A metal-free blue chromophore derived from plant pigments.

Blue natural pigments are rare, especially among plants. However, flowering species that evolved to attract Hymenoptera pollinators are colored by blue anthocyanin-metal complexes. Plants lacking anthocyanins are pigmented by betalains but are unable to produce blue hues. By extending the π-system of betalains, we designed a photostable and metal-free blue dye named BeetBlue that did not show toxicity to human hepatic and retinal pigment epithelial cells and does not affect zebrafish embryonal development. This chiral dye can be conveniently synthesized from betalamic acid obtained from hydrolyzed red beetroot juice or by enzymatic oxidation of l-dopa. BeetBlue is blue in the solid form and in solution of acidified polar molecular solvents, including water. Its capacity to dye natural matrices makes BeetBlue the prototype of a new class of low-cost bioinspired chromophores suitable for a myriad of applications requiring a blue hue.

A metal-free blue chromophore derived from plant pigments

Blue natural pigments are rare, especially among plants. However, flowering species that evolved to attract Hymenoptera pollinators are colored by blue anthocyanin-metal complexes. Plants lacking anthocyanins are pigmented by betalains but are unable to produce blue hues. By extending the p-system of betalains, we designed a photostable and metal-free blue dye named BeetBlue that did not show toxicity to human hepatic and retinal pigment epithelial cells and does not affect zebrafish embryonal development. This chiral dye can be conveniently synthesized from betalamic acid obtained from hydrolyzed red beetroot juice or by enzymatic oxidation of L-dopa. BeetBlue is blue in the solid form and in solution of acidified polar molecular solvents, including water. Its capacity to dye natural matrices makes BeetBlue the prototype of a new class of low-cost bioinspired chromophores suitable for a myriad of applications requiring a blue hue.

A metal-free blue chromophore derived from plant pigments

Blue natural pigments are rare, especially among plants. However, flowering species that evolved to attract Hymenoptera pollinators are colored by blue anthocyanin-metal complexes. Plants lacking anthocyanins are pigmented by betalains but are unable to produce blue hues. By extending the p-system of betalains, we designed a photostable and metal-free blue dye named BeetBlue that did not show toxicity to human hepatic and retinal pigment epithelial cells and does not affect zebrafish embryonal development. This chiral dye can be conveniently synthesized from betalamic acid obtained from hydrolyzed red beetroot juice or by enzymatic oxidation of L-dopa. BeetBlue is blue in the solid form and in solution of acidified polar molecular solvents, including water. Its capacity to dye natural matrices makes BeetBlue the prototype of a new class of low-cost bioinspired chromophores suitable for a myriad of applications requiring a blue hue.

Uterine exteriorization versus intraperitoneal repair: effect on intraoperative nausea and vomiting during repeat cesarean delivery - A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to compare the rate of intraoperative nausea and vomiting after repeat cesarean delivery (CD) under two different approaches: by intraperitoneal incision repair or by uterus exteriorization for incision reapair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-blinded randomized clinical trial (NCT03009994) at a tertiary University Hospital between the 1st of September 2016 and the 31st of December 2017. The study included pregnant women at term of gestation (>37 weeks) scheduled for repeat CD under spinal anesthesia. Women were assigned to either uterine exteriorization for incision repair (Group I) or intraperitoneal incision repair (Group II). The primary assessed was the rate of nausea and vomiting during CD. RESULTS: The study included 1028 women in the final analysis. The rate of intraoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the intraperitoneal repair group compared to the exteriorization group (24% versus 38.7%, p= 0.001). Likewise, occurrence of uterine atony and the need for additional uterotonics were significantly lower in the intraperitoneal repair group (p= 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). Postoperatively, the rate of nausea and vomiting (12.6 % versus 21 %; P=0.001), and the time to the first recognized bowel movement (12.3 hours versus 14.1 hours; P=0.003) were significantly lower in the intraperitoneal repair group compared to the exteriorization group. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal repair of the uterine incision during repeat CD is beneficial compared to exteriorization. Improvements in the rate of intra- and postoperative nausea, vomiting, uterine atony and time to the first recognized bowel movement were observed in patients operated with this technique.

Feasibility of Ultrasound-Guided Sacroiliac Joint Injections in Children Presenting with Sacroiliitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of US-guided sacroiliac joint injection in the treatment of sacroiliitis in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the institutional review board and informed oral and written consent was obtained from the patients and their parents. In 13 patients (7 females and 6 males), 9 - 16 years (mean +/- std 11.39 +/-1.98), 18 sacroiliac joint (SI joint) injections were performed under US guidance. All patients suffered from severe sacroiliitis. US scanning was performed using a linear-array transducer operating at 5 - 18 MHz. Rating of the patients pain using a 0 - 10 dolorimetry scale on a visual analog score (VAS) was recorded before, immediately after and 3 months after injection to monitor severity and therapeutic response. RESULTS: Injection could be performed in all patients without complication and showed good response immediately and 3 months after the injection with a decrease of the VAS (from mean +/- std 9.44 +/- 1.097 to 3.89 +/- 3.82, p < 0.001 and to 0.56 +/- 1.097, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: US-guided SI joint injection was feasible in all children, relatively quick and easy to perform and appeared effective in the treatment of children with sacroiliitis.

The reproductive conditions and lipid profile in females with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the reproductive conditions in women with epilepsy. METHODS: Eighty-eight women were included; 37.5% and 62.5% had generalized and partial epilepsies, respectively. Ovarian sonogram, reproductive hormone and lipid profiles were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group and in accordance with our laboratory reference values, irregular menses and polycystic ovaries (PCO(s)) were reported in 70.5% and 39.8% versus 21.7% and 16.7% of controls. Abnormalities in leutinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH-to-FSH ratio, testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) were identified. High values of FSH, LH and FSH-to-LH ratio were common with carbamazepine while that of T and PRL were common in untreated patients and with valproate. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was identified in approximately 59% but neither associated with duration and type of antiepileptic drugs nor patients' age, hormonal profile or PCO(s). Significant correlation was identified between menatrual irregularities, T, PRL, hormonal, lipid profile alterations, PCO(s) and seizure frequency but neither with epilepsy type nor focus. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in our country that aimed at evaluation of reproductive conditions in women with epilepsy. This study indicates that reproductive dysfunction is common, hence, characterization of seizure-associated neuroendocrine adverse effects is important while managing women particularly during choice of antiepileptic medications as initial step and during patients' follow-up.

Monoclonal antibodies distinguish synthetic peptides that differ in one chemical group.

By using human calcitonin (hCT), human calcitonin-gene-related peptide (hCGRP), and a synthetic peptide with a sequence analogous to the 34 C-terminal amino acids of human preprocalcitonin (designated as PQN-34) as haptens in the generation of monoclonal antibodies, we assessed the role of amido and amino groups in paratope-epitope binding. By using peptide inhibition experiments and solid-phase immunoassays, monoclonal anti-hCT antibody CT07 and monoclonal anti-hCGRP antibody CGR01 were found to bind to an antigenic determinant located in the C-terminal segment of the hormones. These epitopes comprise the seven C-terminal amino acids of the hormones, and the presence of the hormone-ending carboxamide group was found to be essential for antibody binding. The corresponding heptapeptides, either bearing a carboxyl group or else linked to a glycine residue at their C-terminal part, failed to react with the antibodies. Moreover, these monoclonal antibodies did not bind to synthetic peptides analogous to the C-terminal region of the hormone precursor molecules that comprised the epitope site flanked by a peptide sequence. In an attempt to assess whether amido groups when present on the side-chain of amino acids may also modulate antibody binding, a monoclonal antibody referred to as QPO1 was produced and was found to recognize an antigenic determinant localized in the N-terminal region of the PQN-34 peptide bearing a glutamine residue as the N-terminal amino acid. The epitope was found to correspond to a topographic assembled site, and binding of QPO1 was found to be substantially dependent on the presence of the free amino and the side-chain amido groups borne by the N-terminal glutamine residue of this peptide PQN-34. In contrast to these findings, an antigenic determinant located in the internal sequence of calcitonin and recognized by monoclonal anti-hCT antibody CT08 was found to be expressed on the mature form of the hormone, as well as on synthetic peptides with sequence mimicking that of preprocalcitonin. These data should guide the choice of synthetic peptide haptens for the production of anti-protein antibodies.

Utilization of synthetic peptides for the study of calcitonin and biosynthetic precursors for calcitonin.

By using synthetic peptides and a library of monoclonal anti-peptide antibodies, we have developed a panel of techniques that allow the dissection of circulating immunoreactive calcitonin in the serum. C Cells of the thyroid were found to release both mature calcitonin and biosynthetic intermediates in the circulation. Finally, these products were found to circulate as heterogenous molecular species. A methodology for the standardization of the measurement of calcitonin is proposed in the form of a two-site immunoradiometric assay specific for mature calcitonin.