Miscibility and thermal behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene blend using benzene as a common solvent.

Polymer blending is one of the advanced technologies to attain polymeric material with tailored properties. In this work, the miscibility of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Polystyrene (PS) blend in benzene was investigated by employing various techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, viscosity measurement technique, light scattering techniques, DSC and TGA techniques over an extended range of concentrations, compositions, and temperatures. The results revealed that there exist hydrogen bonding and hydrodynamic interactions which led these polymers to get miscible to a large extent. The compatibility increased with the increasing PS contents or increase in temperature of the system. In addition, the thermal stability of blends was found to be improved with the increase in the compatibility of the polymer.

New insights into the zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) scaffold and its metal ions binding abilities using spectroscopic techniques.

AIMS: Zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is soluble lipid mobilizing protein and a noval adipokine associated with cancer cachexia. ZAG is an omnipresent protein and represent a fold of MHC class I proteins. Although ZAG's metal binding capacity has already been reported, no other metal has been mapped to date besides the complex formation with zinc. MAIN METHODOLOGY: In this study, fluorescence emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) were employed to define the putative interaction sites and their accessibility for the biologically important metals of Irving William Series. KEY FINDINGS: Several hotspot residues in the ZAG scaffold involved in these interactions were mapped and their binding affinity score for each metal has been determined. Thebinding abilities of these sites and aggregation propensities of ZAG were monitored by fluorescence emission spectroscopy. SIGNIFICANCE: The prediction of such binding affinity with metals on the active sites and its impact on the conformational states to accelerate aggregation was discussed as an important finding that may be involved in several other biochemical processes such as lipid binding, ß-adrenergic receptors, cancer cachexia and association with plasma cholesterol and obesity.

Isolation and characterisation of new bio-active compounds from Euphorbia cornigera: cytotoxic ingenol esters.

The aerial parts of Euphorbia cornigera Boiss., on extraction with MeOH, yielded new bio-active constituents (1, 2) and known compounds (3 and 4) after MTT cytotoxicity assay-guided fractionation and chromatographic separation were conducted. From the aerial parts of E. cornigera Boiss., new bio-active constituents were extracted in methanol. The extract was partitioned in different organic solvents and the ethylacetate-soluble portion was subjected to Craig's distribution. The MTT cytotoxicity assay-guided chromatographic separation yielded four (1-4), out of which two (1, 2) were new and two known (3, 4) bio-active compounds, and they are reported for the first time from this source. Their structure and relative stereochemistry were established by analysing spectroscopic and mass measurement data. The isolates were named as: 13-O-[(2Z ,4 E ,6 Z)]-deca-2,4,6-trienoylingenol (1), 13-O-( 2 Z ,4 E ,6 Z)-deca-2,4,6-trienoyl-20-O-angeloylingenol (2), 13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-hexanoylingenol (3) and 3-O-(2,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-hexadecanoylingenol (4). Literature revealed that compounds 1 and 2 are new metabolites, while 3 and 4 are known, and are reported for the first time from this source. Cytotoxicities of isolates were evaluated in terms of IC(50) against RAW and HT-29 cell lines through MTT assay using ambrucin hydrochloride as a control. Compound 3 showed more activity than control, while 1, 2 and 4 were moderate.

A comparative study of various grains from the different cities of Pakistan.

The fate of trace elements (like Ca, Fe, Al, Pb, K, and Cu) in various pulses (mash, mung, lentils and red kidney beans) of Pakistan has been studied. Samples were collected from two districts (Mansehra and Rawalpindi) and analyzed by wet acid digestion method using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Experimental results show that the intensity of heavy metal accumulation in plants depends upon the type of the soil, the species of plants, the physicochemical properties of heavy metals, and their content in the soil. The obtained values were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for food quality. The grains from District Mansehra contained greater amount of trace metals as compared to those collected from District Rawalpindi. However, those values did not exceed the upper limits described by the WHO in nearly all the cases. Based on these findings, the consumption of pulses in larger amounts may easily be recommended.

Isolation and characterization of cytotoxic compounds from Euphorbia cornigera Boiss.

Methanolic extract of Euphorbia cornigera shoots was separated using HPLC, affording compounds 1-4. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were established after obtaining their spectroscopic (IR, (1)H, (13)C NMR COSY-45°, HOHAHA, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and mass measurement) data. On the basis of these data, the compounds were characterized as 3-O-(2,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-tetradecanoylingenol (1), 3-O-decanoyl-20-O-hexanoylingenol (2), 3-O-(2,3-dimethylbutanoyl)-13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-hexadecanoylingenol (3), and 13-O-dodecanoyl-20-O-hexanoylingenol (4); among these compounds, two (1 and 2) were new metabolites while the rest (3 and 4) were known. The MTT cytotoxicity assay was carried out using amrubicin hydrochloride as a positive control. Compound 1 displayed IC(50) as 5.0 and 2.9 µM against RAW and HT-29 cell lines, respectively, which is 5- and 1.5-folds stronger than the control with IC(50) values of 25 and 4.36 µM, respectively.

Irritant and co-carcinogenic diterpene esters from the latex of Euphorbia cauducifolia L.

Ten (1-10) irritant and mild co-carcinogenic diterpene esters were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia cauducifolia L. using bioassay-guided countercurrent distribution and other chromatographic techniques. The isolated compounds were characterized on the basis of spectroscopic results and mass measurements. As an outcome, the ingenane-type esters were established with the following structures: 3-O-angeloyl-17-O-palmatoylingenol (1), 3-O-palmatoyl-5-O-angeloylingenol (2), 5-O-angeloyl-17-O-palmatoylingenol (3), 3-O-angeloyl-5-O-palmatoylingenol (4), 17-O-(2Z,4E,6Z)-2,4,6-tetradecatrienoyl-20-O-palmatoylingenol (5), 5-O-angeloyl-17-O-benzoylingenol (6), 5-O-angeloyl-17,20-diacetoxyingenol (7), 3-O-angeloyl-17-O-benzoyl-20-acetoxyingenol (8), 3-acetoxy-5-O-angeloyl-17-O-benzoylingenol (9), and 5-O-angeloyl-3,17,20-triacetoxyingenol (10). Their biological screening revealed that they are moderate irritants, and low to moderate tumor promoters compared to TPA, but hardly showed any solitary carcinogenic activity. The isolated esters represent new compounds and were not reported before from any source.

Schistosomiasis suppressing deoxyphorbol esters from Euphorbia cauducifolia L. latex.

The molluscicidal activity of E. Cauducifolia L. latex, extracted in various organic solvents, was tested against Biomphalaria glabrata snails, using Bayluscide as a control. The ethyl acetate extract was found to be the most active and in bioassay guided HPLC fractionation yielded eight ( 1- 8) compounds. The structure and relative configuration of the isolates were established through spectroscopic (UV, IR, (1)H, (13)C NMR, 2D NMR, HSQC, HMQC, HMBC, COSY-45 degrees , TOCSY, HOHAHA, HOESY, ROESY, NOESY, SECSY, and NOE) techniques and mass measurements. These were named as: 13-acetoxy-20- O-angeloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 1), 13- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-acetoxy-12-deoxyphorbol ( 2), 13,20- O-dibezoyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 3), 13,20- O-diangeloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 4), 13- O-angeloyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 5), 13- O-tigloyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 6), 13- O-benzoyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 7), and 13- O-hexanoyl-20- O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-12-deoxyphorbol ( 8). The literature reveals that all of the isolates were new natural metabolites and active against mollusks. Compounds 1 and 2, which were esterified at C-13 with acetoxy or N-(2-aminobenzoyl) anthraniloyloxy, showed twice the activity of the control while others ( 3- 8) were equipotent.

Bio-active compounds from Euphorbia cornigera Boiss.

Euphorbia cornigera Boiss. (Euphorbiaceae) roots extracted in various organic solvents were tested against Biomphalaria glabrata snails as molluscicide using Bayluscide as a control. Among these, acetone extract was found to be the most active (LC(50)=17.5 microg L(-1)) as compared to Bayluscide. The application of HPLC fractionation yielded ten (1-10) N-(2-aminobenzoyl)anthraniloy esters. Structure and the relative configuration of all the compounds were established through spectroscopic (UV, IR (1)H, (13)C NMR, 2-D NMR, HSQC, HMQC, HMBC, COSY-45 degrees , TOCSY, HOHAHA, HOESY, ROESY, NOESY, SECSY, NOE and mass measurements) techniques. On these basis the esters are named as: 3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]-5-O-acetyl-20-O-angelylingenol (1), 3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-5-O-angelyl-20-O-acetylingenol (2), 3-O-acetyl-5-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-O-angelylingenol (3), 3-O-acetyl-5-O-angelyl-20-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloylingenol (4), 3-O-angelyl-5-O-acetyl-20-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]-anthraniloylingenol (5), 3-O-angelyl-5-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-O-acetylingenol (6), 3,20-O-diacetyl-5-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloylingenol (7), 5,20-O-diacetyl-3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloylingenol (8), 3-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-20-O-acetylingenol (9) and 20-O-[N-(2-aminobenzoyl)]anthraniloyl-3-O-acetylingenol (10). The literature reveals that compounds 1-8 are new from plant kingdom, whereas 9 and 10 are known but not reported from this source earlier. Their molluscicidal activity (in terms of LC(50)) showed that all the compounds were 1.3-2.2 times more toxic than Bayluscide except 5 and 6.

Synthesis, spectral characterization and bio-analysis of some organotin(IV) complexes.

Five novel organotin(IV) derivatives have been synthesized by refluxing trimethyl, triethyl, tributyl, and triphenyl and tribenzyltin chloride with Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and adenine. These compounds were characterized by spectroscopic (IR, (1)H, (13)C, (119)Sn-NMR, (119m)Sn Mössbauer) techniques and elemental analysis. Based on these results, trigonal bipyramidal geometry is suggested. The synthesized compounds were also treated with various microorganisms and found to be active.

Anti-tumor 12-deoxyphorbol esters from Euphorbia cornigera.

Nine (1-8 and 10) new and two (9 and 11) known compounds have been isolated from roots of Euphorbia cornigera Boiss. Their structure and relative stereochemistry were acquired through NMR ((1)H, (13)C, COSY-45, HOHAHA, HMQC, HMBC, NOE and HMBC) spectroscopic measurements. Compounds 1-10 were identified as diesters of 13,20-O-diacyl and 11 as 13-O-acetyl of 12-deoxyphorbol. Cytotoxic activity of the compounds was investigated on human KB cells by reduction of MTT. Compounds 8-10 displayed IC(50) of 0.8, 0.5, and 1.0 microg mL(-1), respectively, whereas the activity of rest of the compounds (1-7) was either very low or (11) zero even up to 1000 microg mL(-1). The inhibition of DNA synthesis through Trypan blue exclusion and Brd-U assay was investigation to figure out the role of compounds 8-10 and concluded that these were responsible for the death of KB cells. Significant correlation has been found between the cytotoxicity and DNA cross-link and DNA strand-break formation.

Spectral analysis and in vitro cytotoxicity profiles of novel organotin(IV) esters of 2-maleimidopropanoic acid.

Six novel triorganotin(IV) 2-maleimidopropanoato complexes: R3SnOCOCH3(CH)(COCH)2, (R: Me(l), Et(2), n-Pr(3), n-Bu(4), Ph(5), Bz(6) have been synthesized. Their solid-state configuration has been determined by FT IR and lI9mSn Mössbauer spectroscopy. The tin(IV) atom is five-coordinated in all the complexes with 2-maleimidopropanoic acid behaving as a monoanionic bidentate ligand coordinating the tin(IV) atom through a chelating or bridging carboxylate group. The solution-state configuration has been elucidated by means of 1H-, 13C- and 119Sn-NMR spectroscopy which assigned a tetrahedron. Elemental analysis and FAB MS data also supported a 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry. The title complexes have been screened in vitro for anti-tumour, anti-fungal, anti-leishmanial and urease inhibition activities and displayed promising results.

RETRACTED: In vitro and in vivo biological potential and structural aspects of new diorganotin(IV) esters of N-maleoyl-beta-alanine.

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Cytotoxic macrocyclic diterpenoid esters from Euphorbia cornigera.

Root extract of Euphorbia cornigera Boiss. (Euphorbiaceae) was separated into seven (compound 1-7) isolates through multiple Craig's distributions and preparative HPLC. The structures and relative configuration of theses compounds were established via spectral analyses as 7,8,12- O-triacetyl-3- O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-ingol (1), 3,8,12- O-triacetyl-7- O-(2-methylbutanoyl = -ingol (2), 3,7,12- O-triacetyl-8- O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-ingol (3), 3,7,8- O-triacetyl-12- O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-ingol (4), 7,12- O-diacetyl-3- O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-8- O-methylingol (5), 3,12- O-diacetyl-7- O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-8- O-methylingol (6) and 3,7- O-diacetyl-12- O-(2-methylbutanoyl)-8- O-methylingol (7). All these compounds, except for 2, are novel metabolites and have not been reported earlier. It has further been demonstrated that all the compounds (1 - 7) are cytotoxic.

Synthesis characterization and biological study of diorganotin(IV) complexes of monomethyl phthalate.

The synthesis and characterization of new coordination compounds of some organotin(IV) chlorides with monomethyl phthalate is reported; the ligand molecules appear to be bound to the tin atom through carbonyl oxygen atoms. Their structures have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, and bonding in these complexes is discussed in terms of their IR, (1)H, (13)C, (119)Sn NMR and (119 m)Sn Mössbauer spectral studies. The spectroscopic results obtained are in full agreement with the proposed 2:1 stoichiometry. The complexes soluble in DMSO have been screened against a wide spectrum of bacteria and the results obtained are quite promising. The LD(50) values have also been determined in the albino rats. Some of the complexes also exhibit high anti-inflammatory activity.

Emulsification of oil in water as affected by different parameters.

The aim of this investigation was to develop a basic understanding of the emulsification process by considering simple systems such as n-hexane, n-heptane, n-decane, and kerosene oil in water. The technique employed for the purpose was ultrasonification. The effect of ultrasonification time, chain length, viscosity, surface tension, oil content, and ionic strength of the media on the quality of emulsion has been studied. The emulsions were viewed through microscope to measure the number, size, and size distribution of droplets. Quantification of turbidity and viscosity was also used to characterize the emulsions. It has been found that the number and size of the droplets vary with the time of ultrasonification, contents of oils, molecular mass of the oils, and ionic strength of the media, and hence the quality of the emulsion is influenced by these parameters. The droplet size decreases, whereas the number of drops increases with the time of emulsification, approaching an optimum distribution at about 15 min of ultrasonification. Further, the increase in the molecular mass of the oil increases the size of the droplets and hence decreases the stability of the emulsion. The addition of electrolytes encourages coalescence and enhances the instability in the system. The results are in accord with the equations proposed by us.

Comparative lipid profile studies in cardiac and diabetic conditions.

Lipid profile in cardiac patients (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, ischaemic heart disease), diabetic patients and normal humans was investigated. Total serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, blood glucose, calcium, potassium and sodium were determined, employing established methods and procedures. Higher level of total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride were found in both cardiac and diabetic patients, however, cardiac patients had much lower level of HDL-C as compared to normal humans. Age wise comparison revealed that level of total cholesterol; triglyceride and LDL-C were elevating while the level of HDL-C were decreasing with the age in cardiac and diabetic patients. Sex wise comparison showed that females had higher HDL-C level than males and therefore had fewer incidences of heart diseases. The level of Ca++, K+ and Na+ were similar in all age groups and sexes. No significant elevation in the level of these electrolytes was discovered.