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Background Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth experience poor physical and mental health outcomes relative to their non-LGBTQ peers. School health professionals (SHPs), such as school nurses, play a key role in addressing LGBTQ student health needs. However, few studies examine school health needs of LGBTQ students from both the youth and SHP perspective. Methods From August 2017 to July 2018, 28 LGBTQ youth and 19 SHPs (N = 47) in Massachusetts participated in online focus groups and a brief survey on school health needs and experiences. Qualitative themes were coded using Rapid Qualitative Inquiry principles and NVIVO. Results Both LGBTQ students and SHPs identified an urgent need for inclusive sexual education and mental health services. LGBTQ students raised access to safer bathrooms, information, and guidance on gender transitioning, and access to safe spaces as school-based needs. Missing from SHPs' perspectives, students also discussed sexual violence/harassment of transgender students and racism impacting youth of color. Conclusions LGBTQ students, especially transgender students and LGBTQ youth of color, have unmet health needs that need to be addressed. Recognizing these needs is the first step towards inclusive health services and support for all students in schools. Next, interventions to increase the capacity of SHPs to address LGBTQ student health are necessary.

Background The purpose of this formative study was to assess barriers and facilitators to participation of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients in clinical research to solicit specific feedback on perceived acceptability and feasibility of research methods to inform creation of a multisite longitudinal cohort of primary care patients engaged in care at two community health centers. Method Between September–November 2018, four focus groups (FGs) were convened at two community health centers in Boston, MA and New York, NY (N = 28 participants across all 4 groups; 11 in Boston and 17 in New York). FG guides asked about patient outreach, acceptability of study methods and measures, and ideas for study retention. FGs were facilitated by TGD study staff, lasted approximately 90 min in duration, were audio recorded, and then transcribed verbatim by a professional transcription service. Thematic analyses were conducted by two independent analysts applying a constant comparison method. Consistency and consensus were achieved across code creation and application aided by Dedoose software. Results Participants were a mean age of 33.9 years (SD 12.3; Range 18–66). Participants varied in gender identity with 4 (14.3%) men, 3 (10.7%) women, 8 (28.6%) transgender men, 10 (35.7%) transgender women, and 3 (10.7%) nonbinary. Eight (26.6%) were Latinx, 5 (17.9%) Black, 3 (10.7%) Asian, 3 (10.7%) another race, and 5 (17.9%) multiracial. Motivators and facilitators to participation were: research creating community, research led by TGD staff, compensation, research integrated into healthcare, research applicable to TGD and non-TGD people, and research helping TGD communities. Barriers were: being research/healthcare averse, not identifying as TGD, overlooking questioning individuals, research coming from a ‘cisgender lens”, distrust of how the research will be used, research not being accessible to TGD people, and research being exploitative. Conclusion Though similarities emerged between the perspectives of TGD people and research citing perspectives of other underserved populations, there are barriers and facilitators to research which are unique to TGD populations. It is important for TGD people to be involved as collaborators in all aspects of research that concerns them.

In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) confer significant morbidity in adolescents and young adults. STIs are not well characterized in transgender and other gender minority youth (TGMY) who have a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. This study sought to fill this gap. In 2015–2016, the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions conducted Protocol 130, Affirming Voices for Action, enrolling a diverse sample of TGMY 16–24 years of age from 14 US geographic locations. Multivariable analyses regressed lifetime STI diagnosis on “situated vulnerabilities” (demographics, social/economic issues, mental/behavioral health conditions, and health care experience). Approximately one-third were living with HIV infection (31%); 33% had a history of one or more STIs, excluding HIV. The most frequently diagnosed STIs were 55% chlamydia, 48% syphilis, and 47% gonorrhea. The odds of STI was 4.06 times higher for trans feminine youth assigned a male sex at birth compared to trans masculine youth assigned a female sex at birth (p = 0.03). Additional risk factors for lifetime STI were as follows: nonbinary gender identity (p = 0.004), medical gender affirmation (p = 0.03), and transactional sex (p = 0.01). Nearly one-third (31%) reported condomless vaginal and/or anal sex in the last 6 months, suggesting a need for ongoing STI prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. TGMY are a vulnerable group to STIs in need of public health attention. Clinical care for STIs will benefit from considering risk factors facing youth in general (e.g., sex work), alongside those vulnerabilities unique to TGMY (e.g., medical gender affirmation).

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are frequently incarcerated, which is associated with multiple negative health outcomes. Aim: We aimed to estimate the associations between a history of incarceration and prevalence of HIV and HCV infection among PWID in Europe. Methods: Aggregate data from PWID recruited in drug services (excluding prison services) or elsewhere in the community were reported by 17 of 30 countries (16 per virus) collaborating in a European drug monitoring system (2006–2020; n=52,368 HIV+/-; n=47,268 HCV+/-). Country-specific odds ratios (OR) and prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated from country totals of HIV and HCV antibody status and self-reported life-time incarceration history, and pooled using meta-analyses. Country-specific and overall population attributable risk (PAR) were estimated using pooled PR. Results: Univariable HIV OR ranged between 0.73 and 6.37 (median: 2.1; pooled OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.52–2.42). Pooled PR was 1.66 (95% CI 1.38–1.98), giving a PAR of 25.8% (95% CI 16.7–34.0). Univariable anti-HCV OR ranged between 1.06 and 5.04 (median: 2.70; pooled OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 2.17–2.91). Pooled PR was 1.42 (95% CI: 1.28–1.58) and PAR 16.7% (95% CI: 11.8–21.7). Subgroup analyses showed differences in the OR for HCV by geographical region, with lower estimates in southern Europe. Conclusion: In univariable analysis, a history of incarceration was associated with positive HIV and HCV serostatus among PWID in Europe. Applying the precautionary principle would suggest finding alternatives to incarceration of PWID and strengthening health and social services in prison and after release (‘throughcare’). © 2021 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). All rights reserved.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth face disparities in bullying victimization are associated with higher rates of physical injury, psychological distress, and even suicide. Innovative strategies to address bullying victimization are needed to prevent adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including those engaging school health professionals (SHPs; school nurses, psychologists). This mixed-methods study sought to identify factors that facilitate or impede SHPs’ reporting and responding to LGBTQ bullying in Massachusetts from the perspectives of LGBTQ students and SHPs. Between August 2017 and July 2018, asynchronous online focus group discussions and a brief survey were conducted separately for 28 LGBTQ students and 19 SHPs in Massachusetts (9–12 participants per group; n = 47 enrolled). Focus groups probed on bullying experiences. Rapid qualitative inquiry was used for thematic coding of facilitators and barriers to address LGBTQ student bullying described by youth and SHPs. Facilitators and barriers largely coalesced around the social ecological model. Youth and SHPs identified factors at multiple levels of the social ecological model: (1) individual (knowledge, skills, attitudes); (2) interpersonal (trust and follow-through, confidentiality and fear of being “outed,” close relationships, champion SHPs); and (3) structural (school buy-in, time, reporting and protocols, staff roles, resources, and school culture of inclusivity). LGBTQ students expressed a need for an intersectional lens for SHPs when addressing LGBTQ student bullying. Interventions that help SHPs overcome multilevel barriers and leverage facilitators are needed. Consideration of intersectionality will better equip SHPs to support LGBTQ students and address disparities in LGBTQ student bullying that confer health risks.

The elastic scattering process for the nuclear reactions induced by the Radioactive Ion Beams Be-7 and B-8 on a Pb-208 target was measured for the first time in the energy range around the Coulomb barrier. Extensive theoretical calculations within the framework of the optical model were performed. An excellent agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions was achieved for the reaction Be-7 + Pb-208 while a comprehensive understanding of the reaction dynamics induced by the more exotic projectile B-8 is still far to be reached. Predictions of the cross section for the breakup for both systems will also be given.

Researchers and practitioners have recently called for greater involvement of school health professionals (SHPs; e.g., school psychologists, nurses, guidance counselors) in interventions to identify and address bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) students. To inform future interventions, this study explored the perspectives of LGBTQ students and SHPs on LGBTQ bullying and SHPs' responses to LGBTQ bullying. Five online, asynchronous focus groups were held in 2018 with 28 LGBTQ students and 19 SHPs recruited from Massachusetts, US. Methods were guided by Rapid Qualitative Inquiry. Results revealed a disconnect in perceptions of LGBTQ bullying among LGBTQ students versus SHPs, with LGBTQ students reporting a range of often significant verbal, social, and physical bullying experiences and SHPs reporting minimal awareness of LGBTQ bullying at their schools. Transgender students reported bullying related to their gender identity, including verbal, physical, and sexual harassment, deadnaming (referred to by their birth name), and misgendering (called an incorrect pronoun). LGBTQ students of color reported bullying based on their race/ethnicity and pronounced social isolation. LGBTQ students reported mixed experiences with reporting bullying to SHPs. Intervention efforts are needed to enhance communication between LGBTQ students and SHPs, and to strengthen SHPs' skills to respond to LGBTQ bullying.

We investigated the reaction dynamics induced by the Be-7, B-8+Pb-208 collisions at energies around the Coulomb barrier. Charged particles originated by both the collisions were detected by means of 6 Delta E-E-res telescopes of a newly developed detector array. Experimental data were analysed within the framework of the Optical Model and the total reaction cross-sections were compared together and with the Li-6,Li-7+Pb-208 collision data. According to the preliminary results, Be-7 nucleus reactivity is rather similar to the Li-7 one whereas the B-8+Pb-208 total reaction cross section appears to be much larger than those measured for reactions induced by the other weakly-bound projectiles on the same target.

this contribution we describe the first results obtained for the investigation of the elastic scattering process in the reactions induced by the Radioactive Ion Beams Be-7 and B-8 on a Pb-208 target at Coulomb barrier energies. The experimental data were analyzed within the framework of the optical model in order to extract the total reaction cross section. The comparison with data available in literature for reactions induced on Pb-208 by light ions in the mass range A = 6-8 shows that the loosely-bound( 8)B has the largest reactivity.

Summary. Although psychophysical stress is widespread in human society and a major contributor to a range of pathological conditions, it is not known if this form of stress regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in the hypothalamus or adenohypophysis, the main organs involved in compensatory specifc response of the organism to stress (so called “fght or flight” response). Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of acute and repeated psychophysical stress on a profle of mitochondrial biogenesis markers in the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis. Rats were either lef undisturbed (freely moving, control group) or exposed to psychophysical stress by immobilization (IMO) for 2 h (acute, 1xIMO) or 2 h daily for 2 (repeated, 2xIMO) or 10 consecutive days (repeated, 10xIMO). Result suggest that all types of immobilization stress signifcantly increase expression of hypothalamic NRF1 (nuclear respiratory factor 1; acts on the genes for subunits of the OXPHOS encoded by the nuclear genome) as well as its downstream target TFAM (mitochondrial transcription factor A), the essential ubiquitous factors for mtDNA replication and expression. In the same samples, TFB1M (markedly enhance mtDNA transcription) significantly decreased, while the level of COX4 (mitochondrial complex IV cytochrome C oxidase) protein was reduced only in hypothalamuses isolated from repeatedly stressed rats. Independently of the type of stress, the level of PGC1 protein, the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis involved in transcriptional control of all processes related to mitochondrial homeostasis and integrator of environmental signals, remained unchanged. In adenohypophyses of the same animals, 10xIMO signifcantly increased expression of adenohypophyseal PGC1 as well as its downstream target TFB1M, while NRF1 and TFAM remained unchanged. Similarly to hypothalamuses, the level of COX4 protein was reduced in adenohypophyses isolated from repeatedly stressed rats. Our results provide new molecular insights into the relationship between stress and hypothalamo-adenohypophyseal axis, as well as mitochondrial biology.

Two series of aromatic polyimides containing various linkage groups based on 2,7-bis(4-aminophenoxy)naphthalene or 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane and different aromatic dianhydrides, namely 4,4′-(4,4′-isopropylidenediphenoxy)bis(phthalic anhydride), 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(phthalic anhydride), 3,3′,4,4′ benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, 9,9-bis[4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]fluorene dianhydride and 4,4′-(4,4′-hexafluoroisopropylidenediphenoxy)bis(phthalic anhydride), were synthesized and compared with regard to their thermal, mechanical and gas permeation properties. All these polymers showed high thermal stability with initial decomposition temperature in the range 475–525 °C and glass transition temperature between 208 and 286 °C. Also, the polymer films presented good mechanical characteristics with tensile strength in the range 60–91 MPa and storage modulus in the range 1700–2375 MPa. The macromolecular chain packing induced by dianhydride and diamine segments was investigated by examining gas permeation through the polymer films. The relationships between chain mobility and interchain distance and the obtained values for gas permeability are discussed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

New Schiff base dimers based on phenothiazine heterocycle have been obtained with high yield and purity by condensation of 3-formyl-10-methyl-phenothiazine with various amines. The structural characterization was performed by elemental analysis, FTIR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and single crystal and powder wide angle X-ray diffraction. The obtained compounds have high thermal stability and some of them self-assemble into cubic mesophase and form stable molecular glass. The thermotropic study performed by polarized optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry revealed the possibility to control the compound morphology by thermal annealing and blending miscible components. The photophysical characterization indicates green light emission, with good absolute fluorescence quantum yield, large Stokes shift and high purity and fully saturated color. The special thermal behavior and photophysical properties appear to be significantly dependent on the special supramolecular architecture generated by the hockey-stick shape of the imino-phenothiazine mesogenic core. Collectively, the properties of these azomethines provide a starting point for new compounds with great advantages for optoelectronic applications.

New thermotropic liquid crystalline dimers containing chromophoric units into calamitic mesogens have been synthesized and studied. Cyan, pyrrole, indole and diphenyl moieties were chosen as chromophoric units. The thermotropic behavior of the dimers was monitored by polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and variable temperature X-ray diffraction measurements. The photophysical properties were studied by UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. All the dimers have mesomorphic behavior and emit violet, indigo, or blue light, in solution and film.

The results of tests on the presence of yeasts and molds in cornstarch [AD ‘IPOK’ Zrenjanin, 2007-2008, made at the time when previous Regulations were valid] were analyzed in terms of bioindicative values of microfungi as indicators of quality and safety of raw material or final food products. Microbiological analysis was used to detect the presence of a number of microorganisms MMI-0001, and a questionnaire was designed at the Department of Public Health in Zrenjanin town (Republic of Serbia), where the anal­yses were done, regarding the microbiological tests on starch. In order to rationalize the analyses and make them more economical, several areas of product quality control (water, food, raw materials, space) were recommended either to be excluded or regarded as optional. Thus, analysis of presence of microfungi as indicators of product quality was categorized as optional. The results obtained from this research suggest a different conclusion because the bacteria in the samples indicated ˮmicrobiologically“, namely bacteriologically, safe samples of food, while, on the contrary, the presence of some microfungi as distinct xerophilous or xerotolerant microorganisms, indicated that the food was mycologically non-safe. The obtained data are crucial for questioning the decision to exclude the earlier required (mycological) analysis of the samples (in the production of starch, or end products, etc.) and categorize such analyses in new Regulations as optional, depending on the manufacturer’s preference. Bioindicative values of microfungi as indicators of the quality of starch, clearly point to the shortsightedness of the new Regulations on food hygiene and safety, where tests on certain microorganisms (in this case, yeasts and molds) are not legally defined as mandatory, but the Law leaves manufacturers a possibility to choose (or not to choose) the testing and frequency of testing on the presence (absence) of microorganisms, which can be risky, both in the production and marketing of the finial products. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. OI-179079]

Geological complexity of the territory of Serbia is a world curiosity: six main geo-tectonic regions and tens sub-regions are delineated in a small area of 88,000 km2. Geologic origin and regional structure of some areas has long been the subject of discussion. Notable magmatism and associated tectonic events in the Earth's crust provided for a fairly large hydrogeothermal resource potential, which is manifested in more than 250 warm (mainly mineral) springs and more than 100 hydrothermal wells. Thermal springs and wells together discharge some 5 m3/s. This potential is used in part for balneal therapy (waters differ in temperature and chemical composition) in the spa areas of Serbia. The amounts of thermal water unused therapeutically or the amounts of heat energy from unused geo-thermal water may be used in almost all spas for space heating/cooling and thus increase the efficiency of the thermal water energy utilization. This also will be cost-effective, reduce emission of noxious gases, and improve the environmental-health image of the resorts. The hydrogeothermal resources are described for 29 spas with 700 l/s total discharge capacity of water temperature between 25?C and 96?C, or an overall heat energy of 78.40 MWt. Feasibility of additional energy utilization of thermal water in spas is generally considered.

The paper deals with the study of the thermotropic liquid crystalline properties of a new azomethinic symmetric dimer and some of its structural heterogeneous mixtures with one of its reagents. Their thermotropic behaviour was monitored by polarised light microscopy, differential scanning microscopy and variable temperature X-ray diffraction measurements. The influence of the structural heterogeneity on the mesomorphic behaviour was established and some similarities with the mesomorphic behaviour of the polydisperse polymers were underlined.

Partial or complete excision of the tumoral segment with preservation of the limb extremity in the treatment of tumors is an alternative to amputation. We present our cases with radical or wide resection and reconstruction with or without special prosthesis reconstruction. We used an evaluation and prognosis score, which included surgical stage, site of tumor, size of tumor, surgical margin, functional mobility, and activity level after surgery. Excision of the tumor with a wide margin, stable reconstruction and a good recovery is an alternative treatment to the amputation.

The partial or complete excision of the hemipelvis with the sparing of the lower limb is an option of the treatment of pelvic chondrosarcomas and a therapeutic alternative of the interilio-abdominal disarticulation. The operation has the same indications as the interilio-abdominal disarticulation and offers a good solution for avoiding a mutilating operation. A giant periacetabular pelvic chondrosarcoma developed in Ennequin zone II and partial zone III, was resected and reconstructed with iliofemoral cooptation after complex investigations - pelvic X-ray, CT, MRI, Bioptic confirmation. The wide excision of the tumor, a stable reconstruction, and an efficient recovery are essential for a successful treatment of pelvic chondrosarcomas.

Brominated bismaleimides were synthesized by the reaction of brominated bisphenols with 3- or 4-maleimidobenzoyl chloride. The reaction of these maleimides with various aromatic diamines yielded brominated polyaspartimides. The monomers and polymers were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Thermal behavior of these brominated polyaspartimides was studied and compared with that of related polyaspartimides having other substituents instead of bromine or other bridges in the bisphenolic segment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

Summary The suppressive effects of Camellia sinensis tea melanin (CSTM) on transformation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) were disclosed for the first time. CSTM strongly inhibited TCDD-induced toxicity with IC50 equalling 20.4 μg mL−1. Daily administration of CSTM (40 mg kg−1, p.o.) prevented TCDD-induced body weight loss, ameliorated TCDD-induced mortality and prevented TCDD-induced hepatomegaly and thymic atrophy. Co-administration of CSTM significantly inhibited TCDD-induced hepatic CYP1 A1 activity. CSTM retarded transformation of AhR in vitro. In animals treated with CSTM, the antibody-secreting cells produced significantly (P

We investigated the reaction dynamics induced by the Radioactive Ion Beams Be-7 and B-8 on a Pb-208 target at energies around the Coulomb barrier. The two measurements are strongly interconnected, being Be-7 (S-alpha = 1.586 MeV) the loosely bound core of the even more exotic B-8 (S-p = 0.1375 MeV) nucleus. Here we summarize the present status of the data analysis for the measurement of the elastic scattering process for both reactions and the preliminary results for the optical model analysis of the collected data.

Zusammenfassung Immunkompromittierung birgt immer ein erhöhtes Risiko für die Entwicklung infektiöser Komplikationen. Patienten nach solider Organtransplantation sind besonders gefährdet – in dieser Patientengruppe bilden Infektionen die zweithäufigste Todesursache. Prophylaxe und Impfungen sollten daher konsequent eingesetzt werden. Infektionen bei Immunsupprimierten können mit atypischen klinischen Symptomen einhergehen, was die Diagnose und Therapie für den behandelnden Arzt erschwert. Vor allem virale und opportunistische Infektionen stellen dabei eine Herausforderung dar. Umso mehr ist eine Überwachung der Patienten hinsichtlich Infektionserkrankungen notwendig, um frühzeitig die erforderlichen Maßnahmen einleiten zu können.

New polymer structures have been synthesized via Diels–Alder cycloaddition of bisdiene compounds bearing two anthracene groups and different bisdienophiles, all containing bismaleimide or biscitraconimide functions. The monomers and polymers were characterized by FTIR, UV, and 1H NMR techniques and compared with two models having a cycloadduct structure. The polymers were studied by thermogravimetric analyses. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008

Bismaleimides with main chains of different structures were prepared by the reaction between maleic anhydride and various diamines and by the reaction between 4-maleimidobenzoylchloride and 3,5-dihidroxybenzoic acid. The monomers were characterized with IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Polymers based on these compounds were prepared through the Michael addition of diamines to bismaleimides. The thermal characterization of the monomers and polymers was performed with differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007

A series of bismaleimide monomers with amide groups were prepared and characterized. Structurally different bismaleimides (with amide units) were synthesized by a reaction between 4-maleimidobenzoyl chloride and various diamines. The monomers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The thermal characterization of the bismaleimides was accomplished with differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis.

Brominated bismaleimides were prepared by reacting 3(4)-maleimidobenzoylchloride with various bisphenols, using chloroform as solvent and triethylamine as acid acceptor. These monomers were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR), and proton nuclear resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Thermal properties of monomers were accomplished by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (ATG). The properties of these compounds were compared with those of monomers derived from bisphenol A and bisphenol A chlorinated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3881–3885, 2006

A series of bismaleimide monomers were used to prepare poly(aminobismaleimide)s in an attempt to achieve polymers with improved properties. Structurally different bismaleimides with ester units were synthesized by reaction between 3(4)‐maleimidobenzoylchloride with various diphenols. Bismaleimides BMI‐3 and BMI‐4 were synthesized by reaction of maleic anhydride with diamines respectively. Polymers based on these bismaleimides were prepared by the Michael addition of diamines to bismaleimides. The monomers and polymers were characterized by infrared (IR) and proton nuclear resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy. Thermal characterization of monomers and polymers was accomplished by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (ATG).

The preventive effect of Thea sinensis melanin (TSM) against overdoses of N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (NAPAP) was studied on ICR mice. Animals were given 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) of NAPAP, and TSM was injected i.p. in doses 10-40 mg/kg 2 h before intoxication. The protective effects were evidenced by a complete blockage of the NAPAP-induced elevation of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, decreased concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) to the control level, and a partial prevention of reduced glutathione (GSH) depletion in the liver tissue. Preadministration of TSM also caused restoration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and resumed content of coenzymes Q9 and Q10. TSM by itself, however, did not affect the hepatic functional parameters, including serum ALT, TBARS, GSH, SOD, or coenzymes Q in the liver. Administration of TSM caused a dose-dependent inhibition of N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity with ED50 of 15.8 mg/kg. Activities of ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase and pentoxyresorufin O-alkylase isozymes were changed insignificantly. The immune suppressive effect of NAPAP on the in vivo antibody-forming cell responses was demonstrated using ICR-sensitized mice with sheep red blood cells. The joint effect of TSM and NAPAP indicated the capability of TSM to recover immunity of the animals to the level of intact mice. Results obtained demonstrate that TSM preadministration can prevent the multiple toxic effects of NAPAP.

A series of bismaleimide and biscitraconimide compounds with ester units were synthesized by a condensation reaction between 3-maleimido benzoic acid chloride or 4-maleimido benzoic acid chloride and citraconimido benzoyl chloride with 4,4-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol and 4,4-hydroxyphenylsulfone. The monomers were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, and elemental analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and isothermal weight loss were performed to evaluate the thermal properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3806–3812, 2004

Chicken infectious anemia (CIA) is widespread viral disease in countries with the intensive poultry industry. In susceptible birds CIAV causes anemia subcutaneous and intramuscular hemorrhages, lymphoid tissue atrophy immunosuppression, cachexia and increased mortality. Protection of progeny relies not only on age resistance but also on maternally delivered antibodies (Mabs) so possessing the information on level and persistence of Mabs is of great significance. In our study experimental infection with CIAV was performed on one and seven days old broiler chickens from naturally infected parent flock during the rearing period. In infected birds, clinical signs hematological findings and humoral immune response were examined. After euthanasia, we looked for specific pathomorphological and histopathological changes that indicate the presence of CIAV infection. In all one and seven days old chickens maternally derived antibodies were established. No clinical signs of CIA were observed, hematological findings showed no deviation from referent values, and there were no specific pathomorphological and histopathological changes at postmortem examination. According to previous knowledge, only serological negative flock if infected in time of laying represent risk for vertical transmission to progeny where typical disease with mortality will appear. The absence of Mabs in one day old chickens is critical point in break of disease. Typical clinical picture in day old chickens rises only when vertical transmission occurs.

Six new bismaleimides (BMIs) having arylidene or cardo cycloaliphatic internal moieties were prepared by reacting 4-maleimidobenzoyl chloride with various arylidene or cardo bisphenols. The structures of BMIs were confirmed using elemental analysis data and spectroscopic (IR, 1H-NMR) characterizations. Two poly(aminoaspartimide)s (PAAs) were synthesized to exemplify one of the post-reaction abilities of the BMIs. Thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior was observed by differential scanning calorimetry and polarized light microscopy. The thermal stability of BMIs and PAAs was determined by thermogravimetric analysis and they showed good thermal stability except BMI 10, containing a cyclopentanone unit, which decomposed around 235°C. In this paper, we discuss the synthesis and characterization of these materials.

4,4′-Bismaleimidodiphenylmethane and 2,4-bismaleimidotoluene were mixed in solution in different molar ratios. Differential scanning calorimetry of the resulting mixtures, as well as of the initial monomers, was performed. The eutectic melting temperatures showed a very interesting behavior, being much lower than the lowest melting point of those two monomers initially considered. In addition, the decrease of the temperature of crosslinking onset became maximal for these mixtures at the eutectic point.

Established in the late 1980s, the important role of 5-HT1A receptors in the pathogenesis of anxiety states and depressions has stimulated extensive search for the corresponding selective ligands. Among the known compounds possessing a high affinity to 5-HT1A receptors, the most thoroughly studied are aryl(hetaryl)piperazine derivatives. Although many of these substances possess anxiolytic properties [1, 2], only buspirone and gepirone – partial agonists of 5-HT1A receptors – are now used in clinical practice. The main factors limiting administration of these drugs in clinics is their low bioaccessibility, large delay (sometimes up to 2 – 6 weeks [3, 4]) in the therapeutic effect, and relatively high affinity to adrenaline ( 1, 2, 2), dopamine (D2), and other CNS receptors [1, 2, 5 – 9]. The low selectivity of aryl(hetaryl)piperazines is explained by the fact that the 5-HT1A serotonin, D2 dopamine, and 1 adrenaline receptors are “evolutionarily” close and belong to the same superfamily of G-protein-conjugated receptors. Indeed, an analysis of the primary amino acid sequences confirms the highly homologous character of these receptors [1]. Nevertheless, some highly selective ligands to 5-HT1A receptors have been found, such as (S)-UH-301 [10] and WAY-100635 [11], which is evidence that there are significant distinctions in the structure of binding centers of the aforementioned receptor types. The search for and identification of specific structural features of buspirone analogs and determining their selectivity with respect to 5-HT1A receptors [8, 9] is important both for the synthesis of drugs producing selective therapeutic action and for the basic knowledge of ligand – receptor interactions. This work is aimed at the synthesis of phthalimidoalkylpiperazines with variable polymethylene spacer lengths and different aryl fragment structures, determination of their affinity to 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors in rat brain, and a comparative study of the anxiolytic properties.

The liver-protecting activity of melanin-like pigment (MLP) derived from tea was studied using hydrazine intoxication. The non-reduced MLP demonstrated the lack of activity. Reduction of MLP caused an increase in the number of phenol groups. Administration of reduced MLP (rMLP) to rats (i.p., 20 mg/kg, 30 min before hydrazine) to rats prevented development of heavy liver intoxication. Pretreatment of animals with rMLP prevented the rise of serum alanine transferase activity and the decrease of glutathione level in the liver challenged by hydrazine. It also lowered the hepatic malondialdehyde concentration. Reduced MLP significantly restored the ability for rats to metabolize antipyrine. The introduction of MLP alone did not affect pharmacokinetics of antipyrine nor introduce toxicity to rats. Biochemical and pharmacokinetical data proved that the rMLP protects the liver against hydrazine-induced injury.

We studied the reaction dynamics induced at Coulomb barrier energies by the weakly-bound Radioactive Ion Beam Be-7 (S-alpha = 1.586 MeV) on medium-mass (Ni-58) and heavy (Pb-208) targets. The experiments were performed at INFN-LNL (Italy), where a 2-3x10(5) pps Be-7 secondary beam was produced with the RIB in-flight facility EXOTIC. Charged reaction products were detected by means of high-granularity silicon detectors in rather wide angular ranges. The contribution presents an up-to-date status of the data analysis and theoretical interpretation for both systems.

The antioxidant activity of tea melanin (TM) derived from tea leaves was studied. The influence of TM on the kinetics of the free-radical oxidation of β-carotene revealed essential differences between their oxidative states. The reduced preparation of TM delays the oxidation of β-carotene. The lag time increased in proportion to concentration of TM. The oxidized preparation of TM decreases the rate of β-carotene consumption, but does not affect the lag time. The kinetic characteristics of the antioxidant activity of TM can be explained by the participation of phenol and quinone groups in free-radical chain reactions. Antioxidant properties of TM can be utilized for prevention of free-radical oxidation of natural products.

Five structurally different bismaleimides were synthesized by reaction between 3(4)-maleimidobenzylchloride with various diphenols. They were characterized by infrared (IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Thermal characterization of monomers and their polymers was accomplished by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Polyaminobismaleimides having inherent viscosities of 0.1–0.4 dL/g were prepared by Michael addition of diamines to bismaleimides. The polymers are soluble in solvents as DMF, NMP, and DMSO, and afforded film from their solutions. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 750–757, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10294

Melanin was extracted from tea leaves (Thea sinensis Linn.) for the first time. Characterization of melanin proved similarity of the original compound to standard melanin. The Langmuir adsorption isotherms for gadolinium (Gd) binding were obtained using melanin. Melanin–Gd preparation demonstrated low acute toxicity. LD50 for this preparation was in a range of 1250–1500 mg/kg in mice. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) properties of melanin itself and melanin–Gd complexes have been estimated. Gd free melanin fractions possess slighter relaxivity compared with its complexes. The relaxivity of lower molecular weight fraction was two times higher than relaxivity of Gd(DTPA) standard. Postcontrast images demonstrate that oral administration of melanin complexes in concentration 0.1 mM provides essential enhancement to longitudinal relaxation times (T1)-weighted spin echo image. The required contrast and delineation of the stomach wall demonstrated uniform enhancement of MRI with proposed melanin complex.

The protective activity of melanin-like pigment (MLP) derived from tea was studied using benzidine (BZ) as a DNA-reactive chemical. A wild strain of Drosophila melanogaster, Canton-S, was used to evaluate the toxic effect of BZ and protective power of MLP. Addition of MLP to feed at concentrations of 1.5–15 μg/ml decreased the toxic effect of BZ and increased the survival of the flies of both sexes. By monitoring chemiluminescence intensity, it was found that MLP prevented the production of free radicals due to metabolic transformation of BZ. MLP also prevented the formation of DNA–DNA cross-links and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) DNA adducts. BZ can form free radial intermediates that bind to DNA sites, blocking the expression of genes responsible for the flies’ resistance to harmful factors. MLP exhibited antioxidant activity by binding to these intermediates.