Biochemical composition of benign thyroid cyst fluid

Although the availability of thyroid cyst fluid is easy by fineneedle aspiration, less is known about the biochemical composition of thyroid cyst fluid. The authors have, therefore, determined the biochemical composition of 18 benign thyroid cyst fluid specimens. They found that the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the concentrations of total protein, total bilirubin, and uric acid were highly increased in thyroid cyst fluid specimens when compared with normal human serum specimens. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in cyst fluid were within normal serum limits. Selenium (Se) concentrations in most cyst fluids were low. Moreover, there was no correlation between Se and other biochemical parameters. Protein electrophoresis of cyst fluid specimens yielded high concentrations of α₁ and especially α₂ globulin fractions indicating an inflammation. The concentrations or activities of biochemical analytes were not significantly different in pure and mixed cysts. Those parameters were also not significantly different between cyst fluids of different colors. The gross appearance of the fluid and the presence of certain biochemical analytes were consistent with a hemorrhagic origin of most of the cyst fluid specimens. However, some biochemical markers indicate that autolysis or necrosis of thyroid tissue may also contribute the composition of thyroid cyst fluid. The reason for lower Se concentration in the thyroid cyst fluid may be the lower Se concentration in the Turkish population. These results also suggest that the fluid color or nature of cyst, e.g., pure or mixed cyst, is not a main determinant of biochemical composition of benign thyroid cyst fluid.     

Fibrous pseudotumors of tunica albuginea,tunica vaginalis and epididymis: Report of two cases

We describe two rare cases of fibrous pseudotumor of the paratesticular region. In the first case, five nodules arising from the tunica albuginea of right testicle causing scrotal, enlargement raising after urinary tract infection were seen. In the second case, multiple nodules arising tunica albuginea, tunica vaginalis and epididymis raising after left varicocelectomy operation were observed. The histology showed a paucicellular fibroblastic proliferation of cells within a hyalinized collagenous fibrous stroma containing numerous thin-walled blood vessels accompanied by lymphocytes and plasma cells in tumor tissues in both cases. Tumors in both cases were successfully resected. After operation, both patients had an uneventful recovery without any complications.     

Simultaneous determination of urinary 1- and 2-naphthols, 3- and 9-phenanthrols, and 1-pyrenol in coke oven workers

A method was developed for simultaneous quantification of urinary 1- and 2-naphthols, 3- and 9-phenanthrols and 1-pyrenol using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This method was applied to urine samples from coke oven workers (n =28) and controls (n =22) from Northern China. Geometric mean levels of urinary 1-naphthol (58.8 μg l^-1), 2-naphthol (34.1 μg l^-1), 3-phenanthrol (7.35 μg l^-1), 9-phenanthrol (1.28 μg l^-1) and 1-pyrenol (25.4 μg l^-1) were significantly higher among coke oven workers than controls. All the substances tested were highest among top-of-oven workers, who had 15-fold higher 1-naphthol, eight-fold higher 2-naphthol and 20-fold higher 1-pyrenol levels compared with controls. Using multiple linear regression models, 72.5% of the variation in 1- and 2-naphthol and 82.8% of the variation in 1-pyrenol were explained by the concentration of naphthalene or pyrene in the urine, the work category and the smoking intensity. Cigarette consumption significantly contributed to levels of urinary 1-pyrenol and naphthols, particularly 2-naphthol. A negative relationship between work category and the ratio of naphthols/1-pyrenol was observed among smokers. Our results suggest that urinary naphthols and phenanthrols reflect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure as well as the widely used 1-pyrenol, and that interactions between cigarette smoking and PAH exposure result in different patterns of metabolism for individual PAHs.     

The using of Gammarus pulex as a biomonitor in ecological risk assessment of secondary effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tunceli,Turkey

The objectives of this research are the assessment of secondary effluents (SEs) quality by evaluating chemical parameters and biomarkers. For this purpose, MDA and GSH levels were determined by spectrofotometer. SOD, CAT, and GP_X activities were determined by using ELISA kit in the groups of control and the groups exposed to SE. The level of MDA and the activities of SOD in Gammarus pulex vary depending on the exposure time. GSH levels and GSH-P_X activities increased in G. pulex exposed to the effluent compared to the control during 24 h and 96 h. CAT activities were in SE group were found lower than the control in G. pulex during 24 h and 96 h. Current experimental results show that SOD, CAT, GP_X activities, and GSH and MDA levels in G. pulex are sensitive and appropriate responses for assess the effects of anthropogenic contaminants on the aquatic ecosystems, particularly effluent complex mixtures.     

Nutritional Composition and heavy Metal Concentrations in Sardinella maderensis (Lowe, 1838) obtained from the Mauritanian fisheries

This study attempts to delineate the nutritional value and potential problem of toxic metal contamination in Sardinella maderensis (Lowe,1838) originating from Mauritanian fishery destined for regional common human consumption. Samples caught in Mauritania were delivered to Turkey by ship in 22 days in cold storage. Amino acids, fatty acids and toxic metal analyses of the samples were carried out by using a HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatograph), GC (Gas Chromatography) and a ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry), respectively. Overall, the range of total Saturated Fatty Acids (SFAs), Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs) and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) were found to be 34.35%, 28.13% and 34.50%, respectively. In terms of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were found to be in total 24.34%. Amino acids content such as glutamic acid, histidine, leucine and lysine were 1735.5, 1,409, 1,580 and 1,710.5 mg/100 g tissue, respectively. Toxic metal levels of Hg, Cd, As, Cr, Mn, Co were determined to reach values between 0.03–4.19 mg/kg. Athough the study is limited, it seems that results on the composition of fatty acids and amino acid, indicate the high nutritional value, well suited for human consumption in particular in terms of omega 3 and essential amino acids.     

Epigenomic tensor predicts disease subtypes and reveals constrained tumor evolution

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Physics of Ion Channels

We review the basic physics involved in transport of ions across membrane channels in cells. Electrochemical forces that control the diffusion of ions are discussed both from microscopic and macroscopic perspectives. A case is made for use of Brownian dynamics as the minimal phenomenological model that provides a bridge between experiments and more fundamental theoretical approaches. Application of Brownian and molecular dynamics methods to channels with known molecular structures is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.