Synthesis, structural characterization and nematicidal studies of some new N2O2 Schiff base metal complexes

ABSTRACT. Cobalt(II), copper(II), yttrium(III), zirconium(IV), lanthanum(III) and uranium(VI) complexes of 1,4-di(2-hydroxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazide (H2L) were prepared and characterized. The proposed structures were determined from their elemental analyses, molar conductivities, magnetic moment, IR, Proton NMR, UV-Vis., mass spectra, X-ray diffraction and thermal analyses measurements. The high conductance data supply evidence for the electrolytic nature of the complexes. The changes in the selected bands in IR of Schiff base ligand upon coordination showed that Schiff base exhibits as a neutral tetradentate manner with oxygen and nitrogen donor sites. The complexes are thermally steady at room temperature and break up to two or three steps. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of complexes have been determined by using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzeger methods at n=1 and n≠1 and values suggest more ordered activated complex formation. The calculated bond length and force constant, F(U=O), in the uranyl complex are 1.744 Å and 664.886 Nm-1. The nematicidal activity of free Schiff base and all complexes were investigated and showed a low inhibition percentage (%I) of complexes compared with H2L.                     KEY WORDS: Schiff base, IR, Thermal, XRD, Nematicidal activity   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 315-335. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.

IMPROVING FRUIT SET, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF KHADRAWI DATE PALM CULTIVAR

This experiment was carried out during 2015 and 2016 experimental seasons to investigate the effect of spraying with moringa extract at 3%, garlic extract at 3% or ascorbic acid at 300 ppm on fruit set, yield and fruit quality of Khadrawi date palm cultivar. Anyhow, bunches were sprayed at three times (3 hours before pollination then 4 and 8 weeks after pollination). The present results indicated that spraying date palm bunches with moringa extract or garlic extract recorded the highest initial fruit set in the first and second seasons, respectively. As well as, moringa extract gave the highest fruit retention and yield in both seasons. In addition, all treatments improved some fruit physical characteristics i.e. fruit weight, flesh weight, fruit volume and fruit length compared to the control treatment in the two studied seasons. Also, results showed that moringa extract or ascorbic acid increased TSS%, total sugars % and reducing sugars % in both seasons compared to the control. Meanwhile, the lowest fibers % was obtained by garlic extract in the two seasons. Also, all treatments had no significant effect on total acidity % and tannins content in both seasons

Spectroscopic, thermal analyses, XRD spectra and nematicidal activity study of some new N2O2 tetradentate Schiff base metal ions complexes

ABSTRACT. A series of metal complexes [Co(HL)2(H2O)2]Cl2.5H2O (A), [Cu(HL)2](CH3COO)2.2H2O (B), [Y(HL)2]Cl3.2H2O (C), [ZrO(HL)2H2O]Cl2.H2O (D), [La(HL)2(H2O)2]Cl3.5H2O (E) and [UO2(HL)2](CH3COO)2 (F) were prepared. The structures of the compounds in solid state were detected by micro analytical, Fourier transform IR, 1H NMR, UV-Vis, mass, X-ray diffraction spectra, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements and TG/DTG analysis. The IR spectral data point out that the ligand behaves as tridentate in nature with Cu(II), Y(III), U(VI) and bidentate with Co(II), Zr(IV) and La(III) metal ions. The conductivity values showed that the complexes found as electrolytes and the XRD models of the complexes indicated crystalline nature. The thermodynamic parameters of compounds have been detected using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzeger methods at n = 1 and n ≠ 1 and values point out more ordered activated complex formation. The nematicidal efficacy of compounds was assessed.                     KEY WORDS: Schiff base, Spectroscopic analysis, Thermal analysis, XRD, Nematicidal   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 381-397. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.1

Spectroscopic properties, molecular structure, anticancer and antimicrobial evaluation of some new moxifloxacin metal complexes in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline

New series of Y(III), Zr(IV), Pd(II), La(III) and U(VI) complexes with moxifloxacin (MOX) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) were synthesized and the chelation behaviours have been investigated. The complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic properties, thermal studies and various spectral techniques such as FT-IR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and mass spectra. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters (E*, ΔH*, ΔS* and ΔG*) were calculated using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzeger methods. The bond length and force constant, F(U=O), for the uranyl complex was calculated. The DFT calculations were carried out to understand the optimized molecular geometry for the compounds. The calculated data indicated that Pd(II) complex with smaller energy gap value (∆E = 0.136 au) is more reactive than all compounds and La(III) complex with greater energy gap (∆E = 0.192 au) is less reactive. All studied compounds are treated as soft (η = 0.068-0.096) except MOX treated as hard (η = 0.16). The HOMO of all complexes is localized on MOX (100%) without any density on the Phen (0%) except Pd(II) complex, the HOMO is localized on Phen (61%). The LUMO in U(VI) complex is localized mainly on the U(VI) ion (63%), and in the Y(III) complex is localized mainly on Phen (89%). The cytotoxic activities against MCF-7, HCT-116 and the antimicrobial activity were tested.                     KEY WORDS: Moxifloxacin, 1,10-Phenanthroline, Spectroscopy, Thermal analysis, DFT, Antitumor agents   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 295-312 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.

IMPACT OF IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT AND SILICON SPRAYING ON AVOIDING COLD INJURY AND IMPROVEMENT YIELD OF KITT MANGOS

The present study was carried out during 2015 and 2016 seasons on Kitt mongo  trees to evaluate the effect of three irrigation water management (4000  m3 of irrigation water were applied to the four physiological stages of mango tree growth as 15 & 20 & 40 & 25 % ,  30 & 15 & 35& 20 % and  35 & 20 & 30& 15 % m3 / tree/ year,  respectively) as well as  four concentrations  of potassium silicate on avoiding cold injury and  improvement yield of kitt mango .                 Irrigation Mango tree by  the second program water management (30, 15, 35 , 20) recorded The highest values of vegetative growth in terms of number of shoot /tree  and lower values of leaves percentage   affected with cold injury, Also, an evident increase in the content leaves of N  & K elements , C/N ratio  and final fruit set % total yield by divided  irrigation water at the four physiological stages of mango  trees  (30, 15, 35, 20) was recorded compared with  the other two water managements. No significant differences between the second and third irrigation water management programs (30%,  15%, 35%, 20% and  35%,  20%,  30%, 15%) on values of  leaf area, P% and  total carbohydrates as well as on TSS,  acidity and L-ascorbic acid content  of fruits .                 Spraying trees with potassium silicate in three times during the period from October to January at the rate of 1000 ppm  give the highest values of quality characteristics at mango trees and their fruits. While sprayed with potassium silicate at 2000 ppm achieve moderate values of the mentioned characteristics                 It could be recommended from the obtained data that irrigation water management at the four physiological stages (30, 15, 35, 20) of Kitt mango  trees and spraying 1000 ppm potassium silicate in dormancy period is considered  a good treatment to avoid cold damage on leaves and fruits as well as in giving the highest yield and quality of kitt fruit

The pattern of branching and intercommunications of the musculocutaneous nerve for surgical issues: anatomical study

Background: The aim of the present work was to provide evidence about the anatomical variations as regard the origin, distribution, and branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve (MCN). Materials and methods: Brachial plexus was dissected in 40 upper limbs of 20 male adult cadavers. The pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve was photographed by a digital camera. Results: The location and length of the nerve branches between left and right arms were recorded and statistically analyzed. In (90%) of specimens the MCN originates from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus, in (5%) it arose from the median nerve (MN), while in the remaining (5%) specimen, it was absent. The musculocutaneous nerve pierced the coracobrachialis muscle in 90% of specimens, and in the remaining (10%) did not pierce it. The motor branches to biceps brachii muscle were categorized into: Type 1 (90%): one branch that divides to supply the two heads of biceps; Type 2 (5%): double branches, innervating each head of biceps separately. The motor branches to brachialis muscle were categorized into: Type 1 (82.9%): one branch; Type 2 (14.2%): double branches and Type 3 (2.9%): three branches that innervating brachialis muscle. Communications between the MCN and the MN were observed in 35% of specimens. Conclusions: The knowledge of the common and uncommon musculocutaneous nerve variations is important especially to the surgeons for carrying out surgical procedures in axilla and arm

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Lacking hfq Gene Confers Protective Immunity against Murine Typhoid

Salmonella enterica is an important enteric pathogen and its various serovars are involved in causing both systemic and intestinal diseases in humans and domestic animals. The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella leading to increased morbidity and mortality has further complicated its management. Live attenuated vaccines have been proven superior over killed or subunit vaccines due to their ability to induce protective immunity. Of the various strategies used for the generation of live attenuated vaccine strains, focus has gradually shifted towards manipulation of virulence regulator genes. Hfq is a RNA chaperon which mediates the binding of small RNAs to the mRNA and assists in post-transcriptional gene regulation in bacteria. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the Salmonella Typhimurium Δhfq strain as a candidate for live oral vaccine in murine model of typhoid fever. Salmonella hfq deletion mutant is highly attenuated in cell culture and animal model implying a significant role of Hfq in bacterial virulence. Oral immunization with the Salmonella hfq deletion mutant efficiently protects mice against subsequent oral challenge with virulent strain of Salmonella Typhimurium. Moreover, protection was induced upon both multiple as well as single dose of immunizations. The vaccine strain appears to be safe for use in pregnant mice and the protection is mediated by the increase in the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes upon vaccination. The levels of serum IgG and secretory-IgA in intestinal washes specific to lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane protein were significantly increased upon vaccination. Furthermore, hfq deletion mutant showed enhanced antigen presentation by dendritic cells compared to the wild type strain. Taken together, the studies in murine immunization model suggest that the Salmonella hfq deletion mutant can be a novel live oral vaccine candidate

Transport injuries and deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean Region : findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2015 Study

Transport injuries (TI) are ranked as one of the leading causes of death, disability, and property loss worldwide. This paper provides an overview of the burden of TI in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) by age and sex from 1990 to 2015. Transport injuries mortality in the EMR was estimated using the Global Burden of Disease mortality database, with corrections for ill-defined causes of death, using the cause of death ensemble modeling tool. Morbidity estimation was based on inpatient and outpatient datasets, 26 cause-of-injury and 47 nature-of-injury categories. In 2015, 152,855 (95% uncertainty interval: 137,900-168,100) people died from TI in the EMR countries. Between 1990 and 2015, the years of life lost (YLL) rate per 100,000 due to TI decreased by 15.5%, while the years lived with disability (YLD) rate decreased by 10%, and the age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate decreased by 16%. Although the burden of TI mortality and morbidity decreased over the last two decades, there is still a considerable burden that needs to be addressed by increasing awareness, enforcing laws, and improving road conditions.Peer reviewe