Highly Enantioselective Binaphthyl-Based Chiral Phosphoramidite Stabilized-Palladium Nanoparticles for Asymmetric Suzuki C-C Coupling Reactions.

The optically pure binaphthyl-based phosphoramidite ligands and their perfluorinated analogs have been first used for the preparation of chiral palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs). These PdNPs have been extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, 31P NMR, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques. The circular dichroism(CD) analysis of chiral PdNPs exhibited negative cotton effects. Perfluorinated phosphoramidite ligands provided smaller (2.32-3.45 nm) and well-defined nanoparticles, in comparison with the nonfluorinated analog (4.12 nm). The catalytic behavior of binaphthyl-based phosphoramidite stabilized chiral PdNPs has been investigated in the asymmetric Suzuki C-C coupling reactions for the formation of sterically hindered binaphthalene units, and high isolated yields (up to 85%) were achieved with excellent enantiomeric excesses (>99% ee). Recycling studies revealed that chiral PdNPs could be reused over 12 times without significant loss in activity and enantioselectivity (>99% ee). The nature of the active species was also investigated with a combination of poisoning and hot filtration tests and found that catalytically active species is the heterogeneous nanoparticles. These results indicate that the use of phosphoramidite ligands as a stabilizer for developing efficient and unique chiral nanoparticles could open up a field for many other asymmetric organic transformations promoted by chiral catalysts.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Microalbuminuria and Urine Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a marker which can be associated with oxidative stress in various ischemic and non-ischemic processes. Oxidative stress plays roles in diabetes mellitus, its complications and pathogenesis. Serum IMA levels are examined in various clinical events. However, urine IMA levels have not yet been evaluated in diabetic patients. In this study, we aim to examine the relationship between metabolic features and urine microalbuminuria levels of diabetic patients and their urine IMA levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were totally 50 type 2 diabetic patients in the study at the Mevlana University Hospital. Patients with cerebrovascular disease, acute myocardial infarction, hemodialysis patients with end stage chronic renal failure, pulmonary embolism, and malignant disease were excluded from the study. Metabolic features, urine IMA levels and cardiological parameters of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 59 ± 9 years, 20 of them (40%) were male and 30 of them (60%) were female. There were six patients with albuminuria value of <0.03 mg/g (normal), there were 39 patients with microalbuminuria value of 0.03-0.3 mg/g and there were five patients with macroalbuminuria of >0.3 mg/g. According to the analysis of patients with microalbuminuria (n = 39), there was no correlation between IMA levels and numerical demographic data, albuminuria, glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, uric acid, hematological parameters. DISCUSSION: Conclusively, there was no relationship between urine IMA levels and microalbuminuria related to the diabetic nephropathy. These findings can be associated with urinary excretion mechanisms of IMA.

Value of dynamic MRI using the Ktrans technique for assessment of native kidneys in pre-emptive renal transplantation.

Background Different non-invasive imaging techniques such as Doppler ultrasonography and renal scintigraphy are commonly employed to assess allograft function and associated complications. However, all such methods lack sufficient specificity to discriminate between residual renal function of native kidneys. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) evaluates signal dynamics during the passage of contrast material through the renal cortex, medulla, and collecting system. Purpose To investigate the value of DCE 3T MRI using a quantitative pharmacokinetic parameter (Ktrans) for the assessment of native kidneys before and after pre-emptive renal transplantation. Material and Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease underwent DCE MRI before and 6 months after kidney transplantation. MRI was performed using a 3T scanner. Regions of interests were drawn over each kidney, encompassing the cortex and medulla but excluding the collecting system and any coexisting cysts. Parametric Ktrans values were automatically generated. Results In the pre-transplantation group, mean Ktrans values for the right and left kidneys were 0.55 ± 0.09 min-1 and 0.44 ± 0.15 min-1, respectively. In the post-transplantation group, mean Ktrans values of the right and left kidneys were 0.27 ± 0.07 min-1 and 0.25 ± 0.10 min-1, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between right and left kidneys in terms of mean Ktrans values in the pre- and post-transplantation groups ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Our preliminary results show that native kidneys were still functioning 6 months after transplantation. MR perfusion using Ktrans may constitute a non-invasive means of determination of the viability of native kidneys after renal transplantation.

Cytokines, adipocytokines and inflammatory markers in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Cytokines are essential mediators of immune response. Chronic renal failure patients suffer from chronic inflammation that results from factors such as impaired renal function, accumulation of uremic toxins and bio incompatibility of dialyzer membranes. These patients are also at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. We have evaluated cytokines, adipocytokines and inflammatory markers in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have determined serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), leptin and ghrelin levels of chronic renal failure patients treated with either HD (n = 20) or CAPD (n = 20). TNF-α, IL-6, ghrelin and leptin measurements were performed by commercially available kits based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. hsCRP levels were determined by turbidimetric methods. RESULTS: Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels of patients on HD were significantly higher than those of the ones on CAPD (p < 0.05). Ghrelin, leptin and hsCRP concentrations were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that cytokine production is more obvious in HD process.

Vitamin D Treatment Effect on Serum Endocan and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Renal Transplant Patients.

CONTEXT: Endocan is a marker showing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Significantly increased endocan levels have been observed in serum of patients with sepsis and cancer. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D treatment and serum endocan and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels as inflammatory markers in transplant patients. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: Nephrology clinic. PATIENTS: Thirty-eight renal transplant patients with serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) levels below 20 ng/mL and transplanted at least 12 months. INTERVENTION: One-time oral dose of 300 000 IU vitamin D3. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before and after vitamin D treatment, serum endocan, hs-CRP, calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured. RESULTS: Median serum endocan and PTH values before vitamin D were significantly higher than those of after treatment values ( P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). On the other hand, serum total calcium and phosphorus levels before vitamin D treatment were lower than the values obtained after vitamin D treatment ( P = .0013 and P < .001, respectively). Serum hs-CRP was lower after vitamin D therapy than before, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P = .06). A moderate negative correlation was determined between endocan and 25-OH-vitamin D levels after treatment with vitamin D ( r = -.36, P = .02). CONCLUSION: This study has revealed that vitamin D treatment reduced markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with renal transplantation and vitamin D deficiency.

Does decreased mean platelet volume predict inflammation in chronic renal failure, dialysis, and transplanted patients?

OBJECTIVES: Increased platelet activation contributes to cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease patients (CKD). Larger platelets are more active and this increased activity had been suggested as a predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate mean platelet volume (MPV) as an inflammatory marker in a broadened group of CKD patients. Our study is unique in literature as it covers all types of CKD including renal replacement therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 patients (50 renal transplanted, 50 hemodialysis, 50 peritoneal dialysis, 50 chronic renal failure stages 3-4) were investigated who were between 18 and 76 years of age. The collected data included demographic properties, platelet count, MPV, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and hemoglobin. All of the patients had at least 12 month of therapy of either renal replacement modality. RESULTS: The mean CRP value was detected statistically significantly higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients compared to the resting three groups of patients (p < 0.01). Mean CRP level was detected significantly higher in the pre-dialysis group compared to transplanted and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (p < 0.01). There is no statistically significant difference detected among the mean MPV values of all patient groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ESR and CRP were significantly increased in hemodialysis patients compared to the other groups. We did not detect a significant difference among MPV between the groups. ESR was detected lowest in transplanted patients. Transplantation is coming forward as the favorable choice of renal replacement therapy which decreases inflammation.

Combined immune thrombocytopenic purpura and immunoglobulin A nephropathy: a similar pathophysiologic process?

IgA nephropathy is one of the most common forms of glomerulopathies. It is an immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis diagnosed by the presence of mesangial IgA deposits that are often associated with mesangial cell proliferation. The IgG, C3, IgM, or other immunoglobulin light chains may be co-existed with IgA. Its pathogenesis suggested that it is responsible for enhancing the production of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has also been implicated as a modulator of disease activity. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by thrombocytopenia that is not associated with a systemic disease. Its pathogenesis suggested an autoimmune disease in which IgG is thought to damage megakaryocytes, which are the precursors of platelet cells. Several studies reported that PDGF levels were higher in normal subjects than in patients with ITP. Moreover, ITP is a disease related to the antibody. Thus, our aim is to examine whether a similar pathophysiological relationship exist between ITP and IgAN that may be mediated by PDGF and/or IgG.

Assessment of salivary gland function in patients after successful kidney transplantation using (99m)Tc-pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy.

Chronic renal failure and its treatment can induce oral health problems and salivary glands dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess salivary glands function in patients with kidney transplantation using technetium-99m pertechnetate ((99m)Tc-P) salivary glands scintigraphy. We prospectively studied 34 patients with kidney transplantation (30 males and 4 females,mean age 39.76±11.6 years) and 28 healthy controls (12 males and 16 females, mean age 36.1±9.5 years). Salivary gland scintigraphy was performed nearly 4.4±2.9 years after successful kidney transplantation. Dynamic salivary glands scintigraphy was performed during 25min after the intravenous administration of 185MBq of (99m)Tc-P. Time-activity curves and glands functional parameters were calculated for the parotid and submandibular salivary glands: uptake ratio, maximum accumulation of the radionuclide, and excretion fraction. Statistical analysis of the functional parameters showed no significant differences between patients with kidney transplantation and healthy controls (P>0.05). In conclusion, this study showed that using (99m)Tc-P salivary gland scintigraphy, salivary glands function of patients with successful kidney transplantation do not differ statistically from those in healthy controls.

Investigation of features of patients in renal transplantation waiting list: Who wants much more of what for renal transplantation?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Renal transplant is the best form of treatment for most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), because that therapy improves quality of life, prolongs survival, and is cost-effective. The objective of the study being reported was to compare the sociodemographic characteristics and registration status for renal transplantation of ESRD patients in Turkey who were registered for transplant or not. METHODS: The study was conducted between June and September 2012 on patients of several Dialysis Centers. They all were informed in a one on one interview about the risks and benefits of renal transplants; they were also asked to fill out the questionnaires given to them. The study questionnaire was designed with the help of already published reports to include among others the patient's age, sex, waiting time and educational status. RESULTS: Patients who had been registered in the cadaver kidney waiting list were aged 43.85±13.48 in the average, with a balanced sex ratio, average dialysis duration 57.30±51.46 months. Of these patients 45 had finished high school, 87 lived in rural areas and 67 had an income equivalent to expenses. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference among the groups depending on the patients' residence in an urban or rural environment. Such a difference might be following the greater ease of obtaining relevant information in the urban areas.

A highly sensitive fluorescent sensor for fenamiphos detection in vegetable samples and living cells based-on an enzyme free system.

Fenamiphos (Fena), an organophosphorous pesticide, is widely used in agricultural soils to control nematodes and thrips. This nematicide is harmful to fish, birds and humans and, causes several diseases. Therefore, the determination of the nematicide is crucial. Fena has been generally detected by enzyme-based systems which require specific conditions. Herein, we integrated a xanthene moiety and a pyrimidine moiety to obtain an enzyme-free detection system for Fena and, a fluorescent sensor (N-(6-(diethylamino)-9-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-3H-xanthen-3-ylidene)-N-ethylethanaminium hexafluorophosphate(V)) (RosPm) was easily prepared. The colorimetric and spectroscopic properties of RosPm were investigated using the UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. RosPm exhibited a high selectivity and sensitivity to Fena over all the metal ions, the anions and pesticides tested in acetonitrile (ACN)/water (H2O) (v:v, 1:1) solution. RosPm showed a clear visual change from purple to light-purple resulting fluorescent quenching with Fena. This sensor could be preferred for detecting Fena in vegetable samples such as tomato, pepper, and cucumber, and visualizing Fena in living MFC-7 cells.

A reaction-based system for the colorimetric detection of glyphosate in real samples.

Glyphosate is widely used herbicides and causes several diseases in humans. Therefore, the detection of glyphosate is curial and urgent. Studies on the detection of glyphosate in literature are often based on inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. In this study, we developed two simple colorimetric sensors, BP-Cl and CP-Cl, by linking 3-chloro-4-methylpyridine with 4-(dimethylamino)cinnamaldehyde or 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde in a one-step reaction. The colorimetric and optical sensing properties of these compounds were investigated by the naked-eye and UV-Vis spectrophotometer in ACN/HEPES buffer (5 mM pH 8.0, 1:1 v/v). The sensors displayed high sensitivity and selectivity for glyphosate by color changes, which ranged from colorless to yellow for BP-Cl and yellow to orange for CP-Cl. The detection limits of BP-Cl and CP-Cl by the naked-eye detection were found as 15 µM and 10 µM. On the other hand, the detection limits of BP-Cl and CP-Cl via UV-Vis measurements were calculated as 0.847 µM and 1.23 µM, respectively. Moreover, the sensors were able to monitor glyphosate in water samples using the naked-eye, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and filter paper strips.

Global miRNA expression of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from Fanconi anemia patients.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by genomic instability, developmental defects, and bone marrow (BM) failure. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in BM interact with the mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs); and this partly sustains the tissue homeostasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can play a critical role during these interactions possibly via paracrine mechanisms. This is the first study addressing the miRNA profile of FA BM-MSCs obtained before and after BM transplantation (preBMT and postBMT, respectively). Non-coding RNA expression profiling and quality control analyses were performed in Donors (n = 13), FA preBMT (n = 11), and FA postBMT (n = 6) BM-MSCs using GeneChip miRNA 2.0 Array. Six Donor-FA preBMT pairs were used to identify a differentially expressed miRNA expression signature containing 50 miRNAs, which exhibited a strong correlation with the signature obtained from unpaired samples. Five miRNAs (hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-148b-3p, hsa-miR-187-3p, hsa-miR-196b-5p, and hsa-miR-25-3p) significantly downregulated in both the paired and unpaired analyses were used to generate the BM-MSCs' miRNA-BM mononuclear mRNA networks upon integration of a public dataset (GSE16334; studying Donor versus FA samples). Functionally enriched KEGG pathways included cellular senescence, miRNAs, and pathways in cancer. Here, we showed that hsa-miR-146a-5p and hsa-miR-874-3p were rescued upon BMT (n = 3 triplets). The decrease in miR-146a-5p was also validated using RT-qPCR and emerged as a strong candidate as a modulator of BM mRNAs in FA patients.

COV19-CNNet and COV19-ResNet: Diagnostic Inference Engines for Early Detection of COVID-19.

Chest CT is used in the COVID-19 diagnosis process as a significant complement to the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. However, it has several drawbacks, including long disinfection and ventilation times, excessive radiation effects, and high costs. While X-ray radiography is more useful for detecting COVID-19, it is insensitive to the early stages of the disease. We have developed inference engines that will turn X-ray machines into powerful diagnostic tools by using deep learning technology to detect COVID-19. We named these engines COV19-CNNet and COV19-ResNet. The former is based on convolutional neural network architecture; the latter is on residual neural network (ResNet) architecture. This research is a retrospective study. The database consists of 210 COVID-19, 350 viral pneumonia, and 350 normal (healthy) chest X-ray (CXR) images that were created using two different data sources. This study was focused on the problem of multi-class classification (COVID-19, viral pneumonia, and normal), which is a rather difficult task for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The classification accuracy levels for COV19-ResNet and COV19-CNNet were 97.61% and 94.28%, respectively. The inference engines were developed from scratch using new and special deep neural networks without pre-trained models, unlike other studies in the field. These powerful diagnostic engines allow for the early detection of COVID-19 as well as distinguish it from viral pneumonia with similar radiological appearances. Thus, they can help in fast recovery at the early stages, prevent the COVID-19 outbreak from spreading, and contribute to reducing pressure on health-care systems worldwide.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A single - Centre experience.

We aimed to describe the characteristics, treatment regime, and 6-month all-cause mortality of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients treated with total plasma exchange in the our clinic. Thirteen patients were included in the study. Mortality rates of TTP have improved over the last three decades but they are still too high according to modern therapy expectations. Etiology directed treatment should be added to total plasma exchange in secondary TTP cases. Based on TTPs' immunologic etiology, immune modulator and immune suppressor agents have been applied together with total plasma exchange, but mostly in anecdotal case reports or with questionable responses.

Antibodies directed to cyclic citrullinated peptides in familial Mediterranean fever.

The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and to examine the relationship between anti-CCP and joint findings. We measured the serum levels of the anti-CCP antibodies in patients with FMF (n = 55) and healthy controls (n = 43). Serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white blood cell (WBC) were also measured in all the samples. Fibrinogen, ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and RF levels were normal in the patient and the control groups (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in anti-CCP between the patient and the control groups (P = 0.008). There was a positive correlation between arthritis and anti-CCP (P = 0.001). In patients without arthritis, there was no significant relationship between abdominal pain or fever and anti-CCP (P > 0.05). Anti-CCP levels increased in FMF patients with arthritis independent from acute phase reactants such as CRP, ESR, and fibrinogen. We conclude that in patients who are under investigation for arthritis, the ones with positive anti-CCP and negative RF, may be examined for FMF. In addition, we also conclude that it is very likely that FMF patients with anti-CCP antibodies will have signs of arthritis. On the other hand, it is possible that long-term follow-up of the FMF patients with anti-CCP antibodies may reveal the eventual development of inflammatory joint disease.

The effects of polymicrobial sepsis with diabetes mellitus on kidney tissues in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVES: Sepsis model was used to understand the role of sustained hyperglycemia and ovariectomy, either separately or concomitantly, on the response of the activity of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and the oxidative response in kidney. SUBJECTS: Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Diabetes was induced in female rats using administration of alloxan. The rats were divided into five groups: sham control (group 1), ovariectomy (group 2), ovariectomy + sepsis (group 3), ovariectomy + diabetes (group 4), and ovariectomy + diabetic + sepsis (group 5). RESULTS: In kidney tissues, the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) and the activity of catalase (CAT) were higher for groups 3, 4, 5 than the control groups. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was lower for groups 3, 4, 5 than the control groups. We determined that CLP produced injury evident in the kidneys of rats when compared to the control group, whereas the severity of the injury was higher in the diabetes + ovariectomy + CLP group when compared to the CLP group. In immunohistochemical staining, we determined that CLP operation increased NF-kappaB activation. In the ovariectomized, septic, and diabetic group, NF-kappaB activation was significantly higher than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperglycemia and ovariectomy severely increased NF-kappaB activation and oxidant levels with the stages of our sepsis model. Ovariectomy resulted in general changes in metabolism, which are seen in the kidney with diabetes under sepsis conditions.

Antioxidative status and lipid peroxidation in kidney tissue of rats fed with vitamin B(6)-deficient diet.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate lipid peroxidation (LP) and free radical scavenging enzyme activities in kidney tissue of vitamin B(6)-deficient rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were divided into control and vitamin B(6)-deficient groups. After 4 weeks of feeding, animals in all groups were anesthetized by thiopental sodium (50 mg/kg). Thoraces were opened, 2 mL blood samples were taken from aortas, then the rats were killed by cervical dislocation, and kidney tissues were removed. Biochemical measurements in kidney tissue were carried out using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Total superoxide scavenger activity (TSSA), nonenzymatic superoxide scavenger activity (NSSA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and antioxidant potential (AOP) values in the vitamin B(6)-deficient group were significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GRD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The results show that vitamin B(6) deficiency causes an attenuation in antioxidant defense system and an increase in oxidative stress in kidney tissue of rats.

Salivary gland function in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients by 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the alterations in salivary gland function in patients who receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for chronic renal failure (CRF) using technetium-99m pertechnetate ((99m)Tc-P) salivary gland scintigraphy. The study population consisted of 36 CAPD patients (16 males and 20 females, ranging in age from 19 to 73 years, mean age 44.94+/-15.01 years) and 20 healthy controls (11 males and 9 females, ranging in age from 31 to 51 years, mean age 41.25+/-5.62 years). All patients and healthy controls underwent salivary gland scintigraphy. After the intravenous administration of 185MBq of (99m)Tc-P, dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy was performed for 25min. On the basis of the time-activity curves, the following glandular function parameters were calculated for the parotid and submandibular salivary glands: uptake ratio, maximum accumulation, and ejection fraction. Our results showed: All functional parameters obtained for CAPD patients were significantly lower than for healthy controls (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that salivary gland function, an important determinant of oral health, is impaired among the CRF patients treated with CAPD compared with healthy controls, as evaluated by (99m)Tc-P salivary gland scintigraphy.

Colorimetric cadmium ion detection in aqueous solutions by newly synthesized Schiff bases.

Two newly synthesized Schiff bases DMCA and DMBA were used for selective detection of Cd2+ over a wide range of other metal ions in acetonitrile (ACN)/ Tris-HCl buffer (10 mM, pH 7.32, v/v 2:1). The sensors can detect Cd2+ ions by colour changes from colourless to orange for DMBA and yellow to reddish for DMCA. Response of the probes towards metal ions was investigated by using UV-vis spectroscopy. The complex stoichiometry between the sensors, DMBA and DMCA, and Cd2+ was found to be 2:1 and the binding constants were calculated to be 2.65 ×1012 M-2 and 4.95 ×1012 M-2, respectively. The absorbance-based detection limits of DMBA and DMCA were calculated as 0.438 µM and 0.102 µM, respectively. The sensors were also successfully applied to real samples.

Increased serum levels of leptin in retinal vein occlusion.

Retinal vein occlusion is an important cause of visual loss. Several ocular and systemic conditions have been reported for retinal vein occlusion. The pathogenesis of thrombus formation in the retinal vein, which results in retinal vein occlusion, is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between increased serum leptin levels and the occurrence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The study group consisted of 40 patients with RVO (58.1 +/- 6 years old; 17 males and 23 females): 15 patients with central RVO, 23 with branch RVO, and 2 with hemispheric RVO. The patients who had any ocular or systemic pathology were not included in the study. The control group consisted of 40 healthy individuals of similar gender, age, date and type of health survey, and geographic region. The blood samples of the RVO patients (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) were obtained antecubitally. Leptin levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, and Student's t-test was used to determine differences between the groups. The mean serum leptin levels were 12.5 +/- 1.64 ng/ml in patients with RVO and 8.4 +/- 1.22 ng/ml in the control subjects; namely, the mean serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the patients with RVO (p < 0.001). These results suggest that leptin may be involved in the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis in the retina probably through its effects on homeostasis of the vessel wall.