Charged oxygen defects in SiO2: going beyond local and semilocal approximations to density functional theory

The long-standing problem of the oxygen self-diffusion mechanism in silicon dioxide, a prototypical oxide, both in the crystalline and in the amorphous phase, is studied from first principles. We demonstrate that the widely used local-density approximation to density functional theory (DFT) predicts a kinetic behavior of oxygen in strong disagreement with available experiments. Applying a recently developed scheme that combines DFT with quasiparticle energy calculations in the G0W0 approximation considerably improves defect energetics and gives gratifying agreement with experiment.

New 1,5-benzodiazepine compounds: activity at native GABA(A) receptors

Various new 1,5-benzodiazepine compounds were synthesized and tested for their biological activity in terms of effects on GABA(A) receptors of rat cerebellar granules in culture. Their effects were compared to those of a 1,4-benzodiazepine agonist, flunitrazepam and the already known 1,5-benzodiazepine antiepileptic clobazam. The effects were evaluated for the two different GABA(A) receptor populations present in these neurons, one mediating phasic inhibition and the other one mediating tonic inhibition. Many such compounds display a profile of inverse agonist to both GABA(A) receptor populations. One of them presents a profile of full agonist at the component mediating phasic inhibition. Interestingly, substitution of just one oxygen atom in that compound with sulphur in a specific position of a morpholine ring resulted in a remarkable change of activity from full agonist to a probable inverse agonist. This indicates such a position as a proton accepting one for the ligand within the benzodiazepine binding pocket of the relevant GABA(A) receptors. In addition, that position appears to be critical for the pharmacological activity.

Sulfatases and sulfatase modifying factors: an exclusive and promiscuous relationship

Sulfatases catalyze the hydrolysis of sulfate ester bonds from a wide variety of substrates. Several human inherited diseases are caused by the deficiency of individual sulfatases, while in patients with multiple sulfatase deficiency mutations in the Sulfatase Modifying Factor 1 (SUMF1) gene cause a defect in the post-translational modification of a cysteine residue into C(alpha)-formylglycine (FGly) at the active site of all sulfatases. This unique modification mechanism, which is required for catalytic activity, has been highly conserved during evolution. Here, we used a genomic approach to investigate the relationship between sulfatases and their modifying factors in humans and several model systems. First, we determined the complete catalog of human sulfatases, which comprises 17 members (versus 14 in rodents) including four novel ones (ARSH, ARSI, ARSJ and ARSK). Secondly, we showed that the active site, which is the target of the post-translational modification, is the most evolutionarily constrained region of sulfatases and shows intraspecies sequence convergence. Exhaustive sequence analyses of available proteomes indicate that sulfatases are the only likely targets of their modifying factors. Thirdly, we showed that sulfatases and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatases share significant homology at their active sites, suggesting a common evolutionary origin as well as similar catalytic mechanisms. Most importantly, gene association studies performed on prokaryotes suggested the presence of at least two additional mechanisms of cysteine-to-FGly conversion, which do not require SUMF1. These results may have important implications in the study of diseases caused by sulfatase deficiencies and in the development of therapeutic strategies.

1,5-Benzodiazepines. Part XII. Synthesis and biological evaluation of tricyclic and tetracyclic 1,5-benzodiazepine derivatives as nevirapine analogues

A number of properly substituted 5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,5]benzodiazepines (2) and pyrazolo[3,4-b][1,5]benzodiazepines (3 and 4), as well as compounds 5-7, which are derivatives of new tetracyclic systems, were prepared as nevirapine analogues through multistep synthetic routes. The cytotoxic and anti-HIV-1 properties of compounds 2-7 were evaluated in cell-based assays, together with their inhibitory activity against the HIV-1 recombinant reverse transcriptase (rRT) in enzyme assays. The modifications introduced into nevirapine heterocyclic skeleton proved to have a negative effect for the anti-HIV-1 activity. It is worth noting that some of the new derivatives proved to be cytotoxic in the low micromolar range.

Oxygen self-diffusion in alpha-quartz

We have studied the formation energy of the simplest oxygen defects in alpha-quartz, the oxygen vacancy and interstitial, by an ab initio approach based on density functional theory in the local density approximation. We have determined the formation energies and entropies and the migration paths and energies. From our results we can conclude that oxygen diffuses in quartz by an interstitial mechanism: the interstitial has a dumbbell structure; one of the constitutive atoms jumps towards a neighboring oxygen site. The activation energy amounts to 4.7 eV in the intrinsic regime and 2.8 eV in the extrinsic regime.

1,5-Benzodiazepine tricyclic derivatives exerting anti-inflammatory effects in mice by inhibiting interleukin-6 and prostaglandinE(2)production

The 1,4- and the 1,5-benzodiazepines (BDZ) are commonly used as anxiolytic and anticonvulsive drugs. It has been suggested that they influence, particularly through stimulation of peripheral BDZ receptors, some immune cell properties such as pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The availability of a new class of [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepine derivatives (compounds IV), endowed with anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic properties but no anti-pentylenetetrazole activity, prompted us to investigate in more detail the anti-inflammatory properties of three selected compounds IV (N,N-dimethyl-1-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benz- odiazepin-5-amine; N,N-dibutyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amine; 1-methyl-N,N-dimethyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amine) and one structurally related compound (1-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5(6H)-one). These BDZ derivatives have lost their affinity for the central and peripheral BDZ receptors. The in vivo effect on leukocyte migration of these compounds was investigated by using the mouse air-pouch model of local inflammation. Compounds A and B, significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced leukocyte recruitment in a dose-dependent manner starting from the dose of 50 mgkg(-1), whereas compound C was effective only at the higher dose of 100 mgkg(-1). Compound D did not exert such effects at any of the doses considered. The effect of compounds A, B and C on leukocyte recruitment was paralleled by a significant inhibition of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E(2)production in the exudate, similarly to indomethacin, and by a partial reduction of vascular permeability. These features may be relevant for the design and development of innovative anti-inflammatory molecules among the 4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5-amine derivatives.

1,8-Naphthyridines IV. 9-substituted N,N-dialkyl-5-(alkylamino or cycloalkylamino) [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1, 8]naphthyridine-6-carboxamides, new compounds with anti-aggressive and potent anti-inflammatory activities

The title compounds (8) were synthesized through the cyclocondensation of the corresponding N-substituted 4-amino-2-chloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides (4) with the proper hydrazides, in order to evaluate their anti-inflammatory and anti-aggressive properties. Several compounds 8 exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (carrageenin-induced paw edema assay in the rat) along with appreciable anti-aggressive properties (isolation-induced aggressiveness test in mice). With respect to anti-inflammatory activity, the most active compounds (8n and 8c) produced a 61% edema inhibition at the 25 mg/kg dose, and 50 or 35% inhibition, respectively, at the 12.5 mg/kg dose. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.

Synthesis, antiplatelet activity and comparative molecular field analysis of substituted 2-amino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones, their congeners and isosteric analogues

2-(1-Piperazinyl)-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (5a) is a recently described in vitro inhibitor of human platelet aggregation which specifically inhibits the activity of high affinity cAMP phosphodiesterase. A number of substitution derivatives, isosteres, and analogues of 5a were now synthesized and tested in vitro for their inhibitory activity on human platelet aggregation induced in platelet-rich plasma by ADP, collagen, or the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Among the most effective compounds, the 6-methyl, 8-methyl and 6,8-dimethyl derivatives of 5a resulted nearly as active as the lead when platelet aggregation was induced by ADP or A23187, but less active when collagen was the inducer. On the basis of present results and those previously obtained by us in this and 2-aminochromone structural fields, we have developed a statistically significant 3-D QSAR model, using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), describing the variation of the antiplatelet activity in terms of molecular steric and electrostatic potential changes.

Pyran derivatives. XX. 2-Aminochromone benzo-fused derivatives with antiproliferative properties

The N-substituted 2-aminochromones 1 and their benzo-fused derivatives 2-4 described herein were mostly prepared by treating the corresponding (methylthio) derivatives 10-13 with an excess of the proper amines. Only the morpholino derivatives 3d and 4c were obtained from the reaction of the ethyl 3-morpholino-3-oxopropanoate/POCl3 reagent with 1-naphthol or 1-methyl-2-naphthol, respectively. The amino derivatives 1-4, as well as their methylthio analogues 10-13, were tested in vitro for their inhibitory activity on the infectivity of T2 bacteriophage, on the macromolecular synthesis in Ehrlich cells and on the clonal growth capacity of HeLa cells. Several of the angular or linear aminonaphthopyranones 2 and 3 or 4, respectively, and the (methylthio) derivatives 10, 11 and 13 induced a significant inhibition of DNA synthesis, but usually a clearly lower inhibition of clonal growth. Only the linear 2-amino-10-methyl-4H-naphtho[2,3-b]pyran-4-ones 4a and 4b significantly inhibited the clonal growth in HeLa cells and T2 bacteriophage infectivity, respectively.

Acid-catalysed hydrolysis and benzodiazepine-like properties of 5-(dialkylamino)- and 5-(alkylthio)-substituted 8-chloro-6-phenyl-6H-[1,2,4]triazolol[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepines in mice

The in-vitro and in-vivo hydrolysis of two benzodiazepine compounds has been studied to evaluate their in-vivo activity in mice. Compounds RL 218 and RL 236, selected as representative examples of N,N-dialkyl-8-chloro-6-phenyl-6H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiaz epin-5-amines (1) and of their 5-(alkylthio) substituted analogues (2), were rapidly hydrolysed to the corresponding 8-chloro-6-phenyl-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,5]benzodiazepin-5(6H )-one 3 (RL 214) in aqueous acidic solution at pH 1.5. This reaction also occurred extensively in mice when compounds RL 218 and RL 236 were given orally but not intraperitoneally. Both compounds were active against pentylenetetrazole-induced lethal convulsions in mice only when administered orally. After administration of pharmacologically effective oral doses (ED50, the dose protecting 50% of mice), at the time of assessment of the anti-pentylenetetrazole activity, mean brain concentrations of RL 218 and RL 236 were below the limits of sensitivity of the analytical procedure whereas brain concentrations of their metabolite RL 214 were comparable with that present after an oral equiactive dose of this compound itself. RL 214 but not RL 218 or RL 236 had in-vitro affinity for brain benzodiazepine receptors. These results indicate that the anticonvulsant activity of RL 218 and RL 236 in mice depends essentially on their in-vivo transformation into the common active metabolite RL 214 which most probably arises as a result of acid catalysed hydrolysis in the gastric juice.

[An unusual case of macroscopic hematuria in pediatric age]

An unusual case of macroscopic hematuria in a 14 year old boy is presented. At the time of the first hospital admission, no urinary tract infection could be demonstrated, in spite of the associated symptoms of stranguria and dysuria. At ultrasound examination, only a mild thickening of the upper bladder wall was detected, and cystoscopy showed a huge oedema and inflammation of the mucosal layer. The biopsy of the bladder was characterized by a definite eosinophilic infiltration; due to this particular hystologic pattern, the diagnosis of eosinophilic cystitis was made. In the following months, the boy did not improve. Recurrent hematuria occurred, and a pseudo-polypoid mass in the inner bladder wall was detected at ultrasonography. A limited resection of the vesical dome was performed, to remove completely the mass. The hystologic examination showed Schistosoma Haematobium eggs in the bladder wall, with a typical granulomatous reaction. The post-operative course was uneventful, and the child was completely cured after Praziquantel treatment. The Authors underline the need to take into account Schistosomiasis in cases of hematuria, particularly when this symptom affects boys coming from countries where Bilharziasis is endemic.

Effect of 2-(1-piperazinyl)-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (AP155) on human platelets in vitro

The effect on human platelets of 2-(1-piperazinyl)-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimi din-4-one (AP155) was tested in vitro by measuring cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, cytosolic Ca++, [(125I)]fibrinogen binding as well as aggregation induced by several agonists. AP155 dose-dependently inhibited aggregation both in platelet rich plasma (PRP) and in washed platelets (WP), exerting its maximal power in the presence of collagen, ADP and platelet activating factor (PAF). It specifically inhibited the activity of cAMP high affinity phosphodiesterase (PDE), resulting in a sufficient increase in cAMP levels to activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase. AP155 was able to inhibit aggregation, the increase in cytosolic Ca++ induced by thrombin, and fibrinogen binding to ADP or thrombin-stimulated platelets. Thus, this new pyridopyrimidine derivative exerts its antiplatelet activity by increasing cAMP intracellular concentration.

1,8-Naphthyridines. III. N,N-dialkyl-5-chloro[1,2,4]-triazolo[4,3-a][1,8]naphthyridine-6-carboxa mides with anti-inflammatory activity

Fifteen N,N-dialkyl-5-chloro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a][1,8]naphthyridine-6-carboxami des (7a-o) were synthesized through the cyclocondensation of the corresponding N,N-dialkyl-2,4-dichloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides with proper hydrazides, in order to evaluate their anti-inflammatory, antiaggressive, and analgesic properties. Four of the compounds tested showed a statistically significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity.

Solid and cystic tumor of the pancreas--case report

Pancreatic tumors are rarely present in childhood. The authors present a case of papillary-cystic tumor in a 13-year-old girl, treated by partial pancreatoduodenectomy, with preservation of the pylorus. The histologic pattern was of a papillary cystic tumor without evident atypical nuclei. One year after operation, the girl is well without any finding of disease.

Pyran derivatives XIX. (Dialkylamino) substituted 1-benzopyranones and naphthopyranones with platelet antiaggregating activity

2-(Dialkylamino)chromones 4 and 4-(1-piperazinyl)coumarins 11, as well as their angular benzo-fused derivatives 1, 2 and 12, 13, respectively, were synthesized and tested in vitro for their inhibitory activity on human platelet aggregation induced in platelet-rich plasma by ADP (5.0 microM), collagen (10.0 micrograms/ml), and A 23187 (calcimycin) (20.0 microM). Among the dialkylamino substituents used, and the ring systems examined, 1-piperazinyl and 1-benzopyran or naphtho[2,1-b]pyran, respectively, resulted the most effective ones for antiplatelet activity, both in the chromone and coumarin fields. 7-Ethoxy-4-(1-piperazinyl)coumarin 11b showed the highest activity, and higher than those of all reference compounds (ASA, trifluoperazine, propranolol, and dipyridamole) towards all platelet aggregation inducers.

1,8-naphthyridines II. 2,4-disubstituted N,N-dialkyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides with anti-inflammatory and/or antiaggressive activities

The preparation of the novel N,N-dialkyl-2,4-dichloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides 1c, e and N,N-dialkyl-2-(alkylamino or cycloalkylamino)-4-chloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3- carboxamides 2b, d-g, j-p is described. These compounds and the previously obtained analogs 1a, b, d, f and 2a, c, h, i have been tested for their anti-inflammatory and antiaggressive activities, as well as for their gross behavioral effects and acute toxicity. Nine of the twenty-two tested compounds exhibited a statistically significant anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin-induced edema assay in the rat (1e, f and 2h, o were the most active compounds). On the other hand, an interesting antiaggressive activity was displayed by ten compounds in the isolation-induced aggressiveness test in mice (compounds 2d, i, k showed the highest activity). Structure-activity relationships are briefly discussed.

1,2-fused pyrimidines. VI. Substituted 2-amino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones with antiplatelet activity

The N-substituted 2-amino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones 2 d,g-i,l-p,r,s and derivatives 4,5 b,6 a,b, 7 a,b were prepared. Both these novel compounds (except the insoluble 7a) and compounds 2 a-c,e,f,j,k,q, 5a, previously prepared by us, were tested in vitro for their inhibitory activity on human platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, or A23187. On the whole, the compounds tested proved to be more active towards collagen than towards ADP and A23187. The 2-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)derivative 2 g was the most active compound both towards ADP and collagen, whereas the 2-(diethylamino)derivative 2 b proved to be the most active one towards A23187.

HPLC analysis of the nitrosation products of chlordiazepoxide

Products originated from Chlordiazepoxide (I) hydrochloride/sodium nitrite interaction were analyzed by HPLC. The studied reactions were carried out in diluted hydrochloric acid solutions at pH values ranging between 0.5-5.0. Depending on the reaction pH values and molar ratios it was possible to find and assess variable amounts of the N-nitrosochlordiazepoxide (II), the dihydroquinazoline (III) and the lactam (IV). The highest degree of N-nitrosation was found at pH 3.5. At this pH value the yields of (II) were respectively 54.8% and 18.3% when the drug (I)/nitrite molar ratios were correspondingly 0.41 and 0.25. When the reaction was performed in concentrations which is possible to find in the gastric juice of patients taking (I) together with nitrite-rich foods the yield of (II) at pH 3.5 was 2.5%. Since in the meantime the genotoxicity of (II) was proved, "in vivo" formation of N-nitrosochlordiazepoxide (II) represents a potential risk not to be underestimated.

[Synthesis and preliminary pharmacological screening of 2,4-disubstituted N,N-dialkyl-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides]

By treating at 100 degrees C 2-aminonicotinic acid with ethyl N,N-dialkylmalonamate (I) and phosphorus oxychloride N,N-dialkyl-4-chloro-1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-1,8-naphthyridine- 3-carboxamides (II) were obtained. The reaction of compounds (II) with an excess of refluxing phosphorus oxychloride afforded N,N-dialkyl-2,4-dichloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides (III), which in turn were treated at room temperature with excess primary amines to give a mixture of isomeric N,N-dialkyl-2-(alkylamino or cycloalkylamino)-4-chloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides (IV) and N,N-dialkyl-4-(alkylamino or cycloalkylamino)-2-chloro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides (V). When this last reaction was performed at 160 degrees C, only N,N-dialkyl-2,4-bis(alkylamino or cycloalkylamino)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxamides (VI) were obtained; under the same conditions (IV c) or (V c) reacted with methylamine to give isomeric 2,4-bis(alkylamino)derivatives (VII) or (VIII), respectively. Compounds (II b), (III b), (IV a,c,d), (V a,c,d) were submitted to a wide preliminary pharmacological screening. Some of them, depending on the structure, showed antihypertensive [(IV c)], anti-inflammatory [(IV c) greater than (III b)], or, in the behavioral test, anti-aggressive [(IV d) greater than (III b)] activity. Furthermore compound (III b) caused moderate inhibition of the 5-HT induced contraction of the guinea-pig ileum.

[Chemistry and pharmacology of pyrane derivatives. XVII. Synthesis of substituted 2-(dialkylamino)-3-formylchromones and their tricyclic derivatives]

Substituted 2-(dialkylamino)-3-formylchromones (II) were obtained from the reaction of substituted 2-(dialkylamino)chromones (I) either with the N,N-dimethylformamide-POCl3 reagent [compounds (IIa-e)] or with dichloromethylmethylether in the presence of TiCl4 [compounds (IIf-i)]. By treating (IIa,f) with hydroxylamine the oximes (IIIa,f) were prepared, which in turn were converted into the nitriles (IVa,f) by treatment with acetic anhydride. Compound (IIa), selected for the smallest steric hindrance of the 2-dialkylamino substituent, by reaction with hydrazines afforded [1]benzopyrano [2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives (VI), whereas reaction of (IIa) with guanidine, benzamidine or S-methylisothiourea gave rise to the formation of 5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives (IX). Among the compounds tested for their antiallergic properties, (IIf) showed an appreciable activity, but also high toxicity.

[Derivatives of pyrimidine 1,2-condensate. IV. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of the N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-2H-pyrido(1,2-a)pyrimidin- 2-ones and 2-amino-4H-pyrido(1,2-a)pyrmidin-4-ones]

The N,N-disubstituted 4-amino-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-ones (III) and isomer 2-amino-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones (IV) were obtained from the reaction of 2-aminopyridine with the N,N-disubstituted ethyl malonamate/phosphorus oxychloride reagent (II), in refluxing 1,2-dichloroethane. 2-[(N-Benzyl, N-ethyl)amino]derivative (IV b) was also prepared in excellent yield by treating 2-chloro-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (V) with N-ethylbenzylamine. Finally, hydrogenation (Raney Nickel) of 4-[(N-ethyl,N-phenyl)amino]-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-one (III e) afforded 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroderivative (VI) which in turn was treated with potassium borohydride to give 1,6,7,8,9,9a-hexahydroderivative (VII). Several compounds described in the present paper, along with some other compounds (III) and (IV) previously synthesized by us (1,2), were tested for various pharmacological activities. The antiallergic activity (PCA in the rat), even though found in several compounds examined, turned out to be submaximal in any case, in spite of the high dose administered (500 mg/kg p.o. as a rule). The most active compound (the activity being estimated at 0.42 times that of thiaramide hydrochloride) was the 4-aminoderivative (III e). The 2-aminoderivatives (IV) series, was found to have marked antiinflammatory properties (carrageenin oedema in the rat); nevertheless, this activity was related to toxic symptoms with the exception of compound (IV b), almost asymptomatic at the administered dose (200 mg/kg p.o.). Moreover the 2-aminoderivatives (IV) generally showed weak adrenolitic activity in vitro (rat seminal vesicles), which was estimated to be from 100 to 1000 times less than that of phenoxybenzamine.

Formation of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone, a highly genotoxic compound, from the reaction of sodium nitrite with the sympathomimetic drug dimethophrine in acidic aqueous solution

Because of the genotoxic effects shown by Dimethophrine (DMP) nitrosation mixtures, the interaction between DMP hydrochloride and sodium nitrite in acidic aqueous solution at 37 degrees was investigated in a wide range of reagent concentrations and molar ratios, reaction times and pH values. Actually, depending on the operating conditions, it was possible to detect variable amounts of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ), a highly genotoxic compound, but no N-nitrosoderivative. The highest conversion of DMP into DMBQ was obtained when concentrated acidic solutions of DMP and NaNO2 (molar ratio 1:1.9) reacted at pH 3.0-4.0 (50-60% after 1 hour, depending on the pH conditions). When DMP hydrochloride and NaNO2 (molar ratio 1:0.95) were allowed to react at pH 3.5 in a more diluted solution, to mimic gastric conditions, the conversion of DMP into DMBQ after 20 min was about 3%. The breakdown of DMP can be prevented by adding suitable amounts of ascorbic acid to the reagents.

Correlation between subjective labour pain and uterine contractions: a clinical study

Fifteen primiparous women underwent tocography during the second phase of the first stage of labour in order to evaluate the main characteristics of their uterine contractions (intensity, duration and pattern). At the end of each contraction, for a total of about 8 contractions per woman and an overall total of 125 tocographic curves, each woman was asked to make a subjective evaluation of the pain felt during that contraction using a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS). All the tocographic curves corresponding to the contractions studied were elaborated mathematically to determine the peak (intensity), base (duration) and area under the curve (AUC). Lastly, correlations between the mathematical parameters of the curves and corresponding VAS scores were sought. In the population a general positive correlation between the 3 main parameters of tocographic curves and the VAS score was demonstrated; the AUC and the peak tended to be better correlated with VAS than duration. Within-subject comparison showed the existence of a significant correlation with VAS score in 12/15 women as far as peaks are concerned, in 10/15 as far as AUC is concerned and in 0/15 women as regards duration. The findings support the concept that perceived labour pain depends in most of the women on the intensity and pattern of the uterine contractions. The possible clinical and experimental applications of this finding are discussed.

[Derivatives of 1,2-condensed pyrimidines. II. Synthesis and pharmacological study of N,N-disubstituted 5-amino-7H-thiazol [3,2-a]pyrimdine-7-ones]

Reaction of 2-aminothiazole with the N,N-dialkyl or (N-alkyl, N-phenyl) ethoxycarbonylacetamide/POCl3 reactant (I), in refluxing 1,2-dichloroethane, yielded the corresponding N,N-disubstituted 5-amino-7H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-7-ones (VII) along with lower quantities of isomeric N,N-disubstituted 7-amino-5H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones (VIII). Structures attributed to isomeric compounds (VII) and (VIII) were supported both by spectroscopic and chemical evidences. Some compounds (VII) were submitted to pharmacological investigation and results are described: only (N-alkyl, N-phenyl)derivatives (VII f,g) showed a significant, even if mild, activity as peripheral analgesics.

[Chemistry and pharmacology of pyran derivatives. 16. Derivatives of 2-(dialkylamino)-7-methoxychromone with antiallergic activity]

Since 2-(diethylamino)-7-methoxychromone (III a) showed remarkable activity in the rat PCA test, some modifications to its structure were made. For instance new substituents such as chlorine or nitro group were introduced into the molecule and the diethylamino group modified. Thus, 2-(ethylamino)-7-methoxychromone (IX) was prepared by treating 3-methoxyphenol with N-ethylethoxycarbonylacetamide in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. In this case a small amount of 4-chloro-7-methoxycoumarin was also isolated from the reaction mixture. Moreover compounds (XIV), (XV), (XVII) structurally related to sodium cromoglycate were prepared. The pharmacological screening of some compounds showed a useful antiallergic activity.

Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of baclofen, alone and in combination, in patients undergoing voluntary abortion

This study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of baclofen in relation to specific pain stimuli in 83 women (27 nulliparas and 56 multiparas) undergoing voluntary abortion (clamping of the cervix and dilatation and curettage). The patient population was divided into five treatment groups as follows: group 1, placebo; group 2, baclofen, 0.3 mg/kg, administered intravenously (IV); group 3, baclofen, 0.6 mg/kg IV; group 4, baclofen, 0.3 mg/kg IV, and fentanyl, 1.5 mg IV; and group 5, baclofen, 0.3 mg/kg IV, and diazepam, 5 mg given orally and 5 mg IV. In each case the surgical intervention was started using analgesia only. When the first sensation of pain was recorded, a paracervical anesthetic block was performed to provide pain relief for completion of the operation. The results showed that baclofen had significantly better analgesic properties than did placebo, with no important side effects. Its analgesic action seemed to be dose-dependent, since better results were obtained with the higher dose. The analgesic effect was slightly potentiated when baclofen was combined with fentanyl, but not when it was combined with diazepam. Factors independent of the pain stimuli and drugs used--the most important being parity--influenced the results.

[1,5-benzodiazepines. V. Synthesis of pyrazolo (3,4-b)(1,5)benzodiazepines and 5H-pyrimido(4,5-b)(1,5)benzodiazepines]

The reaction of 4-(dialkylamino)-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones (I a-c) with N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of phosphorus pentachloride at room temperature gave rise to the formation of 4-(dialkylamino)-3-[(dimethylamino)methylene]-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,5-benzodiazepin- 2-ones (IX a-c) which were useful starting materials to achieve the synthesis of tricyclic 1,5-benzodiazepine derivatives. Actually (IX a), selected for the smallest steric hindrance of the 4-dialkylamino substituent, by reaction with hydrazines afforded pyrazolo[3,4-b][1,5]benzodiazepine derivatives whereas reaction with guanidine or amidines gave 5H-pyrimido-[4,5-b][1,5]benzodiazepine derivatives. The structure of isomeric N-methyl-pyrazoles (X c) and (XI a) and of N-phenylpyrazole (X b) were elucidated by comparison with compounds prepared by unequivocal chemical methods. Pharmacological evaluation of some of the products showed only generic CNS depressant activity.

[Chemical and pharmacological research on pyran derivatives. XV. Phenyl-substituted 2-(dialkylamino)chromones]

Some 2-(dialkylamino)chromones phenyl substituted in position 6 or 7 or 8 were synthesized by reaction of N,N-dialkylethoxycarbonylacetamides with 4- or 3- or 2-biphenylol, respectively, in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. The pharmacological activity of these compounds was then evaluated and compared with that shown by naphthopyran derivatives of structures (I), (II), and (III). With this same purpose also 6- and 8-benzyl derivatives of 2-(dialkylamino)chromones were prepared by using in the reaction 4- or 2-benzylphenol. Pharmacological screening showed that 6-phenyl substituted 2-(dialkylamino)chromones maintained the antireserpine and antimetrazole acti-activities which were possessed by the 1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran derivatives (I) and the 4H-naphtho[2,3-b]pyran derivatives (II), whereas 7-phenyl substituted compounds were devoid of any activity. 8-Phenyl substituted 2-(dialkylamino)chromones maintained to some extent the antiamphetamine activity which was clearly shown by the 4H-naphtho[1,2-]pyran derivatives (III). Furthermore, the compounds bearing the benzyl substituent both in the 6 or 8 position showed only antimetrazole activity.

[Chemical and pharmacological research on pyran derivatives. XIV. 3-alkylaminoaphtho/2,1-b/pyran-1-ones and derivatives]

3-Alkyl(phenyl)aminoaphtho[2,1-b]pyran-1-ones (III) were prepared from N-alkyl or N-phenylethoxycarbonylacetamides and 2-naphthol in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride, in order to evaluate their pharmacological activity on the CNS in comparison with previously described 3-dialkylaminoaphtho[2,1-b]pyran-1-ones. Compounds (III) gave 2-morpholinomethyl derivatives as well as N-acetyl and N-ethtoxycarbonyl derivatives. The reaction of (III) in which R = alkyl and N,N-dimethylformamide-POCl3 afforded 2-formyl derivatives and in some cases also 8-alkyl-9,10-bisdimethylaminoaphtho[1',2':5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]pyrrol-11(8H)-ones; when R = phenyl, only naphtho[1',2':5,6]pyrano[2,3-b]quinolin-14-one was obtained from the same reaction. Pharmacological evaluation showed that compounds (III) had a weak CNS depressant activity. Some of them also exhibited antagonist effect on reserpine-induced blepharospasm and hypothermia and on metrazole-induced seizures in the mouse. Within the limits of these activities a special behavior was found for the compound 3-ethylaminoaphtho[2,1-b]pyran-1-one [(III b) - K 12479].

Psychopharmacological study with K 8409, a 1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran 3-dialkylamino substituted derivative

A 1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran derivative (K 8409) has undergone pharmacological investigation for psychotropic activity. The results show potential antidepressant action quantitatively similar to that of imipramine and amitriptyline, but due rather to MAO inhibition than to imipramine-like activity; interestingly enough, anti-MAO activity was particularly selective for the serotonin-converting enzyme, both centrally and peripherally. The outcome of the other tests suggests that the incidence of untoward effects is likely to be limited.

[Chemical and pharmacological research on pyran derivatives. XII. Bis-(beta-chloroethyl)amino-substituted chromones and benzochromones]

By the reaction of phenols or naphthols with N,N-bis-(beta-methoxyethyl)ethoxycarbonylacetamide in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride the preparation of bis-(beta-methoxyethyl)amino substituted chromones or benzochromones was achieved. Treatment of these compounds with hydriodic acid at 95 degrees and then with thionyl chloride gave rise to the formation of the corresponding bis-(beta-chloroethyl)amino derivatives. When beta-naphthols reacted with N-ethoxycarbonylacetylmorpholine 1-oxo-3-morpholino-1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans were obtained. These compounds as well as the corresponding 3-bis-(beta-methoxyethyl)amino derivatives afforded 1-oxo-3-bis-(beta-iodoethyl)amino-1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans by treatment with hydriodic acid at reflux. The latter compounds were also easily transformed into 3-bis-(beta-chloroethyl)amino derivatives by reaction with phosphorus oxychloride in N,N-dimethylformamide. Pharmacological screening of some of the compounds described indicated no tumor-inhibiting activity.

[1,5-Benzodiazepines. III. Synthesis of 2,4-bisdialkylamino-3H-1,5-benzodiazepines]

Treatment of 2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-4-dialkylamino-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines with phosphorus pentasulfide afforded 2-thio derivatives which in turn gave the corresponding methylmercapto derivatives by reaction with sodium hydride and methyl iodide. By treating these compounds with dialkylamines the formation of 2,4-bisdialkylamino-3H-1,5-benzodiazepines was achieved. Pharmacological screening of some of the products indicated that the introduction of a second dialkylamino substituent into the 1,5-benzodiazepine molecule gave the compounds CNS excitant properties, while the initial monodialkylamino derivatives containing sulfur showed a CNS depressant activity.

[Chemical and pharmaceutical research on pyran derivatives. XI. Synthesis of 2-dialkylamino-4-oxo-10-methyl-4H-naphtho[2,3b]pyrans]

Reaction of N,N-dialkylethoxycarbonylacetamides with 1-methyl-2-naphthol, in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride, gave rise to the formation of 2-dialkylamino-4-oxo-10-methyl-4H-naphtho[2,3-b] pyrans through the preliminary attack of the amide-phosphorus oxychloride reactant at the phenolic hydroxyl and cyclization at position 3 of the naphthalene moiety. However when (N-alkyl,N-phenyl)ethoxycarbonylacetamides were used in the reaction an ortho position of the N-phenyl group was involved in the cyclization and 1-alkyl-2(1'-methyl-2'-naphthoxy)-4-quinolones were achieved. Pharmacological investigation showed that some naphtho[2,3-b]pyran derivatives have neurotropic activity of the sedative, anticonvulsant and antidepressant type very similar to that shown by previously studied 1-oxo-3-dialkylamino-1H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans (5).