Sexually transmitted diseases associated with women who have sex with women.

Aims: The aim of this work is to present the findings of various studies relevant to the incidence of sexually transmitted disease (STD) among women who have sex with women (WSW). This being an important issue when considering the numerous and diverse types of infections possible. Results: The various types of STD, vaginal infections, and abnormalities that are known among WSW includes: herpes simplex virus type 2, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, trichomoniasis, syphilis, hepatitis A, HIV, genital and oral human papillomavirus, pelvic inflammatory disease, allergic vaginitis, genital herpes and genital warts, squamous intraepithelial lesions, and bacterial vaginosis. Risk factors among WSW are the number of sexual partners, minimal use of protected sexual behaviors, and very low levels of knowledge of STD prevention among WSW. Drug-resistant pathogens have been observed in lesbian patients. Conclusion: The threat of infection among WSW is significant, with the types and number of viral and bacterial potential pathogens being diverse and numerous. Recognition of risks will assist in correctly identifying the STD and aid in choosing the appropriate clinical care. Further research into the occurrence of STDs among WSW will benefit and contribute to public health.

Novel Tuberculostatic Agents Suitable for Treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infections of the Central Nervous System.

Aims: To demonstrate the efficacy of five small molecule compounds for inhibiting the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To present evidence that these compounds will penetrate into the central nervous system. Study Design: Five small molecule compounds bearing a hydrazide group were synthesized utilizing microwave excitation. These compounds were then placed into tissue culture with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at various concentrations for evaluation of bacterial growth inhibition. Place and Duration of Study: The compounds to be tested were prepared at the University of Nebraska Chemistry Department August 2013. The evaluation of antibacterial activity was determined at the Texas A&M Health Science Center during October to December of 2013. Methodology: Applying microwave excitation for generation of hydrazide groups within the structure of small molecule carboxylic acids, five agents were prepared for evaluation of bacterial growth inhibition. These agents were dissolved into tissue culture media at various concentrations. Having various levels of tuberculostatic agents, then tuberculosis bacteria were added to determine level of growth inhibition. Growth inhibition of the bacteria was achieved and measured by compound concentration for comparison and evaluation. Results: Five compounds having a hydrazide functional group greatly inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All five agents had molecular weight less than 215 grams/mole and polar surface area of less than 70 Angstroms2. Values of Log P ranged from -0.226 to 0.998. Values of Log BB (Log [Cbrain/Cblood]) ranged from -0.711 to - 0.525, with a range in central nervous system penetration Cbrain/Cblood of 0.195 to 0.299. All compounds showed zero violations of the Rule of 5. Substantial inhibition of bacterial growth was observed at concentrations as low as 30 micrograms/mL, as measured by optical density and colony forming units. Conclusion: These five hydrazide compounds substantially decreased the proliferation of tuberculosis bacteria at concentrations as low as 30 micrograms/mL. In addition, their physicochemical properties are shown to allow high levels of penetration into the central nervous system.

In Silico Optimized Mechlorethamine Based Drug Structures Targeting Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors.

Aims: Brain and spinal cord tumors are the third most common type of childhood cancer following leukemia and lymphoma. Mechlorethamine (or mustine) is a nitrogen mustard antineoplastic drug. Eleven variants of mechlorethamine are presented that possess molecular properties enabling substantial access to tumors of the central nervous system. Study Design: An extensive in silico search within a data library of molecular structures identifieddrug scaffolds suitable for targeting brain tumors. Place and Duration of Study:University of Nebraska, Durham Science Center, Department of Chemistry, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 USA, between July 2012 to December 2012. Methodology: Following extensive in silico search and identification of potential drug structures, a conclusive set of brain penetrating structures were compiled. Extensive characterization of structure properties was accomplished followed by multivariate numerical analysis utilizing pattern recognition and statistical analysis. Results: All twelve compounds (including mechlorethamine) exhibited zero violations of Rule of 5, indicating favorable bioavailability. The range in Log P, formula weight, and polar surface area for these compounds are: 1.554 to 3.52, 156.06 to 324.12, and 3.238 A2to 22.24A2,respectively. High resolution hierarchical cluster analysis determined that agent 2 and 6 are most similar to the parent compound mechlorethamine. The average Log P, formula weight, polar surface area, and molecular volume are 2.446, 235.433, 8.58 A2, and 213.8 A3, respectively. Conclusion: These eleven drug designs possess attributes that effectuate high permeation into the central nervous system.