Rational design of 2D TiO2-MoO3 Step-scheme heterostructure for boosted photocatalytic overall water splitting

Designing of step-scheme (S-scheme) heterostructure photocatalyst is a promising strategy for the high utilization of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, a novel S-scheme two-dimensional (2D) TiO2-MoO3 heterojunction photocatalyst is fabricated by...

Initial experience of TAS-102 chemotherapy in Australian patients with Chemo-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer

For patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treatment with Trifluridine/Tipiracil, also known as TAS-102, improves overall survival. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of TAS-102 in a real-world population from Victoria, Australia. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer (TRACC) registry was undertaken. The characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving TAS-102 were assessed and compared to those enrolled in the registration study (RECOURSE). Across 13 sites, 107 patients were treated with TAS-102. The median age was 60 years (range: 31-83), compared to 63 for RECOURSE. Comparing registry TAS-102-treated and RECOURSE patients, 75% vs 100% were ECOG performance status 0-1, 74% vs 79% had initiated treatment more than 18 months from diagnosis of metastatic disease and 36% vs 49% were RAS wild-type. Median time on treatment was 10.4 weeks (range: 1.7-32). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.3 months compared to 2 months in RECOURSE, while median overall survival was the same at 7.1 months. Two patients (2.3%) had febrile neutropenia and there were no treatment-related deaths, where TAS-102 dose at treatment initiation was at clinician discretion.TRACC registry patients treated with TAS-102 were younger than those from the RECOURSE trial, with similar overall survival observed. Less strict application of RECIST criteria and less frequent imaging may have contributed to an apparently longer PFS.

Crystal structure of 2-(p-tolyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzo[b]thiophene-3-carbonitrile

In the title compound, C₁₇H₁₀F₃NS, the dihedral angle between the fused benzo­thio­phene ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.042 Å) and the benzene ring is 29.78 (11)°. The crystal structure features C—H⋯F and very weak C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, which generate (001) sheets.

A phase 1b, open-label study of trebananib in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with ovarian cancer receiving interval or primary debulking surgery

AIM

To evaluate the tolerability, pharmacokinetics and tumour response of first-line trebananib plus paclitaxel and carboplatin followed by trebananib maintenance in high-risk or advanced ovarian cancer.

METHODS

In this open-label phase 1b study, patients received intravenous (IV) trebananib 15 mg/kg administered weekly (QW) plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) once every 3 weeks (Q3W) and carboplatin 6 mg/mL · min Q3W followed by trebananib 15 mg/kg QW monotherapy for 18 months. End-points were dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs; primary); treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), anti-trebananib antibodies, pharmacokinetics and tumour response (secondary).

RESULTS

Twenty seven patients (interval debulking surgery [IDS], n=13) were enrolled. No DLTs occurred. During the combination therapy phase, AEs (>50%) in patients with IDS were nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue, decreased appetite and thrombocytopenia. In patients with primary debulking surgery (PDS), they were nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue and localised oedema. Grade 4 AEs were neutropenia (IDS, PDS; all n=3) and thrombocytopenia (IDS, PDS; all n=1). No deaths occurred. Toxicity results pertaining to trebananib maintenance were immature. The treatment combination did not markedly affect the pharmacokinetics across agents. In patients with IDS (n=14 after one patient was reassigned from PDS to IDS), 12 patients had a partial response (PR), two patients had stable disease. In patients with PDS (n=4), three patients had a complete response, one patient had a PR.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with ovarian cancer receiving IDS or PDS, IV trebananib 15 mg/kg QW plus paclitaxel and carboplatin appears tolerable. Results suggest that the treatment combination followed by trebananib 15 mg/kg monotherapy is associated with antitumour activity.

Antidiabetic effects of Mukia maderaspatana and its phenolics: an in vitro study on gluconeogenesis and glucose uptake in rat tissues

CONTEXT

Traditional medicine is used by over 60% of the world's population for health care. Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. (Cucurbitaceae) (Mukia) is extensively used in folklore medicine as an antidiabetic plant. It is rich in phenolics that contribute to its medicinal properties.

OBJECTIVE

Mukia extract and phenolics such as quercetin and phloroglucinol are investigated for their in vitro antidiabetic activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quercetin, phloroglucinol, and methanol extract of the dried whole plant (0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml) were studied for the inhibition of gluconeogenesis in rat liver slices and glucose uptake in isolated rat hemi-diaphragm (50 and 100 µg/ml). Phenolics of Mukia were analyzed by HPLC.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Glucose (1.2 mg/g/h) was synthesized from pyruvate and the synthesis was completely inhibited by insulin (1 U/ml). Quercetin at 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml caused 65% and 89% inhibition (0.42 mg/g/h and 0.13 mg/g/h glucose). Addition of insulin did not increase inhibition. Phloroglucinol inhibited 100% glucose production with or without insulin. Mukia (0.25 mg/ml) inhibited gluconeogenesis (0.65 mg/g/h) by 45%, and with insulin, inhibition increased to 50% (0.59 mg/g/h). At 0.5 mg/ml, glucose production was stimulated by1.2-fold, but with insulin it was inhibited by 89% (0.13 mg/g/h glucose). Mukia had no effect on glucose uptake, but potentiated the action of insulin mediated glucose uptake (152.82 ± 13.30 mg/dl/g/30 min) compared with insulin control (112.41 ± 9.14 mg/dl/g/30 min) (p < 0.05). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phenolics.

CONCLUSION

Results provide scientific rationale for the use of Mukia in folk medicine as an antidiabetic nutraceutical.

An initial watch and wait approach is a valid strategy for selected patients with newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

A range of treatments are available for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). An initial period without active treatment, a 'watch and wait approach', is variably employed in routine practice; however, there is no data to support this approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively collected data regarding clinician treatment recommendations for patients with newly diagnosed mCRC in addition to subsequent treatment and outcomes. Follow-up and management was according to standard protocols.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and thirty-six patients (59.1% male, 40.9% female) with mCRC (January 2003-December 2010) were analysed; the median age was 67.9 years (range 26.2-95.5). Three hundred and seventy-seven patients (51.2%) received immediate chemotherapy. For 133 (18.1%), treatment was considered inappropriate. 34 patients (4.6%) declined therapy. For 192 (26.1%), a watch and wait policy was adopted and 168 (87.5%) of these received treatment, at a median of 3.7 months (range 2-35 months) from diagnosis. Compared with patients immediately treated, the number receiving all active chemotherapy agents (30.4 versus 39.3%) was similar and median survival (27 versus 17 months, P = 0.0008) was superior.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that a substantial minority of patients underwent an initial watch and wait approach. Ultimately, they received a similar treatment exposure to patients treated immediately and the survival outcomes were not compromised.

In situ surface modification of molybdenum-doped organic-inorganic hybrid TiO2 nanoparticles under hydrothermal conditions and treatment of pharmaceutical effluent

Molybdenum-doped TiO2 organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions by in situ surface modification using n-butylamine. This was carried out at 150 degrees C at autogeneous pressure over 18 h. n-Butylamine was selected as a surfactant since it produced nanoparticles of the desired size and shape. The products were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, dynamic light-scattering spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Chemical oxygen demand was estimated in order to determine the photodegradation efficiency of the molybdenum-doped TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles in the treatment of pharmaceutical effluents. It was found that molybdenum-doped TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles showed higher photocatalytic efficiency than untreated TiO2 nanoparticles.

Modification of neodymium-doped ZnO hybrid nanoparticles under mild hydrothermal conditions

The morphology and particle size of neodymium-doped ZnO hybrid nanoparticles were tailored through fabrication under mild hydrothermal conditions (T = 150-250 degrees C, P = autogeneous, t = 18 h) for the first time using two surface modifiers: caprylic acid and n-butylamine. Characterization of these nanoparticles was carried out using powder XRD, FTIR, SEM, zeta-potential analysis and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results revealed that modification of ZnO nanoparticles using neodymium as a dopant and caprylic acid or n-butylamine as a surfactant could change the optical and physical properties of the surface-modified neodymium-doped ZnO hybrid nanoparticles. The work proved the efficiency of caprylic acid and n-butylamine as suitable surfactants for surface modification of neodymium-doped ZnO hybrid nanoparticles.

A sensitive assay for ornithine amino transferase in rat brain mitochondria by ninhydrin method

To establish/develop an assay method for measuring Ornithine Aminotransferase (EC.2.6.1.13) activity using rat brain mitochondria as a source of enzyme in presence and absence of Pyridoxal Phosphate (PLP). The modified method, with the improved sensitivity, is adopted for the assay of ornithine amino transferase activity in rat brain mitochondria. The enzyme activity was measured at 620 nm, the study showed that reaction was optimum at 37°C for 30 minutes. The assay is sensitive enough to detect activity at the order of nanomoles pyrroline-5-carboxylate/mg protein/minute and can be compared as an alternative to the radio isotopic method which is more cumbersome and aminobenzaldehyde method which is less sensitive. The K(m) & V(max) shows maximum activity in the presence of Pyridoxal Phosphate (Coenzyme) concentration at 0.05mM when compared with absence of Pyridoxal Phosphate as higher the concentration of Pyridoxal Phosphate affects the affinity of the enzyme to substrate. The OAT activity in different tissues of the rat was also studied and highest activity was found in liver and kidney.

Preoperative investigations for metastatic staging of colon and rectal cancer across multiple centres--what is current practice?

OBJECTIVE

The optimal strategy for elective distant staging of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has yet to be defined, with current guidelines based on small and limited series. One specific issue requiring review is the value of routine computerized tomographic (CT) chest examination. Also lacking is data on current routine clinical practice.

METHOD

A retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of elective surgery for CRC from five hospitals.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-seven cases were reviewed, 128 colon and 129 rectal primaries. 164 (64%) of patients overall, ranging from 45% to 88% across the individual centres, had a preoperative serum CEA level performed. CT abdomen/pelvis was performed in 222 (86%) of cases, ranging from 69% to 98% per centre. CT chest was performed in 95 (37%) of cases, 47% of rectal vs 29% of colon cancers (P = 0.004). In 17 cases (18%) CT chest examinations revealed abnormalities suspicious for metastatic disease, leading to a change in management in six (35%) of these cases. Of the 17 cases with an abnormal CT chest, in only 5 of the 14 (36%) where carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were also recorded was this increased, and in only three (21%) was this markedly (> 10 microg/l) elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial variability exists in the preoperative evaluation of patients with CRC. Many patients do not have a CEA and/or abdominal imaging performed. Where performed, CT chest revealed suspicious findings in a significant number of patients, the vast majority of whom had a normal or near normal CEA. Future studies are required to define optimal preoperative staging.

Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II and stage III colon cancer—What is happening in routine practice?

e15046

Background: Randomised studies have defined adjuvant chemotherapy as standard treatment for stage III colon cancer (SIIICC), with multiple options available. For stage II (SII) disease, the selection of patients for adjuvant treatment remains controversial. There remains limited data on clinician decision making regarding adjuvant chemotherapy in routine clinical practice. Methods: A review of patients treated with SII & IIICC at 4 hospitals, utilising data from BioGrid Australia, where clinician choice and rationale were prospectively documented. Results: 372 patients (37%) with SII and 307 (30%) with SIIICC were identified from 1015 CC patients treated from January 2003 till November 2008. Median age was 68 years, 51% were male; 49% female. 66 (25%) of patients with SIIICC were not offered chemotherapy, predominantly due to advanced age or co-morbidity. Since oxaliplatin and capecitabine became widely available in 2005, 66% of treated patients have received oxaliplatin based therapy, 15% bolus 5-FU alone and 19% capecitabine. For SII disease, overall 81 (26%) pts received adjuvant chemotherapy. Age was the dominant influence on treatment choice with 41% aged 70 (p<0.001) receiving treatment. Patients with high risk features were also more likely to receive adjuvant therapy. (p= 0.006 for those with lymphovascular invasion and p= 0.0068 for those with T4 tumours). Dose reductions and completion rates were similar for SII and III disease, and for older and younger patients. Conclusions: Over 25% of patients with SIIICC do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy in routine practice, with physicians basing non-treatment recommendations predominantly on patient age and co-morbidity. Where treatment is used, oxaliplatin-based therapy is the dominant regimen, except in older patients. In SIICC, adjuvant chemotherapy is used in one in four patients, more frequently in younger patients and those with high risk features.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Modulation of instantaneous synchrony during seizures by deep brain stimulation

Epileptic seizures were experimentally induced in the CA3 region of rat hippocampus in vivo. Recordings of seizure activity were made in both hippocampi as well as anteromedial region of the thalamus in order to analyze the instantaneous activity for synchronous oscillators. A new method is introduced for detecting this synchrony which combines empirical mode decomposition, the Hilbert analytic signal method and eigenvalue decomposition. Effects of targeted deep brain stimulation on multi-site synchrony were assessed as a means to extinguish hypersynchrony during epileptic seizures.

The management of postnasal drip

BACKGROUND

Postnasal drip is a symptom that can be very irritating to both patient and doctor.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to give an approach to diagnosis and treatment of postnasal drip.

DISCUSSION

In order to have an approach to management of this problem the pathophysiology needs to be understood. The causes of increased mucus awareness need to be known. Investigations are aimed at trying to clearly define the cause of the increased mucus and then specific treatment can be given to remedy the situation. Treatment is generally medical, however, surgical treatment is required in certain situations.