Long-term outcome of redo discectomy for recurrent lumbar disc herniations.

PURPOSE: Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is an important cause of morbidity and healthcare costs. The goal of this investigation is to assess surgical outcomes and their predictors in patients who underwent revision discectomy for RLDH, with a minimum follow-up of ten years, to shed light on the best treatment to offer to these patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent revision discectomy to treat RLDH between 2004 and 2011 in our Department were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. The need of third intervention for RLDH was the primary outcome. Patient's satisfaction, Core Outcome Measures Index, Oswestry Disability Index, and EuroQoL-5D scores were also evaluated. RESULTS: This study includes 55 patients, with a mean follow-up time of 144 months [112-199]. In this period, a third intervention was needed in 30.9% (n = 17) of patients. Most recurrences took place in the first 2 years after the second surgery (58.8%, n = 10) and the risk of needing a third surgery decreased over time. After 5 years, the probability of not having surgery for recurrence was 71% [CI 95%: 60-84%], with a tendency to stabilize after that. An interval between the first discectomy and the surgery for recurrence shorter than 7.6 months was identified as a predictor for a second recurrence. CONCLUSION: The risk of needing a third surgery seems to stabilize after five years. Patients with an early recurrence after the first discectomy seem to have a higher risk of a new recurrence, so an arthrodesis might be worth considering.

Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently / Fungos endofíticos isolados de folhas de Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) afetam diferentemente a germinação e o desenvolvimento das plântulas

Interactions between endophytic fungi (EFs) and their host plants range from positive to neutral to negative. The results of such interactions can vary depending on the organ of the infected host plant. EFs isolated from the leaves of some species of plants have potential for use as agents to inhibit seed germination and control invasive plants. The objectives of this study were to identify EFs present in the leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia and to evaluate the role of these fungi in seed germination and seedling development. A total of 11 species of EFs were isolated, which were identified using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequence of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The isolated species of EFs are generalists and probably are transmitted horizontally. Laboratory tests revealed that filtrates of these fungal isolates differently affect seed germination and seedling development of C. oblongifolia. The species Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum and Phomopsis sp. negatively affected seed germination, with N. parvum standing out for its negative effects, inhibiting seedling germination and survival in 89 and 222%, respectively. In addition, Cochliobolus intermedius negatively affected seedling development. Thus, the combined use of N. parvum and C. intermedius, or products from the metabolism of these microorganisms, in the control of invasive plants deserves attention from future studies.

As interações entre fungos endofíticos (FEs) e suas plantas hospedeiras variam de positivas, neutras a negativas. Os resultados destas interações podem variar dependendo do órgão da planta hospedeira infectada. FEs isolados de folhas de algumas espécies de plantas têm potencial para serem usados como agentes inibidores da germinação de sementes e no controle de plantas invasoras. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar os FEs presentes nas folhas de Copaifera oblongifolia e avaliar o papel destes fungos na germinação das sementes e no desenvolvimento das plântulas. Um total de 11 espécies de FEs foi isolado das folhas de C. oblongifolia e identificado através da sequência dos espaçadores internos transcritos do DNA ribossomal nuclear. As espécies de FEs isoladas são generalistas e provavelmente devem ser transmitidas horizontalmente. Os resultados dos testes de germinação mostraram que filtrados destes isolados fúngicos podem afetar diferentemente a germinação das sementes e o desenvolvimento das plântulas de C. oblongifolia. As espécies Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum e Phomopsis sp. afetaram negativamente a germinação das sementes de C. oblongifolia. Dentre estas espécies devemos destacar que N. parvum reduziu a germinação e a sobrevivência das plântulas em 89 e 222%, respectivamente. Além disso, Cochiliobolus intermedius afetou negativamente o desenvolvimento das plântulas. Assim, o uso combinado de N. parvum e C. intermedius, ou de produtos do metabolismo destas espécies de fungos, têm potencial para serem usados no manejo de plantas invasoras.

Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently

Abstract Interactions between endophytic fungi (EFs) and their host plants range from positive to neutral to negative. The results of such interactions can vary depending on the organ of the infected host plant. EFs isolated from the leaves of some species of plants have potential for use as agents to inhibit seed germination and control invasive plants. The objectives of this study were to identify EFs present in the leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia and to evaluate the role of these fungi in seed germination and seedling development. A total of 11 species of EFs were isolated, which were identified using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequence of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The isolated species of EFs are generalists and probably are transmitted horizontally. Laboratory tests revealed that filtrates of these fungal isolates differently affect seed germination and seedling development of C. oblongifolia. The species Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum and Phomopsis sp. negatively affected seed germination, with N. parvum standing out for its negative effects, inhibiting seedling germination and survival in 89 and 222%, respectively. In addition, Cochliobolus intermedius negatively affected seedling development. Thus, the combined use of N. parvum and C. intermedius, or products from the metabolism of these microorganisms, in the control of invasive plants deserves attention from future studies.

Resumo As interações entre fungos endofíticos (FEs) e suas plantas hospedeiras variam de positivas, neutras a negativas. Os resultados destas interações podem variar dependendo do órgão da planta hospedeira infectada. FEs isolados de folhas de algumas espécies de plantas têm potencial para serem usados como agentes inibidores da germinação de sementes e no controle de plantas invasoras. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar os FEs presentes nas folhas de Copaifera oblongifolia e avaliar o papel destes fungos na germinação das sementes e no desenvolvimento das plântulas. Um total de 11 espécies de FEs foi isolado das folhas de C. oblongifolia e identificado através da sequência dos espaçadores internos transcritos do DNA ribossomal nuclear. As espécies de FEs isoladas são generalistas e provavelmente devem ser transmitidas horizontalmente. Os resultados dos testes de germinação mostraram que filtrados destes isolados fúngicos podem afetar diferentemente a germinação das sementes e o desenvolvimento das plântulas de C. oblongifolia. As espécies Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum e Phomopsis sp. afetaram negativamente a germinação das sementes de C. oblongifolia. Dentre estas espécies devemos destacar que N. parvum reduziu a germinação e a sobrevivência das plântulas em 89 e 222%, respectivamente. Além disso, Cochiliobolus intermedius afetou negativamente o desenvolvimento das plântulas. Assim, o uso combinado de N. parvum e C. intermedius, ou de produtos do metabolismo destas espécies de fungos, têm potencial para serem usados no manejo de plantas invasoras.

Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently / Fungos endofíticos isolados de folhas de Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) afetam diferentemente a germinação e o desenvolvimento das plântulas

Abstract Interactions between endophytic fungi (EFs) and their host plants range from positive to neutral to negative. The results of such interactions can vary depending on the organ of the infected host plant. EFs isolated from the leaves of some species of plants have potential for use as agents to inhibit seed germination and control invasive plants. The objectives of this study were to identify EFs present in the leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia and to evaluate the role of these fungi in seed germination and seedling development. A total of 11 species of EFs were isolated, which were identified using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequence of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The isolated species of EFs are generalists and probably are transmitted horizontally. Laboratory tests revealed that filtrates of these fungal isolates differently affect seed germination and seedling development of C. oblongifolia. The species Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum and Phomopsis sp. negatively affected seed germination, with N. parvum standing out for its negative effects, inhibiting seedling germination and survival in 89 and 222%, respectively. In addition, Cochliobolus intermedius negatively affected seedling development. Thus, the combined use of N. parvum and C. intermedius, or products from the metabolism of these microorganisms, in the control of invasive plants deserves attention from future studies.

Resumo As interações entre fungos endofíticos (FEs) e suas plantas hospedeiras variam de positivas, neutras a negativas. Os resultados destas interações podem variar dependendo do órgão da planta hospedeira infectada. FEs isolados de folhas de algumas espécies de plantas têm potencial para serem usados como agentes inibidores da germinação de sementes e no controle de plantas invasoras. Os objetivos deste estudo foram identificar os FEs presentes nas folhas de Copaifera oblongifolia e avaliar o papel destes fungos na germinação das sementes e no desenvolvimento das plântulas. Um total de 11 espécies de FEs foi isolado das folhas de C. oblongifolia e identificado através da sequência dos espaçadores internos transcritos do DNA ribossomal nuclear. As espécies de FEs isoladas são generalistas e provavelmente devem ser transmitidas horizontalmente. Os resultados dos testes de germinação mostraram que filtrados destes isolados fúngicos podem afetar diferentemente a germinação das sementes e o desenvolvimento das plântulas de C. oblongifolia. As espécies Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum e Phomopsis sp. afetaram negativamente a germinação das sementes de C. oblongifolia. Dentre estas espécies devemos destacar que N. parvum reduziu a germinação e a sobrevivência das plântulas em 89 e 222%, respectivamente. Além disso, Cochiliobolus intermedius afetou negativamente o desenvolvimento das plântulas. Assim, o uso combinado de N. parvum e C. intermedius, ou de produtos do metabolismo destas espécies de fungos, têm potencial para serem usados no manejo de plantas invasoras.

Area-wide insecticide resistance and endosymbiont incidence in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (B biotype): A Neotropical context.

Agriculture insecticides are used against insect pest species, but are able to change community structure in contaminated habitats, and also the genetic pool of exposed individuals. In fact, the latter effect is a relevant tool to in situ biomonitoring of pollutant contamination and impact, besides its practical economic and management concerns. This takes place because the emergence of individuals with resistance to insecticides is particularly frequent among insect pest species and usually enhances insecticide overuse and crop losses. Pest insects of global prominence such as whiteflies are a focus of attention due to problems with insecticide resistance and association with endosymbionts, as the case of the invasive putative species Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. The scenario is particularly complex in the Neotropics, where insecticide use is ubiquitous, but whose spatial scale of occurrence is usually neglected. Here we explored the spatial-dependence of both phenomena in MEAM1 whiteflies recording resistance to two widely used insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and spiromesifen, and endosymbiont co-occurrence. Resistance to both insecticides was frequent exhibiting low to moderate frequency of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance and moderate to high frequency of spiromesifen resistance. Among the prevailing whitefly endosymbionts, Wolbachia, Cardinium and Arsenophonus were markedly absent. In contrast, Hamiltonella and Rickettsia prevailed and their incidence was correlated. Furthermore, Rickettsia endosymbionts were particularly associated with lambda-cyhalothrin susceptibility. These traits were spatially dependent with significant variation taking place within an area of about 700 Km2. Such findings reinforce the notion of endosymbiont-associated resistance to insecticides, and also of their local incidence allowing spatial mapping and locally-targeted mitigation.

Filtrates from cultures of endophytic fungi isolated from leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia (Fabaceae) affect germination and seedling development differently.

Interactions between endophytic fungi (EFs) and their host plants range from positive to neutral to negative. The results of such interactions can vary depending on the organ of the infected host plant. EFs isolated from the leaves of some species of plants have potential for use as agents to inhibit seed germination and control invasive plants. The objectives of this study were to identify EFs present in the leaves of Copaifera oblongifolia and to evaluate the role of these fungi in seed germination and seedling development. A total of 11 species of EFs were isolated, which were identified using the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequence of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. The isolated species of EFs are generalists and probably are transmitted horizontally. Laboratory tests revealed that filtrates of these fungal isolates differently affect seed germination and seedling development of C. oblongifolia. The species Curvularia intermedia, Neofusicoccum parvum, Pseudofusicoccum stromaticum and Phomopsis sp. negatively affected seed germination, with N. parvum standing out for its negative effects, inhibiting seedling germination and survival in 89 and 222%, respectively. In addition, Cochliobolus intermedius negatively affected seedling development. Thus, the combined use of N. parvum and C. intermedius, or products from the metabolism of these microorganisms, in the control of invasive plants deserves attention from future studies.

Heat stress affects the expression of key genes in the placenta, placental characteristics, and efficiency of Saanen goats and the survival and growth of their kids.

Heat stress is detrimental during gestation; however, the effects of heat stress on goat placental characteristics and kid survival remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress at final gestation on cortisol concentration, placenta characteristics, and the expression of genes related to placenta. Forty-six primiparous and multiparous Saanen goats were subjected to control (CT; under a thermoneutral environment: air temperature between 12°C and 25°C and the relative humidity from 45 to 73%, n = 23) or heat stress (HS; under a climatic chamber: air temperature at 37°C and the relative humidity at 60 to 70% from 0800 to 1600 h, n = 23) from the last 60 d of pregnancy until the first colostrum suckling. The heat challenge imposed on HS goats during the prepartum period increased their rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, and cortisol levels in plasma and amniotic fluid versus CT goats. In the placenta, HS treatment also increased the expression of the HSPA1A gene. Heat-stressed goats also showed significantly lower expression of HSD11B2 and greater expression of MC2R and NR3C1 than CT goats, suggesting that heat stress decreased the effectiveness by which the HSD11B2 enzyme converts cortisol to cortisone and increased placental responsiveness to cortisol. The HS goats took longer to release the placenta with lighter placental cotyledons, and HS goats had a lower ratio between the kid's weight at birth and placenta weight than CT goats. There was no treatment effect on the kids' survival or weights at birth, but the kids from goats subjected to HS presented lesser cortisol concentration and greater mortality rates at weaning than kids from CT goats. Finally, the overexpression of HSPA1A by HS goats suggests a protective response of placenta. However, the heat stress negatively affected the placenta's expulsion length, placental cotyledons number, weight and area, the ratio between kid's weight and placenta weight, and cortisol signaling. Indeed, the upregulation of MC2R and NR3C1 and downregulation of HSD11B2 on placenta caused by heat stress were associated with greater cortisol concentrations in the amniotic fluid of HS goats. Although HS and CT kids had adequate weights and survival rate during the first weeks of life, the heat stress increased the mortality at weaning of HS kids versus CT kids, suggesting that the heat stress effect persists and can change the ability of kids to respond to weaning challenge.

Silica bonded N-(propylcarbamoyl)sulfamic acid (SBPCSA) as a highly efficient and recyclable solid catalyst for the synthesis of Benzylidene Acrylate derivatives: Docking and reverse docking integrated approach of network pharmacology.

A green approach has been developed for the synthesis of a series of benzylidene acrylate 3(a-p) from differently substituted aromatic/heterocyclic aldehydes and ethyl cyanoacetate in excellent yields (90-98%), and employing silica bonded N-(Propylcarbamoyl)sulfamic acid as a recyclable catalyst under solvent-free condition. The molecular structure of compounds 3b, 3d and 3i were well supported by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. The present protocol bears wide substrate tolerance and is believed to be more practical, efficient, eco-friendly, and compatible as compared to existing methods. In-silico approaches were implemented to find the biochemical and physiological effects, toxicity, and biological profiles of the synthesized compounds to determine the expected biological nature and confirm a drug-like compound. A molecular docking study of the expected biologically active compound was performed to know the hypothetically binding mode with the receptor. Also, reverse docking is applied to recognize receptors from unknown protein targets for drug-like compounds to explain poly-pharmacology and binding postures with different receptors.

Potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: Synthesis, biological assay and docking study of nitro acridone derivatives.

The reaction of o-halobenzoic acid with aniline derivatives and their subsequent cyclization reaction yielded the acridone derivatives. The series of nitro acridone derivatives were prepared by Ullmann condensation in presence of copper as catalyst and were characterized by FTIR, (1)H, (13)C NMR and mass spectra. The structure of 5-nitro-(2-phenyl amino) benzoic acid (4) was confirmed by X-ray crystallography and was found to crystallize in P21/c space group. The in vitro efficacy of the compounds for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antimicrobial inhibitory activities have been evaluated against the standard drugs Ampicillin and Gentamicin against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. 1,7-Dinitroacridone was found to be the most potent AChE inhibitor (IC50=0.22µM). Moreover, the compounds have been screened for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. Also, docking study results were found to be in good agreement with the results obtained through in vitro experiments. The docking study further predicted possible binding conformation.

Structure elucidation and DNA binding specificity of natural compounds from Cassia siamea leaves: A biophysical approach.

A novel isoflavone, 5,6,7-trimethoxy-3-(3',4',5'-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (1) along with a known pyranocoumarin, Seselin (2) have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Cassia siamea (Family: Fabaceae). Compound 1 has been reported for the first time from any natural source and has not been synthesized so far. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physical evidences viz. elemental analysis, UV, FT-IR, (1)H-NMR, (13)C-NMR and mass spectral analysis. Structure of compound (1) was further authenticated by single-crystal X-ray analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A multi-technique approach employing UV-Visible spectroscopy, fluorescence, KI quenching studies, competitive displacement assay, circular dichroism and viscosity studies have been utilized to probe the extent of interaction and possible binding modes of isolated compounds (1-2) with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). Both the compounds were found to interact with DNA via non-intercalative binding mode with moderate proficiencies. Groove binding was the major interaction mode in the case of compound 2 while compound 1 probably interacts with DNA through electrostatic interactions. These studies provide deeper insight in understanding of DNA-drug (natural products) interaction which could be helpful to improve their bioavailability for therapeutic purposes.

Live birth and adverse birth outcomes in women with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease receiving assisted reproduction: a 20-year nationwide cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the chance of live births and adverse birth outcomes in women with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) compared with women without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have undergone assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. METHODS: This was a nationwide cohort study based on Danish health registries, comprising all women with an embryo transfer during 1 January 1994 through 2013. The cohorts comprised 1360 ART treatments in 432 women with UC, 554 ART treatments in 182 women with CD and 148,540 treatments in 52,489 women without IBD. Our primary outcome was live births per ART treatment cycle. We controlled for multiple covariates in the analyses. Our secondary outcomes were adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS: The chance of a live birth for each embryo transfer was significantly reduced in ART treatments in women with UC (OR=0.73, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.92), but not significantly reduced in the full model of ART treatments in women with CD (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.14). Surgery for CD before ART treatment significantly reduced the chance of live birth for each embryo transfer (OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.91). In children conceived through ART treatment by women with UC, the OR of preterm birth was 5.29 (95% CI 2.41 to 11.63) in analyses including singletons and multiple births; restricted to singletons the OR was 1.80, 95% CI 0.49 to 6.62. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that women with UC and CD receiving ART treatments cannot expect the same success for each embryo transfer as other infertile women. Women with CD may seek to initiate ART treatment before needing CD surgery. Increased prenatal observation in UC pregnancies after ART should be considered.

Rutin restores adenosine deaminase activity in serum and the liver and improves biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats / Rutina restaura a atividade da Adenosina desaminase no soro e no fígado e melhora os parâmetros bioquímicos em ratos diabéticos induzidos por estreptozotocina

ABSTRACT denosine deaminase (ADA) is a critical control point in the regulation of adenosine levels. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a polyphenolic flavonoid, rutin, on the activity of ADA in serum, the cerebral cortex, liver, kidney, and biochemical parameters in diabetic rats. The animals were divided into four groups (n=6) for the following treatments: control; diabetic (streptozotocin 55 mg/kg); diabetic with rutin (100 mg/kg/day); diabetic with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg/day). After 30 days, ADA activity and biochemical parameters were analyzed. The ADA activity in the serum was significantly elevated in the diabetic group compared to the control group (p<0.01). The treatment with rutin prevented the increase in ADA activity in the STZ-induced rats when compared to control group. Our data showed that rutin reduced glucose, LDL levels, and hepatic enzymes in comparison with the control group. These results demonstrate that the increase of ADA activity observed in diabetic rats may be an important indicator of the immunopathogenesis of hyperglycemic disorders and suggest that rutin is important for regulating the enzymatic activities associated with immune, hyperglycemic, and inflammatory response in diabetes mellitus.

RESUMO A Adenosina desaminase (ADA) representa um ponto de controle crítico na regulação dos níveis de adenosina. A rutina, um flavonóide polifenólico presente em muitas plantas, foi testado para verificar a sua influência na atividade da ADA no soro, córtex cerebral, fígado rim e parâmetros bioquímicos em ratos diabéticos. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos cada grupo com 6 animais), tal como: controle; diabética (estreptozotocina 55 mg/kg); diabética + rutina (100 mg/kg/dia); diabético + glibenclamida (10 mg/kg/dia). Após 30 dias foram analisadas a atividade da ADA sérica e tecidual e parâmetros bioquímicos. A atividade de ADA no soro foi significativamente elevada no grupo diabético quando comparado ao grupo controle (p<0,01). O tratamento com Rutina preveniu o aumento na atividade da ADA nos ratos diabéticos, quando comparado com o grupo controle. Os resultados mostraram que a rutina reduziu a glicose, os níveis de LDL e as enzimas hepáticas, em comparação com o grupo controle. Estes resultados mostram que o aumento da atividade da ADA observado em ratos diabéticos pode ser um indicador importante da imuno-patogênese de perturbações hiperglicêmicas e sugerem que a Rutina é importante na regulação das atividades enzimáticas associadas com a resposta imunitária, hiperglicêmica e inflamatória no Diabetes mellitus.

Polymorphisms in VEGFA gene affect the antihypertensive responses to enalapril.

PURPOSE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that affects blood pressure by promoting vasodilation mediated by nitric oxide. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) up-regulate the VEGF expression; thus, genetic polymorphisms in the VEGFA gene could affect the antihypertensive responses to these drugs. METHODS: Hypertensive patients (n = 102) were prospectively treated only with the ACEi enalapril for 60 days. We compared the effect of VEGFA polymorphisms on changes in blood pressure after enalapril treatment. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to assess the effect of covariates on blood pressure. Genotypes for g.-2578C>A (rs699947), g.-1154G>A (rs1570360), and g.-634G>C (rs2010963) VEGFA polymorphisms were determined, and haplotype frequencies were estimated. RESULTS: Individuals carrying the CA and AA genotypes for the g.-2578C>A polymorphism and the AGG haplotype showed more intense decrease in blood pressure in response to enalapril 20 mg/day. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the AA genotype for the g.-2578C>A polymorphism and the AGG haplotype are associated with more intense decrease in blood pressure in response to enalapril 20 mg/day, while the CC genotype for the g.-2578C>A polymorphism and the CGG haplotype are associated with the opposite effect. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that polymorphisms in VEGFA gene may affect the antihypertensive responses to enalapril.

Influence of phase transformations on dynamical elastic modulus and anelasticity of beta Ti-Nb-Fe alloys for biomedical applications.

Recent studies in materials for biomedical applications have focused on ß-titanium alloys that are highly biocompatible, free of toxic elements and with an elastic modulus close to that of human bone (10-40 GPa). Beta Ti-xNb-3Fe (x=10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%) alloys were obtained by rapid solidification and characterized by anelastic relaxation measurements at temperatures between 140 K and 770 K, using a free-decay elastometer, as well as analysis by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The observed stabilization of the ß-phase with rising Nb content was linked to the strength of the relaxation peak around 570 K. The phase transformations detected in the anelastic relaxation spectra agreed with those observed in the DSC curves. However, the results from anelastic relaxation spectra provide more detailed information about the kinetics of phase transformations. At temperatures between 140 K and 300 K, there was an indication of a reversible transformation in the alloys studied. The elastic modulus measurements showed a hardening of the material, between 400 K and 620 K, related to the ω-phase precipitation. However, the starting temperature of ω-phase precipitation was clearly influenced by the Nb content, showing a shift to high temperature with increasing percentage of Nb. At temperatures above 620 K, a fall was observed in the dynamical elastic modulus, accompanied by a relaxation peak centered at 660 K, which was attributed to the growing α-phase arising from the ω-phase, which acts as a nucleation sites or from the decomposition of the metastable ß-phase. XRD patterns confirmed the formation of ß, α and ω phases after mechanical relaxation measurements. A predominant ß phase with dendritic morphology was observed, which became more stable with 25 wt% Nb. The lowest elastic modulus was of 65 GPa obtained in the Ti-25Nb-3Fe alloy, representing a good low value for a ß-Ti alloy with a relatively low addition of ß stabilizing elements (Nb and Fe).

Slow magnetic relaxation mechanisms in erbium SIMs.

The magnetic properties of two similar Er(3+) complexes have been investigated. [Er(tpm)3(bipy)] (Htpm = 1,1,1-trifluoro-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexanedione and bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) displays thermally activated slow relaxation of magnetisation under a zero direct-current (DC) field. Under an applied HDC field of 1000 G, [Er(tpm)3(bipy)] exhibits two thermally activated processes with energy barriers of 9 and 40 K, while [Er(tfa)3(bipy)] (Htfa = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-furyl)-1,3-butanedione) shows only one activated process with a barrier of 15 K. Both compounds are luminescent in the solid state, emitting in the near IR region.

Active layer solution-processed NIR-OLEDs based on ternary erbium(III) complexes with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione and different N,N-donors.

Using a fluorinated 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione (Htfac) ligand and either 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy), bathophenanthroline (bath) or 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (5NO2phen) as an ancillary ligand, three new ternary erbium(iii) octacoordinated complexes have been synthesized. The single crystal structures of the new complexes (namely [Er(tfac)3(bipy)], [Er(tfac)3(bath)] and [Er(tfac)3(5NO2phen)]) have been determined and their properties have been investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermodynamic analysis. After ligand-mediated excitation of these complexes in the UV, they all show the characteristic near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of the corresponding Er(3+) ion at 1532 nm. The same emission in the C-band transmission window can also be obtained from the solution-processed organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with structure: glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/[Er(tfac)3(N,N-donor)]/Ca/Al. In spite of the fact that the photoluminescence intensity of [Er(tfac)3(5NO2phen)] is stronger than those of [Er(tfac)3(bipy)] and [Er(tfac)3(bath)], the best electroluminescence results correspond to the OLED based on the [Er(tfac)3(bath)] complex, as a consequence of the superior electron transport capabilities of bathophenanthroline.

Two new phenolic compounds from Ficus rumphii and their antiproliferative activity.

Two new compounds 2 and 4, along with two known compounds 1 and 3, were isolated for the first time from 95% ethanolic extract of the leaves of Ficus rumphii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and physical evidences (elemental analysis, UV, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectra) and comparison with the literature compounds. Structural authentication of compound 4 was further validated by single-crystal X-ray analysis and DFT calculations. The compounds 1-4 were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer and non-cancer cells and also tested for genotoxicity (comet assay). Compounds 2 and 4 displayed significant activity against HL-60 with IC50 values of 3.3 and 2.3 µM, respectively. The results revealed that compound 4 has better prospectus to act as cancer chemotherapeutic candidate which warrants further in vivo anticancer investigations.

Influence of diabetes and diabetes type on anatomic and visual outcomes following central rein vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of diabetes and diabetes type on ocular outcomes following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients evaluated over a 4-year period in a tertiary diabetes eye care center. Ophthalmic findings were recorded including visual acuity and the presence of retinal neovascularization at presentation, after 3-6 months, and at last follow-up. RESULTS: The records of 19,648 patients (13,571 diabetic; 6077 nondiabetic) were reviewed. The prevalence of CRVO in diabetic patients (N=72) and nondiabetic patients (N=27) were 0.5 and 0.4%, respectively. Disc neovascularization (21.3 vs 0.0%, P=0.05) and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (48.7 vs 21.4%, P=0.01) were more common in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic patients. Compared with type 2 diabetic patients, retinal neovascularization (28.6 vs 3.7%, P=0.004) and subsequent PRP (78.6 vs 41.9%, P=0.01) were more likely in type 1 patients. Optic nerve head collateral vessels (CVs) were observed less than half as often (21.4 vs 56.5%, P=0.04) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Presence of optic nerve head CVs at baseline was associated with less likelihood of PRP (14.3 vs 46.1%, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, the rates of CRVO in diabetic and nondiabetic patients were similar to previously published population-based studies. Following CRVO, diabetic patients had higher rates of disc neovascularization and were more likely to require subsequent PRP than nondiabetic patients. As compared with CRVO patients with type 2 diabetes, patients with type 1 diabetes and CRVO had worse anatomic outcomes with substantially increased risks of retinal neovascularization and PRP; however, final visual acuity outcomes were similar.

A novel 6-hydroxy-8,11,11-trimethyl-bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene-4-carboxylic acid: a potent antioxidant agent from Iphiona scabra.

A novel 6-hydroxy-8,11,11-trimethyl-bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene-4-carboxylic acid 1 has been isolated from leaves of Iphiona scabra DC. Its structure has been established on the basis of chemical and physical evidence (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and MS) and further confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The in vitro antioxidant activities of isolated compound 1 and extracts were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method.