Rhodacyanine Derivative Selectively Targets Cancer Cells and Overcomes Tamoxifen Resistance

MKT-077, a rhodacyanine dye, was shown to produce cancer specific cell death. However, complications prevented the use of this compound beyond clinical trials. Here we describe YM-1, a derivative of MKT-077. We found that YM-1 was more cytotoxic and localized differently than MKT-077. YM-1 demonstrated this cytotoxicity across multiple cancer cell lines. This toxicity was limited to cancer cell lines; immortalized cell models were unaffected. Brief applications of YM-1 were found to be non-toxic. Brief treatment with YM-1 restored tamoxifen sensitivity to a refractory tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 cell model. This effect is potentially due to altered estrogen receptor alpha phosphorylation, an outcome precipitated by selective reductions in Akt levels (Akt/PKB). Thus, modifications to the rhodocyanine scaffold could potentially be made to improve efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties. Moreover, the impact on tamoxifen sensitivity could be a new utility for this compound family

No preliminary evidence of differences in astrocyte density within the white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in autism

Background: While evidence for white matter and astrocytic abnormalities exist in autism, a detailed investigation of astrocytes has not been conducted. Such an investigation is further warranted by an increasing role for neuroinflammation in autism pathogenesis, with astrocytes being key players in this process. We present the first study of astrocyte density and morphology within the white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in individuals with autism. Methods: DLPFC formalin-fixed sections containing white matter from individuals with autism (n = 8, age = 4-51 years) and age-matched controls (n = 7, age = 4-46 years) were immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Density of astrocytes and other glia were estimated via the optical fractionator, astrocyte somal size estimated via the nucleator, and astrocyte process length via the spaceballs probe. Results: We found no evidence for alteration in astrocyte density within DLPFC white matter of individuals with autism versus controls, together with no differences in astrocyte somal size and process length. Conclusion: Our results suggest that astrocyte abnormalities within the white matter in the DLPFC in autism may be less pronounced than previously thought. However, astrocytic dysregulation may still exist in autism, even in the absence of gross morphological changes. Our lack of evidence for astrocyte abnormalities could have been confounded to an extent by having a small sample size and wide age range, with pathological features potentially restricted to early stages of autism. Nonetheless, future investigations would benefit from assessing functional markers of astrocytes in light of the underlying pathophysiology of autism

Biosorption and separation/preconcentration of lead and nickel on rhodococcus ruber biomass

At the present time emphasis is given to the utilization of microorganisms because of their great ability to absorb metal ions from aqueous solution. Hence, in this study, Pb2+ and Ni2+ ions at trace levels were separated and preconcentrated on a column containing a bacterium, Rhodococcus ruber bacterial biomass (RrBB), as a new solid phase extraction technique prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) determination. The optimum experimental and analytical parameters such as pH of sample solution, volume and concentration of eluent, flow rate of sample solution and eluent, sample volume, effect of common matrix ions and capacity of biosorbent were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the preconcentration factors for Pb2+ and Ni2+ were calculated as 150 and 100, respectively. The analytical detection limits for Pb2+ and Ni2+ were 0.32µgL-1 and 0.24 µgL-1 respectively. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity of biomass was estimated as 42.91 and 6.78 mg g-1 for Pb2+ and Ni2+, respectively. Certified reference material (NIST SRM 1640a) was also used to confirm the accuracy of the method. The developed solid phase extraction method was applied successfully for the determination of Pb2+ and Ni2+ in various water samples. © by PSP

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Aeromonas sobria and antibacterial activity against fish pathogens

4th International Conference on Computational and Experimental Science and Engineering (ICCESEN) -- OCT 04-08, 2017 -- Kemer, TURKEYWOS: 000478894500021Fish diseases are a major obstacle to the development of the fisheries industry. Aeromonas sobria is an infectious waterborne bacterium that causes ulcers, tail rot and hemorrhagic septicemia in fishes and resistant to many existing antibiotics. In this context, A. sobria-AgNPs were synthesized by A. sobria using AgNO3. A. sobria-AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, and a peak was obtained at a range of 420-480 nm. A. sobria-AgNPs were evaluated for antibacterial activities against different fish pathogens. The highest antibacterial activity was observed against A. hydrophila, E. cloacae and E. coli. The lower activity was found against C. braakii and E. hermannii, but against H. alvei, P. rettger and M. morganii subsp. sibonii no zone of inhibition was recorded. The results indicated that the A. sobria-AgNPs can be used to develop antibacterial agent and as a therapeutic agent in the fishing industry and water disinfection. The antibacterial efficacy against the fish pathogen A. hydrophila of silver nanoparticles is a hope for possible application as a disinfectant or antimicrobial agent for better fish health management.Ahi Evran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination UnitAhi Evran University [FEF.E2.17.038]This work was supported by the Ahi Evran University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit. Project Number FEF.E2.17.038

Iliolumbar veins have a high frequency of variations

The spectrum of individual anatomic variations of the vascular structures are broad, however, the exact incidence of variations of the lumbosacral vein is obscure. In the current study, 38 iliolumbar veins were dissected from 19 formaldehyde-preserved male cadavers. The drainage pattern of the iliolumbar vein was determined. The diameter and the length of the iliolumbar vein were measured, and the relationships of the iliolumbar vein with the lumbosacral trunk, obturator nerve, and iliolumbar artery were ascertained. Means and standard deviations were used as descriptive measures to define variations among the cases. The iliolumbar vein or veins were detected in both sides of all 19 cadavers. Five drainage patterns were seen between the iliolumbar vein and the lumbosacral major veins. In only five cadavers, symmetric drainage patterns were seen on the left and the right sides. In our study, two drainage patterns were seen that were not previously reported. Anatomic variations of the iliolumbar vein are numerous and should be considered to avoid complications when doing surgery

Surgical anatomy of the cervical sympathetic trunk

Lack of knowledge of the anatomy of the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) may complicate surgical procedures on the cervical spine. This study aims to define linear and angular relations of the CST with respect to consistent Structures around it, including the number and size of the cervical ganglia, the distances between the CST and the longus colli muscle and the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae. Morphometric parameters of the 24 CSTs of 12 adults were measured on both sides. The CST had superior, middle, and inferior (or cervicothoracic) ganglia in 20.8% of specimens; superior and inferior (or cervicothoracic) ganglia in 45.8%; superior, middle, vertebral, inferior, or cervicothoracic ganglia in 12.5%, and superior, vertebral, inferior or cervicothoracic ganglia in 20.8% of specimens. The superior ganglion was observed in all specimens, the middle ganglion and vertebral ganglion were each observed in 33.3%. There was no difference between the number of superior and vertebral Ganglia between the right and left sides. The average distance between the CST and the medial border of the ipsilateral longus colli muscle (LCM) was 17.2 mm at C3 and 12.4 mm at C7. As the CSTs converged caudally, the LCMs diverged. The average distance between the anterior tubercles of transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and the lateral borders of the ipsilateral CST was 3.4 mm at C4, 3.2 min at C5, and 3.9 min at C6. The presence of a vertebral ganglion and variations, such as the localization of the CST within the carotid sheath, are important. The anatomical landmarks described should assist the spinal surgeon to avoid injury of the CST. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss. Inc

Influence of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination at birth and 2 months old age on the peripheral blood T-cell subpopulations [gamma/delta (gamma delta) and alpha-beta (alpha beta) T cell]

The neonatal immune system is immature and may be affected by Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. We investigated the influence of BCG given at two different ages on the peripheral blood (PB) T-cell subpopulations. Forty full term healthy newborns were randomly chosen. Twenty of them were vaccinated with BCG at birth (group 1) and the remaining at the age of 2 months (group II). The cell analysis were carried out before (pre-BCGI and pre-BCGII), and 2 months after (post-BCGI and post-BCGII) the vaccination. The analysis of the gamma/delta and alpha/beta T-cell receptor (TCR) antigens was done by two-colour flowcytometer. The purified protein derivative (PPD) response was investigated 2 months after vaccination. The results showed that although T-cell (TCR+ cell) counts showed no difference in PB before and after vaccination in both study groups, the total lymphocyte and non-T cell (TCR- cell) populations increased significantly whereas alpha beta T-cell population significantly decreased after vaccination. On the contrary, gamma delta T-cell counts in PB increased significantly 2 months after vaccination in group I but not in group II. Total lymphocyte and non-T cell counts in vaccinated infants at 2 months of age (post-BCGI) were significantly higher than in unvaccinated infants of the same age whereas alpha beta T-cell count in vaccinated infants was significantly low. However, total T-cell and gamma delta T-cell counts showed no difference. PPD positivity was similar in both study groups (61% in group I, 66% in group II). Neither alpha beta T- nor gamma delta T-cell counts were different in PPD positive and PPD negative infants. Our study shows that BCG causes marked quantitative changes in the PB T-cell subpopulations in young infants

Intravenous paracetamol versus dexketoprofen in acute migraine attack in the emergency department: A randomised clinical trial

Objective Migraine is a common form of headache that is a major burden for patients who often seek emergency care. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of intravenous non-steroidal antiinflammatory medication (dexketoprofen) with paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the treatment of an acute migraine attack. Materials and methods This prospective, randomised, double blind, controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care emergency unit. Study patients were randomised into two groups to receive either 50 mg of dexketoprofen trometamol or 1000 mg of paracetamol intravenously by rapid infusion in 150 mL of normal saline. Pain reduction was measured at baseline, and after 15 and 30 min, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)) as the primary outcome. VAS is a measurement tool ranging from 0 (no pain) to 100 mm (worst pain). Results 200 patients were included in the final analysis. Mean (SD) age of the study subjects was 30.1±11 years and 81% (n=162) were women. Median reduction in VAS score at 30 min was 56 (IQR 30-78.5) for the paracetamol group and 55 (IQR 34-75) for the dexketoprofen group, with a difference of 1 mm (95% CI -7 to 10) between the two groups. Conclusions Intravenous paracetamol and dexketoprofen appear to produce equivalent pain relief for migraine in the emergency department