Synthesis, crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis and physico-chemical characterization of two new ZnII and CdII halidometallates

Two new organic–inorganic hybrid materials, based on 1, 3-CycloHexaneBis-(Methyl Amine), abbreviated CHBMA, namely (H2CHBMA)ZnCl4·2H2O (CP1) and (H2CHBMA)CdI4·2H2O (CP2), have been synthesized under mild conditions in acidic media and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques (13C NMR, FTIR, RAMAN) and thermal analysis. The crystal structures of the two compounds were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both compounds show a 3-dimensional supramolecular structure directed by various interactions between tetrahalidometallate anions (ZnCl42-, CdI42-), water molecule and organic cations (H2CHBMA)2+. For both compounds, the cyclohexane ring of the template cation is in a chair conformation with the methylammonium substituent in the equatorial positions and the two terminal ammonium groups in a cis conformation but with two different orientations (upward for CP1 and downward for CP2) which influences the supramolecular architecture of the two structures. Hirshfeld surface analysis and the associated two-dimensional finger print plots were used to explore and quantify the intermolecular interactions in the crystals

Neutrophils in cancer: neutral no more

Neutrophils are indispensable antagonists of microbial infection and facilitators of wound healing. In the cancer setting, a newfound appreciation for neutrophils has come into view. The traditionally held belief that neutrophils are inert bystanders is being challenged by the recent literature. Emerging evidence indicates that tumours manipulate neutrophils, sometimes early in their differentiation process, to create diverse phenotypic and functional polarization states able to alter tumour behaviour. In this Review, we discuss the involvement of neutrophils in cancer initiation and progression, and their potential as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation and catalytic properties of new hybrid perhalidometallates

Two new organic–inorganic salts of perhalidometallates with protonated organic amine cations have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. (CHBMAH2) ZnBr4·3/2H2O 1 and (CHBMAH2 )ZnCl4 4 [(CHBMAH2 )2+: 1, 3-cyclohexanebis(methylammonium)] were obtained in single-crystal form. The crystal packing in all of the obtained compounds is governed by the formation of various non-covalent intermolecular forces between tetrahalidometallate anions and organic cations, assisted by water molecules in the hydrates. Hirshfeld surface analysis denotes that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are X···H/H···X (X: Cl, Br, I) and H···H interactions. Interestingly, the compound 1, 3-cyclohexanebis(methylammonium)tetrachlorido-zincate (II) dihydrate, (CHBMAH2 )ZnCl4·2H2O 2, undergoes thermally-triggered single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation upon dehydration to produce a supramolecular solid compound, 1, 3-cyclohexanebis(methylammonium) tetrachloridozincate (II), (CHBMAH2 )ZnCl4 4. The SCSC transformation causes changes in the lattice parameters and a structural rearrangement. Furthermore, the catalytic properties of (CHBMAH2 )ZnCl4·2H2O 2 and (CHBMAH2 )CdI4·2H2O 3 have been explored in the acetalization process using various uncommon alcohols, beyond methanol or ethanol, for the first time in the literature, with outstanding results, and opening the door to the formation of alternative acetals. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Designing a broad-spectrum integrative approach for cancer prevention and treatment

Targeted therapies and the consequent adoption of "personalized" oncology have achieved notablesuccesses in some cancers; however, significant problems remain with this approach. Many targetedtherapies are highly toxic, costs are extremely high, and most patients experience relapse after a fewdisease-free months. Relapses arise from genetic heterogeneity in tumors, which harbor therapy-resistantimmortalized cells that have adopted alternate and compensatory pathways (i.e., pathways that are notreliant upon the same mechanisms as those which have been targeted). To address these limitations, aninternational task force of 180 scientists was assembled to explore the concept of a low-toxicity "broad-spectrum" therapeutic approach that could simultaneously target many key pathways and mechanisms. Using cancer hallmark phenotypes and the tumor microenvironment to account for the various aspectsof relevant cancer biology, interdisciplinary teams reviewed each hallmark area and nominated a widerange of high-priority targets (74 in total) that could be modified to improve patient outcomes. For thesetargets, corresponding low-toxicity therapeutic approaches were then suggested, many of which werephytochemicals. Proposed actions on each target and all of the approaches were further reviewed forknown effects on other hallmark areas and the tumor microenvironment. Potential contrary or procar-cinogenic effects were found for 3.9% of the relationships between targets and hallmarks, and mixedevidence of complementary and contrary relationships was found for 7.1%. Approximately 67% of therelationships revealed potentially complementary effects, and the remainder had no known relationship. Among the approaches, 1.1% had contrary, 2.8% had mixed and 62.1% had complementary relationships. These results suggest that a broad-spectrum approach should be feasible from a safety standpoint. Thisnovel approach has potential to be relatively inexpensive, it should help us address stages and types ofcancer that lack conventional treatment, and it may reduce relapse risks. A proposed agenda for futureresearch is offered

Analysis of degraded land suitability and regional comparative advantages for maize development in the Gorontalo sustainable agriculture areas, Indonesia

Maize has attracted the attention of local governments due to its high yield potential and economic prospects, but the strategic value of this commodity has not been specific to particular locations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess degraded land suitability and determine the regional comparative advantages for maize development in the Gorontalo sustainable agriculture areas. The suitability class was assessed using Automatic Land Evaluation System software, while comparative advantages were determined using input-output and regional analysis. The input-output analysis was based on maize farming data from interviews with 80 farmers. This study also employed location quotient, specialization index, and localization index analyses based on maize, rice, and soybean production data for 2014, 2016, and 2018. The results showed that land degradation caused by soil erosion was dominated by moderate, heavy, and very heavy categories. Most of the actual land suitability for maize was classified as marginal suitable (S3) but became very suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) after the limiting factors were improved. Furthermore, maize was profitable for the land suitability classes of S1, S2, and S3, and the commodity was most concentrated in Mootilango District. Based on the results, land management recommendations followed a pattern of recommendation I > II > III > not recommended

A qualitative study exploring perceptions and attitudes of community pharmacists about extended pharmacy services in Lahore, Pakistan

Background In recent decades, community pharmacies reported a change of business model, whereby a shift from traditional services to the provision of extended roles was observed. However, such delivery of extended pharmacy services (EPS) is reported from the developed world, and there is scarcity of information from the developing nations. Within this context, the present study was aimed to explore knowledge, perception and attitude of community pharmacists (CPs) about EPS and their readiness and acceptance for practice change in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. Methods A qualitative approach was used to gain an in-depth knowledge of the issues. By using a semi-structured interview guide, 12 CPs practicing in the city of Lahore, Pakistan were conveniently selected. All interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and were then analyzed for thematic contents by the standard content analysis framework. Results Thematic content analysis yielded five major themes. (1) Familiarity with EPS, (2) current practice of EPS, (3) training needed to provide EPS, (4) acceptance of EPS and (5) barriers toward EPS. Majority of the CPs were unaware of EPS and only a handful had the concept of extended services. Although majority of our study respondents were unaware of pharmaceutical care, they were ready to accept practice change if provided with the required skills and training. Lack of personal knowledge, poor public awareness, inadequate physician-pharmacist collaboration and deprived salary structures were reported as barriers towards the provision of EPS at the practice settings. Conclusion Although the study reported poor awareness towards EPS, the findings indicated a number of key themes that can be used in establishing the concept of EPS in Pakistan. Over all, CPs reported a positive attitude toward practice change provided to the support and facilitation of health and community based agencies in Pakistan

Radiation exposure of adrenal vein sampling: a German Multicenter Study

Objective: Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) represents the current diagnostic standard for subtype differentiation in primary aldosteronism (PA). However, AVS has its drawbacks. It is invasive, expensive, requires an experienced interventional radiologist and comes with radiation exposure. However, exact radiation exposure of patients undergoing AVS has never been examined. Design and methods: We retrospectively analyzed radiation exposure of 656 AVS performed between 1999 and 2017 at four university hospitals. The primary outcomes were dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time (FT). Consecutively the effective dose (ED) was approximately calculated. Results: Median DAP was found to be 32.5Gy*cm(2) (0.3-3181) and FT 18 min (0.3-184). The calculated ED was 6.4 mSv (0.1-636). Remarkably, values between participating centers highly varied: Median DAP ranged from 16 to 147 Gy*cm(2), FT from 16 to 27 min, and ED from 3.2 to 29 mSv. As main reason for this variation, differences regarding AVS protocols between centers could be identified, such as number of sampling locations, frames per second and the use of digital subtraction angiographies. Conclusion: This first systematic assessment of radiation exposure in AVS not only shows fairly high values for patients, but also states notable differences among the centers. Thus, we not only recommend taking into account the risk of radiation exposure, when referring patients to undergo AVS, but also to establish improved standard operating procedures to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure