Hydrogen sulphide alleviates cadmium stress in Trigonella foenum-graecum by modulating antioxidant enzymes and polyamine content

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity reduces growth and yield of crops grown in metal-polluted sites. Research was conducted to estimate the potential of hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) to mitigate toxicity caused by Cd in fenugreek seedlings (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.). Different concentrations of CdCl₂ (Cd1-1 mM, Cd2-1.5 mM, Cd3-2mM) and H₂ S (HS1-100 µM, HS2-150 µM, HS3-200 µM) were assessed. Seeds of fenugreek were primed with sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), as H₂ S donor. Seedlings growing in Cd-spiked media treated with H₂ S were harvested after 2 weeks. Cd stress affected growth of fenugreek seedlings. Cd toxicity decreased leaf relative water content (LRWC), intercellular CO₂ concentration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration. However, application of H₂ S significantly improved seedling morphological attributes by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, i.e. APX, CAT and SOD, in Cd-contaminated soil. H₂ S treatment also regulated phenolic and flavonoid content. H₂ S-induced biosynthesis of spermidine (Spd) and putrescine (Put) could account for the enhancement of growth and physiological performance of fenugreek seedlings under Cd stress. H₂ S treatment also reduced H₂ O₂ production (38%) and electrolyte leakage (EL, 51%) in seedlings grown in different concentrations of Cd. It is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of H₂ S in alleviating Cd toxicity in other crop plants.

Ciproxifan attenuates the memory impairment induced by lipopolysaccharide through modulation of cholinergic transmission in the mouse brain

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the protective effect of ciproxifan on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced memory impairment by altering the cholinergic system in a mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Groups of mice were given ciproxifan (1 or 3 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days. Neurotoxicity was induced with four doses of LPS (250 µg/kg, i.p.) from day-22 to day-25 of drug treatment in three groups. Then, mice were subjected to behavioral assessments using tests [elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition (NOR), and Y-maze]. Also, brain tissues were collected for estimation of cholinergic transmission [acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels].

RESULTS

Ciproxifan could rescue the memory impairment caused by LPS by shortening the transfer latency in the EPM test, increasing the time spent to explore a novel object and increasing the Discrimination Index in the NOR test and increasing the number of entries to the novel arm and duration of time spent in the novel arm in the Y-maze test. Ciproxifan increased the levels of ACh by decreasing AChE activity in LPS-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciproxifan treatment can improve memory impairment in mice by increasing ACh levels and decreasing AChE levels.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of Nebivolol and sodium copper Chlorophyllin on CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the protective effect of sodium copper chlorophyllin and nebivolol was evaluated in a mice model of CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity. Silymarin was used as a traditional hepatoprotective drug.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty (30) mice were used as they were divided into five groups: the first group was the control group which received distilled water + olive oil, the second group which received 1.5 ml/kg of CCl4 diluted in olive oil three times a week, the third group which received CCl4 + Silymarin 50 mg/kg/day, the fourth group which received CCl4 + nebivolol 4 mg/kg/day, and the fifth group which received 1.5 ml/kg of CCl4+ Cu-chlorophyllin 50 mg/kg/day. The drugs were given by intraperitoneal route for 5 weeks. The detection, quantification of CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and possible protective effect of either silymarin, nebivolol, or sodium copper chlorophyllin were assessed using biochemical analysis of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, lipid profile, an assay of oxidants and antioxidants, assay of interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and histopathological examination.

RESULTS

The administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) produced pronounced liver impairment. It significantly increased ALT, AST, ALP, malondialdehyde, and serum nitric oxide levels compared to normal control group besides a decrease in total protein, serum catalase, tissue SOD, and GSH levels. IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher while total cholesterol was significantly lower in mice receiving CCL4 compared to the normal control group. CCL4 induced severe hyperemia and congestion inside the portal area with leukocytic infiltration, hepatic degeneration, and bridge fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-administration of either silymarin, nebivolol, or sodium copper chlorophyllin with CCl4 was able to ameliorate up to almost contradict CCl4 induced hepatic injury through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Influence of Cr-doping on structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of M-type hexaferrites synthesized using microwave digestion technique

M-type hexaferrite SrCrxFe12-xO19 compounds doped with Cr (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 at.%) were prepared by microwave digestion system. X-ray diffraction was used to study the structure and crystallization of the samples. The samples are found to have a hexagonal phase, SrFe12O19, as a main phase at 2θ ≈ 33.144° and 35.618° for x = 0 and 1 respectively, and 32.451° and 34.295° for x ≥ 2. The Rietveld refined parameters such as the lattice parameters (a = b, c), direct and indirect cell volume, crystallite size and microstrain were investigated. TEM and SEM results showed that the samples have hexagonal shape and grain size range from 126 nm to 379 nm. Magnetization, M, as a function of the applied magnetic field, H, was obtained from the hysteresis loop. The coercive field, H C , saturation, M s and remnant, M r , magnetization and squareness ration, M r /M s , were extracted from the hysteresis loop results. These results revealed that H C is inversely proportional with the grains size of the samples but directly proportional with Cr-doping values candidating these compounds to be used in computer hard disk memories applications. M values are inversely proportional with Cr-doping values. The variation of conductivity, σ, impedance, Z, dielectric constant, ε, dielectric loss factor, tan δ and dissipation factor as functions of both AC frequency, F(Hz) and Cr-doping, x, were investigated. The maximum value of the dissipation factor was at x = 2 which equals 8.05 × 109 m F−1 when F = 2 × 105 Hz. The impedance of the samples behaved as a capacitor reactance that makes our compounds candidate for many crucial dielectric applications.

Modeling of thermal studies on melt quenched Ge18Bi4Se78 chalcogenide

The crystallization characteristics for Ge18Bi4Se78 glass are studied in this work by means of differential thermal analysis (DTA) under non-isothermal conditions. One stage endothermic glass transition and one exothermic crystallization are observed in the DTA curves. The results of topological constraints for Ge18Bi4Se78 glass show that the calculated value of glass transition temperature (Tg) is very close to that of the experimental results. The as-prepared, as well as the annealed samples, are examined using x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scan electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Avrami’s exponent (n) found to have an average value of 1.61 ± 0.2 reveals a mixture of one dimensional and surface nucleation stages of growth. Many models are used to estimate the activation energies for glass transition (Eg) and crystallization (Ec). The crystallization process was found to be described by the Sestak- Berggren SB(M, N) model.

Exogenous melatonin-mediated regulation of K+ /Na+ transport, H+ -ATPase activity and enzymatic antioxidative defence operate through endogenous hydrogen sulphide signalling in NaCl-stressed tomato seedling roots

Melatonin (Mel) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) have emerged as potential regulators of plant metabolism during abiotic stress. Presence of excess NaCl in the soil is one of the main causes of reduced crop productivity worldwide. The present investigation examines the role of exogenous Mel and endogenous H₂ S in tomato seedlings grown under NaCl stress. Effect of 30 µm Mel on endogenous synthesis of H₂ S was examined in roots of NaCl-stressed (200 mm) tomato seedlings. Also, the impact of treatments on the oxidative stress markers, transport of K⁺ and Na⁺ , and activity of H⁺ -ATPase and antioxidant enzymes was assessed. Results show that NaCl-stressed seedlings supplemented with 30 µm Mel had increased levels of endogenous H₂ S through enhanced L-cysteine desulfhydrase activity. Mel in association with H₂ S overcame the deleterious effect of NaCl and induced retention of K⁺ that maintained a higher K⁺ /Na⁺ ratio. Use of plasma membrane inhibitors and an H₂ S scavenger revealed that Mel-induced regulation of K⁺ /Na⁺ homeostasis in NaCl-stressed seedling roots operates through endogenous H₂ S signalling. Synergistic effects of Mel and H₂ S also reduced the generation of ROS and oxidative destruction through the enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, it is suggested that the protective function of Mel against NaCl stress operates through an endogenous H₂ S-dependent pathway, wherein H⁺ -ATPase-energized secondary active transport regulates K⁺ /Na⁺ homeostasis.

[Vitamin D and urinary stone disease: the current state of problem]

Disturbances of vitamin D metabolism is one of the factors leading to the impairment of phosphate and calcium homeostasis which plays leading role in the development of urinary stone disease. Vitamin D is necessary for wide spectrum of physiologic processes and good health condition. Until now, in many guidelines on urolithiasis there is an advice to limit vitamin D intake due to concerns of an increase in the stone formation. In vivo studies have shown that 1,25()2D3 can both increase and decrease and not to influence on calcium excretion. The results of the studies assessing the relationship between vitamin D blood/plasma level and urinary stone disease are often inconsistent and even controversial. In patients with urinary stone disease the vitamin D deficiency is often found and currently there is still a lack of studies dedicated to problem of vitamin D deficiency in patients with urinary stone disease and the need for its correction.

Antibacterial activity of extracted bioactive molecules of Schinus terebinthifolius ripened fruits against some pathogenic bacteria

The aim of this work is to identify the chemical constituents and the bioactivity of essential oil (EO), acetone extract (ACE) and n-hexane extract (HexE) of S. terebinthifolius ripened fruits using GC-MS. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. The toxicity against the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus flavus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sarcina lutea, and Staphylococcus aureus was determined with measuring the inhibition zones (IZs) using the disc diffusion method at the concentrations from 125 to 2000 μg/mL, also, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using 96-well micro-plates and ranged from 4 to 2000 μg/mL. The major components in EO were α-pinene (36.9%), and α-phellandrene (32.8%). The major components in ACE were oleic acid (38.7%), α-phellandrene (13.33%), and δ-cadinene (11.1%), while the major methyl esters of fatty acids detected in HexE were oleic (12.8%), and palmitic (10.9%). The EO showed good activity against the growth of Staph. aureus and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 16 μg/mL and 32 μg/mL, the ACE showed broad activity against the studied bacterial pathogens with MIC values ranged from of 4-128 μg/mL against the studied bacterial isolates, while HexE, however, showed weak antibacterial activity. The IC₅₀ values of EO, ACE and HexE were 15.11 ± 0.99, 118.16 ± 1.7 and 324.26 ± 2.45 μg/mL, respectively, compared to IC₅₀ of Tannic acid (23.83 ± 1.9 μg/mL) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, 2.9 ± 0.1 μg/mL). Data suggested that the ripened fruits of S. terebinthifolius have potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Molecular characterization of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates collected from corn grains

Twelve species from six fungal genera were found to be associated with corn (Zea mays L.) grain samples collected from three main regions of Saudi Arabia. The average frequencies of the most common genera were Aspergillus (11.4%), Fusarium (9.5%), Penicillium (5.1%), and Alternaria (5.8%). Fifteen isolates of Aspergillus flavus were screened by HPLC for their ability to produce aflatoxins (AF). The percentage of aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolates was 53%. Eight isolates produced AF, at concentrations ranging 0.7-2.9 ppb. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers were used to genetically characterize isolates of A. flavus and to discriminate between the aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates. RAPD and ISSR analysis revealed a high level of genetic diversity in the A. flavus population, which was useful for genetic characterization. The clustering in the RAPD and ISSR dendrograms obtained was unrelated to geographic origin. The RAPD and ISSR markers could not discriminate between aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic isolates, but the ISSR primers were somewhat better.

Gene expression profiling reveals underlying molecular mechanism of hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus niruri on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats

Background

The liver plays an essential role in the body by regulating several important metabolic functions. Liver injury is associated with the distortion of these functions causing many health problems. Pharmaceutical drugs treat liver disorders but cause further damage to it. Hence, herbal drugs are used worldwide and are becoming increasingly popular.

Methods

The hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus niruri (PN) was evaluated against liver cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (TAA, 200 mg/kg, b.w. three times weekly) for eight weeks. Daily treatments with plant extract (200 mg/kg) were administered orally for eight weeks. At the end of the study, hepatic damage was evaluated by monitoring transforming growth factor (TGFβ), collagen α1 (Collα1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) gene expression by real-time PCR. Moreover, different chromatographic techniques including column chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) with Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) were used to isolate the active constituents of the plant.

Results

The results revealed that treatment with PN significantly reduced the effect of thioacetamide toxicity and exhibited effective hepatoprotective activity. The mechanism of the hepatoprotective effect of PN is proposed to be by normalizing ROSs. Additionally, PN treatment regulated the expression of TGFβ, Collα1, MMP2, and TIMP1 genes. In the active fraction of P. niruri, the isolated chemical constituents were 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that PN ethanol extracts possess hepatoprotective activity that is most likely because of the isolated chemical constituents.

Cytoprotective effect of benzyl N'-(5-chloro-indol-3-yl-methylidene)-hydrazinecarbodithioate against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Indolic compounds have attracted a lot of attention due to their interesting biological properties. The present study was performed to evaluate the subacute toxicity and anti-ulcer activity of BClHC against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Experimental animal groups were orally pre-treated with different doses of BClHC (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) in 10% Tween 20 solution (vehicle). Blank and ulcer control groups were pre-treated with vehicle. The positive group was orally pretreated with 20 mg/kg omeprazole. After one hour, all groups received absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) to generate gastric mucosal injury except the blank control group which was administered the vehicle solution. After an additional hour, all rats were sacrificed, and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls determined. Grossly, the ulcer control group exhibited severe mucosal injury, whereas pre-treatment with either derivative or omeprazole resulted in significant protection of gastric mucosal injury. Flattening of gastric mucosal folds was also observed in rats pretreated with BClHC. Histological studies of the gastric wall of ulcer control group revealed severe damage of gastric mucosa, along with edema and leucocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer compared to rats pre-treated with either BClHC or omeprazole where there were marked gastric protection along with reduction or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer. Subacute toxicity study with a higher dose of derivative (5 g/kg) did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats. In conclusions, the present finding suggests that benzyl N'-(5-chloroindol-3-ylmethylidene)hydrazinecarbodithioate promotes ulcer protection as ascertained by the comparative decreases in ulcer areas, reduction of edema and leucocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer.

Assessment of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and immune activation potentials of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Phyllanthus niruri

BACKGROUND

Recently much attention has been paid to biologically active plants because of their low production cost and fewer adverse effects compared with chemical drugs. In the present investigation the bioactivity of Phyllanthus niruri ethanol and aqueous extracts was evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS

The ethanol extract of P. niruri showed a high level of flavonoid content (123.9 ± 0.002 mg g⁻¹), while the aqueous extract showed the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; IC₅₀ 6.85 ± 1.80 µmol L⁻¹) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS; 46.44 ± 0.53 µmol L⁻¹) free radical scavenging activities with high phenol content (376 ± 0.02 mg g⁻¹) and elevated levels of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP; 23 883 ± 0.019 mmol g⁻¹) with excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm inhibition zone) and Streptococcus agalactiae (12 mm inhibition zone), respectively, in addition to the best immune activation potential of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (450.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

It is clear from our results that both extracts of P. niruri has excellent bioactivity roles via elevated levels of antibacterial, antioxidant and percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation, which could lead to the development of medications for clinical use.

Acute toxicity evaluation, antibacterial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Melastoma malabathricum

Melastoma malabathricum (MM) is a well-known plant in Malaysian traditional medicine, locally known as senduduk. Its ethanol and aqueous extracts have been used in the present investigation to study the immunomodulatory role on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), and the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP free radical scavenging activities were also measured. Total flavonoids and total phenolic contents were assayed and the antibacterial effect was tested against four species of bacteria; two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsilla pneumonia). The tests were carried out using the disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Moreover, the acute toxicity was evaluated in vivo on the ethanol extract of MM to establish its safety when administered orally. In our results, both extracts of MM showed abilities to scavenge DPPH and ABTS free radicals, IC₅₀ values: (11.599 ± 0.84, 10.573 ± 0.58 µmol/L) and (62.657 ± 0.78, 63.939 ± 0.48 µmol/L) for ethanol and aqueous extracts respectively. Indeed the ethanol extract evidenced high phenolic content (384.33 ± 0.005 mg/g), flavonoids contents (85.8 ± 0.009 mg/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (33,590 ± 0.038 mmol/g), with high activity against S. aureus and S. agalactiae (11 ± 0.3 and 12 ± 0.6 mm inhibition zones). Likewise, the percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) viability was increased in response to MM, IC₅₀ values (1.781 ± 1.2 and 6.545 ± 0.93 µg/mL) for ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. In addition, our results showed that the MM extract is safe even at a high dose of 5,000 mg/kg and has no oral toxicity. These findings suggest the excellent medicinal bioactivity of MM and explain the popularity of this plant in the folk medicine as a remedy for different illnesses.

Wound healing activities of rafflesia hasseltii extract in rats

The effects of topical application of Rafflesia hasseltii buds and flowers extract on the rate of wound healing and histology of healed wound were assessed. Four groups of adult male Sprague Dawley rats were experimentally wounded in the posterior neck area. A thin layer of blank placebo was applied topically to wounds of Group 1 rats. Wounds of experimental animals (Group 2 and 3) were treated with placebo containing 5% and 10% R. hasseltii buds extract, respectively. A thin layer of Intrasite gel was applied topically to wounds of Group 4 animals as reference. Macroscopically, wounds treated with placebo containing 5% and 10% R. hasseltii buds extract or Intrasite gel have been significantly accelerated the rate of wound healing compared to placebo-treated wounds. Histological analysis of healed wounds has confirmed this effect. Wounds treated with placebo containing 5%, 10% R. hasseltii buds extract or Intrasite gel showed markedly less scar width at wound enclosure and granulating tissue contained markedly more collagen and proliferating fibroblasts, but with the absence of inflammatory cells compared to wounds treated with blank placebo. In conclusion, the findings of increased rate of wound closure and contraction together with the histological findingssuggest that Rafflesia hasseltii buds extract is very effective in accelerating the wound healing process.

Problems in assessing rationality of drug utilization in less developed countries

Less developed countries are facing various difficulties in assessing rationality of drug utilization. The problems are essentially related to four major areas; (a) Policies, administration and management, (b) Practice and services, (c) Education and training, (d) Monitoring and research. Drug policies have often failed to recognise the importance of identifying the levels of rationality of the various components of drug utilization. Consequently, neither the need nor the mechanisms to assess rationality were considered. Drug utilization data and records have been poorly developed and maintained, e.g. mal-managed, inaccurate, and without continuity with regard to collection, monitoring and evaluation. Provision and supply of drugs were handled by an unnecessary multiplicity of departments and state offices, none of which keeping complete records and/or information in relation to needs of drugs nor other health care requirements. Deficiencies and shortcomings associated with medical/pharmaceutical practice, services, education and training have as well contributed significantly to the failure of the less developed countries to assess and promote rationality of drug utilization.

N′-(2-Hydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)acetohydrazide

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C₁₇H₁₄N₄O₄, uses its amide –NH– group to form a hydrogen bond to the amido –C(=O)– group of an adjacent mol­ecule to furnish a linear chain structure. The hydr­oxy group forms an intra­molecular hydrogen bond; the indolyl –NH– unit does not engage in any strong hydrogen-bonding inter­actions.

N'-[1-(2-Hydr-oxy-5-methyl-phen-yl)ethyl-idene]benzene-sulfonohydrazide

The two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C₁₅H₁₆N₂O₃S, are each linked by an N—H⋯O_sulfon­yl hydrogen bond into a linear chain that runs along the shortest axis of the triclinic unit cell. The hydr­oxy groups are engaged in intra­molecular hydrogen bonding and the amino N atom shows pyramidal coordination.

2-Hydroxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C₈H₈N₄O₃S, is planar. Adjacent mol­ecules are linked through O—H⋯S, N—H⋯S and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

N'-(2-Hydr-oxy-5-nitro-benzyl-idene)benzene-sulfonohydrazide

The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(13)H(11)N(3)O(5)S, shows a phenyl group and an almost planar intra-molecularly hydrogen-bonded N'-(2-hydr-oxy-5-phenyl-ebenzyl-idene)hydrazino group disposed about the S atom. Adjacent mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O(nitro) hydrogen bonds, producing a linear chain that runs along the b axis of the unit cell.

N'-(5-Bromo-2-hydroxy-benzyl-idene)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-benzohydrazide dihydrate

The title compound, C₁₄H₁₁BrN₂O₅·2H₂O, crystallizes as hydrogen-bonded sheets. The 2-hydr­oxy group on the benzyl­idene group forms an intra­molecular hydrogen bond to the N atom of the C=N double bond. The amino N atom is a hydrogen-bond donor to a water mol­ecule. The hydr­oxy group on the benzohydrazide group is a hydrogen-bond donor to one acceptor site, whereas each water mol­ecule is a hydrogen-bond donor to two acceptor sites.

Bis{2-bromo-4-chloro-6-[2-(phenyl-sulfon-yl)hydrazonometh-yl]phenolato-κN,O}copper(II)

The Cu atom in the title compound, [Cu(C₁₃H₉BrClN₂O₃S)₂], is chelated by two deprotonated Schiff base ligands in a square-planar coordination geometry; the Cu atom lies on a center of inversion. The –NH– group of one anion forms an intra­molecular hydrogen bond to the phenolate atom of the symmetry-related ion.

Bis{μ-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-N'-[1-(5-methyl-2-oxidophen-yl)ethyl-idene]-aceto-hydraz-idato}bis-[aqua-zinc(II)] dimethyl sulfoxide tetra-solvate

The dinuclear title compound, [Zn₂(C₁₉H₁₇N₃O₂)₂(H₂O)₂]·4C₂H₆OS, lies about a center of inversion. The deprotonated monoanion O,N,O-chelates the Zn atom; the hydr­oxy O atom also engages in bonding to the symmetry-related Zn atom so that one N and three O atoms form a square around the metal. The coordination geometry is square-pyramidal, with the apical site occupied by a water mol­ecule. Hydrogen bonds, with the water mol­ecule serving as donor atom, lead to the formation of a linear chain motif. There is an N—H⋯O hydrogen bond between the complex molecule and solvent O atom.

Bis[1,5-bis(1H-indol-3-ylmethylene)thiocarbazonato-κ2N,S]nickel(II) dimethyl sulfoxide disolvate

The Ni atom in the crystal structure of the centrosymmetric title compound, [Ni(C₁₉H₁₅N₆S)₂]·2C₂H₆OS, is N,S-chelated by the deprotonated Schiff bases in a square-planar geometry. The –CH=N—N=C(S)—NH—N=CH– frament is planar. The two indolyl –NH (donor) sites inter­act with dimethyl sulfoxide mol­ecules to furnish a layer motif.

trans-Bis(1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde thio-semicarbazonato-κN,S)nickel(II)

The Ni atom in the centrosymmetric title compound, [Ni(C(10)H(9)N(4)S)(2)], is N,S-chelated by the deprotonated Schiff bases in a square-planar geometry. The -CH=N-N=C(S)-NH(2) frament is planar. Adjacent mol-ecules are linked by hydrogen bonds between the indolyl -NH (donor) site and the double-bond =N- (acceptor) site of an adjacent mol-ecule, forming a layer motif.

2-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-iminiomethyl]-4-nitro-phenolate

The title Schiff base, C(17)H(15)N(3)O(3), exists in the zwitterionic form with the phenol H atom transferred to the imine group. Adjacent zwitterions are linked into a linear chain running along the a axis by an indole-hydr-oxy N-H⋯O hydrogen bond [3.100 (2) Å].

Dichloridobis(2-{1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-iminio]eth-yl}phenolate-κO)zinc(II)-2-{1-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-iminio]eth-yl}phenolate (1/2)

In the mononuclear complex mol­ecule of the title compond, [ZnCl₂(C₁₈H₁₈N₂O)₂]·2C₁₈H₁₈N₂O, the Zn atom, which lies on a twofold rotation axis, is coordinated by phenolate O atoms in a tetra­hedral coordination geometry. The coordinated Schiff base uses its indole NH donor site to form a hydrogen bond to the negatively charged phenolate O atom of the uncoordinated zwitterionic Schiff base. There is an intra­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bond in the coordinated and uncoordinated Schiff bases. The indole NH site of the uncoordinated Schiff base does not engage in a hydrogen-bond inter­action. The CH₂—CH₂ group in the uncoordinated Schiff base is disordered equally over two positions.

1-(2-Hydr-oxy-5-methyl-phen-yl)ethanone [(1H-indol-3--yl)acet-yl]hydrazone

The indolyl –NH group of the title Schiff base, C₁₉H₁₉N₃O₂, forms a hydrogen bond to the –OH group of an inversion-related mol­ecule, resulting in a hydrogen-bonded dimer; adjacent dimers are further linked through an inter­dimer N—H⋯O hydrogen bond involving the –C(=O)–NH–N=fragment to form a linear ribbon that runs along the a axis.

1H-Indole-3-carbaldehyde thio-semi-carbazone

The mol­ecules of the title compound, C₁₀H₁₀N₄S, are linked by N—H_indole⋯S hydrogen bonds to form a linear hydrogen-bonded chain. There are two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit.

N'-(5-Fluoro-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-3-yl-idene)benzene-sulfono-hydrazide

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C₁₄H₁₀FN₃O₃S, consists of an indole unit and a phenylsulfonyl unit that are disposed in an approximately trans orientation relative to the N—N single bond. Two mol­ecules are arranged about a center of inversion, forming a hydrazide–carbonyl N—H⋯O hydrogen-bonded dimer; the dimers are linked by an indole–sulfonyl N—H⋯O hydrogen bond into a ribbon.

Bis{μ-N′-[1-(5-bromo-2-oxidophenyl)ethylidene]benzenesulfonohydrazidato}-κ3O2,N′:N;κ3N:O2,N′-bis[(dimethyl sulfoxide-κO)copper(II)]

In the title centrosymmetric dinuclear complex, [Cu₂(C₁₅H₁₁BrN₂O₃S)₂(C₂H₆OS)₂], the Cu^II ion is N,O-chelated by a dianionic ligand, monocoordinated by the sulfonamide N atom of a symmetry-related ligand and coordinated by an O atom from a dimethyl sulfoxide ligand, forming a distorted square-planar coordination geometry.

N′-(2,5-Dihydroxybenzylidene)benzenesulfonohydrazide

In the title compound, C₁₃H₁₂N₂O₄S, the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is 89.5 (1)°. In the crystal structure, mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯O_hydr­oxy and N—H⋯O_sulfon­yl hydrogen bonds, forming a ribbon that propagates along the b axis; there is also an intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond.

1H-Indole-3-carbaldehyde azine

The molecule of the title compound, C₁₈H₁₄N₄, lies on a center of inversion such that there is one half-mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit. The N—N single bond adopts a trans configuration and the indole fused-ring system is nearly coplanar with the –CH=N—N=CH– fragment [dihedral angle = 9.8 (2)°]. Adjacent mol­ecules are linked by indole–azine N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds into a layer motif.

Bis{4-chloro-2-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-imino-meth-yl]phenolato-κN,O}zinc(II)

The Zn atom in the title compound, [Zn(C₁₇H₁₄ClN₂O)₂], is N,O-chelated by two deprotonated Schiff base monoanionic ligands in a tetra­hedral coordination geometry. The Zn atom lies on a special position of site symmetry 2.

Distribution of radium in oil and gas industry wastes from Malaysia

Radium concentrations in 470 samples of the various types of waste from oil and gas industries were analysed using gamma spectrometers. The results showed that the radium concentration varied within a wide range. The highest mean 226Ra and 228Ra concentrations of 114,300 and 130,120 Bq/kg, respectively, were measured in scales. Overall, 75% of the waste, mostly sludge and extraction residue lies within the normal range of radium concentration in soils of Malaysia. However, some platform sludge can have radium concentration up to 560 Bq/kg.

Rapid and simple chromatographic method for the determination of diazepam and its major metabolites in human plasma and urine

A simple, rapid, sensitive and selective HPLC method has been developed for the analysis of diazepam (DZP) and its major metabolites, N-desmethyldiazepam (DMDZP), temazepam (TZP) and oxazepam (OZP), in plasma and urine, using clonazepam (CZP) as the internal standard and chloroform as the extracting solvent, with a 10 ng/ml limit of quantitation for the four assayed drugs, and an average (+/-S.D.) recovery of 87.7+/-6.46%, 92.9+/-5.31%, 91.4+/-4.01% and 91.7+/-2.68% for DZP, DMDZP, TZP and OZP, respectively (from plasma), and 89.6+/-2.26%, 90+/-4.24%, 87.45+/-0.64% and 94.50+/-0.71% for DZP, DMDZP, TZP and OZP, respectively (from urine). The method has also proved to be selective and reproducible.

Effect of Khat chewing on the bioavailability of ampicillin and amoxycillin

The study examined the effect of Khat chewing on ampicillin and amoxycillin bioavailability following the administration of a 500 mg single dose of each antibiotic at different times relative to Khat chewing. Using a urinary excretion method the bioavailabilities of ampicillin and amoxycillin were determined in eight healthy adult male Yemeni volunteers. The extent and rate of ampicillin bioavailability were reduced significantly by Khat chewing except when administered 2 h after the Khat chewing session. However, the bioavailability of amoxycillin was only significantly reduced when the antibiotic was taken midway through the Khat chewing session. It was concluded that the two antibiotics, particularly ampicillin, should be taken 2 h after Khat chewing.

A prospective, randomized controlled trial of inpatient versus outpatient continence programs in the treatment of urinary incontinence in the female

Seventy-four patients presenting with a mixed pattern of urinary symptoms were randomly allocated to undergo either inpatient or outpatient continence programs as initial treatment, without prior urodynamic investigation. Both programs consisted of physiotherapy, bladder retraining, fluid normalization, dietary advice and general support and advice. Nine out of 39 in the outpatient group and 8 out of the 35 of the inpatient group failed to complete the study. There was a significant decrease in frequency, nocturia, number of incontinent episodes and visual analog scores for both groups. In addition the outpatients had a significant reduction in loss on pad testing, and a significantly greater improvement in their visual analog score. In each group 63% were cured or improved to the extent that they did not require further treatment. Staff costs per outpatient were half those for an inpatient. We conclude that outpatient conservative treatment as detailed above is a successful first-line treatment of urinary incontinence in women. It is as successful and possibly better than inpatient treatment, and is significantly cheaper.