Human insulin polymorphism upon ligand binding and pH variation: the case of 4-ethylresorcinol.

This study focuses on the effects of the organic ligand 4-ethylresorcinol on the crystal structure of human insulin using powder X-ray crystallography. For this purpose, systematic crystallization experiments have been conducted in the presence of the organic ligand and zinc ions within the pH range 4.50-8.20, while observing crystallization behaviour around the isoelectric point of insulin. High-throughput crystal screening was performed using a laboratory X-ray diffraction system. The most representative samples were selected for synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements, which took place at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) and the Swiss Light Source (SLS). Four different crystalline polymorphs have been identified. Among these, two new phases with monoclinic symmetry have been found, which are targets for the future development of microcrystalline insulin drugs.

Novel crystalline phase and first-order phase transitions of human insulin complexed with two distinct phenol derivatives.

The primary focus of the present work is the study of the effects that two ligands and the crystallization pH have on the crystalline forms of human insulin. For this purpose, human insulin (HI) was co-crystallized with two distinct phenolic derivatives: the organic ligands meta-cresol (m-cresol) and 4-nitrophenol. The formation of polycrystalline precipitates was then followed by means of structural characterization of the individual specimens in terms of unit-cell symmetry and parameters. In both cases, two different polymorphs were identified via X-ray powder diffraction measurements, the first of hexagonal symmetry (R3 space group) at higher pH values and the second of monoclinic symmetry (space group P21) with unit-cell parameters a = 87.4282 (5), b = 70.5020 (3), c = 48.3180 (4) Å, ß = 106.8958 (4)°, the latter of which to our knowledge has never been observed before.

[A 76-year-old female patient with deep venous thrombosis and cervical lymphadenopathy]. / 76-jährige Patientin mit tiefer Beinvenenthrombose und zervikaler Lymphadenopathie.

We report the case of a 76-year-old female patient presenting with deep venous thrombosis and upper cervical lymphadenopathy. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple hepatic lesions with a high suspicion of metastatic disease from an unknown primary tumor. The differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and hepatic lesions includes malignant tumors and various infectious diseases. The diagnostic process, however, revealed lymph node tuberculosis with multiple hepatic granulomas despite a repeatedly negative interferon-γ release assay. A combined antituberculosis therapy led to complete clinical remission.

Symptomatic treatment of ascites with a peritoneo-vesical automated fluid shunt system in a dog.

A six-year-old Rottweiler with chronic ascites and moderate panhypoproteinaemia that had been treated with large volume paracentesis over several months duration was diagnosed with a large bi-atrial mass and hepatic fibrosis. For palliative treatment, a peritoneo-vesical automated fluid shunt system with an integrated chargeable battery and an integrated computer to control pump function and to transmit data transcutaneously was implanted by coeliotomy. The pump was left in place for 10 weeks, eliminating the need for further paracentesis during this time. At the end of this period, no ascites was discernible and serum protein concentrations had returned to their respective reference intervals. As a complication, decubitus with skin perforation had developed above the pump. Besides palliative treatment of chronic refractory ascites, this pump may have application in other conditions characterised by chronic cavity effusion or in peritoneal dialysis.

Concerning inorganic crystal structure types.

All representatives of an inorganic crystal structure type can be found systematically in the new database SICS (Standardized Inorganic Crystal Structures). It is derived from the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database (ICSD) by selecting the best determination of each phase. In addition, each entry is given in a standardized description and complemented by searchable descriptors Delta, which give the difference between all structures of an isopointal set. Because of the large number of structures the full information on relationships present can only be found by means of the new database itself. Some examples are given here in printed form. The limitations and the possibilities of expansion of SICS in terms of the concept of 'structure types' are demonstrated.

[A laser surgery procedure in the treatment of tattooing with the argon ion laser]. / Laserchirurgisches Vorgehen bei der Behandlung von Tätowierungen mit dem Argon-Ionen-Laser.

A laser surgery procedure for treating tattoos using argon ion laser is described. The epithelial changes during continuous radiation are land marks for laser surgery procedure: 1. The coagulation zone, 2. its bubble-like rise, 3. its breaking, 4. the beginning of the carbonisation zone and 5. setting of a decreasing coagulation zone for smoothing the edges. From the very onset of the carbonisation zone radiation is discontinued and continued only in the periphery producing a decreasing coagulation zone. Punctiform and line-pattern laser application is employed; the untreated areas in between are treated in the following session. The average time between the sessions is 7 weeks and the average number of sessions for a tattoo is 3.1. The observation time is on an average 2 years and 1 month. 134 tattoos of 43 patients are treated by this technique. In 18.6% of the tattoos very good results are achieved, in 51.5% a good result, in 28.4% a satisfactory result and in 1.5% an unsatisfactory result. Hypopigmentations are seen in 19.4%, atrophic scars in 12.7%, hypertrophic scars in 14.9% and a rest of tattoos in 8.9%. Keloids are not seen. Using this argon laser technique for treating tattoos you will obtain better results with fewer side effects than in those studies which are accomplished treating tattoos with argon lasers and described in literature up to now.