Absolute Methanol Research Articles

English

Antibacterial activity of 50%-methanol, water and absolute methanol extracts of Coleus species (whole plant) was evaluated using agar, and macro-broth dilution methods. The test microorganisms were strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The yields achieved with extracts were 24% for absolute methanol, 22% for the water and 39% for the 50% methanol extracts, respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, proteins, glycosides and anthracene glycosides. All four (100%) bacterial strains were susceptible to all the extracts with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranges of 15-24 mm and minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of 1.95-100 mg/ml; and these are consistent with the time kill observed with the extracts. Results authenticate the folklore medicinal usage of Coleus species for treatment of diseases such as gastroenteritis and skin infections. Key words: Antibacterial activity, Coleus species, Cameroon

Anti-viral Activity Evaluation of Selected Medicinal Plants of Nigeria against Measles Virus

This study was carried out as a preliminary investigation into selected medicinal plants of Nigeria with the aim of discovering and developing a drug with anti - measles virus activity as an alternative measure in disease control. Ten parts of seven plants ( Diospyros barteri leaf, Xylopia aethiopica leaf and stem bark, Picralima nitida stem, Cajanus cajan, Argemone Mexicana, Morinda lucida, Uvaria chamae leaf, stem and root bark) were dried, powdered and extracte d by cold maceration using absolute methanol, and maximum non - toxic dose (MNTD) of each extract to Vero cell was determined. The cytotoxic activity and ability of extracts to inhibit viral - induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in tissue culture were evaluated th ree days post - inoculation and incubation, by 3 - (4,5 Dimethylthiazol - 2 - yl) - 2,5 - diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Cytotoxic concentration at 50% (CC 50 ) and inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC 50 ) were determined using graphpad prism, and s elective index (SI) was calculated as ratio of CC 50 to IC 50 . Out of the ten plant extracts screened, Xylopia aethiopica leaf extract with IC 50 of 1.248 µg/mL, Uvaria chamae root and

Development of Value Added Products from Byproducts of Ethiopian Wheat Milling Industries

The main of byproducts wheat milling industries, wheat germ and bran have been recognized as an outstanding sources of protein, dietary fiber, trace minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients’ and allied micronutrients. Thus, this research was aimed to develop value added products from wheat germ and bran. Defatted wheat germ flour (DWGF) obtained by supper critical fluid extractor process used as supplement for wheat flour at 10%, 15% and 20% Blend ratio and baking temperatures of 150, 180 and 210°C to produce cookie; whereas wheat bran prior to milling, screening and heating used to make tea substitute. Chemical composition of raw materials, physico-chemical and rheological characterization of flours and value added products were investigated. It was found that protein, fiber, ash and minerals (Ca, K, P and Mg) concentrations in the blends increased significantly (P<0.05) with an increase in DWGF substitution. Higher total phenolic content ranged from 1.04 to 3.68 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dried extract obtained at 60°C using methanol. While antioxidant activity of 60°C extract resulted with lower half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (mg/ml) value of 1.40, 1.75 and 2.13 scavenging activity for ascorbic acid, methanol solvent extract of wheat bran and by absolute methanol; respectively. Furthermore, wheat bran extracted using solvent methanol at 60°C showed potential antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. The Farinograph analyses revealed an acceptable range of dough characteristics up to 15% blend ratio. The cookies baked at 180°C with 15% defatted wheat germ flour and 85% wheat result better nutritional and sensory acceptability.

Analgesic Activities of Methanol Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Terminalia chebula&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Fruit

Pain is a sensation which in many cases represents the only symptom for the diagnosis of several disorders. Throughout ages man has used many different remedies for pain relief, among which medicinal herbs are most common due to their efficacy and relative safety due to their natural origin. In present study methanol extract of Terminalia chebula fruit was evaluated for its analgesic effects in albino mice. The extract was prepared using whole dried powdered fruit with seeds in absolute methanol. It was then subjected to rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to get concentrated extract; different doses (300, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) were assessed for analgesic activity by tail immersion technique and acetic acid induced writhing test. Similar doses of Aspirin were used as standard drug (positive control) for comparison. Results of both tail flick method and acetic acid induced writhing test revealed that T. chebula fruit extract possessed varying degree of analgesic activity significant at 300 mg/kg and highly significant at 500 and 1000 mg/kg in comparison to control. The results were almost similar to standard drug. In acetic acid induced writhing test, maximum inhibition of writhing was observed at 1000 mg/kg where the number of writhes decreased from 14.1 to 5.2 indicating 63.1% inhibition. Above findings suggest that T. chebula fruit extract possesses significant analgesic activity in albino mice with reference to positive and negative control groups; however further studies on a large number of animals with clinical trials are required to confirm safe and effective use of this fruit extract in humans for analgesic purpose.

Methyl alcohol poisoning causing putamen necrosis.

Sir, I read with great interest the article by Singh et al. published recently in your journal.[1] The authors described a 50-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with chief complaints of giddiness, vomiting, abdominal pain, and blurred vision. On examination, altered sensorium was found, and high anion gap metabolic acidosis was detected in arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. According to the suggestive history, chief complaints, and the ABG reports, methanol poisoning was considered in the absence of definitive diagnostic facilities. On the follow-up, patient suffered bilateral basal ganglia damage. I would like to address some points in this paper. Consumption of home-distilled alcohol or country liquor may cause sporadic or mass methanol poisoning, especially in some countries such as Iran and India where poverty-ridden population exists or production and dispersion of illegal, nonstandard or adulterated alcoholic beverages remain widespread.[1,2] Gas-liquid chromatography is not available in most of the poison centers in these countries to determine serum methanol levels, but the combination of metabolic acidosis, visual problems and abdominal pain should always suggest methanol poisoning as was the case in this report.[3] Moreover, putamen necrosis stated in this case can occur in methanol poisoning even with normal ABG analysis.[4] However, one point about this patient is of concern. Was hemodialysis performed in this patient? If not, what was the reason? As you know, hemodialysis for treatment of methanol poisoning appears ideal because methanol, owing to its low molecular weight, is easily dialysed, as are its toxic metabolic products.[5] Furthermore, this method facilitates the correction of metabolic acidosis and other metabolic derangements that may have a role in the neurologic sequelae including putamen necrosis.[4] Pappas and Silverman recommended that hemodialysis be instituted promptly, independent of the initial serum methanol level, if one of the following features is present: (a) Metabolic acidosis, (b) visual disturbance or (c) a history of ingestion of more than the accepted minimum fatal dose (30 ml of absolute methanol).[6] Two of them (a and b) were evident in this case. By the way, a recent study conducted by Hekmat et al. showed that when the antidote fomepizole is not given for any reason, physicians should lower the threshold level for initiating conventional hemodialysis in acute methanol poisoning.[7] Indeed, when aggressive intervention such as hemodialysis is not available or feasible, only new antidote fomepizole would benefit the patients and may withdraw the hemodialysis from treatment strategy. Thank you very much for your interesting case report.

Effect of germinated brown rice extracts on pancreatic lipase, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

BackgroundThis study investigated anti-obesity effects of seven different solvent (n-hexane, toluene, dicholoromethane, ethyl acetate, absolute methanol, 80% methanol and deionized water) extracts of germinated brown rice (GBR) on pancreatic lipase activity, adipogenesis and lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.MethodsGBR were extracted separately by employing different solvents with ultrasound-assisted. Pancreatic lipase activity was determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl butyrate (p-NPB) to p-nitrophenol at 405 nm. Adipogenesis and lipolysis were assayed in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes by using Oil Red O staining and glycerol release measurement.ResultsGBR extract using hexane showed the highest inhibitory effect (13.58 ± 0.860%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml followed by hexane extract at 100 μg/ml (9.98 ± 1.048%) while ethyl acetate extract showed the lowest (2.62 ± 0.677%) at concentration of 200 μg/ml on pancreatic lipase activity. Water extract at 300 μg/ml showed 61.55 ± 3.824% of Oil Red O staining material (OROSM), a marker of adipogenesis. It significantly decrease (p < 0.05) lipid accumulation than control (OROSM = 100%), follow by ethyl acetate extract at 300 μg/ml (OROSM = 65.17 ± 3.131%). All the GBR extracts induced lipolysis with 1.22-1.83 fold of greater glycerol release than control.ConclusionsGBR extracts especially the least polar and intermediate polar solvent extracts exhibited inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase, decrease fat accumulation by adipocyte differentiation inhibition, and stimulate lipolysis on adipocytes. Therefore, GBR could be furthered study and developed as a functional food in helping the treatment and/or prevention of obesity.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) husk waste as a potential source of phenolic compounds: Influence of extracting solvents on its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

This paper reports the extraction process of polyphenols from the industrially disposed garlic husk (GH) using different studied solvents (water, methanol, ethanol and 50% aqueous solutions of methanol and ethanol). The highest extraction yield was achieved with water (26.5%) and high bioactive potential was shown by the samples extracted with 50/50 methanol/water (25mg GAEs/g dry GH, 0.617mg QE/g dry GH, IC50=0.26mg/mL for DPPH assay, RP0.5AU=2.8mg/mL for reducing power, and IC50=0.45mg/mL for hydroxyl radical assay). All the extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, when applied at different concentrations (1–10mg/mL). Only 50/50 methanol/water and absolute methanol extracts inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. These interesting biological properties could be attributed to the major identified phenolic compounds, such as caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic and di-ferulic acids. With this procedure, the GH waste polyphenols could be used as a cheap source of natural compounds, with potential applications in the food and health sectors.

Prevalence of ochratoxin a in human milk in the khorrambid town, fars province, South of iran.

Background:Ochratoxins belong to a group of mycotoxins produced as the secondary metabolites by filamentous fungi, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These toxins may be teratogenic, mutagenic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, and may have immunosuppressive effects and pose a serious health problems to exposed humans and animals.Objectives:The present study aimed to determine the level of ochratoxin A (OTA) in the samples of mothers' milk in the Khorrambid Town, Fars Province, south of Iran.Materials and Methods:Between June and July 2011, samples of human milk were obtained from 87 mothers. The samples were diluted by absolute methanol at 1:4 ratio and after centrifugation, the supernatant was directly used to determine the level of OTA using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:Among 87 human milk samples, 84 (96.6%) samples had positive results for OTA at a mean level of 24.57 ± 13.6 ng/L. According to the European Union Standard, 14 (16%) positive samples revealed more than the maximum limit of 40 ng/L for ochratoxin (range, 1.6-60 ng/L).Conclusions:Presence of OTA in the milk of mothers denotes a probable consumption of a contaminated foods. Therefore, regular monitoring of foods for presence of mycotoxins for lactating mothers seems necessary.

Protective capacity of Artemisia annua as a potent antioxidant remedy against free radical damage

To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of four leaf-derived solvent extracts of Artemisia annua (A. annua), a medicinal plant widely touted for its vast phyto-therapeutic potential. A. annua leaves were extracted with four solvents (absolute ethanol, absolute methanol, 70% ethanol and 70% methanol), and extracts obtained studied by five complementary in vitro antioxidant test systems using ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and rutin as standard references. The extracts remarkably inhibited lipid peroxidation (79.81%-86.70%), and erythrocyte haemolysis (40.02%-49.91%). Their IC50 values for hydroxyl, nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activities ranged from 2.39-3.81 mg/mL (superior to the standards), 107.24-144.49 µg/mL and 28.53-53.20 µg/mL, respectively. 70% alcohol extracts generally showed better antioxidant activity than absolute alcohol extracts. The results indicate that A. annua leaf extracts have potent antioxidant activities that would have beneficial effect on human health, and aqueous organic solvents are superior to the absolute counterparts in yielding extracts with better antioxidant potential.

Modified Leishman Stain: The Mystery Unfolds

Background: Current Leishman staining technique for staining thin blood films for differential leukocyte count is too time consuming to meet emergency needs in hospitalized patients with infectious and other deadly diseases. This study aimed at discovering optimal phenol: Leishman powder ratio appropriate for modified Leishman stain and finding an optimized staining reaction and facilitating rapid cellular analysis of blood without alteration in quantity and quality. Methodology: Leishman stain was modified using phenol crystals and liquefied phenol. Various ratios of phenol and Leishman powder were experimented in absolute methanol. Fixing and staining times of staining process were manipulated to develop new staining procedures that gave optimal staining reaction on thin blood films prepared within two hours of receipt. Results were presented as photomicrographs of stained slides. Results: 30mg and 50mg of phenol crystals or 30μL and 50μL of liquefied phenol were required to give 1:5 and 1:3 phenol: Leishman powder ratios respectively. Two modified Leishman staining techniques were developed. The first fixed thin blood films for 25 seconds and stained for 50 seconds while the second technique fixed slides for 1 minute Original Research Article RRRreResearch........ Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(27): 4591-4606, 2014 4592 and stained for 3 minutes. Photomicrographs of thin blood films showed excellent staining results that compared well with the conventional technique. Conclusion: Unlike the conventional method which requires a total of 10-12 minutes, to complete the staining process, modified Leishman staining techniques require only 75.0 seconds and 4.0 minutes! Batches of blood films can be stained within a short time thus facilitating rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Charge-transfer interactions of metoclopramide nausea drug against six kind of π-acceptors: Spectral and thermal discussions

The target of this paper is aimed to discuss the fast and newly techniques in order to assessment the metoclopramide (Mcp) nausea drug in pure form in solid and solution shape with different kind of π-acceptors upon charge transfer interactions. Charge-transfer complexes (CTC) of metoclopramide with picric acid (PA), 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinon (DDQ), tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), m-dinitrobenzene (DNB), p-nitrobenzoic acid (p-NBA) and tetrachloro-p-quinon (p-CL) have been studied spectrophotometrically in absolute methanol at room temperature. The stoichiometries of the complexes were found to be 1:1 ratio by the spectrophotometric titration between metoclopramide and represented π-acceptors. The equilibrium constants, molar extinction coefficient (εCT) and spectroscopic-physical parameters (standard free energy (ΔG°), oscillator strength (ƒ), transition dipole moment (μ), resonance energy (RN) and ionization potential (ID)) of the complexes were determined upon the modified Benesi-Hildebrand equation. The results indicate that the formation constants for the complexes depend on the nature of electron acceptors and configuration of drug donor, and also the spectral studies of the complexes were determined by (infrared, Raman, and 1H NMR) spectra and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The charge-transfer complexes are formed during the interaction of electron-acceptors and electron-donors as result of partial or complete transfer of a negative charge from (D+−A−).

Effect of Codon Optimisation on the Production of Recombinant Fish Growth Hormone inPichia pastoris

This study was established to test the hypothesis of whether the codon optimization of fish growth hormone gene (FGH) based on P. pastoris preferred codon will improve the quantity of secreted rFGH in culture supernatant that can directly be used as fish feed supplements. The optimized FGH coding sequence (oFGH) and native sequence (nFGH) of giant grouper fish (Epinephelus lanceolatus) were cloned into P. pastoris expression vector (pPICZαA) downstream of alcohol oxidase gene (AOX1) for efficient induction of extracellular rFGH by adding 1% of absolute methanol. The results showed that recombinant P. pastoris was able to produce 2.80 ± 0.27 mg of oFGH compared to 1.75 ± 0.25 of nFGH in one litre of culture supernatant. The total body weight of tiger grouper fingerlings fed with oFGH increased significantly at third (P < 0.05) and fourth weeks (P < 0.01) of four-week experiment period compared to those fed with nFGH. Both oFGH and nFGH significantly enhanced the final biomass and fish survival percentage. In conclusion, codon optimization of FGH fragment was useful to increase rFGH quantity in the culture supernatant of P. pastoris that can be directly used as fish feed supplements. Further studies are still required for large scale production of rFGH and practical application in aquaculture production.

Antimicrobial Activity of the Anthocyanins Isolated from Purple Field Corn (Zea mays L.) Cob against Candida spp

The phytochemical compounds from purple field corn (Zea mays L.)cob (PFCC), mainly grown in Phitsanulok, Thailand, were extracted with acidified 80% methanol and the anthocyanins were isolated from the extract through column chromatography with acidified absolute methanol. The PFCC extract (PFCCE) showed total anthocyanins glucoside as 6022 mg/100 g by colorimetric method. Three kinds of anthocyanins were detected by HPLC-DAD at 500 nm. The antimicrobial activity of the anthocyanins from PFCC was then evaluated via macrobroth dilution method against Candida albicans ATCC 90028, two clinical isolates of Fluconazole susceptible species (C. albicans and C. tropicalis) and three clinical isolates of Fluconazole resistant species (C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis). As a result, the anthocyanins exhibited a potent inhibitory activity against all the tested species with the MIC in range of 0.625 - 2.5 mg/mL. Moreover, fungicidal activity of the anthocyanins was also observed against clinical isolates of C. tropicalis and C. albicans with the MFC in range of 0.625 - 1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively.

Molecular and parasitological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bushehr province, southwest of the Islamic Republic of Iran: a cross-sectional study during 2009-2012.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important parasitic disease in Iran. CL is distributed among more than half of 31 provinces of Iran. Studies on epidemiological aspects of the disease and Leishmania species identification among infected humans are necessary for providing a comprehensive prevention and control program thus; this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all CL suspected patients who referred to Health Centers of Bushehr province from 2009 to 2012. Physical examinations were carried out in suspected individuals and CL cases were confirmed by microscopical examinations. Prepared slides from suspicious cases of CL were fixed with absolute methanol and stained by Giemsa 10%. All the Giemsa-stained slides examined under a light microscope with high magnification (1,000×) and classified them based on grading of Leishmania parasites. DNA from each slide was extracted, separately. The ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 was amplified with specific primers and PCR products were digested by restrict enzymes (HaeIII), run them in 3% gel agarose for electrophoresis and visualized on a UV transilluminator after staining with ethidium bromide. SPSS version 21 was used for data analyses. A total of 726 suspected CL cases were referred to Health Centers of Bushehr province from 2009 to 2012 and samples were only prepared from 188 of the patients whereas 43 (5.9%) of them were microscopy positive. The most frequent of CL was observed in November (14%) and December (12%). The most distribution of CL lesions were observed on hands (32%), feet (26%), and face (21%), respectively. The highest frequency of CL was observed in 1-9years old (30%). Altogether, 50% of the patients showed one skin lesion and 2-10 skin lesions were occurred in the remained CL patients. Totally, 27 out of 43 (63%) of the Giemsa stained slides were positive by PCR-RFLP assay because all the PCR-RFLP negative slides were prepared 3-4years ago and kept without cover slip, and also observed scarce amastigotes during microscopy observations. Leishmania species were identified in 21 desirable slides which 14 of them were L. major and 7 of the remained isolates were identified L. tropica using PCR-RFLP.

Elimination of toxic products formation in vapor-feed passive DMFC operated by absolute methanol using air cathode filter

Utilizing highly concentrated methanol solution in the direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is strongly preferable because it distinctly diminishes the cells size and simultaneously improves the power density. In this regard, water back-diffusion from cathode to anode is an important process as water is a reactant in the anode reactions. Beside the low cell efficiency, lack of water at the anode leads to form toxic intermediates which environmentally constrain the commercial applications. This study investigates exploiting hydrophobic cathode air filter as simple and effective strategy to enhance water back-diffusion. Typically, a passive vapor-feed DMFC using a porous carbon plate (PCP) on the anode surface was operated with different methanol concentrations up to 100% with and without the use of a hydrophobic cathode air filter. In situ mass spectrometry using a capillary probe was conducted for the anode gas layer to investigate the effect of the addition of the filter on the formation of reaction products at the anode surface. In normal DMFC, analysis of anode gas-layer indicated that formation methylformate (HCOOCH3) significantly increases upon utilizing high methanol concentrations. However, addition of the cathode air filter led to distinct decrease of the methanol crossover and increase of the water back-diffusion from the cathode to the anode especially at high methanol concentrations. The in situ gas analysis of the cell operated at 100wt% (24.7M) methanol revealed that the addition of the cathode filter significantly decreased the formation of the undesirable intermediates; 65% reduction in the amount of formed methylformate was observed. This effect was related to the increase in the ratio between the methanol and water vapor pressure (PCH3OH/PH2O) after addition of the filter and hence increased the performance of the passive DMFC when highly concentrated methanol was used as a fuel.

Anti-poliovirus activity of medicinal plants selected from the Nigerian ethno-medicine

This study was carried out to validate acclaimed anti-poliovirus effect of crude methanol extracts from 14 medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Southwest Nigeria. Plant samples were powdered and extracted by cold maceration into absolute methanol and maximum non toxic concentration (MNTC) of each plant extract to rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells was determined in tissue culture. Using serial twofold dilution of the MNTC (specific for each extract), ability of extract to inhibit viral-induced cell death (CPE) in tissue culture was evaluated three days post-infection by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assays. 50% inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) and 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC 50 ) was determined by statistical analysis. Selective index was calculated as ratio of CC 50 to IC 50 . Out of the 14 plant extracts evaluated for anti-poliovirus activity, Senna siamea (Lamk.) Irwin et Barneby (bark extract) and Zephyranthes candida Lindl (whole plant) demonstrated significant in vitro activity with IC 50 of 0.0019 and 0.121 μg/mL, respectively. Bioassay-guided fractionation of extracts indicated that activities were retained in chloroform fraction of Z. candida , and also in hexane and chloroform fractions of S. siamea , but none of the polar fractions were active. These results support the traditional use of S. siamea and Z. candida as antiviral agents and suggest that they could provide a possible source for anti-poliovirus drug discovery and development. Keywords: Anti-poliovirus activity, traditional medicine, MTT colorimetric assay African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(24), pp. 3878-3883

Preparation of the photosensitive copper complex and CuO film pattern

The precursor solution was prepared with copper acetate (Cu(OAc)2) as the start material, acrylic acid (AA) as the chemical modifier, and absolute methanol (MEOH) as the solvent. AA reacted with Cu(OAc)2 to form the copper complex with the photosensitivity. In the complex, Cu ion is coordinated with two hydroxy oxygen atoms of AA. The coated gel film using this precursor solution exhibited photosensitivity to UV light at around 245nm. Based on the photosensitivity, the patterned CuO film was fabricated.

Extraction of bioliquid and quantitative determination of saturates, aromatics and organic polars from fermented banana (&lt;i&gt;Musa sapintum&lt;/i&gt;) leaves

Bioliquid generated from the leaves of banana (Musa sapintum) through anaerobic fungal degradation was obtained by soxhlet extraction using absolute methanol as solvent at 600C for 72 hours. The bioliquid extracted was recovered from the extracting solvent by evaporation usingrotary evaporator. The extract obtained was concentrated to a constant weight using hot plate at 370C. The concentrated bioliquid was dissolved in a solution mixture of methanol and hexane and the maltenes content of the bioliquid was separated from the asphaltenes by precipitation. Themaltenes obtained was further separated into fractions (saturates, monoaromatics, diaromatics, polyaromatics and organic polars) by column chromatography. The analysis revealed that the amounts of saturates, monoaromatics, diaromatics, polyaromatics and organic polars in 72.50mgmaltenes analysed were 38.00mg, 9.20mg, 6.70mg, 11.30mg and 3.80mg respectively.Keywords: Bioliquid; maltenes; asphaltenes; saturates; aromatics; oganic polars.

Argon Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry in Conjunction with Makeup Solvents: A Method for Analysis of Labile Compounds

Helium direct analysis in real time (He-DART) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of labile compounds usually tends to be challenging because of the occurrence of prominent fragmentation, which obscures the assigning of an ion to an independent species or merely a fragment in a mixture. In the present work, argon DART (Ar-DART) MS in conjunction with makeup solvents has been demonstrated to analyze a variety of labile compounds including nucleosides, alkaloids, glucose, and other small molecules. The results presented here confirm that Ar-DART can generate significantly less energetic ions than conventional He-DART and is able to produce the intact molecular ions with little or no fragmentation in both positive and negative ion modes. Adding a makeup solvent (absolute ethyl alcohol, methanol, fluorobenzene, or acetone) to the argon gas stream at the exit of the DART ion source can result in 1-2 orders of magnitude increase in detection signals. The sensitivity attainable by Ar-DART was found to be comparable to that by He-DART. The investigation of influence of solvents improves our understanding of the fundamental desorption and ionization processes in DART. The practical application of this rapid and high throughput method is demonstrated by the successful analysis of a natural product (Crude Kusnezoff Monkshood) extract, demonstrating the great potential in mixture research.

Evidence of Polymorphism on the Antitrypanosomal Naphthoquinone (4E)-2-(1H-Pyrazol-3-ylamino)-4-(1H-pyrazol-3-ylimino)naphthalen-1(4H)-one

The aim of this study was to characterize the solid state properties of (4E)-2-(1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)-4-(1H-pyrazol-3-ylimino)naphthalen-1(4H)-one (BiPNQ), a compound with a significant inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis). Methods used included Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Hot Stage, and Confocal Microscopy. Two BiPNQ samples were obtained by crystallization from absolute methanol and 2-propanol-water that exhibited different thermal behaviours, PXRD patterns, and FTIR spectra, indicating the existence of an anhydrous form (BiPNQ-I) and a solvate (BIPNQ-s), which on heating desolvated leading to the anhydrous modification BiPNQ-I. It was determined that FTIR, DSC, and PXRD are useful techniques for the characterization and identification of the crystalline modifications of BiPNQ.