The replacement of a phenol group by an aniline or acetanilide group enhances the cytotoxicity of 2-ferrocenyl-1,1-diphenyl-but-l-ene compounds against breast cancer cells

We have previously shown that conjugated ferrocenyl p-phenols show strong cytotoxic effects against both the hormone-dependent MCF-7 and hormone-independent MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, possibly via oxidative quinone methide formation. We now present a series of analogous amine and acetamide compounds: 2-ferrocenyl-1-(4-aminophenyl)-1-phenyl-but-1-ene (Z+E-2), 2-ferrocenyl-1-(4-N-acetylaminophenyl)-1-phenyl-but-1-ene (Z-3), and their corresponding organic molecules 1-(4-aminophenyl)-1,2-bis-phenyl-but-1-ene (Z+E-4) and 1-(4-N-acetamidophenyl)-1,2-bis-phenyl-but-1-ene (Z+E-5). All of the compounds have adequate relative binding affinity values for the estrogen receptor; between 2.8% and 5.7% for ERα, and between 0.18% and 15.5% for ERβ, as well as exothermic ligand binding in in silico ER docking experiments. Compounds 2 and 3 show dual estrogenic/cytotoxic activity on the MCF-7 cell line; they are proliferative at low concentrations (0.1 μM) and antiproliferative at high concentrations (10 μM). On the MDA-MB-231 cell line, the ferrocenyl complexes 2 and 3 are antiproliferative with IC₅₀ values of 0.8 μM for 2 and 0.65 μM for 3, while the purely organic molecules 4 and 5 show no effect. Electrochemical experiments suggest that both 2 and 3 can be transformed to oxidized quinoid-type species, analogous to what had previously been observed for the ferrocene phenols.     

Determination of Tetracycline by Microdroplet Hydrodynamic Adsorptive Voltammetry Using a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Paste Rotating Disk Electrode

A novel and simple method is proposed for the determination of tetracycline by adsorptive voltammetry in a droplet using a carbon nanotube paste rotating disk electrode (CNTP-RDE). An enhanced electrochemical oxidation response of tetracycline was observed in pH 8.2 supporting electrolyte by the addition of a long-chain cationic surfactant, such as benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (zephiramine). Under the optimized experimental conditions, the calibration curve was linear across a tetracycline concentration range from 1.0?×?10^?7 to 2.0?×?10^?6 M. The limit of detection and sensitivity were 4.0?×?10^?8 M and 0.9358?A M^?1, respectively. This method was successfully employed for the determination of tetracycline in milk samples.     

Search for very light CP-odd Higgs Boson in radiative decays of Upsilon(1S)

We search for a non-SM-like CP-odd Higgs boson (a(1)(0)) decaying to tau(+)tau(-) or mu(+)mu(-) in radiative decays of the Upsilon(1S). No significant signal is found, and upper limits on the product branching ratios are set. Our tau(+)tau(-) results are almost 2 orders of magnitude more stringent than previous upper limits. Our data provide no evidence for a Higgs state with a mass of 214 MeV decaying to mu(+)mu(-), previously proposed as an explanation for 3 Sigma(+)-->pmu(+)mu(-) events observed by the HyperCP experiment. Our results constrain NMSSM models.     

Observation of chicJ radiative decays to light vector mesons

Using a total of 2.74 x 10(7) decays of the psi(2S) collected with the CLEO-c detector, we present a study of chi(cJ)-->gammaV, where V=rho(0), omega, phi. The transitions chi(c1)-->gammarho(0 and chi(c1)-->gammaomega are observed with B(chi(c1)-->gammarho(0))=(2.43+/-0.19+/-0.22) x 10(-4) and B(chi(c1)-->gammaomega)=(8.3+/-1.5+/-1.2) x 10(-5). In the chi(c1)-->gammarho(0) transition, the final state meson is dominantly longitudinally polarized. Upper limits on the branching fractions of other chi(cJ) states to light vector mesons are presented.     

XPS study of laser fabricated titanium/KaptonFN interfaces

KaptonFN film consists of a polyimide core that has been laminated with FEP fluoropolymer outer layers. This composite material's resistance to most chemical solvents, heat sealability and low moisture uptake make KaptonFN attractive as a packaging material for electronics and implantable devices. KaptonFN/Ti micro-joints were fabricated by using focused infrared laser irradiation. The micro-joints were mechanically debonded, and the KaptonFN/Ti interfaces were studied by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The locus of failure of the joints was found to be in the FEP layer near the interface with the Ti. The XPS results give evidence for the formation of TiF bond in the interfacial region.     

Inhibitory Effect of Nepeta deflersiana on Climax Bacterial Community Isolated from the Oral Plaque of Patients with Periodontal Disease

Background: The red-complex bacteria are one of the most significant complexes found simultaneously in subgingival plaque next to the periodontal pocket. The current antibacterial treatment is not adequate, and multidrug resistance to it is developing. Henceforth, the antibacterial effect of the ethanolic extract of Nepeta deflersiana was put to test against red-complex bacteria in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Well diffusion and micro broth dilution procedure by Alamar blue were applied to assess the zone of inhibition (ZOI), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Anti-virulence efficacies of the plant extract that comprise of adherence and formation of biofilms were examined by the process of adherence and biofilm production assay. Results: The crude extract of Nepeta deflersiana exhibited significant inhibitory outcome against periodontopathic bacteria with noteworthy MIC (0.78–3.12 mg/mL), inhibitory zone (12–20 mm), as well as MBC (3.12–12.50 mg/mL). The N. deflersiana extract inhibited bacterial adhesion ranging from 41% to 52%, 53% to 66%, and 60% to 79% at the given MIC × 0.5, MIC × 1, and MIC × 2 in succession. Substantial suppression was also developed in the biofilm production of the investigated periodontopathic strains following exposure to numerous concentrations of N. deflersianan extract for a period of 24 and 48 h. Conclusion: These outcomes divulge a new concept that N. deflersiana extract can be utilized to manufacture valuable antibacterial compounds to treat chronic and acute periodontitis. This identifies N. deflersiana as an essential natural source for future drug development.     

Neutral all metal aromatic half-sandwich complexes between alkaline earth and transition metals: an ab initio exploration

Structural Chemistry - Sandwich complexes find their interests among the chemists after the breakthrough discovery of ferrocene. Since then, a number of sandwich and half-sandwich complexes were...     

Insights into the Protective Effects of Thymoquinone against Toxicities Induced by Chemotherapeutic Agents

The drugs used to treat cancer not only kill fast-growing cancer cells, but also kill or slow the growth of healthy cells, causing systemic toxicities that lead to altered functioning of normal cells. Most chemotherapeutic agents have serious toxicities associated with their use, necessitating extreme caution and attention. There is a growing interest in herbal remedies because of their pharmacological activities, minimal side effects, and low cost. Thymoquinone, a major component of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa Linn, also known as black cumin or black seeds, is commonly used in Middle Eastern countries as a condiment. It is also utilized for medicinal purposes and possesses antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. This review attempts to compile the published literature demonstrating thymoquinone’s protective effect against chemotherapeutic drug-induced toxicities.