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Two novel mononuclear Cu(II) coordination compounds of the type [Cu(dptaS)Cl(2)] and [Cu(dptaS)Br(2)] (dptaS=1,3-propanediamine, N(1)-[3-aminopropyl]-N(3)-[2-thienylmethylidene] or Schiff mono-base of dipropylenetriamine with 2-thiophene-carboxaldehyde) were prepared by the hydrolysis of the di-bases, [Cu(dptaSS)Cl(2)] and [Cu(dptaSS)Br(2)] (dptaSS=1,3-propanediamine, N(1)-[2-thienylmethylidene]-N(3)-[[2-thienylmethylidene]aminopropyl] or Schiff di-base of dipropylenetriamine with 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde) to mono-bases with the release of one aldehyde molecule and freeing of the -NH(2) group of the coordinated dpta ligand. The X-ray determined structure of the compound [Cu(dptaS)Cl(2)] was confirmed by spectroscopic methods, magnetic and molar conductivity measurements. The Cu(II) atom is a five-coordinated CuN(3)Cl(2) chromophore with three nitrogen atoms coming up from the (dptaS) ligand and two chlorine atoms completing the square pyramidal geometry. Antiproliferative activity of both novel compounds was examined against a panel of different normal and cancer cell lines (MRC5, HeLa, MCF7, HT-29 and T47D) and showed that the Cu(II) Schiff mono-bases exhibit increased activity as compared to the starting materials. In vitro studies of plasmid DNA (pDNA) and double stranded DNA (dsDNA) interaction with the compounds under study support this difference. Some of the important factors contributing to the antiproliferative activity of the compounds under study, such as ionic character and dipole moment were also discussed in terms of the density functional theory calculated electronic structures of the ligands and their Cu(II) compounds.

A new series of coordination compounds of the starting materials [Cu(dienX(2)Y(2))] and their adducts [Cu(dienXXY(2))(2a-5mt)] (where dien=diethylenetriamine, dienXX=Schiff bases of diethylenetriamine with 2-furaldehyde or 2-thiophene-carboxaldehyde, X=O, S, Y=Cl, Br, NO(3) and 2a-5mt=2-amino-5-methylthiazole) were synthesized by stepwise reactions and their structures were established by C, H, N, Cu analysis, spectroscopic, magnetic and molar conductivity measurements. The isolated compounds are monomers, paramagnetic and electrolytic compounds of the type 1:1. In all cases, the pentadentate Schiff base (dienXX) is bonded in a tridentate fashion through the 3 N atoms. In the CudienXXY(2) compounds the coordination sphere is completed by two Cl or Br or NO(3) groups in a square pyramidal arrangement. The proposed structure for this type of compound was further supported by X-ray diffraction analysis of the compound [Cu(dienOO)Cl(2)]. Its basal plane consists of three Cu-N contacts [2.017(2), 2.025(2) and 2.012(2) A] from dienOO, and the Cl(1) atom, while the Cl(2) atom possesses the apical position, the relevant distances being 2.2732(7) A for Cu-Cl(1) and 2.6051(7) A Cu-Cl(2). In the CudienX(2)Y(2).2a-5mt adducts the coordination sphere of copper is further completed by the nitrogen ring atom of the 2a-5mt, forming an octahedral configuration. The study of the biological activity of the compounds synthesized against a panel of different normal and cancer cell lines (MRC5, HeLa, MCF7, HT-29, OAW42, T47D) and bacteria (E. coli, B. cereus, B. subtilis) showed that the adducts of the type [Cu(dienXXY(2))(2a-5mt)] exhibit increased activity both in cancer cells and in bacteria, compared to the starting material of type [Cu(dienXXY(2))].

The reaction of [Cu(dien)NO(3)]NO(3) with 2-amino-5-methylthiazole (2A5MT), 2-amino-2-thiazoline (2A-2Tzn), imidazole (im), N,N'-thiocarbonyldiimidazole (Tcdim), 2-aminothiazole (2AT) and 2-ethylimidazole (2Etim), gave a new series of mixed-ligand compounds of the general formula [Cu(dien)(B)NO(3))]NO(3); (dien, diethylenetriamine; B, 2A5MT, 2A-2Tzn, im, Tcdim, 2AT and 2Etim). The complexes have been characterised by elemental analysis, molar conductivity and magnetic measurements, as well as by electronic and IR spectral studies. According to the above measurements the possible structure of the compounds is the square pyramidal in the solid state and the square planar in aqueous solution. We tested all complexes for antiproliferative (cytostatic and cytotoxic) activity against a panel of cell lines (HeLa, L929, HT-29 and T47D). All [(dien)Cu(B)NO(3))](NO(3)) complexes had an activity against colon cancer cells (HT-29), inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, an effect that for most of the complexes could be attributed to p34cdc2 inhibition by tyrosine-phosphorylation and/or to induction of (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor) p21(WAF1). Other cell lines were resistant to the majority of the complexes, except [Cu(dien)(2A5MT)NO(3))](NO(3)), that had showed the highest anti-proliferative activity against HT-29 cells also. The predilection for colon cancer cells and the relatively low toxicity against normal (L929) cells justify further investigation of this group of compounds.

In endodontic practice, calcium hydroxide is widely used for a number of reasons associated with its high pH. The purpose of the present study was to determine in vitro the alkalizing potential of newly introduced calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points that are proposed for temporary filling of root canals. The materials tested were: calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points; chemical pure calcium hydroxide powder mixed with distilled water; and Reogan rapid, a nonsetting calcium hydroxide preparation. The materials were placed into dialysis tubing and transferred into plastic vials containing bidistilled water. Measurements were taken by a digital pH meter after 10, 20, and 30 s; 1, 15, and 30 min; and 1, 2, 3, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The calcium hydroxide containing gutta-percha points showed a significantly lower alkalizing potential than Reogan rapid and calcium hydroxide mixed with distilled water (p < 0.05).

The cytotoxic effects of neutral and alkaline EDTA solutions were evaluated and compared with those of sodium hypochlorite solution using an established cell line: L929. Cytotoxicity was assessed by a quantitative technique at five observation periods (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h). All tested agents showed moderate to severe cytotoxicity in the present experimental model in a concentration-dependent manner.

Complexes of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pt(II) metal ions with the anti-inflammatory drugs, 1-methyl-5-(p-toluoyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-acetic acid (Tolmetin), alpha-methyl-4-(2-methylpropyl)benzeneacetic acid (Ibuprofen), 6-methoxy-alpha-methylnaphthalene-2-acetic acid (Naproxen) and 1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-acetic acid (indomethacin) have been synthesized and characterized. In the structurally characterized Cd(naproxen)2 complex the anti-inflammatory drugs acts as bidentate chelate ligand coordinatively bound to metal ions through the deprotonated carboxylate group. Crystal data for 1: [C32H26O8Cd], orthorhombic, space group P22(1)2(1), a = 5.693(2) (A), b = 8.760(3) (A), c = 30.74(1) (A), V = 1533(1) A3, Z = 2. Antibacterial and growth inhibitory activity is higher than that of the parent ligands or the platinum(II) diamine compounds.

Sulforhodamine B (SRB) protein staining has been widely used for cell proliferation and chemosensitivity testing, substituting for tetrazolium-based assays. However, the cell fixation step in the original assay is subject to error. We tested whether aspiration of medium with an automatic microplate multiwash device prior to fixation improves the method for adherent cells. A panel of adherent cell lines was used. Signal-to-noise ratios were significantly increased in the new assay. Coefficients of variation (CV) between replicate wells were significantly lower especially at lower cell densities. The linearity of the method improved, with absolute linearity over the whole range of cell densities. The aspiration procedure dislodged only negligible numbers of cells. Cytotoxicity testing using the cytotoxic agent paclitaxel showed no IC50 (50% inhibitory concentration) differences between the new and original methods but a better CV was associated with the optimized protocol. We conclude that aspiration of the growth medium prior to fixing comprises a safe and reliable practice which improves CV, linearity and the signal-to-noise ratio of the SRB assay.

The cytotoxicity of two glass-ionomer root canal sealers (Ketac-Endo and Endion) was tested by using an established cell line, BHK21/C13. Under aseptic conditions, the sealers were prepared according to the manufacturers' directions, and 0.1 ml of each material was placed in petri dishes. After setting for 6 h, the sealers were covered with 20 x 10(4) cells per dish. The cultures were incubated at 37 degrees C for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Cytotoxicity was assessed by a quantitative technique at three observation periods. Endion was highly cytotoxic, causing a significant decrease in cell density. Ketac-Endo proved to be a very biocompatible material.

The role of intracanal medication in root canal treatment is very important. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) is considered to fulfill many of the properties of an ideal root canal dressing mainly due to its alkalizing pH. It is bacteriocidal and neutralizing to the remaining tissue debris in the root canal(s) and through the continuous release of OH- ions it promotes an alkalizing osteogenic environment for the surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to examine the pH values of various Ca(OH)2 based on compounds used as intracanal medicaments over a period of 5 days. The following materials were tested: Calasept, Calcicur, Calxyl blue, Calxyl red, Reogan rapid, and Tempcanal. After a fast OH- release period (2 h) each compound reached an asymptotic pH state. The results showed that all materials exhibited alkalizing pH with Reogan rapid, Calxyl Red, and Calcicur being the most potent (p = 0.05). The final pH of each compound correlated positively with the Ca(OH)2 mass fraction contained in it.