Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Some Novel Pyridine Derivatives.

Reaction of isonicotinaldehyde with 2-cyanoacetohydrazide afforded (E)-2-cyano-N'-(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)acetohydrazide (1). Compound 1 was used as the precursor for the synthesis of novel pyridine derivatives by reaction with different arylidene malononitriles, malononitrile and acetylacetone to give pyridine derivatives 5a-e, 6 and 7, respectively. 4,4'-Bipyridine derivatives 9a-d were synthesized by a three-component reaction of isonicotinaldehyde, 2-cyanoacetohydrazide and activated nitriles 8a-d. Treatment of compound 9a with different aromatic aldehydes gave [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives 11a-c. All reaction products were characterized by analytical and spectral data. For the novel compounds their bioactivity as antitumor agents was examined for in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG-2 and MCF-7. It was found that compounds 9a and 9b have high cytotoxic activity against both HepG-2 and MCF-7.

Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Infants and Children With Exclusively Autologous Tissue.

Tricuspid valve replacement has always been a challenge in the pediatric population, with high rates of mortality and morbidity. This article describes a new technique that we have used to replace the tricuspid valve with exclusively autologous tissues. The pulmonary autograft is used for tricuspid valve replacement. Pulmonary artery wall and autologous pericardium are utilized for right ventricular out flow tract reconstruction with the creation of a monocusp.

Minimally invasive right posterior minithoracotomy for open-heart procedures.

A right posterior minithoracotomy was evaluated in 123 selected patients between November 2002 and August 2006. Their ages ranged from 1.5 to 32 years (mean, 7.8 years) and weights ranged from 12.3 to 61.6 kg (mean, 23.3 kg). Pathology included atrial septal defect in 81 (66%), ventricular septal defect in 16 (13%), and 24 other (mainly valve) defects. All patients had a strictly posterior right minithoracotomy through the 4(th) or 5(th) right intercostal space, with a 7-9-cm skin incision. There was no mortality or procedure-related morbidity. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 68 min, ischemic time was 47 min, and 47 (38%) patients were extubated on the operating table. The mean hospital stay was 4.3 days and it was < 5 days in 108 (88%) patients. A cosmetically fine scar was achieved in all patients. The right posterior minithoracotomy is a safe, cosmetically superior, and cost-effective approach for selected open-heart procedures.