Excitation spectrum of the two-dimensional attractive Hubbard model

We calculate the one-particle spectral functions above the superconducting transition temperature $T_{C}$, in the framework of a functional integral approach. The coupling of the electronic self-energy to pair fluctuations, which are treated by means of a time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation, yields a double-peak structure, around the Fermi wavenumber. The peak separation is essentially temperature-independent, but the structure sharpens when $T_{C}$ is approached.Comment: 3 pages, revtex, 3 embedded figures (eps), submitted to Physica

Distinguishing features of cetuximab and panitumumab in colorectal cancer and other solid tumors

Cetuximab and panitumumab are two distinct monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and both are widely used in combination with chemotherapy or as monotherapy to treat patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. Although often considered interchangeable, the two antibodies have different molecular structures and can behave differently in clinically relevant ways. More specifically, as an immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 isotype mAb, cetuximab can elicit immune functions such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity involving natural killer cells, T-cell recruitment to the tumor, and T-cell priming via dendritic cell maturation. Panitumumab, an IgG2 isotype mAb, does not possess these immune functions. Furthermore, the two antibodies have different binding sites on the EGFR, as evidenced by mutations on the extracellular domain that can confer resistance to one of the two therapeutics or to both. We consider a comparison of the properties of these two antibodies to represent a gap in the literature. We therefore compiled a detailed, evidence-based educational review of the known molecular, clinical, and functional differences between the two antibodies and concluded that they are distinct therapeutic agents that should be considered individually during treatment planning. Available data for one agent can only partly be extrapolated to the other. Looking to the future, the known immune activity of cetuximab may provide a rationale for this antibody as a combination partner with investigational chemotherapy plus immunotherapy regimens for colorectal cance

Morphology and phytochemistry of Sanguisorba officinalis L. seeds (Rosaceae)

Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) has been used as medicinal plant for more than 2000 years. However, little is known about the morphology and the secondary metabolites of its seeds. The investigations reported here focus on the morphology and the characterization of phenolics and fatty acids in S. officinalis seeds. For this purpose, dried seeds were investigated using scanning electron microscopy to clarify their compartment structures. Furthermore, the seeds were extracted with CH2Cl2 and MeOH to characterize the fatty acids and to assess the secondary metabolite profile. The seed structure consists of a floral cup, a brown pericarp with calcium oxalate crystals, a fibre layer and the seed kernel with its seed coat. Individual compounds were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-DAD-MSn and GC/MS). CH2Cl2 extraction and GC investigations revealed the occurrence of fatty acids (29% of the seed dry weight), with linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acid as major compounds. In addition, MeOH extracts were analyzed by LC/MSn, which revealed the occurrence of flavonoids (quercetin, catechin, epicatechin), ellagitannins and caffeic acid derivatives

Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Standard of Care and Future Perspectives

Palliative chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer has undergone substantial changes in recent years. The implementation of modern biologicals in the treatment has substantially improved overall survival up to 30 months. With the increasing number of therapeutic options, the question of optimal treatment sequence arises, which is addressed in current studies like FIRE 4 or STRATEGIC-1. Furthermore, clinical and molecular biomarkers to predict efficacy and tolerability are urgently needed. Today, the detection of activating RAS mutations is the only validated biomarker which precludes patients from anti-EGFR treatment. The detection of BRAF mutation V600E is associated with a very poor prognosis corresponding to a survival of 9-12 months. Prospective trials evaluating an optimal approach to this subgroup are still missing. First results from strategies targeting the aberrant signal transduction are promising and require further validation. Despite the advances so far, life expectancy unfortunately continues to be limited in the majority of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. New strategies are needed to improve the prognosis. To this end, the identification of Her2/neu as a potential target and first experiences with checkpoint inhibition in patients with mismatch repair-deficient tumors are promising and also require further validation. (C) 2016 S. Karger GmbH, Freibur

Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of betalainic fruits and vegetables

The present investigation determined total phenolics, ascorbic acid, betalain contents and the corresponding antioxidant capacities of betalain-bearing fruits and vegetables. In addition to differently coloured Swiss chard petioles (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. cicla [L.] Alef. cv. ‘Bright Lights’) and hypocotyls of white, yellow, and red beetroot varieties (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris, cv. ‘Albina Vereduna’, cv. ‘Burpee’s Golden’, and cv. ‘Rote Kugel 2’), juices from cactus pears (Opuntia ficus-indica [L.] Mill. cv. ‘Gialla’ and cv. ‘Rossa’) and pitaya fruits (Hylocereus polyrhizus [Weber] Britton & Rose, H. undatus [Haworth] Britton & Rose, Selenicereus megalanthus [K. Schumann ex Vaupel] Moran) were included in this study. Antioxidant capacities were determined by application of the TEAC and FRAP assays, respectively, resulting in differing rankings of the commodities investigated. In both test systems, highest antioxidant capacity was shown for red beetroot extract while for the remaining samples no straightforward order could be established

Comparison of morphological and chemical fruit traits from different pitaya genotypes (Hylocereus sp.) grown in Costa Rica

Physico-chemical parameters of the fruits of five Hylocereus genotypes grown in their natural habitat in Costa Rica were determined and their morphological traits were assessed. Besides, overall dimensions, shape, weight, flesh fraction, skin thickness, seed content and juice yield were recorded. Chemical analyses comprised pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, proline and pectin content, formol number and density of the juices. In addition, the major sugars glucose, fructose and sucrose, as well as organic acids were quantified by HPLC. Moreover, skin and flesh firmness were assessed. Significant differences were observed between genotypes concerning fruit weight and dimensions, skin thickness, proportion of flesh and amount of seeds. Whereas lowest pH values were determined in the juices from ‘San Ignacio’, highest malic acid contents in ‘Rosa’ and maximal total soluble solids were found in juices from ‘Nacional’ fruits. Furthermore, differences between genotypes concerning density, pectin and glucose contents of the juices were noted

Chemical quality parameters and anthocyanin pattern of red-fleshed Weirouge apples

Red-fleshed ‘Weirouge’ apples were investigated with respect to their chemical quality parameters including anthocyanins and colour. Anthocyanin concentrations were considerably higher than previously reported for common red-peeled apples. Due to its high malic acid content, the cultivar ‘Weirouge’ was characterised by a high colour brilliance. Among the anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-maloyl-galactoside and 5-carboxy-pyrano-cyanidin-hexoside not previously found in apples were tentatively identified by HPLC-MS3. Highest anthocyanin and total phenolics contents were found in the peel corresponding with the respective antioxidant capacities as determined using the FRAP and TEAC assays, respectively