Antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction, of organo-antimony(III)-copper(I) conjugates, against human breast cancer cells.

Three known organo-antimony(III)-copper(I), mixed-metal small bioactive molecules (SBAMs) of formula [Cu(tpSb)3Cl] (1), [Cu2(tpSb)4Br2] (2) and [Cu2(tpSb)4I2] (3) (tpSb = triphenylstibine) were used for the clarification of their antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer cells: MCF-7 (hormone-dependent cells) and MDA-MB-231 (hormone-independent cells). The in vitro toxicity of 1-3 was studied against normal human foetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The genotoxicity of 1-3 was determined by the presence of micronucleus. The type of the cell death caused by 1-3 was determined using cell cycle arrest. The molecular mechanism of action of 1-3 was defined by their binding affinity towards CT-DNA (calf thymus DNA) using UV spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. Docking studies depict the interactions between 1-3 and DNA. Computations were also employed in order to rationalize the activity of these compounds. This is based on the contribution of metal aromaticity in the case of compounds 2 and 3 where the short Cu···Cu distance (2.7724(6) (2) and 2.7251(11) (3) Ǻ, respectively) suggests d10-d10 interaction between metal centres. The known small bioactive molecules of formula [Cu(tpSb)3Cl] (1), [Cu2(tpSb)4Br2] (2) and [Cu2(tpSb)4I2] (3) (tpSb = triphenylstibine) were used for the clarification of their antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer cells: MCF-7 (hormone-dependent (HD) cells) and MDA-MB-231 (hormone-independent (HI) cells).

Antioxidant potential and quality characteristics of vegetable-enriched corn-based extruded snacks.

Phenolic content, antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics of vegetable-enriched extrudates were investigated as a result of extrusion conditions, including extrusion temperature (140-180 °C), screw rotation speed (150-250 rpm) and feed moisture content (14-19 % w.b.). Broccoli flour and olive paste was used in mixtures with corn flour at a ratio of 4 to 10 % (broccoli/corn) and 4 to 8 % (olive paste/corn). A simple power model was developed for the prediction of phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extrudates by extrusion conditions and feed composition. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of broccoli enriched extrudates increased with extrusion temperature and broccoli addition and decreased with feed moisture content. The antioxidant activity of olive paste extrudates increased with material ratio and decreased with feed moisture content and screw rotation. Sensory porosity, homogenous structure, crispness, cohesiveness and melting decreased with feed moisture content, while the latter increased the mealy flavor and hardness of extrudates. Acceptable snacks containing broccoli flour or olive paste can be produced by selecting the appropriate process conditions.

Prevalence of dental erosion in Greek minority school children in Istanbul.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and aetiology of dental erosion in Greek minority school children living in Istanbul (Turkey). METHODS: The present study was initiated in four Greek minority elementary schools in Istanbul where a total of 83 children (46 girls, 37 boys) between ages 7-14 years old were examined. Children were categorised into 7-11 and 12-14 ages groups. Data were obtained by clinical examination, questionnaire and standard data records. All tooth surfaces were examined, dental erosion was recorded per tooth and classified according to the index of Lussi et al. [1996] RESULTS: In the 7-11 yrs old group, 47.4% (n:18) of the children exhibited dental erosion while in 12-14 yrs old group, 52.6% (n:20) of the children exhibited dental erosion. There were no statitistical differences between age, gender groups and findings of dental erosion (p>0.05). However prevalence of dental erosion in 12-14 yrs old was twice that of the 7-11 years old children. In general, an unusual drinking pattern of slow swallowing of beverages significantly affected the prevalence of dental erosion (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Multiple regression analysis revealed no relationship between dental erosion and related erosive sources such as medical conditions, brushing habits, swimming, and the consumption of acidic fruit juices and beverages (p>0.05). However it should be noted that the sample size in the current study was small.

Homocysteine and its relationship to deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty.

UNLABELLED: Backround: The role of hyperhomocysteinemia as an independent risk factor for venous thrombosis after lower limb arthroplasty remains questionable. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and postoperative thromboembolic events in patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty. METHOD: Between September 2004 and June 2006, we studied 172 patients (41 male and 131 female) with mean age 70.2 years (48-85). Total plasma homocysteine as well as other thrombophilic agents (proteinC, protein S, Antithrombin III, Lupus anticoagulants, APC-Resistance) were measured preoperatively. Duplex sonography was performed twice postoperatively, on the 7(th) day (+/-2) and on the 42th day (+/- 2). Spiral CT was performed when pulmonary embolism was suspected. RESULTS: Four patients developed deep venous thrombosis from which two developed pulmonary embolism. Only one of these four patients had high levels of total plasma homocysteine. CONCLUSIONS: Total plasma homocysteine does not seem to affect the development of deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty and receive low molecular weight heparine.

CD28 costimulation and CD28 expression in T lymphocyte subsets in HIV-1 infection with and without progression to AIDS.

In a prospective study of 152 HIV-1 patients (with and without progression to AIDS) we examined CD28 MoAb costimulation and CD3 MoAb response using whole blood culture at baseline and up to either the time of AIDS diagnosis or the end of the observation period. CD28 antigen expression on both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was also studied in both groups of patients. In patients who progressed to AIDS, CD28 MoAb costimulation was found to be decreased. Univariate time-dependent analysis showed that decreases in (i) absolute numbers of either CD4+, CD4+CD28+, CD8+CD28+ T cells, (ii) CD28 MoAb costimulation, and (iii) CD3 MoAb response, and an increase in CD8+CD28- %, are significant predictors for progression to AIDS. In addition, multivariate time-dependent analysis demonstrated that a decrease in CD28 MoAb costimulation (but not a decrease in CD3 MoAb response) was predictive for progression to AIDS, as were decreases in the percentage of CD4+ T cells and the absolute number of CD4+CD28+ T cells. Thus, CD28 MoAb costimulation can be considered a useful assay for monitoring HIV-1 infection. Furthermore, apart from the early increase in the percentage of CD8+CD28- T cells and an increase in the percentage of CD28- on CD8+ T cells in both groups of patients at baseline compared with normal controls, a negative correlation was found to exist between the percentages of CD4+ or CD4+CD28+ T cells and the percentage of CD8+CD28- T cells; this suggests that these cells are probably mutually regulated.

Otologic and systemic manifestations of experimental influenza A virus infection in the ferret.

In an effort to further validate an animal model and to better define the mechanisms relating viral upper respiratory tract infections and acute otitis media, we infected 10 ferrets intranasally with influenza A virus. Infection was monitored by cultures and antibody titers, illness was monitored by signs and temperatures, and otologic complications were monitored by otoscopy, tympanometry, and eustachian tube function testing. All animals became infected. Forced-response test results showed progressive increases in the passive function variables after inoculation. Inflation-deflation test results documented progressive impairment of active tubal function, which was accompanied by the development of middle ear underpressures. No otitis media was seen. The results suggest that influenza A virus infection results in progressive, subtotal occlusion of the eustachian tube lumen, which compromises the ventilatory function of the tube, thereby promoting the development of middle ear underpressures. These findings support the hypothesized pathophysiologic relationship between viral upper respiratory tract infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, middle ear underpressures, and acute otitis media. Given these pathophysiologic changes and previously documented physiologic similarities to the eustachian tube-middle ear system of human beings, we conclude that the ferret represents an appropriate animal model for studying the pathogenic processes related to viral upper respiratory tract infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, and otitis media and for testing of potential prophylactic and therapeutic regimens.

Use of mental imagery in psychotherapy: a critical review.

The paper presents arguments in favor of the use of mental imagery for therapeutic purposes. Several existing imagery approaches to psychotherapy are critically examined and suggestions for future inquiry are offered. The intimate relation between imagery and the affective-somatic processes is stressed.