Synthesis, structural characterization, catalytic activity on aerobic oxidation of novel Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanines and computational studies of 4-[2-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy)ethoxy]phthalonitrile

Caglar, Yasemin/0000-0001-8462-0925WOS: 0003748344000044-[2-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy)ethoxy] substituted Co(II) and Fe(II) phthalocyanines were successfully synthesized and characterized by the spectroscopic methods (IR, H-1 NMR, UV-Vis, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis). Determination of the optimal conditions for oxidation of phenolic compounds, the catalytic reactions were carried out change the reaction temperature, time and different oxidants, subst./cat. ratio. In the presence of phthalocyanine derivatives 4 and 5, we demonstrated that phenolic compounds oxidize to the less harmfull products with high conversion and yield. Additionally, the computational studies of 4-[2-(2,3-dichlorophenoxy) ethoxy]phthalonitrile were done in this work. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Research Fund of Karadeniz Technical University (Trabzon-Turkey)Karadeniz Teknik University [5302]This study was supported by the Research Fund of Karadeniz Technical University, Project no: 5302 (Trabzon-Turkey)

The determination of uric acid in the presence of ascorbic acid and dopamine using {[}(1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylimino)methyl]naphthalene-2-ol modified platinum electrode

In this study, a modified electrode was developed via coating to platinum electrode (Pt) surface with a {[}(1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-ylimino)methyl]naphthalene-2-ol (TMN-2-ol) film. Deposition of TMN-2-ol was performed by cyclic voltammetry scanning from -0.8 V to +2.0 V at a sweep rate of 100 mV s(-)(1) for 40 cycles in 1 x10(-3) M TMN-2-ol solution. The modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), reflection adsorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) and contact angle measurements (CAM). The electrocatalytic activity of the prepared and characterized modified electrode against UA in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA) and dopamine (DA) was determined by square wave voltammetry (SWV). The optimum working conditions were determined such as supporting electrolyte, pH. It was found that, the appropriate supporting electrolyte medium was 0.1 M pH 7.2 phosphate buffer (PBS). The calibration curve and limit of detection (LOD) were obtained in the range of 1.23 x 10(-6)-1.51x 10(-5) M and 1.56 x10(-8) M at the TMN-2-ol/Pt electrode, respectively. The effects of various anions and cations on the peak current of UA were investigated. The UA analysis was performed in human serum with low relative standart deviation values at the modified electrode by standard addition method

Cryptococcal parotid involvement: an uncommon localization of Cryptococcus neoformans

We describe a cryptococcal infection localized in the parotid gland of an otherwise healthy 72-year-old woman. The patient presented with a painful, approximately 4.5 cm diameter mass in the anterior region of her right ear. Her symptoms were mild and uncharacteristic. The patient had previously fallen on her face in her garden, causing the loss and breakage of her dentures. Since the soil of the garden contained chicken droppings, it is quite likely that the oral prothesis became contaminated on contacting the soil. The fungus probably entered the parotid gland through the traumatization of the posterior lateral wall of her oral cavity by her broken denture. Numerous intra- and extracellular cryptococcal yeast cells were observed in both histopathological and mycological slide preparations. The yeastlike fungus was recovered in cultures inoculated with tissue collected through three biopsies of her parotid region. The isolates were identified as Cryptococcus neoformans by classical mycology methods and found to be susceptible, in vitro, to fluconazole, amphotericin B and flucytosine. Fluconazole treatment (400 mg/d, for 6 months) was started and the patients facial swelling resolved and the pain significantly reduced within 5 weeks of the initiation of treatment. While fungal infection of the parotid gland have been reported, to our knowledge, this is the first description of a non-disseminated primary parotid infection due to C. neoformans

The effect of low HER2 expression on treatment outcomes in metastatic hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients treated with a combination of a CDK4/6 inhibitor and endocrine therapy: A multicentric retrospective study

Background: CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy have significantly improved treatment outcomes for metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer patients. However, the impact of low HER2 expression on treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS) remains unclear. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 204 HR+ breast cancer patients treated with a combination of CDK4/6 inhibitor and endocrine therapy. HER2-zero disease was detected in 138 (68%) and HER2-low disease in 66 (32%) patients. Treatment-related characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 22 months. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) was 72.7% in the HER2 low group and 66.6% in the HER2 zero group (p = 0.54). Median PFS was not significantly different between the HER2-low and HER2 zero groups (19 months vs.18 months, p = 0.89), although there was a trend toward longer PFS in the HER2-low group for first-line treatment (24 months progression-free survival rate 63% vs 49%). In recurrent disease, the median PFS was 25 months in the HER2-low group and 12 months in the HER2-zero group (p = 0.08), while in de novo metastatic disease, the median PFS was 18 months in the HER2-low group and 27 months in the HER2-zero group (p = 0.16). The order of CDK4/6 inhibitor use and the presence of visceral metastasis were identified as independent variables affecting PFS. Conclusion: Low HER2 expression did not significantly impact treatment response or PFS in HR+ breast cancer patients treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor and endocrine therapy. Because of the conflicting results in the literature, further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical significance of HER2 expression in HR+ breast cancer

Evaluation of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products, Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance, and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Untreated Vitiligo Patients

Vitiligo is a chronic, common disease of unknown etiology, and oxidative stress is suggested to have a role in its etiopathogenesis. Objective: Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were evaluated regarding their role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo as well as their relationship with clinical presentation and disease severity, and these parameters were compared with those of healthy controls. Methods: The study included 53 patients with vitiligo and 20 healthy volunteers as the control group. AOPP level, PAB, and FRAP were determined by colorimetric methods. Results: PAB and FRAP level were significantly higher in patients with vitiligo than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). The AOPP levels in vitiligo patients were not statistically significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index positively correlated with disease duration (r(s): 0.531, p <0.001). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of AOPP and PAB status in vitiligo. PAB may be used as an indicator for Oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo. Our results show that these parameters may play a major role in the melanocyte damage observed in vitiligo. Further studies are required to confirm the mechanisms underlying this effect

Core–Shell Type Ionic Liquid/Metal Organic Framework Composite: An Exceptionally High CO₂/CH₄ Selectivity

Here, we present a new concept of a core–shell type ionic liquid/metal organic framework (IL/MOF) composite. A hydrophilic IL, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide, [HEMIM]­[DCA], was deposited on a hydrophobic zeolitic imidazolate framework, ZIF-8. The composite exhibited approximately 5.7 times higher CO₂ uptake and 45 times higher CO₂/CH₄ selectivity at 1 mbar and 25 °C compared to the parent MOF. Characterization showed that IL molecules deposited on the external surface of the MOF, forming a core (MOF)–shell (IL) type material, in which IL acts as a smart gate for the guest molecules

Induction of peroxisomal changes in oligodendrocytes treated with 7-ketocholesterol: Attenuation by α-tocopherol

This work was presented as an oral presentation at the 7th ENOR (European Network for Oxysterol Research) Symposium ‘Oxysterols and Sterol Derivatives in Health and Disease’, September 21–22, 2017, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (https://www.oxysterols.net/).International audienceThe involvement of organelles in cell death is well established especially for endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes and mitochondria. However, the role of the peroxisome is not well known, though peroxisomal dysfunction favors a rupture of redox equilibrium. To study the role of peroxisomes in cell death, 158 N murine oligodendrocytes were treated with 7-ketocholesterol (7 KC: 25-50 mu M, 24 h). The highest concentration is known to induce oxiapoptophagy (OXIdative stress + APOPTOsis + autoPHAGY), whereas the lowest concentration does not induce cell death. In those conditions (with 7 KC: 50 mu M) morphological, topographical and functional peroxisome alterations associated with modifications of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria, with mitochondrial dysfunction (loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential, decreased level of cardiolipins) and oxidative stress were observed: presence of peroxisomes with abnormal sizes and shapes similar to those observed in Zellweger fibroblasts, lower cellular level of ABCD3, used as a marker of peroxisomal mass, measured by flow cytometry, lower mRNA and protein levels (measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting) of ABCD1 and ABCD3 (two ATP-dependent peroxisomal transporters), and of ACOX1 and MFP2 enzymes, and lower mRNA level of DHAPAT, involved in peroxisomal beta-oxidation and plasmalogen synthesis, respectively, and increased levels of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA: C24:0, C24:1, C26:0 and C26:1, quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) metabolized by peroxisomal beta-oxidation. In the presence of 7 KC (25 mu M), slight mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress were found, and no induction of apoptosis was detected; however, modifications of the cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria and clusters of mitochondria were detected. The peroxisomal alterations observed with 7 KC (25 mu M) were similar to those with 7 KC (50 mu M). In addition, data obtained by transmission electron microcopy and immunofluorescence microscopy by dual staining with antibodies raised against p62, involved in autophagy, and ABCD3, support that 7 KC (25-50 mu M) induces pexophagy. 7 KC (25-50 mu M)-induced side effects were attenuated by alpha-tocopherol but not by alpha-tocotrienol, whereas the anti-oxidant properties of these molecules determined with the FRAP assay were in the same range. These data provide evidences that 7 KC, at concentrations inducing or not cell death, triggers morphological, topographical and functional peroxisomal alterations associated with minor or major mitochondrial changes

Causative pathogens and antibiotic resistance in diabetic foot infections: A prospective multi-center study

WOS: 000378759700027PubMed ID: 26965794Aim: Clinical practice guidelines for the management of diabetic foot infections developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) are commonly used worldwide. The issue of whether or not these guidelines need to be adjusted for local circumstances, however, has seldom been assessed in large prospective trials. Methods: The Turk-DAY trial was a prospective, multi-center study in which infectious disease specialists from centers across Turkey were invited to participate (NCT02026830). Results: A total of 35 centers throughout Turkey enrolled patients in the trial. Overall, investigators collected a total of 522 specimens from infected diabetic foot wounds for culture from 447 individual patients. Among all isolates, 36.4% were gram-positive organisms, with Staphylococcus aureus the most common among these (11.4%). Gram-negative organisms constituted 60.2% of all the isolates, and the most commonly isolated gram-negative was Escherichia coli (15%). The sensitivity rates of the isolated species were remarkably low for several antimicrobials used in the mild infection group. Conclusions: Based on our findings, several of the antimicrobials frequently used for empirical treatment, including some also recommended in the IDSA guidelines, would not be optimal for treating diabetic foot infections in Turkey. Although the IDSA guideline recommendations may be helpful to guide empiric antimicrobial therapy of DFIs, they should be adjusted to local conditions. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved