Highly sensitive tandem mass spectrometric measurement of serum estradiol without derivatization and pediatric reference intervals in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Monitoring estradiol (E2) is important for determining the onset of pubertal development as well as in the evaluation of girls with precocious puberty. However, E2 measurement remains an analytical challenge in children, who have lower circulating levels. We developed and evaluated a simple and sensitive LC-MS/MS procedure for serum E2 quantification in pediatric populations and established age- and sex-specific pediatric reference intervals. METHODS: Residual patient serum samples were used to evaluate the analytical performance of our in-house LC-MS/MS E2 assay. The evaluation included accuracy, precision, linearity, functional sensitivity (LLoQ), and method comparison. Age- and sex-specific pediatric E2 reference intervals were also established from a cohort of 405 healthy children (birth to 18 years) recruited with informed consent. Age- and sex-specific differences were assessed, and outliers were removed. Reference intervals were established using the robust method. RESULTS: The assay imprecision was <5.3 %. Assay linearity ranged from 13.7 to 1923.3 pmol/L. The LLoQ corresponding to a CV of 20 % was determined to be 8.9 pmol/L. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean bias of 29.3 pmol/L or 9.1 % between our LC-MS/MS E2 assay and an external reference laboratory measuring E2 by LC-MS/MS. CONCLUSIONS: Our LC-MS/MS E2 assay shows acceptable accuracy, precision, functional sensitivity (LLoQ), and linearity for E2 quantification. Our LC-MS/MS E2 assay also showed good agreement with an external reference laboratory measuring E2 by LC-MS/MS. In addition, using CALIPER samples, we established robust age- and sex-specific pediatric E2 reference intervals to improve accuracy of test result interpretation and clinical decision making.

Language acquisition in a multilingual society: English vocabulary norms and predictors in Singaporean children.

In this study, infant vocabulary development was tracked in a multilingual society (Singapore) within a socioeconomically diverse sample. The sample comprised 1316 infants from 17.4 to 27.7 months (669 females, 647 males; 88% Chinese race, 4% Malay, 4% Indian, and 0.004% mixed-race [4% declined to provide race information]). Children varied in English language exposure and socioeconomic status. Analyses focused on identifying demographic predictors of English vocabulary size in multilingually exposed infants. Adaptations of the Macarthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory for English, Mandarin, and Malay are provided as well as English vocabulary norms that account for variation in English exposure. This manuscript reports the first set of English language norms-calibrated to English exposure-for multilingual infants in a non-Western setting.

Infants recognize words spoken through opaque masks but not through clear masks.

COVID-19 has modified numerous aspects of children's social environments. Many children are now spoken to through a mask. There is little empirical evidence attesting to the effects of masked language input on language processing. In addition, not much is known about the effects of clear masks (i.e., transparent face shields) versus opaque masks on language comprehension in children. In the current study, 2-year-old infants were tested on their ability to recognize familiar spoken words in three conditions: words presented with no mask, words presented through a clear mask, and words presented through an opaque mask. Infants were able to recognize familiar words presented without a mask and when hearing words through opaque masks, but not when hearing words through clear masks. Findings suggest that the ability of infants to recover spoken language input through masks varies depending on the surface properties of the mask.

Assessment of occupational exposure to airborne chlorine dioxide of healthcare workers using impregnated wipes during high-level disinfection of non-lumened flexible nasoendoscopes.

Routine flexible nasoendoscopy in otolaryngology clinics is well established, the rate-limiting step of which being the speed of the nasoendoscopes reprocessing method used. Non-lumened flexible nasoendoscopes are expensive, heat-sensitive, delicate instruments that cannot be sterilized in an autoclave but must be disinfected by means of high level disinfection (HLD). In one of the public hospitals in Singapore, the method of disinfection was recently changed to the use of commercial impregnated wipes which generates less than 1% chlorine dioxide upon activation. An exposure assessment was performed to assess the potential exposure of healthcare workers (HCWs) to airborne chlorine dioxide during nasoendoscope disinfection. A total of 14 long-term personal samples, four short-term personal samples and 16 long-term area samples were collected over 8 days in midget impingers containing 0.02% potassium iodide in sodium carbonate/sodium bicarbonate buffer during the nasoendoscope disinfection. The samples were then analyzed by ion-chromatograph. The chlorine dioxide concentrations and upper confidence limit at 95% confidence level (UCL95%) for personal and area samples collected were all below the occupational exposure limits (OEL) for chlorine dioxide (Singapore Workplace Safety and Health PELs, ACGIH TLVs, U.S. OSHA PELs). The study presented evidence that the exposure of HCWs to chlorine dioxide during high-level disinfection of flexible nasoendoscopes were deemed insignificant.

Diagnostic criteria of carpal tunnel syndrome using high-resolution ultrasonography: correlation with nerve conduction studies.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of grey-scale, color Doppler, and dynamic ultrasound (US) for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using the medical diagnostic test called nerve conduction study (NCS) as the reference standard, and to correlate the increase in median nerve (MN) cross-sectional area (CSA) with severity of CTS. Fifty-one patients (95 wrists) with clinical symptoms of idiopathic CTS were recruited. The CSA and flattening ratio of the MN were measured at the distal radio-ulnar joint, pisiform, and hamate levels; bowing of the flexor retinaculum was determined at the hamate level. The hypervascularity of the MN was evaluated. The transverse sliding of the MN was observed dynamically and recorded as being either normal or restricted/absent. Another 15 healthy volunteers (30 wrists) were recruited as controls. Interoperator reliability was established for all criteria. CTS was confirmed in 75 wrists (75/95: 79%; 14 minimal, 21 mild, 23 moderate, 17 severe). CSA at the pisiform level was found to be the most reliable and accurate grey-scale criterion to diagnose CTS (optimum threshold: 9.8 mm(2)). There was a good correlation between the severity of NCS and CSA (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of color-Doppler and dynamic US in detecting CTS was 69, 95, 58, and 86%, respectively. Combination of these subjective criteria with CSA increases the sensitivity to 98.3%. US measurement of CSA provides additional information about the severity of MN involvement. Color-Doppler and dynamic US are useful supporting criteria that may expand the utility of US as a screening tool for CTS.

A multistate outbreak of hepatitis A associated with semidried tomatoes in Australia, 2009.

BACKGROUND: A large outbreak of hepatitis A affected individuals in several Australian states in 2009, resulting in a 2-fold increase in cases reported to state health departments compared with 2008. Two peaks of infection occurred (April-May and September-November), with surveillance data suggesting locally acquired infections from a widely distributed food product. METHODS: Two case-control studies were completed. Intensive product trace-back and food sampling was undertaken. Genotyping was conducted on virus isolates from patient serum and food samples. Control measures included prophylaxis for close contacts, public health warnings, an order by the chief health officer under the Victorian Food Act 1984, and trade-level recalls on implicated batches of semidried tomatoes. RESULTS: A multijurisdictional case-control study in April-May found an association between illness and consumption of semidried tomatoes (odds ratio [OR], 3.0; 95% CI 1.4-6.7). A second case-control study conducted in Victoria in October-November also implicated semidried tomatoes as being associated with illness (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 4.7-22.7). Hepatitis A RNA was detected in 22 samples of semidried tomatoes. Hepatitis A virus genotype IB was identified in 144 of 153 (94%) patients tested from 2009, and partial sequence analysis showed complete identity with an isolate found in a sample of semidried tomatoes. CONCLUSIONS: The results of both case-control studies and food testing implicated the novel vehicle of semidried tomatoes as the cause of this hepatitis A outbreak. The outbreak was extensive and sustained despite public health interventions, the design and implementation of which were complicated by limitations in food testing capability and complex supply chains.

Mycobacterium abscessus Hand Infections in Immunocompetent Fish Handlers: Case Report.

Mycobacterium abscessus hand infections are rare and usually occur in immunocompromised patients or after injection with contaminated injectables. This article describes 2 cases of M abscessus infection of the hand in otherwise healthy fish handlers. Mycobacterium abscessus can cause severe chronic tenosynovitis even in immunocompetent patients and should be suspected alongside the more common M marinum as a cause of nontuberculous mycobacterial hand infections in patients with aquatic and fish exposure.

Heart Rate Measures From Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers in a Laboratory and Free-Living Setting: Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: Wrist-worn activity trackers are popular, and an increasing number of these devices are equipped with heart rate (HR) measurement capabilities. However, the validity of HR data obtained from such trackers has not been thoroughly assessed outside the laboratory setting. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the validity of HR measures of a high-cost consumer-based tracker (Polar A370) and a low-cost tracker (Tempo HR) in the laboratory and free-living settings. METHODS: Participants underwent a laboratory-based cycling protocol while wearing the two trackers and the chest-strapped Polar H10, which acted as criterion. Participants also wore the devices throughout the waking hours of the following day during which they were required to conduct at least one 10-min bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to ensure variability in the HR signal. We extracted 10-second values from all devices and time-matched HR data from the trackers with those from the Polar H10. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean absolute errors, and mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) between the criterion and the trackers. We constructed decile plots that compared HR data from Tempo HR and Polar A370 with criterion measures across intensity deciles. We investigated how many HR data points within the MVPA zone (≥64% of maximum HR) were detected by the trackers. RESULTS: Of the 57 people screened, 55 joined the study (mean age 30.5 [SD 9.8] years). Tempo HR showed moderate agreement and large errors (laboratory: ICC 0.51 and MAPE 13.00%; free-living: ICC 0.71 and MAPE 10.20%). Polar A370 showed moderate-to-strong agreement and small errors (laboratory: ICC 0.73 and MAPE 6.40%; free-living: ICC 0.83 and MAPE 7.10%). Decile plots indicated increasing differences between Tempo HR and the criterion as HRs increased. Such trend was less pronounced when considering the Polar A370 HR data. Tempo HR identified 62.13% (1872/3013) and 54.27% (5717/10,535) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. Polar A370 detected 81.09% (2273/2803) and 83.55% (9323/11,158) of all MVPA time points in the laboratory phase and free-living phase, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HR data from the examined wrist-worn trackers were reasonably accurate in both the settings, with the Polar A370 showing stronger agreement with the Polar H10 and smaller errors. Inaccuracies increased with increasing HRs; this was pronounced for Tempo HR.

The structure of gelsolin bound to ATP.

Calcium activation of the actin-modifying properties of gelsolin is sensitive to ATP. Here, we show that soaking calcium-free gelsolin crystals in ATP-containing media results in ATP occupying a site that spans the two pseudosymmetrical halves of the protein. ATP binding involves numerous polar and hydrophobic contacts and is identical for the two copies of gelsolin related by non-crystallographic symmetry within the crystal. The gamma-phosphate of ATP participates in several charge-charge interactions consistent with the preference of gelsolin for ATP, as a binding partner, over ADP. In addition, disruption of the ATP-binding site through Ca2+ activation of gelsolin reveals why ATP binds more tightly to the inactive molecule, and suggests how the binding of ATP may modulate the sensitivity of gelsolin to calcium ions. Similarities between the ATP and PIP2 interactions with the C-terminal half of gelsolin are evident from their overlapping binding sites and in that both molecules bind more tightly in the absence of calcium ions. We propose a model for how PIP2 may bind to calcium-free gelsolin based on the ATP-binding site.

Factors affecting the prognosis of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis.

BACKGROUND: Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a closed space infection involving the digital flexor tendon sheaths of the upper extremity that can cause considerable morbidity. The purpose of the present report is to describe the various risk factors leading to poor outcomes and to recommend a clinical classification system for this condition. METHODS: We studied seventy-five patients with pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis over a six-year period. The amputation rate and total active motion were used as outcomes measures. The clinical factors influencing outcomes were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: The five risk factors associated with poor outcomes were (1) an age of more than forty-three years, (2) the presence of diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, or renal failure, (3) the presence of subcutaneous purulence, (4) digital ischemia, and (5) polymicrobial infection. On the basis of the clinical findings and outcomes, three distinct groups of patients could be identified, each with a progressively worse outcome. Patients in Group I had no subcutaneous purulence or digital ischemia; these patients had the best prognosis, with no amputations and a mean 80% return of total active motion. Patients in Group II demonstrated the presence of subcutaneous purulence but no ischemic changes; these patients had an amputation rate of 8% and a mean 72% recovery of total active motion. Patients in Group III had both extensive subcutaneous purulence and ischemic changes; these patients had the worst prognosis, with an amputation rate of 59% and a mean 49% return of total active motion. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a three-tier clinical classification system that can aid in prognosis and guidance in the treatment of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis of the upper extremity.

Antiplasmodial activity of ferrocenyl chalcones: investigations into the role of ferrocene.

A series of ferrocenyl chalcones were synthesized and evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum (K1) in a [3H] hypoxanthine uptake assay. Appropriate size, electronic, lipophilic and electrochemical parameters were determined for QSAR analysis. The results showed that the location of ferrocene influenced the ease of oxidation of Fe2+ in ferrocene and the polarity of the carbonyl linkage. These parameters were found to influence antiplasmodial activity. A general trend was noted in which compounds with ferrocene adjacent to the carbonyl linkage (series A) were associated with more selective and potent antiplasmodial activities. These compounds had polarized carbonyl linkages, lower lipophilicities and ferrocene rings that were less readily oxidized. The most active analogue was 1-ferrocenyl-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (28) (IC50 4.6 microM, selectivity index 37 against KB3-1 cells). To understand how the redox properties of ferrocene might influence antiplasmodial activity, the oxidant properties of selected compounds were investigated in antioxidant (ABTS+) and EPR experiments. The incorporation of ferrocene in the chalcone template was found to enhance its role in processes that involved the quenching and generation of free radicals. Thus, ferrocene may participate in redox cycling and this process may contribute to the antiplasmodial activity of ferrocenyl chalcones. However, the extent to which this property is manifested is also influenced by other physicochemical properties (lipophilicity, polarity, and planarity) of the compound.

Essential tension and constructive destruction: the spindle checkpoint and its regulatory links with mitotic exit.

Replicated genetic material must be partitioned equally between daughter cells during cell division. The precision with which this is accomplished depends critically on the proper functioning of the mitotic spindle. The assembly, orientation and attachment of the spindle to the kinetochores are therefore constantly monitored by a surveillance mechanism termed the SCP (spindle checkpoint). In the event of malfunction, the SCP not only prevents chromosome segregation, but also inhibits subsequent mitotic events, such as cyclin destruction (mitotic exit) and cytokinesis. This concerted action helps to maintain temporal co-ordination among mitotic events. It appears that the SCP is primarily activated by either a lack of occupancy or the absence of tension at kinetochores. Once triggered, the inhibitory circuit bifurcates, where one branch restrains the sister chromatid separation by inhibiting the E3 ligase APC(Cdc20) (anaphase-promoting complex activated by Cdc20) and the other impinges on the MEN (mitotic exit network). A large body of investigations has now led to the identification of the control elements, their targets and the functional coupling among them. Here we review the emerging regulatory network and discuss the remaining gaps in our understanding of this effective mechanochemical control system.

Salmonella surveillance in Australia--created from adversity.

A national scheme of Salmonella surveillance emerged in Australia as a direct result of high-profile outbreaks in 1977. A typing laboratory in Victoria put together a working model using the computer technology available at the time. The evolving information-gathering system has stood the test of time and has provided an invaluable bank of information covering isolations from humans and other sources. The databases have been used effectively in detecting trends and outbreaks and have assisted in the solution of public health problems--even extending internationally. The way in which this has been done and the lessons learned are described.

Necrotising fasciitis and traditional medical therapy-- a dangerous liaison.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotising fasciitis is a disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, and multi-focal necrotising fasciitis is uncommon. We present 2 cases of concurrent necrotising fasciitis of contralateral upper and lower limbs. CLINICAL PICTURE: Both presented with pain, swelling, bruising or necrosis of the affected extremities. Traditional medical therapy was sought prior to their presentation. TREATMENT: After initial debridement, one patient subsequently underwent amputation of the contralateral forearm and leg. The other underwent a forearm amputation, but refused a below-knee amputation. OUTCOME: The first patient survived, while the second died. CONCLUSION: Traditional medical therapy can cause bacterial inoculation, leading to necrotising fasciitis, and also leads to delay in appropriate treatment. Radical surgery is needed to optimise patient survival.

Bar Code-Based Management to Enhance Efficiency of a Sterile Supply Unit in Singapore.

Sterile surgical instruments are essential for successful surgical outcomes. The Singapore General Hospital's Theatre Sterile Supplies Unit (TSSU) has faced many challenges, including increasing demand for instruments and the need to maintain instruments of greater complexity. To address these challenges, stakeholders from key departments at Singapore General Hospital formed a multidisciplinary team to transform operations in the TSSU. The team adopted and implemented the TSSU Instrument Management System (TIMS) in three phases over five years. The project included standardizing instrument-naming conventions, implementing electronic integration of instrument tracking in the unit, extending traceability of instruments to the major ORs, initiating integrated web-based instrument ordering, and extending the system management of instruments at ambulatory surgery and specialized OR facilities. The implementation of TIMS has improved inventory, supply, and quality management; reduced instrument repairs; and led to savings through increased productivity and lower expenses.

Characteristics of adults who use prayer as an alternative therapy.

PURPOSE: To describe the demographics, health-related and preventive-health behaviors, health status, and health care charges of adults who do and do not pray for health. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey with 1-year follow-up. SETTING: A Minnesota health plan. SUBJECTS: A stratified random sample of 5107 members age 40 and over with analysis based on 4404 survey respondents (86%). MEASURES: Survey data included health risks, health practices, use of preventive health services, satisfaction with care, and use of alternative therapies. Health care charges were obtained from administrative data. RESULTS: Overall, 47.2% of study subjects reported that they pray for health, and 90.3% of these believed prayer improved their health. After adjustment for demographics, those who pray had significantly less smoking and alcohol use and more preventive care visits, influenza immunizations, vegetable intake, satisfaction with care, and social support and were more likely to have a regular primary care provider. Rates of functional impairment, depressive symptoms, chronic diseases, and total health care charges were not related to prayer CONCLUSIONS: Those who pray had more favorable health-related behaviors, preventive service use, and satisfaction with care. Discussion of prayer could help guide customization of clinical care. Research that examines the effect of prayer on health status should adjust for variables related both to use of prayer and to health status.

Extension of the Fenske-Hall Molecular Orbital Approach to Tight-Binding Band Structure Calculations: Bulk and Surface Electronic Structure of MoS(2).

A new tight-binding band structure calculation method is described. This method, which is based on the Fenske-Hall molecular orbital technique, should be extremely useful in the study of the bulk and surface electronic structure of inorganic materials. The approximations used in the Fenske-Hall method are reviewed, and the extension of this approach to periodic band structure calculations is outlined. Results of calculations for bulk MoS(2) are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results. Results of calculations for two-dimensional MoS(2) slabs exposing (100) edge planes provide a description of coordinatively unsaturated Mo and S atoms on these edges. Coordinative unsaturation at the Mo atoms introduces new surface states near the Fermi level. Coordinative unsaturation at the S atoms leads to high-energy occupied bands that can be attributed to S lone pair electrons. Surface bonds between Mo atoms and terminal S atoms are stronger than bulk Mo-S bonds, suggesting that terminal S atoms may be more difficult to remove from the edges of MoS(2) than bridging S atoms. Bonding in a single two-dimensional layer of MoS(2) is found to be more ionic than the bonding in the full three-dimensional structure. This effect is also observed in one-dimensional MoS(2) ribbons that expose (100) edge planes. The simplified one-dimensional ribbons will be used for further studies of the electronic structure of the edge planes of MoS(2).

Electronic Structure of Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2), Two Very Active Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts.

The results of Fenske-Hall band structure calculations for bulk Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2) and for the (210) and (111) surfaces of RuS(2) are described. Although the crystal structures of the two sulfides are quite different, the electronic structure of bulk Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2) share several similarities. Unlike MoS(2), which is also used as a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalyst, there is no metal-metal bonding and only negligible metal-sulfur pi bonding in both Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2). As a result, both sulfides are characterized by a narrow high energy occupied metal t(2)()(g) band localized on the metal. Results of calculations for two-dimensional RuS(2) slabs exposing (210) and (111) surface planes provide a description of the electronic structure of 5-, 4-, and 3-coordinate Ru atoms on these surfaces. Stabilization of part or all of the unoccupied Ru e(g) band is observed for these surface atoms, and comparisons between the partial densities of states (DOS) of the surface Ru atoms and the orbital structures of isolated coordinatively unsaturated metal centers aid in the interpretation of the surface results. The electronic environments of the surface Ru atoms are also compared to the electronic environments and reactivities of metal centers found in d(6) transition metal complexes that incorporate thiophenic ligands. These comparisons suggest that if the heterogeneous and homogeneous HDS mechanisms are related, then 3-coordinate surface Ru atoms such as those found on the (111) surface could provide active sites.

Bonding in Mo(3)M'S(4) Cubane-Type Clusters: Variations in Electronic Structure When M' Is a Main Group or Transition Metal.

The results of Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations for cubane-type clusters having Mo(3)M'S(4) cores show that the electronic structures of the clusters depend on the nature of M'. When M' is a main group metal, as in [Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(NCS)(9)](6)(-), Mo(3)SnS(4)(S(2)PEt(2))(6), or [Sn(Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9))(2)](8+), the heterometal is oxidized upon incorporation into the cluster; no M'-Mo bonds are formed, and electrons are transferred from M' to an orbital localized on the Mo(3)S(4) incomplete cubane core. When M' is a transition metal, as in [Mo(3)NiS(4)(CO)(H(2)O)(9)](4+), [Mo(3)PdS(4)(CO)(tacn)(3)](4+) (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), or Mo(3)CoS(4)(CO)(Cp')(3) (Cp' = methylcyclopentadiene), M' is not oxidized but instead shares electron density with the Mo(3)S(4) core through the formation of metal-metal bonds with the Mo(3) triangle. The relatively high stretching frequencies observed for CO ligands bound to the Ni and Pd centers in the Mo(3)NiS(4) and Mo(3)PdS(4) clusters arise from the nature of the bonding in the clusters, not from the oxidation of the Ni and Pd atoms. Since the same heterometal orbitals are used both to form the M'-Mo bonds and to back-donate to the CO ligand, the Mo(3) orbitals and the CO pi orbitals compete for M' electron density. The CO orbitals do not compete effectively for metal electron density in the Ni and Pd clusters, and this results in weak back-donation to the CO pi orbitals and relatively high CO stretching frequencies. Although it has been proposed that the Mo(3)NiS(4) cluster may serve as a model for NiMoS hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts, the fact that the Ni center in this cluster is not electron rich suggests that it may not provide a suitable model. The electron density at the heterometal can be increased slightly by increasing the donor ability of the ligands attached to the Mo atoms.

Model for the Reduced Schiff Base Intermediate between Amino Acids and Pyridoxal: Copper(II) Complexes of N-(2-Hydroxybenzyl)amino Acids with Nonpolar Side Chains and the Crystal Structures of [Cu(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(phen)].H(2)O and [Cu(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(imidazole)].

Copper(II) complexes with reduced Schiff base ligands of amino acids possessing nonpolar side chains with salicylaldehyde have been synthesized. Ternary complexes with imidazole, 1,10-phenanthroline, and pyridine have been prepared and characterized for N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine. The crystal structures of [(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(1,10-phenanthroline)Cu(II)] monohydrate ([Cu(SAla)phen].H(2)O) and [(N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-D,L-alanine)(imidazole)Cu(II)] ([Cu(SAla)Him]), have been determined. [Cu(SAla)phen].H(2)O crystallized in space group P&onemacr;, with a = 8.718(2) Å, b = 10.886(3) Å, c = 11.693(2) Å, alpha = 71.32(2) degrees, beta = 85.27(2) degrees, gamma = 70.21(2) degrees, and Z = 2. The copper atom is five coordinate, with SAla acting as a tridentate ONO chelator through the carboxylato and phenolato oxygens and the amine nitrogen. The remaining donors are provided by the phen nitrogens. [Cu(SAla)Him] crystallized in space group P2(1)/n, with a = 10.353(1) Å, b = 6.714(1) Å, c = 18.769(2) Å, beta = 91.71(1) degrees, and Z = 4. The copper atom is four coordinate, with SAla acting as a tridentate ONO chelator with the neutral imidazole moiety coordinated through nitrogen. In both complexes the ligand has two chiral centers due to the coordination of the N. Molecular mechanics calculations show that unfavorable steric interactions would occur in the nonobserved R,R and S,S diastereomers. Compounds prepared have been characterized by a range of physicochemical techniques. The complexes may serve as stable models for the intermediates in enzymatic amino acid transformations.