Allergenicity and structural properties of new Cor a 1 isoallergens from hazel identified in different plant tissues

The hazel allergen Cor a 1 is a PR-10 protein, closely related to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. Hazel allergies are caused by cross-reactive IgE antibodies originally directed against Bet v 1. Despite the importance of PR-10 proteins in allergy development, their function and localization in the plant remain largely elusive. Therefore, the presence of Cor a 1 mRNA and proteins was investigated in different tissues, i.e., the female flower, immature and mature nuts, catkins, and pollen. Four yet unknown Cor a 1 isoallergens, i.e., Cor a 1.0501-1.0801, and one new Cor a 1.03 variant were discovered and characterized. Depending on the isoallergen, the occurrence and level of mRNA expression varied in different tissues, suggesting different functions. Interestingly, Cor a 1.04 previously thought to be only present in nuts, was also detected in catkins and pollen. The corresponding Cor a 1 genes were expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified proteins were analysed by CD and NMR spectroscopy. Immunoblots and ELISAs to determine their allergenic potential showed that the new proteins reacted positively with sera from patients allergic to birch, hazel and elder pollen and were recognized as novel isoallergens/variants by the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee.

Evaluation of pollution indicators and transported sediment content in agricultural drainage waters for reuse as irrigation, Harran Plain, Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the variation of certain pollution indicators and the level of sediment carried within drainage channel discharge waters following irrigation of fields on the Harfran Plain during the irrigation season. In this context, water samples were taken from 27 stations in total, including 26 drainage channels and 1 irrigation water channel (reference point), for 6 months between May 2020 and October 2020, and determined parameters were measured. Areal distribution maps were prepared with the ArcGIS program in order to better visually present the pollution level across the plain with the obtained data. The monthly changes of the analysis parameters and the significance level of the differences between the stations were determined using ANOVA analysis and the correlations between the measured parameters were determined using the Pearson correlation matrix SPSS package program. Evaluated on the basis of these areal distribution maps, it can be seen that the agricultural drainage waters of the Harran Plain are not suitable for irrigation in terms of five pollution indicators (pH, conductivity (EC), turbidity (Turb), sodium (Na⁺), and nitrate (NO₃^-)). Some sampling points in terms of pH (D9, R), conductivity (D10, D20), turbidity (all points) and Na + (as sodium adsorption rate) (D20) are in the "high usage restriction" category. In terms of conductivity, five points (D12, D13, D14, D15, D18); all points in terms of bicarbonate (HCO₃^-); and three points (D10, D12, D18) in terms of Na⁺ (as SAR) are classified as "low-medium usage restriction". According to the One-way ANOVA test performed to determine the differences between the points, there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the sampling points for all the following values: EC, dissolved oxygen (DO), Turb, Na⁺, HCO₃^-, chloride (Cl^-), sulphate (SO₄^2-), NO₃^-, pH, and transported sediment (TS), within the 95% confidence interval. In the test performed to determine the differences between the months, at the 95% confidence interval there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the months for parameters such as water temperature (WT), pH, DO, Turb, HCO₃^-, NO₃^-, and TS. There is a strong positive correlation between EC and Na⁺, Cl^-, and NO₃^- (r = 0.785-0.915) and Turb and TS (r = 0.725). With regard to sustainable agricultural practice for the plain, it is thought that the obtained results will contribute to administrative decision-making at a variety of management levels.

AB0572 CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS

Background:

Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most common form of entrapment neuropathies,caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. But there is no gold standard technique for diagnosing CTS. Electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) are generally used but have some limitations. Recent years, magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and ultrasonography(US) have facilitated the diagnosis of CTS. The median nerve cross section area(CSA) measured by US or MRI has been found to be associated with CTS[1]][2].CTS is usually idiopatic but it can be seen more in some disease. Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) occurs in up to 30% of people with psoriasis and can have serious debilitating effects on the peripheral joints, spine, tendon insertions, and fingers[3]. Because of arthritis, steroid use and flexor tenosynovitis play an important role in the pathogenesis of CTS, we think that CTS can be seen more in PsA patients.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the CTS in PsA patients with EDS, US and MRI than compare them with healthy controls.

Methods:

68 people, including 39 PsA (according to CASPAR criteria) and 28 healthy volunteers were included in study within 1 year. EDS, US and MRI were performed within maximum 2 weeks, and measurements were made by different doctors who were blind to other measurments. EDS was started with median and ulnar nerve motor conduction study than continued with sensory conduction studies. CTS diagnose was made according to the routine laboratory standards. The CSA measurement was made from the inner border of the hyperechoic ring around median nerve by using continuous tracing method at psiform bone level. US examinations were performed with a high frequency linear transducer (4-14 MHz), MRI examinations were performed on a 3-T imaging system. The statistical analyses were performed with Statistical Package for the Social Science Program Version 22. Descriptive statistics, T tests, chi-square test, Pearson correlation test were used.

Results:

No statifically significant difference was found between the groups for demographic characteristics. 12 (30.76%) of 39 PsA patients had CTS, whereas CTS was not detected in the control group(p= 0.001). US and MRI show larger CSA in PsA patients compared to the healthy control group(9,49 ± 3,00 mm2 vs 8,30 ±1,73mm2 p=0,005, 11,24 ± 3,41mm2 vs 9,35 ± 1,81mm2 p<0,001); in patients with CTS compared to others(11,63 mm2 ± 3,25 vs 8,60 ± 2,26mm2 p=0,002, 13,37 ± 3,37 mm2 vs 9,90 ± 1,58mm2 p<0,001) and in PsA patients which have CTS compared to PsA patients with normal EDS(11,63 ± 3,25 mm2 vs 8,87 ± 2,64 mm2 p=0,001, 13,37 ± 3,37 mm2 vs 10,52 ±3,15 mm2 p=0,003). When the CSA compared PsA patients which have normal EDS and healthy volunteers; US (8,87 ± 2,64 vs 8,30 ±1,73 p=0,180) and MRI (10,52 ±3,15 vs 9,35 ± 1,81 p=0,026) show larger CSA in PsA patients. But differance isn’t statistically significant for US measurments. The Pearson correlation coefficient between MRI and US measurements of the CSA was 0.85 (P<0,001).

Conclusion:

CTS is more common in patients with PsA. The relationship between CTS diagnosed by EDS and CSA measured by US or MRI was observed in both PsA patients and all participants. Diagnosis can be supported by US or MRI in patients who can not undergo EDS or who do not accept EDS. For PsA patients, cut off values obtained from normal people should not be used. The limitations of our study were that our CTS population was small and most of them was mild. We think that this study will be the precursor of CTS studies in PsA patients.

References:

[1]M. S. Cartwright et al., “Evidence-based guideline: Neuromuscular ultrasound for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome,” Muscle and Nerve, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 287–293, Aug. 2012.

[2]M. Ikeda, M. Okada, M. Toyama, T. Uemura, K. Takamatsu, and H. Nakamura, “Comparison of median nerve cross-sectional area on 3-T MRI in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome,” Orthopedics, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. e77–e81, Jan. 2017.

[3]C. T. Ritchlin, R. A. Colbert, and D. D. Gladman, “Psoriatic Arthritis,” N. Engl. J. Med., vol. 376, no. 10, pp. 957–970, Mar. 2017.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

A macroscopic comparison study on main branches of arteria brachialis and arteria subscapularis in Southern Karaman and Hasak sheep breeds

BACKGROUND

The Southern Karaman sheep, which is very fertile in terms of meat and milk production and is often preferred in livestock raising, is known as a domestic sheep breed. The Hasak sheep is a breed formed by the triple crossbreeding of the German Black-headed, Hampshire and Akkaraman breeds. Arterial feeding of the forelimb is provided by arteria axillaris, a continuation of arteria subclavia. In this study, it was aimed to examine the forelimb arteries in Southern Karaman and Hasak sheep breeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Totally, 8 Southern Karaman and 8 Hasak sheep were obtained from Konya Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Institute. The sheep were anesthetised with xylazine and ketamine and extravasated by cutting the arteria carotis communis in the neck area of the sheep. The forelimbs of the sheep separated from the body were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and then dissections were made and the course and branching of the arteries were examined.

RESULTS

It was determined that the arteria brachialis was divided into two main branches as distal arteria brachialis and proximal arteria subscapularis at the articulatio humeri level of the arteria axillary. Arteria mediana, which is a continuation of arteria brachialis, was also examined in different parts of antebrachium and ended by splitting into branches.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the findings of the Southern Karaman and Hasak sheep breeds, it was determined that the forelimb arteries had some anatomical differences but were similar in structure to many sheep breeds.

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in panic disorder: The association with major depression

To examine the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, we evaluated 69 outpatients with panic disorder. We found a 30% prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The patients with obsessive-compulsive symptoms had an earlier onset of illness and were more likely to have current and past major depression than the other ones.

Sleep panic attacks in patients with panic disorder: the association with major depression

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of sleep panic to major depression in patients with panic disorder. We found that the patients with sleep panic had a higher prevalence of major depression than subjects of other panic disorders.

Suicidality in patients with panic disorder: the association with comorbidity

To examine the relationship between suicidality and panic disorder, we evaluated 91 patients with panic disorder. Patients with comorbid diagnosis were more suicidal than patients with pure panic disorder. These data suggest that among patients with panic disorder, suicidal behavior is associated with comorbid diagnosis.

A morphological, morphometrical and histological investigation of the interdigital gland in Hasmer and Hasak sheep

BACKGROUND

The interdigital glands of sheep perform various functions including those pertaining to sexual behaviours. Morphological and histological structure of the gland demonstrates differences among species. The aim of this study is to examine the morphological and histological structure of Hasak and Hasmer sheep's interdigital glands and to determine the differences with other sheep breeds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this research, we selected 7 Hasak and 7 Hasmer female sheep. After scarification, the feet were obtained and used for anatomical and histological examinations. For the histological examination, the interdigital gland tissues were stained with Crossman modified triple, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB) staining.

RESULTS

The morphometric analysis results, mean values of weight, body length, body diameter, flexura, ductus length, ductus diameter, were observed as 0.80 mm, 14.61 mm, 5.98 mm, 5.62 mm, 26.58 mm, and 3.25 mm, respectively in Hasak and 0.8 mm, 15.46 mm, 6.37 mm, 5.70 mm, 24.52 mm, and 3.52 mm in Hasmer sheep. The histochemical staining revealed that the apocrine secretion of this gland was PAS positive and AB negative.

CONCLUSIONS

The weight, body length, body diameter, flexura, ductus length and ductus diameter in the forefoot's interdigital glands of both Hasak and Hasmer sheep were higher in a statistically significant manner than those of the hindfeet's glands.

Is It Time to Re-Evaluate the Ethics Governance of Social Media Research?

This article reports on a U.K. workshop on social media research ethics held in May 2018. There were 10 expert speakers and an audience of researchers, research ethics committee members, and research institution representatives. Participants reviewed the current state of social media ethics, discussing well-rehearsed questions such as what needs consent in social media research, and how the public/private divide differs between virtual and real-life environments. The lack of answers to such questions was noted, along with the difficulties posed for ethical governance structures in general and the work of research ethics committees in particular. Discussions of these issues enabled the creation of two recommendations. The first is for research ethics committees and journal editors to add the category of ‘data subject research’ to the existing categories of ‘text research’ and ‘human subject research’. This would reflect the fact that social media research does not fall into either of the existing categories and so needs a category of its own. The second is that ethical issues should be considered at all stages of social media research, up to and including aftercare. This acknowledges that social media research throws up a large number of ethical issues throughout the process which, under current arrangements for ethical research governance, risks remaining unaddressed.

The effects of Desflurane and Sevoflurane on Nesfatin-1 levels in laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Nesfatin-1 is involved in cardiovascular regulation, stress-related responses. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of volatile anesthetics on Nesfatin-1 levels.

Method

Fourty-two patients aged 30–65 years with the American Society Anesthesiology (ASA) Class I-II who were scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study Patients were randomized into two group; desflurane administered group (Group I, n = 21) and sevoflurane administered group (Group II, n = 21). For anesthesia maintenance, the patients received 6% desflurane or 2% sevoflurane in 40% O2 and 60% air. The patient’s heart rate (HR), mean, systolic and diastolic arterial pressures (MAP, SAP, DAP), peripheral O2 saturation (SpO2) were monitored and recorded before induction, after induction, after intubation, and during extubation. Blood samples were collected before induction (T1), and after extubation when aldrete score was 10 (T2).

Results

Demographic data were similar between the groups. The preoperative levels of nesfatin were similar in the two groups (p = 0.715). In desflurane group, post-operative nesfatin levels were similar compared to preoperative levels (p = 0.073). In sevoflurane group, post-operative nesfatin levels were similar (p = 0.131). The nesfatin levels (postoperative vs preoperative) were similar between the groups (p = 0.900).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study results suggest that nesfatin-1 levels are not affected by the use of sevoflurane or desflurane in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12617001023347, retrospectively registered on 17 July 2017.

Serum paraoxonase activity and oxidative stress levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax

INTRODUCTION

Anthrax is a bacterial disease caused by the aerobic sporeforming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It has been suggested that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of B. anthracis. The aim of this study was to investigate serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients with cutaneous anthrax and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The serum MDA levels, SOD levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and catalase activities were measured using a spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The serum SOD levels, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and catalase activities were significantly lower in patients with cutaneous anthrax than in controls (for all, p < 0.001), whereas MDA levels were significantly higher ( p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between serum paraoxonase activity, arylesterase activity, SOD levels, and MDA levels (all, p > 0.05) in patients with cutaneous anthrax.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study was the first to show decreased antioxidant levels and increased oxidant levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax. Therefore, decreased PON1 activity may play a role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous anthrax.

The Synthesis of Styrene-Oligoester Copolymer and Investigation of Their Physico-mechanical Properties

<p>The copolymerization reaction of commercial propylene oxide with glycidylmethacrilate in the presence of BF₃·O(C₂H₅)₂ catalyst have been investigated. The composition and structure of copolymerization products and anchored functional groups have been determined using IR and gel chromatographic methods. The physico-mechanical properties and utility of polyfunctional unsaturated oligoester were investigated. The obtained thermoset product via the reaction of the oligoester with both styrene and oligostyrene obtained from the bottom of column as a waste material during the rectification operation of styrene in the presence of radicalic initiator has a good adhesion capability, hardness and high heat and water resistance. Thus the waste material was converted to the high valuable polymeric material.</p>

Effects of iron overload and exenatide on erythrocyte deformability in a rat model

Iron overload is known to affect erythrocyte membrane properties and erythrocyte shape. We hypothesized that iron overload which directly affects the erythrocyte morphology may also interfere with erythrocyte deformability (ED). Exenatide, a glucagon like peptide -1 (GLP-1) analogue used in the treatment of diabetes, is known to have beneficial pleiotropic effects on endothelial function and blood flow which are different from its glucose-lowering effects. In our study we aimed to test the effect of iron overload on ED in a rat model (1) and to evaluate the effect of exenatide on ED in the same model (2). For this purpose, the animals were randomly divided into three groups, each containing 6 rats. Rats in the control group (Group C) were given intraperitoneal injections of saline as placebo. The second group (Group Fe) was given intraperitoneal iron dextran (60 mg/kg/day) five days a week for 4 weeks to develop iron overload. The third group (Group Fe +E) received subcutaneous injections of 10 mcg exenatide (Byetta® Lilly Pharma) in two divided doses for 4 weeks in addition to iron dextran. We observed that ED index was significantly higher in Group Fe when compared to Group C and Group Fe+E (p Keywords: erythrocyte deformability, iron, exenatide.

Effect of alprostadil on erythrocyte deformability in ischemia reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Ischemia reperfusion injury (I/R) in lower extremity is a frequent and important clinical phenomenon. Protective effect of alprostadil on local and distant organ injury due to I/R has been well-documented but its effect on erythrocyte deformability needs further investigation. Our aim was to investigate the effect of alprostadil on erythrocyte deformability in infrarenal aorta of rats undergoing I/R.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study was conducted with 18 Wistar albino rats. Rats were divided into 3 groups; randomized control group (group C; n=6), I/R group without alprostadil (group I/R; n=6) and I/R group with alprostadil 20 mcg.kg(-1), intraperitoneal (group I/R-A; n=6). Packs of erythrocytes were prepared from heparinized blood samples and deformability measurements were done.

RESULTS

Comparisons of the control and I/R-A groups revealed similar results (p=0.240). The values of the IR group were significantly higher than those of the control and IR-A groups (p=0.009, p=0.026, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In our study, we detected unfavourable effects of I/R on erythrocyte deformability, which may lead to disturbance in blood flow and hence tissue perfusion in infrarenal rat aorta. We also found that alprostadil had beneficial effects by reversing undesirable effects of I/R (Fig. 1, Ref. 22).

Pulmonary embolism severity index, age-based markers and evaluation in the emergency department

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the severity of pulmonary embolism in the emergency department using vital signs and age-based vital parameters and compare these parameters with pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) score.

METHODS

Between January 2011 and October 2014, there were 284 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism in the Emergency Unit of Selcuk University Hospital. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively. The PESI scores were calculated, and patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Shock index (SI), age-based shock index (SIA), maximum heart rate (MHR), minpulse (MP) and pulse maximum index (PMI) were calculated. The association of these parameters with PESI was evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the association of risk and mortality with age-based markers.

RESULTS

There were 75 men (43%) in the 173 patients included in the study. The PESI classification showed 54 patients in the low-risk group and 119 patients in the high-risk group. Mortality was higher in the PESI high-risk group, and no deaths occurred in the low-risk group. Comparison of the age-based markers and PESI for patients who died or survived showed that AUC for PESI was 0.807, AUC for SI was 0.824 and AUC for SIA was 0.825.

CONCLUSIONS

The SIA risk classification was more efficient than SI in pulmonary embolism patients who presented to the emergency unit. The SIA was more accurate than SI or PESI in predicting mortality.

Highly contrasted responses of Mediterranean octocorals to climate change along a depth gradient

Climate change has a strong impact on marine ecosystems, including temperate species. Analysing the diversity of thermotolerance levels within species along with their genetic structure enables a better understanding of their potential response to climate change. We performed this integrative study on the Mediterranean octocoral Eunicella cavolini, with samples from different depths and by means of a common garden experiment. This species does not host photosynthetic Symbiodinium, enabling us to focus on the cnidarian response. We compared the thermotolerance of individuals from 20 m and 40 m depths from the same site and with replicates from the same colony. On the basis of an innovative statistical analysis of necrosis kinetics and risk, we demonstrated the occurrence of a very different response between depths at this local scale, with lower thermotolerance of deep individuals. Strongly thermotolerant individuals were observed at 20 m with necrosis appearing at higher temperatures than observed in situ. On the basis of nine microsatellite loci, we showed that these marked thermotolerance differences occur within a single population. This suggests the importance of acclimatization processes in adaptation to these different depths. In addition, differences between replicates demonstrated the occurrence of a variability of response between fragments from the same colony with the possibility of an interaction with a tank effect. Our results provide a basis for studying adaptation and acclimatization in Mediterranean octocorals in a heterogeneous environment.

Blunt chest trauma as a cause of acute myocardial infarction

Chest pain after thoracic trauma may be a symptom of cardiac injury or myocardial infarction. A 63-year-old healthy man had chest pain after blunt chest trauma in a motor vehicle accident. Chest computed tomography scan showed a displaced sternal fracture, lung contusion in the left upper lobe, atelectasis and consolidation in both lower lobes, and bilateral haemothorax. Electrocardiography showed ST elevation (2 mm) in leads II, III, and aVF and ST depression (2 mm) in leads I and aVL, consistent with acute inferior myocardial infarction. Urgent coronary angiography showed ostial occlusion of the right coronary artery. After the right coronary occlusion was passed with a guide wire, dissection of the right coronary artery was observed and treated with a balloon and stent to reestablish normal flow. This case emphasizes the importance of a high index of suspicion for coronary artery injury and myocardial infarction after blunt chest trauma.

Treatment of tar burns: two case reports

Hot tar burns are still a challenging clinical form because the removal of tar is very difficult for the emergency physician and there is no specified appropriate agent for the removal of tar. In this study, two patients with hot tar burns who were treated with diesel, sunflower oil and mayonnaise are presented.

D-dimer and D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio in predicting pulmonary embolism in patients evaluated in a hospital emergency department

OBJECTIVES

The D-dimer level, fibrinogen level, and D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio are used in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, but results vary. We evaluated these parameters in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in emergency clinic patients.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 200 patients (pulmonary embolism, 100 patients; no pulmonary embolism, 100 patients) had D-dimer and fibrinogen levels measured before intervention. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed with computed tomography angiography or ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Compared with patients who did not have pulmonary embolism, patients who had pulmonary embolism had significantly greater mean D-dimer level (pulmonary embolism, 6±7 μg/ml; no pulmonary embolism, 1±1 μg/ml; P⩽0·001) and D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio (pulmonary embolism, 3±3; no pulmonary embolism, 0·4±0·4; P⩽0·001), but similar mean fibrinogen levels (pulmonary embolism, 337±184 mg/dl; no pulmonary embolism, 384±200 mg/dl; not significant). In patients who had pulmonary embolism, mean D-dimer level and D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio were greater in high-risk than non-high-risk patients. With D-dimer cutoff 0·35 μg/ml, sensitivity was high (100%) and specificity was low (27%) for pulmonary embolism. With D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio cutoff 0·13, sensitivity was high (100%) and specificity was low (37%) for pulmonary embolism.

CONCLUSION

A D-dimer level <0·35 μg/ml may exclude the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. At a D-dimer cutoff 0·5 μg/ml and D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio cutoff 1·0, the D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio may have better specificity than D-dimer level in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, but the D-dimer/fibrinogen ratio may lack sufficient specificity in screening.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Novel GdIII -CuII Heterodinuclear Complex

Preparation, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a heterodinuclear complex, LCu(Me2CO)Gd(NO3)3 (L = (N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)propane- 1,2-diamine) are reported. The crystal structure of the complex was determined by X-ray diffraction methods at 200 K. (C19H22N2O4 )Cu(C3H6O)Gd(NO3)3, monoclinic, space group P21/c, with a = 9.795(9), b = 18.763(3), c = 15.579(2) Å , β = 95.297(2) V = 2850.9(7) Å3 and Z= 4. The central region of the complex is occupied by Cu(II) and Gd(III) ions which are bridged by two phenolato oxygen atoms of the ligand. The copper ion adopts a square-based 4+1 coordination mode, the equatorial N2O2 donors being afforded by the ligand while the axial position is occupied by an oxygen atom of the acetone molecule. The Gd(III) ion is deca-coordinated. In addition to the two phenolate oxygen atoms, the coordination sphere contains two oxygen atoms of the OMe side arms of L and six oxygen atoms from the three bidentate nitrate ions. The Gd... Cu separation is 3.425(3) Å and the dihedral angle between the GdO(l)Cu and GdO(2)Cu planes is 164.8°. The magnetic susceptibility of the complex was measured over the range 5 - 350 K and the observed data were successfully simulated by the equation based on the spin-Hamiltonian operator (H = -JSCu · SGd), giving the exchange integral J(Cu-Gd) = 5.6(1) cm-1. This indicates a weak ferromagnetic spin exchange interaction. The nature of the magnetic super-exchange interaction of the title compound is compared with similar [Gd(III)-Cu(II)] heterodinuclear complexes.

Antiferromagnetic Coupling In A (μ-Hydroxo)(μ-Pyrazolato)Dicopper(II) Complex. Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Magnetic Properties, And Theoretical Studies

Preparation, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate bridged binuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2(L1)(3,5 prz)] (L1 = 1,3-Bis(2-hydroxy-1-napthylideneamino) propan-2-ol) (1) are reported. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for a powdered sample of the complex were carried out in the temperature range 5 - 350 K and analysed to obtain values of the parameter J in the exchange Hamiltonian H = -2JS1·S2 . In the dicopper(II) complex [Cu2(L2)(3,5 prz)], (L2 = l,3-Bis(2-hydroxy-5-chlorosalicylideneamino) propan-2-ol) (2) reported recently the antiferromagnetic interaction is much less than that of 1 (-27 = 440 cm-1 ), as result which is difficult to explain in terms of structural factors on the basis of widely accepted criteria. The differences in the magnetic behaviour now have been rationalized using the “ligand orbital complementary” concept

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a (μ-Hydroxo)(μ-Pyrazolato) Dicopper(II) Complex

Preparation and magnetic properties of a 3,5-dimethylpyrazolate bridged binuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2(L)(3 ,5 -pyz)] (L = 1,3-Bis(2-Hydroxy-5-Chlorosalicylideneamino)propan- 2-ol) is reported. The crystal structure determined by X-ray diffraction methods. (C22H20N4O3CI2CU2), triclinic, space group P1̄, a = 9.622(3), b = 10.921(2), c = 11.420(3) Å, α = 100.73(2), β = 94.04(2), Υ = 108.08(2)°, V = 1110.2(5) Å3, Z = 2. Two copper(II) ions in a square-planar coordination are bridged via alkoxide oxygen and 3,5-dimethyl pyrozolate nitrogen atoms to form a dinuclear unit. The metal coordination sphere is four-coordinate, planar with an N2O2 donor set. The dihedral angle between the two coordination planes is 166.83°. There are significant intermolecular interactions between neighbouring binuclear entities. The shortest intermolecular Cu (1) ... Cu(1)i distance is 3.383(1) Å and the Cu(1) - O ( 1)i distance is 2.666(3) Å (i = 1 -x, -y, 1 - z). The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement for a powdered sample of the complex was carried out in the temperature range 5 - 350 K and analysed to obtain values of the parameter J in the exchange Hamiltonian ℋ = -2JScu Scu; 2J = -164 cm-1. The magnetic moment at 300 K is about 2.42 μB, and 0.22 μB at 5 K. The weak antiferromagnetism of the present complex is reasonably explained in terms of the orbital countercomplementary effect based on Hoffmann's theory for super-exchange interaction

Abstract P6-05-22: Young-onset breast cancer exhibits a more aggressive tumor biology

Objective: Previous studies demonstrated poorer survival in patients with young-onset breast cancer. Therefore, we investigated the distinguishing molecular characteristics associated with young onset breast cancer.

Material and Methods: Between September and February 2013, 506 patients with breast cancer, who underwent surgery at our institution, were retrospectively analyzed tailored by age ≤40 (n = 94; 18.6%) and &gt;40 to determine clinicopathological and biological differences. Therefore, molecular subtypes were determined by immunohistochemistry for ER, PR, Ki67, and HER2-neu.

Results: The median age was 50 (27-87). Patients aged ≤40 presented with more advanced disease (stage III/IV; 34% for ≤40 vs 20% for &gt;40, p = 0.003). Among patients, who underwent surgery as initial treatment (n = 411), patients ≤40 were more likely to have or tumors with invasive ductal carcinoma type (p = 0.049), or tumors &gt;20 mm (p = 0.033), or axillary positivity (p = 0.003), or with multifocality/multicentricity (p&lt;0.001), or with high nuclear grade (p = 0.019), or with histological grade (p = 0.023), or lymphovascular invasion (p = &lt;0.001), higher Ki-67 expression (%15≤) rates (p = 0.014), or lower luminal A rates (luminal-A vs other; p = 0.04) compared with patients aged &gt;40. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses revealed presence of multifocality/multicentricity (OR:2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-4.5; p = 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (OR:2.1; 95% CI: 1.2-3.6; p = 0.008), and molecular subtype other than luminal A (OR:2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.1; p&lt;0.001) were significant features that were associated with breast cancer aged ≤40.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that tumors of patients with younger age exhibit a more aggressive biology compared to patients older than 40 as shown by molecular subtype analyses that could result in poor prognosis.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P6-05-22.

Propagation of dynamic nuclear polarization across the xenon cluster boundaries: elucidation of the spin-diffusion bottleneck

Earlier Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) experiments with frozen xenon/1-propanol/trityl mixtures have demonstrated spontaneous formation of pure xenon clusters above 120 K, enabling spectrally-resolved real-time measurements of (129)Xe nuclear magnetization in the clusters and in the surrounding radical-rich matrix. A spin-diffusion bottleneck was postulated to explain the peculiar time evolution of (129)Xe signals in the clusters as well as the apparent discontinuity of (129)Xe polarization across the cluster boundaries. A self-contained ab initio model of nuclear spin diffusion in heterogeneous systems is developed here, incorporating the intrinsic T1 relaxation towards the temperature-dependent equilibrium polarization and the spin-diffusion coefficients based on the measured NMR line widths and the known atomic densities in each compartment. This simple model provides the physical basis for the observed spin-diffusion bottleneck and is in a good quantitative agreement with the earlier measurements. A simultaneous fit of the model to the time-dependent NMR data at two different DNP frequencies provides excellent estimates of the cluster size, the intrinsic sample temperature, and (129)Xe T1 constants. The model was also applied to the NMR data acquired during relaxation towards the thermal equilibrium after the microwaves were turned off, to estimate T1 relaxation time constants inside and outside the clusters. Fitting the model to the data during and after DNP provides consistent estimates of the cluster size.

Lineshape-based polarimetry of dynamically-polarized (15)N2O in solid-state mixtures

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) of (15)N2O, known for its long-lived singlet-state order at low magnetic field, is demonstrated in organic solvent/trityl mixtures at ∼1.5 K and 5 T. Both (15)N polarization and intermolecular dipolar broadening are strongly affected by the sample's thermal history, indicating spontaneous formation of N2O clusters. In situ (15)N NMR reveals four distinct powder-pattern spectra, attributed to the chemical-shift anisotropy (CSA) tensors of the two (15)N nuclei, further split by the intramolecular dipolar coupling between their magnetic moments. (15)N polarization is estimated by fitting the free-induction decay (FID) signals to the analytical model of four single-quantum transitions. This analysis implies (10.2±2.2)% polarization after 37 h of DNP, and provides a direct, instantaneous probe of the absolute (15)N polarization, without a need for time-consuming referencing to a thermal-equilibrium NMR signal.

Evaluation of hbetaD-1 and hbetaD-2 levels in saliva of patients with oral mucosal diseases

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine a possible correlation between oral mucosal disease and salivary concentrations of the antimicrobial peptides human beta-defensin-1 (hbetaD-1) and human beta-defensin-2 (hbetaD-2).

METHOD

The present work focussed on the establishment of a reversed phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) procedure to quantify human beta-defensins (hbetaD-1 and hbetaD-2) in saliva samples of patients with oral diseases such as lichen planus (n = 10), Behçet (n = 10) and recurrent apthous stomatitis (n = 10).

RESULTS

Linear calibration range for hbetaD-1 and hbetaD-2 defensins was 1.67-200 microg mL-1 and 3.13 -100 PG mL-1 with R2 values of 0.9998 and 0.996, correspondingly. The concentration of beta-defensins in saliva was determined by comparing the peak areas of eluted hbetaD-1 and hbetaD-2 with that of their standards. The variation of the amount of beta-defensins was evaluated by comparisons of the results obtained from the patients with oral mucosal diseases before and after treatments and the control subjects. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 1.62 microg mL-Sand 5.39 microg mL-1 for hbetaD-1 and 0.94 mig mL-1 and 3.13 microg mL-1 for hbetalD-2, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The salivary beta-defensin concentration was significantly higher in patients with oral mucosal diseases than in healthy volunteers; furthermore, in patients with oral mucosal diseases, the concentration was significantly higher before treatment than after treatment.

Cluster formation restricts dynamic nuclear polarization of xenon in solid mixtures

During dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) at 1.5 K and 5 T, (129)Xe nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of a homogeneous xenon/1-propanol/trityl-radical solid mixture exhibit a single peak, broadened by (1)H neighbors. A second peak appears upon annealing for several hours at 125 K. Its characteristic width and chemical shift indicate the presence of spontaneously formed pure Xe clusters. Microwave irradiation at the appropriate frequencies can bring both peaks to either positive or negative polarization. The peculiar time evolution of (129)Xe polarization in pure Xe clusters during DNP can be modelled as an interplay of spin diffusion and T(1) relaxation. Our simple spherical-cluster model offers a sensitive tool to evaluate major DNP parameters in situ, revealing a severe spin-diffusion bottleneck at the cluster boundaries and a significant sample overheating due to microwave irradiation. Subsequent DNP system modifications designed to reduce the overheating resulted in four-fold increase of (129)Xe polarization, from 5.3% to 21%.

The effects of ubiquinone (CoQ10) on heart tissue in cardiac toxicity related to organophosphate poisoning

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ubiquinone (CoQ10) on heart tissue and erythrocytes in acute organophosphate poisoning (AOP). A total of 20 rabbits were divided into three groups: sham (n = 8), pralidoxime (PAM) + atropine (n = 6), and CoQ10 + PAM + atropine (n = 6). Blood samples were taken from each test subject to measure the values of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plasma and erythrocyte before administration of 50 mg/kg dichlorvos by orogastric tube. Blood samples were then taken at 1, 12, and 24 h post-dichlorvos to determine plasma and erythrocyte levels of AChE, NO, and MDA. Sham group received no treatment. PAM + atropine group received 0.05 mg/kg atropine with repeated doses and PAM: first a 30-mg/kg intravenous (IV) bolus, then a 15-mg/kg IV bolus every 4 h. CoQ10 + PAM + atropine group received same dose PAM and atropine and a 50-mg bolus of IV CoQ10. Thoracotomy was performed in all the animals 24 h after poisoning and then heart tissue samples were obtained. At 12 and 24 h, erythrocyte AChE levels in the CoQ10 animals were considerably higher than those in PAM + atropine animals (p = 0.023 and 0.017, respectively). At 12 and 24 h, erythrocyte MDA and NO levels in CoQ10 animals were significantly lower than those in PAM + atropine animals (p < 0.05). Heart tissue AChE levels in CoQ10 animals were considerably higher than those of the sham and PAM + atropine animals (p = 0.001). Heart tissue MDA and NO levels of CoQ10 animals were significantly lower than those of the sham and PAM + atropine animals (p < 0.01). Treatment of AOP with CoQ10 + PAM + atropine in this animal model had a beneficial effect on both erythrocyte and heart tissue lipid peroxidation and AChE activity.