Ethanol Solution Research Articles

Synthesis of New 1,4-Naphthoquinone Fluorosulfate Derivatives and the Study of Their Biological and Electrochemical Properties

This study presents the synthesis of new fluorosulfate derivatives of 1,4-naphthoquinone by the SuFEx reaction. Anticancer properties of obtained compounds were studied on PC-3 (prostate adenocarcinoma), SKOV-3 (ovarian cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and Jurkat cell lines. All the studied compounds showed higher cytotoxic effects than Cisplatin. The DFT method was applied to determine the electronic structure characteristics of 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives associated with cytotoxicity. A method of determination of 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ), 3-chloro-2-((4-hydroxyphenylamino)-1,4-naphthoquinone (NQ1), and 4-((3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinon-2-yl)amino)phenyl fluorosulfate (NQS) in a pharmaceutical substance using an impregnated graphite electrode (IMGE) was developed. The morphology of the IMGE surface was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical behavior of NQ, NQ1, and NQS was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.1 M NaClO4 (96% ethanol solution) at pH 4.0 in a potential range from −1 to +1.2 V. Electrochemical redox mechanisms for the investigated compounds were proposed based on the determining main features of the electrochemical processes. Calibration curves were obtained by linear scan voltammetry in the first derivative mode (LSVFD) with the detection limit (LOD) 7.2 × 10−6 mol·L−1 for NQ, 8 × 10−7 mol·L−1 for NQ1, and 8.6 × 10−8 mol·L−1 for NQS, respectively.

The Formation of Porous Silicon Using Vertical Photoelectrochemical Method with Laser Energy Variation

Due to its notable characteristics, porous silicon (PSi) has become the main focus in silicon upgrades for optoelectronics, medical, and sensor applications. Here, successful vertical photoelectrochemical fabrication of PSi based on crystalline silicon n-type wafers with orientation (100) has been accomplished. Silicon surfaces were anodized for 10 min in a solution of hydrofluoric acid and ethanol at a ratio of 1:3 and a current density of 4 mA/cm2 under laser illumination. Illumination sources were red, green, and purple laser beams with energies of 1.91 eV, 2.33 eV, and 3.06 eV, respectively, conducted to observe the effects on PSi microstructures and optical properties. The pores formed on the silicon surface were characterized via SEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis DRS Spectrophotometer. SEM analysis showed pore size distributions of 2.130, 3.353, and 1.078 mm for PSi samples with red, green, and purple lasers, respectively. XRD investigation revealed diffraction angles of 33.14° and 69.47° belonging to (211) and (422) planes, respectively, corresponding to the PSi. For samples of silicon and PSi with red, green, and purple lasers, the crystallite size and crystallinity were 168.55 nm and 44.80%, 25.02 nm and 17.12%, 29.19 nm and 23.56%, and 145.05 nm and 35.17%, respectively. FTIR observation confirmed that the PSi surface contained chemical bonds of Si-Si, Si-H, Si-H2, Si-O-Si, and C=O. UV-Vis DRS examination revealed the reflectance spectrum oscillation, indicating that lasers caused pore formation in PSi with bandgap energies of between 1 and 2 eV.

Electronic Synergistic Effects on the Stability and Oxygen Evolution Reaction Efficiency of the Mesoporous LiMn2-xMxO4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) Electrodes.

Stable porous manganese oxide-based electrodes are essential for clean energy generation and storage because of their high natural abundance and health safety. This investigation focuses on mesoporous LiMn2-xMxO4 (where M is Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu and x is 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.67) electrodes and thin/thick films. The mesoporous electrodes and films are fabricated by coating clear and homogeneous ethanol solutions of the salts (LiNO3, [Mn(OH2)4](NO3)2, and [M(OH2)x](NO3)2) and surfactants (P123 and CTAB) and calcining at elevated temperature (denoted as F-LiMn2-xMxO4, G-LiMn2-xMxO4, and meso-LiMn2-xMxO4, respectively). The electrochemical properties, stability, and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance of the F/G-LiMn2-xMxO4 electrodes are investigated in alkaline media using a three electrode setup. The F-LiMn1.33M0.67O4 electrodes (where M is Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) exhibit low Tafel slopes of 60, 43, 44, and 32 mV/dec, respectively. While all the Mn-rich and F-LiMn2-xFexO4 electrodes degrade via Mn(VI) disproportionation reaction, the 33% Co electrode shows high stability during the OER. The nickel-based electrodes are stable with as little as 15% Ni and display excellent OER performance over 25% Ni, albeit undergoing a transformation that accumulates Ni(OH)2 species on the electrode surface. Copper in the F-LiMn2-xCuxO4 electrodes is homogeneous at low Cu percentages but forms a CuO phase above 15% Cu, undergoes degradation, and displays a weak OER performance. In short, Co and Ni stabilize the F-LiMn1.33Co0.67O4 and F-LiMn1.7Ni0.3O4 electrodes, which display excellent OER performance.

Growth of Surface Oxide Layers on Dendritic Cu Particles by Wet Treatment and Enhancement of Sinter-Bondability by Using Cu Paste Containing the Particles

Pastes were prepared using dendritic Cu particles as fillers, and a compression die attachment process was implemented to establish a pure Cu joint using low-cost materials and high-speed sinter bonding. We aimed to grow an oxidation layer on the particle surface to improve sinter-bondability. Because the growth of the oxidation layer by general thermal oxidation methods makes it difficult to use as a filler owing to agglomeration between particles, we induced oxidation growth by wet surface treatment. Consequently, when the oxidation layer was appropriately grown by surface treatment using an acetic acid–ethanol solution, we obtained an improved joint strength, approximately 2.8 times higher than the existing excellent result based on a bonding time of 10 s. The joint formed in just 10 s at 300 °C in the air under 10 MPa compression showed a shear strength of 28.4 MPa. When the bonding time was increased to 60 s, the joint exhibited a higher strength (35.1 MPa) and a very dense microstructure without voids. These results were attributed to the acceleration of sintering by the in situ formation of more Cu nanoparticles, which effectively reduced the increased oxide layers in the particles using a reducing solvent.

Detection of Silver and Mercury Ions Using Naphthalimide-Based Fluorescent Probe.

A multifunctional fluorescent probe P based on a naphthalimide derivative for the detection of Ag+ and Hg2+ through a dual-signal was designed and characterized. P exhibited a large Stokes shift (107 nm), high selectivity, good sensitivity, and fast response time. By adjusting the testing medium and the order of reagent addition, multifunctional detection with P was achieved. The addition of Ag+ or Hg2+ to P solution in either ethanol or an ethanol-water mixture resulted in a significant quenching of fluorescence emission at 537 nm and caused a decrease in the absorbance at 440 nm accompanied by the appearance of a new absorption peak at around 340 nm, and there was an obvious color change from yellow to colorless. In contrast, the addition of other common metal ions and anions did not produce substantial spectral or color changes. The detection limit of probe P for Ag+ and Hg2+ was calculated to be 0.33 μM. The sensing mechanism was proposed and validated through MS and 1H NMR spectrometry methods. Additionally, P demonstrated the capability to recognize Ag+ and Hg2+ in living cells with satisfactory results.

Hydrophobic ion pairing as a novel approach to co-axial electrospraying of peptide-PLGA particles

Electrospraying is a processing technique that has gained much interest to prepare polymeric particles. The technique operates at ambient temperature, thereby avoiding heat induced degradation of labile therapeutics (e.g. peptides and proteins). Exposure to organic solvents can be minimised by co-axial electrospraying through separation of core (aqueous) and shell (organic) solvents. However, aqueous solutions are often difficult to electrospray due to high surface tension. Immiscibility between the core–shell solvents creates a further process challenge. Herein, we describe for the first time the use of hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) to encapsulate a polypeptide into polymeric particles prepared by co-axial electrospraying. Peptide ion pairs were prepared to incorporate a model peptide – teriparatide – into an organic solvent, permitting facile electrospraying while also protecting the peptide from denaturation. Teriparatide loaded PLGA particles were generated by electrospraying from aqueous or ethanolic peptide solutions (core). A PLGA solution in chloroform (with and without co-solvents) was employed as the shell solution. The aqueous core solution led to a teriparatide encapsulation efficiency of 79.2 ± 19.8 %, which was not significantly different from the ethanolic core (57.1 ± 14.5 %). When aqueous solutions were used the process lacked reproducibility, resulting in low process yields (61.3 ± 4.0 %). In contrast, when an organic core was used a dry powder bed was achieved with a yield of 102.2 ± 8.8 %. The peptide’s integrity and biological functionality were retained after electrospraying as ion pairs, as evidenced in a cell-based PTH1R receptor binding assay.

Novel self-assembled spirochiral nanofluorescent probe for fipronil detection efficiently by PET mechanism

A novel spirochiral compound S-SPINOL-Y1 (S-6,6′ −bis (thiophen-2-yl)-2,2′, 3,3′ −tetrahydro-1,1′-spirobis[indinee]-7,7′ −diol) was synthesized via a Suzuki reaction and self-assembled into nanospheres in ethanol solution. Nano or micron vesicles could be formed by changing the concentration of ethanol solvent. The resulting nanoprobe demonstrated rapid and effective recognition of fipronil (FIP) through the photoinduced electron transfer effect (PET mechanism), as evidenced by complete fluorescence quenching. Concurrently, the spiral chiral S-SPINOL-Y1 and FIP co-assembled into vein-like nanotubes within the ethanol solution by covalent bonding and intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

Evidence of conformational changes and self-aggregation of 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene in solutions with ethanol

In this work, we report on a concentration and temperature dependent study of the 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (BPE) – ethanol solutions by means of ultrasonic relaxation spectroscopy. The results revealed two distinct relaxation processes that follow Debye-type frequency dependence. Despite the presence of both processes in the full concentration range studied, the low-frequency relaxation process, related to conformational change between the trans- and gauche-BPE conformers, dominates the acoustic spectra in the low-concentration range, while diminishes at higher concentrations with a parallel enhancement of the high-frequency relaxation process, which is attributed to the self-association of BPE molecules. Quantum mechanical calculations were performed to investigate the energetics of the trans- and gauche-conformers. The trans-species was found more thermodynamically stable than the gauche-conformer. By applying the Synchronous Transit-Guided Quasi-Newton (STQN) methodology, we confirmed the presence of a single transition structure. From the temperature dependence of the acoustic properties, we estimated the activation enthalpy and the enthalpy difference between the two conformers. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have been applied to attain the corresponding enthalpies that were found close to the experimental values. Molecular docking calculations established the self-aggregation mechanism between BPE monomers forming three types of dimeric units, namely the trans-trans, the gauche-gauche and the trans-gauche dimer species with the latter found to be the most thermodynamically favorable. The concentration dependence of the sound velocity, mass density and shear viscosity evidenced the formation of BPE aggregates. From the temperature dependence of the acoustic spectra, the thermodynamic properties of the self-aggregation mechanism of BPE were also determined. Based on the vibrational spectroscopic data, the population of the gauche conformers was found to increase with concentration at the expense of the population of the trans conformers. From the study of the vibrational properties of the system in the short-rage order, we cannot exclude the presence of a specific dimer type in the overall structure. Nevertheless, regarding to the binding score of the trans-gauche dimer (-1.25 kcal/mol), this species is the most thermodynamically stable and most likely its population is higher in dense solutions relative to the other two dimer species.

Development of optimized standardized extracts of Echinodorus macrophyllus for arthritis management

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEchinodorus macrophyllus is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Brazil to treat rheumatic diseases. It is listed as a priority species for the development of herbal preparations for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic properties of extracts and fractions from this species, but these preparations were neither standardized nor optimized for anti-arthritis effects. Aim of studyThis study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects of various standardized extracts from the aerial parts of E. macrophyllus and to outline their mechanisms of action. The goal was to define an extract suitable for future scientific validation and clinical use. Material and methodsExtracts from the aerial parts of E. macrophyllus were prepared through percolation with 96°GL ethanol (EtOH) and hydroethanolic solutions at 90%, 70%, and 50% (v/v). They were standardized based on the contents of six chemical markers quantified by UPLC-DAD. Mice with acute or chronic antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) were treated with the extracts orally. The effects were evaluated by counting total and differential inflammatory cells, measuring cytokines by ELISA, and by histological analysis with toluidine blue staining. The mechanism of selected extracts was investigated in LPS-stimulated murine chondrocytes. ResultsAll extracts, except for the 90% EtOH extract, exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute AIA, reducing the migration of total inflammatory cells, neutrophils, and monocytes to the intra-articular cavity. In chronic AIA, both the 96°GL EtOH and 70% EtOH extracts markedly reduced the migration of total inflammatory cells, neutrophils, and monocytes to the intra-articular cavity, decreased IL-1β and CXCL1 levels in the periarticular tissue, and diminished proteoglycan loss in the articular cartilage. Both extracts reduced IL-6 release and MMP-3 expression in LPS-stimulated chondrocytes. The 70% EtOH and 50% EtOH extracts showed heightened activity and higher levels of chemical markers, notably cinnamoyl-tartaric acid derivatives. ConclusionsThe standardized 70% EtOH and 50% EtOH extracts from the aerial parts of E. macrophyllus, which contain higher levels of chemical markers, exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity and reduce proteoglycan degradation. These extracts are potentially useful for developing herbal preparations to manage arthritic conditions and should be prioritized for further studies.

Electrical response and microstructure development in zinc oxide films sprayed from ethanolic solutions of different salts

Electrical response and microstructure development in zinc oxide films sprayed from ethanolic solutions of different salts

Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Multi-Stage Equilibrium Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Grape Pomace

The seasonal nature of wine production results in the accumulation of significant quantities of grape pomace (GP) during harvest, presenting management challenges for wineries that traditionally regard this solid byproduct as low-value waste. However, extracting phenolic compounds (PCs) from GP offers a promising avenue for creating bioactive extracts for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study develops a mathematical model for predicting the total phenolic content (TPC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) in liquids obtained from multi-equilibrium-stage extraction processes using a 50% aqueous ethanol solution to recover PCs from Tannat GP. The model is applicable across a wide range of TPC and TDS concentrations in the liquid (0.2-45.4 gGAE/L for TPC and 1 to 118 g/L for TDS) and extraction temperatures between 30 and 70 °C. It is used to determine the optimal operational conditions of a Shanks extraction system, either to minimize fresh solvent consumption or to maximize selectivity for PCs extraction, achieving a desired extraction yield with a specified number of extraction vessels.

New promising antiseptics for individual antiviral protection against seasonal infections including COVID-19

Seasonal viral infections of the upper respiratory tract are widespread throughout the world. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has revealed the importance of timely personalized prevention of acute viral diseases and related bacterial complications. One of the main directions in the preventing viral infections relies on the development of effective antiseptics to inactivate viruses on the hands and mucous membranes. To effectively destroy SARS-CoV-2, the WHO recommends two antiseptics: a 70% ethanol solution and sodium hypochlorite. The proposed antiseptics are outdated and have an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes. In connection with this, a promising research direction includes development of new antiseptics with selective toxicity, low volatility, low coefficients in the oil-water system, weak lipophilic properties, low absorption into the vacuolar skin structures and low content of toxic impurities. One of these antiseptics is anavidin. The development and selection of molecules has been carried out, the next planned stage will be assessment of the effectiveness and safety of new molecules, including preclinical and early phase clinical trials, also analyzing prevention of viral infections, e.g. COVID-19.

Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed PLA Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Abstract The growing interest in biodegradable scaffolds for bone regeneration created a need to investigate new materials suitable for scaffold formation. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a polymer commonly used in biomedical engineering, e.g. in tissue engineering as a biodegradable material. However, the mechanical behavior of PLA along its degradation time is still not explored well. For this reason, the mechanical properties of PLA scaffolds affected by incubation in physiological medium needs to be investigated to show the potential of PLA to be used as a material for biodegradable scaffold formation. The purpose of this research is to determine the mechanical properties of PLA scaffolds before and after incubation, and to apply constitutive material models for further behavior prediction. Two sets of PLA scaffolds were printed by the 3D printer “Prusa i3 MK3S” and sterilized by ultraviolet light and ethanol solution. The first set of specimens was incubated in DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium) for 60, 120, and 180 days maintaining 36.5 °C temperature. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were determined after performing the compression test in the “Mecmesin MultiTest 2.5-i” testing stand with a force applied at two different speed modes. The obtained data was curve fitted with the hyperelastic material models for a model suitability study. The second set of specimens was incubated in PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) for 20 weeks and used in a polymer degradation study. The obtained results show that the mechanical properties of PLA scaffolds do not decrease during incubation in physiological medium for a predicted new bone tissue formation period, though hydrolysis starts at the very beginning and increases with time. PLA as a material seems to be suitable for the use in bone tissue engineering as it allows to form biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds with high mechanical strength, required for effective tissue formation.

Ionic Conductivity and Aggregation Behavior of N,N-Dimethylethanolammonium Carboxylate Protic Ionic Liquids in Aqueous, Ethanolic, and Acetonitrile Solutions

Ionic Conductivity and Aggregation Behavior of N,N-Dimethylethanolammonium Carboxylate Protic Ionic Liquids in Aqueous, Ethanolic, and Acetonitrile Solutions

Electrospun fibers of zein and pea protein to create high-quality fibrous structures in meat analogs.

The importance of developing plant-based meat similar to animal meat lies in the fact that sensory similarity is a crucial factor in encouraging consumers to adopt this alternative. The present study reports the morphology, hydrophilicity, and thermal analysis of different fibers obtained by the electrospinning method. In the first step of this work, zein and zein/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in 80% aqueous ethanol solution with varying concentrations of these polymers were investigated. It was observed that the diameters of the electrospun fibers are related to the concentration and viscosity of the solutions. Moreover, the addition of small percentages of PEO makes the fibers more hydrophilic and leads to an increase in the polymeric solution viscosity. Because of its low toxicity, PEO is used in various edible products. In the second step of this work, an ideal zein/PEO combination was found to allow the pea protein (PP) to be electrospun. Adding PP to the zein/PEO blend (20:1) leads to a more hydrophilic fiber and improves thermal stability. The results suggest that the zein/PEO and zein/PEO/PP blends can offer an innovative solution to enhance the texture and appearance of plant-based meats. These simulated electrospun fibers can mimic the fibers in animal meat and are a potential alternative to provide a sensory experience as close to animal meat as possible.

High-Temperature Behavior of Pd/MgO Catalysts Prepared via Various Sol–Gel Approaches

A series of Pd/MgO catalysts based on nanocrystalline MgO were prepared via different sol–gel approaches. In the first two cases, palladium was introduced during the gel preparation, followed by drying it in supercritical or ambient conditions. In the third case, aerogel-prepared MgO was impregnated with an ethanol solution of Pd(NO3)2. The prepared catalysts differ in particle size and oxidation state of palladium. The catalytic performance and thermal stability of the samples were examined in a model reaction of CO oxidation at prompt thermal aging conditions. The as-prepared and aged materials were characterized by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ethane hydrogenolysis testing reaction. The highest initial activity (T50 = 103 °C) was demonstrated by the impregnated sample, containing Pd0 particles of 3 nm in size. The lowest T50 value (215 °C) after aging at 1000 °C was demonstrated by the impregnated Pd/MgO-WI sample. The high-temperature behavior of the catalysts was found to be affected by the initial oxidation state and dispersion of Pd. Two deactivation mechanisms, such as the agglomeration of Pd particles and migration of small Pd species into the bulk of the MgO support with the formation of Pd-MgO solid solutions, were discussed.

Eco-Friendly Jute-Based Hybrid Nonwoven Fabric for Packaging Applications.

Eco-friendly materials must replace pure synthetic materials to protect the environment and improve human welfare. This study uses a blow room-integrated carding machine to create a filmy web by properly mixing modified jute and polyester fibers. Jute-polyester fiber blended carded webs have been utilized to produce jute-based hybrid nonwoven fabrics (JHNFs), which are subsequently given an antibacterial treatment by spraying a solution of silver nitrate, ethanol, and ammonia. The performance of the developed JHNF is evaluated by its morphological, FTIR, antibacterial, mechanical, and thermal properties. The fiber distribution of jute and polyester fibers is shown in SEM micrographs. The JHNF showed 29 and 27.8 mm ZOI against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Escherichia coli, respectively. The developed sample exhibited a 2.3% extension at the break and 170.8 N of breaking force. The sample confirmed itself as a water-repellent material as water could not penetrate from one surface to another when it was tested by a moisture management tester. The thermal conductivity of the produced sample was measured at 0.0839 W/m K. The lower thermal conductivity signifies a good thermally insulative packaging material. The developed jute polyester nonwoven fabric also demonstrated higher radiative heat resistance, providing a thermal barrier of 22 °C. The porosity, thickness, and density were determined at 49.59%, 0.22 mm, and 0.40 g/cm3, respectively. The sample exhibited significant thermal stability, with polymer degradation initiating at temperatures above 280 °C. The developed nonwoven fabric proves its practical utility as a packaging material, offering a viable alternative to pure synthetic packaging materials.

Nanosecond Pulse-Driven Oxygen Bubble Plasma Activation of Low-Concentration Alcohol Solutions and its Sterilization Mechanism.

To address the current use of high-concentration (70-75%) alcohol solutions as disinfectants, which are known for their drawbacks such as flammability and strong odor, a new approach based on nanosecond pulse-driven bubble discharge in low-concentration ethanol solutions is proposed. Research findings indicate that O2 bubble plasma activated ethanol solution (PAES) exhibits superior sterilization efficacy. A 3 min treatment using 10% alcohol eliminated all bacteria (reducing the bacterial count by 7 orders of magnitude) with an energy requirement of only 10.9 J/ml, whereas the same treatment with air PAES achieved less than a one-order reduction and O2/N2/air plasma activated water (PAW) achieved even less. Furthermore, to delve deeper into the key factors of PAES sterilization, concentrations of inorganic reactive species (H2O2, NO2 -, NO3 -, ONOO-, pH) and organic components resulting from alcohol decomposition (CH3CHO, CH3CH2OH, CH3COOH, and CH3COOOH) were analyzed using assay kits and GC-MS. Their variations at different storage temperatures (4 °C and -20 °C) were compared with the corresponding bactericidal effects. The results identified peroxyacetic acid (CH3COOOH) as a key bactericidal factor in PAES, showing that CH3COOOH over time at different storage temperatures correlated with their bactericidal effects. The study also revealed that O2 PAES stored at -20 °C maintained complete bacterial elimination even after 4 days. Therefore, PAES has the potential to replace high-concentration alcohol solutions for sterilization.

Therapeutic effect of topical tamoxifen in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major.

Iran is one of the endemic regions of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania major. There is no protective vaccine available against CL available, and the most effective strategy is a definitive treatment. Topical medications can be an excellent option for this purpose. Tamoxifen, a cancer control drug, has properties such as inducing cell apoptosis and anti-parasitic activity, which can be useful in controlling eukaryotic parasites such as Leishmania. The present study was conducted to investigate this theory in experimental CL caused by L. major. Forty female BALB/c mice aged 4 to 6 weeks were infected by injecting 1 × 106 L. major metacyclics (MRHO/IR/75/ER) in the base of the tail. After the appearance of Leishmania nodules, mice were divided into five test and control groups. Two drug formulations were used: tamoxifen 1% in ethanol and tamoxifen citrate ointment 0.1%. The effectiveness of each formula was evaluated by determining the mean size of the ulcers and parasite burden after a 28-day treatment period. Both formulations showed reduced ulcer mean sizes. However, only the tamoxifen citrate ointment group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.049). The parasite burden decreased by 40.83% for the ointment group and 33.67% for the ethanol solution. Other control groups showed lesser reductions. This study partially demonstrated the effectiveness of topical tamoxifen on CL lesions in a murine model. It can provide a basis for further research on the therapeutic effects of different topical tamoxifen formulations.

Synthesis of some new transition metal complexes derived from tellurated formazanes

A novel series of organotellurium compounds based on formazane derivatives with a general formula of ArTeBr3 4 and Ar2TeBr2 5 [Ar = 2-[{4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl}{4-nitrophenyldiazenyl}methylene amino]-5-nitrophenyl] were synthesized by refluxing mercurated formazane derivative ArHgCl with TeBr4 in two different mole ratios of 1:1 and 2:1, respectively, in dry dioxane solvent under an argon atmosphere. Compounds ArTeBr3 and Ar2TeBr2 were then reduced by the action of an ethanolic solution of hydrazine hydrate to obtain Ar2Te2 6 and Ar2Te 7, respectively. The ligand properties of bis(2-[{4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl}{4-nitrophenyl diazenyl}methylene amino]-5-nitrophenyl) telluride (7) were examined toward several metal ions through its reaction with K2PtCl4, PdCl2 · 2 H2O, K2PtCl6, RhCl3 · 3 H2O, CoCl3 · 6 H2O and NiCl2, respectively. These compounds were characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis,1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as well as by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity. The identification of the synthesized complexes 8-13 proved that the complexes of Pt(II), Pd(II) and Ni(II) have square pyramidal geometries and are diamagnetic, while the complexes of Pt(IV), Rh(III) and Co(III) have octahedral shapes with the same magnetic behavior. The telluride 7 behaves as a neutral pentadentate ligand.