Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluations of Novel Heterobimetallic Platinum(II)–Gold(I) Complexes as Bio-imaging Agents.

Introduction: Platinum-based drugs have become a mainstay of cancer therapy, approximately half of all patients undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment receive a platinum drug. Despite the pervasiveness of platinum drugs in cancer treatment regimens, a number of attendant disadvantages such as resistance to some cancer types and side effects exist. Gold complexes are also emerging as a new class of metal complexes with outstanding cytotoxic properties and are presently being evaluated as potential antitumor agents. Methods and Results: Here, some novel heterobimetallic platinum(II)–gold(I) complexes were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities against different human cancer cell lines such as A549 (human lung cancer), SKOV3 (human ovarian cancer) and MDA-MB-231 (human breast cancer) were evaluated. Electrophoresis mobility shift assay and molecular modeling investigations have been performed to determine the specific binding mode or the binding orientation of these compounds to DNA. Molecular docking studies of them on DNA were performed by means of AutoDock 4.2. Fluorescence emission properties of them were assessed using fluorescent microscopy imaging. In comparison to cis-platin, these compounds displayed significantly higher in vitro cytotoxicity on the studied cell lines. They enter SKOV3 cells rapidly, retaining their phosphorescence and localise simultaneously in cytoplasm, especially in perinuclear regions. So they are suitable candidates for time resolved emission imaging microscopy (TREM). Electrophoresis mobility shift assay showed a little shift and little interaction with plasmid DNA, though this shift is not as much as cis-platin. They may exert their cytotoxic effect through a different mechanism. Conclusions: According to the results, careful drug design would result in producing potential antitumor agents with high efficacy. These Pt(II)-Au(I) complexes can be used in biological labelling and cellular imaging studies, due to desirable absorption and emission of them in solution under ambient conditions. Hence, they had a potential value for drug development as anticancer agents

Assessing the risk factors and management outcomes of ectopic pregnancy: A retrospective case-control study

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity or in an unusual location. According to the clinical case reports, hormonal contraceptive failures may be related to emergency contraceptives and EP. EP may be treated medically, surgically, or expectantly. Currently, there is no consensus regarding whether a multiple- or double-dose regimen with methotrexate (MTX) or an additional dose could be more effective than a single-dose regimen. Objective: This study aimed to assess risk factors and treatment outcomes for EP. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Tehran, Iran from March 2020 to March 2021. The case group was comprised of all EP-diagnosed cases (n = 191). Based on the levels of β-human chorionic gonadotropin, MTX was administered to stable individuals with no surgical indications. Risk factors were assessed through 2 control groups: intrauterine pregnancy (n = 190) and nonpregnant groups (n = 180). Results: The medical treatment significantly improved with an extra dose of MTX, especially in individuals with higher β-human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations and gestational age > 7.5 wk (p = 0.002). Considering risk factors, it is assumed that hormonal contraceptive failures, including both oral and emergency contraceptives, may increase the EP likelihood (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on our findings, we recommended an additional dose of MTX for subjects who are further along in their pregnancy. It is also concluded that failure of contraceptive pills increases the chances of EP. Key words: Contraception, Ectopic pregnancy, Intrauterine device, Levonorgestrel

Expression of CD34 and CD31 in Central and Peripheral Giant Cell Granulomas

Statement of the Problem: There are some differences between clinical features of central giant cell granulomas (CGCGs) and peripheral giant cell granulomas (CGCGs) despite their same microscopic features. The possible role of angiogenesis in this issue is still a matter of debate. Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare microvessel density (MVD) between CGCGs and PGCGs of the oral cavity using CD31 and CD34. Materials and Method: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on 18 PGCGs and 19 CGCGs using a monoclonal antibody against CD34 and CD31. MVD was assessed and compared between the lesions using t-test for statistical analysis. p< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The expression levels of both CD34 and CD31 were significantly higher in CGCGs compared to PGCGs (p< 0.002 and p< 0.001, respectively). Significant differences in MVD assessed by both markers were observed between males and females in PGCGs (p< 0.05), but not CGCGs (p< 0.2). Conclusion: The combined evaluation of old- and newly-formed vessels by pan-endothelial cell markers showed differences between CGCGs and PGCGs, supporting the possible vascular-proliferative nature of the former. Whether this difference has a part in their diverse biologic behaviors and the role which pre-existent vessels play in comparison to neo-formed vasculature, requires further investigation

One Side Ovarian Rejuvenation: A Quasi-Experimental Study of the Effect of the Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma in Poor Ovarian Responders in IVF

BACKGROUND: The poor ovarian response is the most important limiting factor in the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of intraovarian injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) on the oocyte number and IVF outcomes in poor ovarian responders (POR). METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was performed from August 2021 to December 2021, in Vali-e-Asr Infertility Clinic affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. There were 12 POR patients selected based on the criteria of Bologna group 4 who underwent two IVF cycles with similar antagonist regimens in a 70-day-interval. Immediately after the Oocytes Pick-Up (OPU), there was a 4cc of autologous PRP multifocal intramedullary injection done into their right ovaries in the first IVF cycle (case group). On the other hand, their left ovaries were considered as the control group. The patients underwent the second IVF cycle after 70 days. RESULTS: Those who had undergone aPRP experienced a significant increase of the mean of antral follicular count (AFC) (from 1.91±0.79 to 2.50±0.90, p=0.043). There was a significant increase in the number of embryos from the right ovary (intervention group) compared to the left ovary (control group) after PRP, but there was no significant difference in the number of embryos in the right ovary before and after the intervention (from 0.25 ±0.45 to 1.08±0.79, p=0.705). There was no significant change in the number of oocytes, AMH, and FSH in the case and control groups before and after the intervention (p&gt;0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, it seems that in females with POR, intraovarian aPRP had no effect on the outcomes (embryos number, number of oocytes, FSH and AMH level), except for an increase in AFC

Cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes of 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide containing 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligand: Structural, computational and electrochemical studies

The preparation and characterization of new heteronuclear-platinum(II) complexes containing 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf) ligand are described. The reaction of the known starting complex [PtMe(κ2N,C-bipyO-H)(SMe2)], A, in which bipyO-H is a cyclometalated “rollover” 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide, with the dppf ligand in a 2 : 1 ratio or an equimolar ratio led to the formation of corresponding binuclear complex [Pt2Me2(κ2N,C-bipyO-H)2(µ-dppf)], 1, or mononuclear complex [PtMe(κ1C-bipyO-H)(dppf)], 2, respectively. According to the reaction conditions, the dppf ligand in 1 and 2 behaves as either a bridging or chelateing ligand. All complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The solid-state structure of 2 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method and it was shown that the chelateing dppf ligand in this complex was arranged “synclinal-staggered” conformation. Also, the occurrence of intermolecular C–HCp…ObipyO-H interactions in the solid-state gave rise to an extended 1-D network. The electronic absorption spectra and the electrochemical behavior of these complexes are discussed. Density functional theory (DFT) was used for geometry optimization of the singlet states in solution and for electronic structure calculations. The analysis of the molecular orbital (MO) compositions in terms of occupied and unoccupied fragment orbitals in 2 was performed

How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Ovaries of Poor Responders Affect the Retrieved Oocytes, and Anti Mullerian Hormone: A Clinical Trial

Objective: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is proposed to have important role in cell division and proliferation, angiogenesis and health. This study evaluates the effect of a single injection of autologous PRP on ovarian response markers in women with poor ovarian response (POR). Materials and methods: This non-randomized clinical trial was conducted between August 2020 and September 2021. Fifty six women with Bologna criteria for POR willingly chose to participate in one of the following groups: PRP for one cycle in the time of oocyte pickup (OPU) (intervention group, n= 34) or control group (n=22).The primary outcomes were: number and quality of oocytes in coming 2 cycles of ICSI, and Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level two months after PRP injection. The secondary outcomes were the number and quality of embryos and chemical pregnancy rate after embryo transfer. Results: A total of 45 participants continued the study, of which 23 were in the intervention group and 22 in control group. There were no demographic differences between two groups. At a two cycle follow up, PRP group experienced a significant improvement in AMH level and there was no respective change in control group. In one year follow up the overall pregnancy rates were same in both groups (3% Vs. 0, p=.60), while there was no difference in cumulative number and quality of embryos. Conclusion: PRP injection can improve ovarian reserve marker without adverse effects. Further evidence is required to evaluate the impact of PRP on assisted reproduction outcomes

Contributing Factors for Calcium Changes During Hospitalization in COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Background: Hypocalcemia is highly prevalent in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is limited evidence about the course and roles of different parameters in the occurrence of new or worsening hypocalcemia. Objectives: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted on hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Qazvin, Iran, in 2021. Methods: Serum levels of calcium, albumin, parathormone (PTH), 25(OH)D (vitamin D), magnesium, and phosphate were assessed on the first day (time one), as well as fourth to sixth days (time two) of hospitalization. Paired t-test, McNemar’s test, and multivariate logistic regression test were used to compare data at two times and evaluating the independent roles of different variables in the occurrence or worsening of hypocalcemia. Results: Out of a total of 123 participants, 102 patients completed the study. The mean serum calcium level significantly decreased from 8.32 ± 0.52 mg/dL to 8.02 ± 0.55 mg/dL at time two compared to time one (P < 0.001). Also, we witnessed new or worsening hypocalcemia at time two in 44 (55%) patients with normal serum calcium or mild hypocalcemia at time one (P < 0.001). The PTH level decreased from 42.17±27.20 pg/mL to 31.28±23.42 pg/mL (P < 0.001). The decrease in albumin and PTH levels was an independent significant factor in the occurrence or worsening of hypocalcemia at time two (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.46; P = 0.001 for each 1 g/L decrement albumin and OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03 - 1.62; P = 0.026 for each 10 pg/mL decrement PTH). Vitamin D deficiency or changes during hospitalization did not have a significant role in new or worsening hypocalcemia. Conclusions: Decreased PTH secretion and hypoalbuminemia have significant roles in the occurrence of new or worsening hypocalcemia during hospitalization due to COVID-19. Keywords: Hypocalcemia, COVID-19, Parathormone, Vitamin

Cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes of 2,2'-bipyridine N-oxide containing 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligand: Structural, computational and electrochemical studies

Two cycloplatinated rollover complexes containing dppf ligand were synthesized and characterized.</p

The effect of petroleum hydrocarbons concentration on competition between oil-degrading bacteria and indigenous compost microorganisms in petroleum sludge bioremediation

The influence of the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) on competition between isolated oil-degrading bacteria (ODB) and finished compost microorganisms (FCM) was investigated in composting bioreactors over 12 weeks period. First, the batch tests were performed in Bushnell–Haas medium (BHM) to evaluate the biodegradation activities of six native ODB isolated from petroleum sludge (PS). Then, the ODB were added to the composting bioreactors containing 10 and 30 g/kg of TPHs. Based on the BHM results, the highest degradation efficiency of crude oil (1%–3% concentration) were determined to be 72%–75% at pH 7 after 7 days. In the composting bioreactors containing only the ODB, TPHs removal rates were 86%–92% after 12 weeks. Although the lower degradation efficiency of TPHs (73%–89%) in the bioreactors containing both the FCM and ODB indicated a slight competition between them, the ODB were still effective in the presence of the FCM especially at greater concentrations of TPHs. Despite the fact that the addition of finished compost (FC) to the PS changed the microbial composition in the composting bioreactors; the microbial populations exhibited little variation during the process. This study indicated that the isolated ODB, alone or in the presence of the FCM, effectively degraded the PS in the composting process

Increasing the Number of Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting: the Role of Clinical Pharmacy Residents

Abstract Detection of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitals provides an important measure of the burden of drug related morbidity on the healthcare system. Spontaneous reporting of ADRs is scare and several obstacles to such reporting have been identified formerly. This study aimed to determine the role of clinical pharmacy residents in ADR reporting within a hospital setting.Clinical pharmacy residents were trained to report all suspected ADRs through ADRreporting yellow cards. The incidence, pattern, seriousness, and preventability of the reported ADRs were analyzed. During the period of 12 months, for 8559 patients, 202 ADR reports were received. The most frequently reported reactions were due to anti-infective agents (38.38%). Rifampin accounted for the highest number of the reported ADRs among anti-infective agents. The gastro-intestinal system was the most frequently affected system (21.56%) of all reactions. Fifty four of the ADRs were reported as serious reactions. Eighteen of the ADRs were classified as preventable. Clinical pharmacy residents involvement in the ADR reporting program could improve the ADR reporting system