The Problem of Mammographic Breast Density - The Position of the DEGUM Working Group on Breast Ultrasound

Mammographic breast density correlates with breast cancer risk and also with the number of false-negative calls. In the USA these facts lead to the "Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act" of 2011. In the case of mammographically dense breasts, the Working Group on Breast Ultrasound in Germany recommends explaining the advantages of adjunct imaging to women, depending on the individual breast cancer risk. Due to the particular structure of German healthcare, quality-assured breast ultrasound would be the first choice. Possible overdiagnosis, costs, potentially increased emotional stress should be addressed. In high familial breast cancer risk, genetic counselling and an intensified early detection program should be performed.

Structure-activity relationships in allergic contact dermatitis (I). Studies on the influence of side-chain length with derivatives of primin

Primin (2-methoxy-6-pentyl-1,4-benzoquinone) is a naturally-occurring strong sensitizer from Primula obconica (Primulacease). To determine the effect of side-chain length on sensitizing potency, 15 analogues with linear side chains from C1 to C15 and 4 C6-analogues with branched side chains were prepared synthetically and devoted to experimental sensitization in guinea pigs. The results showed an increase of the sensitizing capacity with increasing length of the alkyl side chain from C1 to C10, reaching a maximum at C11 and C12. On further elongation, the sensitizing potency decreased beyond C13, reaching values which finally were as low as those of the C1 and C3 derivatives. The results mirror findings which formerly have been obtained with other non-quinonoid compounds like catechols, phenols, hydroquinones and gallates. In the plant kingdom, compounds approximating an "ideal allergen" consisting of a quinonoid ring with a 10 or 11 carbon-membered side chain have been identified only once: 2,3-dimethoxy-geranyl-1,4-benzoquinone, a remarkably strong sensitizer found in Wigandia caracasana (Hydrophyllaceae).

Structure of 2-methoxy-6-nonyl-1,4-benzoquinone, C16H24O3, a synthetic contact allergen related to the naturally occurring primin

C16H24O3, Mr = 264.36, triclinic, P1, alpha = 4.167 (1), b = 9.658 (1), c = 19.093 (1) A, alpha = 89.66 (1), beta = 87.27 (1), gamma = 79.07 (1) degrees, V = 753.65 (1) A3, Z = 2, D chi = 1.165 Mg m-3, lambda(Cu K alpha) = 1.5418 A, mu = 0.595 mm-1, F(000) = 288, T = 295 K, R is 0.047 for 1682 observed unique reflections. The angle between the quinone ring plane and the mean plane defined by the aliphatic nonyl chain atoms is 17.4 (3) degrees. The average Csp3--Csp3 bond distance and corresponding angle of the side chain are 1.522 (3) A and 113.2 (2) degrees. The average dimensions of the quinone ring are C--C 1.485 (3), C = C 1.337 (3), C = O 1.209 (3) A, C--C--C 118.4 (2), C = C--C 120.8 (2), O = C--C 120.8 (2) degrees. Neighboring molecules form dimers across centres of symmetry which are linked by C--H...O hydrogen bonds, with H(3)...O(4i) 2.42 (4), C(3)...O(4i) 3.29 (2) A, and angle C(3)--H(3)...O(4i) 164 (3) degrees. The dimers are held together by van der Waals forces between the nonyl side chains, and by C(16)--H...O(2ii) hydrogen bonds, with H(163)...O(2ii) 2.56 (4), C(16)...O(2ii) 3.357 (3) A, and angle C(16)--H(163)...O(2ii) 140 (3) degrees [(i) -x, 1 -y, -z; (ii) -1 -x, 1-y, -z].

Structure of 6-dodecyl-2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone, a new synthetic contact allergen

C19H30O3, Mr = 306.45, triclinic, P-1, a = 5.453 (1), b = 5.608 (1), c = 30.129 (2) A, alpha = 85.85 (1), beta = 88.66 (1), gamma = 83.02 (1) degree, V = 912.0 (1) A3, Z = 2, Dx = 1.116 Mg m-3, Cu K alpha radiation, lambda = 1.5418 A, mu = 0.548 mm-1, F(000) = 336, T = 296 K, R is 0.040 for 2489 observed unique reflections. The aliphatic side chain is slightly rotated from the quinone ring. The angle between the quinone-ring plane and the mean dodecyl-chain plane is 20.8 (2) degrees. The average Csp3-Csp3 bond lengths and corresponding angles of the side chain are 1.515 (5) A and 113.8 (3) degrees. The average dimensions of the quinone ring are C-C 1.477 (4), C = C 1.337 (4), C = O 1.222 (3) A, C-C-C 118.9 (3), C = C-C 120.6 (3), O = C-C 120.6 (3)degrees. Neighbouring molecules form dimers by C-H...O interactions across centres of symmetry [C(3)...O(3) 3.413 (2) A]. The dimers are linked together via methyl H and carbonyl O along [100] [C(19)...O(3) 3.338 (3) A]; O(3) is a bifurcated acceptor.

Metabolic products of microorganisms. 228. New nikkomycins produced by mutants of Streptomyces tendae

Four new dipeptidyl nikkomycins of the Z- and the X-series with a variation in the amino acid moiety of the molecule were isolated from the mutant Streptomyces tendae 901/395 and characterized. Nikkomycins Kz and Kx contain 2-amino-4-hydroxy-4-(2-pyridyl)butyric acid, and nikkomycins Oz and Ox 2-amino-4-hydroxy-4-(5-hydroxy-2-pyridyl)butyric acid. In contrast to nikkomycins Z and X, nikkomycins Kx and Ox are quite stable at alkaline pH and exhibit a lower biological activity against various test organisms. From the mutant S. tendae 901/C37, which is auxotrophic for methionine and threonine, enhanced amounts of two tripeptidyl nikkomycins, Qz and Qx, were produced which are analogues of nikkomycins J and I and contain a homoserine residue instead of glutamic acid. These nikkomycins exhibit a high pH instability.