The physicochemical investigation of hydrothermally reduced textile waste and application within carbon-based electrodes.

Textile waste is on the rise due to the expanding global population and the fast fashion market. Large volumes of textile waste are increasing the need for new methods for recycling mixed fabric materials. This paper employs a hydrothermal conversion route for a polyester/cotton mix in phosphoric acid to generate carbon materials (hydrochars) for electrochemical applications. A combination of characterization techniques revealed the reaction products were largely comprised of two major components. The first is a granular material with a surface C : O ratio of 2 : 1 interspersed with phosphorous and titanium proved using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and the other is a crystalline material with a surface C : O ratio of 3 : 2 containing no phosphorous or titanium. The latter material was found via X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry to be terephthalic acid. Electrochemical experiments conducted using the hydrochar as a carbon paste electrode demonstrates an increase in current response compared to carbon reference materials. The improved current responses, intrinsically related to the surface area of the material, could be beneficial for electrochemical sensor applications, meaning that this route holds promise for the development of a cheap recycled carbon material, using straightforward methods and simple laboratory reagents.

Crystal structure of (E)-4-benzyl-idene-6-phenyl-1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10-octa-hydro-phenanthridine.

The preparation of the title compound, C26H25N, was achieved by the condensation of an ethano-lic mixture of benzaldehyde, cyclo-hexa-none and ammonium acetate in a 2:1:1 molar ratio. There are two crystallographically independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The two cyclo-hexyl rings adopt an anti-envelope conformation with the benzyl moiety adopting a cis conformation with respect to the nitro-gen atom of the phenanthridine segment. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked through C-H⋯N inter-actions into hydrogen-bonded chains that are further arranged into distinct layers by weak offset π-π inter-actions.

Chemical and structural stability of zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks with large three-dimensional pores by linker engineering.

The synthesis of metal-organic frameworks with large three-dimensional channels that are permanently porous and chemically stable offers new opportunities in areas such as catalysis and separation. Two linkers (L1=4,4',4'',4'''-([1,1'-biphenyl]-3,3',5,5'-tetrayltetrakis(ethyne-2,1-diyl)) tetrabenzoic acid, L2=4,4',4'',4'''-(pyrene-1,3,6,8-tetrayltetrakis(ethyne-2,1-diyl))tetrabenzoic acid) were used that have equivalent connectivity and dimensions but quite distinct torsional flexibility. With these, a solid solution material, [Zr6 O4 (OH)4 (L1)2.6 (L2)0.4 ]⋅(solvent)x , was formed that has three-dimensional crystalline permanent porosity with a surface area of over 4000 m(2) g(-1) that persists after immersion in water. These properties are not accessible for the isostructural phases made from the separate single linkers.

Comparison of the structural motifs and packing arrangements of six novel derivatives and one polymorph of 2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine.

The crystal structures of a new polymorph and seven new derivatives of 2-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine have been characterized and examined along with three structures from the literature to identify trends in their intermolecular contact patterns and packing arrangements in order to develop an insight into the crystallization behaviour of this class of compound. Seven unique C-H···X contacts were identified in the structures and three of these are present in four or more structures, indicating that these are reliable supramolecular synthons. Analysis of the packing arrangements of the molecules using XPac identified two closely related supramolecular constructs that are present in eight of the 11 structures; in all cases, the structures feature at least one of the three most common intermolecular contacts, suggesting a clear relationship between the intermolecular contacts and the packing arrangements of the structures. Both the intermolecular contacts and packing arrangements appear to be remarkably consistent between structures featuring different functional groups, with the expected exception of the carboxylic acid derivative 4-(4-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) benzoic acid (L11), where the introduction of a strong hydrogen-bonding group results in a markedly different supramolecular structure being adopted. The occurrence of these structural features has been compared with the packing efficiency of the structures and their melting points in order to assess the relative favourability of the supramolecular structural features in stabilizing the crystal structures.

Guest-adaptable and water-stable peptide-based porous materials by imidazolate side chain control.

The peptide-based porous 3D framework, ZnCar, has been synthesized from Zn(2+) and the natural dipeptide carnosine (ß-alanyl-L-histidine). Unlike previous extended peptide networks, the imidazole side chain of the histidine residue is deprotonated to afford Zn-imidazolate chains, with bonding similar to the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) family of porous materials. ZnCar exhibits permanent microporosity with a surface area of 448 m(2) g(-1) , and its pores are 1D channels with 5 Šopenings and a characteristic chiral shape. This compound is chemically stable in organic solvents and water. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the ZnCar framework adapts to MeOH and H2 O guests because of the torsional flexibility of the main His-ß-Ala chain, while retaining the rigidity conferred by the Zn-imidazolate chains. The conformation adopted by carnosine is driven by the H bonds formed both to other dipeptides and to the guests, permitting the observed structural transformations.

12-(2-Hy-droxy-6-oxo-cyclo-hex-1-en-yl)-9,10-di-hydro-8H-benzo[a]xanthen-11(12H)-one.

In the xanthenone system of the title compound, C23H20O4, the pyran ring has a maximum deviation of 0.111 (1) Šfrom planarity and the outer cyclo-hexene ring exhibits a puckered conformation. The three methyl-ene C atoms of the cyclo-hexene ring bonded to the pyran unit are disordered over two sets of sites [occupancies = 0.570 (3) and 0.430 (3)]. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (110). A C-H⋯π inter-action occurs between these networks.

1-{(E)-[(2-Fluoro-5-nitro-phen-yl)imino]-meth-yl}naphthalen-2-ol.

The title mol-ecule, C17H11FN2O3, is nearly planar [maximum deviation = 0.197 (1) Å] and the mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an N-H⋯O hydrogen bond forming an S(6) ring motif. The H atom of the intra-molecular hydrogen bond was found to be disordered over two sites and thus both the hy-droxy and keto tautomers are simultaneously present in the solid. Refinement of the occupancy of this site suggests that the hy-droxy form is the major component [occupancy refined to 0.59 (3):0.41 (3)]. Bond lengths are also largely consistent with dominance of the hy-droxy form. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to (101). π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.5649 (9) and 3.7579 (9) Å] inter-connect these layers.

3-Amino-1-phenyl-1H-benzo[f]chromene-2-carbonitrile.

In the title compound, C20H14N2O, the phenyl ring is almost normal to the naphthalene ring system with a dihedral angle of 86.72 (9)°. The 4H-pyran ring fused with the naphthalene ring system has a boat conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a helical supra-molecular chain along the b axis via N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The chains are consolidated into a three-dimensional architecture by C-H⋯π inter-actions.

Diethyl 3,4-dimethyl-thieno[2,3-b]thio-phene-2,5-dicarboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C14H16O4S2, the thieno[2,3-b]thio-phene ring systems are planar [maximum deviation = 0.008 (2) Å]. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by intra-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, while the crystal packing is stabilized by C-H⋯O, C-H⋯π and π-π stacking [centroid-centroid distance = 3.6605 (14) Å] inter-actions, which lead to supra-molecular layers in the ab plane.

4-Bromo-2-[(E)-{[4-nitro-2-(trifluoro-meth-yl)phen-yl]imino}-meth-yl]phenol.

Except two F atoms of the -CF(3) group, the title compound, C(14)H(8)BrF(3)N(2)O(3), has an almost planar conformation, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings being 3.60 (16)°. The mol-ecule adopts the enol-imine tautomeric form, with an intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, face-to-face π-π stacking [centroid-centroid distances = 3.669 (2) and 3.732 (2) Å] between the aromatic rings of the mol-ecules, which lie in sheets parallel to (202), help to establish the packing.

Cytenamide-formic acid (1/1).

IN THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclo-hepta-triene-5-carboxamide-meth-anoic acid (1/1)], C(16)H(13)NO·CH(2)O(2), the cytenamide and solvent mol-ecules form a hydrogen-bonded R(2) (2)(8) dimer motif, which is further connected to form a centrosymmetric double-motif arrangement. The asymmetric unit contains two formula units.

Biomorphometric analysis of human prostatic carcinoma by using three-dimensional computer models.

Advances in the detection of carcinoma of the prostate during the last 15 years have accounted for a sharp increase and then an abrupt decrease in the incidence of the disease. A more recent decline in its mortality rates has been variously interpreted as either the success of early detection and improved treatment or lead-time bias. The recently reported Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial had an overall detection rate that approached the 30%-40% prevalence rates reported in autopsy series in which men died of other causes. However, the prognostic information that can be obtained from prostate cancer found on biopsy is limited. Three-dimensional computer modeling is one technique that allows multiple studies on "immortal" prostates to test methods of biopsy sampling accuracy and to assist in the determination of the disease's severity. Computer modeling can assess detection rates and assesses tumor multifocality and heterogeneity. It can provide a more accurate representation of tumor volume, aiding in therapeutic decision making, and can assess sampling errors of various biopsy methods. It has been shown to be superior to wire-frame technique by immortalizing the original shape and dimensions of the surgically excised prostate gland. Moreover, our 3-dimensional computer modeling system improves upon other systems: It is more than a simple extension of the planimetric technique, and it is able to demarcate clearly the boundaries of Gleason grades just 1 grade apart.

The long-term effect of doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is commonly treated with alpha-adrenergic-receptor antagonists (alpha-blockers) or 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. The long-term effect of these drugs, singly or combined, on the risk of clinical progression is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a long-term, double-blind trial (mean follow-up, 4.5 years) involving 3047 men to compare the effects of placebo, doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on measures of the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. RESULTS: The risk of overall clinical progression--defined as an increase above base line of at least 4 points in the American Urological Association symptom score, acute urinary retention, urinary incontinence, renal insufficiency, or recurrent urinary tract infection--was significantly reduced by doxazosin (39 percent risk reduction, P<0.001) and finasteride (34 percent risk reduction, P=0.002), as compared with placebo. The reduction in risk associated with combination therapy (66 percent for the comparison with placebo, P<0.001) was significantly greater than that associated with doxazosin (P<0.001) or finasteride (P<0.001) alone. The risks of acute urinary retention and the need for invasive therapy were significantly reduced by combination therapy (P<0.001) and finasteride (P<0.001) but not by doxazosin. Doxazosin (P<0.001), finasteride (P=0.001), and combination therapy (P<0.001) each resulted in significant improvement in symptom scores, with combination therapy being superior to both doxazosin (P=0.006) and finasteride (P<0.001) alone. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term combination therapy with doxazosin and finasteride was safe and reduced the risk of overall clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia significantly more than did treatment with either drug alone. Combination therapy and finasteride alone reduced the long-term risk of acute urinary retention and the need for invasive therapy.

Aberrant HOXC expression accompanies the malignant phenotype in human prostate.

Dysregulation of HOX gene expression has been implicated as a factor in malignancies for a number of years. However, no consensus has emerged regarding specific causative genes. Using a degenerate reverse transcription-PCR technique, we show up-regulation of genes from the HOXC cluster in malignant prostate cell lines and lymph node metastases. When relative expression levels of the four HOX clusters were examined, lymph node metastases and cell lines derived from lymph node metastases exhibited very similar patterns, patterns distinct from those in benign cells or malignant cell lines derived from other tumor sites. Specific reverse transcription-PCR for HOXC4, HOXC5, HOXC6, and HOXC8 confirmed overexpression of these genes in malignant cell lines and lymph node metastases. Laser capture microdissection and examination of paired tumor/normal prostate epithelial cells also indicated overexpression of these HOXC genes in primary tumor cells. Our data indicate a possible link between expression of HOXC genes and malignancy in prostate cells. Overexpression of HOXC8 in LNCaP prostate cancer cells suppressed transactivation by androgen receptors. We speculate that HOXC overexpression may predispose tumor cells to androgen independence by necessitating adaptation to diminished androgen signaling.

Molecular characterization of human prostate carcinoma cell lines.

BACKGROUND: This study presents a comprehensive survey and characterization of available prostate carcinoma cell lines, most of which have been widely used but are incompletely characterized. METHODS: A total of 21 cell lines were investigated, including three "classical" (DU 145, LNCaP, and PC-3) and 18 "non-classical" lines (1013L, 22Rv1, ALVA-55, ALVA-101, ARCaP, CWR-R1, DuCaP, DuPro-1, LAPC-4, MDA PCa 1, MDA PCa 2a, MDA PCa 2b, NCI-H660, PC-346C, PC-93, PSK-1, UM-SCP-1, and VCaP). Cytogenetics, DNA profiling, expression of basal, luminal, and neuroendocrine differentiation markers, and mutation analyses of the TP53 and androgen receptor (AR) genes were performed. RESULTS: Based on cytogenetics and DNA profiling analyses, out of the 18 "non-classical" lines, six were confirmed to be unique, eight (in four pairs) were confirmed to be related in origin, and four lines were identified as cross-contaminants. Of this latter group, PC-93 was found to be a derivative of HeLa, whereas DuPro-1, ALVA-55, and ALVA-101 were derivatives of PC-3. The 17 genuine prostate cell lines expressed keratin 8 (K8) and K18. Nine showed AR expression, of which five harbored mutations in the AR gene. Prostate-specific antigen and DD3 were exclusively detected in AR expressing cell lines. Seven lines expressed the basal cell marker K5, three of these lines showed co-expression of AR. CONCLUSIONS: This study defines a collection of 17 genuine prostate carcinoma cell lines. This collection, although small, constitutes a variety of different types and stages of prostate cancer, while it also partly reflects the heterogeneous nature of this malignancy.

Spectral karyotype (SKY) analysis of human prostate carcinoma cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Well-characterized in vitro model systems provide an invaluable tool for studying prostate cancer in the laboratory. Detailed karyotypes have been reported using modern techniques such as multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH) and spectral karyotyping (SKY) for LNCaP, DU 145, NCI-H660, and PC-3 cell lines. However, karyotypic data for more recently established prostate carcinoma cell lines are still limited. METHODS: Classical (G-banding) and SKY analyses were performed on ten prostate carcinoma cell lines: 22Rv1, CWR-R1, DuCaP, LAPC-4, MDA PCa 1, MDA PCa 2a, MDA PCa 2b, PC-346C, PSK-1, and VCaP. RESULTS: Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in all cell lines, although the number and complexity varied greatly among them. PC-346C, established from a primary tumor, exhibited the lowest number (3) of clonal structural abnormalities, while DuCaP, established from a metastasis from a hormone-refractory patient, exhibited both the highest number (31) and largest complexity of structural abnormalities. In various subsets of these models, breakpoints were identified in chromosomal regions previously described as being involved in prostate cancer (e.g., 8p, 10q, 13q, and 16q). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides a comprehensive karyotypic analysis of a large number of prostate carcinoma cell lines, and offers a valuable resource for future investigations.

Laterally directed biopsies detect more clinically threatening prostate cancer: computer simulated results.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine, whether a modified fan-shaped biopsy (MFSB) technique which utilizes six laterally directed biopsies would lead to higher detection rates of clinically threatening prostatic carcinoma than the six random systematic core biopsy (SRSCB) method. METHODS: We reconstructed 3-dimensional solid computer models of 86 autopsy prostates and 40 radical prostatatectomy specimens. Simulations of SRSCB and MFSB were then performed using the same biopsy sites except that the biopsy probe was rotated 45 degrees toward posterolateral peripheral zone for MFSB. When the Gleason sum was less than 7, clinically threatening cancers were defined as having a tumor volume > or =0.25 cc or > or =0.5 cc. RESULTS: When the cut off volume was 0.25 cc, MFSB detected significantly more threatening carcinomas in autopsy prostates than did SRSCB (P < 0.0082). This was also true for the surgical prostates (P < 0.0047) as well as for a sub-group of non-palpable carcinomas (P < 0.0047). When the cut off volume was increased to 0.5 cc, MFSB detected significantly more threatening carcinomas in the radical series (P < 0.0047) and for the non-palpable carcinomas (P < 0.0082), but not in the autopsy series. CONCLUSIONS: The MFSB technique, which utilizes laterally directed biopsies, appears to be an effective approach to improve the detection of clinically threatening prostatic carcinoma.

The influence of finasteride on the development of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Androgens are involved in the development of prostate cancer. Finasteride, an inhibitor of 5alpha-reductase, inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the primary androgen in the prostate, and may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. METHODS: In the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, we randomly assigned 18,882 men 55 years of age or older with a normal digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 3.0 ng per milliliter or lower to treatment with finasteride (5 mg per day) or placebo for seven years. Prostate biopsy was recommended if the annual PSA level, adjusted for the effect of finasteride, exceeded 4.0 ng per milliliter or if the digital rectal examination was abnormal. It was anticipated that 60 percent of participants would have prostate cancer diagnosed during the study or would undergo biopsy at the end of the study. The primary end point was the prevalence of prostate cancer during the seven years of the study. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 803 of the 4368 men in the finasteride group who had data for the final analysis (18.4 percent) and 1147 of the 4692 men in the placebo group who had such data (24.4 percent), for a 24.8 percent reduction in prevalence over the seven-year period (95 percent confidence interval, 18.6 to 30.6 percent; P<0.001). Tumors of Gleason grade 7, 8, 9, or 10 were more common in the finasteride group (280 of 757 tumors [37.0 percent], or 6.4 percent of the 4368 men included in the final analysis) than in the placebo group (237 of 1068 tumors [22.2 percent], P<0.001 for the comparison between groups; or 5.1 percent of the 4692 men included in the final analysis, P=0.005 for the comparison between groups). Sexual side effects were more common in finasteride-treated men, whereas urinary symptoms were more common in men receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Finasteride prevents or delays the appearance of prostate cancer, but this possible benefit and a reduced risk of urinary problems must be weighed against sexual side effects and the increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.

Soy isoflavonoid equol modulates the growth of benign and malignant prostatic epithelial cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The dietary consumption of high levels of soy has been linked to reduced risks for prostate cancer (PC) in Asians and vegetarians. In vitro studies have focused on the two most abundant isoflavones in soy, genistein and daidzein. However, daidzein is differentially metabolized by gut microflora in humans, yielding compounds with very different bioactivities and half-lives. Asians are significantly more likely to produce the metabolite equol than Caucasians, suggesting its role in the prevention of PC. We hypothesize that equol is a bioactive metabolite that exerts direct antiproliferative effects on prostatic epithelial cells. METHODS: Benign and malignant prostatic epithelial cells were treated in vitro with equol, genistein, and daidzein by using the range of concentrations found in the prostatic fluids of Asians consuming soy. Growth and cell cycle distribution were analyzed over time. RESULTS: After 9 days of treatment, equol inhibited growth of benign human prostatic epithelial cells (PrEC) by 37% at 10(-6) M and 80% at 10(-5) M. Although genistein also had profound effects, daidzein appeared only one tenth as potent as equol. Equol and daidzein caused an accumulation of cells in G0/G1, whereas genistein arrested cells in G2/M. The isoflavonoids demonstrated differential effects on the established PC cell lines 22Rv1, LNCaP, LAPC-4, PC-3, and DU 145. PC-3 cells showed the greatest resistance. CONCLUSION: Equol is a biologically active metabolite of daidzein that has potent antiproliferative effects on benign and malignant prostatic epithelial cells at concentrations that can be obtained naturally through dietary soy consumption.

Neoadjuvant therapy before radical prostatectomy for clinical T3/T4 carcinoma of the prostate: 5-year followup, Phase II Southwest Oncology Group Study 9109.

PURPOSE: Several investigators have examined the role of hormonal therapy before definitive local therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer to improve outcome. We evaluated the resectability rate and clinical response rate to 16 weeks of total androgen blockage therapy for clinically locally prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy, and progression-free survival in this multi-institutional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Southwest Oncology Group 9109 was a phase II feasibility study designed to treat patients with clinical stage C prostate cancer (T3, T4, N0 and M0). Cases were classified by stage T3 versus T4 and bulky (greater than 4 cm.) versus nonbulky (or less 4 cm.) disease. The neoadjuvant agents used were goserelin and flutamide before radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were accrued to the study and 1 patient was ineligible. There were 2 protocol deviations and these patients refused to undergo prostatectomy after hormonal therapy. Four patients went off protocol treatment because they were not considered surgical candidates. The racial distribution was 72% white, 20% black, 7% Hispanic and 2% Asian. Clinical stage at diagnosis was T3 in 97% and T4 in 3% of cases. Of the patients 39% were diagnosed with bulky disease. Of the 61 eligible patients 55 (90%) underwent a prostatectomy. The 5-year progression-free survival estimate was 70% (24 of 61 cases failed) and the 5-year survival estimate was 90% (11 of 61 deaths). Most of the patients in this trial would have been considered inoperable and referred to radiation oncology. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy followed by radical prostatectomy is reasonable and appropriate for clinical stage T3 prostate cancer. A progression-free and overall 5-year survival of 70% and 90%, respectively, compares favorably to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group neoadjuvant trial outcomes for this stage of prostate cancer.