How to survive on Mediterranean coastal cliffs: tolerance to seawater in early life-cycle stages in Brassica incana Ten. (Brassicaceae).

Mediterranean coastal cliffs are reservoirs of plant biodiversity, hosting vulnerable plant species particularly exposed to the risk of local extinction due to extreme abiotic conditions and climate changes. Therefore, studies aiming to understand the tolerance of cliff plant species to abiotic stresses are important to predict their long-time persistence or to highlight inherent threats. We used an integrative approach including anatomical, physiological and phenotypic analyses on (a) seeds, (b) cotyledons of seedlings; and (c) young plants to assess whether the cliff species Brassica incana, can tolerate exposure to different seawater (SW: 25%, 50% and 100%) concentrations during the early stages of its life cycle. Seeds could germinate when exposed to up to 50% SW. Seeds did not germinate in 100% SW, but could resume germination after washing with freshwater. Seed germination rate also decreased with increasing SW concentration. Exposure to SW decreased stomatal size and stomatal index of cotyledons and caused long-lasting and severe damage to the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis. Photochemistry was also sensitive to SW in young plants, but the effect was lower than in cotyledons. This may involve a remodulation of chloroplast dimensions and activation of cellular metabolism. However, photochemical reactions limited photosynthesis at100% SW even after recovery from SW exposure. Our data show that B. incana has strong tolerance to seawater and shows clear signs of halophytic adaptation. Whilst seeds and juvenile plants are able to withstand SW, the seedling stage appears to be more sensitive.

Disclosing the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: the Profile Project.

Communicating the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a challenging task, often undertaken with discomfort by most neurologists. Only a few studies have investigated patients' satisfaction with timing and way of receiving the diagnosis, but surveys regarding physicians' attitude towards diagnosis disclosure are even more limited. The goal of this work was to highlight Italian neurologists' behavioral and emotional approach to MS patients, making them sensitive to their difficulties and to the importance of an empathic relationship. The majority of Italian neurologists participating in our study have a good perception of their ability to manage this difficult communicating process and believe in the great effect this moment may have on a life-long disease experience. Improving communication skills may help the therapeutic alliance, enhancing patients' acceptance of the disease, as well as motivation and adherence to treatment.

In vivo cardiotonic activity of pyridylmethylene-2-indolinones.

The synthesis of 5-chloro-3-pyridylmethylene-2-indolinone is reported. This compound was subjected to an in vivo cardiotonic assay with 10 analogs whose synthesis and in vitro cardiotonic activity were previously reported. All the compounds tested (except the 5-hydroxyindole derivative) showed significant positive inotropic activity. The 3-pyridyl derivative without substituents at the indole system was the most active of the whole series.

In vivo cardiotonic activity of aryl- and pyridyl-substituted fused imidazoles.

Two new imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles related to sulmazole were synthesized and subjected to an in vivo cardiotonic assay with 14 analog compounds which gave the best results in previously reported in vitro tests. The data obtained show that three substituents (3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl and 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl group) are useful pharmacophoric groups in modulating the in vivo cardiotonic activity of the fused imidazoles considered.

Enhancement of cytotoxic activity by synthesis of peptide multimeric forms.

Synthesis of four multimeric H-Lys-His-His-Arg-Lys-Lys-His-Arg-Lys-Arg-Lys-His-His-Lys-Arg-Lys-oH peptides containing two, four, eight and sixteen branches was carried out by solid phase utilizing a lysine core matrix. These multimeric peptides enhanced activity by inhibiting the colony-forming ability of HeLa cells, from twenty-four to fifty-six times in comparison with the monomeric form. Unexpectedly the peptide with only two-branched sequences showed the highest inhibitory activity.

Potential antitumor agents. 25 [1]. Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of 3-(2-chloro-3-indolylmethylene)1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones.

The Knoevenagel reaction between 2-indolinones and 2-chloroindolaldehydes gave 3-(2-chloro-3-indolylmethylene)1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones which were tested as potential antitumor agents on cultures of HeLa cells. 2-Chloro derivatives with at least one unsubstituted NH group, are promising candidates for further investigation.

Antitumor activity of an alkylating derivative of dipyridamole.

Synthesis of 2,6-Bis[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]-4,8-dipiperidino-pyrimido [5,4-d]pyrimidine (DIP-C1) was carried out, and the new derivative showed cytotoxic activity comparable to other alkylating drugs on cultured P388 leukaemia cells and HeLa cells. The present paper reports the effects of DIP-C1 on respiration of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and on survival of the mice implanted with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The compound showed a significant activity in both experimental models.

Potential antitumor agents. 24. Synthesis and pharmacological behavior of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole guanylhydrazones bearing at least one chlorine.

In connection with a previous research dealing with the antitumor activity of imidazo[2,1-b]-thiazole guanylhydrazones, this paper reports the synthesis of new derivatives which were tested for antitumor and positive inotropic activity. In most cases the cytotoxic data from the in vitro experiments (HeLa) were in agreement with the antitumor data in vivo (Ehrlich). The active compounds bear a phenyl ring at the 6 position. On the other hand, the most active cardiotonic agents were devoid of the phenyl ring.

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of peptides containing basic amino acids residues.

We synthesized eight peptides containing from three to twenty residues of arginine, lysine and histidine, using an automated synthetiser and Fmoc strategy. All peptides were purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC and characterized by electrospay mass spectometry. Cytotoxic activity was assessed on HeLa cells. One peptide inhibited the colony-forming ability of tumor cells.

Reduction of adriamycin cardiotoxicity by enoximone.

Several non catecholamine, non glycoside cardiotonic drugs have been described recently. New compounds include amrinone, sulmazole, milrinone and pimobendan. In an attempt to alleviate or prevent anthracycline toxicity, we have reported that these compounds reduce the negative effects of adriamycin, 4-epiadriamycin and esorubicin in isolated guinea pig atria. The present study reports the effects of a new cardiotonic agent: enoximone. Enoximone was administered after adriamycin (100 micrograms/ml) on the isolated and spontaneously beating atria, and on electrically driven left atria of guinea pig-in normodynamic and hypodynamic conditions. Exposure for 60 minutes to the antitumor drug causes a depression of contractile force (g) and its derivative versus time (dF/dt, as maximal rate of contractile force). The negative effects of adriamycin are antagonised by enoximone (100, 200 micrograms/ml).

In vitro activity of trimethoprim in association with sulfimidazole against aerobic gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms and Clostridia.

The in vitro activity of a chemotherapeutic agent, sulfimidazole (SIZ), obtained by combining two molecules belonging to groups of extremely different antibacterial drugs, p-aminobenzene sulfonamide and a derivative with a 5-nitroimidazole ring, was studied. In association with trimethoprim, SIZ induces an intense synergistic antibacterial effect on gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic microorganisms and Clostridia. The results show that, in SIZ, the activity of each starting molecule remains unchanged providing that its structure-action relationship is kept intact.

Influence of glycyrrhizin on the evolution and respiration of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells.

It has been demonstrated that 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid, 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizin effectively inhibit the inception and growth of skin tumours. Moreover, glycyrrhizin and its aglycone act on the growth and differentiation of mouse melanoma cells in culture. In this study we investigated the effect of glycyrrhizin, 18 alpha- and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acids on the evolution of Ehrlich ascites tumour in mice. A prolonged glycyrrhizin treatment proved to be effective in modifying the animals' survival pattern.

The effects of roxatidine on neuromuscular transmission.

We have investigated the effects of the H2 receptor antagonist roxatidine on the neuromuscular transmission by using the sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation of the rat in vivo. Roxatidine, administered by i.v. injection, potentiates the neuromuscular blockade induced by d-tubocurarine, pancuronium and aminoglycoside antibiotic, kanamycin. Moreover, the drug alone is capable of producing a blockade on the preparation stimulated at high frequency. The neuromuscular blockade induced by roxatidine is partially reversed by 4-aminopyridine but not by dimaprit.

Antitumor and cardiotonic activity of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole guanylhydrazones.

A number of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole guanylhydrazones, whose antitumor activity has already been described, were tested as potential cardiotonic agents. The guanylhydrazone of 2,3-dihydro-6-chloroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazole-5-carboxaldehyde (2a) was the most interesting compound showing both antitumor and cardiotonic activity.

Glycyrrhizin and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid: a comparative study of the pharmacological effects induced in the rat after prolonged oral treatment.

Recent clinical and toxicological studies have investigated the mineralcorticoid-like and hypertensive effects of liquorice, and we therefore set out to identify the active component responsible for these effects. We conducted a 30-day comparative analysis of glycyrrhizin and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid and found that the latter causes significant variations both in systolic blood pressure and in the excretion in the urine of Ca++. The effects were fully reversible on suspension of treatment.

Potential antitumor agents. 23.(1) Cytotoxic and differentiating activity of compounds related to hexamethylenebisacetamide.

The synthesis of potential differentiating agents related to hexamethylenebisacetamide (HMBA) is reported. 1,6-Bis(3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydroindol-1-yl)hexane (4) and 1,6-bis(4-carbamoyl-thiazol-2-yl)hexane (9) were not soluble enough to allow biological testing. For this reason the dipotassium salt (10) of 1,6-bis(4-carboxy-thiazol-2-yl)hexane (11) was prepared. The salt 10, tested in the human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line (RMZ) and in the murine Friend erythroleukemia cells (MEL), proved more cytotoxic than HMBA, but was devoid of differentiating activity. Compounds 4, 9, 10 and 11, tested on HeLa cells (in vitro) and on Ehrlich ascites (in vivo) did not show antitumor activity.

Potential antitumor agents. XXII. Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of imidazo [2,1-b]thiazole adamantylthioureas.

A series of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole adamantylthioureas (3a-f) was synthesized by reaction of the methylsulfanylethylamines 2a-f (prepared in turn from the hydroxymethylimidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles 1a-f and cysteamine) with 1-adamantylisothiocyanate. 1-Adamant-1-yl-3-[2-(6-chloro-2,3- dihydroimidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl)ethyl] thiourea (3d) was significantly active.

Potential antitumor agents. XX (1). 6-Anilinoimidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles.

The synthesis of 6-anilinoimidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles, related to the well-known antitumor agent amsacrine, is reported. The cytotoxic activity of the new compounds was evaluated on HeLa cells. Compound 3a, the most closely related to amsacrine, was significantly active.

The effect of nizatidine on neuromuscular transmission.

The effect of the H2-receptor antagonist, nizatidine, on neuromuscular transmission was investigated using sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparations of rat in vivo. Nizatidine, administered by i.v. injection, potentiates the neuromuscular blockade induced by d-tubocurarine, pancuronium and the aminoglycoside antibiotic, kanamycin. Moreover, the drug alone is capable of producing a blockade on preparations stimulated at high frequency. The neuromuscular blockade induced by nizatidine is reversed by 4-aminopyridine but not by dimaprit.