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Highlights: [•] Very good catalytic activity of palladium supported on polysiloxane in Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. [•] Strong ability of functionalized polysiloxane to bond palladium. [•] Effect of polysiloxane substituents on the yield of catalytic reaction. [•] TEM identification of Pd(0) nanoparticles in the reaction mixture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Palladium catalyst, obtained in the reaction of PdCl2(cod) with poly[(3-N-imidazolopropyl)methylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane], was used in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of aryl bromides with phenylboronic acid. Catalytic reactions, performed at 40–80°C in water or 2-propanol/water mixture, led to high yields of 2-methylbiphenyl with TOF up to 25,000h−1. In recycling experiments, excellent results were obtained in eight subsequent runs. With application of microwave heating, more than 95% of product was formed under mild conditions and short time. XRD, TEM, and XPS methods evidenced the presence of Pd(0) nanoparticles bonded to the polysiloxane support. Their important role in the catalytic process was indicated by the results of mercury poisoning test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two palladium catalyst precursors were prepared by immobilizing PdCl2 and Pd(OAc)2 on cyclohexyldiamine-modified glycidyl methacrylate polymer (GMA-CHDA) and used in the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction (80°C, 2h) without any pre-treatment. Using the TEM, SEM, EDS, and XPS methods, we were able to characterize the Pd(0) nanoparticles formed in situ during the catalytic process. The catalyst obtained from Pd(OAc)2 (P2) contained Pd(0) nanoparticles with a diameter of 3–5nm, whereas much bigger agglomerates were found for P1, which had been obtained from PdCl2. The P2 catalyst exhibited much better catalytic performance than P1, pointing to an important role of the palladium precursor in the preparation of the catalyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

AMP deaminase could be a potential target for treatment of heart disease but experimental evaluation of this concept is difficult due to limited availability of inhibitors with proven efficiency in biological systems. This study evaluated the effect of 3-[2-(3-carboxy-4-bromo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthyl)ethyl]-3,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo [4,5-d][1,3]diazepin-8-ol, an AMP deaminase inhibitor (AMPDI) on the pathways of nucleotide metabolism in perfused rat heart. We show that AMPDI at 0.3 mM concentration effectively inhibits AMP deaminase in this experimental model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical observation in patients with heart disease indicates that reduced activity of AMP deaminase could be protective in heart failure and ischemic heart disease. This study evaluated the effect of 3-[2-(3-carboxy-4-bromo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthyl)ethyl]-3,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo [4,5-d][1,3]diazepin-8-ol, an AMP deaminase inhibitor (AMPDI) in the mouse heart subjected to hypoxia. ApoE/LDLR knock-out mice were subjected to reduced oxygen tension in breathing air. AMPDI was infused before hypoxia in the treated group. We observed amelioration of elcetrocardiographic changes during hypoxia in the treated group that are consistent with a protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because mutation of AMP deaminase 1 gene leading to reduced AMP deaminase activity may result in protection of cardiac function in patients with heart disease, inhibitors of AMP deaminase (AMPD) may have therapeutic applications. This study evaluated the effect of a specific inhibitor of AMP deaminase 3-[2-(3-carboxy-4-bromo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthyl)ethyl]-3,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo [4,5-d][1,3]diazepin-8-ol (AMPDI) on the isolated human enzyme and on nucleotide catabolism in rat cardiomyocytes. AMPDI effectively inhibited isolated human AMPD with an IC50 = 0.5 μ M. AMPDI was much less effective with isolated cardiomyocytes (IC50 = 0.5 mM). AMPDI is a very effective inhibitor of AMPD that despite lower efficiency in the cell system examined could be useful for in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in AMP deaminase (AMPD) activity influence heart function and progression of heart disease, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We evaluated the effect of purine riboside (Purr) on the activity of AMPD in perfused rat hearts and in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. Brief perfusion of the pre-ischemic heart with 200 μ M Purr resulted in activation of AMPD, more pronounced degradation of the adenine nucleotides, and reduced recovery of the adenine nucleotide pool during reperfusion. Brief incubation of rat cardiomyocytes with 200 μ M Purr also activated AMPD, while prolonged exposure resulted in enzyme inhibition. We conclude that Purr activates AMPD, whereas metabolites of this compound may inhibit the enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We retrospectively collected data from the OB-GYN US & Pediatric Radiology units, of fetuses, referred between 2000-2017 due to suspected central nervous system (CNS), posterior fossa (PF) & vermian anomalies. Of 447 fetuses with suspected PF anomalies diagnosed by neuro-US and/or MRI, 77 were considered isolated; 27 patients underwent termination of pregnancy (TOP) and 15 were lost to follow up. Twenty-six were diagnosed as having Blake's pouch cysts (BPC) (n = 24) or arachnoid cysts (n = 2), (Group I); the remaining nine had an isolated anomaly involving the vermis (IVA) (Group II). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: In this study the effect of 3-O-β-glucosylation on the experimentally determined pK a and pK h values of cyanidin, malvidin, delphinidin were investigated using pH dependent UV–Vis spectroscopy. Structural transformations of cyanidin-type pigments from flavylium cation through the colorless chemiacetal and chalcone forms to the mixture of quinoidal-bases, were characterized on the basis of thermochemical parameters calculated by functional theory B3LYP method. The most stable molecular structures of cyanidin 3-O-β-glucoside and the role of intramolecular hydrogen bondings in stabilization of its different forms are discussed. The results explain how the stabilization of cyanidin 3-O-β-glucoside flavylium cation by the net of intramolecular H-bondings within sugar moiety and between sugar and anthocyanin molecule affects its structural transformations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to analyse pregestational and pregnancy risk factors for adverse fetal and maternal outcome in lupus pregnancy. Twenty women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (29 pregnancies) were prospectively evaluated. Mean patient age was 29.5 ± 4.7 years, and mean disease duration, 6.3 ± 6.5 years. Twenty-two pregnancies (75.9%) ended in live births; preterm delivery occurred in 17.4%, intrauterine growth restriction in 50%, preeclampsia in 3.7%, and gestational hypertension in 8%. Six pregnancies (20.7%) ended in spontaneous abortions. Adverse live-birth outcome was significantly associated with low pregestational serum albumin level, elevated gestational anti-dsDNA antibody, and diabetes mellitus. Spontaneous abortion was directly associated with low levels of pregestational serum albumin, positive anticardiolipin IgA, anti-β2-glycoprotein I IgM, and anti-La antibodies, and inversely associated with number of patients' children. Postgestational lupus flare-up was noted in six pregnancies. Risk factors included high pregestational SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), lower serum albumin, elevated serum antibody to dsDNA, proteinuria, and use of prednisone and hydroxychloroquine. We conclude that despite high rate of obstetrical complications and postpartum lupus flare-up, pregnancy poses low risk for the majority of women with SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to describe imaging findings in a group of fetuses with suspected ASP and to evaluate the clinical outcome of these children. In 17 patients the ASP was considered isolated and the remaining 30 had associated malformations involving the CNS (24) or other organs (6). 14 patients with isolated ASP were delivered, 13 are developing normally, one has developmental delay and three were lost to follow up. 13 patients with associated CNS malformation were delivered (normal development (5), abnormal (6) and no follow-up (2)). Current imaging techniques are not able to provide an accurate prognosis in cases when ASP appears isolated. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of this study is to define the imaging features in a group of fetuses with suspected cerebellar hypoplasia and to evaluate the clinical outcome of these pregnancies. Two other patients had cerebellar hypoplasia with parvovirus infection during pregnancy. Three patient had unilateral cerebellar hypoplasia; two delivered (one normal neurological development, one mild developmental delay) and one was lost to follow up. 34 patients had cerebellar hypoplasia with associated malformations; 32 of them had other CNS malformation with and without non-CNS malformations and two patients had only non-CNS malformation. [Extracted from the article]

Periventricular pseudocysts (PVPC) are cystic cavities lack the ependymal cell lining found in true cysts. The aim of this study was to characterise periventricular pseudocysts and evaluate their long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. The fetuses were divided into group A, which included cases with isolated periventricular pseudocysts, and group B, which included cases of periventricular pseudocysts with additional findings. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of this study is to describe imaging findings in a group of fetuses with suspected arachnoid cyst and to evaluate the clinical outcome of these pregnancies. Whenever possible, the results were compared with postnatal findings at the clinical, imaging and/or pathology examinations. In our study, more than half of the children (9/17) needed surgery, mostly because of related symptoms (compression of the cyst on adjacent structures and hydrocephaly), but the neurological outcome was mostly good. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract of the conference paper "Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and power Doppler angiography (PDA) measurements to predict ovarian response," by T. Borkowski and colleagues is presented.

Aortic stenosis is known to involve inflammation and thrombosis. Changes in activity of extracellular enzyme - ecto-5′-nucleotidase (referred also as CD73) can alter inflammatory and thrombotic responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CD73 deletion in mice on development of aortic valve dysfunction and to compare it to the effect of high-fat diet. Four groups of mice (normal-diet Wild Type (WT), high-fat diet WT, normal diet CD73 −/−, high-fat diet CD73 −/−) were maintained for 15 weeks followed by echocardiographic analysis of aortic valve function, measurement of aortic surface activities of nucleotide catabolism enzymes as well as alkaline phosphatase activity, mineral composition and histology of aortic valve leaflets. CD73 −/− knock out led to an increase in peak aortic flow (1.06 ± 0.26 m/s) compared to WT (0.79 ± 0.26 m/s) indicating obstruction. Highest values of peak aortic flow (1.26 ± 0.31 m/s) were observed in high-fat diet CD73 −/− mice. Histological analysis showed morphological changes in CD73 −/− including thickening and accumulation of dark deposits, proved to be melanin. Concentrations of Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + and PO 4 3 − in valve leaflets were elevated in CD73 −/− mice. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was enhanced after ATP treatment and reduced after adenosine treatment in aortas incubated in osteogenic medium. AMP hydrolysis in CD73 −/− was below 10% of WT. Activity of ecto-adenosine deaminase (eADA), responsible for adenosine deamination, in the CD73 −/− was 40% lower when compared to WT. Deletion of CD73 in mice leads to aortic valve dysfunction similar to that induced by high-fat diet suggesting important role of this surface protein in maintaining heart valve integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:To evaluate whether genotyping for 18 prostate cancer founder variants is helpful in identifying high-risk individuals and for determining optimal screening regimens.Methods:A serum PSA level was measured and a digital rectal examination (DRE) was performed on 2907 unaffected men aged 40-90. Three hundred and twenty-three men with an elevated PSA (4 ng ml−1) or an abnormal DRE underwent a prostate biopsy. All men were genotyped for three founder alleles in BRCA1 (5382insC, 4153delA and C61G), for four alleles in CHEK2 (1100delC, IVS2+1G>A, del5395 and I157T), for one allele in NBS1 (657del5), for one allele in HOXB13 (G84E), and for nine low-risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).Results:On the basis of an elevated PSA or an abnormal DRE, prostate cancer was diagnosed in 135 of 2907 men (4.6%). In men with a CHEK2 missense mutation I157T, the cancer detection rate among men with an elevated PSA or an abnormal DRE was much higher (10.2%, P=0.0008). The cancer detection rate rose with the number of SNP risk genotypes observed from 1.2% for men with no variant to 8.6% for men who carried six or more variants (P=0.04). No single variant was helpful on its own in predicting the presence of prostate cancer, however, the combination of all rare mutations and SNPs improved predictive power (area under the curve=0.59; P=0.03).Conclusion:These results suggest that testing for germline CHEK2 mutations improves the ability to predict the presence of prostate cancer in screened men, however, the clinical utility of incorporating DNA variants in the screening process is marginal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:To establish the contribution of eight founder alleles in three DNA damage repair genes (BRCA1, CHEK2 and NBS1) to prostate cancer in Poland, and to measure the impact of these variants on survival among patients.Methods:Three thousand seven hundred fifty men with prostate cancer and 3956 cancer-free controls were genotyped for three founder alleles in BRCA1 (5382insC, 4153delA, C61G), four alleles in CHEK2 (1100delC, IVS2+1G>A, del5395, I157T), and one allele in NBS1 (657del5).Results:The NBS1 mutation was detected in 53 of 3750 unselected cases compared with 23 of 3956 (0.6%) controls (odds ratio (OR)=2.5; P=0.0003). A CHEK2 mutation was seen in 383 (10.2%) unselected cases and in 228 (5.8%) controls (OR=1.9; P<0.0001). Mutation of BRCA1 (three mutations combined) was not associated with the risk of prostate cancer (OR=0.9; P=0.8). In a subgroup analysis, the 4153delA mutation was associated with early-onset (age 60 years) prostate cancer (OR=20.3, P=0.004). The mean follow-up was 54 months. Mortality was significantly worse for carriers of a NBS1 mutation than for non-carriers (HR=1.85; P=0.008). The 5-year survival for men with an NBS1 mutation was 49%, compared with 72% for mutation-negative cases.Conclusion:A mutation in NBS1 predisposes to aggressive prostate cancer. These data are relevant to the prospect of adapting personalised medicine to prostate cancer prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of water- and steam-cooking on the content of vitamin C, polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols and glucosinolates, as well as on the antioxidant activity of broccoli, are reported. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins C and E, β-carotene, lutein, and glucosinolates in domestically processed broccoli were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods; total polyphenols were determined with Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant capacities of broccoli extracts were evaluated using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. The results indicated that steam-cooking of broccoli results in an increase in polyphenols, as well as the main glucosinolates and their total content as compared with fresh broccoli, whereas cooking in water has the opposite effect. Steam-cooking of broccoli has no influence on vitamin C, whereas cooking in water significantly lowers its content. Both, water- and steam-cooking of broccoli results in an increase in β-carotene, lutein, and α- and γ-tocopherols as compared with fresh broccoli. Similar effects of steaming and water-cooking of broccoli on their antioxidant activity were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irregularities in the lateral ventricles walls are considered a bad prognostic factor in fetuses with ventriculomegaly, suggesting an association with malformations of cortical development (MCD), ischemic, infectious insults or lesions of the ependyma. Neuropathological studies analysed the lateral ventricle walls and the surrounding parenchyma and cortex for the identification of the abnormal developmental or acquired process responsible for the neuroimaging findings. [Extracted from the article]

We compared concentrations of nucleotide substrates and activities of enzymes of nucleotide metabolism in pig and human blood, heart, and kidney. The most important difference was lower ecto-5'-nucleotidase (E5'N) activity in both pig hearts and kidney. Furthermore, higher hypoxanthine, inosine, adenine, and uracil, but lower uridine and uric acid concentrations were observed in pig blood as compared to human. A twofold increase in UTP concentration has been observed in pig hearts following 4 h perfusion with human blood. Purine metabolism is an important target for genetic and pharmacological manipulation during xenotransplantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study included fetuses with a confirmed RES diagnosis (postnatal imaging / postmortem study / neuroimaging expert consensus). Associated CNS and extra-CNS findings were observed in 93% and 34% of the fetuses, respectively. RES is a complex MB-HB anomaly which can be accurately diagnosed and characterised using prenatal imaging. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract of the article "Caput succedaneum thickness in prolonged second stage of labor: a clinical evaluation," by Y. Gilboa, Z. Kivilevitch, M. Spira, A. Kedem, T. Borkowski, O. Moran, and R. Achiron is presented.