Study of the frequency and clinical features of maturity-onset diabetes in the young in the pediatric and adolescent diabetes population in Iran

OBJECTIVES

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), an autosomal dominant disease, is frequently misdiagnosed as type 1 or 2 diabetes. Molecular diagnosis is essential to distinguish them. This study was done to investigate the prevalence of MODY subtypes and patients' clinical characteristics.

METHODS

A total of 43 out of 230 individuals with diabetes were selected based on the age of diagnosis >6 months, family history of diabetes, absence of marked obesity, and measurable C-peptide. Next-generation and direct SANGER sequencing was performed to screen MODY-related mutations. The variants were interpreted using the Genome Aggregation Database (genomAD), Clinical Variation (ClinVar), and pathogenicity prediction tools.

RESULTS

There were 23 males (53.5%), and the mean age at diabetes diagnosis was 6.7 ± 3.6 years. Sixteen heterozygote single nucleotide variations (SNVs) from 14 patients (14/230, 6%) were detected, frequently GCK (37.5%) and BLK (18.7%). Two novel variants were identified in HNF4A and ABCC8. Half of the detected variants were categorized as likely pathogenic. Most prediction tools predicted Ser28Cys in HNF4A as benign and Tyr123Phe in ABCC8 as a pathogenic SNV. Six cases (42.8%) with positive MODY SNVs had islet autoantibodies. At diagnosis, age, HbA_1c, and C-peptide level were similar between SNV-positive and negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study investigating 14 variants of MODY in Iran. The results recommend genetic screening for MODY in individuals with unusual type 1 or 2 diabetes even without family history. Treatment modifies depending on the type of patients' MODY and is associated with the quality of life.

Oncogenic and tumor suppressor genes expression in myeloproliferative neoplasms: The hidden side of a complex pathology

Background

The present study aimed to explore the changes in the expressions of six tumor‐related genes in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The study population included 130 patients with MPNs (52 with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 49 with essential thrombocythemia (ET), 20 with polycythemia vera (PV), and 9 with primary myelofibrosis (PMF)) and 51 healthy individuals.

Methods

The expression profiling of six genes (ADAMTS18, CMTM5, CDKN2B, DCC, FHIT, and WNT5B) in the peripheral blood granulocyte cells was explored by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The patients with MPNs showed significant downregulation of CMTM5 (EFC = 0.66) and DCC (EFC = 0.65) genes in contrast to a non‐significant upregulation of ADAMTS18, CDKN2B, FHIT, and WNT5B genes. Downregulation of DCC was consistent in all subtypes of MPN (EFC range: 0.591–0.860). However, CMTM5 had a 1.22‐fold upregulation in PMF in contrast to downregulation in other MPN subtypes (EFC range: 0.599–0.775). The results revealed a significant downregulation in CMTM5 and DCC at below 60‐years of age. Furthermore, female patients showed a clear‐cut downregulation in both CMTM5 and DCC (EFC DCC: 0.436 and CMTM5: 0.570), while male patients presented a less prominent downregulation with a borderline p‐value only in DCC (EFC: 0.69; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Chronic myeloid leukemia cases showed a significant upregulation of WNT5B, as a known oncogenesis gene. Two tumor suppressor genes, namely DCC and CMTM5, were downregulated in the patients with MPNs, especially in females and patients below 60 years of age.

The prognostic significance of immune checkpoint receptor expression in patients with lymphoma: Association with disease status and clinical outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the expression of immune checkpoint receptors in the peripheral blood of lymphoma patients. Herein, we assessed the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors, including CTLA-4, PD-1/PDL-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3 in the peripheral blood of lymphoma patients and its correlation with the clinical outcomes of patients. Therefore, 47 classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), 48 non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype, and 30 healthy controls were recruited.

METHODS

The expression of inhibitory receptors was evaluated using SYBR Green real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIM-3 genes were significantly upregulated in both cHL and DLBCL patients compared to the healthy controls. In addition, the level of these molecules was differentially expressed in cHL and DLBCL patients at different disease phases compared to the healthy controls. The CTLA-4 gene was highly expressed in newly diagnosed (ND) cHL patients compared to the relapsed ones. Relapsed DLBCL patients had significantly increased LAG-3 expression compared to patients at remission, as well as ND patients. Regarding cHL patients, high CTLA-4 expression was correlated with low lactate dehydrogenase level and better performance status, whereas the level of LAG-3 was significantly elevated in patients with poor performance status. Lower initial PD-1 expression was associated with improved disease-free survival in cHL patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors are aberrantly expressed in the peripheral blood of cHL and DLBCL patients in which high LAG-3 in DLBCL patients and PD-1/LAG-3 in cHL patients are associated with relapse occurrence and worse prognosis, respectively.

Agreement Between 10-2 and 24-2C Visual Field Test Protocols for Detecting Glaucomatous Central Visual Field Defects

PRECIS

Moderate to substantial agreement between 10-2 and 24-2C perimetry for detecting central field defects suggests that adding central test points to the 24-2 protocol may improve efficiency of visual field (VF) testing for glaucoma management.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess agreement between Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer 10-2 and 24-2C test protocols for detecting glaucomatous defects in the central 10 degrees of the visual field (CVFDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VFs from 165 eyes of 18 healthy individuals, 12 glaucoma suspects and 62 glaucoma patients who completed 10-2 and 24-2C VF testing protocols within 6 months were included. CVFDs on 10-2 and 24-2C (within the central 22 points) test grids required a cluster of 3 contiguous points with P<5%, 5%, and 1% or <5%, 2%, and 2% within a hemifield on the total deviation (TD) or pattern deviation (PD) plot. Cohen kappa (k) was used to assess agreement between 10-2 and 24-2C test grids in identifying CVFDs. Specificity of each testing strategy was assessed in VFs from healthy eyes.

RESULTS

CVFDs in suspect and glaucoma eyes were combined and reported as localized to superior, inferior or both hemifields based on TD and PD plots for 10-2 and 24-2C test grids. Moderate to substantial agreement was observed between 10-2 and 24-2C grids for detecting any CVFD from PD (k=0.551) and TD (k=0.651) plots. Specificity was high in healthy eyes ranging from 0.94 to 1.0 for both test protocols.

CONCLUSION

Substantial agreement for identifying CVFDs using the 24-2C and 10-2 protocols suggests that combining tests by adding central test points to the 24-2 test grid may supplant the need for 2 perimetry regimens for detecting central and peripheral glaucomatous VF damage.

TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, and JAK2 Mutation in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in southern Iran

BACKGROUND

Five epigenetic regulator mutations are considered in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) that have prognostic and therapeutic values.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate these mutations in MPNs among the Iranian population.

METHODS

We selected 5 mutations in 4 epigenetic regulatory genes [TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1 (rs147001633&rs121913499), and JAK2)] and evaluated 130 patients with MPNs including 78 Philadelphia chromosome negative (49 ETs, 20 PVs, and 9 PMFs) and 52 Philadelphia chromosome-positive patients as well as 51 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Eight patients (6.5%) carried the DNMT3A mutation, 35 (27%) were positive for TET2 mutation and 64 (49.3%) had the JAK2V617F mutation. In the healthy controls, 16 (31.4%) cases had the TET2 mutation (15 Heterozygote + 1 Homozygote) and one had heterozygote JAK2 mutation. There was no statistically significant difference between patient groups for any of these mutations, except for JAK2. The JAK2 mutation rate was 18 (90%), 25 (51%), 7 (77.8%), 14 (26.9%) in polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis, and chronic myelocytic leukemia, respectively. Patients aged 60 and older were more likely to carry the TET2 mutation (23% vs. 39% in younger and older than 60 years old individuals, p=0.025). IDH1 was not detected at all and PV had the highest TET2 mutation 7(35%). Two PMF patients had a history of bone marrow transplantation that were negative for IDH1and DNMT3A and one was positive for TET2 mutation.

CONCLUSION

In the normal Iranian population, the heterozygote form of TET2 mutation is significant, especially in the elderly. No association was found between JAK2 and TET2 mutations. Both of them are more prevalent in the age group of 60 years and older. DNMT3A mutation has a low prevalence and occurs in both positive and negative MPNs.

Association of Exon 14 of the SOX6 Gene Sequence Variations with Response to Hydroxyurea Therapy in Patients Carrying Non Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia

Hydroxyurea (HU) activates the γ-globin gene, resulting in increased Hb F synthesis. The SOX6 gene is a member of the Sox (Sry-type HMG box) family of transcription factors, characterized by minor groove binding domain. The DNA binding domain of this gene is encoded by exon 14. We assessed the relationship between response to HU and exon 14 of the SOX6 gene sequence variations in patients with non transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). One hundred NTDT patients from southern Iran underwent HU therapy randomly participated in this cross-sectional study between February 2013 and October 2014. Based on response to HU therapy, the patients were divided into two groups: good and poor responder. Sequence variations of exon 14 of the SOX6 gene was assayed by the Sanger sequencing technique. From all evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as above, we found no significant association between sequence variations of exon 14 of the SOX6 gene and response to HU therapy (p > 0.05). It seems that no SNPs in exon 14 of the SOX6 gene is associated with response to HU in NTDT patients, but more studies are needed for further evaluation.

A retrospective study on clinical manifestations of neonates with FXIII-A deficiency

We assessed clinical presentations and the rate of central nervous system (CNS) bleeding in neonates with FXIIID who exhibited bleeding diathesis in the early days of their lives. A total of 27 neonates presented bleeding or abnormal clinical symptoms, diagnosed with FXIII deficiency were evaluated. Factor XIII concentrate was initiated as the first-line of treatment, and prophylactic therapy was given to all patients. Umbilical cord bleeding, delayed detachment of umbilical stunt, seizure, hematoma, and ecchymosis were concurrent complications in 27 (100%), 5 (18.5%), 5 (18.5%), 3 (11.1%), and 1 (3.7%) of the patients, respectively. History of having CNS bleeding was detected in 13 (48.1%) patients. There was no significant association between CNS bleeding and gender, familial history of FXIIID, or other clinical presentations. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean age of the patients who had CNS bleeding (3.4 ± 0.9 days) and without CNS bleeding (2.9 ± 0.7 days). However, a near significant threshold difference between the patients with and without CNS bleeding was found regarding the mean number of suspicious FXIIID death in their family (1.8 ± 0.5 and 0.7 ± 0.1, respectively, P = 0.05). Therefore, a suggested diagnostic algorithm based on prenatal diagnosis could be useful for timely detection of FXIII deficiency in neonates.

Conversion of epoxides into 1,3-dioxolanes catalysed by high oxidation state metalloporphyrins

Tin(IV) tetraphenylporphyrin perchlorate, Sn(IV)(tpp)(ClO4)2, catalyses the efficient reaction of epoxides with acetone to give the corresponding 1,3-dioxolanes in good yields.

Preparation of an insoluble polymer-supported Mn (III) porphyrin and its use as a new alkene epoxidation and alkane hydroxylation catalyst

An easy and effective method to prepare a new supported Mn(III)-porphyrin by immobilisation of Mn(III)-5,10,15, 20-Tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin, [Mn(TPPS)], on poly(4-styrylmethyl)pyridinium chloride (PSMP) is reported. This catalyst was found to be efficient for catalysing alkene epoxidation and alkane hydroxylation with sodium periodate. This new heterogenised metalloporphyrin catalyst is of high stability and reusability.

Evaluation of Plasma Platelet Microparticles in Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

BACKGROUND

Platelet microparticles (PMPs) have a procoagulant activity about 50-100 times greater than active platelets due to high expression of negatively charged phospholipids on their surfaces. In this study, we evaluated microparticle immunophenotyping and also plasma PMPs level in patients with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) in Southern Iran.

METHOD

We had two study groups: 15 TTP patients and 15 healthy control group and PMPs from platelet concentrate (PC) at the 5^th day of storage. Microparticles were prepared in two steps, by low and high centrifugation followed by size confirmation via 'Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)' Zetasizer. Immunophenotyping of PMPs was done via flow cytometry, using a FACS Calibur flow cytometer (BD, USA). PMPs counts were obtained using Partec-cyflow and Polysciences Microbeads (1 micron in diameter). Results were analyzed using FlowJo 7.6 (Treestar, USA) and Partec FlowMax software.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the majority of microparticles in TTP patients and normal individuals were PMPs and also demonstrated that the plasma PMPs level in TTP patients was higher than the normal control group (P-value<0.001).

CONCLUSION

It seems that elevated PMPs level in TTP patients could be related to thrombotic events. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to confirm these results.

Effectiveness of β-thalassemia prenatal diagnosis in Southern Iran: a cohort study

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prenatal diagnosis (PND) for the prevention of thalassemia in Southern Iran.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2012 1346 couples with β-thalassemia minor were referred to our center. Mutation analyses utilized different methods including polymerase chain reaction-based technique of amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis of PCR-Amplified Fragments (PCR-RFLP) and Gel Electrophoresis and direct sequencing. Haplotype analysis of the β-globin gene cluster was done routinely using the PCR-RFLP technique.

RESULTS

Of the 1346 couples, 884 (66%) requested PND. They had a total of 985 pregnancies (954 singleton and 31 twin pregnancies): the 1016 fetuses underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Thalassemia major was diagnosed in 266 cases (26.2%), and termination of pregnancy was requested by the parents in 264 of them (99%). Thalassemia trait was detected in 499 (49.1%) and 251 cases (24.7%) showed no β-thalassemia mutations. There were three misdiagnoses (0.4%) (affected children diagnosed as carriers at PND). A unique pattern of thalassemia mutations was present in the study population, with IVS II-I (G→A), C36-37(-T), IVS I-5(G>C), -25bpdel (252-276), IVS I-110(G>A) and C44 (-C) being present in 62% of cases.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of distribution of thalassemia mutations differs among ethnic groups within the same country.

Association of androgen receptor GGN repeat length polymorphism and male infertility in Khuzestan, Iran

BACKGROUND

Androgens play critical role in secondary sexual and male gonads differentiations such as spermatogenesis, via androgen receptor. The human androgen receptor (AR) encoding gene contains two regions with three nucleotide polymorphic repeats (CAG and GGN) in the first exon. Unlike the CAG repeats, the GGN has been less studied because of technical difficulties, so the functional role of these polymorphic repeats is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to investigate any relationship between GGN repeat length in the first exon of AR gene and idiopathic male infertility in southwest of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is the first study on GGN repeat of AR gene in infertile male in Khuzestan, Iran. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to categorize GGN repeat lengths in 72 infertile and 72 fertile men. Afterwards we sequenced the PCR products to determine the exact length of GGN repeat in each category. Our samples included 36 azoospermic and 36 oligozoospermic men as cases and 72 fertile men as control group.

RESULTS

We found that the numbers of repeats in the cases range from 18 to 25, while in the controls this range is from 20 to 28. The results showed a significant relation between the length of GGN repeat and fertility (p=0.015). The most frequent alleles were alleles with 24 and 25 repeats respectively in case and control groups. On the other hand no significant differences were found between Arab and non-Arab cases by considering GGN repeat lengths (p=0.234).

CONCLUSION

Due to our results, there is a significant association between the presence of allele with 24 repeats and susceptibility to male infertility. Therefore this polymorphism should be considered in future studies to clarify etiology of disorders related to androgen receptor activity.

Distribution of alpha-thalassemia mutations in Iranian population

BACKGROUND

Alpha-thalassemia as one of the most common monogenetic disorders is widely spread over the Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern populations, including Iran. Although beta-thalassemia is much more common than alpha-thalassemia, alpha-thalassemia is still one of the main health problems in Iran with different mutation frequencies in various ethnic groups. So the evaluation of alpha-thalassemia mutations could be helpful to detect carriers as well as prevention strategy in Iranian population.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the spectrum and frequencies of alpha-globin mutations in different ethnic groups of southern Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Common alpha-globin mutations were evaluated in 4010 Iranian population using a reverse dot blot for all point mutations and gap-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Out of all individuals, 3993 were distinguished as carriers of alpha-thalassemia mutations. Thirteen types of alpha-thalassemia mutations were discovered. Allele of α(3.7) mutation was the most prevalent (43.84%) followed by the α(IVS1/-5NT) allele with the prevalence of 4.91%. The less frequent alleles were Hb ICARIA and α(codon16) with the prevalence of 0.04 and 0.01%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings are essential for carrier screening, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosis in order to decrease the prevalence of α-thalassemia in Iran which is one of the goals of the national screening program.

Does short-term exposure to elevated levels of natural gamma radiation in Ramsar cause oxidative stress?

BACKGROUND

Ramsar, a city in northern Iran, has areas with some of the highest recorded levels of natural radiation among inhabited areas measured on the earth.

AIMS

To determine whether short-term exposure to extremely high levels of natural radiation induce oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 53 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10-12 animals. Animals in the 1(st) group were kept for 7 days in an outdoor area with normal background radiation while the 2(nd) , 3(rd) , 4(th) and 5(th) groups were kept in four different outdoor areas with naturally elevated levels of gamma radiation in Ramsar. A calibrated RDS-110 survey meter, mounted on a tripod approximately 1 m above the ground, was used to measure exposure rate at each location. On days 7 and 9 blood sampling was performed to assess the serum levels of catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). On day 8, all animals were exposed to a lethal dose of 8 Gy gamma radiations emitted by a Theratron Phoenix (Theratronics, Canada) Cobalt-60 (55 cGy/min) at Radiotherapy Department of Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran.

RESULTS

Findings obtained in this study indicate that high levels of natural radiation cannot induce oxidative stress. CAT and MDA levels in almost all groups were not significantly different (P = 0.69 and P = 0.05, respectively). After exposure to the lethal dose, CAT and MDA levels in all groups were not significantly different (P = 0.054 and P = 0.163, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that short-term exposure to extremely high levels of natural radiation (up to 196 times higher than the normal background) does not induce oxidative stress.

Risk of prostate cancer and thrombosis-related factor polymorphisms

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complication commonly encountered in cancer patients and is considered to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The genetic polymorphisms of thrombophilic factors in cancer patients have been focused on during the last few years. However, the number of available studies on the association between prostate cancer and thromboembolic diseases is limited. Prostate cancer is one of the four major types of cancer and its development is affected by a variety of environmental and genetic factors. In the present study we aimed to focus on the effects of thromboembolic factor gene variations on the risk of prostate cancer. In order to conduct our prospective study, we used amplification-refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction to investigate three polymorphisms [factor V Leiden (FVL) G1691A, factor II (prothrombin, PTH) G20210A and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T] in prostate cancer patients, via comparison with normal individuals. The results demonstrated no significant differences in FVL and PTH gene variations between cases and controls (P>0.05). Although some cases with the T allele of MTHFR 677 were identified, no significant solidarity was established by statistical analysis (P>0.05). Therefore, non-genetic factors that may disturb homeostatic balance should also be considered in future studies, in order to determine the exact association between VTE and prostate cancer.

Polymeric cyanide azo compounds dipole moments and photo-physical properties in solvents media

A quantitative study of solvent environment effects on the photo-physical properties of a group of polymeric cyano azo benzene compounds was carried out at room temperature. Absorption and emission spectra of this group of azo matter with similar structure and different statistical weight of azo block have been studied in different solvents. The solvatochromic method was used to estimate the dipole moments in ground and excited states. The nature and degree of solvent-solute interactions were characterized using Kamlet-Abboud-Taft multi-parameter polarity scale.

Excited state electric dipole moment of nile blue and brilliant cresyl blue: a comparative study

A solvatochromic study on the photophysical properties of two cationic oxazine dyes (brilliant cresyl blue and nile blue) was carried out. The electronic absorption and emission spectra of the dyes were recorded in various organic solvents with different polarity. The ground and the excited state dipole moments of the dyes were estimated from solvatochromic shift method. The solvent dependent spectral shifts in absorption and fluorescence spectra were analyzed by the Katritzky and Kamlet-Taft multi-parameter scales. This work is characterized by detailed quantitative studies on the nature and extent of solvent-solute interactions.

Tautomeric behavior of some azoquinoline dyes in liquid and liquid crystalline media

The absorption spectra of three azoquinolin-8-ol derivatives (o-, m-, p-cyano hydroxy azoquinolin dyes) were investigated in liquid and liquid crystalline solutions as a function of the solvent polarity. The spectral data of the dyes were compared in both ordinary liquid solvents and liquid crystalline media. Analysis of the spectral data was used to determine the azo and hydrazone forms in both the environments. The spectral shifts were correlated by Kamlet-Taft and Katritzky multi-parameter polarity scales. For the azoquinoline dyes, the azo form is almost entirely dominated in polar anisotropic hosts. In contrast, the compounds remain dominantly in hydrazone form in some polar solvents such as DMF. The polarized absorption spectra of the compounds in the anisotropic media were measured and their degree of anisotropies was determined.

Solvatochromism effects on the dipole moments and photo-physical behavior of some azo sulfonamide dyes

Absorption and emission spectra of three azo sulfonamide dyes with various molecular structures have been studied in different solvents. The solute photo-physical behavior depends strongly on the solvent-solute interactions and solvent microenvironment. In order to understand the effect of intermolecular interactions on spectral behaviors of these dyes in different solvents and to conceive nature and extent of solvent-solute interactions the spectral variations were analyzed by the linear solvation energy relationships concept. In addition, by means of solvatochromic method the dipole moments of these dyes, in ground and excited states, were investigated.

A comparative study on the aggregate formation of two oxazine dyes in aqueous and aqueous urea solutions

The visible absorption spectra of two oxazine dyes, brilliant cresyl blue and nile blue, in aqueous and aqueous urea solutions (0.01-1 M) were studied as a function of the dye concentration. Due to structural similarity of the investigated dyes, their spectral features were compared. The dimerization behavior of the dyes in water with or without urea was analyzed in terms of monomer-dimer equilibrium. The nature and structure of the interacting pairs for these dyes were discussed using the exciton theory. The dimerization constant values of the dyes in aqueous and aqueous urea solutions were calculated. For both the dyes in aqueous urea solutions, a reduction in dimer formation was observed. The excitonic parameters were compared with those of oxazine-1, which is structurally similar to the investigated dyes.

Dimeric spectra analysis in Microsoft Excel: a comparative study

The purpose of this work is to introduce the reader to an Add-in implementation, Decom. This implementation provides the whole processing requirements for analysis of dimeric spectra. General linear and nonlinear decomposition algorithms were integrated as an Excel Add-in for easy installation and usage. In this work, the results of several samples investigations were compared to those obtained by Datan.

Estimation of ground- and excited-state dipole moments of oxazine 1 in liquid and liquid crystalline media

The absorption and fluorescence spectra of a laser dye, oxazine-1 (OX1), in liquid and liquid crystalline media were studied at room temperature. The solvatochromic method was used to determine the ground- and excited-state dipole moments by means of Lippert-Mataga, Bakshiev, Kawski-Chamma-Viallet polarity functions. The solvent polarity has no large and regular effect on the spectral behavior of OX1, and thus it might be considered as a poor solvatochromic indicator dye. In addition, applicability of solvatochromic method for this dye in anisotropic media was investigated. On the other hand, nature and degree of the solute-solvent interactions were characterized using correlation of multi-parameter solvent polarity scales. Due to the theoretical restrictions and the dye molecular structure, deviations from the solvatochromic correlation were observed.

Intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding effects on the dipole moments and photophysical properties of some anthraquinone dyes

Absorption and fluorescence spectra of three anthraquinone dyes with various substituents and molecular size were studied in different solvents. The photo-physical behavior of a dissolved dye depends strongly on the solvent-solute interactions and solvent nature. The solvatochromic method was used to investigate dipole moments of these dyes in ground and excited states. The spectral variations were analyzed by means of linear solvation energy relationships concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The results conceive the nature and extend of, specific and non-specific, solvent-solute interactions.

Effect of anisotropic and isotropic solvent on the dipole moment of coumarin dyes

The ground state (μ(g)) and the excited state (μ(e)) dipole moments of two coumarin laser dyes, coumarin 440 and 460, were studied at room temperature in various solvents, viz., general solvents, alcohols and liquid crystals at 298 K. In this work, we report dipole moment of laser dyes in different anisotropic (liquid crystal) and isotropic environments for understanding the effects of environments on the molecular dipole moment and comparing them. Ground and excited state dipole moments of coumarin dyes were evaluated by means of solvatochromic shift method. It was observed that dipole moment values of excited states (μ(e)) were higher than the corresponding ground state values (μ(g)) in all media.

Anisotropic media effect on the dipole moment of some coumarin dyes

The ground state (μ(g)) and the excited state (μ(e)) dipole moments of two coumarin laser dyes, C500 and C503, were studied at room temperature in various solvents, viz., aprotic solvents, alcohols and liquid crystals at 298 K. We report dipole moment of laser dyes in different anisotropic (liquid crystals) and isotropic environments. The dipole moments values in different media help to investigate environment effects on the molecular dipole moment and provide a straightforward method for comparing their properties. Ground and excited state dipole moments of coumarin dyes were evaluated by means of solvatochromic shift method. It was observed that dipole moment values of excited states (μ(e)) were higher than corresponding ground state values (μ(g)), indicating a substantial redistribution of the π-electron densities in a more polar excited state for the dyes investigated.

Substituent and solvent effects on the photo-physical properties of some coumarin dyes

Absorption and fluorescence spectra of three coumarin dyes with various substituents and alkyl groups have been recorded in solvents in the range of 200-730 nm. The photo-physical behavior of dissolved dye depends on the nature of its environment, i.e. the solvatochromic behaviors of coumarin dyes and solvent/solute hydrogen bonding interactions can be analyzed by means of linear solvation energy relationships concept proposed by Kamlet and Taft. The intensity, shape, and maximum wavelength of the absorption and fluorescence band of these dyes in solution depend strongly on the solvent-solute interactions and solvent nature. Hydrogen bonding interactions (specific solute-solvent interactions) between these dye-solvent complex and dipolarity/polarizability (non-specific solute-solvent interactions) control reorientation of solvent molecules around the dye.

Effect of polyacrylamide hydrophilic gel composition on photo-physical behavior of Oxazine 750

Electronic absorption spectra of Oxazine 750 dye in aqueous solutions and in polyacrylamide hydrogel matrix with different structural composition were studied at room temperature. The transport and the solute-solute interactions of the ionic dye in aqueous solutions across the hydrophilic gels were investigated via exploring spectral properties of the dye-loaded hydrogel. The nature of the dye pair interactions in these media was discussed using the Kasha exciton theory. In addition, the monomer-dimer equilibrium of Oxazine 750 in hydrogels with different compositional percentage has been determined by means of UV-vis spectroscopy and least square fitting methods.

Solvent polarizability and anisotropy effects on the photophysical behavior of oxazine 1: an appropriate polarizability indicator dye

The spectroscopic features of a laser dye, oxazine 1 (OX1), were investigated in liquid and in liquid crystalline solutions as a function of the solvent polarity and polarizability. The nature of spectral shift was investigated by studying the absorption spectra of the dye in different solvents. The spectral shifts were correlated by the solvent polarity and polarizability. As a result, the solvent polarity has no large and regular effect on the spectral behavior of the dye, and thus it might be considered as a poor solvatochromic dye. In contrast, an excellent linear correlation was observed between the solvent polarizability and the spectral properties of the dye, and therefore, this dye might be considered as a good indicator for measuring the solvent polarizability. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of the dye were investigated in nematic solvents with high birefringence. In nematic solvents, anisotropy of polarizability has a major contribution to the shaping of the absorbance and emission spectra of OX1.

Effects of surfactants on the molecular aggregation of rhodamine dyes in aqueous solutions

The aggregative properties of rhodamine 6G (R6G) and rhodamine B (RB) in aqueous solutions of cationic and anionic surfactants were studied using the absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The dye-surfactant interactions in aqueous and surfactant solutions were also studied. The spectroscopic studies were extended in order to determine the effect of molecular structure of the surfactants on the aggregative behavior of the rhodamine dyes. The aggregate structures and the nature of the interacting pairs in these dyes were discussed using the exciton theory.

Electronic absorption spectra of cresyl violet acetate in anisotropic and isotropic solvents

The isotropic and anisotropic solvation characteristics of cresyl violet acetate (CVA) were investigated in isotropic liquid solutions and in polar nematic matrices as a function of the solvent type and concentration. The interaction of the ionic dye with the anisotropic surrounding and with that of the isotropic solvents was investigated and compared. The experimental result suggests that the nematic liquid crystalline solvents might create stronger solvation than the isotropic solvents. The spectral shifts were correlated by the solvent permittivity and Kamlet-Taft parameters. The polarized absorption spectra of cresyl violet acetate were measured between 400 and 800 nm and the dichroic ratio R and degree of anisotropy S of this dye in the liquid crystalline host determined.

Mn (Br8TPPS) Supported on Amberlite IRA-400 as a Robust and Efficient Catalyst for Alkene Epoxidation and Alkane Hydroxylation

Manganese (III) meso-tetrakis(p-sulfonatophenyl)-β-octabromoporphyrin supported on Amberlite IRA-400 [Mn(Br₈TPPS)-Ad-400] is a robust and efficient catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes and hydroxylation of alkanes with sodium periodate at room temperature.

Apolipoprotein B as the best predictor of coronary artery disease in Iranian normolipidemic patients

OBJECTIVES

A relatively high proportion of Iranian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have normal levels of traditional lipid risk factors and show early onset of CAD. In this study we examined the roles of apolipoprotein B (apoB), apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and lipoprotein (a) [LP(a)] in predicting coronary heart disease in normolipidemic patients and those with premature CAD (age < or = 50).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum levels of apoB, apoAI, and LP(a) were determined in a total of 567 Iranian patients who were candidates for coronary angiography. A subgroup of 142 patients (93 males, 49 females) with normal levels of classical lipid risk factors, and a subgroup of patients (130 males, 71 females) with age below 50 years were separately assessed for coronary risk factors.

RESULTS

ApoB concentrations were significantly higher in patients with CAD (CAD+) relative to patients without CAD (CAD-) in the two subgroups. Multiple logistic regression after controlling for age and others risk factors showed apoB as the best determinant of CAD in the normolipidemic subgroup (OR, 4.3, p < 0.001) and in the men aged < or = 50 (OR, 5.7, p < 0.001). ApoB was the best predictor of CAD in a subgroup of very young patients (age < or = 40, n = 77, OR, 8.6, p < 0.009). There was a significant correlation between severity of atherosclerosis and serum apoB concentration in the normolipidemic subgroup (r = 0.22, p < 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that serum concentration of apoB is the best discriminating factor to predict the presence or absence of atherosclerosis in Iranian normolipidemic individuals and young patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Parenteral nutrition-induced hepatobiliary dysfunction in infants and prepubertal rabbits

We analyzed clinical, biochemical, and histo- logic parameters of ten infants with parenteral nutrition-induced hepatobiliary dysfunction. The data were compared with the results of a rabbit model. All infants were born prematurely with low birth weight. Their clinical diagnoses were necrotizing enterocolitis (6), gastroschisis (1), intrauterine volvulus (1), and lung hypoplasia (2). All required total (TPN) or partial parenteral nutrition for at least 8 weeks. All had repeated episodes of infections or sepsis. A rise in bilirubin and aminotransferase levels occurred after a minimum of 5 weeks; peak bilirubin levels ranged from 4 to 14 mg% and aminotransferases from 40 to 140 IU/l. One child later developed gallstones. Liver biopsies after 1 to 24 months showed fibrosis, bile-duct proliferation, cholestasis, and hydropic degeneration. All of the above-mentioned clinical factors have been accused of causing the observed biochemical and histologic changes. In our rabbit model we were able to produce almost identical symptoms by TPN alone: gallbladder distension, sludge, and stones developed after 1-4 weeks of TPN as well as uncharacteristic changes in aminotransferases and bilirubin after 4 weeks. Liver histology revealed severe hydropic degeneration of zone 3 as early as 1 week after beginning TPN. A rise of fibrosis and bile-duct proliferation after 1 to 4 weeks of infusion was statistically significant. Cholestasis, as was observed in the infants, could not be detected. In our model, all alterations observed could be attributed exclusively to TPN. We therefore assume that TPN was the true cause of the dysfunction. In a second experimental series infusions were reduced to 80% PN and free access to lab chow. These animals produced normal feces, indicating physiologic enteral stimulation. They developed the same degenerative and proliferative histologic changes, whereas gallbladder distension, sludge, and stones were not noted. We conclude that: (1) The TPN solution itself is responsible for the histologic changes in the liver, which is supported by the fact that hydropic degeneration of zone 3 is typical of a direct toxic effect; and (2) Complete enteral starvation with an absence of enteral stimulation causes disease of the lower biliary tract.