Biological and catalytic potential of sustainable low and high valent metal-Schiff base sulfonate salicylidene pincer complexes

ONO-Pincer Schiff base salicylidene (HSaln ligand) complexes with VO²⁺, UO₂²⁺, MoO₂²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions (MSaln complexes = VOSaln, UO₂Saln, MoO₂Saln and MnSaln, respectively) were synthesized and fully characterized by different physico-chemical tools. The VOSaln complex was further treated with 1,10-phenanthroline which afforded a new VO-complex (VOSaln-Ph). All complexes and their ligands, as eco-friendly reagents, were explored for their biological potential as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Reactivity of MSaln complexes against the tested pathogen strains exhibited a remarkable inhibitory effect compared to the coordinated ligand (HSaln) and applicable standard drugs. Moreover, the MSaln complex-DNA interaction was investigated by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, viscosity and gel electrophoresis techniques affording binding strengths in the order: UO₂Saln > MnSaln > MoO₂Saln > VOSaln-Ph > VOSaln. Additionally, the biological potential of the investigated compounds was further explored by molecular docking to illustrate the nature of the drug–DNA interactions. All MSaln complexes show respectable anti-proliferative potential as anticancer agents against selected human carcinoma cell lines. Aside from the biological activities these complexes (MSaln complexes) were also investigated for catalytic efficiency in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling system of phenylboronic acid with 2-bromopyridine in water, sustainably. The results indicated that the MnSaln catalyst performed well with high yield. The catalytic potential of MnSaln was compared in water, water–ionic liquid mixtures and ionic liquids.

ONO-Tridentate Schiff base complexes with VO²⁺, UO₂²⁺, MoO₂²⁺ and Mn²⁺ were synthesized and characterized. All the complexes were shown to be of potential use as anticancer agents against selected human carcinoma cell lines.     

A simplified technique for construction of an interim obturator for a bilateral total maxillectomy defect

PURPOSE: This report describes a simplified method for construction of an interim obturator for a huge maxillary defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A medical grade-silicone obturator was fabricated indirectly on a duplicate cast of the surgical defect for a patient with a bilateral total maxillectomy. This silicone obturator was attached to an acrylic plate by means of mushroom-like extension tags projecting from the fitting surface of the acrylic palatal plate. RESULTS: The obturator was well retained in the patient's mouth and markedly improved his ability to speak and swallow. CONCLUSION: This technique proved to be a simple, quick, and cost-effective method for construction of obturators for huge maxillary defects.     

Mechanisms of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and current status of rapid molecular diagnostic testing

Drug-resistant tuberculosis has become a global problem and a major public health concern. While mechanisms of resistance are fairly well characterized for most agents, particularly the first line agents, our knowledge of drug resistance is by no means exhaustive, and strains continue to emerge that carry novel resistance-related mutations. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the genetic basis of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, highlighting emerging areas of research. The development of rapid detection methods has been a major breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis. Rapid detection methods are available for both rifampin- and isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis, but have yet to be developed for other first line agents. Rapid detection methods will become increasingly important as multi-drug resistant strains of M. tuberculosis become more prevalent, even for detecting tuberculosis that is resistant to second line agents.     

Single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the osteopontin gene at nucleotide -443 as a marker predicting the efficacy of pegylated interferon/ribavirin-therapy in Egyptians patients with chronic hepatitis C

Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix glycophosphoprotein produced by several types of cells including the immune system. The present study examined the possibility that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the promoter region of the OPN at nt -443 is a marker predicting the therapeutic efficacy of pegylated interferon (peg-IFN-α2b)-ribavirin combination therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C. Blood was collected from 95 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had received peg-IFN-α2b-ribavirin combination therapy and 100 age and sex matched controls. SNP in OPN at nucleotide (nt) -443 and its serum protein level were analyzed. Sustained virological response (SVR) was higher in patients with T/T at nt -443 than in those with C/C or C/T. A univariate logistic regression analysis showed that fibrosis grade, serum OPN protein level and T/T homozygotes of SNP at -443 were significant predictors for response. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of serum OPN. It can be concluded that SNP in the promoter region of OPN at nt -443 and serum OPN protein level are predictors of response to the efficacy of peg-IFN-α2b-ribavirin therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C.     

Ascl1 participates in Cajal-Retzius cell development in the neocortex

Cajal-Retzius cells are essential pioneer neurons that guide neuronal migration in the developing neocortex. During development, Cajal-Retzius cells arise from distinct progenitor domains that line the margins of the dorsal telencephalon, or pallium. Here, we show that the proneural gene Ascl1 is expressed in Cajal-Retzius cell progenitors in the pallial septum, ventral pallium, and cortical hem. Using a short-term lineage trace, we demonstrate that it is primarily the Ascl1-expressing progenitors in the pallial septum and ventral pallium that differentiate into Cajal-Retzius cells. Accordingly, we found a small, albeit significant reduction in the number of Reelin(+) and Trp73(+) Cajal-Retzius cells in the Ascl1(-/-) neocortex. Conversely, using a gain-of-function approach, we found that Ascl1 induces the expression of both Reelin, a Cajal-Retzius marker, and Tbr1, a marker of pallial-derived neurons, in a subset of early-stage pallial progenitors, an activity that declines over developmental time. Taken together, our data indicate that the proneural gene Ascl1 is required and sufficient to promote the differentiation of a subset of Cajal-Retzius neurons during early neocortical development. Notably, this is the first study that reports a function for Ascl1 in the pallium, as this gene is best known for its role in specifying subpallial neuronal identities.     

Design and implementation of a novel superfusion system for ex vivo characterization of neural tissue by dielectric spectroscopy (DS)

Dielectric spectroscopy is a widely utilized electrophysiological characterization method. The obtained dielectric spectra and derived properties have the potential of providing significant information regarding changes in the physiological state of a biological system. However, since many of the dielectric properties are obtained in vitro from excised tissue far removed from physiological conditions, the value of the information obtained may be diminished. In this paper, we introduce a superfusion system that is designed to produce ex vivo dielectric spectroscopy measurements by providing the living tissue with a continuous and ample supply of nutrients and oxygen while removing metabolites and other waste. This superfusion system provides the convenience of in vitro measurement while concurrently producing results that can be more closely correlated with actual physiological changes in the biological system.     

Closure of large myelomeningocele by lumbar artery perforator flaps

Myelomeningocele is the most complex congenital malformation of the central nervous system that is compatible with life. Different closure techniques are available for defect reconstruction, but wound healing and tension-free closure of the skin in the midline remain major considerations in large myelomeningoceles. In this study, bilateral lumbar artery perforator flaps were used for closure of large myelomeningocele defects. Fifteen infants and neonates with large myelomeningocele defects were enrolled in the study. The lumbar artery perforator flaps were elevated bilaterally or unilaterally and advanced toward the midline without tension and were sutured together. Most of the flaps healed without any major complication. The lumbar artery perforator flaps as is an effective method for closure of large myelomeningocele defects.