Investigation of sodium insertion into tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ): results for a TCNQ thin film obtained by a surface science approach

In this contribution, we investigate the insertion of sodium into tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and its effect on the electronic structure by means of a surface science experiment. We exposed a TCNQ thin film stepwise to sodium vapour and monitored the electronic structure by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). During the insertion experiment three stages were observed, which can be related to three different phases, predominantly consisting of TCNQ(0), TCNQ(1-) and TCNQ(2-). With increasing sodium content the Fermi level shifts upwards and new electronic states appear in the band gap. For phases with high sodium content the sodium diffusion seems to be inhibited which we attribute to closed diffusion pathways in the molecular structure of TCNQ(1-).

Cow's milk-based beverage consumption in 1- to 4-year-olds and allergic manifestations: an RCT

Background

Nutrients such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), prebiotics and β-glucan have been associated with reduced incidence of respiratory illnesses and allergic manifestations (AM). Our objective was to assess if consumption of a cow’s milk-based beverage with these and other nutrients supports respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin health in otherwise well-nourished, healthy children.

Methods

In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy children (1–4 years of age) from two daycare centers in Brazil were fed three servings/day of a cow’s milk-based beverage (CMBB; n = 125) containing DHA, the prebiotics polydextrose (PDX) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS), β-glucan, and other key nutrients, or a control cow’s milk-based beverage (control; n = 131) for up to 28 weeks. Occurrence of respiratory infections, diarrheal disease and AM was assessed by study pediatricians and the number of episodes were analyzed with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test and the Andersen-Gill model.

Results

The CMBB group had fewer episodes of AM, which included allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis, wheezing, allergic cough, eczema and urticaria, compared to the control group (p = 0.021). The hazard ratio for increased number of episodes of AM was lower in the CMBB group compared to control (HR, 0.64; 95 % CI 0.47–0.89; p = 0.007). There was no difference in the incidence of respiratory infections and diarrheal disease between groups.

Conclusion

A cow’s milk-based beverage containing DHA, PDX/GOS, and yeast β-glucan, and supplemented with micronutrients, including zinc, vitamin A and iron, when consumed 3 times/day for 28 weeks by healthy 1- to 4-year-old children was associated with fewer episodes of allergic manifestations in the skin and the respiratory tract.

Trial registration

registration number: NCT01431469

Functional role of TRPC proteins in vivo: lessons from TRPC-deficient mouse models

In order to elucidate the functional role of TRPC genes, in vivo, the targeted inactivation of these genes in mice is an invaluable technique. In this review, we summarize the currently available results on the phenotype of TRPC-deficient mouse lines. The analysis of mice with targeted deletion in three TRPC genes demonstrates that these proteins represent essential constituents of agonist-activated and phospholipase C-dependent Ca2+ entry channels in primary cells. Furthermore, from the deficits observed in these TRPC-deficient mouse lines a striking number of biological functions could already be ascribed to TRPC2, TRPC4, and TRPC6, not only on the cellular level but also for complex organ functions and integrative physiology. Accordingly, TRPC2 proteins are critically involved in pheromone sensing by neurones of the vomeronasal organ and, thereby, in the regulation of sexual and social behavior of mice, TRPC4 proteins are essential determinants of endothelial-dependent regulation of vascular tone, endothelial permeability, and neurotransmitter release from thalamic interneurones, and TRPC6 proteins are supposed to have a fundamental role in the regulation of smooth muscle tone in blood vessels and lung.

[Xanthinuria with xanthine lithiasis in a patient with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome under allopurinol therapy]

PURPOSE

It is the intention of this report to identify appropriate analytical tests which allow for the monitoring of allopurinol treatment of patients with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and the prevention of uric acid or xanthine lithiasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 12 year old boy with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome presented with signs of compulsive automutilation, motoric and mental retardation and cerebral palsy. Paraclinical patient showed hyperuricemia and significant hyperuricosuria. During administration of allopurinol (200 mg/d) he developed fever, an urinary tract infection and dilatation of pelviureteric junction which was suspected of being nephrolithiasis. During hospitalisation, the purine metabolism was intensively monitored. The allopurinol treatment was adjusted according to clinical and laboratory data.

RESULTS

The renal scanning diagnostic showed the develepment of a functionally impaired left kidney. Later this kidney had no part in tubulo-secretorical function. It was necessary to remove surgical two renal stones. The composition of the stones was exclusively xanthine. Serum concentration and urinary excretion of xanthine and hypoxanthine were massively enlarged. The elimination of uric acid in urine was normal. But subsequently, the left kidney had to be removed despite intensive care.

CONCLUSION

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a disorder caused by congenital absence of the enzyme hypoxanthineguanine phosphoribosyltransferase and an increase of the enzyme activity of adenine phosphoribosyltransferase. Treatment should be adjusted to patient's age and weight. An adapt treatment with allopurinol and optimal fluid intake reduce the risk of uric acid or xanthine lithiasis. Laboratory monitoring includes testings for serum concentration and urinary excretion of uric acid, xanthine and hypoxanthine. Sole a normal concentration of uric acid is not sufficient for therapy control. Assessment of the urine sediment by microscopy or infrared spectroscopy will enable early detection of uric acid or xanthine lithiasis.

Beidseitige testikul�re Raumforderungen im Rahmen des adrenogenitalen Syndroms

Testicular masses in male individuals with the adrenogenital syndrome (AGS) are a clinical and pathological diagnostic dilemma. The major differential diagnosis of gonadal nodules in this setting includes interstitial Leydig cell tumors and secondary benign tumors possibly of adrenal origin. We report a case of adrenogenital syndrome occurring in a 14-year-old boy. Examinations to clarify the cause of his dwarfism and bilateral testicular masses revealed 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The testes were not tender and were firm and nodular on palpation. The serum levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-alpha-OHP), testosterone, and aldosterone were found to be elevated. Under corticosteroid therapy the serum marker abnormalities were corrected and there was gradual regression of the tumor lesions in both testes. Testicular tumors with adrenogenital syndrome are typically bilateral and develop in untreated or inadequately treated males with AGS.

Fatty acid ketodienes and fatty acid ketotrienes: Michael addition acceptors that accumulate in wounded and diseased Arabidopsis leaves

Physical damage and disease are known to lead to changes in the oxylipin signature of plants. We searched for oxylipins produced in response to both wounding and pathogenesis in Arabidopsis leaves. Linoleic acid 9- and 13-ketodienes (KODEs) were found to accumulate in wounded leaves as well as in leaves infected with the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Quantification of the compounds showed that they accumulated to higher levels during the hypersensitive response to Pst avrRpm1 than during infection with a Pst strain lacking an avirulence gene. KODEs are Michael addition acceptors, containing a chemically reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group. When infiltrated into leaves, KODEs were found to induce expression of the GST1 gene, but vital staining indicated that these compounds also damaged plant cells. Several molecules typical of lipid oxidation, including malonaldehyde, also contain the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl reactivity feature, and, when delivered in a volatile form, powerfully induced the expression of GST1. The results draw attention to the potential physiological importance of naturally occurring Michael addition acceptors in plants. In particular, these compounds could act directly, or indirectly via cell damage, as powerful gene activators and might also contribute to host cell death.

Fatty acid ketodienes and fatty acid ketotrienes: Michael addition acceptors that accumulate in wounded and diseased Arabidopsis leaves

Physical damage and disease are known to lead to changes in the oxylipin signature of plants. We searched for oxylipins produced in response to both wounding and pathogenesis in Arabidopsis leaves. Linoleic acid 9- and 13-ketodienes (KODEs) were found to accumulate in wounded leaves as well as in leaves infected with the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Quantification of the compounds showed that they accumulated to higher levels during the hypersensitive response to Pst avrRpm1 than during infection with a Pst strain lacking an avirulence gene. KODEs are Michael addition acceptors, containing a chemically reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group. When infiltrated into leaves, KODEs were found to induce expression of the GST1 gene, but vital staining indicated that these compounds also damaged plant cells. Several molecules typical of lipid oxidation, including malonaldehyde, also contain the alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl reactivity feature, and, when delivered in a volatile form, powerfully induced the expression of GST1. The results draw attention to the potential physiological importance of naturally occurring Michael addition acceptors in plants. In particular, these compounds could act directly, or indirectly via cell damage, as powerful gene activators and might also contribute to host cell death.

Nocturnal sleep in Huntington's disease

Nocturnal sleep was studied in 16 inpatients with Huntington's disease. In comparison with healthy controls, patients exhibited a disturbed sleep pattern with increased sleep onset latency, reduced sleep efficiency, frequent nocturnal awakenings, more time spent awake and less slow wave sleep. These abnormalities correlated in part with duration of illness, severity of clinical symptoms, and degree of atrophy of the caudate nucleus. Patients showed an increased density of sleep spindles.