Atomic scale insight into the decomposition of nanocrystalline zinc hydroxynitrate toward ZnO using Mn2+ paramagnetic probes

Layered zinc hydroxynitrate (ZHN), with the chemical formula Zn5 (OH)8 (NO3)2·2H2O, exhibits a range of special properties such as anion-exchange and intercalation capacity, as well as biocompatibility, making it attractive for a large variety of applications in fields from nanotechnology to healthcare and agriculture. In this study nanocrystalline ZHN doped with 1,000 ppm Mn2+ was prepared by two synthesis methods (coprecipitation and solid state reaction) using similar environment-friendly precursors. The complex morpho-structural [X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, textural analysis] and spectroscopic [Fourier transform infrared and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)] characterization of the two ZHN nanopowders showed similar crystalline structures with Mn2+ ions localized in the nanocrystals volume, but with differences in their morphological and textural characteristics, as well as in the doping efficiency. ZHN obtained by coprecipitation consists of larger nanoplatelets with more than two times larger specific surface area and pore volume, as well as a dopant concentration than in the ZHN sample obtained by solid state reaction. The thermal stability and the on-set of the structural phase transformation have been investigated at atomic scale with high accuracy by EPR, using Mn2+ as paramagnetic probes. The on-set of the ZHN structural phase transformation toward ZnO was observed by EPR to take place at 110°C and 130°C for the samples prepared by coprecipitation and solid state reaction, respectively, evidencing a manganese induced local decrease of the transformation temperature. Our results contribute to the selection of the most appropriate ZHN synthesis method for specific applications and in the development of new green, cost-effective synthesis routes for Mn2+ doped nano-ZnO.

Microstructure and Conduction Electron Quantum Properties of Small Diamond Cubic α-Sn Nanocrystals Embedded in Cubic Boron Nitride Crystals

The morphology, structure, composition, and conduction electron properties of quasi-spherical tin nanocrystals (NCs) of 2.5 nm average diameter, with unstrained, bulk-like α-Sn diamond cubic structure, observed in dark cubic boron nitride (cBN) crystallites, were determined by correlated analytical high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and multifrequency electron spin resonance (ESR) investigations. The narrow Lorentzian ESR line with g = 2.0028 is attributed to the conduction ESR of the α-Sn NCs, consistent with the temperature- and frequency-independent small g-shift and intensity reduction under high temperature (950 °C) vacuum annealing when the α-Sn NCs are thermally dissolved in the host cBN crystallites. The ESR linewidth and line intensity vs temperature dependences recorded in the 20 to 295 K range are quantitatively described considering the presence of discrete, quantum confinement-induced conduction electron energy levels with Δ_QC/k _B = 125 K separation, close to the theoretical value for conductive α-Sn NCs of 2.5 nm in diameter. The observed properties are tentatively explained with the predicted nanosize induced band-gap opening and change of band ordering from bulk α-Sn to small unstrained α-Sn NCs, resulting in a topological phase transition that also explains the predominantly s-like character of the conduction band electron orbitals.

Time to solve the puzzle of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by biomarkers, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): HEART PRESERVED

onbehalf

HEART PRESERVED

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is now recognized as a major and growing public health problem worldwide. Clinical trials investigating different treatment strategies had disappointing results. Several biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis appeared to be promising in understanding HFpEF pathophysiology.

Methods. We enrolled prospectively 94 patients with HFpEF in sinus rhythm  (according to 2019 scoring system) (67 ± 9 yrs, 33 men). We evaluated them by 2D and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). 80 patients had also a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) 1.5T evaluation. We measured LV ejection fraction (LVEF), mean E’ (E’m), E/E’ ratio, sPAP, left atrial volume indexed (LAVi), and global longitudinal stain by STE (GLS).  By CMR we evaluated LVEFcmr, LV mass, T1 mapping with mean extracellular volume (ECVm), and pre-gadolinium mean times quantification (preGDT1m) as markers of myocardial fibrosis. All patients had NTproBNP and biomarkers for systemic inflammation (IL6, cystatin C, pentraxin-3, GDF15), endothelial dysfunction: soluble E -selectin, VCAM, von Willebrand factor (vWf), and myocardial fibrosis: Galectin-3.

Results. LVEF was 60.5 ± 6 % and LVEFcmr 61 ± 6.6%. All parameters from the scoring system were as we expected: E’m = 7.6 ± 1.8 cm/s, E/E’ ratio = 11 ± 3.4, sPAP = 34 ± 8 mmHg, LAVi = 47 ± 11 ml/m2, GLS=-18.3 ± 2.9, and NTproBNP of 282 ± 294 pg/ml. NTproBNP significantly correlated with sPAP, LAVi, preGDT1m, ECVm, galectin-3, GDF15, and pentraxin-3 (all r > 0.4, p < 0.05). The best predictor for NTproBNP level was GDF15 (r = 0.4, r2 = 0.25, p = 0.001). LAVi significantly corelated with E/E’ ratio, sPAP, NTproBNP, galectin-3 (r > 0.4, p < 0.05). GLS correlated with LVEFcmr, LV mass, ECVm, preGDT1m, LAVi, E/E’ ratio, NTproBNP, GDF15, vWf, Eselectin, VCAM (all r = 0.4, p < 0.05). The best predictor model for GLS was LV mass, NTproBNP, E-selectine, and vWf (r = 0.67, r2 = 0.45, P < 0.001). sPAP was best predicted by a model composed by IL6, VCAM, LAVi (r = 0.5, r2 = 0.25, p < 0.001). E’m significantly correlated with vWf, GHD15, VCAM, LV mass, and preGDT1 (all r > 0.4, p < 0.05), but the best predictor model included only LV mass and GDF15 (r = 0.57, r2 = 0.32, P < 0.001). Galectin-3 significantly correlated with LAVi, preGDT1m, and NTproBNP, but the only predictor for galectin-3 level was preGDT1 (r = 0.4, r2 = 0.2, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

In HFpEF NTproBNP is significantly correlated with markers of inflammatory status, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis, but the level is mainly determined by inflammation (GDF15). Diastolic dysfunction parameters are mainly correlated with inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers . Only LAVi was correlated with myocardial fibrosis. Sub-clinical systolic dysfunction is mainly determined by proinflamatory status and endothelial dysfunction, but not by fibrosis.

Multimodality approach by cardiac magnetic resonance and biological markers in left ventricular non-compaction with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction - revealing the unknown

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): PN-III-P1-1-TE-2016-0669, within PNCDI III

Background

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). The presence of a real LVNC with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is still controverted.

Methods

We evaluated prospectively 42 patients with HFpEF, 21 with LVNC (61 ± 9 years) and 21 without LVNC (LVC), aged and risk factor matched, by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) 1.5T. LVNC diagnosis was confirmed by Petersen and Jacquier criteria (NC/C ratio and the percentage of NC myocardium). We performed myocardial T1 mapping (normal value of 950 ± 21ms). We calculated a mean value of all native T1 (T1mean), and also for apical (apicalT1) and basal segments (basalT1). We also calculated ECV mean, basal and apical. All patients had NTproBNP and biomarkers for systemic inflammation (hsCRP, IL6, cystatin C and sST2), endothelial dysfunction: VCAM, von Willebrand factor (vWf), vWF metalloproteinase-ADAMTS13, and myocardial fibrosis: vascular peroxidase (VPO), and Galectin-3.

Results

In the LVNC, mean NC/C ratio was 2.9 ± 0.5 mm and the percentage of NC myocardium was 24.41 ± 8.8%. LVNC patients had significantly higher T1apical, higher ECVmean, ECV basal and apical (Table) by comparison with LVC group, suggesting an extensive fibrosis in LVNC group with significantly higher apical fibrosis.  Inflammatory markers were similar between groups, LVNC patients had lower values of ADAMTS13, suggesting endothelial dysfunction, and higher values of Galectin-3, suggesting increased myocardial fibrosis (Table). Galectin-3 correlated positively only with apicalT1 (R = 0.49, p = 0.04). NTproBNP significantly correlated with VPO, a promotor of fibrosis (r = 0.61, p = 0.009) in LVNC group, whereas in LVC group correlated with cystatin C (r = 0.62, p = 0003) and VCAM (r = 0.4, p = 0.05). Native apical T1 cut off >1021 ms provided the highest sensibility and specificity to differentiate segments with and without NC in HFpEF (p = 0.002) (Figure).

Conclusion

 HFpEF patients with LVNC have significant higher NTproBNP, higher fibrosis than patients without LVNC, more extensive in non-compacted apical segments. Galectin-3 level correlates only with apical fibrosis on CMR, expressed by apicalT1 time. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction seems to play an important role in HFpEF generation in LVNC. All findings suggests that LVNC is a stand alone condition, not an adaptive hyper-trabeculation in HFpEF.

Table.Comparison between groups NTproBNP (pg/ml) Galectin3 (ng/ml) ADAMTS13 (ng/ml) T1mean (ms) basalT1 (ms) apicalT1 (ms) ECV mean (%) ECV basal (%) ECV apical (%) LVNC 294 ± 282 8.44 ± 3.45 767.35 ± 335.56 1013.8 ± 31.8 1002.8 ± 27.2 1059 ± 73 27.2 ± 2.9 26.2 ± 2.9 29.6 ± 3.9 LVC 163 ± 71 6.67 ± 2.88 962.33 ± 253.78 1003.2 ± 28.1 1004.3 ± 29.5 1007 ± 40 24.3 ± 2.5 24.2 ± 2.7 25.2 ± 2.8 P value 0.031 0.048 0.049 0.26 0.865 0.007 0.002 0.033 <0.001 Abstract Figure

Anticandidal and synergistic effect of essential oil fractions from three aromatic plants used in Cameroon

Despite the use of conventional antifungal drugs, Candida spp resistance, especially mediated by biofilms formation remains recurrent. Therefore, new drugs to treat fungal infections are urgently needed. In this line, our study aimed to determine the anticandidal activity and the synergistic effect of essential oil fractions from Syzygium aromaticum, Cymbopogon citratus and Aeollanthus heliotropioides harvested in Cameroon using a combination approach. Essential oils have been obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical composition was analysed by GC/MS. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a micro-dilution method. The sorbitol and ergosterol binding ability and anti-biofilm activity were also assessed in order to evaluate the mode of action. The crude essential oils showed a good anticandidal activity, most probably due to the eugenol, linalool and citral content. The combination of two fractions F7 and F10 showed an improved growth inhibition of Candida spp compared to the crude essential oils. The inhibitory effect could be related with the presence of γ-dodecalactone and citronellol as main compounds. The best synergistic combination F7F10 inhibited biofilm formation at ten time reduced combination MIC. The active fractions targeted different fungal cell structures, including cell wall and membrane. Our study showed that the combination of selected essential oils fractions exhibited an increased antifungal activity against Candida spp compared to the crude essential oils. The combination approach of inner compound groups may be used as a promising strategy for the development of efficient recombined micro-essential oils as antifungal agents to face Candida resistance.

Synthetic flavonoids with antimicrobial activity: a review

The emergence of drug-resistant microbes left us with a great need for new antimicrobial agents. Flavonoids, with their wide range of biological activities, are good candidates in this respect. Although naturally occurring flavonoids are the most studied ones, semi-synthetic or synthetic flavonoids have proven to have great potential, inhibiting and even killing microbes at concentrations below 1 μg ml^-1 . The substitution pattern of these flavonoids often includes hydroxy groups, halogens or other heteroatomic rings, such as pyridine, piperidine or 1,3-dithiolium cations. However, the great variety in substituents makes it difficult to draw any definitive conclusion regarding their structure-activity relationship.

X-ray Crystal Structure, Geometric Isomerism, and Antimicrobial Activity of New Copper(II) Carboxylate Complexes with Imidazole Derivatives

Five new copper(II) acrylate complexes (acr is the acrylate anion: C₃H₃O₂) with imidazole derivatives (2-methylimidazole/2-MeIm, 5-methylimidazole/5-MeIm, 2-ethylimidazole/2-EtIm) of type: cis-[Cu(2-RIm)₂(acr)₂]·xH₂O ((1): R = –CH₃, x = 2; (4): R = –CH₂–CH₃, x = 0), trans-[Cu(2-RIm)₂(acr)₂] ((2): R = –CH₃; (5): R = –CH₂–CH₃) and trans-[Cu(5-RIm)₂(acr)₂] ((3): R = –CH₃) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), electronic reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study of complexes (2) and (5) reveals that the copper(II) ion is located on an inversion center and show elongated octahedral geometry completed by two coplanar bidentate acrylates and two unidentate imidazole derivatives displayed in trans positions. For complex (4) the single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that the copper(II) ion is in a distorted octahedral environment which can be easily confused with a trigonal prism completed by two bidentate acrylates and two unidentate imidazole derivatives displayed in cis positions. These results indicate the fact that complexes (4) and (5) are the geometric isomers of the same compound bis(acrylate)-bis(2-ethylimidazole)-copper(II). Complexes (1) and (2), as well as (4) and (5), were produced simultaneously in the reaction of the corresponding copper(II) acrylate with imidazole derivatives in methanol solution. Furthermore, in order to be able to formulate potential applications of the obtained compounds, our next goal was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complexes against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal strains, of both clinical and ecological importance (biodeterioration of historical buildings). The trans isomers (2) and (5), followed by (4) have shown the broadest range of antimicrobial activity. In case of (1) and (2) isomers, the trans isomer (2) was significantly more active than cis (1), while the cis isomer (4) proved to be more active than trans (5). Taken together, the biological evaluation results indicate that the trans (2) was the most active complex, demonstrating its potential for the development of novel antimicrobial agents, with potential applications in the biomedical and restoration of architectural monuments fields.

Abstract S1-08: Prognostic associations of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) treated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab: A secondary analysis of the CLEOPATRA study

Background

The presence of stromal TILs (sTILs) is associated with a better prognosis with anti-HER2 therapy in primary HER2-positive BC. The prognostic value of TILs in the advanced setting with pertuzumab-based therapy is unknown.

Methods

The CLEOPATRA trial randomly assigned 808 patients with metastatic HER2-positive BC to receive pertuzumab or placebo in combination with trastuzumab and docetaxel. We evaluated %TILs using our previously described method. For concordance evaluation, 40 slides from metastatic samples were independently analysed by two pathologists. TILs were examined for associations with clinicopathological factors, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment interactions using Cox regression models fitting sTILs as a continuous variable (per 10%) adjusting for treatment arm, age, estrogen receptor (ER) status, PIK3CA genotype, and visceral vs. non-visceral disease at screening.

Results

Tumour samples from 678 (84%) participants were available. 519 (76.5%) were archival and 155 (22.9%) were obtained fresh, ≤45 days prior to study treatment start. Median follow-up for OS was 50 months, with 519 PFS events and 358 deaths. 54% of patients were treatment naïve i.e. had not received prior chemotherapy nor trastuzumab. The median sTIL level was 10% (1-95%). sTIL evaluation was highly concordant between pathologists (R=0.93). Fresh vs. archival samples had significantly lower sTILs (10% vs 15%, p=0.0004). sTIL levels significantly differed by ethnicity (15% Asians, 10% white, 5% African-Americans, p=0.0007), but not age (p=0.26). Higher sTILs were observed in ER-negative vs. ER-positive tumors (15% vs 10%, p<0.001).

In the whole cohort for PFS, higher sTIL levels trended towards a better outcome independent of treatment (adjusted HR:0.95, 95%CI:0.90-1.00, p=0.06). For OS, the prognostic effect of sTILs reached statistical significance, with each 10% increase in sTILs associated with an 11% reduction in the risk of death (adjusted HR:0.89, 95%CI:0.83-0.96, p=0.001). The prognostic effect was observed independent of treatment arm, ER status, PIK3CA genotype, prior treatment or presence of visceral disease at screening, and in both fresh and archival tissue samples.

There was no significant interaction (int) between pertuzumab and sTILs for PFS (Pint=0.4) nor OS (Pint=0.6). There were no significant interactions between pertuzumab and sTILs for OS in subgroups of PIK3CA mutated (Pint=0.2) or PIK3CA WT (Pin=0.2), nor treatment naive (Pint=0.3) vs prior treatment (Pint=0.5).

The 5-year estimates of OS according to median ≤10% vs >10% sTILs in the placebo arm were 26% (95%CI:19-37) vs. 39% (95%CI:32-48), while in the pertuzumab arm 42% (95%CI:33-53) vs. 56% (95%CI:47-66) respectively.

Conclusion

In advanced HER2-positive disease, sTILs are still evident, though at lower levels, but are nevertheless significantly associated with prognosis, with effects stronger for OS than PFS. This suggests that the influence of anti-tumour immunity persists in the advanced first line setting and that enhancement by immunotherapeutic approaches could potentially further improve survival.

Citation Format: Luen S, Salgado R, Stephen F, Peter S, Jennifer E-W, Emma C, Astrid K, Sandra SM, Jose B, Stefan M, Sherene L. Prognostic associations of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) treated with trastuzumab and pertuzumab: A secondary analysis of the CLEOPATRA study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr S1-08.

On the agent role of Mn2+ in redirecting the synthesis of Zn(OH)2 towards nano-ZnO with variable morphology

Evidence of manganese induced redirection of the Zn(OH)₂ synthesis towards nanostructured ZnO:Mn, not observed for other M(ii)(OH)₂ compounds.

Revealing the Cu(2+) ions localization at low symmetry Bi sites in photorefractive Bi12GeO20 crystals doped with Cu and V by high frequency EPR

The sites of incorporation of Cu(2+) impurity ions in Bi12GeO20 single crystals co-doped with copper and vanadium have been investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). While the X-band EPR spectra consist of a simple broad (ΔB ∼50 mT) line with anisotropic lineshape, the W-band EPR spectra exhibit well resolved, strongly anisotropic lines, due to transitions within the 3d(9)-(2)D ground manifold of the Cu(2+) ions. The most intense group of lines, attributed to the dominant Cu(2+)(I) center, displays a characteristic four components hyperfine structure for magnetic field orientations close to a 〈110〉 direction. The g and A tensor main axes are very close to one of the 12 possible sets of orthogonal 〈1-10〉, 〈00-1〉 and 〈110〉 crystal directions. Several less intense lines, with unresolved hyperfine structure and similar symmetry properties, mostly overlapped by the Cu(2+)(I) spectrum, were attributed to Cu(2+)(II) centers. The two paramagnetic centers are identified as substitutional Cu(2+) ions at Bi(3+) sites with low C1 symmetry, very likely resulting from different configurations of neighboring charge compensating defects.

Evaluation of the segregation of paramagnetic impurities at grain boundaries in nanostructured ZnO films

Magnetic and electrical properties of the nanostructured ZnO films are affected by the nonrandom distribution of impurities in the film due to segregation at grain boundaries (GBs) or extended defects. However, mapping the nature and distribution of the impurities in the film is not trivial. Here we demonstrate a simple, statistically relevant, and nondestructive procedure of quantitative determination of the paramagnetic impurities segregated at the GBs in nanostructured semiconducting and insulating films. From correlated electron paramagnetic resonance and transmission electron microscopy investigations, we determined the localization of trace amounts of Mn(2+) ions, present as native impurities in a ZnO film deposited by magnetron sputtering at room temperature. In the as-deposited ZnO film, the Mn(2+) ions were all localized in nanosized pockets of highly disordered ZnO dispersed between nanocrystalline columns. After the samples had been annealed in air at >400 °C, the size of the intercrystalline region decreased and the diffusion in GBs was activated, resulting in the localization of a portion of the Mn(2+) ions in the peripheral atomic layers of the ZnO columns neighboring the GBs. The proportion of Mn(2+) ions still localized at the GBs after annealing at 600 °C was 37%. The proposed method for the assessment of the presence and nature of impurities and the quantitative evaluation of their distribution in semiconducting and insulating nanostructures is expected to find direct applications in nanotechnology, in the synthesis and quality assurance of thin films for spintronics and opto- and nanoelectronics.

UV/H2O2 oxidation of arsenic and terbuthylazine in drinking water

Arsenic is a widespread contaminant in the environment. The intake of water containing high concentrations of arsenic could have serious impact on human health, such as skin and lung cancer. In the European Union, thus, also in Italy, the arsenic limit in drinking water is 10 μg L(-1). Several water remediation treatment technologies are available for arsenic removal. For some processes, the removal efficiencies can be improved after an oxidation step. Most full-scale applications are based on conventional oxidation processes for chemical micropollutant removal. However, if water contains arsenic and refractory organic contaminants, the advanced oxidation processes could be considered. The aim of this work was to investigate the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide for the oxidation of arsenic and terbuthylazine (TBA). The experimental tests were performed in groundwater at the laboratory scale (0.1 mg L(-1) As(III) and 10 μg L(-1) TBA). Hydrogen peroxide alone (15 mg L(-1)) was ineffective on both arsenic and TBA oxidation; the 253.7-nm radiation alone did not oxidize arsenic(III), but photolyzed efficiently TBA (52 % removal yield at a UV dose of 1,200 mJ cm(-2)). The UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation (UV dose 600-2,000 mJ cm(-2), 5-15 mg L(-1) H2O2) was the most effective process for the oxidation of both arsenic and TBA, with observed oxidation efficiencies of 85 and 94 %, respectively, with 5 mg L(-1) H2O2 and a UV dose of 2,000 mJ cm(-2).

Local structure at Mn2+ ions in vacuum annealed small cubic ZnS nanocrystals self-assembled into a mesoporous structure

A mesoporous structure of self-assembled nanocrystals of cubic ZnS doped with Mn2+ ions with a homogeneous distribution of pores of similar size was synthesized at room temperature by a surfactant-assisted liquid-liquid reaction. The component nanocrystals exhibit a high crystallinity and a tight size distribution centered at 2 nm, as well as the narrowest Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra linewidth and the best resolution reported so-far, effects attributed to self-assembling. The observed EPR spectra consist of lines from the substitutional Mn2+(I) and surface Mn2+(II) and Mn2+(III) centers. Here we show that, in contrast with previous reports, our EPR spectra are highly sensitive to structural changes during pulse annealing in vacuum up to 500 degrees C. The changes are related to the transformation of the surface Mn2+ centers in new Mn2+ centers, attributed to an oxidation process in which the thermal decomposition of the Tween 20 additive, also observed by EPR, seems to be involved. We have also been able to observe, for the first time by EPR spectroscopy, the formation of the ZnO phase and the nanocrystals size increase, which occur during annealing up to 500 degrees C, structural changes confirmed by XRD and TEM observations on the samples previously investigated by EPR.

Safety and efficacy of an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The current treatment options for systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are methotrexate, steroids, and biologic agents. This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of the orally active histone deacetylase inhibitor givinostat (ITF2357) and its ability to affect the disease.

METHODS

Givinostat was administered orally, for up to 12 weeks at a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg/day, to 17 patients with systemic-onset JIA who had had active disease for ≥1 month. Disease activity was clinically assessed using the American College of Rheumatology Pediatric 30 (ACR Pedi 30), ACR Pedi 50, or ACR Pedi 70 criteria for improvement and a systemic feature score. The primary goal was safety and the primary efficacy end point was the number of patients completing 12 weeks of treatment who were responders.

RESULTS

Givinostat was safe and well tolerated, with adverse events (AEs) being mild or moderate, of short duration, and self-limited. The 17 patients from the intent-to-treat population reported a total of 44 AEs, and the 9 patients in the per-protocol population reported a total of 25. Six AEs in 3 patients (nausea, vomiting, and fatigue) were related to the study drug, but each resolved spontaneously and no patient was withdrawn from the study due to drug-related AEs. In the per-protocol population at week 4, the improvement as measured by the ACR Pedi 30, ACR Pedi 50, and ACR Pedi 70, respectively, was 77.8%, 55.6%, and 22.2%, and this increased further to 77.8%, 77.8%, and 66.7% at week 12. The most consistent finding was the reduction in the number of joints with active disease or with limited range of motion.

CONCLUSION

After 12 weeks, givinostat exhibited significant therapeutic benefit in patients with systemic-onset JIA, particularly with regard to the arthritic component of the disease, and showed an excellent safety profile.

Accurate determination of the spin Hamiltonian parameters for Mn2+ ions in cubic ZnS nanocrystals by multifrequency EPR spectra analysis

Accurate determination of the spin Hamiltonian (SH) parameters, describing the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of paramagnetic impurity ions in wide band gap semiconductor nanocrystals, is essential for determining their localization and quantum properties. Here we present a procedure, based on publicly available software, for determining with higher accuracy the SH parameters of isolated Mn(2+) impurity ions in small cubic ZnS nanocrystals. The procedure, which can be applied to other cubic II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals as well, is based on the analysis of both low and high frequency EPR spectra with line shape simulation and fitting computing programs, which include the hyperfine forbidden transitions and line broadening effects. The difficulties, limitations and errors which can affect the accuracy in determining some of the SH parameters are also discussed.

Periodic fever syndromes in Eastern and Central European countries: results of a pediatric multinational survey

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the prevalence of diagnosed and suspected autoinflammatory diseases in Eastern and Central European (ECE) countries, with a particular interest on the diagnostic facilities in these countries.

METHODS

Two different strategies were used to collect data on patients with periodic fever syndromes from ECE countries- the Eurofever survey and collection of data with the structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Data from 35 centers in 14 ECE countries were collected. All together there were 11 patients reported with genetically confirmed familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), 14 with mevalonate-kinase deficiency (MKD), 11 with tumor necrosis factor receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and 4 with chronic infantile neurological cutaneous and articular syndrome (CINCA). Significantly higher numbers were reported for suspected cases which were not genetically tested. All together there were 49 suspected FMF patients reported, 24 MKD, 16 TRAPS, 7 CINCA and 2 suspected Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of genetically confirmed patients with periodic fever syndromes in ECE countries is very low. In order to identify more patients in the future, it is important to organize educational programs for increasing the knowledge on these diseases and to establish a network for genetic testing of periodic fever syndromes in ECE countries.

Localization of Mn2+ ions in mesoporous NnS

Nanocrystalline cubic ZnS doped with 0.2% mol manganese, exhibiting a stable mesoporous structure, was synthesized at room temperature by a non toxic surfactant-assisted liquid-liquid reaction. The X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate the formation of a sponge-like mesoporous material built from cubic ZnS nanocrystals of 1.8 nm average sizes, with a tight distribution of pores of 1.8 nm mean diameter. The transmission electron microscopy images confirm the formation of the mesoporous structure with walls of 3.1 nm mean thickness built from cubic ZnS nanocrystallites of 2.1 nm average size. The resulting tight distribution of crystallites and pores yields a well resolved Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectrum, with the narrowest reported component lines attributed to three types of isolated Mn2+ centers, called Mn2+(I), Mn2+(II) and Mn2+(III). From the analysis of the spin Hamiltonian parameters it is shown that in the Mn2+(I) centers the paramagnetic ion is situated at substitutional Zn sites in the ZnS nanocrystals, being also subjected to a small axial distortion. The relative concentration changes under thermal treatment experiments strongly suggest that in both Mn2+(II) and Mn2+(III) centers the Mn2+ ion is localized on the surface of the ZnS nanocrystallites, being bond to an oxygen ion in the first case and to an additional water molecule in the second case.

Arsenic oxidation by UV radiation combined with hydrogen peroxide

Arsenic is a widespread contaminant in the environment around the world. The most abundant species of arsenic in groundwater are arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]. Several arsenic removal processes can reach good removal yields only if arsenic is present as As(V). For this reason it is often necessary to proceed with a preliminary oxidation of As(III) to As(V) prior to the removal technology. Several studies have focused on arsenic oxidation with conventional reagents and advanced oxidation processes. In the present study the arsenic oxidation was evaluated using hydrogen peroxide, UV radiation and their combination in distilled and in real groundwater samples. Hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation alone are not effective at the arsenic oxidation. Good arsenic oxidation yields can be reached in presence of hydrogen peroxide combined with a high UV radiation dose (2,000 mJ/cm(2)). The quantum efficiencies for As(III) oxidation were calculated for both the UV photolysis and the UV/H(2)O(2) processes.

Study of the ground multiplet of Kramers rare earth ions in solid matrices by multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy: Nd3+ in PbWO4 single-crystals

A multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) investigation of Nd(3+) impurities in PbWO(4) single-crystals at the conventional microwave frequency (MF) 9.43 GHz, and at the 95, 190, and 285 GHz high frequencies was carried out. The resulting spectra are well described at all frequencies by an axial spin-Hamiltonian corresponding to an effective electron spin of one-half and to a tetragonal symmetry. For the magnetic field along the tetragonal axis, the g(parallel)-factor and the hyperfine constant A(parallel) of the lowest doublet of the ground multiplet decreases with frequency increase. For the magnetic field perpendicular to the tetragonal axis, the g(perpendicular)-factor exhibits a small azimuthal angular dependence that increases with increasing the frequency due to the S(4) site symmetry. The azimuthal angular dependence allows to clearly distinguish between different local axial symmetries. These properties are interpreted as high field/frequency (HF) effects associated with the mixing by the large Zeeman interaction of some of the upper-lying doublets of the ground multiplet into the lowest-lying doublet states. We show that from the combined analysis of the multifrequency MF- and HF-EPR spectra and of the optical data, an accurate description of the ground multiplet of the Kramers rare earth ions in solid matrices can be derived.

In-depth investigation of EPR spectra of Mn(2+) ions in ZnS single crystals with pure cubic structure

The X (9.8 GHz)-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties of substitutional Mn(2+) ions in high quality cubic ZnS single crystals grown from PbCl(2) flux have been thoroughly investigated. Accurate spin Hamiltonian (SH) parameters: g = 2.002 25 ± 0.000 06; a = (7.987 ± 0.008) × 10(-4) cm(-1) and A = -(63.88 ± 0.02) × 10(-4) cm(-1) were obtained by simulation and fitting to the experimentally allowed transitions recorded for the magnetic field aligned within ± 0.25° along the main crystal axes. The normally forbidden hyperfine [Formula: see text], Δm = ± 1 transitions were also observed. Their position was found to be in agreement, within the experimental accuracy of ΔH = ± 0.01 mT, with calculations using the same SH parameters. The angular variation of the ratios of the intensities of the central forbidden to the allowed transitions could be accounted for only by including an additional constant contribution. The observed line broadening of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] fine structure transitions and their line width variation in a (110) plane have been quantitatively described by considering a random distribution of lattice strains at the Mn(2+) impurity ions. The influence of the forbidden transitions and line broadening on the EPR spectra line shape of the Mn(2+) ions in cubic ZnS crystalline powders is also examined.

Single-ion and molecular contributions to the zero-field splitting in an iron(III)-oxo dimer studied by single crystal W-band EPR

Detailed knowledge of the type and strength of pair interactions between high-spin metal ions is paramount to the understanding and design of molecular magnetic materials. In this work, the anisotropic magnetic interactions in a beta-diketonate-alkoxide iron(III) dimer compound, [Fe2(OCH3)2(dbm)4, Hdbm=dibenzoylmethane] (Fe2) have been investigated by single crystal electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in the W-band (at 95GHz). The diamagnetic substitution method was employed using the isomorphous gallium(III)-based compound doped with iron(III) to produce Ga-Fe dimers (GaFe). The single-ion zero-field splitting (ZFS) tensor could be separately determined in GaFe with the iron ion in a local environment quasi-identical to the one in Fe2. Its principal directions are found to point in arbitrary directions, uncorrelated with the Fe-O bonds. The Fe2 EPR spectra consist of transitions within the lowest multiplet states S=1,2,3, which were analyzed using the full spin Hamiltonian description of an exchange coupled pair of s=5/2 spins. The anisotropic spin-spin interaction tensor of Fe2 possesses a principal axis close to the Fe-Fe direction and was shown to arise both from through-space (dipolar) and through-bond (anisotropic exchange) contributions. The latter involves an rhombic component JE=(JX-JY)/2 approximately 0.093 cm-1 of magnitude comparable to the dipolar interaction, and even to the rhombic part of the single-ion ZFS (E=0.097 cm-1). Our results show that the anisotropic exchange, usually neglected for S-type ions, is significant for the anisotropic interactions in exchange-coupled iron(III) clusters, including the Fe4 and Fe8 families of single-molecule magnets and the antiferromagnetic iron wheels.

Hormonal and metabolic defects in a prader-willi syndrome mouse model with neonatal failure to thrive

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) has a biphasic clinical phenotype with failure to thrive in the neonatal period followed by hyperphagia and severe obesity commencing in childhood among other endocrinological and neurobehavioral abnormalities. The syndrome results from loss of function of several clustered, paternally expressed genes in chromosome 15q11-q13. PWS is assumed to result from a hypothalamic defect, but the pathophysiological basis of the disorder is unknown. We hypothesize that a fetal developmental abnormality in PWS leads to the neonatal phenotype, whereas the adult phenotype results from a failure in compensatory mechanisms. To address this hypothesis and better characterize the neonatal failure to thrive phenotype during postnatal life, we studied a transgenic deletion PWS (TgPWS) mouse model that shares similarities with the first stage of the human syndrome. TgPWS mice have fetal and neonatal growth retardation associated with profoundly reduced insulin and glucagon levels. Consistent with growth retardation, TgPWS mice have deregulated liver expression of IGF system components, as revealed by quantitative gene expression studies. Lethality in TgPWS mice appears to result from severe hypoglycemia after postnatal d 2 after depletion of liver glycogen stores. Consistent with hypoglycemia, TgPWS mice appear to have increased fat oxidation. Ghrelin levels increase in TgPWS reciprocally with the falling glucose levels, suggesting that the rise in ghrelin reported in PWS patients may be secondary to a perceived energy deficiency. Together, the data reveal defects in endocrine pancreatic function as well as glucose and hepatic energy metabolism that may underlie the neonatal phenotype of PWS.

[Diclofenac 75mg. and 30 mg. orfenadine (Neodolpasse) versus placebo and piroxicam in postoperative analgesia after arthroscopy]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Arthroscopy is often performed in an out-patient department or as one-day surgery. Opioids often used as postoperative analgesics may have unwanted side effects that may postpone the patient's discharge from hospital. This study was designed to evaluate a substitute for the most frequently used opioid pethidine. For pain relief, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended, but they offer a limited choice for parenteral administration. We used a new agent (Neodolpasse) based on diclophenac and orphenadine, and compared its efficacy with piroxicam and placebo.

METHODS

A total of 119 patients scheduled for knee joint arthroscopy were included in this prospective study. In a randomized, double-blind manner, they received piroxicam (P), Neodolpasse (combining 75 mg diclophenac and 30 mg orphenadine; N) or placebo (C). The number of patients in groups P, N and C were 44, 35 and 40, respectively. The effect of therapy was evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: duration of post-operative analgesia until a request for another analgesic, pain intensity (0-10 VAS), side effects and the patient's satisfaction with analgesia. The efficacy was evaluated for 24 hours after arthroscopy; premedication and analgesia induction and administration followed the same anesthetic protocol in all groups. The ethic committee approved the study and patients gave their informed consent. The results were statistically evaluated using the ANOVA analysis of variance completed by a multiple comparison of levels of significance according to Bonferroni. The presence of side and unwanted effects was analyzed by the chi-square of Fisher's exact test. A p value les than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the number of patients not requiring further analgesic medication after arthroscopy (P 52.3% vs. C (11.7%) p < 0.05, N (68.6%) vs. C p < 0.001), lower average postoperative pain (0 to 10-point scale, P 2.4 vs. C 2.9 p < 0.05, N 1.5 vs. C p < 0.05) and fewer side effects (N vs. both P and C, p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The combination of diclophenac with orphenadine for intravenous application has only recently been available in the Czech Republic. The addition of a central muscle relaxant to a peripheral analgesic has a better effect than diclophenac alone. This may also account for a longer duration of analgesia in comparison with piroxicam reported to have significantly longer analgesic effects. The new medication also had fewer side effects. It was interesting to record that even the patients who had more pain and shorter postoperative analgesia were satisfied with the therapy provided.

CONCLUSIONS

The main result of this study is the finding that Neodolpasse significantly reduces the intensity of postoperative pain and increases the duration of postoperative analgesia after knee joint arthroscopy.

A multistep process for the dispersal of a Y chromosomal lineage in the Mediterranean area

In this work we focus on a microsatellite-defined Y-chromosomal lineage (network 1.2) identified by us and reported in previous studies, whose geographic distribution and antiquity appear to be compatible with the Neolithic spread of farmers. Here, we set network 1.2 in the Y-chromosomal phylogenetic tree, date it with respect to other lineages associated with the same movements by other authors, examine its diversity by means of tri- and tetranucleotide loci and discuss the implications in reconstructing the spread of this group of chromosomes in the Mediterranean area. Our results define a tripartite phylogeny within HG 9 (Rosser et al. 2000), with the deepest branching defined by alleles T (Haplogroup Eu10) or G (Haplogroup Eu9) at M172 (Semino et al. 2000), and a subsequent branching within Eu9 defined by network 1.2. Population distributions of HG 9 and network 1.2 show that their occurrence in the surveyed area is not due to the spread of people from a single parental population but, rather, to a process punctuated by at least two phases. Our data identify the wide area of the Balkans, Aegean and Anatolia as the possible homeland harbouring the largest variation within network 1.2. The use of recently proposed tests based on the stepwise mutation model suggests that its spread was associated to a population expansion, with a high rate of male gene flow in the Turkish-Greek area.

Src homology 2-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 binds to the multifunctional docking site of c-Met and potentiates hepatocyte growth factor-induced branching tubulogenesis

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/scatter factor is a multifunctional cytokine that induces mitogenesis, motility, and morphogenesis in epithelial, endothelial, and neuronal cells. The receptor for HGF/scatter factor was identified as c-Met tyrosine kinase, and activation of the receptor induces multiple signaling cascades. To gain further insight into c-Met-mediated multiple events at a molecular level, we isolated several signaling molecules including a novel binding partner of c-Met, SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1). Western blot analysis revealed that SHIP-1 is expressed in the epithelial cell line, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. SHIP-1 binds at phosphotyrosine 1356 at the multifunctional docking site. Because a number of signaling molecules such as Grb2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Gab1 bind to the multifunctional docking site, we further performed an in vitro competition study using glutathione S-transferase- or His-tagged signaling molecules with c-Met tyrosine kinase. Our binding study revealed that SHIP-1, Grb2, and Gab1 bound preferentially over phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Surprisingly, MDCK cells that overexpress SHIP-1 demonstrated branching tubulogenesis within 2 days after HGF treatment, whereas wild-type MDCK cells showed tubulogenesis only after 6 days following treatment without altering cell scattering or cell growth potency. Furthermore, overexpression of a mutant SHIP-1 lacking catalytic activity impaired HGF-mediated branching tubulogenesis.

Y chromosome analysis reveals a sharp genetic boundary in the Carpathian region

Nine single nucleotide (SNP) or indel binary polymorphisms were used to determine the frequencies and phylogenetic relationships of 12 Y chromosomal haplogroups in 289 males from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Our data indicated a low but not null rate of the homoplasic appearance of the DYZ3 (-) allelic state. All other markers confirmed the previously proposed phylogeny. Based on the affinities between populations in terms of haplogroup frequencies, this work identified the geographical region of the Carpathians as a break point in the gene geography of Eastern Central Europe, providing a finer definition of one of the possible sharp genetic changes between Western and Eastern Europe.

Interferometric sensor for detection of surface-bound bioreactions

An integrated optical interferometer for direct detection of affinity reactions is presented. A modern version of a Young's interferometer is built with a waveguide structure as beam splitter and as sensing element. Resistive waveguides were produced by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of silicon oxinitride. At the output of this device a fringe pattern is detected by a CCD line camera. The adsorption of molecules on top of the waveguides is observed with a detection limit of 750 fg/mm(2). The resolvable variation of effective refractive index is 9 x 10(-8).

The direct association of the multiple PDZ domain containing proteins (MUPP-1) with the human c-Kit C-terminus is regulated by tyrosine kinase activity

We have identified the multiple PDZ domain containing protein (MUPP-1 or MPDZ) as a novel binding partner of the human c-Kit. c-Kit binds specifically to the 10th PDZ domain of MUPP-1 via its C-terminal sequence. Furthermore, a kinase negative-mutant receptor interacted more strongly with MUPP-1 than the wild-type c-Kit. Strikingly, a constitutively activated c-Kit (D816V-Kit) did not bind to MUPP-1, although this oncogenic form retains the PDZ binding motif 'HDDV' at the C-terminal end. Deletion of V967 of c-Kit abolished binding to MUPP-1 and drastically reduced its tyrosine kinase activity, suggesting that the structure of the C-terminal tail of c-Kit influences its enzymatic activity.

Patterns of male-specific inter-population divergence in Europe, West Asia and North Africa

We typed 1801 males from 55 locations for the Y-specific binary markers YAP, DYZ3, SRY10831 and the (CA)n microsatellites YCAII and DYS413. Phylogenetic relationships of chromosomes with the same binary haplotype were condensed in seven large one-step networks, which accounted for 95% of all chromosomes. Their coalescence ages were estimated based on microsatellite diversity. The three largest and oldest networks undergo sharp frequency changes in three areas. The more recent network 3.1A clearly discriminates between Western and Eastern European populations. Pairwise Fst showed an overall increment with increasing geographic distance but with a slope greatly reduced when compared to previous reports. By sectioning the entire data set according to geographic and linguistic criteria, we found higher Fst-on-distance slopes within Europe than in West Asia or across the two continents.

Direct interaction of nerve growth factor receptor, TrkA, with non-receptor tyrosine kinase, c-Abl, through the activation loop

The nerve growth factor receptor, TrkA, is essential for the survival and differentiation of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. To understand the molecular principles underlying this differentiation step, we employed a yeast two-hybrid screening protocol using human TrkA as bait. We isolated c-Abl as a TrkA-interacting protein, in addition to known proteins such as phospholipase Cgamma and SH2-B. This interaction was confirmed by an in vitro binding assay using glutathione S-tranferase-Abl fusion protein. Furthermore, we show here that c-Abl binds to phosphotyrosine residue(s) in the kinase activation loop of TrkA.

The binding of Violamycin BI to poly-C

The binding constant Kst of Violamycin BI (VBI) to poly-C at small and medium values of the concentration ratio p (0-12) is determined using the procedure of Schwarz under two different conditions: at constant C(VBIo) and variable C(po), and at p = C(po)/C(VBIo) = const. The average value obtained for Kst is 3.3 +/- 0.1 x 10(4) M-1, whereas the cooperativity parameter q of 13 characterizes a moderate cooperative interaction between adjacent bound ligands. In contrast, at large values of p (12-355) the formation of isolated bound dimers on the poly-C chain is observed. At pH 7, VBI dimerizes in solution with a dimerization constant strongly dependent on ionic strength: Kd = 732 +/- 20 M-1 and (9.3 +/- 0.2) x 10(3) M-1 at I = 0.02 M and 0.2 M respectively. The lower and upper boundaries for the binding constant of the dimer to the polynucleotide at large values of p are 1.0 x 10(-5) M-1 and 6.25 x 10(-6) M-1 respectively.

Biochemical and cytogenetical study of the mycoplasmal antigen and of the cyclophosphamide action in mammalians, in vivo. The action of some immunomodulatory antioxidants

It was proved spectrophotometrically that Mycoplasma agalactiae antigen inoculated in vivo in sheep modifies the corresponding erythrocyte lysates reactivity toward methylene blue and neutral red and induces several types of chromosomal rearrangements. The treatment in vivo of sheep with an original preparation obtained from the Phaseolus vulgaris pods restores the erythrocyte lysates reactivity toward the two redox dyes and reduces the chromosomal abnormalities frequency induced by the mycoplasmal antigen. It was also demonstrated by optical and electronical microscopy that the Smise line mouse meiocytes exhibit chromosomal abnormalities induced by the cyclophosphamide treatment in vivo. In the case of concomitant treatment with the cyclophosphamide and C vitamin the same frequency of abnormalities was recorded as in the simple treatment with the drug.