further studies.     

Mobilizing political support proved critical to a successful switch from tOPV to bOPV in Kano,Nigeria 2016

Background

Kano is one of the high-risk states for polio transmission in Northern Nigeria. The state reported more cases of wild polioviruses (WPVs) than any other state in the country. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey of 2013 indicated that OPV3 coverage in the routine immunization (RI) programmewas 57.9%. Additionally, serial polio seroprevalence studies conducted from 2011 to 2015 in the eightmetropolitan LGAs indicated low immunity levels against all three polio serotypes in children below one year. Areas with sub-optimal RI coverage such as Kanothat fail to remove all tOPV during the tOPV-bOPV switchwill be at increased risk of VDPV2 circulation.

Methods

We assessed the impact of political leadership engagement in mobilizing other stakeholders on the outcomes of the bOPV-tOPV switch in Kano State from February to May 2016 using nationally-selected planning and outcome indicators.

Results

A total of 670 health facilities that provide RI services were assessed during the pre-switch activities. Health workers were aware of the switch exercise in 520 (95.1%) of the public health facilities assessed. It was found that health workers knew what to do should tOPV be found in any of the 521 (95.2%)public health facilities assessed. However, there was a wide disparity between the public and private health practitioners’ knowledge on basic concepts of the switch.There was 100% withdrawal of tOPV from the state and the seven zonal cold stores. Unmarked tOPVwas found in the cold chain system in 2 (4.5%) LGAs. Only one health facility (0.8%) had tOPV in the cold chain. No tOPVwas identified outside the cold chain without the “Do not use” sticker in any of the health facilities.

Conclusion

The engagement of the political leadership to mobilize other key stakeholders facilitated successful implementation of the tOPV-bOPVswitch exercise and provided opportunity to strengthen partnerships with the private health sector in Kano State.

     

Assessing product adulteration of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali) herbal medicinal product using DNA barcoding and HPLC analysis

Context: Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Simaroubaceae) commonly known as Tongkat Ali is one of the most important plants in Malaysia. The plant extracts (particularly roots) are widely used for the treatment of cough and fever besides having antimalarial, antidiabetic, anticancer and aphrodisiac activities.

Objectives: This study assesses the extent of adulteration of E. longifolia herbal medicinal products (HMPs) using DNA barcoding validated by HPLC analysis.

Materials and methods: Chloroplastic rbcL and nuclear ITS2 barcode regions were used in the present study. The sequences generated from E. longifolia HMPs were compared to sequences in the GenBank using MEGABLAST to verify their taxonomic identity. These results were verified by neighbor-joining tree analysis in which branches of unknown specimen are compared to the reference sequences established from this study and other retrieved from the GenBank. The HMPs were also analysed using HPLC analysis for the presence of eurycomanone bioactive marker.

Results: Identification using DNA barcoding revealed that 37% of the tested HMPs were authentic while 27% were adulterated with the ITS2 barcode region proven to be the ideal marker. The validation of the authenticity using HPLC analysis showed a situation in which a species which was identified as authentic was found not to contain the expected chemical compound.

Discussion and conclusions: DNA barcoding should be used as the first screening step for testing of HMPs raw materials. However, integration of DNA barcoding with HPLC analysis will help to provide detailed knowledge about the safety and efficacy of the HMPs.     

An apical left ventricular aneurysm rupture presenting as left breast mass 11 years after surgical repair

Left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm is a rare entity and, consequently, there is limited knowledge of the condition’s natural history. The most frequent mode of presentation for LV pseudoaneurysm is heart failure with chest pain. However, the variable presentation of this condition requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.We report the case of a 75-year-old woman who had suffered an acute myocardial infarction 23 years previously, which resulted in a calcified LV apical aneurysm. Three weeks prior to being referred to our hospital, she was noted by her general practitioner to have a left-sided breast mass although mammography was negative. One week later, she attended the accident and emergency department; she was haemodynamically unstable but was resuscitated successfully. Contrast enhanced computed tomography showed a large haematoma located in the left chest wall communicating with the left ventricle. She underwent emergency cardiac surgical repair. On arrival at the intensive care unit following surgery, her haemodynamic status was unstable, and she deteriorated rapidly and died.With this report, we aim to raise the level of awareness for an apical LV pulsatile mass that could anatomically expand and present as a breast mass or tumour. An early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention is essential in order to achieve better outcomes and avoid detrimental complications.     

Synthesis of Zn3(VO4)2/BiVO4 heterojunction composite for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue organic dye and electrochemical detection of H2O2

In this study, a Zn₃(VO₄)₂/BiVO₄ heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared using a hydrothermal route with different molar concentration ratios. The as-synthesized nanophotocatalyst was characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, XPS, FT-IR, Raman, BET, UV-vis DRS, EPR and PL. The effect of molar ratio on composition and morphology was studied. The as-prepared nanocomposite exhibited excellent photocatalytic response by completely degrading the model pollutant methylene blue (MB) dye in 60 min at molar concentration ratio of 2 : 1. In basic medium at pH 12, the Zn₃(VO₄)₂/BiVO₄ nanocomposite degrades MB completely within 45 min. The nanocomposite was also successfully used for the electrochemical detection of an important analyte hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This study opens up a new horizon for the potential applications of Zn₃(VO₄)₂/BiVO₄ nanocomposite in environmental wastewater remediation as well as biosensing sciences.

In this study, a Zn₃(VO₄)₂/BiVO₄ heterojunction nanocomposite photocatalyst was prepared using a hydrothermal route with different molar concentration ratios.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of septal accessory atrioventricular pathways.

OBJECTIVE--Septal accessory atrioventricular pathways are recognised as being more difficult to ablate than pathways in other locations. This paper describes an experience of 48 consecutive patients with septal accessory pathways who had catheter ablation with radiofrequency current. PATIENTS AND METHODS--There were 28 male and 20 female patients, mean (SD) age 35 (17). 43 patients had a single accessory pathway and 5 patients had multiple accessory pathways. Pre-excitation was present in 37 patients, and 11 patients had concealed accessory pathways. 21 patients had had a previous electrophysiological study. Catheter ablation was undertaken with radiofrequency current delivered by a standard unipolar technique or by delivery of current across the septum (the bipolar technique). RESULTS--The median total procedure time was 167 (83) minutes including a 30-40 minute observation period after the abolition of conduction by the accessory pathway. The median total fluoroscopic time was 56 (30) minutes. 42 (88%) out of 48 patients had successful ablation of the pathway during the first session. In the six patients in whom the procedure failed, five had a midseptal pathway and one had a right anteroseptal pathway. A second attempt at ablation was made in two patients and succeeded in both. In total, 49 accessory pathways were successfully ablated in 44 (92%) out of 48 patients. The bipolar technique was used in 11 patients and succeeded in 10 patients. Standard unipolar current delivery had previously failed in seven of the 11 patients. Complications developed in two patients with a mid septal pathway (one with complete atrioventricular block and the other with a small pericardial effusion). CONCLUSION--Radiofrequency catheter ablation of septal accessory pathways is efficacious and safe. The procedure time can be shortened and success rate can be increased after improvement of the technique--that is, consideration of a bipolar approach for energy delivery in difficult cases.     

Efficacy of agnique (mmf) monomolecular surface film against immature stages of Anopheles arabiensis patton and Culex spp (diptera: culicidae) in Khartoum, Sudan

The efficacy of the larvicidal and pupicidal agent (Agnique) MMF was evaluated against larvae of An. arabiensis and Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) under field conditions in Bahary Locality, Khartoum, Sudan. At an applied dosage of 0.25 ml/m2, MMF resulted in 89.4, 79.8 and 88.2% reductions in L3-L4 instars An. arabiensis and 63.5% in Culex larvae (all stages) 24 to 72 hours post-treatment. Pupae were completely eliminated (100%) within 24 hours posttreatment. The earlier instars (L1-L2) of An. arabiensis were more tolerant with a 62.5% reduction at 72 hours post-treatment compared to (L3-L4) instars and pupae. At 7-days post-treatment Agnique gave a 57.5% reduction in L1-L2 and 92.6% in L3-L4 instar larvae of An. arabiensis and 57.3% and 86.4% in Culex larvae and pupae, respectively. We conclude that Agnique can perform effectively against L3-L4 instars and pupae of An. arabiensis for only 1 week, and 3 to 4 days against L1-L2 instars of Culex spp.