Diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution neck ultrasonography in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer: a prospective study.

Objective: To conduct a prospective study of the diagnostic value of features of cervical lymph nodes (large size, central location, abnormal shape, cystic changes, calcifications, and loss of echogenic hilum), assessed by neck ultrasonography (US), in patients scheduled for surgical treatment of persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods: We studied 152 US abnormalities in 42 patients (median age, 38.5 years) who had undergone one or more neck operations, with or without radioiodine therapy, but continued to have persistent or recurrent disease, which was confirmed by fine-needle aspiration.

Is lead considered as a risk factor for high blood pressure during menopause period among Saudi women?

This case-control study was designed to examine the association between blood lead levels and high blood pressure in a restricted subpopulation, Saudi women who were 45-93-year old, during or after menopausal period and not occupationally exposed to lead. Blood lead levels were assessed in 100 women with hypertension and 85 control subjects. Lead concentrations were measured in the whole blood using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Long-term course and predictive factors of elevated serum thyroglobulin and negative diagnostic radioiodine whole body scan in differentiated thyroid cancer.

Unlabelled: Following the initial management, some patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) develop a state of high thyroglobulin (Tg) and negative diagnostic radioactive iodine (RAI) whole body scan (DxWBS). The predisposing factors and outcome of this condition are unclear. In this study, our objectives were to determine the predictive factors for the development of high Tg and negative DxWBS (Tg+/scan-) and to study the long-term course of the disease in patients with this condition.

Pregnancy has no effect on the rate of structural deterioration of bioprosthetic valves: long-term 18-year follow up results.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Should cardiac valve replacement be required, a bioprosthetic valve (BPV) is generally recommended for female patients of childbearing age to avoid anticoagulation hazards. Whether pregnancy accelerates BPV degeneration, or not, remains the subject of debate. The study aim was to determine the long-term effects of repeat pregnancy on the rate of structural deterioration of BPVs.

Structural and thermal characterization of cerium, thorium and uranyl complexes of sulfasalazine.

Cerium(IV), Thorium(IV) and Uranyl(II) complexes with the ammonium salt of sulfasalazine drug (H2SSZ, HL-) have been studied. The structures of the complexes were elucidated using elemental analysis, IR and mass spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The complexes were isolated in 1:1 and 1:2 (M:L) ratios.

Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of some transition metals with Schiff base derived from 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde and aminobenzoic acid.

Metal complexes of Schiff base derived from 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde and 2-aminobenzoic acid (HL) are reported and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance and thermal analysis (TGA). The ligand dissociation as well as the metal-ligand stability constants were calculated pH metrically at 25 degrees C and ionic strength mu=0.1 (1M NaCl).

Structural and thermal characterization of ternary complexes of piroxicam and alanine with transition metals: uranyl binary and ternary complexes of piroxicam. Spectroscopic characterization and properties of metal complexes.

Ternary Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO2(II) complexes with piroxicam (Pir) drug (H2L1) and dl-alanine (Ala) (HL2) and also the binary UO2(II) complex with Pir were studied. The structures of the complexes were elucidated using elemental, IR, molar conductance, magnetic moment, diffused reflectance and thermal analyses. The UO2(II) binary complex was isolated in 1:2 ratio with the formula [UO2(H2L)2](NO3)2.

Effect of mastitis on macro-minerals of bovine milk and blood serum in Sudan.

Milk and blood serum from clinically mastitis infected, subclinically mastitis infected and healthy Friesian cows (15 samples from each of 3 groups) were evaluated for macrominerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus). The milk from cows infected with subclinical mastitis revealed a significant decrease in potassium (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in sodium and phosphorus content (P < 0.

Fluctuating pulse deficits associated with intimal arterial injury following gunshot wounds of the extremity--a sign not to be missed.

Gunshot wounds may result in intimal arterial injury without breach of the arterial wall integrity. Haemorrhage, haematoma and a pulse deficit are therefore not always found. We report on two cases of lower extremity gunshot wounds with temporal variations in the clinical and radiological assessment of the pedal pulses.

Structural, spectroscopic and thermal characterization of 2-tert-butylaminomethylpyridine-6-carboxylic acid methylester and its Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes.

Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and UO(2)(II) complexes with the ligand 2-tert-butylaminomethylpyridine-6-carboxylic acid methylester (HL(2)) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moment, thermal analysis and spectral data. 1:1 M:HL(2) complexes, with the general formula [M(HL(2))X(2)].nH(2)O (where M = Co(II) (X = Cl, n = 0), Ni(II) (X = Cl, n = 3), Cu(II) (grey colour, X = AcO, n = 1), Cu(II) (yellow colour, X = Cl, n = 0) and Zn(II) (X = Br, n = 0).

Mixed ligand complexes of bis(phenylimine) Schiff base ligands incorporating pyridinium moiety Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity.

The synthesis and structural characterization of mixed ligand complexes derived from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(o-hydroxyphenylimine), 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehydebis(p-hydroxyphenylimine) (1(ry) ligands) and 2-aminopyridne (2(ry) ligand) are reported. The ligands and their transition metal complexes were characterized on the bases of their elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance and thermal analysis (TGA). The mixed ligand complexes are formed in the 1:1:1 (M:L(1) or L(2):L') ratio as found from the elemental analyses and found to have the formulae [MX(2)(L(1) or L(2))(L')].

Two Spectrophotometric Assays for Dopamine Derivatives in Pharmaceutical Products and in Biological Samples of Schizophrenic Patients Using Copper Tetramine Complex and Tri-iodide Reagent.

Two simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric methods are proposed for the determination of levodopa (LD). The first method is based on coupling of 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) with one of the dopamine derivatives (LD, CD) to give a new ligand that reacts with copper tetramine complex to give intensely colored chelates. The colored products are quantified spectrophotometrically at 525 and 520 nm for LD and CD, respectively.

Potentiometric, spectroscopic and thermal studies on the metal chelates of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthalenol.

The synthesis and characterization of Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pd(II) and UO2(II) chelates of 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthalenol (TAN) were reported. The dissociation constants of the ligand and the stability constants of the metal complexes were calculated pH-metrically at 25 degrees C and 0.1 M ionic strength.

Evaluation of schistosomicidal activity of myrrh extract: parasitological and histological study.

Ninety mice were divided into three main groups: G. I (non-infected control), G. II (infected non treated control) and G.

Synthesis, investigation and spectroscopic characterization of piroxicam ternary complexes of Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with glycine and DL-phenylalanine.

The ternary piroxicam (Pir; 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide 1,1-dioxide) complexes of Fe(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with various amino acids (AA) such as glycine (Gly) or DL-phenylalanine (PhA) were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, IR, UV-Vis, magnetic moment, diffuse reflectance and X-ray powder diffraction. The UV-Vis spectra of Pir and the effect of metal chelation on the different interligand transitions are discussed in detailed manner. IR and UV-Vis spectra confirm that Pir behaves as a neutral bidentate ligand coordinated to the metal ions via the pyridine-N and carbonyl group of the amide moiety.

Structure investigation, spectral, thermal, X-ray and mass characterization of piroxicam and its metal complexes.

[M(H2L)2](A)2.yH2O (where H2L: neutral piroxicam (Pir), A: Cl- in case of Ni(II) or acetate anion in case of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions and y=0-2.5) and [M(H2L)3](A)z.

IR, UV-Vis, magnetic and thermal characterization of chelates of some catecholamines and 4-aminoantipyrine with Fe(III) and Cu(II).

The dopamine derivatives participate in the regulation of wide variety of physiological functions in the human body and in medication life. Increase and/or decrease in the concentration of dopamine in human body reflect an indication for diseases such as Schizophrenia and/or Parkinson diseases. Alpha-methyldopa (alpha-MD) in tablets is used in medication of hypertension.

Impairment of the Schistosoma mansoni-specific immune responses elicited by treatment with praziquantel in Ugandans with HIV-1 coinfection.

We show that Ugandan adults coinfected with Schistosoma mansoni and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are able to mount S. mansoni-specific immune responses but that few such responses increase after treatment with praziquantel (PZQ). Levels of soluble worm antigen (SWA)-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-5 increased significantly in HIV-negative participants after treatment with PZQ, whereas most soluble egg antigen-specific antibody responses and levels of interferon- gamma were unaltered.

Neuroprotective effect of (-)Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced retinal neurotoxicity: involvement of peroxynitrite.

In glaucoma, the increased release of glutamate is the major cause of retinal ganglion cell death. Cannabinoids have been demonstrated to protect neuron cultures from glutamate-induced death. In this study, we test the hypothesis that glutamate causes apoptosis of retinal neurons via the excessive formation of peroxynitrite, and that the neuroprotective effect of the psychotropic Delta9-tetrahydroxycannabinol (THC) or nonpsychotropic cannabidiol (CBD) is via the attenuation of this formation.

Production, purification, and biochemical characterization of two beta-glucosidases from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

The filamentous fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces beta-glucosidases in liquid culture with a variety of carbon sources, including cellulose (filter paper), xylan, barley straw, oat meal, and xylose. Analysis by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) followed by an activity staining with the specific chromogenic substrate, 5-bromo 4-chloro 3-indolyl beta-1,4 glucoside (X-glu) showed that two extracellular beta-glucosidases, designated as beta-glu1 and beta-glu2, were in the filter paper culture filtrate. Only one enzyme designated as beta-glu x was revealed by the same method in the xylose culture filtrate.

Roles of superoxide, peroxynitrite, and protein kinase C in the development of tolerance to nitroglycerin.

A current hypothesis states that tolerance to nitroglycerin (GTN) involves increased formation of superoxide (O2*-). Studies showing that inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) prevent tolerance to GTN suggest the involvement of PKC activation, which can also increase O2*-. We examined the roles of O2*-, peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and PKC activation in GTN tolerance.

Estradiol relaxes rat aorta via endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

The effects of estrogen on arterial function are heterogeneous with respect to vessel and/or species. We have investigated 17beta-estradiol-induced relaxation in isolated rat aorta with regard to the role of the vascular endothelium and ionic mechanisms. Estrogen induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of 46.

High glucose-induced tyrosine nitration in endothelial cells: role of eNOS uncoupling and aldose reductase activation.

Purpose: Analyses in diabetic rats have shown that breakdown of the blood-retina barrier is associated with increased formation of peroxynitrite, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation. The permeability increase is blocked by treatments that also prevent the increases in reactive oxygen species, suggesting their causal role in vascular dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the specific effects of high glucose and high osmolarity on the formation of nitrotyrosine, nitric oxide, and superoxide anion in retinal vascular endothelial cells and to evaluate the metabolic pathways involved.

Experimental diabetes causes breakdown of the blood-retina barrier by a mechanism involving tyrosine nitration and increases in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor.

The purpose of these experiments was to determine the specific role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown that characterizes the early stages of vascular dysfunction in diabetes. Based on our data showing that high glucose increases nitric oxide, superoxide, and nitrotyrosine formation in retinal endothelial cells, we hypothesized that excess formation of ROS causes BRB breakdown in diabetes. Because ROS are known to induce increases in expression of the well-known endothelial mitogen and permeability factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) we also examined their influence on the expression of VEGF and its downstream target urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR).