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XPS study of sulfur and phosphorus compounds with different oxidation states

Leanne Britcher, Sunil Kumar, Hans J. Griesser, Kim S. Siow

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1913-1922.

In this report, we demonstrate that continuous improvement in XPS instruments and the calibration standards as well
as analysis with standard component-fitting procedures can be used to determine the binding energies of compounds
containing phosphorus and sulfur of different oxidation states with higher confidence. Based on such improved XPS
analyses, the binding energies (BEs) of S2p signals for sulfur of increasing oxidation state are determined to be 166-167.5
eV for S=O in dimethyl sulfoxide, 168.1 eV for S=O2
in polysulfone, 168.4 eV for SO3
in polystyrene sulfonate and 168.8
eV for SO4
in chondroitin sulfate. The BEs of P2p signals show the following values: 132.9 eV for PO3
in triisopropyl
phosphite, 133.3 eV for PO4
in glycerol phosphate, 133.5 eV for PO4
in sodium tripolyphosphate and 134.0 eV for PO4
in sodium hexametaphosphate. These results showed that there are only small increases in the binding energy when
additional oxygen atoms are added to the S-O chemical group. A similar result is obtained when the fourth oxygen or
poly-phosphate environment is added to the phosphorus compound. These BE values are useful to researchers involved
in identifying oxidation states of phosphorus and sulfur atoms commonly observed on modified surfaces and interfaces
found in applications such as biomaterials, super-capacitors and catalysis.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
What Malaysian women believe about Viagra: a qualitative inquiry

Low WY, Zulkifli SN, Wong YL, Tan HM

Aging Male, 2002 Mar;5(1):57-63.
PMID: 12040977 DOI: 10.1080/tam.5.1.57.63

This paper highlights women's perceptions of sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer). It is based on a qualitative study on perceptions of erectile dysfunction in the Malaysian multicultural society. Six focus groups were conducted, consisting of 69 women, aged between 40 and 70 years, recruited from the general public and who had given informed consent. The findings revealed that the women were aware of erectile dysfunction and Viagra. Due to their concern about the negative aspects of Viagra, the Chinese and Malay traditional methods of treatment were commonly mentioned. The women from three ethnic groups viewed the possibility of their husband starting to take Viagra with lots of suspicion, mistrust and fear. They would prefer their husband discussing with them the issue of resorting to taking Viagra. The Chinese and Indian women perceived that if a man takes Viagra, it will boost his ego and he will feel more manly. Indian women felt that a man taking Viagra is proof of his love for his wife. The Malay women felt that a man would be ashamed and have a low self-esteem if he were to resort to taking Viagra. Although Viagra is meant for the male, understanding of women's perception of it is beneficial for a couple's sexual relationship.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Fulltext Water transport properties of boron nitride nanosheets mixed matrix membranes for humic acid removal

Tang CY, Zulhairun AK, Wong TW, Alireza S, Marzuki MSA, Ismail AF

Heliyon, 2019 Jan;5(1):e01142.
PMID: 30723824 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01142

Ultrafiltration grade polysulfone-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) incorporated with two-dimensional boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) was prepared via phase inversion method. The amount of BN incorporated was varied and the influence on membrane morphology, contact angle, surface charge, as well as water permeability and humic acid rejection were investigated. Results revealed that the addition of BN to the membrane matrix resulted in profound increase in water permeability (almost tripled to that of neat PSf) and humic acid rejection due to the increase in pore size and surface negative charge. Beyond the morphological changes imparted by the inclusion of BNNS, we postulated that the presence of BNNS within the membrane matrix also contribute to the enhancement in flux and rejection based on surface-slip and selective interlayer transport. Despite the favourable augmentation of water transport and filtration performance, the MMMs suffered with fouling problem due to the entrapment of foulant within the enlarged pores and the membrane valleys. Its inherent adsorptive character could be a disadvantage when utilized as membrane filler.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Ultrasonic assisted ultrafiltration process for emulsification of oil field produced water treatment

Agi A, Junin R, Alqatta AYM, Gbadamosi A, Yahya A, Abbas A

Ultrason Sonochem, 2019 Mar;51:214-222.
PMID: 30401623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2018.10.023

Ultrafiltration has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of oil-in-water emulsions, since no chemical additives are required. However, ultrafiltration has its limitations, the main limits are concentration polarization resulting to permeate flux decline with time. Adsorption, accumulation of oil and particles on the membrane surface which causes fouling of the membrane. Studies have shown that the ultrasonic is effective in cleaning of fouled membrane and enhancing membrane filtration performance. But the effectiveness also, depends on the selection of appropriate membrane material, membrane geometry, ultrasonic module design, operational and processing condition. In this study, a hollow and flat-sheet polyurethane (PU) membranes synthesized with different additives and solvent were used and their performance evaluated with oil-in-water emulsion. The steady-state permeate flux and the rejection of oil in percentage (%) at two different modes were determined. A dry/wet spinning technique was used to fabricate the flat-sheet and hollow fibre membrane (HFMs) using Polyethersulfone (PES) polymer base, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) additive and N, N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent. Ultrasonic assisted cross-flow ultrafiltration module was built to avoid loss of ultrasonic to the surrounding. The polyurethane (PU) was synthesized by polymerization and sulphonation to have an anionic group (-OH; -COOH; and -SO3H) on the membrane surface. Changes in morphological properties of the membrane had a significant effect on the permeate flow rate and oil removal. Generation of cavitation and Brownian motion by the ultrasonic were the dominant mechanisms responsible for ultrafiltration by cracking the cake layers and reducing concentration polarization at the membrane surface. The percentage of oil after ultrafiltration process with ultrasonic is about 90% compared to 49% without ultrasonic. Ultrasonic is effective in enhancing the membrane permeate flux and controlling membrane fouling.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Fulltext Two-Step Dopamine-to-Polydopamine Modification of Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membrane for Enhancing Anti-Fouling and Ultraviolet Resistant Properties

Mulyati S, Muchtar S, Arahman N, Syamsuddin Y, Mat Nawi NI, Yub Harun N, et al.

Polymers (Basel), 2020 Sep 09;12(9).
PMID: 32916778 DOI: 10.3390/polym12092051

Polydopamine has been widely used as an additive to enhance membrane fouling resistance. This study reports the effects of two-step dopamine-to-polydopamine modification on the permeation, antifouling, and potential anti-UV properties of polyethersulfone (PES)-based ultrafiltration membranes. The modification was performed through a two-step mechanism: adding the dopamine additive followed by immersion into Tris-HCl solution to allow polymerization of dopamine into polydopamine (PDA). The results reveal that the step of treatment, the concentration of dopamine in the first step, and the duration of dipping in the Tris solution in the second step affect the properties of the resulting membranes. Higher dopamine loadings improve the pure water flux (PWF) by more than threefold (15 vs. 50 L/m2·h). The extended dipping period in the Tris alkaline buffer leads to an overgrowth of the PDA layer that partly covers the surface pores which lowers the PWF. The presence of dopamine or polydopamine enhances the hydrophilicity due to the enrichment of hydrophilic catechol moieties which leads to better anti-fouling. Moreover, the polydopamine film also improves the membrane resistance to UV irradiation by minimizing photodegradation's occurrence.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Fulltext Trends and patterns of analgesic prescribing in Malaysian public hospitals from 2010 to 2016: tramadol predominately used

Zin CS, Nazar NI, Rahman NS, Alias NE, Ahmad WR, Rani NS, et al.

J Pain Res, 2018;11:1959-1966.
PMID: 30288090 DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S164774

Purpose: To examine the trends of analgesic prescribing at public tertiary hospital outpatient settings and explore the patterns of their utilization in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tramadol, and opioid patients.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2010 to 2016 using the prescription databases of two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. Prescriptions for nine NSAIDs (ketoprofen, diclofenac, celecoxib, etoricoxib, ibuprofen, indomethacin, meloxicam, mefenamic acid, and naproxen), tramadol, and five other opioids (morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, dihydrocodeine, and buprenorphine) were included in this study. Annual number of patients and prescriptions were measured in repeat cross-sectional estimates. Descriptive statistics and linear trend analysis were performed using Stata version 13.
Results: A total of 192,747 analgesic prescriptions of the nine NSAIDs, tramadol, and five other opioids were given for 97,227 patients (51.8% NSAIDs patients, 46.6% tramadol patients, and 1.7% opioid patients) from 2010 to 2016. Tramadol (37.9%, n=72,999) was the most frequently prescribed analgesic, followed by ketoprofen (17.5%, n=33,793), diclofenac (16.2%, n=31,180), celecoxib (12.2%, n=23,487), and other NSAIDs (<4.5%). All the analgesics were increased over time except meloxicam, indomethacin, and mefenamic acid. Opioids, primarily morphine (2.2%, n=4,021) and oxycodone (0.5%, n=1,049), were prescribed the least, but the rate of increase was the highest.
Conclusion: Tramadol was the most frequently prescribed analgesic in hospital outpatient settings in Malaysia. Opioids were prescribed the least, but noted the highest increase in utilization.
Data source: Prescription databases of two public tertiary hospitals in Malaysia

Study site: two public tertiary hospitals in Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Treatment of laundry wastewater using polyethersulfone/polyvinylpyrollidone ultrafiltration membranes

Sumisha A, Arthanareeswaran G, Lukka Thuyavan Y, Ismail AF, Chakraborty S

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2015 Nov;121:174-9.
PMID: 25890841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.04.004

In this study, laundry wastewater filtration was studied using hydrophilic polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) modified polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes. The performances of PES/PVP membranes were assessed using commercial PES membrane with 10kDa in ultrafiltration. Operating parameters The influence of transmembrane pressure (TMP) and stirring speed on laundry wastewater flux was investigated. A higher permeate flux of 55.2L/m(2)h was obtained for modified PES membrane with high concentration of PVP at TMP of 500kPa and 750rpm of stirring speed. The separation efficiencies of membranes were also studied with respect to chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity and conductivity. Results showed that PES membrane with 10% of PVP had higher permeate flux, flux recovery and less fouling when compared with other membranes. Higher COD and TDS rejection of 88% and 82% were also observed for modified membranes due to the improved surface property of membranes. This indicated that modified PES membranes are suitable for the treatment of surfactant, detergent and oil from laundry wastewater.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/chemistry*
The formation and characterisation of an asymmetric nanofiltration membrane for ammonia-nitrogen removal: effect of shear rate

Ali N, Halim NS, Jusoh A, Endut A

Bioresour Technol, 2010 Mar;101(5):1459-65.
PMID: 19786347 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2009.08.070

The focus of this research is to study the potential of nanofiltration membrane technology in removing ammonia-nitrogen from the aquaculture system. One of the major fabrication parameters that directly affect the separation performance is shear rate or casting rate during membrane fabrication. In this study, asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiltration membranes were prepared at five different shear rates within the range of 67-400 s(-1). Membrane productivity and separation performance were assessed via pure water, salt and ammonia-nitrogen permeation experiments, and their structural properties were determined by employing the combination of the irreversible thermodynamic (IT) model, solution diffusion model, steric hindrance pore (SHP) model and Teorell-Meyers (TMS) model. The study reveals that the alteration of shear rate enormously affects the membrane morphology and structural parameters, hence subsequently significantly influencing the membrane performance. It was found that, membrane produced at the shear rate 200 s(-1) or equivalent to 10s of casting speed during membrane fabrications managed to remove about 68% of ammonia-nitrogen, in which its separation performance is the most favourable by means of highest flux and rejection ability towards unwanted solutes. Besides, from the research findings, nano-membrane technology is a potential candidate for the treatment of aquaculture wastewater.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/chemistry
The efficacy of etoricoxib vs mefenamic acid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea: a randomised comparative trial

Nor Azlin MI, Maryasalwati I, Norzilawati MN, Mahdy ZA, Jamil MA, Zainul Rashid MR

J Obstet Gynaecol, 2008 May;28(4):424-6.
PMID: 18604680 DOI: 10.1080/01443610802150051

Dysmenorrhoea is painful menstruation that occurs in 45-72% of all women. This was a prospective randomised study of the efficacy of etoricoxib (Arcoxia) compared with mefenamic acid (Ponstan) in treating primary dysmenorrhoea. All single, sexually inactive women with primary dysmenorrhoea were randomised into two groups (mefenamic acid and etoricoxib) of pain relief and underwent a cross-over study. The success of treatment as evidenced by pain relief, the side-effects and complications were observed and analysed. Some 80% (20 women) had significantly better pain relief with etoricoxib, compared with only 20 per cent in the mefenamic acid group (p = 0.007). Etoricoxib has significantly fewer side-effects compared with mefenamic acid (p = 0.005) with significantly reduced menstrual blood loss (p = 0.025). In conclusion, etoricoxib is a better treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea with better pain relief, less menstrual blood loss and fewer side-effects compared with mefenamic acid.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/adverse effects; Sulfones/therapeutic use*
The effects of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition by MCC950 on LPS-induced pancreatic adenocarcinoma inflammation

Yaw ACK, Chan EWL, Yap JKY, Mai CW

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol, 2020 Sep;146(9):2219-2229.
PMID: 32507974 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03274-y

PURPOSE: Pancreatic cancer is a lethal form of cancer that can be triggered by prolonged or acute inflammation of the pancreas. Inflammation have been shown to be regulated by a group of key protein molecules known as the inflammasomes. The NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied inflammasome and have been strongly implicated to regulate cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome under LPS-induced inflammation and its role in modulating cell proliferation in a panel of pancreatic cancer cells.
METHODS: The effects of LPS-induced NLRP3 activation in the presence or absence of MCC950, NLRP3-specific inhibitor, was tested on a panel of three pancreatic cancer cell lines (SW1990, PANC1 and Panc10.05). Western blotting, cell viability kits and ELISA kits were used to examine the effects of LPS-induced NLRP3 activation and inhibition by MCC950 on NLRP3 expression, cell viability, caspase-1 activity and cytokine IL-1β, respectively.
RESULTS: LPS-induced inflammation in the presence of ATP activates NLRP3 that subsequently increases pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by increasing caspase-1 activity leading to overall production of IL-1β. The inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the specific NLRP3 antagonist MCC950 was able to reduce the cell viability of pancreatic cancer cells. However, the efficacy of MCC950 varies between cell types which is most probably due to the difference in ASC expressions which have a different role in inflammasome activation.
CONCLUSION: There is a dynamic interaction between inflammasome that regulates inflammasome-mediated inflammation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/pharmacology*
The effect of dialysis environment on the mechanical behaviour of hollow polymeric fibers

Konduk BA, Ucisik AH

Med J Malaysia, 2004 May;59 Suppl B:53-4.
PMID: 15468815

The effect of hemodialysis on the mechanical behavior of a cellulosic Hemophane ME-IOH and one Polysulfone type hollow fibers was investigated. Mechanical tests showed that the deformation of polysulfone type of hollow fibers is entirely different than that of the other dialyser for the samples used and unused in hemodialysis. All the samples exposed to the dialysis showed decreased in ductility. Fracture surface studies proved that there was some alignment on the fracture surface. XRD and DSC experiments revealed structural changes had occurred.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones*
Technical feasibility study of a low-cost hybrid PAC-UF system for wastewater reclamation and reuse: a focus on feedwater production for low-pressure boilers

Amosa MK, Jami MS, Alkhatib MF, Majozi T

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2016 Nov;23(22):22554-22567.
PMID: 27557958

This study has applied the concept of the hybrid PAC-UF process in the treatment of the final effluent of the palm oil industry for reuse as feedwater for low-pressure boilers. In a bench-scale set-up, a low-cost empty fruit bunch-based powdered activated carbon (PAC) was employed for upstream adsorption of biotreated palm oil mill effluent (BPOME) with the process conditions: 60 g/L dose of PAC, 68 min of mixing time and 200 rpm of mixing speed, to reduce the feedwater strength, alleviate probable fouling of the membranes and thus improve the process flux (productivity). Three polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes of molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 1, 5 and 10 kDa were investigated in a cross-flow filtration mode, and under constant transmembrane pressures of 40, 80, and 120 kPa. The permeate qualities of the hybrid processes were evaluated, and it was found that the integrated process with the 1 kDa MWCO UF membrane yielded the best water quality that falls within the US EPA reuse standard for boiler-feed and cooling water. It was also observed that the permeate quality is fit for extended reuse as process water in the cement, petroleum and coal industries. In addition, the hybrid system's operation consumed 37.13 Wh m(-3) of energy at the highest applied pressure of 120 kPa, which is far lesser than the typical energy requirement range (0.8-1.0 kWh m(-3)) for such wastewater reclamation.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Synthesis, characterization, and performance analysis of carbon molecular sieve-embedded polyethersulfone mixed-matrix membranes for the removal of dissolved ions

Qadir D, Nasir R, Mukhtar HB, Keong LK

Water Environ Res, 2020 Sep;92(9):1306-1324.
PMID: 32170974 DOI: 10.1002/wer.1326

The asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES-15 wt.%) mixed-matrix membranes were prepared by incorporation of carbon molecular sieve (CMS) with varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 wt.%). Physicochemical characterization of synthesized membranes was carried out using field emission scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential analyzer, porosity, and mean pore sizes. Performance analysis of synthesized mixed-matrix membranes was carried out by varying the operating parameters such as pressure (2-10 bar), feed concentration (100-1,000 mg/L), and cations type (Na+ , Ca2+ , Mg2+ , and Sn2+ ). Effect of operating parameters and CMS concentration was investigated on pure water flux (PWF), permeate flux, and rejection of membranes. It was found that mixed-matrix membrane containing 15 wt.% PES with 1 wt.% CMS displayed the superior physicochemical characteristics in terms of hydrophilicity (37.9°), surface charge (-13.8 mV), mean pore diameter (6.04 nm), and thermal properties (Tg = 218.5°C), and overall performance. E5C1 membrane showed 1.5 times higher PWF (75.5 L m-2 hr-1 ) and incremented in rejection for all salts than the nascent membrane. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Carbon molecular sieve-embedded mixed-matrix membranes were synthesized by phase inversion method. The resultant membranes experienced improved hydrophilicity, roughness, surface charge, porosity, and mean pore diameter with 1 wt.% CMS loading. The pure water flux was improved from 55.77 to 75.05 L m-2 hr-1 when 1 wt.% CMS was added in pure PES. The observed rejection of a mixed-matrix membrane with 1 wt.% CMS was the maximum for all salts.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Synthesis of novel disulfide and sulfone hybrid scaffolds as potent β-glucuronidase inhibitor

Taha M, Ismail NH, Imran S, Wadood A, Rahim F, Al Muqarrabin LM, et al.

Bioorg Chem, 2016 10;68:15-22.
PMID: 27414468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2016.07.002

Novel series of disulfide and sulfone hybrid analogs (1-20) were synthesized and characterized through EI-MS and (1)H NMR and evaluated for β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential. All synthesized analogs except 13 and 15 showed excellent β-glucuronidase inhibitory potential with IC50 value ranging in between 2.20-88.16μM as compared to standard d-saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (48.4±1.25μM). Analogs 19, 16, 4, 1, 17, 6, 10, 3, 18, 2, 11, 14 and 5 showed many fold potent activity against β-glucuronidase inhibitor. Structure activity relationship showed that substitution of electron withdrawing groups at ortho as well as para position on phenyl ring increase potency. Electron withdrawing groups at meta position on phenyl ring showed slightly low potency as compared to ortho and para position. The binding interactions were confirmed through molecular docking studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/chemical synthesis; Sulfones/pharmacology*; Sulfones/chemistry
Sustainable mixed matrix membranes containing porphyrin and polysulfone polymer for acid gas separations

Saqib S, Rafiq S, Muhammad N, Khan AL, Mukhtar A, Ullah S, et al.

J Hazard Mater, 2021 06 05;411:125155.
PMID: 33858108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125155

The synergetic effect of nitrogen-rich and CO2-philic filler and polymer in mixed matrix-based membranes (MMMs) can separate CO2 competently. The introduction of well-defined nanostructured porous fillers of pores close to the kinetic diameter of the gas molecule and polymer matrix compatibility is a challenge in improving the gas transportation characteristics of MMMs. This study deals with the preparation of porphyrin filler and the polysulfone (PSf) polymer MMMs. The fillers demonstrated uniform distribution, uniformity, and successful bond formation. MMMs demonstrated high thermal stability with a glass transition temperature in the range of 480-610 °C. The porphyrin filler exhibited microporous nature with the presence of π-π bonds and Lewis's basic functionalities between filler-polymer resulted in a highly CO2-philic structure. The pure and mixed gas permeabilities and selectivity were successfully improved and surpass the Robeson's upper bound curve's tradeoff. Additionally, the temperature influence on CO2 permeability revealed lower activation energies at higher temperatures leading to the gas transport facilitation. This can be granted consistency and long-term durability in polymer chains. These results highlight the unique properties of porphyrin fillers in CO2 separation mixed matrix membranes and offer new knowledge to increase comprehension of PSf performance under various contents or environments.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Sulfonation of phenols extracted from the pyrolysis oil of oil palm shells for enhanced oil recovery

Awang M, Seng GM

ChemSusChem, 2008;1(3):210-4.
PMID: 18605208 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.200700083

The cost of chemicals prohibits many technically feasible enhanced oil recovery methods to be applied in oil fields. It is shown that by-products from oil palm processing can be a source of valuable chemicals. Analysis of the pyrolysis oil from oil palm shells, a by-product of the palm oil industry, reveals a complex mixture of mainly phenolic compounds, carboxylic acids, and aldehydes. The phenolic compounds were extracted from the pyrolysis oil by liquid-liquid extraction using alkali and an organic solvent and analyzed, indicating the presence of over 93% phenols and phenolic compounds. Simultaneous sulfonation and alkylation of the pyrolysis oil was carried out to produce surfactants for application in oil fields. The lowest measured surface tension and critical micelle concentration was 30.2 mNm(-1) and 0.22 wt%, respectively. Displacement tests showed that 7-14% of the original oil in place was recovered by using a combination of surfactants and xanthan (polymer) as additives.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/chemistry*
Successful treatment of unresectable inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung with COX-2 inhibitor

Chan PW, Omar KZ, Ramanujam TM

Pediatr Pulmonol, 2003 Aug;36(2):167-9.
PMID: 12833497
Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones
Fulltext Studies on sulfone resistance in leprosy. I. Detection of cases.

Pettit JHS, Rees RJW, Ridley DS

Int. J. Lepr. Other Mycobact. Dis., 1966 Oct-Dec;34(3):375-90.
PMID: 6006069

From an extensive search of one of the largest inpatient leprosaria in the world, at Sungei Buloh, Malaysia, nine patients with lepromatous leprosy were discovered who gave prima facie evidence of sulfone resistance. The evidence was based on a failure to show clinical improvement over at least five years despite treatment with sulfones and an absence of a satisfactory fall in the bacteriologic (BI) or the morphologic (MI) index. The selected patients were admitted to our Research Unit for (a) a further six month, rigorously controlled, trial period on DDS (as injectable sulfone, 300 mgm. twice weekly) and (b) DDS sensitivity tests, based on use of the foot pad infection in mice with bacilli obtained from skin biopsies. The response of the nine patients to the six month trial period on DDS was assessed clinically, bacteriologically and histologically, and revealed that only four of the patients failed to respond satisfactorily. Furthermore, the sensitivity tests in the mouse foot pad infection showed that only the strains of M. leprae from the four patients who failed to improve were insensitive to DDS. Thus there was a good correlation between the results of the clinical and experimental studies and for the first time direct proof for the existence of DDS resistant strain s of M. leprae. The MI proved to be the most sensitive of the assessments used to determine the response of the selected patients to a trial period on DDS. The histology of patients with drug resistance is essentially that of relapsing or very acute leprosy. Its features have much in common with those of "histoid" lesions, the latter being distinguished mainly by the absence of cytologic maturation. Classification is complicated by the presence of borderline features in otherwise lepromatous lesions.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/therapeutic use*
Fulltext Studies on sulfone resistance in leprosy. 2. Treatment with a riminophenazine derivative (B.663).

Pettit JHS, Rees RJW

Int. J. Lepr. Other Mycobact. Dis., 1966 Oct-Dec;34(4):391-7.
PMID: 6006070

The first three patients with proven DDS-resistant leprosy infections were treated for one year with the riminophenazine
derivative B.663 (300 mgm. daily for six days a week). All of them showed satisfactory clinical, bacteriologic and histologic
improvement, which at the time of writing has been maintained for a total period of 28 months. The results show that
active leprosy resulting from resistance to one drug can still respond satisfactorily to a different type of drug, as is the case with drug resistance in other bacterial infections. In this limited study B.663 showed no toxicity, but the degree of skin discoloration was disconcerting to Chinese patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones/therapeutic use*
Sildenafil as treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related pulmonary hypertension in a child

Wong AR, Rasool AH, Abidin NZ, Noor AR, Quah BS

J Paediatr Child Health, 2006 Mar;42(3):147-8.
PMID: 16509918

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-related pulmonary hypertension is a relatively rare disease that can affect HIV sufferers. This is almost always associated with a poor outcome and death. An 18 month-old girl, probably the youngest on record, was diagnosed to have pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and retrospectively found to have HIV infection. Sildenafil was used to control her PHT and she remains alive even after 2 years.

Matched MeSH terms: Sulfones

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