Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effects of Magnolia dealbata and its active compounds

Multi-drug resistance is of great concern for public health worldwide and necessitates the search for new antimicrobials from sources such as plants. Several Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) species have been reported to exert antimicrobial effects on sensitive and multidrug-resistant microorganisms. However, the antimicrobial properties of Magnolia dealbata have not been experimentally evaluated. The antimicrobial effects of an ethanol extract of Magnolia dealbata seeds (MDE) and its active compounds honokiol (HK) and magnolol (MG) were tested against the phytopathogen Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis and several human multi-drug resistant pathogens using the disk-diffusion assay. The effects of MDE and its active compounds on the viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated using MTT assay. MDE and its active compounds had antimicrobial activity (inhibition zone > 10 mm) against C. michiganensis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Trichosporon belgeii. The results suggest that M. dealbata and its active compounds have selective antimicrobial effects against drug-resistant fungal and Gram (-) bacteria and exert minimal toxic effects on human PMBC.     

A molecular probe for the optical detection of biogenic amines

A coumarin derivative was employed for the detection of biogenic amines in buffered aqueous solution by UV-Vis or fluorescence spectroscopy. Incorporated in a polymeric matrix, the dye can also be used for the optical detection of gaseous amines.     

A bright tetranuclear iridium(III) complex

A cyclic tetranuclear cyclometallated iridium(III) complex using cyanide anions as bridging ligands and displaying a tetrahedrally distorted square geometry has been obtained with high yield; photo- and electrochemical characterizations show that most interesting properties of mononuclear cyclometallated iridium complexes are retained in the tetranuclear assembly.     

Stability of Parathion-Methyl,Methiocarb, DDT and 2,4-D in Solid-Phase Extraction Precolumns Packed with a Polymeric Reversed Phase

Abstract

The stability of parathion-methyl, methiocarb, DDT and 2,4-D, adsorbed on the polymeric PLRP-S phase packed in small stainless steel precolumns was examined, with a view to propose the use of these precolumns as alternative means for the transport of water samples. First, water samples spiked with the studied pesticide at low μg/l concentration levels were extracted and preconcentrated in the precolumns, using appropriate conditions for a total recovery. Then, the precolumns were stored at room temperature (15—20°C) or at 35°C for different time periods. At the end of the respective period each precolumn was coupled to an HPLC column via a switching valve and was on-line analyzed by reversed phase chromatography with UV detection. The four pesticide recoveries after one week in the precolumn at room temperature were higher than 90%. The same was true at 35°C except for DDT, which suffered a 30% degradation in one week. Further studies showed that DDT and parathion-methyl were stable at least for five weeks in precolumns stored at room temperature. Methiocarb also was stable for this period but storing the precolumns at 4°C.     

The structure of azines derived from C‐formyl‐1H‐imidazoles in solution and in the solid state: tautomerism,configurational and conformational studies

The structures of three azines derived from 2‐formylimidazole, 4(5)‐formylimidazole, and 4(5)‐formyl‐5(4)‐methylimidazole have been determined in solution and in the solid state. Density Functional Theory (DFT) Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM) calculations (geometries, energies, and chemical shifts), NMR [solution and cross polarization magic‐angle spinning (CPMAS)], and X‐ray crystallography [azine of 4(5)‐formylimidazole] have been used. The configuration around the central C = N bonds has been determined and some insights about prototropic tautomerism and conformation have been gained. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the use of V-mask techniques to estimate variations in Cusum control charts by using a commercial spreadsheet

The laboratories verify data from control samples through the application of typical control charts by using commercial spreadsheets. The criteria to decide whether a measurement procedure is in statistical control involves the interpretation of the control chart after each analytical run although the decision is not always practical. So, to detect long term trends in the process, a Cusum chart graphic representation can be implemented. The use of a V-mask verification tool will show the point from which the deviations are significant. Since the construction of a V-mask is complicated in practice, in this article is proposed the definition of a visual representation and also how to construct a tabular procedure with a commercial spreadsheet form in which the V-mask serves as control limits for the Cusum chart.     

A Versatile Methodology for the Controlled Synthesis of Photoluminescent High‐Boron‐Content Dendrimers

Fluorescent star‐shaped molecules and dendrimers with a 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene moiety as the core and 3 or 9 carborane derivatives at the periphery, have been prepared in very good yields by following different approaches. One procedure relies on the nucleophilic substitution of Br groups in 1,3,5‐tris(4‐(3‐bromopropoxy)phenyl)benzene with the monolithium salts of methyl and phenyl‐o‐carborane. The second method is the hydrosilylation reactions on the peripheral allyl ether functions of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐allyloxy‐phenyl)benzene and 1,3,5‐tris(4‐(3,4,5‐trisallyloxybenzyloxy)phenyl)benzene with suitable carboranyl‐silanes to produce different generations of dendrimers decorated with carboranyl fragments. This approach is very versatile and allows one to introduce long spacers between the fluorescent cores and the boron clusters, as well as to obtain a high loading of boron clusters. The removal of one boron atom from each cluster leads to high‐boron‐content water‐soluble macromolecules. Thermogravimetric analyses show a higher thermal stability for the three‐functionalized compounds than for those containing 9 clusters. All compounds exhibit photoluminescent properties at room temperature under ultraviolet irradiation with high quantum yields; these depend on the nature of the cluster and the substituent on the C_cluster. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that there is no electronic communication between the core and the peripheral carboranyl fragments. Due to the high boron content of these molecules, we currently focus our research on their biocompatibility, biodistribution in cells cultures, and potential applications for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).     

Study of Different Catalysts and Initiators in Bulk Copolymerization of d,l-Lactide and Glycolide

Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide), PLGA, is a biodegradable polyester with many medical applications. In this article, several catalysts are studied as potential substitutes of the conventional catalyst, tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate (known as tin octoate, SnOct₂). Namely, different metal carboxylates have been examined, in order to study the influence of the metal counterion. Among them, most promising results have been obtained when using zinc (II) 2-ethylhexanoate (ZnOct₂) followed by potassium (I) 2-ethylhexanoate. Furthermore, in the case of ZnOct₂, the use of alcohols as initiators was examined in order to improve reaction rate and to study their effect on molecular weight distribution, polymer microstructure, and side reactions, such as transesterification reaction.