Five new organotin(IV) complexes of 2-hydroxyacetophenone-2-methylphenylthiosemicarbazone [H(2)dampt, (1)] with formula [RSnCl(n-1)(dampt)] (where R = Me, n = 2 (2); R = Bu, n = 2 (3); R = Ph, n = 2 (4); R = Me(2), n = 1 (5); R = Ph(2), n = 1 (6)) have been synthesized by direct reaction of H(2)dampt (1) with organotin(IV) chloride(s) in absolute methanol. The ligand (1) and its organotin(IV) complexes (2-6) were characterized by CHN analyses, molar conductivity, UV-Vis, FT-IR, (1)H, (13)C, and (119)Sn NMR spectral studies. H(2)dampt (1) is newly synthesized and has been structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. Spectroscopic data suggested that H(2)dampt (1) is coordinated to the tin(IV) atom through the thiolate-S, azomethine-N, and phenoxide-O atoms; the coordination number of tin is five. The in vitro antibacterial activity has been evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. The screening results have shown that the organotin(IV) complexes (2-6) have better antibacterial activities and have potential as drugs. Furthermore, it has been shown that diphenyltin(IV) derivative (6) exhibits significantly better activity than the other organotin(IV) derivatives (2-5).
INTRODUCTION: Being a houseman in Malaysian hospitals can be very stressful. Stress can affect decision making to a great extent while addressing the needs of the patient in an emergency setting. This necessitated a study to find out the main sources of stress among housemen.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 55 housemen using a questionnaire on sources of stress. The data was analysed using SPSS version 17.
RESULTS: A total of 16 factors leading to stress were studied among the housemen. Poor work and social life balance, annoying non-clinical personnel and medico-legal threats were among the top causes of stress.
CONCLUSION: The factors leading to stress among housemen should be considered for effective working of the hospital and improving the workplace atmosphere for the housemen.