Cannabidiol: an overview of some chemical and pharmacological aspects. Part I: chemical aspects

Over the last few years considerable attention has focused on cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotropic constituent of Cannabis. In Part I of this review we present a condensed survey of the chemistry of CBD; in Part II, to be published later, we shall discuss the anti-convulsive, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, anti-nausea and anti-rheumatoid arthritic properties of CBD. CBD does not bind to the known cannabinoid receptors and its mechanism of action is yet unknown. In Part II we shall also present evidence that it is conceivable that, in part at least, its effects are due to its recently discovered inhibition of anandamide uptake and hydrolysis and to its anti-oxidative effect.     

Surfactants in microbiology and biotechnology: Part 2. Application aspects

Surfactants are amphiphilic compounds which can reduce surface and interfacial tensions by accumulating at the interface of immiscible fluids and increase the solubility, mobility, bioavailability and subsequent biodegradation of hydrophobic or insoluble organic compounds. Chemically synthesized surfactants are commonly used in the petroleum, food and pharmaceutical industries as emulsifiers and wetting agents. Biosurfactants produced by some microorganisms are becoming important biotechnology products for industrial and medical applications due to their specific modes of action, low toxicity, relative ease of preparation and widespread applicability. They can be used as emulsifiers, de-emulsifiers, wetting and foaming agents, functional food ingredients and as detergents in petroleum, petrochemicals, environmental management, agrochemicals, foods and beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and in the mining and metallurgical industries. Addition of a surfactant of chemical or biological origin accelerates or sometimes inhibits the bioremediation of pollutants. Surfactants also play an important role in enhanced oil recovery by increasing the apparent solubility of petroleum components and effectively reducing the interfacial tensions of oil and water in situ. However, the effects of surfactants on bioremediation cannot be predicted in the absence of empirical evidence because surfactants sometimes stimulate bioremediation and sometimes inhibit it. For medical applications, biosurfactants are useful as antimicrobial agents and immunomodulatory molecules. Beneficial applications of chemical surfactants and biosurfactants in various industries are discussed in this review.     

Mechanism of aldolase binding to erythrocyte membrane: Part II. Kinetic aspects

The nature of binding of FDP aldolase to bovine erythrocyte membrane was examined. The Km value of bound and soluble enzyme differed by an order. The absence of time-lag in the velocity-time curves at various concentrations of the substrate and the similar extent of inactivation of bound and soluble enzyme on heat treatment suggested that the enzyme was bound at a point other than the catalytic site. The release of the enzyme by various glycolytic intermediates suggested their involvement in binding to the catalytic site through phosphate linkage. The non-phosphorylated compounds like lactate, reduced glutathione, 2-mercaptoethanol and EDTA were ineffective in eluting the enzyme. On the basis of separate binding sites on the enzyme for membrane and ligands, the mechanism of association dissociation of aldolase has been suggested.     

Some aspects of medical management of gastrointestinal disease. Part II

Antacids are among the most frequently used drugs, yet common prescribing habits suggest that there is little familiarity with effective dosage schedules, side effects, or the differences between various antacid preparations. These factors, which are important in the choice of a specific antacid preparation, are discussed in an attempt to provide a rational basis for therapy.Corticosteroids, salicylazosulfapyridine (Salazopyrin) and diphenoxylate hydrochloride-atropine (Lomotil) are often used in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Recently described regimens for treating acute exacerbations and maintaining remission in patients with ulcerative colitis are reviewed, and attention is drawn to possible adverse effects of Lomotil in the treatment of colonic disease.     

Some ecological aspects of Lake Qarun,Fayoum, Egypt. Part I. Physico-chemical environment

The lake situation and morphometry, climatic conditions, water balance and level, hydrology and hydrochemistry of lake Qarun were investigated.Salinity proved to be the most important factor affecting the lake water. Annual changes in salinity of the lake water were recorded. In 1906, the salinity ranged from 10.65 and 11.26, while in 1974–1976 it reached 30.9–34.5.The physico-chemical properties of the lake change greatly owing to climatic and anthropological factors.     

Biological activity of usnic acid and its derivatives: Part 2. effects on higher organisms. Molecular and physicochemical aspects

Usnic acid (UA) is a commercially available lichen metabolite. Its biological activity is diverse, and it is of interest for pharmacopoeia. The second part of the review is dedicated to the biological action of UA and its derivatives on higher organisms. Effects exhibited by UA at the cellular level and the molecular and physicochemical aspects of its biological activity are considered. Special attention is placed on the possibility of modifying the biological activity of UA by change of its bioavailability or modification of its molecular structure.     

Some aspects of ascorbic acid as a reductant in the estimation of phosphorus. Part II

Summary Studies on ascorbic acid as a reductant in the estimation of phosphorus revealed that sulphomolybdic acid complex (blue colour) is developed only within a certain range of ascorbic and sulphomolybdic acid concentrations. Accuracy of P is not affected by diluting the dark-blue colour as such. Ascorbic acid gives slightly a higher value of phosphorus in the plant than vanadate.     

Haematological preclinical recording of adverse drug reactions--current status, problems, and needs. Part II. Diagnostic aspects

Fundamental similarities and differences among laboratory animals and human subjected in haematological reactions following drug loading are evaluated with respect to the formation of a diagnostic scheme and interpretation of applied haematological tests.