The Efficacy and Safety of Sertaconazole Cream (2 %) in Diaper Dermatitis Candidiasis

Aim

Diaper dermatitis (DD) is an inflammatory irritating condition that is common in infants. Most cases are associated with the yeast colonization of Candida or diaper dermatitis candidiasis (DDC), and therefore, the signs and symptoms improve with antimycotic treatment. Sertaconazole is a broad-spectrum third-generation imidazole derivative that is effective and safe for the treatment for superficial mycoses, such as tineas, candidiasis, and pityriasis versicolor. Our goal was to assess the efficacy and safety of sertaconazole cream (2 %) in DDC.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven patients with clinical and mycological diagnosis of DDC were enrolled and treated with 2 daily applications for 14 days and were followed-up for 2 further weeks.

Results

Three etiologic agents were isolated: Candida albicans in 88.8 %, Candida parapsilosis in 7.3 %, and Candida glabrata in 3.2 %. There was an average symptom reduction from 7.1 to 3.2 in the middle of treatment and to 1.2 and 0.4 units at the end of treatment and follow-up, respectively. The treatment evaluation at the end of the follow-up period showed a total clinical and mycological cure in 88.8 %, improvement in 3.7 %, and failure in 7.4 %. There was side effect (3.7 %) of skin irritation, but the drug was not discontinued.

Conclusions

Based on its safety and effectiveness, sertaconazole cream may be considered a new alternative for DDC treatment.     

Chitinase and peroxidase in effective (fix+) and ineffective (fix−) soybean nodules

Chitinase and peroxidase, two enzymes thought to be involved in the defense of plants against pathogens, were measured in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) roots and in nodules colonized by Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains differing in their symbiotic potential. Activities of both enzymes were higher in nodules than in roots. In effective, nitrogen-fixing nodules, colonized by wild-type bacteria, chitinase and peroxidase activities had low levels in the central infected zone and were enhanced primarily in the nodule cortex. An ascorbate-specific peroxidase, possibly involved in radical scavenging, had similarly high activities in the infected zone and in the cortex. Ineffective nodules colonized by bacteria unable to fix nitrogen symbiotically showed a similar distribution of chitinase and peroxidase. In another type of ineffective nodule, colonized by a B. japonicum strain eliciting a hypersensitive response, activities of both enzymes were enhanced to a similar degree in the infected zone as well as in the cortex. Tissue prints using a direct assay for peroxidase and an antiserum against bean chitinase corroborated these results. The antiserum against bean chitinase cross-reacted with a nodule protein of M_r 32 000; it inhibited most of the chitinase activity in the nodules but barely affected the chitinase in uninfected roots. It is concluded that proteins characteristic of the defense reaction accumulate in the cortex of nodules independently of their ability to fix nitrogen, and in the entire body of hypersensitively reacting nodules.Abbreviations PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - SDS sodium dodecyl sulphate This work was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, Grants 31-25730.88 (to R.B. Mellor and T. Boller) and 31-27923.89 (to A. Wiemken).     

Synthesis and characterization of tris(β-diketonato)technetium(III) and -(IV) complexes

The preparations and properties of tris(dipivaloylmethanato)technetium(III), tris(trifluoroacetylacetonato)technetium(III), and tris(hexafluoroacetonato)technetium(III) are described. The oxidation of the dipivaloyl derivative to tris(dipivaloyl)technetium(IV) hexafluorophosphate was shown to take place readily. Voltammetric studies and magnetic resonance results on the new complexes are reported. The large shifts observed for the complexes seem to be due to a contact interaction.     

Schistosomicidal and trypanocidal structure-activity relationships for (±)-licarin A and its (-)- and (+)-enantiomers

(±)-Licarin A (1) was obtained by oxidative coupling, and its enantiomers, (?)-licarin A (2) and (+)-licarin A (3), were resolved by chiral HPLC. Schistosomicidal and trypanocidal activities of these compounds were evaluated in vitro against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms and trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. The racemic mixture (1) displayed significant schistosomicidal activity with an LC₅₀ value of 53.57 μM and moderate trypanocidal activity with an IC₅₀ value of 127.17 μM. On the other hand, the (?)-enantiomer (2), displaying a LC₅₀ value of 91.71 μM, was more active against S. mansoni than the (+)-enantiomer (3), which did not show activity. For the trypanocidal assay, enantiomer 2 showed more significant activity (IC₅₀ of 23.46 μM) than enantiomer 3, which showed an IC₅₀ value of 87.73 μM. Therefore, these results suggest that (±)-licarin A (1) and (?)-licarin A (2) are promising compounds that could be used for the development of schistosomicidal and trypanocidal agents.     

Synthesis and cytokinin activity of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(−)-dihydrozeatins and their ribosides

(R)-(+)- and (S)-(?)-dihydrozeatins [(R)-(+)- and (S)-(?)-6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino)purines, 1a and 1b] and their ribosides {(?)-6-[(R)-4-hydroxy-3-methylbutylamino]- and (?)-6-[(S)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-butylamino]-9-β-D-ribofuranosylpurines, 3a and 3b} were synthesized and tested for their cytokinin activity by four bioassay systems, the growth of tobacco callus, the seed germination of lettuce, the fr. wt increase of excised radish cotyledons and the retardation of chlorophyll degradation in radish cotyledons. In tobacco callus bioassay, 1a was more active than 1b. The ribosides 3a and 3b were not less active than their corresponding aglycones 1a and 1b. In other bioassays used the activity followed the order: 1a >3a >1b >3b. In tobacco callus bioassay and lettuce seed germination, trans-zeatin [6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-trans-2-enylamino)purine] showed stronger cytokinin activity than 1a.     

Synthesis and characterization of β-diketiminate germanium(II) and tin(II) bromides

The equimolar reaction of a β-diketiminate lithium salt LLi(OEt₂) [L = HC(CMeNAr)₂; Ar = 2,6-iPr₂C₆H₃] with either GeBr₂ or SnBr₂ in diethyl ether affords the synthetically useful monomeric β-diketiminate-element halides LGeBr (1) and LSnBr (2), respectively. Both are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents, stable in inert atmosphere, and have been characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis, characterization and antitumor studies of N-aroyl-N′-thioaroylhydrazines and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes

N-Salicyloyl-N-p-hydroxythiobenzohydrazide (H₂STPH) and N-benzoyl-N-thiobenzohydrazide (H₂BTBH) and their Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were prepared and characterized by physicochemical studies. IR and NMR spectral studies imply dibasic tetradentate behaviour of the ligands bonding through `thiolato' sulfur, enolic oxygen and the two hydrazinic nitrogens in a polymeric fashion. The electronic spectra indicate [Ni(STPH)(H₂O)₂], [Co(STPH)(H₂O)₂] to be distorted octahedral while [Cu(BTBH)] has a square-planar geometry. In vitro antitumor results of the ligand and the complexes on P-815 (murine mastocytoma) and L-929 (murine fibroblast) indicate that these compounds show significant inhibition of ³H-thymidine and ³H-uridine incorporation in DNA and RNA, respectively, in these tumor cells at dose levels of 1, 2.5 and 5 g cm^–3. Antitumor studies suggest that [Cu(BTBH)] has significant dose dependent inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis. In vivo administration of [Cu(BTBH)] and [Ni(STPH)(H₂O)₂] resulted into prolongation of life span of Dalton's Lymphoma (DL) bearing mice.     

Greater Combined Reductions in Hba1C ≥1.0% and Weight ≥5.0% with Semaglutide Versus Comparators in type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analog for the once-weekly treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the global SUSTAIN clinical trial program, semaglutide demonstrated superior glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and body weight reductions versus comparators. This post hoc analysis compared the proportion of patients achieving combined reductions in glycemia and body weight versus comparators.Methods: A total of 5,119 subjects with T2D in the phase 3 SUSTAIN 1 through 5 and 7 trials, from 33 countries, were included in this post hoc analysis. Subjects received subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 or 1.0 mg, placebo or active comparator (sitagliptin 100 mg, exenatide extended release 2.0 mg, insulin glargine, dulaglutide 0.75 or 1.5 mg). The main endpoint was a composite of ≥1.0% HbA_1c reduction and ≥5.0% weight loss at end of treatment.Results: Significantly greater proportions of subjects achieved the composite endpoint with semaglutide 0.5 (25 to 38%) and 1.0 mg (38 to 59%) versus comparators (2 to 23%). More subjects treated with semaglutide versus comparators achieved ≥1.0% HbA_1c reductions (58 to 77% and 75 to 83% for semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus 12 to 68%) and ≥5.0% weight loss (37 to 46%, 45 to 66% versus 4 to 30%). Proportions of subjects achieving targets were significantly higher with semaglutide 1.0 versus 0.5 mg in four of five trials. Semaglutide was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists.Conclusion: Significantly more subjects achieved both ≥1.0% HbA_1c reduction and ≥5.0% weight loss with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide treatment versus comparators in the SUSTAIN trials. A dose-dependent effect was observed with semaglutide.Abbreviations: AE = adverse event; CV = cardiovascular; ER = extended release; GLP-1 = glucagon-like peptide 1; GLP-1 RA = glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist; HbA_1c = glycated hemoglobin; OAD = oral antidiabetic drug; sc = subcutaneous; T2D = type 2 diabetes     

8%—9%和12%—13%低氧气体诱导大鼠左右心室肌自由基增殖

α－苯基－Ｎ－叔丁基甲亚胺－Ｎ－氧化物（ＰＢＮ,α－ｐｈｅｎｙｌ－ｔｅｒｔ－ｂｕｔｙｌｎｉｔｒｏｎｅ）由股静脉注入ＳＤ大鼠体内,鼠暴露于８％－９％Ｏ２（ｉｎＮ２）１５ｍｉｎ,左心肌ＰＢＮ－自旋加合物电子自旋共振（ＥＳＲ,ｅｌｅｃｔｒｏｎｓｐｉｎ ｒｅｓｏｎａｎｃｅ）信号明显增强（与常氧组比,ｎ＝５,Ｐ〈０．０５）。,而右心肌变化不明显（ｎ＝５,Ｐ〉０．０５）。暴露于１２％－１３％Ｏ２（ｉｎＮ２）的     

Synthesis and properties of (2-pyridyl)alkylamine- and (2-pyridyl)alkylamine–amide-coordinated copper(II) complexes: Structures and non-covalent interactions

Reaction of the ligand N-methyl-N-((6-pivaloylamido-2-pyridyl)methyl)-N-(2-pyridylethyl)amine (mpppa) with equimolar amounts of [Cu(H₂O)₆][ClO₄]₂ or CuCl₂ · 2H₂O in MeCN afforded mononuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(mpppa)][ClO₄]₂ (1) and [Cu(mpppa)Cl₂] (2). Crystal structure analysis reveals CuN₃O (two pyridyl, an aliphatic amine, and an amide oxygen) coordination in 1 and CuN₃Cl₂ (two pyridyl, an aliphatic amine, and two chlorides) coordination in 2. Crystal packing diagram of 1 reveals that one of the perchlorate counteranions provides weak coordination to copper(II) centers and in turn the copper(II) centers assume pseudo-six-coordination, generating 1D chain. Notably, one of the copper(II)-coordinated chloride ions in 2 participates in an intramolecular N–H?Cl interaction. Intermolecular C–H?Cl interactions in the solid state generate helical structure. Spectroscopic (IR, UV–Vis, and EPR) and redox properties of the two complexes have been investigated and compared.     

Associations between Meteorological Parameters and Influenza Activity in Berlin (Germany), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Castile and León (Spain) and Israeli Districts

Background

Studies in the literature have indicated that the timing of seasonal influenza epidemic varies across latitude, suggesting the involvement of meteorological and environmental conditions in the transmission of influenza. In this study, we investigated the link between meteorological parameters and influenza activity in 9 sub-national areas with temperate and subtropical climates: Berlin (Germany), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Castile and León (Spain) and all 6 districts in Israel.

Methods

We estimated weekly influenza-associated influenza-like-illness (ILI) or Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) incidence to represent influenza activity using data from each country’s sentinel surveillance during 2000–2011 (Spain) and 2006–2011 (all others). Meteorological data was obtained from ground stations, satellite and assimilated data. Two generalized additive models (GAM) were developed, with one using specific humidity as a covariate and another using minimum temperature. Precipitation and solar radiation were included as additional covariates in both models. The models were adjusted for previous weeks’ influenza activity, and were trained separately for each study location.

Results

Influenza activity was inversely associated (p<0.05) with specific humidity in all locations. Minimum temperature was inversely associated with influenza in all 3 temperate locations, but not in all subtropical locations. Inverse associations between influenza and solar radiation were found in most locations. Associations with precipitation were location-dependent and inconclusive. We used the models to estimate influenza activity a week ahead for the 2010/2011 period which was not used in training the models. With exception of Ljubljana and Israel’s Haifa District, the models could closely follow the observed data especially during the start and the end of epidemic period. In these locations, correlation coefficients between the observed and estimated ranged between 0.55 to 0.91and the model-estimated influenza peaks were within 3 weeks from the observations.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the significant link between specific humidity and influenza activity across temperate and subtropical climates, and that inclusion of meteorological parameters in the surveillance system may further our understanding of influenza transmission patterns.     

Synthesis of (±)-Homosarkomycin and (±)-Rosaprostol

(±)-Homosarkomycin (2) and (±)-rosaprostol (3) were synthesized from (±)-methyl 2-oxo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-1-carboxylate (1) by using the nucleophilic ring opening reaction on the double-activated cyclopropane ring as the key step.     

Synthesis of (±)-Lamprolobine and (±)-Epilamprolobine

(±)-Lamprolobine, the (+)-enatiomer of which was isolated from the leaves of Lamprolobium fruticosum, and (±)-epilamprolobine were synthesized from δ-valerolactam.     

Stereoconservative and stereoselective syntheses of rare and non-naturalα-amino acids from (S)-aspartic acid and (S)-malic acid

Summary A new strategy for stereoconservative and stereoselective syntheses of several types of amino acids starting from-functional carboxylic acids employing hexafluoroacetone as protecting and activating reagent is described. Outstanding features of this new method are the mild reaction conditions and the high yields for introduction and cleavage of the protective group allowing sensitive functional groups in the side chain to survive. Furthermore, the new concept results in saving of synthetic steps.     

Molar absorptivity and a1cm1% values for proteins at selected wavelengths of the ultraviolet and visible regions—XIX

A table of molar absorptivity and A^1%_1cm values for more than 220 proteins is given. The conditions used to obtain these values and references to the original literature are also given.     

Ordovician (Dobrotivá Formation) ostracodes and trilobites from Ejpovice (Bohemia) and their relations to faunas of northern and western Europe

For the first time a complete ostracode and trilobite fauna is described from the Dobrovitá Formation (Ordovician) of Perunica. In contrast to the trilobite fauna the ostracode fauna evidences close relations to both Armorica and Baltica. The trilobite fauna comprises 11 species out of 11 genera, the ostracode fauna comprises 15 (5 new) species out of 15 (1 new) genera.     

(Under)water love-linking mate choice and cognition in fish and frogs

Aims and Objectives This Special Column aims at complementing our knowledge and deepening our understanding of the complex processes involved in learning and neurobiological mechanisms in the context of sexual selection.     

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Activity of Oxydiacetate Complexes of Cobalt(II) and Nickel(II) with 1,10-Phenantroline and 2,2′-Bipyridine

Biological Trace Element Research - The antioxidant properties of oxydiacetate complexes of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) with 1,10-phenantroline and 2,2′-bipyridine have been investigated...