Wet sol–gel silica matrices as delivery devices for phenytoin

Wet sol–gel silica matrices produced under different hydrolysis conditions were used as delivery devices to the active principle of an antiepileptic drug (phenytoin sodium), encapsulated during the condensation stage. Post-incorporation into dry silica powder was an alternative loading procedure. It was proven by infrared spectroscopy that neither the silica network nor the drug loose integrity by encapsulation. The kinetics of in vitro drug release was studied at 37 °C, to water and to artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). Emphasis has been given to the release to ACSF under dynamic conditions (with fluid renovation, emulating what occurs in the brain). Different delivery regimes were identified and correlated with the loading method and the matrix structure. Matrices with lower total porosity and smaller average pore size proved to be better for a long term release. Renovation of ACSF is relevant to assure a constant concentration of phenytoin in the vicinity of the device.     

Thermal analysis of hair treated with oxidative hair dye under influence of conditioners agents

This research aimed the effect on Caucasian hair tresses treated with oxidative hair dye, either incorporated or not with conditioners agents, analyzed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The formulations of hair dyes were emulsions oil-in-water with light blond color containing or not the conditioners agents: silanetriol and panthenol; PEG-12 dimethicone; hydrolyzed silk, hydrolyzed milk protein, and lactose. Each dye (1.5 g) was applied in the hair tress (2.0 g/20.0 cm of length of Caucasian light-brown), previously treated, more 1.5 g of hydrogen peroxide 20 vol during 40 min. Evaluation of mass loss of the different hair sample demonstrates that these chemical hair treatments impair the hair fibers, reduced their moisture content with respect to the untreated hair. The incorporation of conditioners agents (silanetriol and panthenol; PEG-12 dimethicone; hydrolyzed silk, hydrolyzed milk protein, and lactose) in oxidative hair dyes types did not decrease the damage caused on the tresses by the coloring process quantified by TG/DTG. However, the DSC curves demonstrated those conditioners agents (silanetriol and panthenol; PEG-12 dimethicone) dislocated the beginning of the third event in 20 °C and they inhibited the presence of the fourth event, having characterized thermal protection to the hair.     

Ultrasonic sizing of embedded vertical cracks in ferritic steel welds

Embedded vertical cracks are very often encountered in structural components necessitating reliable procedure for determining their size. Specialized ultrasonic techniques are required for estimation of through thickness height of these cracks [Mater. Eval. (1970) 28; J. NDI 26 (1977) 320; NND (1975) 146]. The conventional pulse-echo technique has serious limitations for quantitative estimation of vertical cracks because it is subject to variations due to reflectivity, coupling factors etc. The present study aims to improve the accuracy of embedded crack height measurement based on transit time rather than the reflected amplitude [NDT Int. (1982) 315; J. JSNDT 27 (1978) 118]. A unique method has been developed for generating known sizes of fatigue cracks ranging from 2.5 to 18 mm in height and 15 mm in length. These cracks were generated in rectangular steel specimens and subsequently embedded at predetermined locations using welding. These welded specimens containing the embedded vertical cracks were examined using ultrasonic techniques based on transit time like (a) flaw tip echo method and (b) mode conversion method. Using both the techniques excellent agreement was obtained between the estimated crack height and actual crack height with an accuracy of ±1 mm.     

Spectral,electrochemical and computational investigations on the host–guest interaction of Coumarin-460 with <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-sulfonatocalix[4]arene

The supramolecular host–guest investigation of Coumarin 460 (C460), a salient coumarin family dye molecule is studied with a noteworthy host molecule, p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (p-SC4). The investigation is carried out by both experimental and theoretical approach. The binding affinity of C460 with p-SC4 is experimentally studied using absorption, emission, excited state lifetime and Cyclic Voltammetry methods. The binding constant is around 10³ M^??1, which shows potent binding. The binding stoichiometry is 1:1. The binding orientations and binding energies are studied using computational simulations. The mode of binding is also established using NMR spectral techniques.     

Crystal and molecular structure of the complex boron triferrocenyl-pyridine

The title compound is C₃₅H₃₂NBFe₃, monoclinic,P2₁/n,a=14.204 (4),b=11.582 (4),c=17.547 (6) Å,=101.46 (2)°. The structure was solved by the heavy-atom method and refined by least-squares techniques to anR factor of 0.037 for 3148 observed reflections. The X-ray study confirms that in the solid state the structure of the title compound is similar to that inferred from chemical and spectroscopic evidence. The B atom is coordinated by three ferrocenyl groups and a pyridine ring in a distorted tetrahedral array. The molecule has a nearly three-fold axis normal to the plane defined by the ferrocenyl groups. The B-N distance of 1.656 (5) Å is larger than that obtained for other compounds studied. Bond lengths and angles for the whole structure are all in accord with similar compounds. The pyridine and cyclopentadienyl rings are planar. The H atoms of the cyclopentadienyl rings are displaced significantly toward their corresponding Fe atom. The molecules in the crystal are packed at normal van der Waals distances. No unusually short intermolecular contacts are noted.     

A facile and efficient synthesis of highly functionalised 3,3′-dispiropyrrolidine- and 3,3′-dispiropyrrolizidine bisoxindoles via [3+2] cycloaddition

The [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of azomethine ylides with isomerised Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts, both dipoles and dipolarophiles are derived from isatin, afforded highly functionalised 3,3′-dispiro pyrrolidine- and 3,3′-dispiropyrrolizidine bisoxindoles in high yields.     

Transfer measurements for the Ti+Ni systems at near barrier energies

Large enhancements have been observed in the sub-barrier fusion cross sections for Ti+Ni systems in our previous studies. Coupled channel calculations incorporating couplings to 2⁺ and 3⁻ states failed to explain these enhancements completely. A possibilty of transfer channels contributing to the residual enhancements had been suggested. In order to investigate the role of relevant transfer channels, measurements of one- and two-nucleon transfer were carried out for ^46,48Ti+⁶¹Ni systems. The present paper gives the results of these studies.     

Propanediol (and) Caprylic Acid (and) Xylitol as a New Single Topical Active Ingredient against Acne: In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy Assays

In addition to dermatological complications, acne can affect the quality of life of individuals in numerous ways, such as employment, social habits and body dissatisfaction. According to our expertise, caprylic acid and propanediol would not have a direct action on Cutibacterium acnes. Despite this, we investigated the existence of a synergistic effect among xylitol, caprylic acid and propanediol as a mixture of compounds representing a single topical active ingredient that could benefit the treatment against acne. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to challenge and to prove the efficacy of propanediol, xylitol and caprylic acid (PXCA) against acne. PXCA had its MIC challenged against C. acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus, resulting in concentrations of 0.125% and 0.25%, respectively, and it also developed antimicrobial activity against C. acnes (time-kill test). PXCA was able to reduce the 5-alpha reductase expression in 24% (p < 0.01) in comparison with the testosterone group. By the end of 28 days of treatment, the compound reduced the skin oiliness, porphyrin amount and the quantity of inflammatory lesions in participants. According to the dermatologist evaluation, PXCA improved the skin’s general appearance, acne presence and size.     

A facile and efficient stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalised trisubstituted alkene derivatives of ferrocenealdehyde

The reaction of the Baylis–Hillman adduct 2 of ferrocenealdehyde with various oxygen and carbon nucleophiles in the presence of montmorillonite K10 clay catalyst furnished highly functionalised trisubstituted alkene derivatives of ferrocenealdehyde in excellent yield. Synthetic use of one of products 7 has been demonstrated with the synthesis of a 1,3-diyne ether derivative of ferrocene 16 via an Eglinton coupling reaction.