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Background: Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as neostigmine and edrophonium, commonly used to reverse the residual effects of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs at the end of surgery are associated with a high rate of residual neuromuscular blockade (NMB). Due to its direct mechanism of action, sugammadex is associated with rapid and predictable reversal of deep NMB. The current analysis compares the clinical efficacy and risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) on using sugammadex or neostigmine for routine NMB reversal in adult and pediatric populations.Methods: PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched as the primary databases. Randomized controlled trials comparing sugammadex with neostigmine for routine NMB reversal in adult and pediatric patients have been included. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time from initiation of sugammadex or neostigmine to the recovery of a time-of-four ratio (TOF) ≥ 0.9. PONV events have been reported as secondary outcomes.Results: A total of 26 studies have been included in this meta-analysis, 19 for adults with 1574 patients and 7 for children with 410 patients. Sugammadex, when compared to neostigmine, has been reported to take a shorter time to reverse NMB in adults (mean difference = -14.16 min; 95% CI [-16.88, -11.43], P< 0.01), as well as in children (mean difference = -26.36 min; 95% CI [- 40.16, -12.57], P< 0.01). Events of PONV have been found to be similar in both the groups in adults, but significantly lower in children treated with sugammadex,i.e., 7 out of 145 with sugammadex versus 35 out of 145 with neostigmine (odds ratio = 0.17; 95% CI [0.07, 0.40]).Conclusion: Sugammadex is associated with a significantly shorter period of reversal from NMB in comparison to neostigmine in adult and pediatric patients. Regarding PONV, the use of sugammadex for NMB antagonism may offer a better option for pediatric patients.

Nature friendly and sustainable practices have been the prominent aspects reviving the modern agricultural practices. Development of broad spectrum insecticides with the minimal use, maximum efficacy and least environmental deterioration are swiftly emerging as reliable measures. Analogous to drug delivery in animal and human cells, nanocarriers are swiftly emerging as biocompatible and nature friendly aids for pesticide delivery to the agricultural crops. These practices manifest a higher importance for the agriculturally intensive global economies, wherein substantial livelihood means are eventually dependent on agriculture. Amicably transcended from the extraordinary investigational success for drug delivery, trafficking of pesticides through nanoemulsions has emerged as a boost to safeguard the environment and aquatic habitats in particular. The nanoemulsions, with the option of varying surfactant and co-surfactants, engineer the slow release of pesticides which could be targeted for the pest specific elimination. The outcomes have already eased the farmer’s economy besides significantly moderating the toxicity. The threat to soil and surrounding water bodies has been the most significant, wherein almost 90% of the unaided pesticide used to run off as excessive chemical load in the soils or water bodies. The constitutional robustness of emulsions with varied hydrophilic-lipophilic balances and surfactant-co-surfactant stoichiometries have been the distinguishing aspect for the pesticide delivery to the crops. With such insights, this review article focuses on emulsification, the distinguishing working principles, physicochemical characterization driven performance control parameters and finally a discussion of past five year attempts encompassing nanocarrier mediated pesticide delivery for sustainable agriculture and reduced environmental stress.

Antiretroviral drug therapy has significantly improved the prognosis and life expectancy of people living with HIV over the years. But this progress comes with an important caveat that antiretroviral regimens generally require adherence to life-long, daily dosing, to keep viral multiplication under check. Non-adherence to such dosing leads to decreased efficacy and increased drug resistance against antiretroviral drugs. Besides, poor drug penetration to certain tissues like CNS and lymph nodes leads to the build-up of viral reservoirs in these sites. To combat some of these challenges and improve patient compliance, long-acting antiretroviral drugs, are a new weapon in the arsenal, in the fight against HIV. Few long-acting preparations have been approved, and several others are in various clinical and preclinical stages of development. However, long-acting formulations also have their share of clinical issues like limited drug distribution, long term adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions, and gradual development of drug resistance. Modern technological premises are being tested to mitigate some of these problems. One such promising approach involves nanotechnological methods, which are being used to develop ultra-long acting formulations and drug delivery systems, targeting tissues with residual HIV concentration. Long-Acting Slow Effective Release Antiretroviral Therapy aka LASER ART, also builds on nanotechnology and prodrug modifications to design preparations with tailor-made favorable pharmacokinetics and wider drug distribution. These recent advances are fueling the progression of antiretroviral therapy towards eliminating the disease.

Cyclic neucleotides are involved in many cellular functions including smooth muscle relaxation, inflammation, and signal transduction. Sildenafil and tadalafil are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors which prevent the degradation of cyclic neucleotide i.e.guanosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and increase the levels of cGMP. In this study sildenafil and tadalafil were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-nitrosative stress potential in animal model of bronchial asthma.

Background: Cyclic neucleotides are involved in many cellular functions including smooth muscle relaxation, inflammation, and signal transduction. Sildenafil and tadalafil are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors which prevent the degradation of cyclic neucleotide i.e.guanosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and increase the levels of cGMP. In this study sildenafil and tadalafil were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-nitrosative stress potential in animal model of bronchial asthma. Methods: Wistar rats were sensitized with 10 mg intraperitoneal (ip) ovalbumin adsorbed to 10 µg of aluminum hydroxide on day 0. Animals were given sildenafil (1 and 3 mg/kg ip) and tadalafil (1 and 3 mg/kg ip) from day 1 to day 14. Also, on day 14 animals were challenged with ovalbumin (1 mg ip). After 24 h, samples were collected to analyze interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) were also measured in serum. Results: Pre-treatment with sildenafil (1 and 3 mg/kg ip) and tadalafil (1 and 3 mg/kg ip) significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and TNF-a in rat serum and BALF. In addition, pre-treatment with both the drugs decreased the levels of MDA and NOxand increased the levels of GSH in serum. Conclusions: Sildenafil and tadalafil decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum and BALF. Both drugs inhibit oxidative and nitrosative stress in animal model of bronchial asthma and could have a therapeutic potential in bronchial asthma.

The prediction of maximum steady state flux values of a chemical compound from its structural features plays an important role in design of transdermal drug delivery systems. In this study, we developed the quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) models to estimate the maximum steady state flux of 245 drugs-like compounds through the polydimethylsiloxane membranes. A correlation-based feature selection was used for descriptor selection. The selected descriptors, surface tension, polarity, and count of hydrogen accept sites, which are interpretable and can be used to explain the permeability of chemicals. These descriptors are used for developing the QSPR prediction models by multiple linear regression, artificial neural network, support vector machine (SVM) and Instance-Based Learning algorithms using Knearest neighbor machine learning approaches. The models were assessed by internal and external validation. All four approaches yield the QSPR models with good statistics. The models developed by SVM have better prediction performance. These models can be useful for predicting the permeability new untested compounds.

Background: Resveratrol (3,4’,5-trihydroxystilbene) is a naturally occurring compound found in grapes, wine, peanuts and cranberries. Recently, in vitroand cell culture studies have reported beneficial effects of resveratrol in the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, in vivoeffect of resveratrol in models of learning and memory is not yet evaluated. The present study was performed to examine the effect of resveratrol on cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, in mice. Methods: Scopolamine was administered in a dose of 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally (ip). Cognitive functions were assessed using transfer latency (TL) on elevated plus maze, step-down latency (SDL) on a passive avoidance apparatus and escape latency (EL) in Morris water maze test. Results: Scopolamine produced significant prolongation of TL, reduction in SDL as well as EL showing cognitive impairment in mice. Pre-treatment with resveratrol (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, ip) for 21 days showed no difference in TL, SDL and EL. Conclusion: Resveratrol treatment does not reverse scopolamine-induced deficit in cognitive functions in mice.

Genital herpes is the main cause of genital ulcers worldwide; the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 infections in the general population ranges from 10% to 60%. Most genital herpes is caused by HSV-2, although HSV-1 accounts for about half of new cases in developed countries. The risk of HIV acquisition is three times higher in people with HSV-2. Neonatal herpes is an uncommon but serious complication of genital herpes. Most genital HSV-2 infections are unrecognised and undiagnosed; infected individuals, even with mild symptoms, shed HSV, and can infect sexual partners. Since clinical diagnosis is neither sensitive nor specific, virological and type-specific serological tests should be used routinely. Oral antiviral drugs for HSV infections are safe and effective and can be used both to treat episodes and to prevent recurrences. Antiviral treatment of the infected partners and condom use reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HSV-2.

The episodic and daily suppressive treatment of genital herpes is safe and effective with the currently available antiviral agents: acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. Clinical strategies for the comprehensive management of genital herpes simplex virus infections are recommended. Data from recent clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of shorter duration of therapy for recurrences and the use of antivirals for the prevention of transmission are reviewed in this article. The factors influencing the choice of therapy, such as cost, ease of dosing and acyclovir resistance are also discussed.

Copper(II) macrocyclic complexes have been synthesized with five novel ligands: L1-1,7,10,16-tetraaza-2,6,11,15-tetraone-4,13-dithiacycloocta-decane, L2-1,7,11,17-tetraaza-2,6,12,16-tetraone-4,14-dithia-cyclocosane, L3-1,7,10, 13,19,22-hexaaza-2,6,14,18-tetraone-4,16-dithiacyclo-tetracosane, L4-1,7,14,20,tetraaza-2,6,15,19-tetraone-4,17,di- thiatricyclo [22, 4, O21,26, O8,13] hexacosa-8,10,12,21,23,25-hexene, L5- 1,7,13,19,25,26-hexaaza-2,6,14,18 tetraone-4,16 dithia tricyclo [23, 3, 1, I8,12] hexacosa [8(26), 10, 12, 20(25), 22, 24] hexane and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, i.r, u.v.–vis, EPR spectral studies, thermal studies and electrochemical properties. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMSO correspond to 1:2 electrolytes. g-Values are calculated for all of the complexes in the polycrystalline form as well as in DMSO solution. On the basis of i.r, electronic and EPR spectral studies a square planar geometry has been assigned to these complexes. Cyclic voltammograms for all the complexes are similar to quasi-reversible redox processes CuIICuII⇆CuIICuI⇆CuICuI. The complexes were also evaluated against the growth of bacteria (S. fecalisand E.coli) in vitro.Copper(II) macrocyclic complexes have been synthesized with five novel ligands: L1-1,7,10,16-tetraaza-2,6,11,15-tetraone-4,13-dithiacycloocta-decane, L2-1,7,11,17-tetraaza-2,6,12,16-tetraone-4,14-dithia-cyclocosane, L3-1,7,10, 13,19,22-hexaaza-2,6,14,18-tetraone-4,16-dithiacyclo-tetracosane, L4-1,7,14,20,tetraaza-2,6,15,19-tetraone-4,17,di- thiatricyclo [22, 4, O21,26, O8,13] hexacosa-8,10,12,21,23,25-hexene, L5- 1,7,13,19,25,26-hexaaza-2,6,14,18 tetraone-4,16 dithia tricyclo [23, 3, 1, I8,12] hexacosa [8(26), 10, 12, 20(25), 22, 24] hexane and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, i.r, u.v.–vis, EPR spectral studies, thermal studies and electrochemical properties. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes in DMSO correspond to 1:2 electrolytes. g-Values are calculated for all of the complexes in the polycrystalline form as well as in DMSO solution. On the basis of i.r, electronic and EPR spectral studies a square planar geometry has been assigned to these complexes. Cyclic voltammograms for all the complexes are similar to quasi-reversible redox processes CuIICuII⇆CuIICuI⇆CuICuI. The complexes were also evaluated against the growth of bacteria (S. fecalisand E.coli) in vitro.

Claisen rearrangement of ethyl-2,4-diallyloxy-α-carbethoxycinnamate (1) in refluxing DMA afforded ethyl-9-allyl-2-methyl-2,3-dihydrofuro(2,3-h)benzopyran-5H-one-6-carboxylate (2) in a single step. Dehydrogenation with Pd/C (10%) in DPE furnished an unexpected isomeric compound, 9-(1,2-propenyl)-6-carbethoxy-2-methyl-2,3-dihydrofuro[2,3-h]-benzopyran-5H-one (3). This compound, C18H18O5, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/nwith unit cell parameters, a= 7.346(1), b= 16.482(3), c= 12.653(2),Å, and β = 92.71(1)°. The structure has been solved by direct methods and refined to R= 0.056 for 1719 observed reflections. The coumarin nucleus is planar. The five-membered ring is in envelope-conformation. The crystal structure is stabilized by intra- and intermolecular C―H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Of late, biosensing is receiving mounting expectations due to a pressing need for swift and accurate stimulus detection. Sensing viabiological moieties has outmoded conventional diagnosis vis-à-visprocessing time, skilled manpower and detection accuracy. Screening optimal analyte-stimulus interaction remains crux of biosensing, wherein surface engineering remains vital. The nanomaterials have impelled biological sensing accuracy and robustness comprising tunable electrochemical and physico-mechanical responses, thanks to their versatile shape and size dependent physical and chemical attributes. Closer energy levels with quantum mechanical feasibility distinguish nanomaterials from bulk counterparts for an accurate tracking of interacting coordinates. Till date, the most widely used nanomaterials for biosensing include Au nanoparticles, graphene based assemblies, carbon nanotubes and magnetic nanoparticles. Steadfast preparation mechanisms and stout surface engineering are the driving forces for a biosensing suitability of these entities. With such intent, this article sheds light on recent advances of NMs driven biosensing phenomenon, emphasizing the healthcare perspective.

ABSTRACTMembers of the Bacteroides fragilisgroup are among the most common anaerobic bacterial isolates in clinical specimens. Metronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole, is often used as empirical therapy for anaerobic infections. Susceptibility testing is not routinely performed because of nearly universal susceptibility of Bacteroidesspp. to this agent. We report a case of metronidazole-resistant Bacteroides fragilisin the United States and demonstrate the presence of the nimAgene, encoding a nitroreductase previously shown to mediate resistance to 5-nitroimidazole antimicrobial agents in B. fragilisstrains from Europe and Africa. Because clinical failures in Bacteroidesinfections have been associated with the use of inactive antimicrobial agents, clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of metronidazole-resistant B. fragilisstrains in the United States and the importance of susceptibility testing in selected situations.

Of the several chemicals considered for radioprotection, WR-2721 (S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)phosphorothioic acid), a derivative of cysteamine, has been found to be the most effective in protecting mammals (Yuhas et al, 1980). Another synthetic compound, MPG (2-mercaptopropionylglycine), has attracted attention since Sugahara et al (1970) discovered that it protects mammals against radiation death at a very low, non-toxic dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, which is optimal for protection. Most of the studies with these compounds have taken lethality and tissue injury as the end-points and very little is known about their effects on the genetic material. Experiments were, therefore, performed to study the protective effect of WR-2721 and MPG individually on the bone-marrow chromosomes of adult mice when administered before acute whole-body exposures.

The ion-pair formation and electrochromatographic behavior of 22 anions are studied on plain and titanium (IV) tungstate impregnated papers using 0.1N and 1N solutions of NaNO3, Mg(NO3)2, Al(NO3)3, Cr(NO3)3, and Co(NO3)2 as background electrolytes. The effect of ion-pair formation on the migration of anions is studied. In general, the mechanism of migration is explained in terms of adsorption, precipitation, and complex formation. A number of binary and ternary separations are achieved. In Mg(NO3)2 media, the migration is correlated with the solubility of their magnesium salts for SO32−, C2O42−, SeO32−, AsO43−, and Fe(CN)64−.