Identification of Novel 3-Hydroxy-pyran-4-One Derivatives as Potent HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors Using in silico Structure-Based Combinatorial Library Design Approach

We describe herein the development and experimental validation of a computational protocol for optimizing a series of 3-hydroxy-pyran-4-one derivatives as HIV integrase inhibitors (HIV INIs). Starting from a previously developed micromolar inhibitors of HIV integrase (HIV IN), we performed an in-depth investigation based on an in silico structure-based combinatorial library designing approach. This method allowed us to combine a combinatorial library design and side chain hopping with Quantum Polarized Ligand Docking (QPLD) studies and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation. The combinatorial library design allowed the identification of the best decorations for our promising scaffold. The resulting compounds were assessed by the mentioned QPLD methodology using a homology model of full-length binary HIV IN/DNA for retrieving the best performing compounds acting as HIV INIs. Along with the prediction of physico-chemical properties, we were able to select a limited number of drug-like compounds potentially displaying potent HIV IN inhibition. From this final set, based on the synthetic accessibility, we further shortlisted three representative compounds for the synthesis. The compounds were experimentally assessed in vitro for evaluating overall HIV-1 IN inhibition, HIV-1 IN strand transfer activity inhibition, HIV-1 activity inhibition and cellular toxicity. Gratifyingly, all of them showed relevant inhibitory activity in the in vitro tests along with no toxicity. Among them HPCAR-28 represents the most promising compound as potential anti-HIV agent, showing inhibitory activity against HIV IN in the low nanomolar range, comparable to that found for Raltegravir, and relevant potency in inhibiting HIV-1 replication and HIV-1 IN strand transfer activity. In summary, our results outline HPCAR-28 as a useful optimized hit for the potential treatment of HIV-1 infection by targeting HIV IN

Synthesis, characterization, molecular docking studies and biological evaluation of some novel hybrids based on quinazolinone, benzofuran and imidazolium moieties as potential cytotoxic and antimicrobial agents

Objective(s): Hybridization of bioactive natural and synthetic compounds is one of the most promising novel approaches for the design of hit and lead compounds with new molecular structures. In this investigation, a series of novel hybrid structures bearing quinazolinone, benzofuran and imidazolium moieties were designed and synthesized. Materials and Methods:Novel hybrid compounds were prepared and their structures were characterized by spectral and analytical data. In order to evaluate the biological activities, the synthesized hybrid compounds were studied for in vitro antibacterial activity against three Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureu, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocitogenes) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella entritidis) and also, Candida albicans as one yeast-like fungi strain. Cytotoxic activities of the synthesized compounds were also evaluated by the MTT assay in the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and finally docking studies of cytotoxic derivatives were performed on aromatase enzyme. Results:The results of antimicrobial activity showed that compound 14e, with two halogen atoms on quinazolinone and benzofuran was the most active against all the tested strains of microorganisms with the MIC value 16-128 µg/ml. Some of the tested compounds showed good cytotoxicity on MCF-7, and compound 14c with IC50=0.59 micromolar (μM) was found to be the most cytotoxic compound among the studied hybrid derivatives. The docking analysis showed acceptable binding interactions for these compounds. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the hybrid derivatives of quinazolinone, benzofuran and imidazolium could be regarded as efficient candidates for further molecular developments of anticancer and antimicrobial agents

Australasian Malignant PLeural Effusion (AMPLE)-3 trial: Study protocol for a multi-centre randomised study comparing indwelling pleural catheter (±talc pleurodesis) versus video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for management of malignant pleural effusion

Introduction: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are common. MPE causes significant breathlessness and impairs quality of life. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) allow ambulatory drainage and reduce hospital days and re-intervention rates when compared to standard talc slurry pleurodesis. Daily drainage accelerates pleurodesis, and talc instillation via the IPC has been proven feasible and safe. Surgical pleurodesis via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered a one-off intervention for MPE and is often recommended to patients who are fit for surgery. The AMPLE-3 trial is the first randomised trial to compare IPC (±talc pleurodesis) and VATS pleurodesis in those who are fit for surgery. Methods and analysis: A multi-centre, open-labelled randomised trial of patients with symptomatic MPE, expected survival of ≥ 6 months and good performance status randomised 1:1 to either IPC or VATS pleurodesis. Participant randomisation will be minimised for (i) cancer type (mesothelioma vs non-mesothelioma); (ii) previous pleurodesis (vs not); and (iii) trapped lung, if known (vs not). Primary outcome is the need for further ipsilateral pleural interventions over 12 months or until death, if sooner. Secondary outcomes include days in hospital, quality of life (QoL) measures, physical activity levels, safety profile, health economics, adverse events, and survival. The trial will recruit 158 participants who will be followed up for 12 months. Ethics and dissemination: Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Health Care Group (HREC) has approved the study (reference: RGS356). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings. Discussion: Both IPC and VATS are commonly used procedures for MPE. The AMPLE-3 trial will provide data to help define the merits and shortcomings of these procedures and inform future clinical care algorithms. Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12618001013257. Registered on 18 June 2018. Protocol version: Version 3.00/4.02.1

Reviewing Ligand-Based Rational Drug Design: The Search for an ATP Synthase Inhibitor

Following major advances in the field of medicinal chemistry, novel drugs can now be designed systematically, instead of relying on old trial and error approaches. Current drug design strategies can be classified as being either ligand- or structure-based depending on the design process. In this paper, by describing the search for an ATP synthase inhibitor, we review two frequently used approaches in ligand-based drug design: The pharmacophore model and the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) method. Moreover, since ATP synthase ligands are potentially useful drugs in cancer therapy, pharmacophore models were constructed to pave the way for novel inhibitor designs

Effect of image compression of direct digital lateral cephalograms on the identification of cephalometric points

Background: With increase of digital imaging, the need for storage space and transmission speed also increases. Compressed images need less storage space and decrease the transmission time. However, compression could compromise image quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of image compression on the identification of cephalometric points on direct digital lateral cephalogram images, compared with the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) format. Materials and Methods: In this analytical-descriptive study, 19 direct digital lateral cephalograms saved in DICOM format were used. They were converted to joint photographic experts group (JPEG) 2000 format with quality factors 85, 75, and 60 adding up to 76 images (DICOM, JPEG 85, 75, and 60). The images were randomized and eight cephalometric points were identified on each image by a professional, using the x-y coordinate system. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to investigate if there was a statistically significant difference in the location of cephalometric points between each group of images. All tests were applied at a significance level of 5%. Results: The results did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference in the identification of the eight cephalometric points between the DICOM images and the JPEG2000 quality factors 85, 75, and 60. Conclusion: JPEG2000 images of lateral cephalograms with quality factors 85, 75, and 60 did not demonstrate any alterations in the identification of cephalometric points compared with the DICOM format. JPEG2000 is a reliable file format for the compression of digital lateral cephalograms

Design of orally active pyridinone iron(III)-selective ligands

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