Synthesis, antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity of nitro- and halogeno-substituted benzimidazole derivatives

Two series of benzimidazole derivatives were sythesised. The first one was based on 5,6-dinitrobenzimidazole, the second one comprises 2-thioalkyl- and thioaryl-substituted modified benzimidazoles. Antibacterial and antiprotozoal. activity of the newly obtained compounds was studied. Some thioalkyl derivatives showed remarkable activity against nosocomial strains of Stenotrophomonas malthophilia, and an activity comparable to that of metronidazole against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Of the tested compounds, 5,6-dichloro-2-(4-nitrobenzylthio)-benzimidazole showed the most distinct antiprotozoal activity

Preventing preterm birth with progesterone: costs and effects of screening low risk women with a singleton pregnancy for short cervical length, the Triple P study

Contains fulltext : 97255.pdf (postprint version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Women with a short cervical length in mid-trimester pregnancy have a higher risk of preterm birth and therefore a higher rate of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Progesterone can potentially decrease the number of preterm births and lower neonatal mortality and morbidity. Previous studies showed good results of progesterone in women with either a history of preterm birth or a short cervix. However, it is unknown whether screening for a short cervix and subsequent treatment in mid trimester pregnancy is effective in low risk women. METHODS/DESIGN: We plan a combined screen and treat study among women with a singleton pregnancy without a previous preterm birth. In these women, we will measure cervical length at the standard anomaly scan performed between 18 and 22 weeks. Women with cervical length </= 30 mm at two independent measurements will be randomly allocated to receive either vaginal progesterone tablets or placebo between 22 and 34 weeks. The primary outcome of this trial is adverse neonatal condition, defined as a composite outcome of neonatal mortality and severe morbidity. Secondary outcomes are time to delivery, preterm birth rate before 32, 34 and 37 weeks, days of admission in neonatal intensive care unit, maternal morbidity, maternal admission days for preterm labour and costs. We will assess growth, physical condition and neurodevelopmental outcome of the children at two years of age. DISCUSSION: This study will provide evidence for the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of screening for short cervical length at the 18-22 weeks and subsequent progesterone treatment among low risk women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR207

Behavior-state-dependent changes in human fetal pulmonary blood flow velocity waveforms

Objective: To establish the influence of fetal behavior stateson venous and arterial pulmonary blood flow velocity waveformsin the normally developing term fetus.Methods: The relation between venous and arterial pulmonaryblood flow velocity waveforms and fetal behaviorstates was investigated in 18 normal term fetuses. Recordingsof the venous pulmonary blood flow velocity waveformswere obtained just proximal to the entrance in the leftatrium, and the arterial pulmonary blood flow velocitywaveforms were taken from the most proximal branch of thepulmonary artery in the same lung using color Dopplerimaging. Time-averaged peak systolic, peak diastolic, andend-diastolic flow velocity; peak systolic to peak diastolicratio; pulsatility index; and fetal heart rate were calculatedfrom both venous and arterial Doppler recordings obtainedduring behavior states 1F (quiet sleep) and 2F (active sleep).Fetal behavior states were determined from combined recordingsof fetal eye and body movements.Results: Recordings of sufficient quality for analysis wereobtained from ten fetuses. Venous pulmonary blood flowvelocity waveforms demonstrated a statistically significantincrease in time-averaged peak diastolic and end-diastolicvelocity during fetal behavior state 2F. No behavior-staterelatedchanges were observed for the arterial pulmonaryblood flow velocity waveform.Conclusion: The data suggest an increased pressure gradientbetween the pulmonary venous system and the leftatrium during behavior state 2F. Flow velocity waveformsfrom the proximal arterial pulmonary branch are independentof behavioral state