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Multiple sulfatase deficiency is biochemically characterized by the accumulation of sulfated lipids and acid mucopolysaccharides. The gene sulfatase-modifying factor 1 (SUMF1), recently identified, encodes the enzyme responsible for post-translational modification of a cysteine residue, which is essential for the activity of sulfatases. We describe clinical findings and mutation analysis of four patients. The patients presented with hypotonia, developmental delay, coarse face, ichthyosis, and hepatosplenomegaly. The diagnosis was made through clinical findings, enzymatic assays, and mutation analysis. We were detected to be homozygous for a novel missense mutation c. 739G > C causing a p.G247R amino acid substitution in the SUMF1 protein.

Objectives: We aimed to develop a basic, easily applicable nomogram to improve the survival prediction of the patients with stage II/III gastric cancer (GC) and to select the best candidate for postoperative radiotherapy (RT)., Methods: In this multicentric trial, we retrospectively evaluated the data of 1597 patients with stage II/III GC after curative gastrectomy followed by postoperative RT ± chemotherapy (CT). Patients were divided into a training set (n = 1307) and an external validation set (n = 290). Nomograms were created based on independent predictors identified by Cox regression analysis in the training set. The consistency index (C-index) and the calibration curve were used to evaluate the discriminative ability and accuracy of the nomogram. A nomogram was created based on the predictive model and the identified prognostic factors to predict 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS)., Results: The multivariate Cox model recognized lymph node (LN) involvement status, lymphatic dissection (LD) width, and metastatic LN ratio as covariates associated with CSS. Depth of invasion, LN involvement status, LD width, metastatic LN ratio, and lymphovascular invasion were the factors associated with PFS. Calibration of the nomogram predicted both CSS and PFS corresponding closely with the actual results. In our validation set, discrimination was good (C-index, 0.76), and the predicted survival was within a 10% margin of ideal nomogram., Conclusions: In our relatively large cohort, we created and validated both CSS and PFS nomograms that could be useful for underdeveloped or developing countries rather than Korea and Japan, where the D2 gastrectomy is routinely performed. This could serve as a true map for oncologists who must make decisions without an experienced surgeon and a multidisciplinary tumor board., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors concluded that they have not any conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Asian Surgical Association and Taiwan Society of Coloproctology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Adaptable redox-active materials hold great potential for electrochemically mediated separation processes via targeted molecular recognition and reduced energy requirements. This work presents molecularly tunable vinylferrocene metallopolymers (P(VFc-co-X)) with modifiable operating potentials, charge storage capacities, capacity retentions, and analyte affinities in various electrolyte environments based on the hydrophobicity of X. The styrene (St) co-monomer impedes hydrophobic anions from ferrocene access, providing P(VFc-co-St) with specific response capabilities for and greatly improved cyclabilities in hydrophilic anions. This adjustable electrochemical stability enables preferential chromium and rhenium oxyanion separation from both hydrophobic and hydrophilic electrolytes that significantly surpasses capacitive removal by an order of magnitude, with a robust perrhenate uptake capacity of 329 mg/g VFc competitive with established metal-organic framework physisorbents and 17-fold selectivity over 20-fold excess nitrate. Pairing P(VFc-co-X) with other solution-specific electroactive macromolecules such as the pH-dependent poly(hydroquinone) (PHQ) and the cesium-selective nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) generates dual-functionalized electrosorption cells. P(VFc-co-X)//PHQ offers optimizable energetics based on X and pH for a substantial 4.6-fold reduction from 0.21 to 0.04 kWh/mol rhenium in acidic versus near-neutral media, and P(VFc-co-St)//NiHCF facilitates simultaneous extraction of rhenium, chromium, and cesium ions. Proof-of-concept reversible perrhenate separation in flow further highlights such frameworks as promising approaches for next-generation water purification technologies.

A framework of ferrocene-containing polymers bearing adjustable pH- and redox-active properties in aqueous electrolyte environments was developed. The electroactive metallopolymers were designed to possess enhanced hydrophilicity compared to the vinylferrocene (VFc) homopolymer, poly(vinylferrocene) (PVFc), by virtue of the comonomer incorporated into the macromolecule, and could also be prepared as conductive nanoporous carbon nanotube (CNT) composites that offered a variety of different redox potentials spanning a ca. 300 mV range. The presence of charged non-redox-active moieties such as methacrylate (MA) in the polymeric structure endowed it with acid dissociation properties that interacted synergistically with the redox activity of the ferrocene moieties to impart pH-dependent electrochemical behavior to the overall polymer, which was subsequently studied and compared to several Nernstian relationships in both homogeneous and heterogeneous configurations. This zwitterionic characteristic was leveraged for the enhanced electrochemical separation of several transition metal oxyanions using a P(VFc 0.63 - co -MA 0.37 )-CNT polyelectrolyte electrode, which yielded an almost twofold preference for chromium as hydrogen chromate versus its chromate form, and also exemplified the electrochemically mediated and innately reversible nature of the separation process through the capture and release of vanadium oxyanions. These investigations into pH-sensitive redox-active materials provide insight for future developments in stimuli-responsive molecular recognition, with extendibility to areas such as electrochemical sensing and selective separation for water purification.

Importance: The US arrival of the Omicron variant led to a rapid increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections. While numerous studies report characteristics of Omicron infections among vaccinated individuals or persons with previous infection, comprehensive data describing infections among adults who are immunologically naive are lacking., Objectives: To examine COVID-19 acute and postacute clinical outcomes among a well-characterized cohort of unvaccinated and previously uninfected adults who contracted SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron (BA.1/BA.2) surge, and to compare outcomes with infections that occurred during the Delta wave., Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective multisite cohort study included community-dwelling adults undergoing high-resolution symptom and virologic monitoring in 8 US states between June 2021 and September 2022. Unvaccinated adults aged 30 to less than 65 years without an immunological history of SARS-CoV-2 who were at high risk of infection were recruited. Participants were followed for up to 48 weeks, submitting regular COVID-19 symptom surveys and nasal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Data were analyzed from May to October 2022., Exposures: Omicron (BA.1/BA.2 lineages) vs Delta SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined as a positive PCR test result that occurred during a period when the variant represented at least 50% of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in the participant's geographic region., Main Outcomes and Measure(s): The main outcomes examined were the prevalence and severity of acute (≤28 days after onset) and postacute (≥5 weeks after onset) symptoms., Results: Among 274 participants who were immunologically naive (mean [SD] age, 49 [9.7] years; 186 [68%] female; 19 [7%] Hispanic participants; 242 [88%] White participants), 166 (61%) contracted SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 137 infections (83%) occurred during the Omicron-predominant period and 29 infections (17%) occurred during the Delta-predominant period. Asymptomatic infections occurred among 7% (95% CI, 3%-12%) of Omicron-wave infections and 0% (95% CI, 0%-12%) of Delta-wave infections. Health care use among individuals with Omicron-wave infections was 79% (95% CI, 43%-92%) lower relative to individuals with Delta-wave infections (P = .001). Compared with individuals infected during the Delta wave, individuals infected during the Omicron wave also experienced a 56% (95% CI, 26%-74%, P = .004) relative reduction in the risk of postacute symptoms and a 79% (95% CI, 54%-91%, P < .001) relative reduction in the rate of postacute symptoms., Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that among adults who were previously immunologically naive, few Omicron-wave (BA.1/BA.2) and Delta-wave infections were asymptomatic. Compared with individuals with Delta-wave infections, individuals with Omicron-wave infections were less likely to seek health care and experience postacute symptoms.

Background: Central nervous system fungal infections (CNSFI) are seen in patients with hematologic malignancies and have high morbidity and mortality. Because of their rarity, there is limited data on CNSFI in children with no established treatment protocols or guidelines., Materials and Methods: In this multicenter retrospective study, 51 pediatric patients with leukemia, 6 of whom had undergone bone marrow transplantation, with proven or probable CNSFI were evaluated. Fungal infections were defined as proven or probable based on European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. Proven CNSFI was diagnosed by appropriate central nervous system (CNS) imaging or tissue sample findings in combination with positive microbiological results of cerebrospinal fluid. A positive culture, microscopic evidence of hyphae, a positive result of the galactomannan assays are defined as positive microbiological evidence. Probable CNSFI was defined as appropriate CNS imaging findings together with proven or probable invasive fungal infections at another focus without CNS when there is no other explanatory condition. Data was collected by using the questionnaire form (Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JPHO/A541 )., Results: Seventeen patients had proven, 34 patients had probable CNSFI. Headaches and seizures were the most common clinical findings. The median time between the onset of fever and diagnosis was 5 days. The most common fungal agent identified was Aspergillus . Sixteen patients received single-agent, 35 received combination antifungal therapy. Surgery was performed in 23 patients. Twenty-two patients (43%) died, 29 of the CNSFI episodes recovered with a 20% neurological sequelae., Conclusion: CNSFIs should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with leukemia and refractory/recurrent fever, headache, neurologicalocular symptoms, and a radiologic-serological evaluation should be performed immediately. Early diagnosis and prompt management, both medical and surgical, are essential for improving clinical outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The unprecedented increase in atmospheric CO 2 concentration calls for effective carbon capture technologies. With distributed sources contributing to about half of the overall emission, CO 2 capture from the atmosphere [direct air capture, (DAC)] is more relevant than ever. Herein, an electrochemically mediated DAC system is reported which utilizes affinity of redox-active quinone moieties towards CO 2 molecules, and unlike incumbent chemisorption technologies which require temperature or pH swing, relies solely on the electrochemical voltage for CO 2 capture and release. The design and operation of a DAC system is demonstrated with stackable bipolar cells using quinone chemistry. Specifically, poly(vinylanthraquinone) (PVAQ) negative electrode undergoes a two-electron reduction reaction and reversibly complexes with CO 2 , leading to CO 2 sequestration from the feed stream. The subsequent PVAQ oxidation, conversely, results in release of CO 2 . The performance of both small- and meso-scale cells for DAC are evaluated with feed CO 2 concentrations as low as 400 ppm (0.04 %), and energy consumption is demonstrated as low as 113 kJ per mole of CO 2 captured. Notably, the bipolar cell construct is modular and expandable, equally suitable for small and large plants. Moving forward, this work presents a viable and highly customizable electrochemical method for DAC., (© 2022 The Authors. ChemSusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Global water security is jeopardized by the presence of anthropogenic contaminants, which can persist resiliently in the environment and adversely affect human health. Surface adsorption of polluting species is an effective technique for water purification. In this work, redox-active magnetic compounds were designed for the targeted removal of inorganic and organic anions in water via polymeric redox-active vinylferrocene (VFc) and pyrrole (Py) moieties. An Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @PPy@P(VFc- co -HEMA) composite was prepared in a four-step process, with the outermost layer possessing heightened hydrophilicity as a result of the optimized incorporation of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) monomers into the backbone of the ferrocene macromolecule. The synthesized materials are able to separate carcinogenic hexavalent chromium oxyanions and other charged micropollutants, and exhibit a 2-fold or greater enhancement in adsorption uptake once the redox-active ferrocene groups are oxidized to ferrocenium cations, with capacities of 23, 49, 66, and 95 mg/g VFc for maleic acid, 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid (Naproxen), (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D), and (2-dodecylbenzene)sulfonic acid (DBS), respectively, and a > 99% extractability of chromium in the 1 ppm range. The application of redox-active components to a magnetic particulate scaffold improves maneuverability and phase contact, giving rise to new potential aqueous separation process frameworks for water or product purification.

Molten alkali metal borates have been proposed as energy-efficient sorbents for the low-cost capture of CO 2 at high temperatures. The molten sorbents could help to mitigate global warming by capturing CO 2 from industrial sources and preventing the release of CO 2 into the atmosphere. However, these novel materials operate under harsh conditions, introducing challenges of which material compatibility is one of the most important. Other than platinum, where a less than 0.1% change in performance was observed over 1000 h of continuous use, few materials were found to be compatible with the molten salts. Common ceramics, steels, and superalloys were eliminated from consideration due to corrosive oxidation of the substrate and contamination of the melt resulting in chemical degradation and reduction in the sorbent's working capacity. A high-purity nickel alloy, Nickel 200/201, with a protective oxide layer was found to perform optimally with regards to both corrosive degradation and chemical degradation. Modest corrosion rates on the order of 0.3-0.5 mm/year were estimated, and the sorbent capacity was found to drop by between a manageable 0.5 and 20% over 100 h. Various protective measures are proposed, and future work suggested, to ensure that material compatibility does not limit the potential of molten alkali metal borates to reduce CO 2 emissions and contribute to a clean energy future.

An electrochemical flow cell with redox-active electrodes was used for selective removal and recovery of vanadium(V) oxyanions from aqueous streams. The cell relies on intrinsic affinity of the redox-active polymer poly(vinyl)ferrocene (PVFc) and demonstrates selectivity of >10 towards vanadium compared to a background electrolyte in 40-fold abundance. We demonstrate highly selective vanadium removal in the presence of various competing anions (i.e., fluoride, bromide, nitrate, and sulfate). Surface elemental analysis reveals significant correlation between PVFc moieties and vanadium-rich regions after adsorption, corroborating the central role of PVFc modulation on vanadium separation. We further propose a vanadium speciation mechanism in which high and low pH environments during adsorption and desorption steps favor formation of, respectively, H 2 VO 3 - / HVO 4 2- and H 2 VO 3 - / H 3 VO 4 / VO 2 + . Results have implications for the development and optimization of flow devices, as per our observations, excessively low pH environments during desorption can lead to subsequent re-adsorption of cationic vanadium(V)., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Electrochemically mediated amine regeneration (EMAR) was recently developed to avoid the use of thermal means to release CO 2 captured from postcombustion flue gas in the benchmark amine process. To address concerns related to the high vapor pressure of ethylenediamine (EDA) as the primary amine used in EMAR, a mixture of EDA and aminoethylethanolamine (AEEA) was investigated. The properties of the mixed amine systems, including the absorption rates, electrolyte pH and conductivity, and CO 2 capacity, were evaluated in comparison with those of solely EDA. The mixed amine system had similar properties to that of EDA, indicating no significant changes would be necessary for the future implementation of the EMAR process with mixed amines as opposed to that with just EDA. The electrochemical performance of the mixed amines in terms of the cell voltage, gas desorption rate, electron utilization, and energetics was also investigated. A 50/50 mixture of EDA and AEEA displayed the lowest energetics: ∼10% lower than that of 100% EDA. With this mixture, a continuous EMAR process, in which the absorption column was connected to the electrochemical cell as the desorption stage, was tested over 100 h. The cell voltage was very stable and there was a steady gas output close to theoretical values. The desorbed gas was further analyzed and found to be 100% CO 2 , confirming no evaporation of the amine. The mixed absorbent composition was also characterized using titration and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the results showed no amine degradation. These findings that demonstrate a stable, low vapor pressure absorbent with improved energetics are promising and could be a guideline for the future development of EMAR for CO 2 capture from flue gas and other sources.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride-containing varnish on prevention enamel erosive tooth wear., Materials and Methods: A total of 28 enamel samples were prepared from human molars, divided into four groups: CPP-ACPF varnish, TCP-F varnish, NaF varnish, and deionised water. For the remineralisation process stimulated human pooled saliva was used. After treatment, all enamel samples were exposed to 10 ml of Coca Cola. Ca++ release was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The surface topography was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface microhardness of enamel was analysed and SMHR % (surface microhardness reduction ) was calculated. Data were analysed with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)., Results: Deionised water demonstrated a statistically significantly higher Ca+2 release compared to those of groups NaF > fTCP > CPP-ACPF, respectively (p <0.01). All groups measured for root-mean-square-roughness (Rrms) showed a statistically significantly difference of 6 × 6 μm2 and 12 × 12 μm2 enamel area (p <0.05) compared with a negative control group. CPP-ACPF varnish showed rougher surfaces than all remineralisation groups. SMHR % of enamels were as follows: CPP-ACPF < fTCP < NaF < deionised water (p <0.01)., Conclusion: According to the findings of this study; CPP-ACP containing agents have a statistically statistically significant effect on preventing dental erosion. Among these, CPP-ACPF-containing remineralisation agents have the most effect on the remineralisation process.

Background: Radical radiotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced cervix uteri carcinoma (FIGO stage IB2-IVA). Worldwide, incidence and mortality rates vary among regions because of differences in lifestyles and treatment standards. Herein, we evaluated the outcomes of radical radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervix uteri carcinoma from the middle Black Sea region of Turkey., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 64 consecutive patients with locally advanced cervix uteri carcinoma who were treated from January 2013 to 2016 in our radiation oncology department. All patients staging and radiotherapy planning were performed with modern imaging techniques including magnetic resonance imaging and positron-emission-tomography/computed tomography before radical radiotherapy. Thereafter, all of them were treated with external beam radiotherapy and concurrent cis-platinum-based chemotherapy followed by three-dimensional intra-cavitary high-dose-rate brachytherapy., Results: The median age at diagnosis was 54.5 years. The median follow-up period was 21 months. Acute grade 3 toxicity was detected in 3.1% of patients. Late toxicity was not detected in any patient. The 1- and 3-year progression-free survival rates were 83.6 and 67.5%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 95.7 and 76.9%, respectively. The most important prognostic factor was the FIGO stage. Distant metastasis was the most common cause of death in patients with locally advanced cervix uteri carcinoma despite radical radiotherapy., Conclusions: In patients with locally-advanced cervix uteri carcinoma from the middle Black Sea region of our developing country, acceptable toxicity and survival rates are achieved similar to the recent literature from developed countries with using of modern staging, planning and radical radiotherapy techniques. However, recurrence was mostly in the form of distant metastases and further investigations on systemic therapies are required.

Disappearing inks can be used for forgeries in many fields. In this study, thymolphthalein indicator solution was prepared as a disappearing ink. A total of 54 different solutions containing thymolphthalein were prepared at six different concentrations and nine different pH values. Among the prepared solutions, 0.16 g/50 mL and 0.32 g/65 mL thymolphthalein at pH 14 were the optimum solutions that were not distinguishable from regular ink when applied to promissory note. Fountain pens were filled with the abovementioned ink solutions and applied to promissory notes for experimental purposes. After 40 h, ink residues were not visible on promissory notes written with the ink with the optimum pH (pH = 14) value. To decipher the entries that disappeared, an instrumental method (Video Spectral Comparator-8000) and a chemical method (using NH 3 vapor) were used, succeeded at 0.32 g/65 mL, but failed at 0.16 g/50 mL thymolphthalein. Therefore, NH 3 had to be sprayed for 0.16 g/50 mL with negligible harm., (© 2019 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)

The understanding of the impurities in natural snow is important in realizing its atmospheric quality, soil characteristics, and the pollution caused to the environment. Knowledge of the occurrence of major ions and trace metals in the snow in the megacity of Istanbul is very limited. This manuscript attempts to understand the origin of major soluble ions (fluoride, acetate, formate, chlorite, chloride, nitrite, chlorate, bromide, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, and perchlorate) and some trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu) in winter surface snow, collected in Istanbul, Turkey. The sampling of the surface snow was conducted after each precipitation during the winter of 2015-2016 at three sites in the city. Besides the statistical evaluation of the major ions, and some trace metal concentrations, the chemical variations along with atmospheric circulations, which are important modification mechanisms that influence the concentrations, were investigated in the study. At examined locations and times, 12 major anions were investigated and in these anions fluoride, chlorite, chlorate, bromide, and perchlorate in the snow samples were below the detection limit; only SO 4 2- , NO 3 - , and CI - were found to be in the range of 1.11-17.90, 0.75-4.52, and 0.19-3.01 mg/L. Also, according to the trace element determination, the concentration was found to be 29.2-53.7, 2.0-16.1, 1.0-2.2, 50.1-71.1, 24.2-35.2, ND-7.9, 43.2-106.6, and 3.0-17.7 μg/L for Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively. The major anions and investigated trace elements here originated mainly from anthropogenic and atmospheric circulation and mainly influenced by northerly and southerly circulation patterns. While the main limitations in the present study may be the low number of samples that may not be entirely representative, accurately reflect identification, or support other previously observed local measurements, we believe that the type of data presented in this study has the potential to be used in the field of environmental risk assessment and, as result, for human health.

Background: Endocrine organs are highly susceptible to effects of high-dose chemotherapy. The objective of the study was to evaluate endocrine and metabolic complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children., Methods: The patients who underwent HSCT in our center from April 2010 to October 2014 with at least 1 year follow-up were analyzed retrospectively., Results: One-hundred children (M/F:59/41; mean age 8.9±4.8 years, mean follow-up time 3.4±1.2 years) were included in the study. Female hypogonadism was the most common endocrine dysfunction (35.7%), followed by growth impairment (29.4%), malnutrition (27.4%), dyslipidemia (26%), low bone mineral density (BMD) (25%), hypothyroidism (13%) and insulin resistance (12%). Patients who underwent HSCT >10 years of age were significantly at risk for hypogonadism, metabolic syndrome, growth impairment and malnutrition (p<0.05)., Conclusions: Endocrine or metabolic dysfunctions are more prevalent in children who are older than 10 years of age at HSCT. Children who underwent HSCT should be followed-up by a multidisciplinary team during puberty and adolescence.

HSCT is a curative treatment in TM, but conditioning and immunosuppressive treatment may affect bone metabolism. In this retrospective study, we aimed to compare BMD, vitamin D status, and growth in children with TM who underwent HSCT to those in children with TD TM. Twenty-three children with TM who underwent HSCT (mean age 7.1 years [1.03-14.7]) and 24 children with TD thalassemia (mean age 9.8 years [1.6-14]) were recruited. Lumbar spine BMD of TD thalassemia patients was higher than those in patients who had HSCT at both baseline and second-year assessments (P=.009, P<.001, respectively). However, BMD Z scores or serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were not different in two groups. Being >10 years of age was a significant risk factor for low BMD, height, and weight Z score for both groups. Patients who underwent HSCT with Pesaro risk class II or III had higher risk for low BMD compared to those risk class I patients (P=.044). In conclusion, children with TM who were >10 years at HSCT are at risk for low BMD and growth retardation. HSCT had no effect on BMD deficit in children with TM., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The current optimal radiotherapy (RT) planning technique for stomach cancer is controversial. The design of RT for stomach cancer is difficult and differs according to tumor localization. Dosimetric and clinical studies have been performed in patients with different tumor localizations. This may be the main source of inconsistencies in study results. For this reason, we attempted to find the optimal RT technique for patients with stomach cancer in similar locations. Methods: This study was based on the computed tomography datasets of 20 patients with antrum-located stomach cancer. For each patient, treatments were designed using physical wedge-based conformal RT (WB-CRT), field-in-field intensity-modulated RT (FIF-IMRT), and dynamic intensity-modulated RT (IMRT). The techniques were compared in terms of expected target volume coverage and the dose to organs at risk (OAR) using a dose-volume histogram analysis. Results: FIF-IMRT was the most homogenous technique, with a better homogeneity index than WBCRT (p<0.001) or IMRT (p<0.001). However, IMRT had a better conformity index than WBCRT (p<0.001) or FIF-IMRT (p<0.001). Additionally, all OAR, including the kidneys, liver, and spinal cord, were better protected with IMRT than with WBCRT (p=0.023 to <0.001) or FIF-IMRT (p=0.028 to <0.001). Conclusions: In comparison to FIF-IMRT and WBCRT, IMRT appears to be the most appropriate technique for antrum-located stomach cancer. To establish whether IMRT is superior overall will require clinical studies, taking into account differences in both tumor localization (cardia, body, and antrum) and organ movement in patients with stomach cancer., (Creative Commons Attribution License)

In this study, at first the synthesis of 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate-ethylene glycole dimethacrylate co-polymer beads and its modification with tris(2-aminoethyl) amine is described. Characterization of the polymer was done by FTIR and SEM. The functional co-polymer was filled in a disposable pipet tip and tightly connected to a 50-mL syringe for the separation and the enrichment of lead and cadmium prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The sample and then the eluate were subsequently drawn and discharged to retain and desorb lead and cadmium by means of the syringe, respectively. Both analytes were quantitatively retained at pH 4 and eluted using 3.0 mol L -1 of HNO 3 at flow rates of approximately 10 mL min -1 . Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors of up to 50-fold both elements could be obtained by drawing and discharging 250 mL (5 × 50 mL) of the sample, and then 5 mL of the eluent. The recoveries were >90%. The limits of detection (3σ; N = 10 of blank) for Pb and Cd were 0.0034 and 0.0016 mg L -1 for a 50-fold enrichment, respectively. The analyte concentrations in a certified waste water reference agreed within the certified values in the 95% confidence range.

In this study, a highly accurate, fast and practical separation/enrichment technique is described to determine the Pb in tap water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. For this purpose, at first, Pb was collected on montmorillonite by batch technique, the supernatant was decanted and the solid phase was slurried in a mixture of 0.1% Triton X-114 and 0.1 mol L -1 HNO 3 then directly introduced into graphite furnace without elution. Since the elution step was not applied, the method was simpler and faster compared to conventional techniques. The risks of elution step on the precision and recovery were eliminated. Up to 50-fold enrichment could be obtained by this method. The limit of detection (3δ, N = 10) and characteristic concentration of the method for Pb were 0.46 and 1.13 μg L -1 , respectively. In addition, the Pb in water samples (tap and river) collected from different regions of Turkey were determined.

Total sulfur concentrations in vinegars were determined using molecular absorption of carbon monosulfide (CS) determined with a high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The molecular absorption of CS was measured at 258.056nm in an air-acetylene flame. Due to non-spectral interference, as well as the different sensitivities to some sulfur compounds, all sulfur species were oxidized to sulfate using a HNO3 and H2O2 mixture and the analyte addition technique was applied for quantification. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 11.6 and 38.6mgL(-1), respectively. The concentrations of sulfur in various vinegars ranged from ⩽LOD to 163.6mgL(-1)., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study describes the applicability of solid sampling technique for the determination of fluorine in various baby foods via molecular absorption of calcium monofluoride generated in a graphite furnace of high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry. Fluorine was determined at CaF wavelength, 606.440nm in a graphite tube applying a pyrolysis temperature of 1000°C and a molecule forming temperature of 2200°C. The limit of detection and characteristic mass of the method were 0.20ng and 0.17ng of fluorine, respectively. The fluorine concentrations determined in standard reference sample (bush branches and leaves) were in good agreement with the certified values. By applying the optimized parameters, the concentration of fluorine in various baby foods were determined. The fluorine concentrations were ranged from

The concentrations of lead, nickel and cadmium in various hennas and synthetic hair dyes were determined by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GFAAS). For this purpose, 1 g of sample was digested using 4 mL of hydrogen peroxide (30%) and 8 mL of nitric acid (65%). The digests were diluted to 15 mL and the analytes were determined by HR-CS GFAAS. All determinations of Pb and Cd were performed using NH4H2PO4 as a modifier. The analytes in hair certified reference materials (CRMs) were found within the uncertainty limits of the certified values. In addition, the analyte concentrations added to hair dye were recovered between 95 and 110%. The limits of detection of the method were 48.90, 3.90 and 12.15 ng g(-1) for Pb, Cd and Ni, respectively and the characteristic concentrations were 8.70, 1.42 and 6.30 ng g(-1), respectively. Finally, the concentrations of the three analytes in various synthetic hair dyes with different brands, shades and formulae as well as in two henna varieties were determined using aqueous standards for calibration. The concentrations of Pb, Cd and Ni in hair dyes were in the ranges of LOD-0.56 μg g(-1), LOD-0.011 ng g(-1) and 0.030-0.37 μg g(-1), respectively, whereas those in the two hennas were 0.60-0.93 μg g(-1), 0.033-0.065 ng g(-1) and 0.49-1.06 μg g(-1), respectively., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Total chlorine in milk was determined via the molecular absorption of diatomic strontium monochloride at 635.862 nm using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of coating the graphite furnace, using different modifiers, amount of molecule-forming element, and different calibrants were investigated and optimized. Chlorine concentrations in milk samples were determined in a Zr-coated graphite furnace using 25 μg of Sr as the molecule-forming reagent and applying a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C and a molecule-forming temperature of 2300 °C. Linearity was maintained up to 500 μg mL(-1) of Cl. The method was tested by analyzing a certified reference wastewater. The results were in the uncertainty limits of the certified value. The limit of detection of the method was 1.76 μg mL(-1). The chlorine concentrations in various cow milk samples taken from the market were found in the range of 588-1472 mg L(-1).

Fluorine determination in airborne samples is important due to its spread into the air from both natural and artificial sources. It can travel by wind over large distances before depositing on the Earth's surface. Its concentration in various matrices are limited and controlled by the regulations for causing health risks associated with environmental exposures. In this work, fluorine was determined in PM2.5 airborne samples by high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. For these purpose, the PM2.5 airborne particulates were collected on quartz filters using high-volume samplers (500 L/min) in Istanbul (Turkey) for 96 h during January to June in 2 years. Then, instrumental and experimental parameters were optimized for the analyte in airborne samples. The validity of the method for the analyte was tested using standard reference material, and certified values were found in the limits of 95 % confidence level. The fluorine concentrations and meteorological conditions were compared statistically.

A novel method was developed for the determination of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese and phosphorous in various kinds of breads samples sold in Turkey by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MIP-AES). Breads were dried at 100 °C for one day, ground thoroughly and then digested using nitric acid/hydrogen per oxide (3:1). The analytes in certified reference wheat flour and maize flour samples were determined in the uncertainty limits of the certified values as well as the analytes added to the mixture of ground bread and acid mixture prior to digestion were recovered quantitatively (>90%). Therefore, all determinations were made by linear calibration technique using aqueous standards. The LOD values for Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P and Zn were 13.1, 0.28, 4.47, 118, 1.10, 0.41, 7550 and 3.00 ng mL(-1), respectively. No spectral interference was detected at the working wavelengths of the analytes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, simultaneous determination of Al, Co and Fe by high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (HR-CS GFAAS) was performed satisfactorily. For this purpose, the spectral area between 237.148 and 237.403 was monitored and Al, Co and Fe absorbances were detected at absorption lines, 237.312 nm, 237.185+237.283+237.386 nm and 237.362 nm, respectively. The characteristic concentrations and LOD values for the working wavelengths of Co, Al, and Fe were 48.0, 6.00, 54.0 µg L(-1), and 12.0, 14.0, 16.0 µg L(-1), respectively. The linear working ranges were spread over 0.01-10, 0.05-2.5 and 0.05-10 mg L(-1) for Co, Al, and Fe, respectively. In the end, Al, Co and Fe in several certificated reference materials and waste water samples were determined satisfactorily by HR-CS GFAAS. With this proposed method a fast and straightforward simultaneous determination by HR CS AAS shown as possible., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) was used to determine calcium, magnesium and potassium in various Turkish cheese samples. Cheese samples were dried at 100 °C for 2 days and then digested in a mixture of nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide (3:1). Good linearities (R(2) > 0.999) were obtained up to 10 μg mL(-1) of Ca, Mg and K at 445.478 nm, 285.213 nm and 766.491 nm, respectively. The analytes in a certified reference milk powder sample were determined within the uncertainty limits. Moreover, the analytes added to the cheese samples were recovered quantitatively (>90%). All determinations were performed using aqueous standards for calibration. The LOD values for Ca, Mg and K were 0.036 μg mL(-1), 0.012 μg mL(-1) and 0.190 μg mL(-1), respectively. Concentrations of Ca, K and Mg in various types of cheese samples produced in different regions of Turkey were found between 1.03-3.70, 0.242-0.784 and 0.081-0.303 g kg(-1), respectively., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The increased activity of xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO) has been suggested as a risk factor for heart disease and herbal polyphenols exhibits cardioprotection in vitro and in vivo. To understand the cardioprotective action mechanisms of polyphenol quercetin and hydroxytyrosol, the expression levels of stress-responsive proteins were studied in X/XO-induced toxicity model of H9c2 cardiomyocyocytes. Pretreatment with each polypenol (0.1-10 μg/ml; 24 h) enhanced viability (p < 0.01; MTT test) and inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (p < 0.001; H2DCFDA assay) against 12 h exposure to a free radical generating system, X (0.5 mM) and XO (5 mU/ml). Western blotting experiments showed that X/XO increases the phosphorylation of downstream substrate of p38, MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPKAPK-2), p44/42-MAPK (Erk1/2) and cleaved caspase-3 (p < 0.001, vs. Control), however inhibits the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun and Hsp27 (p < 0.01, vs. Control). Pretreatment with quercetin or hydroxytyrosol attenuated the phosphorylation of MAPKAPK-2 and cleaved caspase-3 in X/XO-exposed cells (p < 0.01, vs. X/XO). Hydroxytyrosol enhanced the reduction of phosphorylation of a transcriptional target c-Jun and led to overphosphorylation in protective proteins, p44/42-MAPK and Hsp27 in X/XO-exposed cells (p < 0.01, vs. X/XO). Our data suggest that quercetin and hydroxytyrosol protects cardiomyocytes against X/XO-induced oxidative toxicity by diminishing intracellular ROS and the regulation of stress-sensitive protein kinase cascades and transcription factors.

Bu, combined with TDM-guided dosing, is associated with fewer graft failures/relapses and lower toxicity in pediatric HSCT. We aimed this retrospective study for comparison of weight- and age-based dosing in terms of clinical outcomes such as time to engraftment, early complications, EFS, OS, and toxicity profiles in children receiving iv Bu. Sixty-one children who underwent HSCT from April 2010 to February 2013 by means of a Bu-based conditioning regimen and completed 100 days after transplantation at Ankara Children?s Hematology and Oncology Hospital Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit were enrolled in this study. SOS and neutropenic fever occurred more frequently in the weight-based dosing group. We found a statistically significant correlation between Bu dose and the incidence of SOS (r = 0.26, p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed only weight-based dosing of Bu was a significant predictor of SOS (HR = 9.46; p = 0.009). However, no relationship was found between two groups in terms of hemorrhagic cystitis, engraftment syndrome, acute or chronic GvHD, time to engraftment, chimerism, TRM, OS, and EFS rates. Weight-based dosing of Bu may cause higher incidence of SOS and early infectious complications at the places where TDM of Bu cannot be performed., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The new approach for the determination of sulphur in foods was developed, and the sulphur concentrations of various fresh and dried food samples determined using a high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometer with an air/acetylene flame. The proposed method was optimised and the validated using standard reference materials, and certified values were found to be within the 95% confidence interval. The sulphur content of foods ranged from less than the LOD to 1.5mgg(-1). The method is accurate, fast, simple and sensitive., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Direct antiglobulin test positivity had been reported in the course of some lymphoproliferative neoplasms. However, there are a few case reports describing direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We herein report 8 patients who had positive DAT among 95 newly diagnosed children with ALL. None of these patients had evidence of hemolysis during the follow-up. An antibody was detected in 2 of 8 patients with positive DAT. These 2 children also had positive indirect antiglobulin test (IAT); an autoantibody that was reactive at 4°C, and an alloantibody (anti E) that was reactive at 37°C was detected. We believe DAT positivity in ALL without significant hemolysis is not a rare disorder, and a need for further prospective studies is apparent.

A 2-year-old girl patient was admitted with intractable diarrhea, respiratory infections, and seizures. She was the first child of the first-degree parents. She was born at term with a birth weight of 2300 g. Physical examination revealed weight 6800 g, height 76 cm, and head circumference 41 cm, below the third percentile. Findings included sparse and dull hair, nail dystrophy, and proximally located thumbs (Figure). Aphthous lesions were observed on the oral mucosa. Neurologic examination disclosed poor head control. She could not sit without support and had hyper-reactive deep tendon reflexes.

Determining the sequencing of intersecting ink lines is one of the current problems for forensic document examiners. The way two inks will distribute and interact with each other and the paper at the crossing is a dynamic process that can be affected by many variables. Thus, the main purpose of this manuscript is to visualize and have a more comprehensive understanding of this process as well as study a methodology for determining the correct order of intersecting ink lines. For this, overlapping layers of different types of inks from writing instruments and printers were cross-sectioned and examined with a microscope. Results from pen/pen crossings showed that liquid-liquid and gel-gel intersections tended to form a double layer but oil-oil intersections usually formed mixtures. Additionally, oil-liquid and oil-gel intersections tended to form a double layer whenever the oil ink was on top and liquid-gel intersections tended to form a double layer for almost all crossings with exception of the ones involving a gel pen ink from one manufacturer. Results from pen/printer crossings showed the formation of a double layer only when the printer ink was on top of the pen ink. On the other permutation, the pen ink tended to penetrate through the printer ink producing the mixture of both inks. The inks drying time was found to be an important factor affecting the interaction between two inks in a crossing, particularly crossings involving gel pen inks. On the contrary, the type of paper and the writing pressure showed no significant influence on the inks distribution at the crossing. The methodology developed was reproducible with overlapping layers but there were many experimental difficulties during the validation process of intersections representing real crossings. Moreover, interpretation was dependent on the operator's eye which was a limiting factor., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A 10-month-old boy was referred for drooping and intermittent swelling in his right upper eyelid. Careful evaluation of his MRI findings along with the clinical presentation established the diagnosis of superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) thrombosis. History, old photographs, and imaging studies showed that the symptoms and signs were already present possibly since birth; however, further workup failed to reveal an underlying hematologic disorder or a congenital causative pathology. The patient was put on low-dose aspirin while waiting for the coagulation panel and genetic testing, which was stopped after 1 month of use with respect to normal test results. The symptoms except for ptosis resolved and did not recur during 6 months of follow up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of unilateral isolated SOV thrombosis in the neonatal period.

Purpose: In this study, it is aimed to compare the serum leptin and PAI-1 levels and evaluate their relationship in children on hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)., Method: Thirty-six patients on HD (mean age: 15.0 ± 2.8 years), 19 patients on PD (mean age: 13.0 ± 3.5 years) and 15 healthy subjects (mean age: 14.5 ± 2.7 years) were included in the study. Laboratory investigations included blood count, biochemical parameters, serum iron, iron binding capacity, parathormone, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen, serum leptin and PAI-1 levels., Results: Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in HD group than in control group when the effects of BMI and sex were controlled, while PD and control groups had similar leptin levels. PAI-1 levels were also significantly higher in HD group than in control group, while there was no statistically significant difference in PAI-1 levels of PD and control group. PAI-1 levels and leptin levels were significantly correlated, which was independent of the effect of BMI in both HD and PD groups when they are evaluated separately., Conclusion: Results of our study showed that HD patients had higher leptin and PAI-1 levels and leptin and PAI-1 levels were correlated significantly in both patient groups. The effect of elevated serum leptin and PAI-1 levels on the cardiovascular complications remains to be established.