1-Benzoyl-5-phenyl-2-(propan-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-one

The tetrahydropyrimidinone ring in the title compound, C(20)H(20)N(2)O(2), is in a half-boat conformation with the N-C-N C atom 0.580 (2) angstrom out of the plane defined by the remaining five atoms. In the crystal structure, molecules are connected into centrosymmetric dimers via N-H center dot center dot center dot O interactions. The dimeric aggregates are linked into supramolecular chains along the a axis via C-H center dot center dot center dot pi interactions.

cis-Bis{1,1-dibenzyl-3-[(furan-2-yl)carbonyl]thioureato-kappa 2 O,S}nickel(II)

In the title compound, [Ni(C(20)H(17)N(2)O(2)S)(2)], the NiII atom is coordinated by the S and O atoms of two 1,1-dibenzyl-3-[(furan-2-yl)carbonyl]thioureate ligands in a distorted square-planar geometry. The two O and two S atoms are mutually cis to each other. The Ni-S and Ni-O bond lengths lie within the range of those found in related structures. The dihedral angle between the planes of the two chelating rings is 20.33 (6)degrees.

Generation and Analysis of Interaction Energy Maps of p-Substituted Benzoic Acid [(5-Nitro-thiophen-2-yl)-methylene]-Hydrazides Active against MRSA

In this preliminary study eighteen p-substituted benzoic acid [(5-nitro-thiophen-2-yl)-methylene]-hydrazides with antimicrobial activity were evaluated against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, correlating the three-dimensional characteristics of the ligands with their respective bioactivities. The computer programs Sybyl and CORINA were used, respectively, for the design and three-dimensional conversion of the ligands. Molecular interaction fields were calculated using GRID program. Calculations using Volsurf resulted in a statistically consistent model with 48 structural descriptors showing that hydrophobicity is a fundamental property in the analyzed biological response.

2-(4,5,6,7-tetrafluorobenzimidazol-2-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole-3-oxide-1-oxyl, a hydrogen-bonded organic quasi-1D ferromagnet

The title radical (F4BlmNN) is a stable nitronylnitroxide that forms hydrogen-bonded NH center dot center dot center dot ON chains in the solid state. The chains assemble the F4BlmNN molecules to form stacked contacts between the radical groups, in a geometry that is expected to exhibit ferromagnetic (FM) exchange based on spin polarization (SP) models. The experimental magnetic susceptibility of F4BlmNN confirms the expectation, showing 1-D Heisenberg chain FM exchange behavior over 1.8-300 K with an intrachain exchange constant Of J(chain)/k = +22 K. At lower temperatures, ac magnetic susceptibility and variable field heat capacity measurements show that F4BlmNN acts as a quasi-1-D ferromagnet. The dominant ferromagnetic exchange interaction is attributable to overlap between spin orbitals of molecules within the hydrogen-bonded chains, consistent with the SP model expectations. The chains appear to be antiferromagnetically exchange coupled, giving cusps in the ac susceptibility and zero field heat capacity at lower temperatures. The results indicate that the sample orders magnetically at about 0.7 K. The magnetic heat capacity ordering cusp shifts to lower temperatures as external magnetic field increases, consistent with forming a bulk antiferromagnetic phase below a Neel temperature of T-N(0) = 0.72 K, with a critical field of H-c approximate to 1800 Oe. The interchain exchange is estimated to be zJ/k congruent to (-)0.1 K.

Synthesis and structure of the dimeric copper(II) complex tetrakis[N-thiazol-2-yl-(4-methylphenyl)sulfonamidate]dicopper(II)

The coordination chemistry of the ligand N-thiazol-2-yl-toluenesulfonamidate towards the copper(II) ion has been investigated using an electrochemical synthesis method. The X-ray structure of this complex was elucidated and is discussed. The compound crystallised in the monoclinic crystal system, P2(1)/c space group with a = 17.3888(9), b = 16.3003(9), c = 18.3679(9) angstrom and beta = 114.3640(10)degrees. Four bidentate sulfathiazolato anions bridge two metal centers in a paddle-wheel fashion, with the nitrogen atoms as donors to give a dimeric species with a Cu center dot center dot center dot Cu distance of 2.7859(5) angstrom.

Deterpenation of Bergamot Essential Oil Using Liquid-Liquid Extraction: Equilibrium Data of Model Systems at 298.2 K

The deterpenation of bergamot essential oil can be performed by liquid liquid extraction using hydrous ethanol as the solvent. A ternary mixture composed of 1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-yl-cydohexene (limonene), 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl-acetate (linalyl acetate), and 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol (linalool), three major compounds commonly found in bergamot oil, was used to simulate this essential oil. Liquid liquid equilibrium data were experimentally determined for systems containing essential oil compounds, ethanol, and water at 298.2 K and are reported in this paper. The experimental data were correlated using the NRTL and UNIQUAC models, and the mean deviations between calculated and experimental data were lower than 0.0062 in all systems, indicating the good descriptive quality of the molecular models. To verify the effect of the water mass fraction in the solvent and the linalool mass fraction in the terpene phase on the distribution coefficients of the essential oil compounds, nonlinear regression analyses were performed, obtaining mathematical models with correlation coefficient values higher than 0.99. The results show that as the water content in the solvent phase increased, the kappa value decreased, regardless of the type of compound studied. Conversely, as the linalool content increased, the distribution coefficients of hydrocarbon terpene and ester also increased. However, the linalool distribution coefficient values were negatively affected when the terpene alcohol content increased in the terpene phase.

Time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of antibiotics used in endodontic therapy

OBJECTIVE: New drugs have to be assessed in endodontic therapy due to the presence of microorganisms resistant to therapeutic procedures. Thus, this study evaluated the time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of different antibiotics used in endodontic therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human gingival fibroblasts were treated and divided into the following experimental groups: Group I - control; Group II - ciprofoxacin hydrochloride; Group III - clyndamicin hydrochloride; and Group IV - metronidazole. Each drug was used at concentrations of 5, 50, 150, and 300 mg/L for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by the MTT assay [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and spectrophotometric reading of ELISA plates. The results were analyzed by BioEstat 4.0 software using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests at a signifcance level of 5%. Cell viability was assessed for the different concentrations and times. RESULTS: All drugs presented dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Concentrations of 5 and 50 mgjL produced viable fibroblasts at all experimental times in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cell viability at 24 h was greater than in the other experimental times. Comparison between the same concentrations of antibiotics at different times showed that metronidazole presented the highest cell viability at 72 and 96 h compared to the other antibiotics, whereas clyndamicin hydrochloride showed higher cell viability at 72 h than ciprofoxacin hydrochloride.

Low-Level Laser Irradiation (InGaAlP-660 nm) Increases Fibroblast Cell Proliferation and Reduces Cell Death in a Dose-Dependent Manner

Background and Objective: Impaired cell metabolism and increased cell death in fibroblast cells are physiological features of chronic tendinopathy. Although several studies have shown that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at certain parameters has a biostimulatory effect on fibroblast cells, it remains uncertain if LLLT effects depend on the physiological state. Study Design/Material and Methods: High-metabolic immortal cell culture and primary human keloid fibroblast cell culture were used in this study. Trypan blue exclusion and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test were used to determine cell viability and proliferation. Propidium iodide stain was used for cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry. Laser irradiation was performed daily on three consecutive days with a GaAlAs 660-nm laser (mean output: 50 mW, spot size 2 mm(2), power density = 2.5 W/cm(2)) and a typical LLLT dose and a high LLLT dose (irradiation times: 60 or 420 s; fluences: 150 or 1050 J/cm(2); energy delivered: 3 or 21 J). Results: Primary fibroblast cell culture from human keloids irradiated with 3 J showed significant proliferation by the trypan blue exclusion test (p < 0.05), whereas the 3T3 cell culture showed no difference using this method. Propidium iodide staining flow cytometry data showed a significant decrease in the percentage of cells being in proliferative phases of the cell cycle (S/g(2)/M) when irradiated with 21 J in both cell types (hypodiploid cells increased). Conclusions: Our data support the hypothesis that the physiological state of the cells affects the LLLT results, and that high-metabolic rate and short-cell-cycle 3T3 cells are not responsive to LLLT. In conclusion, LLLT with a dose of 3 J reduced cell death significantly, but did not stimulate cell cycle. A LLLT dose of 21 J had negative effects on the cells, as it increased cell death and inhibited cell proliferation.

Isotropic and anisotropic spin-spin interactions and a quantum phase transition in a dinuclear Cu(II) compound

We report electron-paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies at similar to 9.5 GHz (X band) and similar to 34 GHz (Q band) of powder and single-crystal samples of the compound Cu(2)[TzTs](4) [N-thiazol-2-yl-toluenesulfonamidatecopper(II)], C(40)H(36)Cu(2)N(8)O(8)S(8), having copper(II) ions in dinuclear units. Our data allow determining an antiferromagnetic interaction J(0)=(-113 +/- 1) cm(-1) (H(ex)=-J(0)S(1)center dot S(2)) between Cu(II) ions in the dinuclear unit and the anisotropic contributions to the spin-spin coupling matrix D (H(ani)=S(1)center dot D center dot S(2)), a traceless symmetric matrix with principal values D/4=(0.198 +/- 0.003) cm(-1) and E/4=(0.001 +/- 0.003) cm(-1) arising from magnetic dipole-dipole and anisotropic exchange couplings within the units. In addition, the single-crystal EPR measurements allow detecting and estimating very weak exchange couplings between neighbor dinuclear units, with an estimated magnitude parallel to J(')parallel to=(0.060 +/- 0.015) cm(-1). The interactions between a dinuclear unit and the ""environment"" of similar units in the structure of the compound produce a spin dynamics that averages out the intradinuclear dipolar interactions. This coupling with the environment leads to decoherence, a quantum phase transition that collapses the dipolar interaction when the isotropic exchange coupling with neighbor dinuclear units equals the magnitude of the intradinuclear dipolar coupling. Our EPR experiments provide a new procedure to follow the classical exchange-narrowing process as a shift and collapse of the line structure (not only as a change of the resonance width), which is described with general (but otherwise simple) theories of magnetic resonance. Using complementary procedures, our EPR measurements in powder and single-crystal samples allow measuring simultaneously three types of interactions differing by more than three orders of magnitude (between 113 cm(-1) and 0.060 cm(-1)).

BLOCKING CENTRAL LEUKOTRIENES SYNTHESIS AFFECTS VASOPRESSIN RELEASE DURING SEPSIS

Recent studies revealed that vasopressinergic neurons have a high content of cys-leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) synthase, a critical enzyme in cys-leukotriene synthesis that may play a role in regulating vasopressin secretion. This study investigates the role of this enzyme in arginine vasopressin (AVP) release during experimentally induced sepsis. Male Wistar rats received an i.c.v. injection of 3-[1-(p-chlorobenzyl)-5-(isopropyl)-3-tert-butylthioindol-2-yl]-2, 2-dimethylpropanoic acid (MK-886) (1.0 mu g/kg), a leukotrienes (LTs) synthesis inhibitor, or vehicle, 1 h before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. In one group of animals the survival rate was monitored for 3 days. In another group, the animals were decapitated at 0, 4, 6, 18 and 24 h after CLP or sham operation, and blood was collected for hematocrit, serum sodium and nitrate, plasma osmolality, protein and AVP determination. A third group was used for blood pressure measurements. The neurohypophysis was removed for quantification of AVP content, and the hypothalamus was dissected for LTC4 synthase analysis by Western blot. Mortality after CLP was reduced by the central administration of MK-886. The increase in plasma AVP levels and hypothalamus LTC4 synthase content in the initial phase of sepsis was blocked, whereas the decrease in neurohypophyseal AVP content was partially reversed. Also the blood pressure drop was abolished in this phase. The increase of serum nitric oxide and hematocrit was reduced, and the decrease in plasma protein and osmolality was not affected by the LTs blocker. In the final phase of sepsis, the plasma AVID level and the hypothalamic LTC4 synthase content were at basal levels. The central administration of MK-886 increased the hypothalamic LTC4 synthase content but did not alter the plasma and neurohypophysis AVID levels observed, or the blood pressure during this phase. These results suggest that the central LTs are involved in the vasopressin release observed during sepsis. (C) 2009 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of spectroscopic properties of Europium (III) Tris(beta-diketonate) complex and alpha-Cyclodextrin in aqueous medium

The solubilization of an europium (III) beta-diketonate chelate in aqueous medium and the changes in its photophysical properties upon its inclusion into an alpha-cyclodextrin hydrophobic cavity are described. The complex [Eu(tta)(3)center dot(H(2)O)(2)] (tta = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione) was synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the hydrophobic cavity by stirring in an alpha-cyclodextrin aqueous solution. The inclusion was confirmed by (1)H NMR, and the stoichiometry of association was obtained by the Job method. The maximum in the excitation spectrum of the alpha-CD inclusion compound in aqueous solution was shifted 28 nm compared with the maximum of non alpha-CD complex. The emission spectrum of the association is similar to that of the free solid complex and displays the characteristic (5)D(0) -> (7)F(0-4) Eu(3+) transitions.

In vitro effect of Aloe vera, Coriandrum sativum and Ricinus communis fractions on Leishmania infantum and on murine monocytic cells

In South America, visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan species Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi) and is primarily transmitted through the bite of the female Lutzomyia longipalpis. Its main reservoir in urban areas is the dog. The application of control measures recommended by health agencies have not achieved significant results in reducing the incidence of human cases, and the lack of effective drugs to treat dogs resulted in the prohibition of this course of action in Brazil. Therefore, it is necessary to search new alternatives for the treatment of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vitro effect of fractions from Aloe vera (aloe), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), and Ricinus communis (castor) on promastigotes and amastigotes of L. infantum and to analyze the toxicity against the murine monocytic cells RAW 264.7. To determine the viability of these substances on 50% parasites (IC50), we used a tetrazolium dye (MU) colorimetric assay (bromide 3-4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-dephenyltetrazolium), and on amastigotes we performed an in situ ELISA. All fractions were effective against L. infantum promastigotes and did not differ from the positive control pentamidine (p > 0.05). However, the R. communis ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions, as well as the C. sativum methanol fraction, were the most effective against amastigotes and did not differ from the positive control amphotericin B (p > 0.05). The R. communis ethyl acetate fraction was the least toxic, presenting 83.5% viability of RAW 264.7 cells, which was similar to the results obtained with amphotericin B (p > 0.05). Based on these results, we intend to undertake in vivo studies with R. communis ethyl acetate fractions due the high effectiveness against amastigotes and promastigotes of L. infantum and the low cytotoxicity towards murine monocytic cells. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Fruit Extract from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of the ethanolic extract of S. cumini according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute reference method (with modifications), determining the minimal inhibitory and lethal concentration. Activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis), Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast of Candida sp and Cryptococcus neoformans was evaluated. The effects of the fruit extract were examined in hamster cells ovaries in concentrations ranging from 1250.0 a 4.9 mu g/ml, measuring the reduction of the tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium. The extract showed both bactericidal and fungicidal activity among the various microorganisms tested and the MIC ranging from 7.8 to 250 mu g/ml. The MIC, MBC and MFC should values that were similar for all the microorganisms. Cytotoxicity index of the dried extract corresponded to the concentration of 400 mu g/ml. The extract could potentially be used in topical antimicrobial products. Thus, the activity of extract was potent to bacteria and mainly to non-albicans species and C. neoformans.

In Vitro Evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix as a Three-Dimensional Scaffold for Gingival Fibroblasts Seeding

Background: Tissue engineering principles could improve the incorporation of acellular dermal matrix (ADM). The aim of this study is to verify if ADM is a suitable three-dimensional matrix for gingival fibroblasts and cancerous cells ingrowth, and also if cultured medium conditioned in ADM affect cellular behavior. Methods: Canine gingival fibroblasts (CGF), human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), and murine melanoma cell line (B16F10) were seeded on ADM for up to 14 days. The following parameters were assessed: morphology and distribution of CGF, HGF, and B16F10; CGF and HGF viability; and the effect of ADM conditioned medium (CM) on CGF viability. Results: Epifluorescence revealed that CGF were unevenly distributed on the ADM surface, showing no increase in cell number over the periods of study; HGF formed a monolayer on the ADM surface in a higher number at 14 days (P<0.05); B16F10 exhibited an increase in cell number within 7 days (P<0.05), and were mainly arranged in cell aggregates on the ADM, forming a continuous layer at 14 days. A higher percentage of cells on the ADM surface (P<0.05) compared to inside was observed for all cell types. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MU) values indicated higher cell viability in samples cultured with HGF compared to CGF (P=0.024). A significantly lower cell viability for CGF grown in CM compared to cells grown in non-CM was observed at 48 and 72 hours (P<0.05). Conclusions: ADM is not suitable as a three-dimensional matrix for gingival fibroblasts ingrowth. Gingival fibroblasts and highly proliferative cells as B16F10 can only be superficially located on ADM, and CGF are negatively affected by culture medium conditioned in ADM, reducing its viability. J Periodontol 2011;82:293-301.

6-Alkyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrans: Chemical Secretion Compounds in Neotropical Harvestmen

The defensive, secretions, of five neotropical) species of harvestmen, (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were analyzed and chemically characterized by GC-MS and NMR Methods. Three of the species, Cobania picea, Roweria virescens, and Serracutisoma proximum, secrete a mixture of 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3methyl-1,4,4-benzoquinone. The secretions produced,by the Other two species Iporangaia pustulosa and Neosadocus maximus, contain 1-hepten-3-one, 5-methyl-1-hexen-3-one, and 1-(6-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)pentanone. (1)as major components, as well as,2,3-dimethyl-1.,4-benzoquinone and 2-ethyl-3 methyl-1,4-benzoquinone as minor,constituents. The. dihydropyran 1-(6-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)pentanone (1) is a new natural product, composed of two 1-hepten-3-one, subunits formally linked in a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction. The natural product was proven to be racemic, and its biogenetic origin is discussed.