Ionic liquid-catalyzed green protocol for multi-component synthesis of dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles as potential anticancer scaffolds

A series of 6-amino-4-substituted-3-methyl-2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitriles 5a–j were synthesized via one-pot, four-component condensation reactions of aryl aldehydes 1a–j, propanedinitrile (2), hydrazine hydrate (3) and ethyl acetoacetate (4) under solvent-free conditions. We report herein the use of the Brønsted acid ionic liquid (BAIL) triethylammonium hydrogen sulphate [Et3NH][HSO4] as catalyst for this multi-component synthesis. Compared with the available reaction methodology, this new method has consistent advantages, including excellent yields, a short reaction time, mild reaction conditions and catalyst reusability. Selected synthesized derivatives were evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity against four human cancer cell lines viz. melanoma cancer cell line (SK-MEL-2), breast cancer cell line(MDA-MB-231), leukemia cancer cell line (K-562) and cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Compounds 5b, 5d, 5g, 5h and 5j exhibited promising anticancer activity against all selected human cancer cell lines, except HeLa. Molecular docking studies also confirmed 5b and 5d as good lead molecules. An in silico ADMET study of the synthesized anticancer agents indicated good oral drug-like behavior and non-toxic nature.UDN is very much thankful to Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI, Pune, India) for financial supportS

Multi-centre point-prevalence survey of hospital-acquired infections in Ghana

Background: There is a paucity of data describing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in Africa. Objective: To describe the prevalence and distribution of HAIs in acute care hospitals in Ghana. Methods: Between September and December 2016, point-prevalence surveys were conducted in participating hospitals using protocols of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Medical records of eligible inpatients at or before 8am on the survey date were reviewed to identify HAIs present at the time of the survey. Findings: Ten hospitals were surveyed, representing 32.9% of all acute care beds in government hospitals. Of 2107 inpatients surveyed, 184 HAIs were identified among 172 patients, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 8.2%. The prevalence values in hospitals ranged from 3.5% to 14.4%, with higher proportions of infections in secondary and tertiary care facilities. The most common HAIs were surgical site infections (32.6%), bloodstream infections (19.5%), urinary tract infections (18.5%) and respiratory tract infections (16.3%). Device-associated infections accounted for 7.1% of HAIs. For 12.5% of HAIs, a micro-organism was reported; the most commonly isolated micro-organism was Escherichia coli. Approximately 61% of all patients surveyed were on antibiotics; 89.5% of patients with an HAI received at least one antimicrobial agent on the survey date. The strongest independent predictors for HAI were the presence of an invasive device before onset of infection and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: A low HAI burden was found compared with findings from other low- and middle-income countries

Antenatal screening for syphillis in Accra: is it useful? Is it worthwhile

No Abstract. Ghana Medical Journal Vol. 38(1) 2004: 20-2

3D-QSAR, DOCKING STUDY, PHARMACOPHORE MODELING AND ADMET PREDICTION OF 2-AMINO-PYRAZOLOPYRIDINE DERIVATIVES AS POLO-LIKE KINASE 1 INHIBITORS

Objective: The polo-like kinase 1 (plk1) plays important roles in the regulation of mitotic progression, including mitotic entry, spindle formation, chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Thus, plk1 is considered as a good target for chemotherapeutic intervention. The main objectives of this research were to in silico screen the 2-amino-pyrazolopyridine derivatives as plk1 inhibitors and develop pharmacophore for enhanced activity. Methods: The three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR), docking and pharmacophore identification studies on 2-amino-pyrazolopyridine derivatives as plk1 inhibitors have been carried out using V Life MDS 4.3 software. The stepwise 3D-QSAR kNN-MFA method was applied to derive QSAR model. Also, ADMET prediction was performed using FAF Drugs 2 which runs on Linux OS. Results: The information rendered by 3D-QSAR models may lead to a better understanding and designing of novel plk1 inhibitor molecules. The molecular docking analysis was carried out to better understand the interactions between plk1 enzyme and inhibitors in this series. Hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions lead to identification of active binding sites. The results of pharmacophore studies showed that hydrogen bond accepters, aromatic and aliphatic centers are the important features for polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor activity. ADMET prediction of these compounds showed good drug like properties. Conclusion: The combination of the 3D-QSAR, docking, pharmacophore modeling and ADMET prediction is an important tool in understanding the structural requirements for design of novel, potent and selective plk1 inhibitors and can be employed to design new  drug discovery and can be used for derivatives of 2-amino-pyrazolopyridines with specific plk1 inhibitory activity

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

IntroductionHepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. Though, the disease is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about its epidemiology among pregnant women in Ghana. This study sought to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital; Ghana's largest hospital.MethodsWe conducted a facility-based cross-sectional survey among 232 antenatal attendants. Participants were recruited using systematic random sampling technique and screened with HBsAg Rapid Test. Data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0. Results were presented using descriptive statistics, Fisher's Exact test and Logistic Regression analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-one (221) of the total sample (n = 232) agreed to participate in this study; representing a response rate of 95%. The mean age of the participants was 31 years and standard deviation of 5.3. The mean gestational period at recruitment was 28 weeks and standard deviation of 6.8. Majority of the participants were married (83.3%), parous (69.6%), educated (91.4%) and employed (90.5%). The prevalence of HBsAg was 7.7%. We found no significant association between socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and HBV infection.ConclusionSeroprevalence of 7.7% indicates moderate endemicity. Socio-demographic characteristics did not influence HBV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The findings provide empirical evidence that will contribute to knowledge of HBV epidemiology in Ghana

Comprehensive Assessment of Dentists Knowledge and Awareness About Surgical Template Used in Implant Surgeries: an Original Research Study

Aim: Accurate treatment planning for implant which considers anatomical factors and prosthetic needs is essential to guarantee a predictable therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the current knowledge and awareness about surgical template among general dental practitioner in kanpur, India. Materials & Methods: This study was entirely attempted on a cross sectional idea. It also used the rational usage of questionnaire. However, after considering some essential aspects, this number was lastly reduced to 100. Authors completed the study by close ended questionnaire containing questions about the present knowledge and awareness about surgical template. Response was recorded and data was processed statistically to evaluate the real-time knowledge and awareness level. Results: Statistical analysis was done using statistical software ‘Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)'. The recorded data was subjected to suitable statistical tests to obtain p values, mean, standard deviation, standard error an 95% CI. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. 27 practitioners were unaware of the usage of surgical template. 94 practitioners think that UG dental curriculum is inadequate regarding surgical template. 60 practitioners think that surgical template must be made mandatory for all dental institutions.&nbsp

Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of 4-(Benzyloxy)-N-(3-chloro-2-(substitutedphenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-yl) Benzamide as Challenging Anti-Tubercular Scaffold

A series of ten novel derivatives of 4-(benzyloxy)-N-(3-chloro-2-(substituted phenyl)-4-oxoazetidin-1-yl) benzamide 6a–j were synthesized in good yield from the key compound 4-(benzyloxy)-N′-(substituted benzylidene) benzo hydrazide, called Schiff ’s bases 5a–j, by Staudinger reaction ([2 + 2] ketene-imine cycloaddition reaction) with chloro acetyl chloride in the presence of catalyst tri ethylamine and solvent dimethyl formamide (DMF), by using ultra-sonication as one of the green chemistry tools. All the synthesised compounds were evaluated for in vitro anti-tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and most of them showed promising activity with an IC50 value of less than 1 µg/mL. To establish the safety, all the synthesized compounds were further tested for cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell line HeLa and all 6a–j compounds were found to be non-cytotoxic in nature. The molecular docking study was carried out with essential enzyme InhA (FabI/ENR) of Mycobacterium responsible for cell wall synthesis which suggests that 6a and 6e are the most active derivatives of the series. The theoretical evaluation of cell permeability based on Lipinski’s rule of five has helped to rationalize the biological results and hence the synthesized azetidinone derivatives 6a–j were also analyzed for physicochemical evaluation that is, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties and the results showed that all the derivatives could comply with essential features required for a potential lead in the anti-tubercular drug discovery process