Base Metal Catalyst for Indirect Hydrogenation of CO2

We herein report a novel Mn-SNS-based catalyst, which is capable of performing indirect hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol via formylation. In this domain of CO2 hydrogenation, pincer ligands have shown a clear predominance. Our catalyst is based on the SNS-type tridentate ligand, which is quite stable and cheap as compared to the pincer type ligands. The catalyst can also be recycled effectively after the formylation reaction without any significant change in efficiency. Various amines including both primary and secondary amines worked well under the protocol to provide the desired formylated product in good yields. The formed formylated amines can also be reduced further at higher pressures of hydrogen. As a whole, we have developed a protocol that involves indirect CO2 hydrogenation to methanol that proceeds via formylation of amines.

Corrosion behavior and microstructure of Al-10Zn alloy with nano CuO addition

The present study explores the preparation of Al-10wt.%Zn alloy by the casting process. Nano CuO was prepared by the Co-precipitation method. The effect of adding nanostructure of (1wt.% CuO) to Al-10Zn alloy was studied the corrosion effects as-cast and with different aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K) for 2 h in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution after homogenized for 2 h at 500 K at room temperature. Electrochemical measurements (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) were performed to determine the corrosion rate (C.R.) and corrosion current density (Icorr.) to find out corrosion behavior. In addition, microstructures of Al-10Zn and Al-10Zn-1CuO were observed using a scanning electron microscope, EDX mapping, and the optical microscope to investigate the effect of the nanoparticle's addition before and after aging and the corrosion test. The average crystal size and the dislocation density were calculated from the XRD pattern. The results show that the appropriate addition of CuO nanoparticles can refine the Al-10Zn alloy and shift the Al-10Zn alloy to a more noble direction.

Dietary supplementation of Eucalyptus leaves enhances eggshell quality and immune response in two varieties of Japanese quails under tropical condition

The effect of dietary supplementation of Eucalyptus leaves (EL) powder on productive performance and immune response in 2 varieties of Japanese quail was investigated. A total of 180 twelve-week-old laying Japanese quails from 2 color varieties (gray and white) were randomly assigned and distributed according to a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (dietary treatment × variety) forming 6 subgroups (30 each). EL were mixed with the diet in 3 levels (0, 0.1, and 0.2%). Each hen was individually housed in a wire cage of laying batteries and kept in an open house under hot environmental temperature. Productive traits were determined for an experimental period of 6 wk. Egg quality, carcass traits, blood parameters, and immune response were also determined. The results indicated that the productive traits were not significantly affected by EL supplementation. Shell quality and broken eggs significantly improved in quails fed a diet containing EL compared with those in the control. The quails fed a diet supplemented with 0.1% EL exhibited significantly higher cellular mediated and humoral immune responses than those in the other treatment groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity tended to be significantly increased by the dietary administration of EL at the level of 0.2%. Concerning quail varieties, it could be noticed that the gray quails exhibited higher productive performance, shell quality, and cellular immunity than the white counterparts. It could be concluded that supplementing a diet with 0.1 EL as a natural feed additive greatly enhances eggshell quality and immunocompetence and reduces number of broken eggs of Japanese quails raised under high environmental temperature.

Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and chemical neurolysis of thoracic splanchnic nerves for the management of abdominal cancer pain, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the splanchnic nerves has been reported as a predictable and safe technique for abdominal pain management. We compare between RFA and chemical neurolysis of bilateral thoracic splanchnic nerves in the management of refractory cancer pain.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 60 patients aged ≥18 years who suffered from abdominal pain (visceral pain, VAS ≥4) due to upper abdominal cancers. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group I (RF): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T10 and T11 levels using RFA. Group II (alcohol): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T11 using alcohol. Pain relief was assessed using VAS (0-10) and total daily oral opioid consumption (primary outcome).

RESULTS

Significant reductions of VAS and global perceived effect satisfaction scores (GPES) were observed in both groups compared to baseline levels (p < 0.001); Group I had the largest reduction. MST consumption and QOL scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Oral opioid consumption started to reduce at the end of the first post-interventional week for Group I, 0.00 (0-45 mg), and at the end of the second post-interventional week for Group II, 20.00 (0-135 mg). No major complications were recorded in either group.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous bilateral pain block of splanchnic nerves at the levels of T10 and T11 using RFA is more effective than using alcohol at a single level of T11 in cancer patients presenting with upper abdominal pain. The RFA intervention acted faster, provided longer duration analgesia, worked in a higher proportion of patients and had a better safety profile than the alcohol intervention.

SIGNIFICANCE

Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is safe and effective for relieving upper abdominal cancer pain.

Comparison between radiofrequency ablation and chemical neurolysis of thoracic splanchnic nerves for the management of abdominal cancer pain, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the splanchnic nerves has been reported as a predictable and safe technique for abdominal pain management. We compare between RFA and chemical neurolysis of bilateral thoracic splanchnic nerves in the management of refractory cancer pain.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 60 patients aged ≥18 years who suffered from abdominal pain (visceral pain, VAS ≥4) due to upper abdominal cancers. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group I (RF): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T10 and T11 levels using RFA. Group II (alcohol): 30 participants received a bilateral splanchnic nerve block at T11 using alcohol. Pain relief was assessed using VAS (0-10) and total daily oral opioid consumption (primary outcome).

RESULTS

Significant reductions of VAS and global perceived effect satisfaction scores (GPES) were observed in both groups compared to baseline levels (p < 0.001); Group I had the largest reduction. MST consumption and QOL scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.001). Oral opioid consumption started to reduce at the end of the first post-interventional week for Group I, 0.00 (0-45 mg), and at the end of the second post-interventional week for Group II, 20.00 (0-135 mg). No major complications were recorded in either group.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous bilateral pain block of splanchnic nerves at the levels of T10 and T11 using RFA is more effective than using alcohol at a single level of T11 in cancer patients presenting with upper abdominal pain. The RFA intervention acted faster, provided longer duration analgesia, worked in a higher proportion of patients and had a better safety profile than the alcohol intervention.

SIGNIFICANCE

Radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves is safe and effective for relieving upper abdominal cancer pain.

Synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling and antioxidant activity of Girard's T thiosemicarbazide and its complexes with some transition metal ions

The chelation behavior of N-{[(allylamino) thiomethyl] hydrazinocarbonylmethyl} trimethylammonium chloride (H3ATHC) towards VO(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+) and UO2(2+) ions have been studied. The structures of the complexes were elucidated using elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV-visible, (1)H NMR and ESR and mass) as well as magnetic and thermal measurements. The ligand acted as ON bidentate, ONS tridentate donor forming mononuclear complexes. A tetrahedral geometry for Co(2+), square-planar for Ni(2+) and Cu(2+), an octahedral for Zn(2+) and a square-pyramidal arrangement for VO(2+) complexes were proposed, respectively. The EPR spectra of Cu(2+) and VO(2+) complexes confirmed the suggested geometries with values of α(2) and β(2) indicating that the in-plane σ-bonding and in-plane π-bonding are appreciably covalent, and were consistent with very strong in-plane σ bonding in the complexes. Also, the bond length, bond angle, HOMO, LUMO, dipole moment and charges on the atoms have been calculated. Also, the thermal behavior and kinetic parameters were determined using Coats-Redfern and Horowitz-Metzger methods. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were screened for their superoxide-scavenging activity in the PMS/NADH-NBT system as well as their scavenging effect on ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) radicals. Among these compounds, the ligand and Zn(2+) complex, exhibited the potent ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity, comparable to that of vitamin C.

Abstract P3-04-05: Hypermethylation and Downregulation of Glutathione Peroxidase-3 in Inflammatory Breast Carcinogenesis

Background: The breast tumor microenvironment is characterized by the release of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), and has been suggested as being associated with disease aggressiveness. Normal cells have an antioxidant system that controls the balance between production and removal of oxygen radicals, thereby protecting against oxidative damage, such as the Glutathione peroxidases (GPXs) enzymes. Epigenetics and DNA methylation play important roles in several inflammatory disorders. We therefore, analyzed the promoter of GPX3 and found a dense CpG island closest to the transcription start-site. The aim of the present study is to 1) investigate GPX3 expression in breast carcinoma and normal breast tissues, 2) identify whether GPX3 is epigenetically regulated in breast carcinoma tissues versus normal tissue, and 3) compare the levels of expression of GPX3 in Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) versus non-IBC tissues.

Material and Methods: We enrolled 40 breast cancer patients with tumor mass range from 1.8-9cm (with median size 4.77 ± 3.9). Patients were sub-grouped as IBC (n = 20) or non-IBC (n = 20), healthy breast tissues from the same patients were used as control. Using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, we assessed the level of expression of GPX3 at mRNA and protein levels in breast cancer tissues versus control. To identify whether the CpG island of the GPX3 gene was epigenetically regulated, we analyzed the methylation profile of GPX3 in breast carcinoma versus normal tissues using DNA bisulfate treatment and methylation-specific PCR (MSP).

Results: GPX3-mRNA expression was down regulated in breast cancer samples compared to control tissues. There was a significant decrease (P = 0.01) in the mRNA expression level of IBC compared to non-IBC carcinoma tissues. MSP showed that the GPX3 gene was hypermethylated in breast carcinoma tissues compared to control. Moreover, confirmatory semiquantitative immunohistochemical scoring revealed weak or negative immunostain of carcinoma tissues compared to healthy breast tissues. Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that epigenetic inactivation of GPX3 is a frequent finding in inflammatory breast cancer. Silencing of GPX3 in IBC versus non-IBC carcinoma cells suggested that GPX3 may be critical in the development and progression of IBC. To our knowledge, this is first study to test the role of GPX3 in breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-04-05.

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of 2,5-hexanedione bis(isonicotinylhydrazone) and its first raw transition metal complexes

New VO(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+) Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) complexes of 2,5-hexanedione bis(isonicotinylhydrazone) [H(2)L] have been synthesized and characterized. The analyses confirmed the formulae: [VO(L)].H(2)O, [Mn(2)(H(2)L)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(6)]Cl(2), [Co(L)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O, [Ni(HL)(OAc)].H(2)O, [Cu(L)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O, [Cu(L)].2H(2)O and [Zn(L)(H(2)O)(2)]. The formulae of [Ni(HL)(OAc)].H(2)O, [Zn(L)(H(2)O)(2)] and [Mn(2)(H(2)L)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(6)]Cl(2), are supported by mass spectra. The molecular modeling of H(2)L is drawn and showed intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The ligand releases two protons during reaction from the two amide groups (NHCO) and behaves as a binegative tetradentate (N(2)O(2)); good evidence comes from the (1)H NMR spectrum of [Zn(L)(H(2)O)(2)]. The ligand has a buffering range 10-12 and pK's of 4.62, 7.78 and 9.45. The magnetic moments and electronic spectra of all complexes provide a square-planar for [Cu(L)].2H(2)O, square-pyramidal for [VO(L)].H(2)O and octahedral for the rest. The ESR spectra support the mononuclear geometry for [VO(L)].H(2)O and [Cu(L)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O. The thermal decomposition of the complexes revealed the outer and inner solvents where the end product in most cases is metal oxide.

Synthesis of some novel CoII and CoIII complexes by tribochemical reactions using KI with some derivatives of thiosemicarbazide complexes derived from Girard's T and P

The starting Co(II) complexes of the general formulae, [Co(L1)2]Cl4.4H2O, [Co(L1)Cl2]Cl (L1=N-([(allyl amino)thioxomethyl]hydrazinocarbonylmethyl) trimethylammonium chloride; ATHTC), [Co(L2)Cl]Cl.2H2O.(1/2)EtOH (L2=N-([(ethylamine)thioxomethyl]hydrazinocarbonylmethyl)trimethylammonium chloride; ETHTC) and [Co(L3)Cl2]Cl.2EtOH (L3=N-([(phenylaminomethyl)thioxomethyl]hydrazinocarbonylmethyl)pyridinium chloride; PTHPC), were synthesized by the conventional chemical methods. Tribochemical reactions of the above mentioned CoII complexes obtained by chemical methods with KI afford novel CoII and CoIII complexes with the general formulae [Co(L1')I3.(1/2)EtOH]I, [Co2(L1')I4]I.EtOH, [Co(L2')I2.(3/2)EtOH]I, [Co2(L2')I4(OEt)2(H2O)2]I.(1/2)EtOH and [Co(L3')I2.H2O]I.3H2O. The ligands (L1', L2' and L3') formed by tribochemical reactions are quite similar to these of L1, L2 and L3, except that the ionizable chloride ions in case of L1, L2 and L3 are substituted by iodide ions in (L1', L2' and L3'). The isolated solid CoII and CoIII complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivities, spectral (IR, UV-vis, 1H NMR) and magnetic measurements. The IR spectra of the starting CoII complexes indicate that both L1 and L3 behave in bidentate manner coordinating via the carbonyl oxygen and NH2 groups, but L2 behaves as a tridentate fashion coordinating via the carbonyl oxygen, azomethine (C=N2) and SH groups with displacement of a hydrogen atom from the latter group. On the other hand, the IR spectra of the iodide CoII and CoIII complexes, synthesized by tribochemical reactions, suggest that L1' behaves only in a bidentate fashion via NH1 and CS groups. L2' behaves either as bidentate ligand through NH1 and CSH with deprotonation from the latter group or as a tetradentate ligand towards two cobalt ions via OH, C=N2, C=N1 and C-SH with displacement of a hydrogen atom from the latter group. Moreover, L3' behaves in a tetradentate ligand, toward two cobalt ions via the carbonyl oxygen, NH2, NH1 and CSH with displacements of a hydrogen atom from the latter group. The spectral and magnetic results suggest a tetrahedral geometry for all CoII complexes prepared by conventional chemical methods. The diamagnetic nature for three of the five iodide complexes, prepared by tribochemical reactions, suggests the oxidation of CoII to CoIII ion and the existence of low spin-octahedral geometry around the CoIII ion. Finally, the results of the rest of the iodide CoII complexes suggest either tetrahedral and/or high-spin octahedral geometry.

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of CoII, NiII, FeIII and ThIV complexes derived from 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3'-di(carboxymethyl)-1,1'-binaphthyl

The synthesis of 2,2'-dihydroxy-3,3'-di(carboxymethyl)-1,1'-binaphthyl (H2L) and its novel metal complexes with Co(II), Ni(II), Fe(III) and Th(IV) salts are reported. The ligand and its metal complexes have been characterized on the basis of analytical, conductance, spectral (IR, UV-vis, 1H NMR, mass) and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The Mössbauer spectrum of the Fe(III) complex indicates a low-spin octahedral geometry around the Fe(III) ion. The IR and 1H NMR spectral data show that the ligand behaves in a dibasic bidentate fashion coordinating to two metal atoms through the two deprotonated naphthyl OH groups and acts in a dibasic tetradentate manner using both carbonyl oxygen's and the deprotonated naphthyl OH groups coordinating to two metal ions. Thermal studies (TGA, DTA) confirm the presence of solvents either inside or outside the coordination sphere and support the mechanism of the decomposition process. The value of [alpha]D20 for the ligand has been determined in DMSO.

Spectroscopic studies of some thiosemicarbazide compounds derived from Girard's T and P

Three new derivatives of thiosemicarbazides, derived from the reactions of ethyl-, allyl- and phenyl isothiocyanates with Girard's T [(carboxymethyl) trimethylammonium chloride hydrazide] and P [1-(carboxymethyl) pyridinium chloride hydrazide], have been isolated and characterized by chemical analyses, conductivities, spectral (IR, 1H NMR) and molecular weight measurements. The most important assignments of the functional groups in the isolated solid organic compounds have been determined using IR spectra. Also, the main functional groups in the skeleton of these compounds have been characterized using 1H NMR spectra. Moreover, a comparative studies between the three thiosemicarbazide derivatives have been carried out. The role of the existence of ethyl-, allyl-, phenyl-, [(CH3)3N+-] and [C5H5N+-] on the position of the functional groups has been investigated. Finally, the absence of any type of hydrogen bonding (inter- and/or intra-) within these compounds is discussed on the basis of the data of melting points, IR and 1H NMR spectra and molecular weight measurements.

Spinal cord schistosomiasis and neurologic complications

Affection of the spinal cord with schistosome eggs, although rare but do occur, causing many neurologic complications. The resulting mass may give rise to controversy in diagnosis. This can be more or less easily judged by MRI. However, radical surgical excision is not always recommended. Biopsied materials for histopathological studies should be done first before any surgical treatment.

Treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary rods and external fixators are reported to be more widely used than plating in osteosynthesis of femoral shaft fractures in children. In our institution plating is the routine, and we are reporting our experience in a retrospective study.

METHODS

Two groups of patients were treated by AO plating for femoral shaft fractures. The first included 36 polytraumatized children and the second involved 10 cases of old malunited fractures. Average follow-up for the patients was 5 years.

RESULTS

All children achieved union after one operation except one. There were no major complications except one case of mechanical failure. Insignificant limb length inequality occurred in only six children.

CONCLUSION

We believed that plating of femoral shaft fractures is a reasonable option in treating children with fresh and neglected fractures.

Femoral head fractures

This report includes six patients with femoral head fractures. Five were associated with posterior hip dislocation, of which one also had an ipsilateral trochanteric fracture. All were young adults who had been injured in automobile accidents. The protocol for management, indications for surgery and guidelines for evaluation of results are described.

Spectroscopic studies of some novel CuI and CuII complexes derived from the tribochemistry reactions of Kbr, KI and CaI2 with CuII-Girard's T complex [Cu(GT)Cl2(H2O)2(EtOH)]Cl.H2O

Novel CuI and CuII complexes derived from the tribochemistry reactions of [Cu(GT)Cl2(H2O)2(EtOH)Cl.H2O with KBr, KI and CaI2 have been isolated and characterized. The reactions of KI and CaI2 with [Cu(GT)Cl2(H2O)2(EtOH)]Cl.H2O in the solid state are accompanied by colour change, reduction of CuII to CuI and substitution of the chloride by iodide ions. Also, the tribochemistry reaction of KBr with the CuII-GT complex is accompanied by change in colour, substitution of chloride by bromide ions but no reduction has been occurred. All the isolated solid complexes have been characterised by spectral (UV-vis, IR, 1H-NMR), magnetic and thermal measurements. The effect of the variation of the ratio between alkali and/or alkaline earth metal halides (KI, KBr, and CaI2) and the CuII-GT complex has also been investigated.

Spinal cord hydatid cysts in Egypt

Hydatid cysts or hydatidosis is a cyclozoonotic parasite, where dog is the definitive host and man is an incidental intermediate host. Human hydatid cysts have been encountered in many organs but the most prevalent is the liver followed by the lung. In this paper, we report for the first time spinal cord hydatid cysts in two preparatory school pupils. They were presented with sever back pain, bilateral neurologic deficient in both lower limbs including motor and sensory affection in scattered pattern as well as knees reflux. The two cases were diagnosed hydatidosis by surgical removal of the cysts and confirmed by histological and parasitological examinations. It is concluded that parasitic infection in the spinal cord is rare but it should be in mind with disseminating parasite(s).

Renal dysfunction in liver cirrhosis: renal duplex Doppler US vs. scintigraphy for early identification

A diagnostic tool to detect early renal dysfunction before it becomes irreversible would be useful in cirrhosis. This study was carried out to evaluate the role of Doppler sonography and Tc-99m DTPA renography in the detection of early renal dysfunction in patients with different grades of liver cirrhosis. Renal arteries of 43 patients with cirrhosis and normal renal function tests were compared with 15 age and gender matched normal subjects as a control group using colour Doppler sonography and Tc-99m DTPA scintigraphy. The patients were categorized into three groups, A (14), B (14) and C (15), according to a modified Child's classification that assesses the severity of liver cirrhosis. Doppler results revealed a highly significant increase in both the pulsatility and resistive indices in groups B and C compared with either group A patients or control subjects and in group C compared with group B (P < 0.001) in the main renal arteries as well as in the interlobar and arcuate arteries. Insignificant differences were observed between group A and controls (PI: control 0.96+/-0.08, group A 0.95+/-0.07, group B 1.26+/-0.06, group C 1.48+/-0.06; RI: control 0.57+/-0.02, group A 0.58+/-0.02, group B 0.66+/-0.01, group C 0.72+/-0.02). Abnormal renograms in the form of delayed appearance (34+/-14.6 s), diminished blood flow bilaterally with prolonged secretory (12+/-4.5 min) and excretory phases (> 30 min) and poor response to intravenous frusemide were only observed in group C patients. Radionuclide computed glomerular filtration rate was within the normal range in patients of group A (81+/-9.5 ml/min) and group B (78+/-8.4 ml/min) and reduced only in patients of group C (34+/-14.5 ml/min). Thus Doppler sonography can detect an increase in renal vascular resistance in patients with moderately severe cirrhosis (Child grade B) when renography was normal. We conclude that Doppler sonography can be used for earlier identification of cirrhotic patients with a higher risk of impending renal failure earlier than renography and may also be used to guide therapeutic approaches.