Biochemical Characterization of New Gemifloxacin Schiff Base (GMFX‐o‐phdn) Metal Complexes and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity against Some Phyto‐ or Human Pathogens

Four novel ligand‐metal complexes were synthesized through the reaction of Fe(III), pleaseCo(II), Zn(II), and Zr(IV) with Schiff base gemifloxacin reacted with ortho‐phenylenediamine (GMFX‐o‐phdn) to investigate their biological activities. Elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1H NMR, UV‐visible, molar conductance, melting points, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal analyses have been carried out for insuring the chelation process. The antimicrobial activity was carried out against Monilinia fructicola, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium italicum, Botrytis cinerea, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa. The radical scavenging activity (RSA%) was in vitro evaluated using ABTS method. FT‐IR spectra indicated that GMFX‐o‐phdn chelated with metal ions as a tetradentate through oxygen of carboxylate group and nitrogen of azomethine group. The data of infrared, 1HNMR, and molar conductivity indicate that GMFX–o‐phdn reacted as neutral tetra dentate ligand (N2O2) with metal ions through the two oxygen atoms of the car‐ boxylic group (oxygen containing negative charge) and two nitrogen atoms of azomethine group (each nitrogen containing a lone pair of electrons) (the absent of peak corresponding to ν(COOH) at 1715 cm−1, the shift of azomethine group peak from 1633 cm−1 to around 1570 cm−1, the signal at 11 ppm of COOH and the presence of the chloride ions outside the complex sphere). Thermal analyses (TG‐DTG/DTA) exhibited that the decaying of the metal complexes exists in three steps with the final residue metal oxide. The obtained data from DTA curves reflect that the degradation processes were exothermic or endothermic. Results showed that some of the studied complexes exhibited promising antifungal activity against most of the tested fungal pathogens, whereas they showed higher antibacterial activity against E. coli and B. cereus and low activity against P. fluo‐ rescens and P. aeruginosa. In addition, GMFX‐o‐phdn and its metal complexes showed strong anti‐ oxidant effect. In particular, the parent ligand and Fe(III) complex showed greater antioxidant ca‐ pacity at low tested concentrations than that of other metal complexes where their IC50 were 169.7 and 164.6 μg/mL, respectively

Biochemical Characterization, Phytotoxic Effect and Antimicrobial Activity against Some Phytopathogens of New Gemifloxacin Schiff Base Metal Complexes

String of Fe(III), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Zr(IV) complexes were synthesized with tetradentateamino Schiff base ligand derived by condensation of ethylene diamine with gemifloxacin. The novel Schiff base (4E,4’E)-4,4’-(ethane-1,2- diyldiazanylylidene)bis{7-[(4Z)-3-(aminomethyl)-4-(methoxyimino)pyrrolidin-1-yl]-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro- 1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid} (GMFX-en) and its metal complexes were identified and confirmed by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV/VIS, 1H-NMR spectra, magnetic susceptibility, conductometric measurements and thermal analyses. The FT-IR spectral data showed the chelation behavior of GMFX-en toward the metal ions through oxygen of carboxylate group and nitrogen of azomethine group. In the light of all spectral data, these complexes presumably have octahedral geometry configurations. Thermal analysis specified that the decaying of the metal complexes exist in two or three steps with the final residue metal oxides. Antimicrobial activity of the new prepared metal complexes was screened against some common phytopathogens and their mode of action has been also discussed. The potential phytotoxic effectiveness of the new complexes was furthermore inspected on two commonly experimental plants. The complexes showed significant antimicrobial and phytotoxic effects against the majority of tested phytopathogens and the two tested plants, respectively. The potential antimicrobial activity of the complexes proved their possibility to be used successfully in agropharmacutical industry to control many serious phytopathogens. The phytotoxicity of the studied complexes also indicated their possibility as potential bio-based herbicides alternatives to weed control in crop fields

Influence of immediate postpartum contraception counseling on the rate of unintended pregnancy in primigravida: a randomized controlled study

Background: The current study aims to assess the influence of immediate postpartum counselling about effective contraceptive methods to be used by primigravida on the rate of unintended pregnancy during first 6 months post-partum.Methods: The study was a prospective randomized controlled trial for assessment the influence of immediate postpartum counseling about effective contraceptive methods to be used by primigravida on the rate of unintended pregnancy during first 6 months post-partum who delivered at the period between the 1st of December 2016 and 31st of December 2017. The study patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group (A) were received counseling about contraceptive methods using illustrations through postpartum interview with the study researcher. Group (B) were not received any counseling about contraceptive methods. The primary outcome was the difference in the rate of unintended pregnancy in both groups.Results: No significant difference between both groups in preventing unintended pregnancy. In group (A): After 3 months postpartum 140 women (93.3%) were used the contraceptive method correctly. 10 women used method incorrectly and 2 of them get pregnant. After 6 months postpartum 8 women did not use any method but 134 women (95.7%) were correctly used the contraceptive method. In group (B): After 3 months postpartum 127 women (84.7%) were used the contraceptive method correctly. 23 women used method incorrectly and 4 of them get pregnant. After 6 months postpartum 1 woman did not use any method but 30 women (20.7%) were incorrectly used the contraceptive method.Conclusions: Immediate post-partum counseling about contraceptive methods is good tool to educate women who intend to have optimal inter–pregnancy period about the effective methods that suit them and when to initiate

Documenting and Analyzing the Harmful Impacts of The Seasonal Floods in Upper Egypt on Qena-Safaga Railway Track Infrastructure

In light of the world's current severe climatic changes, it has been observed that the frequency of flash floods and torrents is increasing at an accelerating rate in numerous areas, exposing civil infrastructure and property to significant damage and losses. Recently, there have been many cases of torrents attacking some railway tracks in Egypt, especially in the east of the country, including the Qena-Safaga railway track, which is the main objective of this study to minimize the expected negative impacts. Torrents, or flash floods, are one of the most destructive natural hazards, especially in arid regions. Seasonally, these regions are exposed to heavy rains that cause serious flash floods with great negative impacts. In such conditions, the railway track needs maintenance, insurance, and protection against the risks of monsoon floods that hit those areas from time to time. The present study includes the most popular flash floods that attacked railway infrastructures all over the world and how they were protected, allowing them to successfully deal with these exceptional circumstances to maintain the integrity of the railway tracks and the efficiency of their performance. The study will present a classification of flash floods that occurred in Egypt and some other places in the last few decades based on multiple criteria, including severity, lifetime, direction, impacts, and the types of harmful effects on infrastructure. The goal of the study is to introduce a practical manual and procedure for how to deal successfully with flash floods that may attack the under-study railway track

The Effect of Music Intervention on Anxiety and Pain During Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-Analysis of 1513 Patients

Background:  A cesarean section (CS) is one of the most common operations globally, with an estimated 18.5 million surgical procedures each year. Accordingly, music therapy has become a trendy possible solution in many clinical conditions and surgical procedures. However, most previous studies have shown conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of music in reducing pain and anxiety in women with cesarean delivery. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate whether music intervention has a beneficial effect on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anxiety, pain, and vital signs in women with cesarean section. Method: We conducted a comprehensive search of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Central was conducted for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception until August 2022. Data were extracted from eligible studies and pooled as standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) values in a random-effect model meta-analysis, using RevMan software. All the steps of this study were performed according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. Results: Thirteen RCTs were included in this meta-analysis with a total of 1513 patients. Our study showed that music was superior to control in terms of overall anxiety score (SMD = - 0.26, 95% CI [- 0.39, - 0.14], p <0.0001), postoperative pain (SMD = - 0.50, 95% CI [- 0.74, - 0.26], p < 0.0001), and the overall effect of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD = -1.58, 95% CI [- 3.11, - 0.04], p = 0.04). The overall effect did not favor either of the two groups in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate ((MD = - 1.87, 95% CI [-4.04, 0.30], p = 0.09), (MD = - 2.10, 95% CI [- 4.78, 0.58], p = 0.12); respectively). Conclusion: Ultimately, the current evidence supports using music to alleviate the anxiety and pain of women during and after cesarean sections. In addition, our analysis revealed that music has a beneficial effect on DBP and intraoperative heart rate over control in patients with CS. However, the music did not differ significantly from the placebo in preoperative anxiety, postoperative heart rate, as well as SBP. Future RCTs are recommended to confirm the efficacy of music in the preoperative period and vital signs among women undergoing cesarean section

Biological and spectroscopic investigations of new tenoxicam and 1.10-phenthroline metal complexes

In the present work, tenoxicam (H2Ten) reacted with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn (II) ions in the presence of 1.10-phenthroline (Phen), forming new mixed ligand metal complexes. The properties of the formed complexes were depicted by elemental analyses, infrared, electronic spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis, molar conductance and magnetic moment. IR spectra demonstrated that H2Ten acted as a neutral bidentate ligand, coordinated to the metal ions via the pyridine-N and carbonyl group of the amide moiety, and Phen through the nitrogen atoms. Kinetic thermodynamics parameters activation energy (E*), enthalpy of activation (ΔH*), entropy of activation (ΔS*), Gibbs, free energy (ΔG*) associated to the complexes have been evaluated. Antibacterial screening of the compounds was carried out in vitro against Clavibacter michiganensis, Xanthomonas campestris and Bacillus megaterium. Antifungal activity was performed in vitro against Monilinia fructicola, Penicillium digitatum and Colletotrichum acutatum. The possible phytotoxic effect of the studied compounds was also investigated on Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) and Lepidium sativum (garden cress) seeds. The anticancer activity was screened against cell cultures of HCT-116 (human colorectal carcinoma), HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma)

X-ray Molecular Structure of ({[(1E)-3-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-1- phenylpropylidene]amino} oxy)(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)- methanone: A Potential Anti-Candida Agent

Purpose: To elucidate the solid-state conformation as well as the imine double bond configuration of a potential anti-Candida agent ({[(1E)-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) 1-phenylpropylidene]amino}oxy)(3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl)methanone.Methods: Acetophenone was used as a starting material to prepare the target oximino ester in a fourstep reaction sequence. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) and mass spectrometry were used to confirm the chemical structure of the synthesized compounds. Thereafter, x-ray crystallography was performed on single crystals of the target compound. The solid-state conformation of the target molecule and the (E)-configuration of its imine double bond were determined via the investigation of its single crystal x-ray molecular structure.Results: The titled compound crystallized in the triclinic space group P-1 with a = 11.0719 (7) Å, b = 14.6602 (9) Å, c = 14.8530 (9) Å, α = 67.205 (4)°, β = 80.388 (5)º, γ = 70.100 (5)°, V = 2088.2 (2) Å3, and Z = 4. Individual molecules were packed in the crystal by three weak non-classical intermolecular hydrogen interactions, including C9A—H9AA•••O3A, C9B—H9BA•••O3B, C18B—H18C•••O2A and C20B—H20B•••O4B.Conclusion: The results of the single crystal x-ray molecular structure of the titled anti-Candida agent unequivocally confirmed its (E)-configuration.Keywords: Molecular structure, X-ray crystallography, Synthesis, Azole, Anti-Candid

Single-Crystal X-ray Structure of Anti-Candida Agent, (E)-3- (1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-1-Phenylpropan-1-one O-3- Chlorobenzoyl Oxime

Purpose: To determine the conformation as well as imine double bond configuration of the anti- Candida oximino ester, 3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenyl- propan-1-one O-3-chlorobenzoyl oxime.Methods: The titled compound was synthesized in a four-step reaction sequence using acetophenone as a starting material. Spectral analysis, viz, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy) and mass spectrometry (MS) confirmed the chemical structure of the synthesized compounds. Subsequently, single crystals of the titled compound were subjected to x-ray crystallographic analysis.Results: The single crystal x-ray crystallography of the investigated anti-Candida agent revealed its conformation and the (E)-configuration of its imine double bond. The titled compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 11.1894 (2)Å, b = 19.5577 (4)Å, c = 8.2201 (2)Å, β = 104.919 (2)º, V = 1738.24 (6)Å3, Z = 4. The molecules are packed in crystal structure by weak non-classical intermolecular hydrogen C2—H2A•••O2 interactions.Conclusion: X-ray crystallography analysis confirms the (E)-configuration of the titled compound.Keywords: X-ray crystallography, Synthesis, Anti-Candida, Configuration, Conformation, Single crysta

Modified technique for sacrospinous-sacrotuberous ligament complex colpopexy in apical prolapse: preliminary results of a pilot randomized study

Background: Apical prolapse is frequently encountered following vaginal hysterectomy either or as a primary finding in patients with pelvic organ prolapse. This pilot comparative study introduces a modified sacrospinous sacrotuberous ligament fixation with biologic mesh augmentation which necessitates no special kits to be performed.Methods: This study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, and Department of Women Health of Bethanien Hospital, Iserlöhn, Germany from March 2018 to May 2020. 40 women with either utero-vaginal or vaginal vault prolapse were randomized to either; group (A): 20 women scheduled for modified sacrospinous-sacrotuberous fixation procedure, or group (B): 20 women scheduled for conventional sacrospinous-sacrotuberous fixation procedure.Results: Improvement of the Pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) stage from the base line pre-operative stage was 1 stage higher in the modified SS/ST-F group compared to the conventional SSF group (3 stage improvement from baseline in SS/ST-F group versus 2 stage improvement only in conventional SSF group).Conclusions: This pilot study provides a modified sacrospinous sacrotuberous ligament colpopexy technique which is easier to be performed and mastered, does not need the use of special devices, provides better improvement of grade of prolapse and less complications compared to the conventional technique.

Adoption of Improved Maize Production Technologies in Punjab Province, Pakistan

We assessed farmers’ awareness and adoption of maize production technologies in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from 120 farmers in the study area through personal interview based on a questionnaire. We found that 48.3% of the respondents had obtained information about agricultural practices from extension agents and that 65% of the respondents regularly visited the agricultural extension department. Furthermore, 62.5% of the respondents had a high awareness about improved maize cultivation practices and 53% of them had already adopted these techniques. Farmers who visited the agricultural extension department had a higher awareness and were more likely to adopt improved maize cultivation practices compared with farmers who did not visit the agricultural extension department. The results of binary logistic modeling showed that farmers’ education level, cultivated area, and whether they visited the extension department were the key determinants of adoption of new technologies. Government policies in the province should aim to improve methods of extension delivery for the implementation of effective farming practices in small-scale farming systems. Governments should also formulate recommendations, which are easily understandable by illiterate or poorly-educated farmers and should support the formation of groups to facilitate information transfer