High-resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy as a tool for investigation of enantioselective inclusion complexation

In this paper, we showed the application of solid state-NMR (SS NMR) spectroscopy in structural studies of chiral compounds employing sample of (E)-1-diphenylphosphinoylpent-3-en-2-ol 1 as a model compound. Racemate of 1 was fully characterized by NMR techniques (both in liquid and solid phase) and X-ray crystallography. Theoretical calculations employing the GIAO approach were used to explain the influence of hydrogen bonding on 31P NMR shielding parameter in racemate. Enantioselective inclusion complexation (EIC) method with TADDOL as host molecule was applied to separate of enantiomers. The formation of host-guest complex and decomplexation procedure was monitored by means of the SS NMR. The liquid-state NMR, due to similarity of 13C and 31P spectral parameters was not able to distinguish racemate from enantiomer. In the solid phase, owing to distinction of hydrogen bonding and molecular packing in the crystal lattice, racemate and enantiomers were easy recognized by NMR spectroscopy.

Distance measurements in disodium ATP hydrates by means of 31P double quantum two-dimensional solid-state NMR spectroscopy

POST-C7 measurements provide constraints allowing distinguishing crystal lattice organization and establishing intra and/or intermolecular distances between phosphorus atoms of triphosphate chains for different hydrates of disodium ATP salts. Double-quantum efficiency in function of excitation time obtained from series of two-dimensional spectra for POST-C7 experiments was used to set up of buildup curves and semi-quantitative measure of 31P-31P length.

Wilson’s disease—cause of mortality in 164 patients during 1992–2003 observation period

We studied the cause of death in a consecutive series of 164 patients with Wilson's disease (WD) diagnosed over an 11 year period. A total of 20 [12% (95% CI 10.3-16.0)] died during the observation period. The relative survival rate of all patients in our group was statistically smaller than in Polish population. The main cause of death was the diagnosis in advanced stage of disease, but in six patients presenting with mild signs, we observed the progression of the disease despite treatment. There was no difference in mortality rate in patients treated with d-penicillamine or zinc sulphate as initial therapy. The prognosis for survival in the majority of WD patients is favourable, provided that therapy is introduced early.

Gamma delta + T cells in Wilson's disease

Little is currently known about the role of gamma delta + T cells in disease pathogenesis. We have demonstrated elevated levels of gamma delta + T cells in the peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Wilson's disease compared with other neurological diseases. The percentage of V delta 1 +/ gamma delta + T cells was between 20% and 50% in all patient groups; gamma delta + T cells in blood correlated with copper concentrations. The antigen reactivity of gamma delta + T cells and how the antigens relate to the gamma delta + T cells found in WD remains unknown. It remains unclear whether there is a direct reason for the elevated gamma delta + T cells population found in WD. Immunohistochemistry of frozen autopsy material from brain and liver of WD patients could allow exact localization of gamma delta + T cells and heat shock proteins in future studies.

Effects of long-term treatment in Wilson's disease with D-penicillamine and zinc sulphate

The results of treatment with D-penicillamine (D-P) or zinc sulphate (Zn) in 67 newly diagnosed cases of Wilson's disease have been compared. All patients (7 with hepatic, 1 with psychiatric and 59 with neurological or preclinical forms) were fully compliant. During 12 years of observation, 34 patients received d-P and 33 Zn as the primary treatment. Fifteen patients (44%) discontinued D-P, in 10 cases owing to side effects. Four (12%) patients discontinued Zn, in 2 cases because of side-effects. One patient who received Zn deteriorated during the first few months after the initiation of therapy. The effectiveness of long-term treatment with D-P and Zn was similar in those patients who were able to continue the initial therapy. Zn was tolerated better than D-P; we suggest, therefore, that it may be recommended as an initial therapy for patients in the preclinical stage of Wilson's disease or with neurological presentation of the disease. More observation is needed for patients with the hepatic and psychiatric forms of the disease.

[Evaluation of potassium iodide in Polish dietary salt]

The consequences of iodine deficiency occurring still in Poland include serious health disorders in the population, such as psycho- somatic retardation, hypothyroidism, endemic goitre, even cretinism. Administration of iodized edible salt with daily diet is an effective method for prevention of iodine deficiency. The condition of success is the proper level of potassium iodide in this salt and adequate distribution of iodized salt in various regions of the country. Successful iodine prophylaxis should be based on iodination of edible salt in amounts of 30 +/- 10 mg of KJ/kg. The permission given in the period from February to May 1994 by the General Sanitary Inspector for the production and marketing of edible salt iodized in proportions of 30 +/- 10 mg KJ/kg opened the possibility of starting its production in salt mines. The purpose of the presently reported work was to assess, in cooperation with the Province Sanitary Epidemiological Stations, the adequacy of iodination of the Polish edible salt produced in the years 1994-1995. The study was carried out according to the Polish Standard "Salt (Sodium Chloride) /PN-80/C-84081.35. Potassium iodide determination by photo colorimetric method." In 1995 the number of edible salt samples analyzed was 2484, and this number included 2129 samples of iodized salt. Potassium iodide content agreeing with the above permission was found in 122 samples, that is in 57.4% of iodized salt samples. In 603 samples (28.3%) of iodized salt this content was below that given in the permissions. In 1994 this study was carried out taking 2172 samples of edible salt, including 1586 samples of iodized salt. The content of potassium iodide agreeing with the permissions (30 +/- 10 mg/kg) was found in 342 samples (28, 1%), but 272 (22.4%) samples of iodized salt produced by salt mines contained lower amounts of potassium iodide than the amount indicated in the permissions, but still within the limits set down in the Polish Standard (20 +/- 5 mg/kg). The obtained results (57.4%) indicate an improvement of the process of salt iodination as compared with the results obtained in 1992 and 1993 (38.3%) and 1994 (28.1%). However, varying amounts of potassium iodide differing from the accepted values were found in salt declared as iodized.

[Wilson disease with HCV infections]

In this paper we describe liver-related Wilson's disease in two sisters. The elder died of liver failure. Our patient, a 13-year old girl has hepatitis C coinfection. Gradual improvement was observed after Cuprenil, Zincteral and interferon (Intron A).

[Repeated radical operations in patients with a diagnosis of inoperable rectal cancer]

Three cases are presented of patients with rectal cancer, in whom the decision of radical operation was abandoned during surgical intervention. In these patients radical operation was done during repeated surgery.