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Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate the bone tissue reactions to TotalFill Bioceramic (BC) and Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealers in gamma-irradiated rats. Materials and methods: In this study, round osseous bone defects were produced in the tibia of 48 male Albino rats (weighing120–150g). Group 1: 9 control non-irradiated rats, Group 2: 9 control irradiated rats, and Group 3: 30 irradiated rats in which the surgical cavities were filled with TotalFill sealer in the right tibia and ZOE in the left tibia. The assigned animals were euthanized on 7, 14, and 28 days. For histopathological examination, tissue sections stained with H & E were examined by a light microscope. Results: At 7 days, the inflammatory response of all studied groups (1, 2, and 3) showed no significant differences (p-0.092). The inflammatory response significantly decreased from 14 to 28 days in all groups, virtually disappeared in the non-irradiated group whilst intense inflammatory infiltrate was still observed in 40% of ZOE group samples with a significant difference between TotalFill vs. ZOE sealer (p- < 0.009). Bone tissue at 14 days showed severe resorption in many areas in irradiated animals that reversed at 28 days. In group 3 treated with TotalFill sealer, fiber condensation was observed in surgical cavity at 14 days which was replaced by trabeculae of bone tissue at 28 days while this event was focal in ZOE sealer. Conclusion: TotalFill sealer proved to be more compatible and has some repair potential than ZOE sealer in irradiated animals

Buffel grassCenchrus ciliarisL. (Poaceae) is recognized as one of Australia's most serious environmental weeds. This introduced grass has been associated with loss of native species and alteration of fire regimes. However, it is also highly valued as a pasture species for arid and semi-arid zones and its weed status is highly controversial. This study was conducted at the private farm, Southern part of Alfashir Airport, North Darfur State, Sudan. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different periods of irrigation (DPI) on growth and forage yield ofCenchrus ciliarisduring years of 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates, the plot size was 8x5 m. Data collected included plant density, plant ground cover, plant height and dry matter yield. DPI showed significant effect on plant density, plant ground cover, Plant height and dry matter yield. The study showed that irrigation every 7 days (Ir1) was suitable for buffel grass at semi-arid zone in Sudan. Quantitative studies are needed to determine its ecological effects.

This study was conducted at the private farm, Southern part of Alfashir Airport, under the semi-arid condition of North Darfur State, Sudan. The objective was to test the effect of different seed rates (2, 4, 6, and 8 kg/ha) ofAlycicarpus ovalifoliuson plant growth attributes and forage yield, during two consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018) aiming to find the most suitable seed rate under rainfed condition in semi-arid zones to be used in pasture improvement. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates, the plot size was 8x5 m. Data collected included Plant density, plant ground cover and dry matter yield. There were significant effects of seeding rates on plant density, cover and yield. Seed rate of 8kg/ha had highest plant density, cover and yield. But the seed rate of 6kg/ha had the optimum performance, this seed rate was recommended for sowingAlycicarpus ovalifoliusat semi-arid condition for range improvement. Further research work is needed to assess seeding rates across different ecological zones in North Darfur State.

Background. The treatment of scars caused by burn is a difficult challenge in developing countries that includes enormous treatment cost. Burn scars tend to get worse with hypertrophy and contracture, leading to limitations of function. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to therapeutic ultrasound (US) on hypertrophic scar in pediatric burns. Methods. 45 children participated in the study, their age ranges from 12 to 15 years of age, suffering from hypertrophic scars. Each scar divided to 2 identical halves. One half received (LLLT) with deep friction massage and the other received therapeutic ultrasound with deep friction massage. Participants were assessed pre & post two months of study by Ultrasonography and Vancouver Scar Scale. Results. Significant improvement was reported in both halves of scar but laser was more effective in decreasing scar height, and lowering Vancouver scale score (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. LLLT and US are proficient and secure modalities for post-burn hypertrophic scars treatment in children.

This study aimed to evaluate shear bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate and biodentine to self-adhering flowable composite. Materials and Methods: eighty Double Split Teflon mold has been prepared with a central hole measuring (3mm in diameter and 2 mm in height) for the mold used for tested materials and (2mm in diameter and in height) for the other mold used for restorative material. The molds were filled with MTA and Biodentine. The mixing material MTA and biodentine applied to its mold (n = 40) and allocated into 2 groups. The specimens will store for72 hours at 37˚C and 100% humidity. After 72 hours, self-adhering flowable composite was applied over MTA and Biodentine with a height and diameter each of 2 mm. The samples were stored in Incubator for 24 hours at 37˚C to enhance setting and then removed from the mold. SBS was measured in a universal testing machine with a load cell of 5kN and a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using Graph Pad Instat. A value of P .05).Conclusion Biodentine exhibited higher SBS than MTA; therefore, they could be preferred under flowable composites

Lagonychium farctum (Banks & Sol.) Bobr.is a wild plant growing in the deserts of Upper Egypt as a prickly perennial shrub with monopodial branches. It belongs to family Leguminosae. The plant is usually branching from the base and attains up to 2.5 m in height. It is used in traditional system of medicine as an astringent as well as antidysenteric. The present study investigates various standardized parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic characters which could be helpful in authentication of the seed of Lagonychium farctum. (Banks & Sol.) Bobr.

This article proposes a bending angle controller for soft pneumatic actuators, which could be implemented in soft robotic rehabilitation gloves to assist patients with hand impairment, such as stroke survivors. A data-driven model is used to estimate the angle as pneumatic pressure is applied to the actuator. Furthermore, a finite element model was used to manually optimize the dimensions of the actuator. An embedded flex sensor, which together with a custom testing rig, was used to gather input data for the data-driven model. This rig contains a pneumatic pressure control circuit as well as a camera for image acquisition. Collected data were fed into a linear regression model to predict the data-driven model. Experiments were carried out to validate model’s accuracy as well as modified proportional–integral–derivative controller angle controller performance. The latter controller is designed to mitigate the non-linear response of solenoid valves at different pressures of the actuator. The data-driven model along with the used controller allows more accurate estimation and quicker response.

Purpose: The aim of this study was directed to compare the sealing ability of two materials which are conventional zinc oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles by measuring microleakage of both materials by stereo microscope and scanning electron microscope. Materials and Methods: Seventy extracted single-rooted human teeth with complete roots, fully formed apices and present a single canal without calcification were used. The crowns of all teeth were removed using a water-cooled, slow-speed diamond precision disc, so as to adjust the length of the roots to a standardized length of 16 mm. The samples were randomly divided into two main groups each one contains 35 samples according to the sealer used as follow: Group I: Conventional zinc oxide sealer & Group II: Zinc oxide nano-particles. Each main group was divided according to evaluation method as follow: Thirty roots were randomly selected from each group for the evaluation of sealing ability using dye penetration method to measure microleakage using stereo microscope and the rest (5 roots) were used in the SEM for representative evaluation of sealing ability of each sealer. In the stereo microscope part, the samples were further divided into three subdivisions according to the time of incubation period one week, one month and three months. Results: As for Dye leakage results of the sealing ability, zno nano-powder showed the statistically significantly highest sealing throughout all periods of examination, While conventional zno showed the statistically significantly lowest sealing throughout all periods of examination. For both zno nano sealer and conventional zinc oxide samples, the highest mean value of leakage was found in (After 3 months) followed by (After 1 week) while the least mean value of leakage was found in (After 1 month). Conclusion: Zinc Oxide nano particles based sealer has higher sealing ability than conventional zinc oxide based sealer.Nano sized particles allow more adaptation and penetration into dentinal tubules than macro sized one.

Further phytochemical investigation of Sanchezia nobilis Hook.f. (Acanthaceae) has afforded nine compounds, the cinnamyl alcohol glycosides: 9-O-β-glucopyranosyl trans-cinnamyl alcohol (1), 9-O-β-xylopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-glucopyranosyl trans-cinnamyl alcohol (2), and syringin (3); the neolignan glucoside: 4-O-β-glucopyranosyl dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (4); the benzyl alcohol glycosides: 7-O-β-glucopyranosyl benzyl alcohol (5) and 7-O-β-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-glucopyranosyl benzyl alcohol (6), together with the flavonoid glycosides: apigenin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (7), apigenin-7-Ogentiobioside (8), and apigenin-7-O-β-glucuronopyranoside (9). Compound 2 is isolated here for the first time from a natural source, compounds 1, 3, 4, and 8 have been isolated for the first time from the family Acanthaceae, while compounds 5–7 and 9 are reported for the first time from the genus Sanchezia.

The analysis of building structure in contact with soil involves an interactive process of stresses and strains developed within the structure and the soil field. The response of Piled-Raft Foundation system to the structure is very challenging because there is an important interplay between the component of building structure and the soil field. Herein, soil-foundation-structure interaction of buildings founded on Piled-Raft Foundation is evaluated through 3D-Nonlinear Finite Element Analyses using PLAXIS3D FOUNDATION code. The soil settlements and forces demand of the high-rise building structures and foundation is computed. The parametric study affecting the soil-foundation-structure response has been carried out. The parameters such as construction phasing, sequential loading, building aspect ratios, soil failure models and thickness proportion of soil field stiff layer, are considered. It is concluded that the interaction of building foundation-soil field and super-structure has remarkable effect on the structure.

Background Overdoses of Panadol (APAP) result in hepatic and renal toxicity. Up till now, there is no effective drug for APAP-enhanced nephrotoxicity. This work aims to explore the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine, Thymoquinone (THQ), Curcumin (CUR) and α-Lipoic acid (LA) either alone or in combination against APAP nephrotoxicity, focused on modulation of Bax/Bcl2 pathway. Methods APAP was administrated at a single dose then treated with the fore mentioned antioxidants. Results APAP administration increased serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels compared to control group. There is a marked depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), Bax level was overexpressed, whereas Bcl2 was downregulated in renal tissue. Histopathological examination of the kidney tissue supported these biochemical findings. Treatment with the fore mentioned anti-oxidants ameliorated most of the previous evaluated parameters and returned the kidney nearly to its normal architecture. Conclusion The expression of Bax and Bcl2 is considered one of the mechanisms underlying APAP-induced nephrotoxicity. The administration of THQ along with CUR could be a promising antidote for APAP renal damage through their antioxidant potential.

Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Sanchezia nobilis Hook. (Acanthaceae) has yielded matsutake alcohol (1-octen-3-ol) (1) and four matsutake alcohol glycosides identified as 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-1-octen-3-ol (2), 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranosyl-1-octen-3-ol (3), 3-O-α-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranosyl-1-octen-3-ol (4), and 3-O-α-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranosyl-1-octen-3-ol (5). The structures of the isolated compounds were assigned on the basis of different techniques of NMR spectral analysis. Compounds 1–4 have been isolated here for the first time from the family Acanthaceae, while compound 5 is isolated here for the first time from a natural source.

From the methanolic extract of the fresh berries of Solanum nodiflorum Jacq. (Solanaceae), Four known steroidal saponins were reported and identified as: (20S)-3s, 16 s -dihydroxy preg-5-ene-22-carboxylic acid-(22,16)-lactone-3-8- chacotrioside (Dumoside 1) and 3 s - dihydroxy pregn-5,16-dien-20-one 3-0- s chacotrioside; (Aethienolone 4), 3-0-a-L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-a-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)- s -D-glucopyranosyl (25R,26R)-spirost-5-ene-3s, 17α, 26-triol 2 and s -chacotriosyl-(22,26R)-furost-5-ene-3 s,17α,22,26-tetraol-26-O- s -D-glucopyranoside 3. Their structures were identified by extensive 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and DEPT-13C-NMR data as well as comparison with reported spectroscopic data.

Further phytochemical study on the aerial parts of Cyperus rotundus L. led to the isolation of a fructose-amino acid conjugate, N-(1-deoxy-alpha-D-fructos-1-yl)-L-tryptophan (16) and its tautomers, in addition to n-butyl-beta-D-fructopyranoside (1), ethyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (2), adenosine (3), (-)-(E)-caffeoylmalic acid (4), vitexin (5), isovitexin (6), orientin (7), epiorientin (8), myricetin 3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (9), luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside-6''-methyl ester (10), chlorogenic acid (11), luteolin 4'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (12), luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside (13), uridine (14) and ellagic acid (15). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods. Additionally, antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities of some of the isolated phenolic compounds were carried out.

The detailed macro- and micromorphological characters of the leaf stem and flower of Sanchezia nobilis Hook. were studied with the aim to find out the diagnostic elements of these organs, which facilitate their identification in both entire and powdered forms.

The concentrated 70% ethanolic extracts of the air-dried powdered leaves and stem bark of Flacourtia cataphracta were subjected separately to solvent fractionation by partitioning using n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate respectively. Each concentrated fraction was subjected to TLC followed by isolation, purification and identification of the available constituents. Fourteen compounds were isolated and identified by different spectral tools (UV, IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS) and comparison with corresponding literature data.  -amyrin (1),  -amyrin (2), and a mixture of  -sitosterol and stigmasterol (3) were isolated from nhexane fraction of both leaves and stem bark. 2-Oxo-18benzolyloxy-13(16), 14-tetrahydrocleroda-3-ene (4), 3 -acetoxyD:A friedo oleanan-27,16  -lactone (5), 4,4'-dihydroxychalcone (6), apigenin (7) and kampferol (8) were isolated from chloroform fraction of the stem bark.  -Sitosterol-3-O -D-glucoside (9), 5-Ocaffeoylquinic acid (10) were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaves in addition to vanillin (11), benzoic acid (12), protocatechuic acid (13) and flacourtin (14) from the ethyl acetate fraction of the stem bark. The different leaf extracts were subjected to biological study which revealed that n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of Flacourtia cataphracta Roxb. are safe to be used as antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug.

Sixteen phenolic compounds, scopoletin (1), isoliquiritigenin 4-methyl ether (2), luteolin 5,3-dimethyl ether (3), luteolin 7,3-dimethyl ether (4), aureusidin 4-methyl ether (5), apigenin (6),luteolin (7), trans-ferulic acid (8), luteolin 4-O- -D-glucopyranoside(9), luteolin 7-O- -D-glucopyranoside (10), quercetin3-O- -D-glucopyranoside (11), apigenin 7-O-neohesperidoside(12), kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (13), quercetin 3-O-rutinoside(14), kaempferol 3-O-[2-O-D-xylopyranosyl-6-O--L-rhamnopyranosyl]- -D-glucopyranoside (15) and kaempferol 3-O-[2-OD-glucopyranosyl-6-O--L-rhamnopyranosyl]- -D-glucopyranoside(16) were isolated from the methanolic extract of theinflorescences of Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. for the first time.Their structures have been established on the basis of physical,chemical and spectroscopic methods in addition to comparisonwith literature data and/or authentic samples. The antioxidant andcytotoxic activities in addition to -amylase inhibitory activity ofthe isolated compounds have been studied.

Worldwide, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women and the third most common cancer. Although our understanding of the molecular basis of this fatal disease has improved, this malignancy remains elusive. Melatonin (Mel), retinoic acid (RA) and Nigella sativa (NS) are substances with anticancer effects. To date, our understanding of the mechanisms of therapeutic effects of these products in mammary cancer is still marginal. To look at the preventive and therapeutic values of these products, we carried out this investigation. An animal model formed of 80 rats was established. The animals were divided into eight groups of 10 animals each: (a) control group injected with the same vehicle used for treatments in the relevant dosages and routes; (b) carcinogen group injected with the known carcinogenic substance 7,12-di-methylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) that induces mammary carcinoma; (c) three prophylactic (Pro) groups (Mel-Pro, RA-Pro and NS-Pro) injected with test substances (Mel, RA and NS, respectively) 14 days before the intake of the carcinogenic substance DMBA and then continued until the end of the experiments; and (d) three treated (Tr) groups (Mel-Tr, RA-Tr and NS-Tr) injected with the vehicles after the intake of DMBA. In both the Pro and Tr groups, the drugs were daily administered for 3 months. The animals were killed, and their serum and tissues were evaluated for (a) markers of tumorigenicity [serum levels of total sialic acid (TSA) and lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA)], (b) markers of endocrine derangement (serum prolactin, estradiol and progesterone levels), (c) apoptotic changes [serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, tissue caspase-3 activity, percentage of DNA fragmentation and ultrastructural features of apoptosis] and (d) markers of oxidative stress (tissue levels of lipid peroxides and nitric oxide). Carcinoma was absent both in the control and in the NS-Pro groups. Mammary carcinoma occurred in DMBA and other Pro and Tr groups. The frequency of mammary carcinoma was high in the carcinogen DMBA group (60%), followed by the Tr (56%) and finally the Pro groups (33%). These tumours included papillary, comedo and cribriform carcinomas. As compared with the control group, the development of carcinoma in the carcinogen DMBA group was associated with increased levels of (a) markers of tumorigenicity (77.0 +/- 3.3 vs. 209.0 +/- 5.6 and P < 0.05 for TSA; 28.7 +/- 1.7 vs. 41.8 +/- 1.2 and P < 0.01 for LSA), (b) markers of endocrine derangement (2.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.3 and P < 0.05 for prolactin; 39.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 24.8 +/- 2.1 and P < 0.01 for progesterone and 31.0 +/- 0.7 vs. 51.1 +/- 3.4 and P < 0.01 for estradiol) and (c) markers of oxidative stress (2.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 5.2 +/- 0.7 and P < 0.01 for lipid peroxides and 4.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 7.6 +/- 0.8 and P < 0.01 for nitric oxide). Also, it was associated with decreased levels of markers of apoptotic activity (20.8 +/- 1.1 vs. 13.4 +/- 0.7 and P < 0.01 for caspase-3; 29.0 +/- 1.7 vs. 20.9 +/- 1.3 and P < 0.05 for percentage of DNA fragmentation; and 9.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 52.1 +/- 3.3 and P < 0.01 for TNF-alpha). When compared with the carcinogen DMBA group, the development of carcinoma in the Pro and Tr groups was associated with decreased levels of (a) markers of tumorigenicity, (b) markers of endocrine derangement and (c) markers of oxidative stress. Alternatively, carcinogenicity was associated with statistically significant (P < 0.01) increased levels of markers of apoptotic activity. To conclude, the administration of Mel, RA and NS reduced the carcinogenic effects of DMBA, suggesting a protective role. The possible underlying mechanisms of these effects await further investigations.

The macro- and micromorphology of the aerial parts (leaves, culm and inflorescence) of Cyperus rotundus L. growing in Egypt are presented aiming for the determination of the diagnostic features by which each part can be identified in the entire and powdered forms.

Seven known quinovic acid glycosides were isolated for the first time from the n-​BuOH fraction of the 70​% ethanol ext. of Zygophyllum aegyptium A. Hosny sp. nov. These compds. were identified as: quinovic acid 3β-​O-​β-​D-​quinovopyranoside, quinovic acid 3β-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranoside, 3-​O-​[α-​L-​arabinosyl-​(1→2)​-​β-​D-​quinovopyranosyl]​quinovic acid , 3-​β-​O-​β-​D-​quinovopyranosylquinovic acid-​28-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranosyl ester, 3-​β-​O-​[β-​D-​2-​O-​sulfonyl quinovopyranosyl]​-​quinovic acid-​28-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranosyl ester (zygophyloside F)​, 3-​β-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranosylquinovic acid 28-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranosyl ester , 3β-​O-​[β-​D-​2-​O-​sulfonyl glucopyranosyl]​-​quinovic acid-​28-​O-​[β-​D-​glucopyranosyl] ester (zygophyloside G)​, in addn. to, β-​sitosterol glucoside. The structure elucidation of these compds. was detd. by phys., chem. and spectroscopic methods.

Five megastigmane glycosides have been isolated from the seeds of Trifoliumalexandrinum L., of which two are known compounds, while three are new compounds showingthe presence of apiofuranosyl- (1→2)-glucopyranosyl residue as a sugar moiety. The structures ofthe isolated compounds were established on the basis of NMR and mass spectral data.

A new lupin alkaloid, (−)-13 β -hydroxymultiflorine, was isolated from an ethanol extract of the seeds of Lupinus varius , together with 13 known lupin alkaloids. In addition, two new lupin alkaloids, (+)-2 β -hydroxyaphylline and (+)-13 α -hydroxyaphyllidine, were isolated from seeds of L. hartwegii , together with another 11 known lupin alkaloids. The identification of all compounds was established by spectral analysis.

The characteristic novel steroidal glycosides of the 23,26-oxygenated spirostanol-type and 16,22-dicarbonyl cholestanol-type obtained in our laboratory underwent the peculiar reactions of side-chain fission between C-22 and C-23 of the steroidal skeleton by acid or alkaline hydrolysis. These reactions would be applied to the structural determination of these sorts of glycosides and suggest the biogenetic pathway of the occurrence of C-22 lactone-type glycosides.

A new pentacyclic oleanene triterpene, 2beta, 3beta, 16alpha, 28-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-ene-23-oic acid (1), as well as the known pentacyclic triterpene medicagenic acid (2), have been isolated by different chromatographic techniques from the acid hydrolysate of the saponin fraction of Gladiolus segetum. The identification of these compounds was established by different methods of physical, chemical and spectral evidence.

A new lupin alkaloid, (−)-Δ 5 -dehydroalbine, was isolated from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Lupinus termis together with some unusual lupin alkaloids, (−)-albine, (−)-11,12- seco -12,13-didehydromultiflorine and (−)-13α-hydroxymultiflorine. The structure of the new alkaloid ( 1 ) was presumed to be (−)-Δ 5 -dehydroalbine on the basis of its spectroscopic data. The unusual type of lupin alkaloids substituted at C-13 such as (−)-albine and (−)-Δ 5 -dehydroalbine are assumed to be derived possibly from (−)-13α-hydroxymultiflorine via an aza-Cope rearrangement as the key step.

Further phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of Cyperus rotundus L. afforded a new steroid glycoside named sitosteryl (6'-hentriacontanoyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4) in addition to three furochromones, khellin (2), visnagin (3) and ammiol (9). Furthermore, benzo-alpha-pyrone (coumarin) (1), salicylic acid (5), caffeic acid (6), protocatechuic acid (7), p-coumaric acid (8), tricin (10) and isorhamnetin (11) were isolated. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic methods. The isolated furochromones were tested for insect antifeedant activity against larvae Spodoptera littoralis when incorporated in artificial diet and offered to larvae in a chronic feeding bioassay. Also, visnagin, khellin and sitosteryl (6'-hentriacontanoyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside showed strong cytotoxic activity against L5178y mouse lymphoma cells and were also active in the brine shrimp lethality test.

The essential oil obtained from the leaves of the typical form of Lycopersicon hirstum Humb. et Bonpl. (Solanaceae) was analyzed by GC/MS. It was found to contain 48 components of which 17 have been identified. The oil was rich in oxygenated compounds with piperitone as the major component (11.66%). Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were present in a moderate concentration while monoterpene hydrocarbons were detected only in small concentrations.

By using beta-cyclodextrin-inclusion as a unique technique, an efficient separation of pharmacologically active phenolic compounds from Brazilian propolis was achieved to provide one new compound, 3-(3-hydroxy-3-methyl-butyl)-5-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, together with two common cinnamic acid derivatives, artepillin C and capillartemisin A, and two known flavanols, aromadendrin and 3,5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavanol.

A new lupin alkaloid (+)-15β-hydroxy-17-oxolupanine was isolated from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Lupinus albus together with (+)-tetrahy

A simple 19F NMR spectrometric method was proposed for the determination of the partition coefficients of fluorinated psychotropic drugs, trifluoperazine (TFPZ), flunitrazepam (FNZ) and flurazepam (FZ) between phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayer of small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) and water (buffer). Each 19F NMR spectrum of these drugs in the presence of PC SUV showed a single signal accompanying a PC concentration-depending shift change and broadening, which indicated a fast exchange of these drugs between the water phase and the PC bilayer of SUV. From the relationship between the 19F chemical shift change (Deltadelta) of each drug and the PC concentration, the molar partition coefficients (K(p)'s) were calculated and obtained with a good precision of RSD below 6%. The fractions of the partitioned drugs calculated by using the obtained K(p)-values were in a good agreement with the experimental values. The results demonstrate that the 19F NMR method can be usefully applied to the determination of partition coefficients of many drugs having fluorine atom(s) without any separation procedure, especially for drugs which do not have absorption in the ultraviolet or visible region, or those having absorption but show insignificant spectral changes according to their incorporation to PC bilayers (e.g. FNZ).

Two stilbene glucosides, oxyresveratrol 2-O-beta-glucopyranoside and resveratrol 3,4'-O,O'-di-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and a 2-arylbenzofuran glucoside, schoenoside, were isolated from the rhizomes of Schoenocaulon officinale, along with five known compounds, oxyresveratrol 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, oxyresveratrol, resveratrol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, mulberroside A and moracin M 3'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. The structural elucidations were based on analyses of both physical and spectroscopic data.

The affinity of the psychotropic benzodiazepine drugs diazepam (DZ) and flurazepam (FZ) to phosphatidylserine (PS) was examined since PS is abundantly contained in brain membranes. The effect of PS content on the partition coefficients (K(p)s) of these drugs between phosphatidylcholine (PC)-PS bilayer membranes of small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) and water was measured using second derivative spectrophotometry. The second derivative spectra of DZ and FZ measured in the solutions containing various amounts of PC-PS SUV clearly showed derivative isosbestic points and a distinct derivative intensity change depending on the amount of the SUV added. The derivative intensity differences (AD) of the drugs before and after addition of the SUV suspension were measured at a specific wavelength. Using the AD values, the Kp values were calculated and obtained with relative standard deviation of below 10%. The Kp values of both drugs increased according to the PS content in the PS-PC bilayer membranes of the SUV proving that both have higher affinity to the PC-PS bilayer membranes than to PC membranes. The effect was much larger for FZ, i.e., the Kp value of FZ at 30 mol% PS content increased to about five times the value for the PC SUV. This can be explained by the fact that at the experimental pH of 7.4, 80% of FZ molecules are in a cationic form (pKa=8.1), so that these molecules are highly accessible to the negatively charged PS molecules. The results support the rapid and high distribution of DZ and FZ in the central nervous system after their administration.

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the predictors of cardiovascular risks in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. Data sources They included medical text books, medical journals, and medical websites that have updated research with keywords 'cardiovascular risks' in the title of the paper. Study selection Systematic reviews that addressed OSA syndrome and studies that addressed cardiovascular risks in OSA syndrome were included. Data extraction Special search was performed at midline with keywords 'cardiovascular risks' in the title of the papers; extraction was made, including assessment of the quality and validity of papers that met with the prior criteria that describe cardiovascular risks in OSA syndrome. Data synthesis Each study was reviewed independently; obtained data were rebuilt in new language according to the need of the researcher and arranged in topics through the article. Recent findings There is also strong evidence supporting the association between sleep apnea and hypertension, arrhythmias, and coronary heart disease, as well as overall cardiovascular mortality. OSA is accompanied by activation of multiple cardiovascular disease mechanisms. Conclusion OSA, presumably mainly through intermittent hypoxia, is associated with oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and vascular endothelium damage and dysfunction. Both systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are aggravated when sleep-disordered breathing is associated with other comorbid conditions, such as morbid obesity. There are new directions regarding upper airway collapse mechanisms, such as pharyngeal denervation. There is also strong evidence supporting the association between sleep apnea and hypertension, arrhythmias, and coronary heart disease, as well as overall cardiovascular mortality.