A finite element method for two–parameter singularly perturbed problems in 2D

We consider a singularly perturbed elliptic problem with two small parameters posed on the unit square. Based on a decomposition of the solution, we prove uniform convergence of a finite element method in an energy norm. The method uses piecewise bilinear functions on a layer-adapted Shishkin mesh. Numerical results confirm our theoretical analysis. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Substituted Aryl Benzylamines as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 3

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) is expressed at high levels in testes and seminal vesicles; it is also present in prostate tissue and involved in gonadal and non-gonadal testosterone biosynthesis. The enzyme is membrane-bound, and a crystal structure is not yet available. Selective aryl benzylamine-based inhibitors were designed and synthesised as potential agents for prostate cancer therapeutics through structure-based design, using a previously built homology model with docking studies. Potent, selective, low nanomolar IC₅₀ 17β-HSD3 inhibitors were discovered using N-(2-([2-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenylamino]methyl)phenyl)acetamide (1). The most potent compounds have IC₅₀ values of approximately 75 nM. Compound 29, N-[2-(1-Acetylpiperidin-4-ylamino)benzyl]-N-[2-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]acetamide, has an IC₅₀ of 76 nM, while compound 30, N-(2-(1-[2-(4-chlorophenoxy)-phenylamino]ethyl)phenyl)acetamide, has an IC₅₀ of 74 nM. Racemic C-allyl derivative 26 (IC₅₀ of 520 nM) was easily formed from 1 in good yield and, to determine binding directionality, its enantiomers were separated by chiral chromatography. Absolute configuration was determined using single crystal X-ray crystallography. Only the S-(+)-enantiomer (32) was active with an IC₅₀ of 370 nM. Binding directionality was predictable through our in silico docking studies, giving confidence to our model. Importantly, all novel inhibitors are selective over the type 2 isozyme of 17β-HSD2 and show <20% inhibition when tested at 10 µM. Lead compounds from this series are worthy of further optimisation and development as inhibitors of testosterone production by 17β-HSD3 and as inhibitors of prostate cancer cell growth.     

Microscopy in the studies of polymer biodegradation

The goal of the paper is to overview different possibilities of microscopy, which can be helpful in estimating some of the changes undergoing in the materials exposed to the action of micro-organisms. The types of microscopic techniques and methods discussed in the paper are; optical transmission microscopy (OTM), optical transmission microscopy with polarised light (OPTM), optical reflected microscopy (ORM), optical reflected microscopy with polarised light (OPRM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The above methods allow to follow the changes of the surface view, the changes inside the polymer and the changes in birefringence (in the case of semi-crystalline polymers). The results can be compared with other techniques used for monitoring of polymer biodegradation or biostability. The examples from author's studies on different types of polyurethanes and the blends of polyethylene with starch are also described in the paper.     

Studies on the mechanism of the Cadogan-Sundberg indole synthesis

The Cadogan-Sundberg indole synthesis produces two major products from the treatment of 2-nitrostilbenes with triethyl phosphite, which are the 2-arylindoles and the corresponding 2-aryl-N-ethoxyindoles. We were interested in determining the origin of the oxygen atom in the 2-aryl-N-ethoxyindoles. In this study, we verify that this oxygen atom originates from the nitro group and not from the triethyl phosphite.     

Liquid crystalline formulations containing modified surface TiO2 nanoparticles obtained by sol–gel process

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is an inorganic compound used as sunscreen in cosmetic/pharmaceutical formulations as a way to prevent the skin cancer. In this work we have used surface modified titania nanoparticles obtained by thermo-reversible sol?Cgel transition showing transparency in the range of temperature typical for sunscreen use (between 20 and 45?°C). The goal of this work was to develop and characterize liquid crystalline cosmetic formulations containing surface modified titania nanoparticles. We have analyzed the citotoxicity of the nanoparticles, their zeta potential and the liquid crystalline phase behavior of the formulations. The violet crystal assay has shown no citotoxicity associated to the presence of surface modified groups on the two cell lines tested, human keratinocytes and fibroblasts, presenting more than 70% of cell viability for all analyzed nanoparticles. The zeta potential measurements revealed a negative charged surface for TiO₂ nanoparticles at pH values in the range of 6.5?C7.0, preventing the aggregation and maintaining the final transparency of the liquid crystalline sunscreen formulations. The polarized light microscopy, associated to SAXS, have shown the presence of liquid crystalline phases both with and without TiO₂ nanoparticles. The charged surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles maintains the stability of the formulations and the liquid crystalline structure. This renders this system a good candidate for being used simultaneously as sunscreen and as controlled release system of anti cancer drugs.