Daclatasvir/peginterferon lambda-1a/ribavirin in patients with chronic HCV infection and haemophilia who are treatment naïve or prior relapsers to peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin

AIM

This study explores the potential role of a novel interferon-containing regimen for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and underlying haemophilia.

METHODS

This trial (NCT01741545) was an open-label, non-randomized phase 3 study, which included adult haemophiliacs with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Patients with HCV genotypes (GT)-2 or -3 were treated with Lambda-IFN/ribavirin (RBV)/daclatasvir (DCV) for 12 weeks (cohort A). Patients with HCV GT-1b or -4 were treated with Lambda-IFN/RBV/DCV for 12 weeks, followed by Lambda-IFN/RBV for an additional 12 weeks (cohort B). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a sustained virologic response at post-treatment follow-up week 12 (SVR12). Clinical development of Lambda-IFN was discontinued during this trial leading to study termination before a 24-week post-treatment follow-up was obtained for all participants.

RESULTS

Overall, 51 patients were treated (cohort A, n = 12; cohort B, n = 39). The proportion of patients achieving SVR12 was 92% in cohort A and 90% in cohort B. Therapy was generally well tolerated. The most common adverse events (AEs) were related to elevations in serum transaminases and/or bilirubin. Five serious AEs, four discontinuations due to AEs, and no deaths were reported. The rate of grade 3-4 bilirubin elevations was 17-18% across cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Lambda-IFN/RBV/DCV treatment demonstrated a high SVR rate and was generally well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with expectations for this special patient population. This study supports use of DCV as part of a combination treatment regimen for haemophiliacs with CHC.

Non-neural androgen receptor promotes androphilic odor preference in mice

In mice, male-typical preference for female olfactory cues results largely from sexually differentiated testosterone production. It is currently unclear on which cells and tissues testosterone acts to produce male-typical preference for female olfactory cues. To further address the site of androgen action on olfactory preference, we have developed a loxP-based transgenic mouse that overexpresses androgen receptors (AR) only when activated by Cre. We used this transgene to overexpress AR globally in all tissues using a CMV-Cre driver and a Nestin-Cre driver to overexpress AR selectively in neural tissue. We then examined olfactory preference in transgenic and wildtype (Wt) littermates by simultaneously exposing animals to female-soiled, male-soiled and clean bedding. Ubiquitous overexpression of AR in CMV-AR mice increased preference for male bedding, whereas neural-specific AR overexpression in Nestin-AR transgenic mice did not differ from wildtype siblings in olfactory preference. Neural activation of olfactory brain areas in response to female-soiled bedding was also evaluated in these mice by measuring FOS immunoreactivity. This revealed a decrease in neural activity along the accessory olfactory pathway that accompanied the decrease in preference for female odors in CMV-AR males, compared to both Nestin-AR and Wt male siblings. Together, results indicate that androgens act via non-neural AR to mediate olfactory preference and neural responses to olfactory stimuli, and further suggest that AR in non-neural tissues can promote androphilic odor preferences in male mice.In mice, male-typical preference for female olfactory cues results largely from sexually differentiated testosterone production. It is currently unclear on which cells and tissues testosterone acts to produce male-typical preference for female olfactory cues. To further address the site of androgen action on olfactory preference, we have developed a loxP-based transgenic mouse that overexpresses androgen receptors (AR) only when activated by Cre. We used this transgene to overexpress AR globally in all tissues using a CMV-Cre driver and a Nestin-Cre driver to overexpress AR selectively in neural tissue. We then examined olfactory preference in transgenic and wildtype (Wt) littermates by simultaneously exposing animals to female-soiled, male-soiled and clean bedding. Ubiquitous overexpression of AR in CMV-AR mice increased preference for male bedding, whereas neural-specific AR overexpression in Nestin-AR transgenic mice did not differ from wildtype siblings in olfactory preference. Neural activation of olfactory brain areas in response to female-soiled bedding was also evaluated in these mice by measuring FOS immunoreactivity. This revealed a decrease in neural activity along the accessory olfactory pathway that accompanied the decrease in preference for female odors in CMV-AR males, compared to both Nestin-AR and Wt male siblings. Together, results indicate that androgens act via non-neural AR to mediate olfactory preference and neural responses to olfactory stimuli, and further suggest that AR in non-neural tissues can promote androphilic odor preferences in male mice.

Electrographic Correlates of Plateau Waves in Patients With Leptomeningeal Metastases

We describe video electroencephalography (video-EEG) correlates of transient neurological attacks due to plateau waves-paroxysmal elevations in intracranial pressure-in patients with leptomeningeal metastases. We identified 3 patients with leptomeningeal metastases, intracranial hypertension, and transient neurological attacks captured on video-EEG without evidence of seizures or epileptiform activity. We identified all clinical events on video and reviewed the corresponding EEG data for evidence of abnormalities. All 3 patients had mild to moderate slowing and 2 had frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity during background EEG recording. There were 33 clinical events recorded and stereotyped for each patient. All 33 events were associated with an increase in delta range slowing of ≥30% compared to the background. This abnormality started ≤2 minutes before the onset of clinical symptoms and persisted for minutes after clinical resolution. This study is the first to carefully describe the electrographic correlates of transient neurological attacks due to plateau waves in patients with leptomeningeal metastasis. Clinical attacks were consistently associated with a possible EEG signature of diffuse delta range slowing. Future studies can validate the sensitivity and specificity of these EEG changes as a prognostic and/or response biomarker in patients with leptomeningeal metastases with or without intracranial hypertension.

Chemotherapeutic copolymers prepared via the RAFT polymerization of prodrug monomers

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was employed to prepare prodrug polymer carrier systems with the chemotherapeutic agent camptothecin (Cam) and the kinase inhibitor dasatinib (Dt).

Diurnal intraocular pressure fluctuation and its risk factors in angle-closure and open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation during office hours and its predictive factors in untreated primary angle-closure suspects (PACS); post-iridotomy primary angle closure (PAC) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes with or without IOP-lowering medication(s) as appropriate and medically treated primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes.

METHODS

One-hundred seventeen eyes (29 PACS, 30 PAC, 28 PACG, and 30 POAG) of 117 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. The subjects underwent hourly IOP measurements with Goldmann tonometer from 0800 to 1700 hours. Subjects with PAC and PACG had laser peripheral iridotomy at least 2 weeks prior to the inclusion. SD of office-hour IOP readings was the main outcome measure.

RESULTS

IOP fluctuation differed between the groups (P=0.01; Kruskal-Wallis Test). Post hoc Mann-Whitney U-tests showed significantly less IOP fluctuation in PACS compared with PACG (P<0.01). Peak office-hour IOP was observed in the morning in untreated subjects and in the early afternoon in treated subjects. A stepwise linear regression model identified the presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), thickness of lens, large vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR), and PAC category as significant predictive factors associated with office-hour IOP fluctuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Diurnal IOP fluctuation in asymptomatic PACSs was less than that in treated PACG subjects and was at least comparable to that in treated PAC and POAG subjects. The greater the amount of PAS, the thicker the lens, the larger the VCDR, the greater was the IOP fluctuation during office hours.

Classification of ovary abnormality using the probabilistic neural network (PNN)

BACKGROUND

In recent times there has been a significant change in lifestyle in many parts of the world, with most people experiencing a more sedentary existence combined with an abundance of food. This has resulted in the modern epidemic of obesity and consequent hyperinsulinemia - situations which in women may precipitate expression of fertility problems; effective methods to evaluate the fertility status are required. Ultrasonographic imaging is an effective, easy to use, safe, and readily available noninvasive means to evaluate fertility potential.

OBJECTIVE

Manual recognition of the follicles in terms of area measurement and counting the number of follicles is laborious; often fatigue may lead to error-prone conclusions. The paper attempts an automated classification of the ovaries based on the biomarking done by the physician. Also, biomarked data correlates with the hormones values such as androgen, testosterone and leutinizing hormone.

METHODS

Despeckled images are segmented by improved active contour with split-Bregman optimization. The features are extracted from images using geometric and intensity method. The significant features selected by particle swarm optimization and dimension reduction by principal component analysis and classification by probabilistic neural network.

RESULTS

Proposed probabilistic neural network achieves maximum efficiency of 97% compared to SVM 92% and RBF 88%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained show that using a very large number of features combined with a feature selection approach allows us to achieve high classification rates.

Synchronous large tumoral pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) in the breast and axilla with subsequent carcinoma in the contralateral breast: routine and strain imaging with histopathological correlation

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a benign breast disorder with the tumoral variety being extremely rare. We report a rare case of synchronous, massive axillary and breast tumoral PASH in a 55-year-old post-menopausal woman. Mammography, ultrasonography and sonoelastography features are illustrated with histopathological correlation. A high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma was detected in the contralateral breast on annual follow-up imaging. Radiologists need to be familiar with the imaging appearances of PASH and be aware of its association with subsequent cancer risk. To the best of our knowledge, the present case of synchronous tumoral PASH in the breast and axillary tissue is the second reported case till now.

Disruption of cytochrome c oxidase function induces the Warburg effect and metabolic reprogramming

Defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes, altered bioenergetics and metabolic shift are often seen in cancers. Here we show a role for the dysfunction of electron transport chain component, cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) in cancer progression. We show that genetic silencing of the CcO complex by shRNA expression and loss of CcO activity in multiple cell types from the mouse and human sources resulted in metabolic shift to glycolysis, loss of anchorage dependent growth and acquired invasive phenotypes. Disruption of CcO complex caused loss of transmembrane potential and induction of Ca²⁺/Calcineurin-mediated retrograde signaling. Propagation of this signaling, includes activation of PI3-kinase, IGF1R and Akt, Ca²⁺ sensitive transcription factors and also, TGFβ1, MMP16, periostin that are involved in oncogenic progression. Whole genome expression analysis showed up regulation of genes involved in cell signaling, extracellular matrix interactions, cell morphogenesis, cell motility and migration. The transcription profiles reveal extensive similarity to retrograde signaling initiated by partial mtDNA depletion, though distinct differences are observed in signaling induced by CcO dysfunction. The possible CcO dysfunction as a biomarker for cancer progression was supported by data showing that esophageal tumors from human patients show reduced CcO subunits IVi1 and Vb in regions that were previously shown to be hypoxic core of the tumors. Our results show that mitochondrial electron transport chain defect initiates a retrograde signaling. These results suggest that a defect in CcO complex can potentially induce tumor progression.

Therapeutic Challenges in Diabetes Prevention: We Have Not Found the "Exercise Pill"

Type 2 diabetes has become an enormous public health burden, making diabetes prevention a pressing issue. While lifestyle modification is the most effective preventive strategy, it is resource-intensive and not universally sustainable. We review the evidence on pharmacological options for diabetes prevention, in search of a medication that is efficacious, easy to adhere to, well tolerated, and cost-effective. With the exception of metformin, most other drugs have either limited efficacy or costly side effects.

Vibrational spectra (FT-IR, FT-Raman), frontier molecular orbital, first hyperpolarizability, NBO analysis and thermodynamics properties of Piroxicam by HF and DFT methods

The solid phase FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 4-Hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(2-pyridinyl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide-1,1-dioxide (Piroxicam) have been recorded in the region 4000-400 and 4000-100cm(-1) respectively. The molecular geometry, harmonic vibrational frequencies and bonding features of piroxicam in the ground state have been calculated by Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) methods using 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies are scaled and they are compared with experimental obtained by FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. A detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra of the title compound has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution (PED). The electronic properties, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) are also performed. The linear polarizability (α) and the first order hyper polarizability (β) values of the title compound have been computed. The molecular stability arising from hyper conjugative interaction, charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.

Density functional theory studies on molecular structure, vibrational spectra and electronic properties of cyanuric acid

The present work has been carried out a combined experimental and theoretical study on molecular structure, vibrational spectra and NBO analysis of cyanuric acid. The FT-IR (100-4000cm(-1)) and FT-Raman spectra (400-4000cm(-1)) of cyanuric acid were recorded. In DFT methods, Becke's three parameter exchange-functional (B3) combined with gradient-corrected correlation functional of Lee, Yang and Parr (LYP) by implementing the split-valence polarized 6-31G(d,p) and 6-31++G(d,p) basis sets have been considered for the computation of the molecular structure optimization, vibrational frequencies, thermodynamic properties and energies of the optimized structures. The density functional theory (DFT) result complements the experimental findings. The electronic properties, such as HOMO-LUMO energies and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) are also performed. Mulliken population analysis on atomic charges is also calculated. The first order hyperpolarizability (βtotal) of this molecular system and related properties (β, μ and Δα) are calculated using DFT/B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) methods. The thermodynamic functions (heat capacity, entropy and enthalpy) from spectroscopic data by statistical methods were also obtained for the range of temperature 50-1000K.

Well-defined single polymer nanoparticles for the antibody-targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents

Aqueous reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was employed to prepare a series of linear copolymers of N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) and 2-hydroxyethylacrylamide (HEAm) with narrow Đ values over a molecular weight range spanning three orders of magnitude (103 to 106 Da). Trithiocarbonate-based RAFT chain transfer agents (CTAs) were grafted onto these scaffolds using carbodiimide chemistry catalyzed with DMAP. The resultant graft chain transfer agent (gCTA) was subsequently employed to synthesize polymeric brushes with a number of important vinyl monomer classes including acrylamido, methacrylamido, and methacrylate. Brush polymerization kinetics were evaluated for the aqueous RAFT polymerization of DMA from a 10 arm gCTA. Polymeric brushes containing hydroxyl functionality were further functionalized in order to prepare 2nd generation gCTAs which were subsequently employed to prepare polymers with a brushed-brush architecture with molecular weights in excess of 106 Da. These resultant single particle nanoparticles (SNPs) were employed as drug delivery vehicles for the anthracycline-based drug doxorubicin via copolymerization of DMA with a protected carbazate monomer (bocSMA). Cell-specific targeting functionality was also introduced via copolymerization with a biotin-functional monomer (bioHEMA). Drug release of the hydrazone linked doxorubicin was evaluated as function of pH and serum and chemotherapeutic activity was evaluated in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells.

Dynamic intracellular delivery of antibiotics via pH-responsive polymersomes

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was employed to prepare a series of copolymers consisting of 2-hdroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (FWavg ~ 950 Da) (O950) with variable comonomer compositions and molecular weights for use as polymeric scaffolds. Reactivity ratios for the monomer pair were determined to be 1.37 and 0.290 respectively. To these scaffolds trithiocarbonate-based RAFT chain transfer agents (CTAs) were grafted using carbodiimide chemistry. The resultant graft chain transfer agents (gCTA) were subsequently employed to polymerize dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and (HPMA) between degrees of polymerization (DP) of 25 and 200. Kinetic analysis for the polymerization of DMAEMA targeting a DP of 100 from a 34 arm graft gCTA show linear Mn conversion and pseudo first order rate plots with narrow molecular weight distributions that move toward lower elution volumes with monomer conversion. Đ values for these polymerizations remain low at around 1.20 at monomer conversions as high as 70 %. pH-responsive endosomalytic brushes capable of spontaneously self-assembling into polymersomes were synthesized and a combination of dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryoTEM, and red blood cell hemolysis were employed to evaluate the aqueous solution properties of the polymeric brush as a function of pH. Successful encapsulation of ceftazidime and pH-dependent drug release properties were confirmed by HPLC. Intracellular antibiotic activity of the drug-loaded polymersomes was confirmed in a macrophage coculture model of infection with B. thailandensis and RAW 264.7 cells.

Vibrational, UV spectra, NBO, first order hyperpolarizability and HOMO-LUMO analysis of carvedilol

In this work, we have investigated experimentally and theoretically on the molecular structure, vibrational spectra, UV spectral analysis and NBO studies of cardio-protective drug carvedilol. The FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra for carvedilol in the solid phase have been recorded in the region 4000-100 cm(-1) and 4000-400 cm(-1) respectively. Theoretical calculations were performed by using density functional theory (DFT) method at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) basis set levels. The harmonic vibrational frequencies, the optimized geometric parameters have been interpreted and compared with the reported experimental values. The complete vibrational assignments were performed on the basis of potential energy distribution (PED) of the vibrational modes. The thermodynamic properties and molecular electrostatic potential surfaces of the molecule were constructed. The electronic absorption spectrum was recorded in the region 400-200 nm and electronic properties such as HOMO and LUMO energies were calculated. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper conjugative interactions and charge delocalization have been analyzed from natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The first order hyperpolarizability of the title molecule was also calculated. The photo stability of carvedilol under different storage conditions were analyzed using UV-Vis spectral technique.

DFT studies on vibrational spectra, HOMO-LUMO, NBO and thermodynamic function analysis of cyanuric fluoride

In this work, the theoretical vibrational spectral characteristics of cyanuric fluoride (C3N3F3) have been investigated and compared with existing experimental results. The density functional theoretical (DFT) computations were performed at the B3LYP level with the basis sets 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) levels to derive the optimized geometry, vibrational wavenumbers with IR intensities of cyanuric fluoride. In addition, the molecular orbital calculations such as Natural Bond Orbitals (NBOs), HOMO-LUMO energy gap and Mapped molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) surfaces were also performed with the same level of DFT. Electronic stability of the compound arising from hyper conjugative interactions and charge delocalization were also investigated based on the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Effective stabilization energy E((2)) connected with the interactions of the π and the lone pair of electrons was determined by the NBO analysis. Mulliken population analysis on atomic charges is also calculated. The thermodynamic properties of the cyanuric fluoride at different temperatures have also been calculated for the range of temperature 50-1000 K.

Clinical and molecular characterization of a novel PLIN1 frameshift mutation identified in patients with familial partial lipodystrophy

Perilipin 1 is a lipid droplet coat protein predominantly expressed in adipocytes, where it inhibits basal and facilitates stimulated lipolysis. Loss-of-function mutations in the PLIN1 gene were recently reported in patients with a novel subtype of familial partial lipodystrophy, designated as FPLD4. We now report the identification and characterization of a novel heterozygous frameshift mutation affecting the carboxy-terminus (439fs) of perilipin 1 in two unrelated families. The mutation cosegregated with a similar phenotype including partial lipodystrophy, severe insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, extreme hypertriglyceridemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in both families. Poor metabolic control despite maximal medical therapy prompted two patients to undergo bariatric surgery, with remarkably beneficial consequences. Functional studies indicated that expression levels of the mutant protein were lower than wild-type protein, and in stably transfected preadipocytes the mutant protein was associated with smaller lipid droplets. Interestingly, unlike the previously reported 398 and 404 frameshift mutants, this variant binds and stabilizes ABHD5 expression but still fails to inhibit basal lipolysis as effectively as wild-type perilipin 1. Collectively, these findings highlight the physiological need for exquisite regulation of neutral lipid storage within adipocyte lipid droplets, as well as the possible metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery in this serious disease.

Marine stingray injuries to the extremities: Series of three cases with emphasis on imaging

Stingray injuries are usually reported from coastal regions. The injury is caused by the tail spine of the stingray, which can penetrate deep into the soft tissues, and the venom in the tail can cause extensive tissue damage. Imaging plays a very important role in patients with stingray injuries, especially to detect the presence of retained foreign bodies and its complications. We present three cases of stingray injuries to the extremities, with a special emphasis on radiographic findings. Embedded foreign bodies that were radiographically visualized were removed in two of the patients (one patient was discharged at request and was lost to follow-up). We also discuss the types of injuries, clinical presentation, importance of imaging and management considerations in stingray injuries.

Spectroscopic (FT-IR, FT-Raman, NMR and UV-Visible) and quantum chemical studies of molecular geometry, Frontier molecular orbital, NLO, NBO and thermodynamic properties of salicylic acid

The solid phase FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid) have been recorded in the region 4000-400 and 4000-100 cm(-1) respectively. The optimized molecular geometry and fundamental vibrational frequencies are interpreted with the aid of structure optimizations and normal coordinate force field calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) method and a comparative study between Hartree Fork (HF) method at 6-311++G(d,p) level basis set. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies are scaled and they are compared with experimentally obtained FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. A detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra of this compound has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution (PED). The time dependent DFT method is employed to predict its absorption energy and oscillator strength. The linear polarizability (α) and the first order hyper polarizability (β) values of the investigated molecule have been computed. The electronic properties, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) are also performed. Stability of the molecule arising from hyper conjugative interaction, charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.

Computation and interpretation of vibrational spectra on the structure of Losartan using ab initio and Density Functional methods

The solid phase FTIR and FT-Raman spectra of Losartan have been recorded in the region 400-4000 cm(-1). The spectra were interpreted in terms of fundamental modes, combination and overtone bands. The structure of the molecule was optimized and the structural characteristics were determined by Quantum chemical methods. The vibrational frequencies yield good agreement between observed and calculated values. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded and resonance chemical shifts of the molecule were calculated. UV-Visible spectrum of the compound was recorded in the region 200-600 nm and the electronic properties HOMO and LUMO energies calculated by TD-HF approach. NBO atomic charges of the molecules and second order perturbation theory analysis of Fock matrix also calculated and interpreted. The geometrical parameters, energies, harmonic vibrational frequencies, IR intensities, Raman intensities, and absorption wavelengths were compared with experimental and theoretical data of the molecule.

Molecular geometry, conformational, vibrational spectroscopic, molecular orbital and Mulliken charge analysis of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid

The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and FT-Raman spectra of 2-acetoxybenzoic acid (2ABA), a painkiller agent were recorded in the region 4000-450 cm(-1) and 5000-50 cm(-1) respectively. Hartree Fock (HF) and Density functional theory (DFT) methods have been used to determine its optimized geometrical parameter, atomic charges, and vibrational wavenumbers and intensity of the vibrational bands of the title molecule. The computed vibrational wave numbers were compared with the FT-IR and FT-Raman experimental data. The computational calculations were done at HF and DFT/B3LYP level with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The complete vibrational assignments were performed on the basis of the potential energy distribution (PED) analysis. The Mulliken charges, UV-Visible spectral analysis and HOMO-LUMO energy gap have been calculated and reported. The B3LYP method of calculated parameters is a good complement with the experimental findings. The thermodynamic properties like entropy, heat capacity and zero vibrational energy have been calculated and discussed. The electrostatic potential (ESP) contour surface and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) of the molecule were constructed.

Experimental and theoretical spectroscopic analysis, HOMO-LUMO, and NBO studies of cyanuric chloride

The vibrational spectral analysis of cyanuric chloride was carried out by using FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra in the range 100-4000cm(-1) and 400-4000cm(-1) respectively. The structure optimization was done and structural characteristics were determined by Density Functional Theory (B3LYP) method with 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. The vibrational wavenumbers have been calculated and scaled values are compared with experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. A detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra of the molecule has been made on the basis of the calculated Potential Energy Distribution (PED). The Natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis performed to confirm the stability of the molecule arising from hyper conjugation and delocalization. The Mulliken atomic charges were also calculated. The computed HOMO-LUMO energy gap shows that charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The thermodynamic properties at different temperatures have been calculated from the vibrational analysis.

Evidence for the role of EPHX2 gene variants in anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and related eating disorders are complex, multifactorial neuropsychiatric conditions with likely rare and common genetic and environmental determinants. To identify genetic variants associated with AN, we pursued a series of sequencing and genotyping studies focusing on the coding regions and upstream sequence of 152 candidate genes in a total of 1205 AN cases and 1948 controls. We identified individual variant associations in the Estrogen Receptor-ß (ESR2) gene, as well as a set of rare and common variants in the Epoxide Hydrolase 2 (EPHX2) gene, in an initial sequencing study of 261 early-onset severe AN cases and 73 controls (P=0.0004). The association of EPHX2 variants was further delineated in: (1) a pooling-based replication study involving an additional 500 AN patients and 500 controls (replication set P=0.00000016); (2) single-locus studies in a cohort of 386 previously genotyped broadly defined AN cases and 295 female population controls from the Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS) and a cohort of 58 individuals with self-reported eating disturbances and 851 controls (combined smallest single locus P<0.01). As EPHX2 is known to influence cholesterol metabolism, and AN is often associated with elevated cholesterol levels, we also investigated the association of EPHX2 variants and longitudinal body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol in BHS female and male subjects (N=229) and found evidence for a modifying effect of a subset of variants on the relationship between cholesterol and BMI (P<0.01). These findings suggest a novel association of gene variants within EPHX2 to susceptibility to AN and provide a foundation for future study of this important yet poorly understood condition.

Plateau of adiposity in Australian children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes: a 20-year study

AIMS

To examine temporal trends in anthropometry in children with Type 1 diabetes from Sydney, Australia.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in a total of 1975 children with Type 1 diabetes, aged <16 years, between 1990 and 2009. Trends in height, weight and BMI standard deviation score after initial stabilization were examined by age group (<5 years, 5 to <10 years, 10 to 16 years) and time period of diagnosis (T1: 1990-1994, T2: 1995-1999; T3: 2000-2004 and T4: 2005-2009). Factors associated with BMI standard deviation score (time period, age group, gender and socio-economic status) were examined using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean BMI standard deviation score (±sd) increased between T1 and T2 (0.54 ± 1.14 vs 0.81 ± 1.14, P = 0.002), but remained steady thereafter (T3: 0.85 ± 1.11, T4: 0.87 ± 1.09; T2 to T4: P = 0.40). Similarly, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from T1 to T2 (26 to 35%, P = 0.01), but was unchanged thereafter (T3: 34%, T4: 34%; T2 to T4: P = 0.90). On multivariable regression analysis, a higher BMI standard deviation score was associated with younger age (≥5 years vs <5 years, β=-0.40, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.28, P < 0.001), later time period (T2 to T4 vs T1, β=0.30, 95% CI 0.16-0.45, P < 0.001) and male gender (β=0.25, 95% CI 0.15-0.34, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained unchanged in children at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes over 15 years. These findings suggest that higher adiposity alone cannot account for the continued rising incidence of Type 1 diabetes in recent years.

Studies of the molecular geometry, vibrational spectra, frontier molecular orbital, nonlinear optical and thermodynamics properties of aceclofenac by quantum chemical calculations

The solid phase FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of 2-[2-[2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]phenyl]acetyl] oxyacetic acid (Aceclofenac) have been recorded in the region 4000-400 and 4000-100 cm(-1) respectively. The optimized molecular geometry and fundamental vibrational frequencies are interpreted with the aid of structure optimizations and normal coordinate force field calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) method and a comparative study between Hartree Fork (HF) method 6-311++G(d,p) level basis set. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies were scaled and have been compared with experimental by obtained FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. A detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra of this compound has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution (PED). The time dependent DFT method employed to study its absorption energy and oscillator strength. The linear polarizability (α) and the first order hyper polarizability (β) values of the investigated molecule have been computed. The electronic properties, such as HOMO and LUMO energies, molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) were also performed. Stability of the molecule arising from hyper conjugative interaction, charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.

The early clinical course of infliximab treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the REMARK observational study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to describe patterns of disease activity during infliximab plus methotrexate (MTX) treatment and explore C-reactive protein (CRP) as a potential marker of early response.

METHODS

REMARK was a phase IV, open-label, observational study of infliximab-naïve adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who received infliximab 3 mg/kg plus MTX for 14 weeks. Treatment response was evaluated in 3 subgroups: patients with <1 year disease duration who were TNF-inhibitor (TNFi)-naïve, patients with ≥ 1 year disease duration who were TNFi-naïve, and patients who had previous TNFi failure or intolerance. In post hoc analyses, CRP kinetic profiles were analysed by EULAR response (good, moderate, non-response) in REMARK and in an independent replication with data from the ASPIRE study.

RESULTS

In the efficacy-evaluable population (n=662), median 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28) improved from baseline to Week 14 (5.2 vs. 3.6, p<0.0001). Regardless of disease history subgroup, most patients had good or moderate EULAR responses at Weeks 2 (64.9%), 6 (74.1%), and 14 (73.6%). DAS28 and its components did not differ across patient subgroups. Disease flare occurred in 16.2% of patients. CRP levels declined markedly at Week 2, but patients who were EULAR non-responders at Week 14 showed a CRP rebound at Weeks 6 and 14. This CRP pattern was independently replicated in data from ASPIRE. Adverse events were consistent with the known risk profile of infliximab.

CONCLUSIONS

Infliximab plus MTX treatment in patients with RA rapidly diminished disease activity. A unique pattern of CRP rebound was found in non-responders early in treatment.

Diabetic gastrointestinal motility disorders and the role of enteric nervous system: current status and future directions

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal manifestations of diabetes are common and a source of significant discomfort and disability. Diabetes affects almost every part of gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum and causes a variety of symptoms including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of diabetic gastroenteropathy is important to guide development of therapies for this common problem. Over recent years, the data regarding the pathophysiology of diabetic gastroenteropathy is expanding. In addition to autonomic neuropathy causing gastrointestinal disturbances the role of enteric nervous system is becoming more evident.

PURPOSE

In this review, we summarize the reported alterations in enteric nervous system including enteric neurons, interstitial cells of Cajal and neurotransmission in diabetic animal models and patients. We also review the possible underlying mechanisms of these alterations, with focus on oxidative stress, growth factors and diabetes induced changes in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Finally, we will discuss recent advances and potential areas for future research related to diabetes and the ENS such as gut microbiota, micro-RNAs and changes in the microvasculature and endothelial dysfunction.

Molecular structure, Mulliken charge, frontier molecular orbital and first hyperpolarizability analysis on 2-nitroaniline and 4-methoxy-2-nitroaniline using density functional theory

In the present study, we made an attempt to calculate the energy gap, molecular dipole moment and first hyperpolarizability of 2-nitroaniline (2NA) and 4-methoxy-2-nitroaniline (4M2N) with a basis set 6-31G (d, p) function has been employed at density functional theory (DFT) methods. Geometry optimizations was carried out with DFT-B3LYP/6-31G (d, p), the results have revealed that intramolecular hydrogen bonding present in both the molecular system. We analyzed the energy gap, molecular dipole moment and hyperpolarizability changes due to substitution effect of the methoxy group in 2NA molecule. It is confirmed that strong electron acceptor and donor groups in a material yield higher NLO response.

Molecular structure and vibrational spectroscopic investigation of melamine using DFT theory calculations

The FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra for melamine have been recorded in the region 4000-100cm(-1) and 4000-400cm(-1), respectively compared with the harmonic vibrational frequencies calculated using density functional theory method (B3LYP) by employing 6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis set with appropriate scaling factors. Optimized geometries of the molecule have been interpreted and compared with the reported experimental values. The experimental geometrical parameters prove satisfactory concurrence with the theoretical prediction from DFT. The scaled vibrational frequencies seem to coincide with the experimentally observed values with acceptable deviations. The theoretical spectrograms have been constructed and compared with the experimental FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra. The calculated Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energies show that charge transfer occurs in the molecule. The first order hyperpolarizability βtotal of this molecular system and related properties (α, β, μ and Δα) are calculated using DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and 6-311++G(d,p) basis set based on the finite-field approach. Stability of the molecule arising from hyper conjugative interaction, charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Thermodynamic properties like entropy, heat capacity and zero-point energy have been calculated for the molecule.