For example, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity is not

For example, hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity is not modulated by control, at least in the paradigm described above. Thus, neither the peak nor the decay timecourse of plasma ACTH or corticosterone are reduced by control (Maier et al., 1986). Consistent with these findings, ES and IS produce identical increases in corticotrophin releasing hormone EX 527 datasheet (CRH), arginine vasopressin (AVP), enkephalin, and neurotensin mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) (Helmreich et al., 1999). Similarly, IS increases circulating thyroid hormones, but ES does so to the same extent (Helmreich et al.,

2012). Autonomic measures show a similar pattern, with ES and IS producing the same size increases in core body temperature, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (Thompson et al., 2013). We have also examined a number of peripheral immune measures, and they are also not modulated by stressor control (Maier and Laudenslager, 1988). This does not mean that a paradigm cannot be found in which control reduces these stressor-induced changes, 3-deazaneplanocin A cell line but it does not do so in the very same paradigm in which control blunts other behavioral and neurochemical outcomes. The implication

is that control, and perhaps other processes that lead to vulnerability or resistance/resilience, do not operate as a generalized sensitizing or damping switch, but rather operate on a specific neural circuit, and only responses to

stressors that are modulated by that circuit will be affected. If it is true that control is detected by the mPFC and then operates by activating output pathways that modulate the DRN, amygdala, and perhaps other structures, only stressor driven changes controlled by those mPFC modulated structures can be blunted (or enhanced). nearly The stressor-induced responses that are unaffected by control seem to be hypothalamically mediated, and mPFC projections to the hypothalamus emanate from a quite different part of the mPFC than do the projections to the DRN and amygdala (Gabbott et al., 2005). Moreover, projections to the PVN are indirect, via the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (Spencer et al., 2005). Although the argument is admittedly circular, perhaps control does not activate projections to the hypothalamus, or does so only weakly. Or, perhaps, the tailshock stressor is so intense that hypothalamic activation is so powerful that it cannot be readily modulated. It is tempting to consider that all factors that lead to resistance/resilience do so via a common mechanism. However, the data suggest that this is not so (Christianson and Greenwood, 2014). For example, we (Christianson et al., 2008a) and others (Rogan et al., 2005) have studied the mechanism(s) by which safety signals blunt the consequences of stressor exposure.

They can be cultivated under extreme pH conditions and these spec

They can be cultivated under extreme pH conditions and these species produce extracellular enzymes that are resistant to high pH and/or high

temperature conditions. 1 and 2 Since enzymes produced by alkalophiles are active in the alkaline pH range, they are found to be most suitable in detergent formulations. The search for new species of microbes having the ability to produce industrially important enzymes with novel properties is a continuous process. The aim of this study was to search for alkalophilic bacteria having the ability to produce two industrially important alkaline enzymes viz. alkaline protease and alkaline amylase. Looking to the increased demand of alkaline protease and alkaline amylase 3, 4 and 5 in detergent industry and in treatment of alkaline wastes, studies on the cost effective production of these enzymes find more is essential. Multiple enzymes produced from a single organism can be a useful step in this direction. 6 The work undertaken deals with the concomitant production of alkaline protease and alkaline amylase by an alkalophilic bacterium viz. Bacillus agaradhaerens. This study focuses on phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis performed in order to establish the taxonomic position of the isolated strain of B. agaradhaerens. Alkalophilic bacteria were screened by enrichment culture technique from learn more diverse samples collected in and around the

city of Indore of Madhya Pradesh, India. These samples included soil, sewage and industrial effluents. The samples were inoculated in Horikoshi’s broth medium7 I, pH 10.0, containing (g %) glucose; 1.0, peptone; 0.5, yeast extract; 0.5, KH2PO4; 0.1, MgSO4; 0.02, Na2CO3 1.0 (separately sterilized), distilled water 100.0 ml, followed by isolation on Horikoshi’s agar medium until I (pH 10.0). Single colonies that developed after 48 h of incubation at 30 °C were isolated. The same medium was used for maintenance of the strains. The alkalophilic/alkalotolerant nature of isolates was determined by growing each isolate on

Horikoshi’s M-I (pH 7.0) agar medium and incubating at 30 °C for 24 h. Individual bacterial colonies obtained on Horikoshi’s M-I (pH 10.0) agar plates were evaluated for their proteolytic ability by measuring the zone of casein hydrolysis on milk agar medium, pH 10.0, containing (g %) peptone; 1.0, meat extract; 0.5, NaCl; 0.5, Na2CO3; 1.0, distilled water; 100.0 ml, agar; 2.0. Separately sterilized 10% skimmed milk and Na2CO3 were added to the sterilized nutrient agar base, cooled up to 45 °C. Likewise the amylolytic activity of the alkalophilic isolates was evaluated by measuring the zone of starch hydrolysis on starch agar medium, pH 10.0, containing (g %) starch; 2.0, peptone; 0.5, yeast extract; 0.1, KH2PO4; 0.2, MgSO4; 0.02, Na2CO3; 1.0, agar; 2.0, distilled water; 100.0 ml Na2CO3 was sterilized separately and mixed.

His details have now been added The authors apologize for any in

His details have now been added. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. “
“Paratuberculosis is a highly prevalent chronic mycobacterial infection of the small intestine of ruminants. It causes substantial economic losses at farm level, particularly in cattle [1]. Transmission of the causative organism Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) amongst ruminants occurs by excretion via feces into the environment, where it may survive for prolonged periods of time [2]. When the disease progresses towards the clinical stage of infection, MAP can also be present in milk [3]. As a result of the latter it may represent a food safety issue given

the possible association between MAP and human Crohn’s disease [4]. Currently, a vaccine to control paratuberculosis

PFT�� in cattle is not available, since the whole cell vaccine registered for use in sheep interferes with control programs against bovine tuberculosis. Individual MAP proteins as subunit vaccine candidates may overcome this interference. Galunisertib purchase In bovine paratuberculosis [5] and [6], similar to other mycobacterial diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy, heat shock proteins (Hsp) elicit strong cell mediated and antibody responses. Our previous studies indicated that immune responsiveness to recombinant MAP Hsp70 proteins in naturally infected animals was predominantly cell mediated [6] and [7]. Since protective immunity to intracellular mycobacterial pathogens is thought to be cell mediated [8], recombinant MAP Hsp70 protein was used as a subunit vaccine in cattle concomitant with experimental infection with MAP. It induced protection as indicated by significantly reduced bacterial shedding [9]. In addition, below MAP Hsp70 subunit vaccination did not interfere with current diagnostic methods to diagnose bovine TB [10]. Surprisingly, and in strong contrast with our previous observations in field cases of bovine paratuberculosis, this immunization-challenge study showed limited cell mediated responses against MAP Hsp70 and

pronounced MAP Hsp70 specific antibody production in the vaccinated animals [9]. The contribution of antibodies to protection against mycobacterial infections is disputed by some (reviewed in [11] and [12]), and supported by others (reviewed in [13]). Most of the recent studies on serum therapy of M. tuberculosis (MTb) infection report protective effects of antibodies specific for polysaccharide bacterial cell wall antigens such as the polysaccharide lipoarabinomannan (reviewed in [14]). In mice, a monoclonal antibody (Ig A) directed against a small surface-expressed mycobacterial heat shock protein (the 16 kD α-crystallin homologue) protected against early infection of murine lungs with MTb [15].

The 3-dose tetravalent HPV-16/18/33/58 vaccine

adjuvanted

The 3-dose tetravalent HPV-16/18/33/58 vaccine

adjuvanted with AS01 induced higher levels of cross-reacting antibodies to non-vaccine antigens Talazoparib clinical trial (HPV-31, -45 and -52) one month after the last vaccine dose than vaccines adjuvanted with AS02 or AS04 (Supplementary Fig. 2). Cross-reacting antibody responses tended to be lower when the HPV-16/18/33/58 AS01 vaccine was administered on a 2-dose schedule than a 3-dose schedule. In TETRA-051 (Fig. 3A), all vaccines induced similar frequencies of HPV-16 and -18 specific memory B-cells one month after the last vaccine dose, but the frequencies of HPV-31 and -45 specific memory B-cells were higher in tetravalent HPV-16/18/31/45 vaccine groups than in the control group, regardless of VLP concentration (median HPV-31 specific B-cell counts per 106 B-cells [interquartile range] ranged from 2203 [1042–7567] to 5374 [2510–7642] for tetravalent formulations versus 263 [194–922] for control, and median HPV-45 specific B-cell counts ranged from 683 [437–2935] to 2246 click here [760–7538] for tetravalent formulations versus 198 [100–567] for control). In Study NG-001 (Fig. 3B), the median frequency of HPV-16 specific memory B-cells one month after the last vaccine dose was approximately 2-fold lower for the tetravalent

AS04 vaccine (729 [563–1484]) than control (1518 [865–2588]), whereas tetravalent vaccines adjuvanted with AS01 (4550 [2117–7031]) and AS02 (2950 [1384–5014]) induced higher median frequencies of HPV-16 specific B-cells than control. The median frequency of HPV-18 specific B-cells was approximately 1.6-fold lower for the tetravalent AS04 vaccine (512 [113–1312]) and

1.5-fold lower for the AS02 vaccine (533 [211–1139]) than control (818 [416–2134]), whereas the AS01 vaccine (919 [430–1493]) induced similar median frequencies of HPV-18 specific memory B-cells to control. The tetravalent formulations induced higher frequencies of HPV-33 and -58 specific B-cells, compared to cross-reacting HPV-33 and -58 specific B-cell responses induced by the control vaccine (HPV-33 specific B-cell counts ranged from 1453 [631–3044] to 5678 [2610–8551] for tetravalent formulations versus 124 [39–317] for control, and HPV-58 specific B-cell counts ranged Thiamine-diphosphate kinase from 1907 [910–2452] to 4006 [2117–5805] for tetravalent formulations versus 112 [34–385] for control). Comparing the tetravalent formulations, the highest median B-cell response for all four vaccine types was induced by the AS01 formulation, regardless of dose schedule; the AS02 formulation induced an intermediate response and the AS04 formulation induced a lower response. In TETRA-051 (Fig. 4A), the control vaccine induced strong CD4+ T-cell responses to both HPV-16 and -18 one month following last vaccination, and induced cross-reacting CD4+ T-cell responses to HPV-31 and -45. All tetravalent formulations also induced high levels of CD4+ T-cells to HPV-16, -18, -31 and -45, regardless of VLP content. In Study NG-001 (Fig.

Focusing on Europe, all HCP are advised by Health Authorities to

Focusing on Europe, all HCP are advised by Health Authorities to get vaccinated against influenza annually [5] and [6]. Unfortunately, with vaccination coverage rates ranging from 6.4–26.3% among European HCP [7] and [8], the recommendations have not had their intended impact,

and recent intervention programs developed to increase vaccination rates show at most small effects [9], [10], [11], [12] and [13]. In order to identify the social cognitive variables that predict influenza vaccination uptake by HCP, Selleck KU 55933 a detailed analysis is needed. As suggested by Kok et al. [14], systematic approaches (i.e. Intervention Mapping) have the potential to eventually lead to the successful development and implementation of

programs to increase vaccination coverage rates among HCP. We therefore developed an online survey instrument, which assessed a combination of social cognitive variables from the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) [15], and previous research [16]. The purpose find more of the present study was to replicate results of one of our previous cross-sectional studies that had shown that the utilized social cognitive variables contribute largely to the explanation of HCP’s motivation to get vaccinated against influenza [17]. However, this time we additionally conducted a follow-up survey to test whether the intention to get vaccinated, as well as the measured social cognitive variables, are good predictors of the actual vaccination behaviour of HCP. The RAA is a social cognition model that specifies potentially modifiable STK38 antecedents of health behaviours [15]. The basic assumption of this model is that the motivation to perform a certain behaviour is reflected in people’s intention, which is determined by attitude,

perceived norms, and perceived behavioural control. We further included measures of risk-perception, which includes the constructs of perceived susceptibility to experience negative consequences if one does not perform the behaviour under consideration and the perceived severity of those consequences. Moreover, the survey includes questions covering possible motivating factors for vaccination uptake (i.e. feelings of personal responsibility to protect others, self-protection motives), and inhibiting factors for vaccination uptake (i.e. the disbelief in the scientific evidence of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination and its relevance) that have been described in previous research [10], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22] and [23]. Next to these concepts, measures of three additional beliefs were included that had been identified in a qualitative study we recently conducted [16]. Some people had indicated that they favour risking an illness instead of performing a behaviour that might prevent illness such as vaccination, when the performance of the behaviour itself is believed to entail risk.

Protective anti-DENV2 responses were measured in mice immunized w

Protective anti-DENV2 responses were measured in mice immunized with the different vaccination formulations following selleck screening library administration of a lethal i.c. challenge with the DENV2 NGC virus strain. As demonstrated in Fig. 4A, mice vaccinated with NS1 and LTG33D showed a 50% protection level. A lower but not statistically different result was observed in mice immunized with NS1

and FA (40% protection). In contrast, no protection was observed in mice immunized with NS1 combined with alum, non-adjuvanted NS1 or sham-treated animals. We also monitored the DENV2-associated morbidity and, as indicated in Fig. 4B, and mice immunized with NS1 combined with LTG33D or FA showed similar degree of partial limb paralysis (80% and 70% of the vaccinated mice, respectively). As expected, all mice immunized with NS1 and alum, NS1 or sham-treated animals showed severe limb paralysis Y-27632 cost before death by virus encephalitis. Previous studies indicated that anti-NS1 antibodies may recognize cross-reacting epitopes on platelets and endothelial cells, as well as proteins

involved in the coagulation pathway, provoking hematological disturbances [22], [23], [24], [25] and [26]. As a first step to investigate the safety of the NS1-based vaccine formulations, we measured biochemical markers of hepatic function and nonspecific tissue inflammatory reactions in vaccinated mice. As shown in Fig. 5A and B, GOT and GPT enzyme markers were significantly increased in mice immunized with NS1 admixed with FA but not in mice immunized with NS1 and LTG33D. Similarly, C-reactive protein levels were, on average, higher in mice immunized with NS1 and FA than in mice immunized with NS1 and LTG33D or in sham-treated mice. These results

indicate that incorporation of FA, but not LTG33D, could induce mild inflammatory reactions among the vaccinated mice. In a second step, we determined hematological parameters that could indicate disturbances induced by the vaccine formulations adjuvanted with LTG33D. For that purpose mice immunized with NS1 and LTG33D were monitored for hematocrit values, bleeding Adenosine time, platelet counts and leukocyte counting, including neutrophils and lymphocytes. As indicated in Table 1, no evidence of hematological disturbance or hemorrhage was observed in mice immunized with NS1 and LTG33D up to seven days after immunization. In this study, we tested NS1-based vaccine formulations using a purified recombinant protein co-administered with different adjuvants as an attempt to develop a safe and effective alternative for the control of dengue virus infection. The recombinant NS1 protein, despite production in bacterial cells, preserved important immunological features of the native protein, including specific reactivity with antibodies generated in a DENV-2 infected subject. In addition to alum and FA, we tested a nontoxic LT derivative, LTG33D, as parenterally delivered adjuvants.

The letters of intent are reviewed against mandatory criteria, as

The letters of intent are reviewed against mandatory criteria, as well as against their technical merit, public health value and potential regional impact. Eligible manufacturers are invited to submit full find more proposals, which are scored, ranked and weighted by TAG members according to

an evaluation of five elements: the project plan; the staffing and management plan; performance measures; an understanding of the requirements; and the budget justification. The technical evaluation is completed by a programmatic review, e.g. on government support and sustainability, and by the results of site audits on production, Good Manufacturing Practices, and biosafety requirements. Two review processes were completed in 2008 and in 2009, resulting in 11 awards (Table 2). Once initial awards are made and the programme of work is under way, members of the TAG make site visits to assess the progress and gauge the value and use of the WHO grant funds in accomplishing the ultimate goal of assuring the access of developing country populations to a safe, effective and affordable pandemic influenza vaccine. In addition, TAG members review the quarterly reports submitted to WHO by the grantees, and have access to a dedicated, check details confidential extranet sharepoint system elaborated by WHO. Annual TAG meetings complement

regular teleconferences and often take place at one of the grantee sites, to provide an opportunity for hands-on interaction and coincide with meetings of all the international partners. Of note is the broad spectrum of grant recipients.

Vaccine manufacturers range from large companies producing significant quantities of a broad range of vaccines to small- or medium-sized organizations producing only basic products such as diphtheria–pertussis–tetanus vaccine and are just now beginning to expand into other vaccines. Interestingly, only two of the grant recipients are for-profit companies, while nine are government-sponsored organizations. Almost universally, the WHO grants are small in relation to the overall investment these companies are making unless in influenza vaccine production. But commonly, the grantees express that the benefit of having WHO involved, both via finance and expertise, has far more value than the monetary support alone. This value comes directly from the relative freedom of using WHO funds as well as indirectly from the endorsement of WHO of the applicant’s overall influenza plans, approaches and efforts. The latter gives other funders, especially their own governments, confidence that the quality of effort is of a high standard. Furthermore, independent, external WHO reviews of the projects help assure companies and governments that their investment is wise, reasonably managed and that the probability of technical success is high. Indeed, these reviews, carried out by WHO and TAG members, prove valuable from many vantages.

The tubes were incubated at 37 °C in a humid atmosphere containin

The tubes were incubated at 37 °C in a humid atmosphere containing 5% CO2 TGF-beta inhibitor for 16 h, after which 0.5 mL of Trizol (Invitrogen) were added; the tubes were stored at −80 °C until use. RNA extraction was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. RNA quality and quantity were assessed by spectrophotometric measurements at 260/280 nm (Nanodrop); 1 μg of total RNA was treated with DNAse-I (Invitrogen) and immediately subjected to cDNA synthesis with random primers (Invitrogen) and M-MLV reverse transcriptase (Invitrogen). Real-time PCR was performed using the QuantiTect® SYBR® Green PCR

Kit (Qiagen) in a Rotor-Gene 6000 (Corbett), as follows. Primers (see Table

1) were used at a final concentration of 0.9 μM. The cycling conditions were 15 min at 95 °C, followed by 40 cycles at 95 °C for 15 s, and 60 °C for 1 min during which the HDAC inhibitor fluorescence data were collected. The expression level of the genes of interest was normalized using β-actin as housekeeping gene. The relative mRNA amount in each sample was calculated using the 2−ΔΔCt method [24] where ΔCt = Ctgene of interest − CtActbβAct, and expressed as relative mRNA level in the test group compared to the non-stimulate control group. The data were expressed as mean ± standard error (S.E.) or standard deviation (S.D.) and examined for statistical significance with the Student’s t-test. P-values

of less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Fig. 1a shows the haemolytic activities of QB-90U and Quil A. Their respective HD50 values were 125 ± 5 μg/mL and 52 ± 2 μg/mL, and their haemolytic activities at the next concentrations used for vaccination (100 and 50 μg/mL) were about 15% and 55%, respectively. Thus, compared with Quil A, QB-90U was only slightly haemolytic at the concentration used for immunization. Its low haemolytic activity allowed including QB-90U in the inoculated preparation at a higher concentration than is possible for Quil A. A similar result was obtained in the cytotoxicity assay, which is shown in Fig. 1b. Indeed, the toxicity of Quil A against VERO cells was much higher than that of QB-90U. At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, more than 80% of cells were viable after incubating for 48 h at 37 °C with QB-90U, while at the same concentration of Quil A just about 20% were viable. At 50 μg/mL, the concentration used for immunization with Quil A, a viability of approximately 30% was observed with this saponin fraction, whereas no toxicity was detected with QB-90U These results on the in vitro toxicity of QB-90U and Quil A agree with previous reports on their in vivo toxicity in mice [11], [15] and [17].

These leaders were associated with anti-vaccination

group

These leaders were associated with anti-vaccination

groups, religious groups or health professional groups. A Catholic pro-life group started the rumour that the TT administered to pregnant women only contained a contraceptive hormone that stimulates the body to produce antibodies that results to abortion or allegedly infertility in women (Country L). Causes of vaccine hesitancy linked to the “communication and media environment” were identified by five IMs. Two IMs spoke broadly about “rumours and misconceptions” regarding vaccination circulating in their country and three directly identified negative information conveyed in the mass media (television and internet) as causes MG-132 purchase of vaccine hesitancy. The second important thing is all the internet www.selleckchem.com/products/AG-014699.html stories. The internet is a useful thing for everybody, even for us, it is much easier to get information, but not always appropriate information. And there are a lot of stories about adverse events following immunization (Country H). Geographic barriers were identified by six IMs as factors in reducing access to vaccination services, but the association

with vaccine hesitancy was not clear. In one country, political conflicts and instability leading to poverty, internal population displacements and insecurity, could partially explain vaccine hesitancy. It is easier to mobilize the vaccination team than the population, who are only coming little by little to the clinic. The problem of distance is the programs responsibility (Country M). Finally, in one country, vaccine hesitancy was seen mainly among illegal settlers or immigrants without an official status. These individuals hesitated to use health services because of fear of being reported to the police, even though the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) offers immunization with permission from the government. The main reason for vaccine hesitancy is living illegally in the country so that theydo not seek or benefit from EPI service at Public Health Clinic in order not to be reported to police (Country D). Three main determinants

Florfenicol of vaccine hesitancy pertaining to individual and group influences were identified. Risk perceptions were identified by seven IMs as causal factors. This included concerns regarding vaccine safety, lack of perceived benefits of vaccination and lack of understanding of the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. The new vaccine that we have recently introduced in the country was the DTap, Hepatitis B, Hib-containing pentavalent vaccine and concerns were raised around the safety of this combined vaccine (Country C). There were certain groups that were very concerned about the safety of vaccines, in particular thimerosal-containing vaccines (Country K). People’s level of trust in the health system and health-care providers was identified by four IMs as a causal factor.

9, 24 3, 54 9–60 0 ppm for SCH3, CH3, and OCH3 respectively The

9, 24.3, 54.9–60.0 ppm for SCH3, CH3, and OCH3 respectively. The signals appeared at around δ 107.0, 114.0, 143.0, 162.0 ppm for C-5, C-6, C-7a, C-2 and carbons of aromatic rings at δ 127.0–134.0 ppm respectively. Further HRMS gave all the molecular ion peaks corresponding to molecular weight of confirmed novel compounds. In the present paper, we report the synthesis, spectral studies, and antifungal activity of a new series of novel diaryl substituted imidazo [2, 1-b]-benzothiazole derivatives (8a–y). These novel heterocyclic compounds were prepared by cyclo–dehydration

reaction between the various substituted 2-amino benzothiazole derivatives (3a–h) and various substituted a-bromo-1-[4′-substituted] phenyl-2-[4″-substituted] phenyl-1-ethanones (7a–i) in the presence of anhydrous ethanol, under the influence of a trace quantity Epacadostat datasheet of phosphorus pentoxide. In general, the results of the antifungal activity are also encouraging, as out of twenty five compounds tested, compounds 8k, 8l, 8m, 8n, 8q, 8r and 8y exhibited significant activities, which are comparable or more potent regarding their activity than the reference drug. The overall outcome of this model revealed that: (i) the imidazo [2, 1-b]-benzothiazole nucleus ring is satisfactory backbone for antifungal activity, (ii) presence of a nitro (-NO2), or carboxylic acid functional group at position C-6 and C-7 of the imidazo [2, 1-b]-benzothiazole

nucleus contributed to a better antifungal, (iii) presence of electron withdrawing group on the C-7 and phenyl ring at C-3 and of the imidazo [2, 1-b]-benzothiazole learn more nucleus favors the activity. These preliminary encouraging results of biological screening of the tested compounds could offer an excellent framework in this field that may lead to discovery of potent

antifungal agent. 1H NMR spectra were measured at 300 MHz with a JEOL GSX 270 ft NMR spectrometer. oxyclozanide Chemical shifts were measured relative to internal standard TMS (δ: 0). 13C NMR spectra were recorded at 67.8 MHz on the same instrument with internal TMS (δ: 0, CDCl3). IR spectra were recorded on a UNICAM series FT-instrument. Mass spectra were recorded on AEI MS 902 or VG ZAB-E-instruments. Microanalyses were performed by MEDAC Ltd, Surrey. Melting points were determined on Gallenkamp capillary melting point apparatus and are uncorrected. Optical rotations were measured in chloroform solution using a Bellingham and Stanley ADP 220 polarimeter. Flash chromatography was performed using Fluka silica gel 60 (230–400 mesh). Thin layer chromatography was carried out using pre-coated aluminum plates (Merck Kieselghur 60 F254) which were visualized under UV light and then with either phosphomolybdic acid or basic aqueous potassium permanganate as appropriate. The appropriately substituted aniline (0.1 mol) and potassium thiocyanate (0.2 mol) were dissolved in 150 mL of glacial acetic acid, cooled in ice, and stirred mechanically while a solution of bromine (0.