Polarity-Induced Morphological Transformation with Tunable Optical Output of Terpyridine-Phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole-Based Ligand and Its Zn(II) Complexes with I-V Characteristics

Self-assembled nanostructures obtained from various functional π-conjugated organic molecules have been able to draw substantial interest due to their inherent optical properties, which are imperative for developing optoelectronic devices, multiple-color-emitting devices with color-tunable displays, and optical sensors. These π-conjugated molecules have proven their potential employment in various organic electronic applications. Therefore, the stimuli-responsive fabrication of these π-conjugated systems into a well-ordered assembly is extremely crucial to tuning their inherent optical properties for improved performance in organic electronic applications. To this end, herein, we have designed and synthesized a functional π-conjugated molecule (TP) having phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole with terpyridine substitution at the 2 position and its corresponding metal complexes (TPZn and (TP)2Zn). By varying the polarity of the self-assembly medium, TP, TPZn, and (TP)2Zn are fabricated into well-ordered superstructures with morphological individualities. However, this medium polarity-induced self-assembly can tune the inherent optical properties of TP, TPZn, and (TP)2Zn and generate multiple fluorescence colors. Particularly, this property makes them useful for organic electronic applications, which require adjustable luminescence output. More importantly, in 10% aqueous-THF medium, TPZn exhibited H-type aggregation-induced white light emission and behaved as a single-component white light emitter. The experimentally obtained results of the solvent polarity-induced variation in optical properties as well as self-assembly patterns were further confirmed by theoretical investigation using density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, we investigated the I-V characteristics, both vertical and horizontal, using ITO and glass surfaces coated with TP, TPZn, and (TP)2Zn, respectively, and displayed maximum current density for the TPZn-coated surface with the order of measured current density TPZn > TP > (TP)2Zn. This observed order of current density measurements was also supported by a direct band gap calculation associated with the frontier molecular orbitals using the Tauc plot. Hence, solvent polarity-induced self-assembly behavior with adjustable luminescence output and superior I-V characteristics of TPZn make it an exceptional candidate for organic electronic applications and electronic device fabrication.

Multiple Sessions vs. Single Session Image-Based Intracavitary Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Control Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The objectives of this study are: 1) To compare the acute toxicity caused in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with weekly multiple applications vs. a single application for image-guided intracavitary High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) after External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) 2) To compare the loco-regional control of cancer at six months in the two arms MATERIALS/METHODS: In a prospective study, 40 patients with biopsy-proven LACC with FIGO-2018 stage IIB-IIIC1 disease, underwent EBRT to the pelvis at a dose of 50.4 Gy/ 28 fractions over 5.5 weeks with weekly concurrent cisplatin. After completion of EBRT, they were randomized into two arms with 20 patients each. In the Control arm (Arm-A), BT sessions were given with weekly 3 applications whereas, in the experimental arm (Arm-B), all the sessions were given with a single application at 6-12 hours intervals with aim of the high-risk clinical target volume receiving >80 Gy EQD2 and 2 cm3 of the bladder and rectum/sigmoid receiving <85 Gy and <75 Gy, respectively. The OAR contouring was done on CT RESULTS: All 40 patients were treated as per protocol. The mean duration of treatment including EBRT and BT was 73.15 days [95% CI 68.63-77.66] in Arm A and 55.85 days [95% CI 52.11-59.58] in Arm B which was significant. After 6 months, 37 patients came for follow-up, all 19 patients in Arm A had Grade 1 or Grade 2 rectal toxicity. In Arm B as well all 18 patients had Grade 1 or Grade 2 rectal toxicity. Bladder toxicity was Grade 1 or Grade 2 in 18 patients and Grade 3 severity in 1 patient among Arm A. Among 18 patients of Arm B, bladder toxicity of Grade 1 or Grade 2 was seen in 16 patients, and 2 patients had grade 3 toxicity. 2 patients in Arm A and 3 in Arm B complained of Grade 1 urinary incontinence. Moreover, Abdominal pain at 6 months was of Grade 1 in around 6 patients in Arm A but 14 patients had abdominal pain in Arm B which was of Grade 1 in 8, 4 had grade 2 and 2 patients had grade 3 severity abdominal pain. In the monthly analysis of acute toxicity, none of the patients showed Grade 3 or 4 toxicity at the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd month of completion of treatment. When comparing local control in both arms at 6 months, 2 patients had treatment failure in the Experimental Arm compared to only 1 patient in the Control Arm CONCLUSION: Single Application Multiple Fraction Intracavitary Brachytherapy post concurrent CTRT is a safe option for the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. When compared to the weekly application arm, single-application ICRT showed a comparable acute toxicity profile and comparable local control rates as well. Some patients in Single Application Arm showed abdominal pain which needs to be investigated with further trials. The overall treatment time in the single application arm is significantly lower than the standard weekly application arm.

Discrimination of four Cinnamomum species by proximate, antioxidant, and chemical profiling: towards quality assessment and authenticity

Cinnamon (genus Cinnamomum) is a worldwide used spice. The highly valued, non-hepatotoxic C. verum (CV) is frequently adulterated with the cheaper hepatotoxic substitutes (C. burmannii (CB), C. cassia (CC), and C. loureiroi (CL)). Therefore, this study evaluated four major Cinnamomum species by proximate composition, antioxidant properties, and chemical analysis. The results showed that CB contained more ash and crude protein content. CC exhibited more moisture, crude fat, and nutritive value, while CV had more crude fiber and total carbohydrate content. The 80% methanol extracts of four Cinnamomum species exhibited the highest total phenolic contents (42.16 to 182.85 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid contents (0.80 to 1.07 mg QE/g), DPPH radical scavenging activities (EC50, 0.94 to 3.98 mg/mL), and ABTS radical scavenging activities (EC50, 0.09 to 0.33 mg/mL). The GC-MS based chemical profiling of CV was markedly different to those of CB, CC, and CL. Compared to the other three species, CV presented the highest eugenol content (5.77%) and the lowest coumarin content (1.90%). Principal component analysis (PCA) accounted for 94.91% of the variability, completely separating CV in quadrant I. Overall, nutritional and chemical profiles in combination with PCA could be effectively applied for monitoring Cinnamomum species, thereby ensuring food safety.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05788-y.

Identification of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 lncRNA that interact with nucleolin and nucleophosmin

Nuclear-retained long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) including MALAT1 have emerged as critical regulators of many molecular processes including transcription, alternative splicing and chromatin organization. Here, we report the presence of three conserved and thermodynamically stable RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s) located in the 3' region of MALAT1. Using rG4 domain-specific RNA pull-down followed by mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation, we demonstrated that the MALAT1 rG4 structures are specifically bound by two nucleolar proteins, Nucleolin (NCL) and Nucleophosmin (NPM). Using imaging, we found that the MALAT1 rG4s facilitate the localization of both NCL and NPM to nuclear speckles, and specific G-to-A mutations that disrupt the rG4 structures compromised the localization of both NCL and NPM in speckles. In vitro biophysical studies established that a truncated version of NCL (ΔNCL) binds tightly to all three rG4s. Overall, our study revealed new rG4s within MALAT1, established that they are specifically recognized by NCL and NPM, and showed that disrupting the rG4s abolished localization of these proteins to nuclear speckles.

Amino Acid Tracer PET MRI in Glioma Management: What a Neuroradiologist Needs to Know

PET with amino acid tracers provides additional insight beyond MR imaging into the biology of gliomas that can be used for initial diagnosis, delineation of tumor margins, planning of surgical and radiation therapy, assessment of residual tumor, and evaluation of posttreatment response. Hybrid PET MR imaging allows the simultaneous acquisition of various PET and MR imaging parameters in a single investigation with reduced scanning time and improved anatomic localization. This review aimed to provide neuroradiologists with a concise overview of the various amino acid tracers and a practical understanding of the clinical applications of amino acid PET MR imaging in glioma management. Future perspectives in newer advances, novel radiotracers, radiomics, and cost-effectiveness are also outlined.

Differential 18F-NaF uptake in various compartments in knee osteoarthritis: an observational study using PET/MRI

AIM

To investigate if the pattern of fluorine-18-labelled sodium fluoride (¹⁸F-NaF) uptake on integrated positron-emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of bone marrow lesions (BML) and osteophytes differs between different knee compartments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with no prior history of knee injury with or without pain were recruited for the study. The images of both knees were acquired on simultaneous PET/MRI. The acquisition was done after 45 minutes of intravenous injection of ¹⁸F-NaF 185-370 MBq (5-10 mCi) for 40 minutes. Each knee was divided into eight compartments patella, trochlea, medial central femur, lateral central femur, medial posterior femur, lateral posterior femur, medial tibia, lateral tibia, and cruciate ligament insertion specifically for BML. BML and osteophytes were scored using MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) criteria and their corresponding maximum standardised uptake values (SUVmax) recorded.

RESULTS

BML and osteophytes both showed statistically significant differences among knee compartments, i.e., p-value <0.000 and < 0.043 respectively. SUVmax for BML and osteophytes was greatest in the medial tibia.

CONCLUSION

¹⁸F-NaF PET/MRI showed that BML and osteophytes had differential uptake values due to bone remodelling amongst the various knee compartments and this may help to design disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs in the future.

Design and development of Imidazo[4,5-f] [1,10] phenanthroline-Zn (II) based fluorescent probes for specific recognition of ATP with tunable optical responses and probing the enzymatic hydrolysis of ATP by alkaline phosphatase

The development of chemosensors for selective detection of specific biologically important analytes continues to be of great attention in contemporary analytical chemistry. Among the several biologically important analytes, selective detection...

Discrimination of Four Cinnamomum Species with Physico-Functional Properties and Chemometric Techniques: Application of PCA and MDA Models

Discrimination of highly valued and non-hepatotoxic Cinnamomum species (C. verum) from hepatotoxic (C. burmannii, C. loureiroi, and C. cassia) is essential for preventing food adulteration and safety problems. In this study, we developed a new method for the discrimination of four Cinnamomum species using physico-functional properties and chemometric techniques. The data were analyzed through principal component analysis (PCA) and multiclass discriminant analysis (MDA). The results showed that the cumulative variability of the first three principal components was 81.70%. The PCA score plot indicated a clear separation of the different Cinnamomum species. The training set was used to build the discriminant MDA model. The testing set was verified by this model. The prediction rate of 100% proved that the model was valid and reliable. Therefore, physico-functional properties coupled with chemometric techniques constitute a practical approach for discrimination of Cinnamomum species to prevent food fraud.

Fabrication of self-assembled nanostructures for intracellular drug delivery from diphenylalanine analogues with rigid or flexible chemical linkers

Self-assembly of molecular building blocks is a simple and useful approach to generate supramolecular structures with varied morphologies and functions. By studying the chemical properties of the building blocks and tuning the parameters of their self-assembly process, the resultant supramolecular assemblies can be optimized for the required downstream applications. To this end, in the present study we have designed and synthesized three different molecular building blocks composed of two diphenylalanine (FF) units connected to each other through three different linkers: ethylenediamine, succinic acid, or terephthalaldehyde. Under identical conditions, all the three building blocks self-assemble into supramolecular architectures with distinct morphologies. However, by varying the polarity of the self-assembly medium, the nature of the non-covalent interactions changes in such a way as to generate additional self-assembled structures unique to each building block. Utilizing microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, we characterized the morphological variety generated by each building block/linker combination. These data represent the first report analysing the diversity of nanostructures that can be generated from identical dipeptide-based molecular backbones simply by varying the chemical linker. We also demonstrate that the spherical assemblies and nanorod structures fabricated from these dipeptide/linker pairs can act as drug delivery systems. More specifically, the spherical assembly generated by two FF dipeptides linked via ethylenediamine and nanorods fabricated from terephthalaldehyde linked FF dipeptides were able to encapsulate the cancer chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) and chaperone the drug into cells. Thus, these supramolecular assemblies represent a new platform for the development of efficient and effective intracellular drug delivery systems.

Supramolecular Structures Generated via Self-Assembly of a Cell Penetrating Tetrapeptide Facilitate Intracellular Delivery of a Pro-apoptotic Chemotherapeutic Drug

Development of drug carriers, which can chaperone xenobiotics directly to their site of action, is an essential step for the advancement of precision medicine. Cationic nanoparticles can be used as a drug delivery platform for various agents including chemotherapeutics, oligonucleotides, and antibodies. Self-assembly of short peptides facilitates the formation of well-defined nanostructures suitable for drug delivery, and varying the polarity of the self-assembly medium changes the nature of noncovalent interactions in such a way as to generate numerous unique nanostructures. Here, we have synthesized an ultrashort cell-penetrating tetrapeptide (sequence Lys-Val-Ala-Val), with Lys as a cationic amino acid, and studied the self-assembly property of the BOC-protected (L1) and -deprotected (L2) analogues. Spherical assemblies obtained from L1/L2 in a 1:1 aqueous ethanol system have the ability to encapsulate small molecules and successfully enter into cells, thus representing them as potential candidates for intracellular drug delivery. To verify the efficacy of these peptides in the facilitation of drug efficacy, we generated encapsulated versions of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox). L1- and L2-encapsulated Dox (Dox-L1 and Dox-L2), similar to the unencapsulated drug, induced upregulation of regulator of G protein signaling 6 (RGS6) and Gβ5, the critical mediators of ATM/p53-dependent apoptosis in Dox-treated cancer cells. Further, Dox-L1/L2 damaged DNA, triggered oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, compromised cell viability, and induced apoptosis. The ability of Dox-L1 to mediate cell death could be ameliorated via knockdown of either RGS6 or Gβ5, comparable to the results obtained with the unencapsulated drug. These data provide an important proof of principle, identifying L1/L2 as drug delivery matrices.

Abstract P4-19-02: Young women with early stage breast cancer and their supportive care needs: Results from a regional survey

Background

Approximately 18% of all newly diagnosed breast cancer cases in Canada occur in women less than 50 years of age. Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) may experience unique physical and psycho-social issues yet there is a lack of data outlining their specific needs and concerns across the trajectory of care. This study described the unmet supportive care needs of YWBC at a regional cancer centre in southern Ontario, Canada.

Objectives

1. To describe unmet supportive care needs of young women (&lt;45 years) with early stage breast cancer in a representative region by using the Supportive Cancer Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34).

2. To describe the level of satisfaction with information to support cancer treatment decision making and causes of distress among YWBC (&lt;45 years) in a representative region.

Study Design

This study used a prospective survey design that was administered to consenting YWBC. The Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34) was used to measure respondents' need for cancer support and care. This instrument captures needs through 34-items that cover five domains: psychological needs, health system and informational needs, physical and daily living needs, patient care support needs and sexuality needs. In addition, an original 26-item survey questionnaire was administered. Survey items were developed from the recurring themes of an earlier project that informed 4 levels of inquiry: demographics, decision making/ informational support, disease and treatment characteristics, and causes of distress.

Results

Fifty-one patients were approached by a member of their circle of care. Of these patients, 35 completed the survey resulting in a 69% response rate. The majority of respondents were between the ages of 33 and 40 (48.6%), were diagnosed within 6 to 12 months of study entry (60.0%); had a university degree (51.4%); were married (82.9%) and (65.7%) have young children.

The three most common Moderate to High Unmet Supportive Care needs (rated 4 or 5 on a 5-point Likert scale) were: “Worries of those close to you” (34.3%), “Fears about the cancer spreading” (34.3%), “Anxiety” (28.6%) all of which reside in the psychological domain. Overall respondents agreed or strongly agreed to statements regarding their level of satisfaction with information to support cancer treatment decision making provided by their oncology team. Respondents did score lower in satisfaction with the information their oncology team provided regarding fertility. In terms of psychosocial support, 40% percent of respondents reported they had met with a social worker and 17% reported attending a breast cancer support group.

Conclusion

The results highlight that the supportive care needs of many YWBC are unmet, particularly those related to psychological burden and fertility concerns. Early identification and appropriate referral to fertility specialists and/or supportive care social workers could improve current practice. Further research is needed to explore how barriers to fertility and supportive care needs of young adults with cancer may best be overcome.

Citation Format: Ratcliffe J, Hodgson N, Rana P, Forbes M, Levine M, Sussman J. Young women with early stage breast cancer and their supportive care needs: Results from a regional survey [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-19-02.

Hippocampal Neurometabolite Changes in Hypothyroidism: An In Vivo (1) H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study Before and After Thyroxine Treatment

The hippocampus is a thyroid hormone receptor-rich region of the brain. A change in thyroid hormone levels may be responsible for an alteration in hippocampal-associated function, such as learning, memory and attention. Neuroimaging studies have shown functional and structural changes in the hippocampus as a result of hypothyroidism. However, the underlying process responsible for this dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the metabolic changes in the brain of adult hypothyroid patients during pre- and post-thyroxine treatment using in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H MRS). (1) H MRS was performed in both healthy control subjects (n = 15) and hypothyroid patients (n = 15) (before and after thyroxine treatment). The relative ratios of the neurometabolites were calculated using the linear combination model (LCModel). Our results revealed a significant decrease of glutamate (Glu) (P = 0.045) and myo-inositol (mI) (P = 0.002) levels in the hippocampus of hypothyroid patients compared to controls. No significant changes in metabolite ratios were observed in the hypothyroid patients after thyroxine treatment. The findings of the present study reveal decreased Glu/tCr and mI/tCr ratios in the hippocampus of hypothyroid patients and these metabolite alterations persisted even after the patients became clinically euthyroid subsequent to thyroxine treatment.

Demyelinating evidences in CMS rat model of depression: a DTI study at 7 T

Depression is among the most debilitating diseases worldwide. Long-term exposure to stressors plays a major role in development of human depression. Chronic mild stress (CMS) seems to be a valid animal model for depression. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is capable of inferring microstructural abnormalities of the white matter and has shown to serve as non-invasive marker of specific pathology. We developed a CMS rat model of depression and validated with behavioral experiments. We measured the diffusion indices (mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (λ∥) and radial (λ⊥) diffusivity) to investigate the changes in CMS rat brain during depression onset. Diffusion indices have shown to be useful to discriminate myelin damage from axon loss. DTI was performed in both control and CMS rats (n=10, in each group) and maps of FA, MD, λ∥ and λ⊥ diffusivity values were generated using in-house built software. The diffusion indices were calculated by region of interest (ROI) analysis in different brain regions like the frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cingulum, thalamus, caudate putamen, corpus callosum, cerebral peduncle and sensory motor cortex. The results showed signs of demyelination, reflected by increased MD, decreased FA and increased λ⊥. The results also suggest a possible role of edema or inflammation concerning the brain morphology in CMS rats. The overall finding using DTI suggests there might be a major role of loss of myelin sheath, which leads to disrupted connectivity between the limbic area and the prefrontal cortex during the onset of depression. Our findings indicate that interpretation of these indices may provide crucial information about the type and severity of mood disorders.

Phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based skeletal muscle bioenergetic studies in subclinical hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND

Subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) is considered to be a milder form of thyroid dysfunction. Few earlier studies have reported neuromuscular symptoms as well as impaired muscle metabolism in sHT patients.

AIM/OBJECTIVE

In this study we report our findings on muscle bioenergetics in sHT patients using phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) and look upon the possibility to use 31P MRS technique as a clinical marker for monitoring muscle function in subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Seventeen normal subjects, 15 patients with sHT, and 9 patients with hypothyroidism performed plantar flexion exercise while lying supine in 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner using custom built exercise device. MR Spectroscopy measurements of inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr), and ATP of the calf muscle were taken during rest, at the end of exercise and in the recovery phase. PCr recovery rate constant (kPCr) and oxidative capacity were calculated by monoexponential fit of PCr vs time (t) at the beginning of recovery.

RESULTS

We observed that changes in some of the phosphometabolites (increased phosphodiester levels and Pi concentration) in sHT patients which were similar to those detected in patients with hypothyroidism. However, our results do not demonstrate impaired muscle oxidative metabolism in sHT patients based upon PCr dynamics as observed in hypothyroid patients.

CONCLUSIONS

31P MRS-based PCr recovery rate could be used as a marker for monitoring muscle oxidative metabolism in sub clinical thyroid dysfunction.

Study of semiconducting nanomaterials under pressure

The pressure induced structural and mechanical properties of nanocrystalline ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, GaN, CoO, CdSe, CeO(2), SnO(2), SiC, c-BC(2)N, and β-Ga(2)O(3) with different grain sizes have been analyzed under high pressures. The molecular dynamics simulation model has been used to compute isothermal equation of state, volume collapse and bulk modulus of these materials in nano and bulk phases at ambient and high pressures and compared with the experimental data. It is evident from these calculations that the change in particle size affects directly the phase transition pressure and bulk modulus. The values of phase transition pressure and bulk modulus increase with decrease in grain size of the material. The equilibrium cell volume and volume collapse in parent phase is directly proportional to the grain size of the materials. Present results are in good agreement with experimental data. The model is able to explain these thermodynamic properties at varying temperatures and pressures successfully.

Incidentally detected squamous cell carcinoma in non-functioning kidney presenting as multi-cystic mass

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of urinary tract is a rarely encountered tumor. The incidence of this tumor is 1.4 per cent of all renal malignancies (1). We present a case of 52 years male with squamous cell carcinoma of renal pelvis, presenting as chronic pyelonephritis transforming the kidney into non-functioning multicystic cavitatory mass without any renal calculi. The case highlights the rarity of tumor in absence of calculi or any other predisposing factor. Moreover, histology of resected specimen detected features of SCC giving importance to careful and exhaustive assessment of specimen and of histologic sections, when there is no suspicion of malignancy clinically.

Analysis of pharmacogenetic biomarkers in rectal patients trated with chemoradiotherapy

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Background: 5FU-based chemoradiotherapy before total mesorectal excision (TME) is currently the gold standard treatment for stage II and III rectal cancer patients. Pathological complete response (pCR) is related with a longer survival. We have used known predictive pharmacogenetics biomarkers to identify in our series responders and non responders to preoperative RQ. Methods: 77 stage II/III rectal patients were genotyped using direct sequencing (TS VNTR) and SNAPshot (DPYD, EGFR) techniques. DNA was obtained from peripheral blood samples. We have studied Thymidylate synthetase (TS VNTR; high expression haplotypes: TSER 2R/3R, 3C/3G, 3G/3G and low expression: TSER 2R/2R, 2R/3C, 3C/3C; TS 1494del6: associated to a better efficay of 5Fu), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD; DPYD*2 associated to worse toxicity), EGFR (CA repeats in intron 1: 16/16 associated to worse efficacy) polymorphisms. Median age of our study cohort was 65 years old (37–85). There were 24 female and 53 male patients. All of them were Caucasian. 21 patients (27.3%) had stage II and 56 (72.7%) stage III. They were staged by TC, colonoscopy and endorectal ultrasonography. The patients received 5fu 325 mg/m2/day continuous infusion along the hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy schedule (50,4 Gy). All were submitted to TME. Outcomes after surgery are measured by tumour regression grade (from TRG1= complete pathological response, to TRG5=no regression). Data were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The sample was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for all polymorphisms, irrespectively of the response status. 50 patients (64.9%) and 27 (35.1%) had low and high expression genotype for TS respectively. pCR (TRG1) was obtained in 24 patients (31,6%) and microscopic foci (TRG2) in 14 (18,2%), TRG 3–4 in 38 (49,3%), and 1 patient had no response (TRG5). We haven’t found a statistically significant relationship between TRG1 and TS status, or any other biomarker studied. There's no relationship also with initial clinical stage. Conclusions: Biomarkers EGFR (intron 1 CA repeats), TS (TS 1494del6, TS VNTR) and DPYD in blood samples, are not good enough to predict response to RQ in rectal cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Antioxidant potential of thyme extract: alleviation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced oxidative stress

Protective role of thyme extract against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced oxidative stress has been evaluated in albino rats. For this, one group of rats were fed diet supplemented with thyme extract (0.5%) and served as the test group, whereas animals of the other group fed on normal diet served as the control group. The rats were fed on respective diets for a period of 2 weeks after which stress was induced to half the animals of each group by i.p. administration of NDEA at 200 mg/kg body weight. Animals were killed 48 h post stress-induction period. Feed intake and body weight decreased significantly in both test and control groups, the effect being less in test group. Increase in osmotic fragility and in-vitro lipid peroxidation (LPO) on stress induction was of lower degree in the test group. NDEA toxicity was mainly reflected in liver as evidenced by increased activities of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The effect was of lower degree in test group as compared with that in the control group. Increase in urea levels observed following NDEA administration was also of lower degree in test groups. Blood glutathione (GSH) levels increased more so in test group compared with control group on stress induction. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (Px), and catalase (CAT) activities decreased significantly on stress induction in erythrocytes. LPO increased in all the tissues through varying degree, and the increase was appreciably of lower degree in test group. The activity of SOD increased significantly in both test and control group on stress induction, whereas activities of Px and CAT decreased following NDEA treatment, and the effects were of lower degree in test group. Thus, supplementation of diet with thyme extract can improve antioxygenic potential and hence help to prevent oxidative stress.

Electrochemical removal of chromium from wastewater by using carbon aerogel electrodes

A study has been carried out to determine the feasibility of electrochemical removal of chromium ions from industrial wastewater using carbon aerogel electrodes. In this work the effect of key variables including pH (2-7), concentration 2-8 (mg/l), and charge 0.3-1.3 (A h) was determined. The metal ion removal was significantly increased at reduced pH and high charge conditions. The metal concentration in the wastewater can be reduced by 98.5% under high charge (0.8A h) and acidic conditions (pH 2). The effect of the independent parameters--pH, effluent concentration and charge on the percentage removal was depicted by a quadratic equation obtained using Box-Behnken model. The regression analysis gave a R2 value of 0.9469 shows a close fit between the experimental results and the model predictions. The model was further used to optimise the parameters to maximise the percentage Cr-removal to more than 98%.