A reaction-based scenario for fluorescence probing of Au(III) ions in human cells and plants

A BODIPY-based fluorophore decorated with a gold specific reactive handle (e.g., 2-alkynylallyl alcohol) displayed a ratiometric fluorescence change in response to Au3+ ions with extraordinary selectivity over other competing metal species, including Hg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pd2+. By way of a gold-catalyzed intramolecular cyclisation-isomerisation reaction sequence, a BODIPY construct with an extended π-conjugation transformed into a new structure with a relatively short π-system. This unique chemical transformation was accompanied by, and resulted in, a dramatic shift in the emission and absorption wavelength, which could be monitored as distinct changes in the color of the solution's emission. Apart from its outstanding analytical performance in solution, including a quick response time (<10 s), unique specificity, a high-fold ratiometric change (62-fold), and a remarkably low detection limit (358 nM), the probe also proved useful in monitoring Au3+ ions in human cells and plants (e.g., Nicotiana benthamiana).

A Phenalenone-based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Fe3+ ions

A phenalenone based "turn on" probe was developed for selective and sensitive detection of Fe³⁺ ions in aqueous solutions. The thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde (receptor unit) was integrated into the 6-amino-1-phenalenone (6-AP) (signal reporter unit) through the C = N bond formation. The probe, 6-APT, operated through subsequent hydrolysis of the C = N bond induced by the coordination of Fe³⁺ ions to the heteroatoms to form highly fluorescent 6-AP. The probe displayed remarkable characteristics such as rapid response time (< 1 min), high analyte selectivity, and low limit of detection (1.3 µM). The sensing approach offered an accurate method for the detection of Fe³⁺ ions in real water samples (tap water and drinking water). In addition to the fluorometric response, the presence of Fe³⁺ ions can be monitored under daylight by the change in the color of the solution. Importantly, this study is the first example of a phenalenone-based sensor developed for metal ion sensing in literature.

Dyeing fungi: amphotericin B based fluorescent probes for multiplexed imaging

The clinically used antifungal polyene amphotericin B was conjugated, via the mycosamine and the aglycon moieties, to fluorophores. The Cy5 conjugated probe showed selective labelling of fungi in the presence of bacteria, allowing multiplexed imaging and identification of microbial species in a co-culture of fungi and Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Multifunctional, histidine-tagged polymers: antibody conjugation and signal amplification

A polymer scaffold, with multiple reactive centres, was synthesised by RAFT polymerisation and conjugated to the antibody herceptin. A hexahistidine RAFT agent enabled simple purification of polymer–protein conjugates.

The Diagnostic Significance of PDGF, EphA7, CCR5, and CCL5 Levels in Colorectal Cancer

In this study, we compared the levels of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and EphrinA7 (EphA7) in patients with colorectal carcinoma and healthy controls in order to investigate the significance and usability of these potential biomarkers in early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The study included 70 colorectal carcinoma patients and 40 healthy individuals. The CCR5, CCL5, PDGF, and EphA7 levels were measured using ELISA in blood samples. PDGF-BB, EphA7, CCR5, and CCL5 levels of the patients with colorectal carcinoma were significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for each comparison). Our logistic regression analysis (the area under the curve was 0.958) supports the notion that PDGF-BB, EphA7, and CCL5 are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of colon cancer. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were found to be 87.9%, 87.5%, 92.1%, and 81.4%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the relationship between colorectal carcinoma and the four biomarkers CCL5, CCR5, PDGF, and EphA7. The significantly elevated levels of all these parameters in the patient group compared to the healthy controls indicate that they can be used for the early diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma.

The Effect of Mini-Latissimus Dorsi Flap (MLDF) Reconstruction on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Patients

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of mini latissimus dorsi flap (MLDF) reconstruction on ipsilateral shoulder functions.

Materials and Methods

Those included in the study are the patients aged between 23 and 73, who were operated with the diagnosis of early breast cancer (cT1-3)N0). The first group includes the patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with partial mastectomy. The second group consists of the patients who had axillary lymph nodule dissection (ALND) with partial mastectomy. The third group includes the patients who had SLNB and MLDF with partial mastectomy. The fourth group includes the patients who had ALND and MLDF with partial mastectomy. Patients' Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score work model point were recorded.

Results

174 patients were included in this study. According to Q-DASH score, no functional change was detected in 69.5% of the patients, whereas slight functional loss was identified in 23.6%, moderate functional loss in 5.7%, severe functional loss 1.1%. In the comparison of Q-DASH scores in surgery groups, while these four groups were being analyzed, a significant difference was determined (p=0.007). When dual analyses were made, it was also established that the difference resulted from the group to which ALND and MLDF were applied together.

Conclusion

We conclude that MLDF application for reconstruction purposes after breast surgery has a negative impact on shoulder functions of the patients who had both of partial mastectomy and ALND.

Risk factors for complications in cancer patients with totally implantable access ports: A retrospective study and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the risk factors for complications associated with the use of totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) in cancer patients.

METHODS

Data for 2,713 cancer patients who received a TIAP between January 2010 and September 2016 at a single center were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 54.2 ± 9.92 years, and 1,247 (47.5%) were women. The right subclavian vein was the preferred insertion site. Seventy-seven patients developed early complications and 50 developed late complications. The incidence of complications increased as the number of punctures increased. Percutaneous intervention increased the risk of complications during port insertion, but age, sex, body mass index, and the use of physiological saline solution instead of heparin for washing after port insertion did not increase the risk. The use of ultrasonography during insertion reduced the risk of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Various factors may affect the function of TIAPs in cancer patients both during insertion and follow-up. Age, sex, body mass index, and the use of physiological saline solution for washing did not affect the incidence of complications, but the use of ultrasonography during insertion did affect the complication rate.

BODIPY-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as a fluorescent probe

Recently, development of fluorescent nanoparticle-based probes for various bioimaging applications has attracted great attention. This work aims to develop a new type fluorescent nanoparticle conjugate and evaluate its cytotoxic effects on A549 and BEAS 2B cell lines. Throughout the study, ionically crosslinked chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) were conjugated with carboxylated 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY-COOH). The results of conjugates (BODIPY-CNs) were investigated with regard to their physic-chemical, optical, cytotoxic properties and cellular internalization. The morphology of BODIPY-CNs was found to be spherical in shape and quite uniform having average diameter of 70.25 ± 11.99 nm. Cytotoxicty studies indicated that although BODIPY-COOH itself was quite toxic on both A549- and BEAS 2B-treated cells, CNs increased the cell viability of both cell lines via conjugation to BODIPY-COOH fluorescent molecule up to 67% for A549 and 74% for BEAS 2B cells. These results may suggest a possible utilization of the new fluorescent nanoparticle-based probe for bioimaging in biology and medicine.

A rare γ-pyranopyrazole skeleton: design, one-pot synthesis and computational study

Drawing upon a consecutive amide coupling and intramolecular cyclisation pathway, a one-pot, straightforward synthetic route has been developed for a range of pyrazole fused γ-pyrone derivatives. The reaction mechanism proposed for the chemoselective formation of γ-pyranopyrazole is furthermore fully supported by experimental and computational studies.

A BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of gold ions: utilization of Z-enynol as the reactive unit

Using an irreversible intramolecular cyclisation pathway triggered by gold ions, a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) based fluorescent probe integrated with a reactive Z-enynol motif responds selectively to gold ions.

Electrophilic Cyanate As a Recognition Motif for Reactive Sulfur Species: Selective Fluorescence Detection of H2S

An ESIPT-based fluorescent dye, 3-hydroxyflavone, is chemically masked with an electrophilic cyanate motif in order to construct a fluorescent probe for cellular sulfur species. This novel probe structure, displays an extremely fast, highly sensitive and selective "turn-on" type fluorescent response toward H2S. We have also documented its utility for imaging of H2S in the living cells.

A BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for the differential recognition of Hg(ii) and Au(iii) ions

Differential detection of Hg(ii) and Au(iii) ions via different fluorescence emission modes.

A BODIPY/pyridine conjugate for reversible fluorescence detection of gold(iii) ions

A rare example of a fluorescent probe for the reversible detection of gold ions.

A BODIPY aldoxime-based chemodosimeter for highly selective and rapid detection of hypochlorous acid

A BODIPY-based fluorescent probe integrated with an aldoxime unit shows a remarkable fluorescence ''turn-on'' response to hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The oxidative dehydrogenation of BODIPY aldoxime by HOCl results in a distinct fluorescence enhancement as well as a change in color from red to orange.

A BODIPY-based reactive probe for the detection of Au(iii) species and its application to cell imaging

A BODIPY-based chemodosimeter for turn-on detection of gold ions which relies on a novel CN bond hydrolysis mechanism.