Structure Determination of a New Spirobicyclic Triterpenoid from Iris foetidissima

The novel iridal 10 has been isolated from rhizome extracts of Iris foetidissima. Its structure was established by spectroscopic methods and oxidative degradation. Final proof of the spirobicyclic nature of the compound – a new feature in the triterpenoid field – was afforded by the correlations observed in the 2D-HMBC- (¹H-detected multiple-bond heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence) spectrum. The possible biogenesis of this unusual compound is discussed.     

Light Dosimetry for Intraperitoneal Photodynamic Therapy in a Murine Xenograft Model of Human Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Few studies have been published to date measuring spatially resolved fluence rates in complex tissue geometries. Here the light distributions of three different intraperitoneal light delivery geometries in a murine ovarian cancer model were investigated to assess their influence on the tumorcidal efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). In vivo fluence rate measurements in the peritoneal cavities of mice, with the light intensity being mapped in three transverse planes, were performed using fiber-optic detectors. Three different source fiber designs and placements were tested for their ability to provide uniform irradiation of the peritoneal cavity. The biological response to a PDT protocol comprising three separate treatments administered at 72 h intervals, each consisting of a 0.25 mg kg intraperitoneal injection of benzopor-phyrin derivative-mono acid ring A followed 90 min later by delivery of 15 J of 690 nm light, was measured. The tissue response was evaluated by measuring the number of remaining visible lesions and the total residual tumor mass. Fluence rate measurements showed large variations in the fluence rate distribution for similar intended treatments. The most uniform and reproducible illumination was achieved using two 18 mm long cylindrical emitting optical fibers. The biological response was comparable to that produced when a flat-cleaved end optical fiber is used to illuminate the four quadrants of the abdomen sequentially. While a good reproducibility in tumor induction in this animal model exists, no correlation was found between the fluence rate distribution measured in one group of animals and the biological response in a separate group of similarly treated animals. Due to the large intra-animal variability in fluence rate distribution, representative fluence rate mapping in complex tissue geometries is of limited value when applied to an individual PDT treatment. Thus, surveillance of the fluence rate during individual treatments will be required for acceptable PDT dosimetry. To improve the versatility of this particular animal model for PDT research, a large number of extended sources are required to increase uniformity of the illumination in order to reduce unwanted cytotoxic side effects resulting from foci of high fluence rates. In this way, subsequent increase of the total energy delivered to the tumor may be possible.     

Intermolecular diels-alder reactions of n-acyl-n-alkyl(aryl)-1-amino-1,3-dienes

Intermolecular Diels-Alder additions of the readily available dienamides $\text{3}$ to various dienophiles proceeded in a regio- and stereoselective manner, allowing the preparation of complex anilides ($\text{5}$), cyclohexenyl amides ($\text{6}$, $\text{8}$) and bridged heterocycles ($\text{13}$).     

Three distinct distances in the plane

For n6 all sets of n points in the plane with three distinct distances are determined.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Laszlo Fejes Töth on the occasion of his eightieth birthday     

Determination of clodronate in aqueous solutions by HPLC using postcolumn derivatisation

A method for the determination of clodronate at ppm levels in aqueous solutions by HPLC is presented. Clodronate is first separated by anion exchange chromatography using a solution of nitric acid and sodium nitrate as eluent. Th-EDTA-XO mixed ligand complex is used as a postcolumn reagent for clodronate. Clodronate reacts quantitatively with this complex in slightly acid solutions, and a change in the absorbance of Th-EDTA-XO is used as a measure for the clodronate concentration. The detection limit is about 3 ppm, and the linear dynamic range of the method extends up to about 200 ppm. The RSD values varied between 5 and 16%. The effect of pH on appearance and retention of different forms of clodronate is studied. Different forms of clodronate can be separated and detected in the used anion-exchange system.     

Composition and properties of freeze-dried products of nicotinic acid withβ-cyclodextrin and heptakis (2,6-0-dimethyl)-β-cyclodextrin

The purpose of the study was to examine the formation of inclusion compounds in the freeze-dried products obtained from aqueous solutions of nicotinic acid and -cyclodextrin (-CD), or heptakis (2,6-0-dimethyl)--cyclodextrin (DIMEB). The molar ratios used were 1:1 and 2:1. In addition two freezing temperatures (–40 and –196°C) and different secondary drying temperatures (+50 and +80°C) were used. Freeze-dried products with -CD obtained after low temperature freezing are of the same crystallographic structure as seen in a pure inclusion compound prepared by coprecipitation. Amorphous products were formed after fast freezing. The molar ratios of included nicotinic acid in the freeze-dried products vary — dependent on the preparation conditions — between 0.75:1 and 1:1. A factorial design proves that the included drug amount can be increased by enhancement of the amount of nicotinic acid used, by faster freezing, and by the combination of these two factors. The proof of inclusion formation was given by a combination of X-ray diffractography, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry and thermofractography.The freeze-dried preparations obtained with DIMEB were amorphous mixtures of the two components. No proof for inclusion of the nicotinic acid in the cyclodextrin cavity could be given. Higher (–40°C) or lower (–196°C) freezing temperatures and the running of the secondary drying process could not influence these results. The very low stability constant of the complex and steric reasons are responsible for this behavior.     

High-Resolution,Higher-Order UV/VIS Derivative Spectrophotometry

Derivative spectrophotometry has gained increasing importance in the past two years and is currently experiencing vigorous development. Following and introduction the present article provides a review of this extremely effective method. In particular, the advantages of higher-order derivative spectrophotometry (HODS method, n > 2) are discussed on the basis of practical examples from a wide range of analytical fields. The results are achieved with the aid of a newly developed analog computer unit, whereby for the first time readily reproducible, low-noise, on-line spectra can be obtained up to the 7th order and even, in favorable cases, up to the 9th order. In practice it has proved valuable to work with spectra of the 3rd to 5th order; but even higher derivations could be profitable for the separation of strongly superposed signals or for “fingerprinting”.