Tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline as a potential promising new scaffold for the synthesis of novel anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents

Three series of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline derivatives have been synthesized. The first series was synthesized starting by the condensation of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde 2 with substituted thiosemicarbazides, followed by cyclization of the resulting thiosemicarbazones 3 with malonic acid in the presence of acetyl chloride to give pyrimidyl derivatives 4a-c. The second series was prepared by the condensation of the latter compounds 4a-c with the selected aromatic aldehydes to afford the arylidene derivatives 5a-f. The third series 7a-c was synthesized by condensation of tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde 2 with the appropriate acetophenone, followed by cyclocondensation of the formed alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones with thiourea. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Four compounds were proved to be as active as indomethacin in animal models of inflammation.     

Synthesis and antitumor evaluation of new polysubstituted thiazole and derived thiazolo[4, 5-d]pyrimidine systems

The synthesis of three categories of compounds containing the 1H-pyrazole ring linked to some dihydrothiazoles, thiazolidinones, and thiazolo[4, 5-d]pyrimidines through different linkages is described. Nine of the newly synthesized target compounds were selected by the NCI for in-vitro antitumor screening. Four compounds, namely 4a, 4b, 13, and 14, exhibited a broad spectrum of antitumor activity against most of the tested tumor cell lines. Compound 4a, 3-phenyl-4-amino-5-(3, 5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-methylidenehydrazinocarbonyl)thiazole-2(3H)-thione proved to be the most active antitumor agent in the present study with GI(50), TGI, and LC(50) MG-MID values of 3.93, 41.7, and 91.2 microM, respectively. The same compound also exhibited high selectivity towards CNS SNB-75 and Ovarian IGROV1 cancer cell lines at both the GI(50) and TGI levels. Compound 4b, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-amino-5-(3, 5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-methylidenehydra-zinocarbonyl) thiazole-2(3H)-thione showed nearly the same pattern of activity as 4a but to a lesser extent. Compounds 13 and 14 displayed moderate antitumor activity against most of the tested tumor cell lines with GI(50) MG-MID values range of 20.4-80.6 microM and TGI MG-MID values of 55.5-95.5 microM.     

Polyflex stenting of tracheomalacia after surgery for congenital tracheal stenosis

Polyflex self-expanding stents (Rüsch, Germany) were used in three young children who had presented with life-threatening long-segment tracheal stenosis with bronchial stenosis in two cases. Two children had slide tracheoplasties and subsequently aortic homografts and another tracheal resection and autotracheoplasty. However, in all cases persistent lower tracheal malacia necessitated stenting. Complications of granuloma, stent migration or dislodgement occurred in all cases. A fatal tracheo-aortic fistula occurred in one child. Granuloma in one was treated successfully with steroids. One child survives.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel 1,2-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines bearing amino acid moiety

A new series of [1,2,4]-triazole bearing amino acid derivatives 2a–d–9a–d were synthesized under green chemistry conditions via multicomponent reaction using lemon juice as an acidic catalyst. The obtained compounds were characterized by different spectral and elemental analyses. The obtained candidates showed promising antibacterial activity against some standard bacteria and multidrug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. In contrast to the reference drugs cephalothin and chloramphenicol, the tested compounds showed substantial better MIC values towards the tested MDR strains. The most active compounds 3c, 8a and 9d against MDR bacteria were tested for MBC and MIC index, the results indicted the bacteriostatic activity of these compounds. The most active compounds 2c, 2d, 3c, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d showed a high selectivity index towards antimicrobial activity against K. pneumoniae and MRSA1 compared to mammalian cells, suggesting a good safety profile.

A new series of [1,2,4]-triazole bearing amino acid derivatives were synthesized under green chemistry conditions and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities.     

Functional assessment of the cervical esophagus after gastric transposition and cervical esophagogastrostomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate swallowing and function of the cervical esophagus after esophageal resection and reconstruction. METHODS: Nine patients (8 males, 1 female; median age 63 years), who underwent esophageal resection for adenocarcinoma, were studied from 6 to 40 months (median 18 months) postoperatively. For all patients, the upper gastrointestinal tract was reconstructed by transposing a narrow gastric tube through the posterior mediastinum to the left neck, where a semi-mechanical anastomosis to the cervical esophagus was performed. No patient had an anatomic obstruction to swallowing or stricture. The oral and pharyngeal phases of deglutition and function of the cervical esophagus were evaluated objectively by video barium swallow, esophagogastroscopy, velopharyngeal examination, manometry and balloon inflation in the cervical esophagus. RESULTS: The median length of the cervical esophagus was 5 cm (range 3-7 cm). Mild reflux laryngopharyngitis was seen in all patients. Although all patients had an objective functional dysphagia measurement (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) of 7 (normal), five reported subjective dysphagia. Four (of the five symptomatic) patients were found to have high pressure peristalitic activity (mean >100 mmHg) following balloon distention (10-30 ml) of the cervical esophagus, which was painful in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in the absence of an anatomic cause for dysphagia after cervical esophagogastrostomy, a functional etiology may be explained by hypertensive peristalsis resulting from distention of the remaining cervical esophageal remnant. These findings may further explain anecdotal reports of the efficacy of empiric dilation after upper gastrointestinal reconstruction when no stricture is seen.     

Synthesis of some triazolophthalazine derivatives for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities

Several novel series of triazolophthalazine derivatives namely; pyrazolylethenyltriazolophthalazinones (4a-d), styryltriazolophthalazinones (5a,b), aryloxopropenyltriazolophthalazinones (7a,b), pyrazolinyl- (8a,b), (9a,b) and (10a-f), pyrazolyl- (11a-d), (1,2-oxazol-5-yl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazin-6(5H)-ones (14a,b), triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazin-3-yl-pyridine-3-carbonitriles (12a,b), triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazin-3-yl)ethylthioacetic acids (13a,b) and 2-aryl-5-arylamino-1H,5H-pyrazolo[2″,3″-1',5']imidazo[3',4'-1,5]-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazin-12(13H)-ones (15a-c) have been synthesized. The anti-inflammatory activity of representative compounds has been studied. Compounds 8b, 10c, 10f, 11b, 12a, 13b, and 15a showed anti-inflammatory activities comparable to that of the reference standard, indomethacin. They exhibit also minimal ulcerogenic effect relevant to the reference standard and were found to be non-toxic up to 120 mg/kg orally or up to 75 mg/kg through parenteral route. Concerning the antimicrobial activity; compounds 12b and 13b were found to be equipotent to ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus, while compounds 10a and 10f were found to be as potent as ampicillin against E. coli, whereas compound 14b exhibited equipotency to clotrimazole against Candida albicans. Compounds 8b, 10f, 11b, 12a, and 13b exhibited, besides their antimicrobial activity, moderate to potent anti-inflammatory profiles. This represents a fruitful matrix for the development of a new class of dual non-acidic anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial agents.     

A novel COX-2 inhibitor pyrazole derivative proven effective as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug

The introduction of new COX-2 inhibitors with high efficacy and enhanced safety profile would be a great achievement in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. This study was designed to screen and assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as well as some of the expected side effects of some pyrazole derivatives, newly synthesized as potential COX-2 inhibitors at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University and compared to indomethacin and celecoxib. Twelve compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet granuloma tests. On the basis of their apparent anti-inflammatory activity, four compounds with different substitutions were selected for the evaluation of their analgesic activity using the formalin-induced hyperalgesia and hot-plate tests. Compound AD 532, ((4-(3-(4-Methylphenyl)-4-cyano-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide)), showed very promising results. In the single-dose and subchronic toxicity studies, compound AD 532 showed no ulcerogenic effect and produced minimal effects on renal function. Furthermore, compound AD 532 was a less potent inhibitor of COX-2 in vitro than celecoxib, which may indicate lower potential cardiovascular toxicity. It is concluded that compound AD 532 appears to be a promising and safe option for the management of chronic inflammatory conditions. This study recommends more in-depth investigation into the therapeutic effects and toxicity profile of this compound including its cardiovascular toxicity.     

Preliminary report on the International Conference for the Development of Standards for the Treatment of Anorectal Malformations

Background

Anorectal malformations (ARM) are common congenital anomalies seen throughout the world. Comparison of outcome data has been hindered because of confusion related to classification and asssessment systems.

Methods

The goals of the Krinkenbeck Conference on ARM was to develop standards for an International Classification of ARM based on a modification of fistula type and adding rare and regional variants, and design a system for comparable follow up studies.

Results

Lesions were classified into major clinical groups based on the fistula location (perineal, recto-urethral, recto-vesical, vestibular), cloacal lesions, those with no fistula and anal stenosis. Rare and regional variants included pouch colon, rectal atresia or stenosis, rectovaginal fistula, H-fistula and others. Groups would be analyzed according to the type of procedure performed stratified for confounding associated conditions such as sacral anomalies and tethered cord. A standard method for postoperative assessment of continence was determined.

Conclusions

A new International diagnostic classification system, operative groupings and a method of postoperative assessment of continence was developed by consensus of a large contingent of participants experienced in the management of patients with ARM. These methods should allow for a common standardization of diagnosis and comparing postoperative results.     

Naphthoquinones of the spinochrome class: occurrence,isolation, biosynthesis and biomedical applications

Quinones are widespread in nature and have been found in plants, fungi and bacteria, as well as in members of the animal kingdom. More than forty closely related naphthoquinones have been found in echinoderms, mainly in sea urchins but occasionally in brittle stars, sea stars and starfish. This review aims to examine controversial issues on the chemistry, biosynthesis, functions, stability and application aspects of the spinochrome class, a prominent group of secondary metabolites found in sea urchins. The emphasis of this review is on the isolation and structure of these compounds, together with evaluation of their relevant biological activities, source organisms, the location of origin and methods used for isolation and identification. In addition, the studies of their biosynthesis and ecological function, stability and chemical synthesis have been highlighted. This review aims to establish a focus for future spinochrome research and its potential for benefiting human health and well-being.

This review examines the structures of spinochromes and their isolation techniques, and evaluates their identification, biosynthesis and chemical synthesis.