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Abstract Quinoline-derivative coordination compounds were synthesized with Zn(II), Al(III), Cu(II), Ru(II) producing 1 – 4 compounds using 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline and 5 – 8 compounds using 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline. These coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and 1H NMR, IR, UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, representing the coherent data matched all compounds. Myelotoxicity data, as well as the biochemical data, depicted the compounds have low cytotoxicity towards the blood cells. All coordination compounds displayed slight antimicrobial activity against E. coli , S. aureus , P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis ; [RuCl(NO)(5-chloro-8-oxyquinoline) 2 ] compound (8) represent the best result to inhibitions of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antineoplasic action depicted the [Ru(NO)(5-nitro-8-oxyquinoline) 2 Cl] compound (4) as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against MCF-7 (a breast cancer cell line), compared to cisplatin (Platistine® CS) and cyclophosphamide (Genuxal®) drugs. Graphical abstract Antineoplasic action depicted the [Ru(NO)(5-nitro-8-oxyquinoline) 2 Cl] complex (4) as potential chemotherapeutic against MCF-7 (a breast cancer cell line), comparing to cisplatin (Platistine® CS). Unlabelled Image Highlights • Synthesized new compounds showed fluorescent properties and biological activities. • All compounds offer potential applications to antibacterial and antineoplasic drugs. • Myelotoxicity data depicted the compounds have low cytotoxicity towards the blood cells. • Compounds displayed antimicrobial activity against E. coli , S. aureus , P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis. • Antineoplasic action depicted compound (4) as potential chemotherapeutic against MCF-7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoline-derived fluorescent complexes were designed; synthesized by the reaction of 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline and 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline with Al 3+ , Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Cd 2+ salts ( 1–8) ; and characterized. The 1 H NMR spectra of complexes 1 and 5 , containing Al 3+ , were consistent with an octahedral structure having approximate D 3 symmetry, and the results supported the favored facial isomer ( fac ). Data for complexes 2–4 and 6–8 supported the formation of tetrahedral structures. Intense luminescence was detected for complexes 5–8 , even with the naked eye, as indicated by quantum yield values of 0.087, 0.094, 0.051, and 0.021, respectively. Furthermore, in contrast to 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline, the 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline ligand exhibited bands at different energies depending on the coordinated metal, which supported its potential application in ionic and biological probes, as well as in cell imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In human assisted reproduction, the ovarian response to exogenous recombinant Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) therapy is variable and difficult to predict. The standard protocol of ovarian hyperstimulation can result in satisfactory response; however, an unsatisfactory response necessitates FSH dose adjustment or results in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Polymorphisms in AMH and AMHR2 genes appear to affect hormone biological activities, thus affecting follicle recruitment and development, leading to infertility. We aimed to evaluate AMH and AMHR2 polymorphisms in infertile women, and correlate those findings with AMH, FSH and estradiol serum level response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), as well as assisted reproduction outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 186 infertile women that underwent one cycle of high complexity assisted reproductive treatment. Blood samples were collected and a TaqMan assay was used for AMH G146T/rs10407022 and AMHR2 A-482G/rs2002555, A10G/rs11170555, C1749G/rs2071558 and G4952A/rs3741664 genotyping, and FSH, estradiol and AMH levels were measured. The findings were correlated to human reproduction outcomes. Results: AMH rs10407022 and AMHR2 rs2002555 polymorphisms were not associated with hormonal measurements, whereas AMHR2 rs11170555 and rs3741664 were positively associated with AMH, estradiol and FSH levels. The genotype distribution of AMH and AMHR2 genes according to Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation did not show a positive association. However, an association with AFC, degree of oocyte maturation (allele G of AMHR2 rs2071558) the number of embryos produced (alleles T and G of AMH rs10407022 and AMHR2 rs2002555, respectively) and frozen embryo (allele G of AMHR2 rs11170555) were found to be statistically associated. Considering COH, serum AMH and AFC were a positive predictor to OHSS. Regarding serum AMH and assisted reproduction outcomes, a positive correlation with all variables studied was found. Comparing AFC and AMH as predictors of human reproduction outcomes, the AFC was less effective than serum AMH. Considering pregnancy rates, no marker was positively associated. Conclusion: AMHR2 polymorphisms were associated with estradiol, AMH and FSH measurements, as well as number and quality of embryos, while AMH polymorphisms was associated with number of embryos produced. Serum AMH was correlated with nearly all variables analyzed in assisted reproductive treatment, demonstrating that it represents a better biomarker of OHSS and human reproduction outcomes compared to AMH and AMHR2 polymorphisms. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Microsatellite instability (MSI) induction by alkylating agent-based chemotherapy (ACHT) may underlie both tumor resistance to chemotherapy and secondary leukaemias in cancer patients. We investigated if ACHT could induce MSI in tumor-derived plasma-circulating DNA (pfDNA) and in normal peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMN) cells. We also evaluated if amifostine could interfere with this process in an in-vitro model. Methods MSI was determined in pfDNA, PBMN cells and urine cell-free DNA (ufDNA) of 33 breast cancer patients before and after ACHT. MCF-7 cells and PBMN from normal donors were exposed in vitro to melphalan, with or without amifostine. Results We observed at least one MSI event in PBMN cells, pfDNA or ufDNA of 87, 80 and 80% of patients, respectively. In vitro, melphalan induced MSI in both MCF-7 and normal PBMN cells. In PBMN cells, ACHT-induced MSI occurred together with a significant decrease in the expression of the DNA mismatch repair gene hMSH2. Amifostine decreased hMSH2 expression and also prevented MSI induction only in normal PBMN cells. Conclusions ACHT induced MSI in PBMN cells and in tumour-derived pfDNA. Because of its protective effect against ACHT induction of MSI in normal PBMN cells in vitro, amifostine may be a potential agent for preventing secondary leukaemias in patients exposed to ACHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Surface nanostructuration of PLA via two-step plasma treatment. • Cu-coated PLA with nanostructured surface and antiviral activities against Omicron SARS-CoV-2. • Cu-coated PLA with a hydrophobic nanostructured surface. • Wear resistant Cu-coated PLA with antiviral properties against coronavirus. • Nanocone patterns on Cu-coated PLA surfaces undergo modifications along wear cycles. Surface modification corresponds to a set of viable technological approaches to introduce antimicrobial properties in materials that do not have such characteristics. Antimicrobial materials are important to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms and minimize the transmission of diseases caused by pathogens. Herein, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was decorated with nanocones through copper sputtering followed by a plasma etching. Antiviral assays by Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) show that nanostructured Cu-coated PLA has high antiviral activity against Omicron SARS-CoV-2, showing a relative reduction in the amplified RNA (78.8 ± 3.9 %). Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and wear-resistance tests show that 20 wear cycles disrupt the surface nanocone patterns and significantly reduce the Cu content at the surface of the nanostructured Cu-coated PLA, leading to total loss of the antiviral properties of nanostructured PLA against Omicron SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The development of antibacterial and antifungal drugs has been the target of several pharmaceutical and chemical industries mainly due to the lack of effective drugs with low or no side effect. In this work, studies were conducted both in vitro and in vivo with 8-oxyquinolinepropoxycalix[4]arene (A) and 5-Cl-8-oxyquinolinepropoxycalix[4]arene (B) ligands, showing fairly good results. Cytotoxicity and fungicidal actions of compounds A and B were determined in Wistar male rats and peritoneal macrophages of mice. A slight change in the total of leukocytes and erythrocytes was observed on the hematologic assays, showing almost no inflammation after using both compounds in Wistar male rats. We have also noted some, but not significant, alteration in liver enzymes representing modest hepatotoxicity. Cytotoxicity of peritoneal macrophages, in the presence of compound A or B, showed 50% of survival of macrophages. On the other hand, macrophages previously infected with Candida albicans and treated with substance A or B exhibited an increased cytokine IL-10 at 24h incubation. By checking the effect of substance A or B on growing C. albicans, the results pointed that these substances revealed antifungal activity against C. albicans, in 24h culture with a reduction of yeast cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract This article describes the synthesis, characterization and in vivo cytotoxic evaluation of thiol-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs). They have been employed as potential vehicles for a large number of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery. Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation of iron salts and coated with L-cysteine. The physicochemical, morphological, and magnetic properties of Cys-Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were characterized by different experimental techniques. To evaluate their applicability in nanomedicine we evaluated their cytotoxicity using Balb/C mice. The results show that Cys-SPIONs are good candidates as nanocarriers in biomedical applications. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Cys-Fe3O4 shows superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature. • Cys-Fe3O4 NPs show good colloidal stability. • Successful application of Cys-Fe3O4 as a biocompatible carrier in in vivo assays • The NPs do not interfere in ferric homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This is the first study that report aspartame excretion in saliva. • Greater salivary aspartame area under the peak was observed after Diet soft drink compared to Water + sweeteners intake. • Higher salivary insulin levels were observed after regular and diet soft drinks compared to low sucrose and water test-drinks ingestion. The objective was to assess aspartame excretion in saliva and the salivary insulin, total protein (TP), and alpha-amylase (AMI) levels in response to the ingestion of sweetened beverages (sodium cyclamate, aspartame, acesulfame, and sucrose). Fifteen healthy participants were included in a single-blinded trial with the intake of Diet soft drink, Regular soft drink, Water + sweeteners, Low sucrose content (3.5 g), and Water (blank) in 5 different days. In each day, saliva was collected at T0 (fasting), T1 (15 min after test-drink intake), T2 (30 min), T3 (60 min), and T4 (120 min) for the measurement of salivary aspartame (HPLC), TP, AMI (ELISA assays) and insulin levels (chemiluminescence). Chi-square, Friedman, ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests were applied. The late-perceived sweet/sour residual flavor was reported at a frequency of 80%, 60% and 20% after ingestion of artificially sweetened drinks, beverages with sucrose, and plain water, respectively (p < 0.05). Aspartame was detected in saliva after artificially sweetened drinks intake, with highest area under the peak for the Diet soft drink (p = 0.014). No change was observed for TP and AMI levels during the 120 min. Insulin levels increased 1 h after soft-drinks ingestion (regular and diet), while the levels did not change for Low sucrose content and Water + sweeteners test-drinks. Salivary aspartame correlated with insulin levels only after Diet soft drink intake (rho ≥ 0.7; p < 0.05). As aspartame can be detected in saliva and swallowed again until completely excreted, these results contribute to the knowledge of the biological fate of artificial sweeteners and the study of health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This is the first study that report aspartame excretion in saliva. • Greater salivary aspartame area under the peak was observed after Diet soft drink compared to Water + sweeteners intake. • Higher salivary insulin levels were observed after regular and diet soft drinks compared to low sucrose and water test-drinks ingestion. The objective was to assess aspartame excretion in saliva and the salivary insulin, total protein (TP), and alpha-amylase (AMI) levels in response to the ingestion of sweetened beverages (sodium cyclamate, aspartame, acesulfame, and sucrose). Fifteen healthy participants were included in a single-blinded trial with the intake of Diet soft drink, Regular soft drink, Water + sweeteners, Low sucrose content (3.5 g), and Water (blank) in 5 different days. In each day, saliva was collected at T0 (fasting), T1 (15 min after test-drink intake), T2 (30 min), T3 (60 min), and T4 (120 min) for the measurement of salivary aspartame (HPLC), TP, AMI (ELISA assays) and insulin levels (chemiluminescence). Chi-square, Friedman, ANOVA and Spearman correlation tests were applied. The late-perceived sweet/sour residual flavor was reported at a frequency of 80%, 60% and 20% after ingestion of artificially sweetened drinks, beverages with sucrose, and plain water, respectively (p < 0.05). Aspartame was detected in saliva after artificially sweetened drinks intake, with highest area under the peak for the Diet soft drink (p = 0.014). No change was observed for TP and AMI levels during the 120 min. Insulin levels increased 1 h after soft-drinks ingestion (regular and diet), while the levels did not change for Low sucrose content and Water + sweeteners test-drinks. Salivary aspartame correlated with insulin levels only after Diet soft drink intake (rho ≥ 0.7; p < 0.05). As aspartame can be detected in saliva and swallowed again until completely excreted, these results contribute to the knowledge of the biological fate of artificial sweeteners and the study of health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The central control of the micturition is dependent on cortical areas and other ascending and descending pathways in the brain stem. The descendent pathways from the pons to the urinary bladder (UB) can be direct or indirect through medullary neurons (MN). Chemical stimulation with l -glutamate of MN known for their involvement in cardiovascular regulation evokes changes in pelvic nerves activities, which innervate the urinary bladder. Different neurotransmitters have been found in medullary areas; nevertheless, their involvement in UB control is few understood. We focused to investigate if cholinergic activation of neurons in the medulla oblongata changes the urinary bladder activity. Carbachol (cholinergic agonist) or atropine (cholinergic antagonist) was injected into the 4thV in anesthetized female Wistar rats and the intravesical pressure (IP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and renal conductance (RC) were recorded for 30 min. Carbachol injection into the 4thV increased IP with peak response at 30 min after carbachol and yielded no changes in MAP, HR and RC. Atropine injection into the 4thV decreased IP and elicited no changes in MAP, HR and RC. Plasma vasopressin levels evaluated by ELISA kit assay increased after carbachol into the 4th V. Intravenous blockade of V1 receptors prior to carbachol into the 4thV abolished the increase in IP evoked by carbachol. Therefore, our findings suggest that cholinergic activation of neurons in the medulla oblongata by carbachol injections into the 4thV increases IP due to plasma vasopressin release, which acts in V1 receptors in the UB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) occasioned global economic and health systems collapse. Also, it raised several concerns about using conventional cotton fabrics for manufacturing personal protective equipment without the antimicrobial capacity to inactivate viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants. Therefore, developing antimicrobial cotton fibers is crucial to avoid new global pandemics or the transmission of dangerous pathogens that remain on surfaces for long periods, especially in hospitals and medical clinics. Herein, we developed antimicrobial cotton fabrics with Ag, ZnO, and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles and evaluated their bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), photocatalytic activity, and antiviral activity against Delta SARS-CoV-2. Although the antimicrobial fabrics are effective against these bacteria, they only reduce part of the SARS-CoV-2 virions during the first 15 min of direct contact via damage only to biological structures on the viral surface particle while the viral RNA remains intact. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of with AgNPs and Ag/ZnO-NPs via sonochemistry. • Cotton fabrics coated with AgNPs, ZnO-NPs, and Ag/ZnO-NPs. • Antimicrobial performance of multifunctional cotton fabrics against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). • SARS-CoV-2 inactivation by damages on surface structures. • SARS-CoV-2 virions remain on bactericidal cotton fabrics for 15 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One step luminescent-superparamagnetic iron nanoparticle for biological application. • Cytotoxicity of nanoparticles depends on the biomolecule and nature of lanthanide. • Potential platform of multifunctional nanoparticles for theranostic. This investigation describes the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of luminescent-superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalized with biomolecules and Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes. They emerge as strong candidates for a large number of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery for bioapplications in therapy and diagnosis (theranostic). Aiming these applications, magnetite nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4) functionalized with biocompatible ligands, Chitosan (CS) and Glutathione (GSH) and Eu3+ and Tb3+ β-Diketonates complexes were synthesized by a one-step procedure and characterized by different experimental techniques. Regarding bioapplication, their cytotoxicity using the cell viability assay of the blood mononuclear cell fraction were performed. The results show that the cytotoxicity depends on the concentration, nature of ligands and complexes. The SPIONs are luminescent with emission in the visible region under ultraviolet excitation and stable in nanoscale in aqueous medium. They are good candidates as nano-luminescent carriers in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]