Application of SBA-Pr-SO3H in the synthesis of benzoxazole derivatives

Propylsulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 (SBA-Pr-SO3H) catalyzed the synthesis of 2-aryl benzoxazoles from 2-aminophenol and benzoyl chloride derivatives in good yields under reflux condition in acetic acid. In solvent free condition, hydroxybenzanilide derivatives were obtained

Benzylidene Barbituric Acid Derivatives Shown Anticonvulsant Activity on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Mice: Involvement of Nitric Oxide Pathway

ABSTRACT Background: Barbituric acid derivatives have long been used as central nervous system (CNS) suppressants, such as sedatives, hypnotics and anticonvulsants. In addition, previous studies have implicated the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the anticonvulsive effects of barbiturates in CNS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to figure out the effects of a novel class of barbituric acid derivatives on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in male mice. Methods: Thirteen synthesized barbituric acid derivatives (a-m) and phenobarbital were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30 min before induction of seizures by PTZ administration. The mechanisms of PTZ-induced seizures in the mice was evaluated using a non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, a selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor, and NO substrate. Results: Administration of most of the above mentioned derivatives significantly increased the seizures threshold (P<0.001). The most potent derivative (compound a), was chosen in order to investigate the mechanism of action involving in anticonvulsant activity. Administration of a non-selective NOS inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a selective nNOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) reversed anticonvulsant activity of compound a. However, injection of the nitric oxide precursor, L-arginine (L-Arg) and a selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (AG), did not change anticonvulsant activity of the mentioned compound. Conclusion: These results indicated that the NO system, specifically nNOS may contribute to the anticonvulsant activity of benzylidene barbituric acid derivative a. Therefore, this compound is a good candidate in order to designing new anticonvulsant medication

A survey of the therapeutic effects of Vitamin E suppositories on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women

Background: Menopause is associated with various complications such as depression, sleep disorders, and genitourinary atrophy. Vaginal atrophy occurs due to the loss of steroid hormones, and its major symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching, dyspareunia, and bleeding after intercourse. According to the literature, vitamin E plays a key role in estrogen stability. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of vitamin E suppositories and conjugated estrogen vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 52 postmenopausal women, who were referred to a gynecology clinic in 2013, were recruited and randomly divided into two groups (26 cases per group). One group received 100 IU of vitamin E suppositories (n = 26), whereas the other group applied 0.5 g of conjugated estrogen cream for 12 weeks. Vaginal maturation value (VMV) was compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. VMV ≤ 55 was regarded as a cut-off point for vaginal atrophy. Treatment success was defined as a 10-unit increase in VMV, compared to the baseline value. Data were analyzed by Friedman test and Mann-Whitney test. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean VMV in the vitamin E group before the treatment and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment was 43.78 ± 13.75, 69.07 ± 22.75, 77.86 ± 21.79, and 80.59 ± 19.23, respectively. The corresponding values in the estrogen cream group were 42.86 ± 14.40, 86.98 ± 12.58, 92.65 ± 15, and 91.57 ± 14.10, respectively. VMV significantly improved in both the treatment groups after the intervention, compared to the preintervention period (P < 0.001). Treatment success was reported in both groups, although estrogen cream (100%) appeared to be more effective after 4 weeks of treatment, compared to vitamin E suppositories (76.9%) (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Based on the findings, use of vitamin E suppositories could improve the laboratory criteria for vaginal atrophy and treatment success. Therefore, vitamin E suppositories are suggested for relieving the symptoms of vaginal atrophy, especially in women who are unable to use hormone therapy or cope with the associated side effects

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunodeficiency patients in Kashan and Qom during 2014-2015

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasitic protozoon, which is a causative agent of serious complications such as encephalitis in immunodeficiency patients. Considering insufficient data on toxoplasmosis in these patients, the present study was conducted to determine the seroepidemiology of T. gondii among immunodeficiency patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on cancer, ADIS, hemodialysis and renal transplant patients (case group) and healthy persons (control group) in Kashan and Qom cities. Totally, 317 serum samples were collected from the case group and 120 samples from the control group. The ELISA method was used to determine the anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Results: Totally, 60.3% of the samples from the case and 33.3% from the control groups were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG (P<0.001). In the case group, only 2 persons (0.6%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM. The anti-T. gondii IgG detected in immunodeficiency patients was 55.2% in Kashan and 68% in Qom, which were higher than in the control group (P<0.001, P<0.006, respectively). The highest prevalence of T. gondii were seen in 40-59 years old (49.8%) and illiterate (60%) patients. There was a meaningful correlation between toxoplasmosis and blurry vision and dermal rash (P=0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of T. gondii was higher in different immunodeficiency patients compared to healthy persons. Screening examinations were recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of patients to prevent serious side-effects and health education

Enhancement Antimicrobial Activity of Clarithromycin by Amine Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System

Methods: A large pore amine functionalized MSN (MSNs-NH2) is described here to facilitate delivery of clarithromycin (CLM) as an antibacterial drug and enhance the efficacy against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial samples. Prepared particles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods. Therefore, the biodistribution of FITC-MSNs was investigated by measure the NIR intensity fluorescent of fluorescent images from whole animal and dissected organs of NMRI mice. Results: The results showed that the CLM loaded MSNs-NH2 (CLM/MSNs-NH2) were successfully prepared having good payload and pH-sensitive drug release kinetics. The antimicrobial investigation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was showed better performance of antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescent imaging investigation on NMRI mice were shown that FITC-MSNs-NH2 accumulated in the liver and kidney and notably in lung tissue. Conclusion: The CLM/MSNs-NH2 exhibited higher antimicrobial activity and enhanced the possibility of microbial infection therapy especially at respiratory infection

Intestinal parasitic infections in different groups of immunocompromised patients in Kashan and Qom cities, central Iran

<p><b>Introduction:</b> Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with immunocompromising conditions.</p> <p><b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in different groups of immunocompromised patients, including hemodialysis patients (HD), renal transplant recipients (RTR), cancer and HIV/AIDS patients in comparison with healthy individuals in two central cities of Iran (Kashan and Qom).</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> In this case–control study, the stool samples of 135 HD, 50 RTR, 60 cancer patients, 20 HIV/AIDS patients and 120 healthy subjects were tested using direct-smear, formol-ether concentration, Ziehl–Neelsen staining and Agar plate method.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> The overall infection rate was 11.7% (31/265) in patient groups and 0% (0/120) in the control group. The frequency of parasites was 25% in HIV/AIDS patients, 11.9% (16/135) in HD, 12.0% (6/50) in RTR and 6.7% (4/60) in cancer patients. <i>Blastocystis hominis</i> (4.2%) and <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (3.0%) were the most prevalent parasites in patient groups. The infection rate was significantly higher in male (17.6%) than female (5.4%) patients (<i>p</i> = .002), but no statistically significant association was observed according to the age and educational levels.</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> This study showed a high prevalence of IPIs in immunocompromised patients. The results of this study suggest that periodic stool examinations for screening of IPIs should be included as a part of routine medical care in these patients.</p