Characterization of pink diamonds of different origin: Natural (Argyle,non-Argyle), irradiated and annealed,treated with multi-process,coated and synthetic

One of the commercial challenges today in the gem industry is to quickly identify the origin of color in pink diamonds — natural, treated and synthetic by use of standard and advanced gemological instruments.An analytical technique that is used by many gem labs involves UV fluorescence. The principle factors in the technique are the excitation wavelengths and the emission spectra. No systematic study of fluorescence of pink natural diamonds, pink treated and pink synthetic diamonds has been undertaken. This study is mainly focused on using fluorescence techniques to characterize pink diamonds and to compile a reference library of emission spectra. Longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) fluorescence of 365, 254 and 220 nm illumination were used in a custom built microscope with a fluorescence camera to record images and a spectrometer to record spectral data with which to establish a correlation with the cause of color.Other advanced instruments (CL imaging, UV–VIS–NIR, FTIR, PL spectroscopy and electrical conductance) were used to establish additional criteria for distinguishing natural, treated and synthetic pink diamonds and to find a correlation with the “EGL USA CIS (Cross-reference Identification System) fluorescence method”.     

Influence of antibody binding on oxygen binding behavior of Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin

Evidence linking paclitaxel to cardiotoxicity arose from early Phase I trials in which continuous cardiac monitoring was performed because of the high incidence of major hypersensitivity reactions. A variety of cardiac manifestations have been reported, ranging from asymptomatic sinus bradycardia to fatal myocardial infarction. The following case report describes an acute myocardial infarction occurring shortly after paclitaxel therapy.     

Inhibition of proliferation and expression of T-antigen in SV40 large T-antigen gene-induced immortalized cells following transplantations

In this paper the Authors reviewed the recent literature for a more comprehensive and clear vision of the epidemiological and pathological aspects of retroperitoneal sarcomas. The most effective procedures for a an early and accurate diagnosis were identified. Moreover, the different therapeutic choices were taken into account focusing on those provided of the major potential in terms of oncologically valid treatment.     

Studies of the esterification of dextran: routes to bioactive polymers and graft copolymers

Problems associated with the esterification of dextran as a means of coupling bioactive molecules or introduction of functionality suitable for graft polymerization are considered. In particular, the importance of eliminating side-reactions which incorporate into dextran unwanted residues, e.g. groups containing nitrogen, is emphasized and practical techniques for minimizing this are described. We have developed a formamide-based solvent suitable for esterification with the aid of dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) and carbonyl di-imidazole (CDI) as coupling agents. The preferred catalyst is p-pyrrolidinopyridine. CDI has the advantage of enabling dimethylsulphoxide to be used as solvent for dextran and other hydroxylic polymers without inducing oxidation of hydroxyl groups. This coupling agent is flexible and offers a choice of two routes to esterification, each having its merits. We have optimized conditions for coupling by use of butyric acid as model. Esterification of dextran has been employed in the preparation of soluble bioactive macromolecules by coupling the anti-platelet agent (I) and also in the synthesis of graft copolymers via introduction of 2-bromopropionate groups. Crosslinking of dextran and the polymerization of dipyridamole have been effected by use of CDI.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin II subtype-1 receptor blockade during the progression of left ventricular dysfunction: differential effects on myocyte contractile processes

Inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the setting of chronic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on survival and symptoms. However, whether ACE inhibition has direct effects on myocyte contractile processes and if these effects are mediated primarily through the AT1 angiotensin-II receptor subtype remains unclear. The present project examined the relationship between changes in LV and myocyte function and beta adrenergic receptor transduction in four groups of six dogs each: (1) Rapid Pace: LV failure induced by chronic rapid pacing (4 weeks; 216 +/- 2 bpm); (2) Rapid Pace/ACEI: concomitant ACE inhibition (ACEI: fosinopril 30 mg/kg b.i.d.) with chronic pacing; (3) Rapid Pace/AT1 Block: concomitant AT1 Ang-II receptor blockade [Irbesartan: SR 47436(BMS-186295) 30 mg/kg b.i.d.] with chronic pacing; and (4) Control: sham controls. With Rapid Pace, the LV end-diastolic volume increased by 62% and the ejection fraction decreased by 53% from control. With Rapid Pace/ACEI, the LV end-diastolic volume was reduced by 24% and the ejection fraction increased by 26% from Rapid Pace only values. Rapid Pace/AT1 Block did not improve LV geometry or function from Rapid Pace values. Myocyte contractile function decreased by 40% with Rapid Pace and increased from this value by 32% with Rapid Pace/ACEI. Rapid Pace/AT1 Block had no effect on myocyte function when compared with Rapid Pace values. With Rapid Pace/ACEI, beta receptor density and cyclic AMP production were normalized and associated with an improvement in myocyte beta adrenergic response compared with Rapid Pace only. Although Rapid Pace/AT1 also normalized beta receptor density, cyclic AMP production was unchanged and myocyte beta adrenergic response was reduced by 15% compared with Rapid Pace only. ACE inhibition with chronic rapid pacing improved LV and myocyte geometry and function, and normalized beta receptor density and cyclic AMP production. However, AT1 Ang-II receptor blockade with chronic rapid pacing failed to provide similar protective effects on LV and myocyte geometry and function. These unique findings suggest that the effects of ACE inhibition on LV geometry and myocyte contractile processes in the setting of developing LV failure are not primarily caused by modulation of AT1 Ang-II receptor activation.     

HCV/HGV coinfection and cryoglobulinemia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rates of spontaneous pregnancies among women whose infertile male partners had sperm surface antibodies. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Infertility clinic of a university referral center. PATIENT(S): One hundred fifty-seven infertile couples; the male partner had IgA and/or IgG sperm surface antibody concentrations of >10%. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Spontaneous pregnancy rates (PRs) over 6 years. RESULT(S): Spontaneous PRs correlated negatively with antibody concentrations. CONCLUSION(S): Although the chance of spontaneous pregnancy among women whose partners had sperm antibody concentrations of <50% was good, intracytoplasmic sperm injection should be recommended to patients with concentrations of >90%.