The effect of monovalent copper ions on enzymatic systems has hardly been studied to date; this is due to the low stability of monovalent copper ions in aqueous solutions, which led to the assumption that their concentration is negligible in biological systems. However, in an anaerobic atmosphere, and in the presence of a ligand that stabilizes the monovalent copper ions over the divalent copper ions, high and stable concentrations of monovalent copper ions can be reached. Moreover, the cell cytoplasm has a substantial concentration of potential stabilizers that can explain significant concentrations of monovalent copper ions in the cytoplasm. This study demonstrates the effect of monovalent and divalent copper ions on DNA polymerase, ligaseT4 DNA, the restriction enzymes EcoP15I and EcoR I, acid phosphatase, and α and βamylase enzymes. These systems were chosen because they can be monitored under conditions necessary for maintaining a stable concentration of monovalent copper ions, and since they exhibit a wide range of dependency on ATP. Previous studies indicated that ATP interacts with monovalent and divalent copper ions and stabilizing monovalent copper ions over divalent copper ions. The results showed that monovalent copper ions dramatically inhibit DNA polymerase and acid phosphatase, inhibit ligaseT4 DNA and the restriction enzyme EcoP15I, moderately inhibit α and β amylase, and have no effect on the restriction enzyme EcoR I. From the results presented in this work, it can be concluded that the mechanism is not one of oxidative stress, even though monovalent copper ions generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular oxygen in the medium, which is supposed to increase the oxidative stress, impairs the inhibitory effect of monovalent and divalent copper ions, and the kinetics of the inhibition is not suitable for the ROS mechanism.ATP forms a complex with copper ions (di and monovalent ions, where the latter is more stable) in which the metal ion is bound both to the nitrogen base and to the oxygen charged on the phosphate groups, forming an unusually distorted complex. The results of this study indicate that these complexes have the ability to inhibit enzymatic systems that are dependent on ATP.This finding can provide an explanation for the strong antimicrobial activity of monovalent copper ions, suggesting that rapid and lethal metabolic damage is the main mechanism of monovalent copper ions’ antimicrobial effect.

In the present study we present the dramatic effect that monovalent copper ions (Cu(I))have on the DNA polymerase chain reaction, and the moderate effect which monovalent silver ions (Ag(I)) have on it. Our research utilizes the commercial Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system: in anaerobic conditions, in the presence of less than 0.1 mM of Cu(I) ions or in the presence of less than 10mM of Ag(I) ions, the PCR system was entirely shut down.Under the same conditions, 1 mM of divalent copper ions (Cu(II)) ions shows only a minor effect, while10mM of divalent Ni and Zn ions shows no effect at all.This finding can give some explanation for the strong antimicrobial activity of monovalent copper ions (Cu(I))as well as Ag(I). Although the mechanism of this effect is not yet fully understood, we recently published results showing that under the conditions of acidic pH, an unfavorable carbon source, low molecular oxygen concentration and elevated temperatures, the antibacterial action of Cu(I) ions is boosted, with a 10 6 bacterial population eliminated in less than 1 min by 0.4mM of Cu(I). Microscopy checking of E.coli morphology and light scattering testes showed mortality of bacteria with almost no lysis. These results suggest that rapid and lethal metabolic damage is the main mechanism of Cu(I)’s antimicrobial effect.

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy complication. Abnormal development of the placenta is the prevailing cause theory of this complication. Women with preeclampsia suffer from acute oxidative stress and high lipid oxidation in plasma. The aim of this study was to compare levels of polyphenols and lipid peroxidation in colostrum of nursing mothers with and without preeclampsia. The study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Soroka University Medical Center. The study group consisting of 18 women, who were diagnosed with preeclampsia, was compared to the control group: 22 healthy women. The total phenolic content in the colostrum was determined by using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring MDA, using the TBARS assay. Polyphenol concentrations were significantly higher (about 33%) in the colostrum of the study group compared with the control group (p=0.00042). Lipid peroxidation levels (MDA) were significantly lower (about 20%) in the colostrum of the study group compared with the control group (p=0.03). Negative correlation was found between MDA concentration and the polyphenol level (R=−0.41, p=0.02). In conclusion, we showed in this study a potential compensation mechanism that protects the newborn of a mother with preeclampsia from the stress process experienced by its mother.

Objective: To determine whether the addition of polyphenols (gallic and caffeic acids) to infants milk substitutes, prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, under conditions of oxidative stress. Materials and methods: In order to induce controlled oxidative stress we used ultraviolet radiation UV-C 254 nm with energy doses in the range of 0-14 J/ml. We followed lipid peroxidation by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay in order to measure the amount of secondary oxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA). Polyphenols were added to the type specified the range of 0-3 mM concentrations. To measure the change polyphenols amount, the method of Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used. Results: We have proved that UV-C radiation is able to oxidize PUFA. We found a direct relationship between radiation dose and the amount of oxidation products formed as a result of exposure to radiation. We showed that the polyphenols, gallic acid and acid coffee, are able to decrease oxidation by the observed decline in oxidation products of MDA. High concentrations of polyphenols can prevent oxidative damage radiation exposure: coffee acids are effective in about 20% more than gallic acid. Conclusion: We recommend adding acid coffee to newborns milk powder in order to protect PUFA fatty acids, as well as to allow additional nutritional benefit to the newborn.

This study continues the series of experiments that demonstrate the high antibacterial properties of monovalent copper ions (Cu + ). While in previous study we examined different metals (copper and silver) and their metal states (mono- and divalent), showing that monovalent copper is best for controlling bacterial growth, the current study focuses on finding conditions which further enhance the antibacterial effect of monovalent copper. This approach may also shed light on mechanisms of Cu + ions which still remain unknown. To this end, the influence of Cu + ions on model gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria at different pH levels with a variety of carbon sources and elevated temperatures was examined. It was found that in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions in a poor growth medium, Cu 2+ ions barely suppress any growth of E. coli , whereas Cu + ions even at very low concentrations dramatically deplete bacterial populations in a time scale of minutes at room temperature, and less than one minute at elevated temperatures. Acidic pH, unfavorable carbon sources, and elevated temperatures boost the antibacterial action of Cu + ions. On the whole, the study confirms that monovalent copper ions are strongly superior to divalent copper ions in their antibacterial action across a wide range of tested conditions.

A 34 year old married woman with three children was admitted to the gynecological emergency department at Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel, for gynecological evaluation due to uterus myomatosus and recurrent episodes of menometrorrhagia. On admission the patient’s vital signs and general physical condition were normal. Her medical history included thalassemia minor with mean hemoglobin values of approximately 10.0 mg/dl. Her gynecological history consisted of two vaginal deliveries, one cesarean section, and one lap myomectomy 4 years before the admission. During a gynecological and sonographic evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with spontaneous viable pregnancy 10+6 weeks P lacenta accreta is one of the most common causes of emergency hysterectomy in the peripartum period, which is conducted to preclude massive hemorrhage and save the mother’s life. Risk factors for placenta accreta include previous uterine surgery including cesarean section, multiparity, uterine cavity distorted by myomas, and increased maternal age [1]. If the patient desires future fertility, and in the absence of serious sequelae such as massive bleeding or a severe infection, conservative management of abnormally adherent placenta may be attempted, usually with methotrexate treatment [1]. However, the research about the treatment of placenta based on her last menstrual period. A large 109 × 67 mm intrauterine myoma was diagnosed. The myoma was located on the anterior wall of the uterus close to the inner cervical os (Figure 1A). The woman decided to keep the pregnancy and postpone further evaluation and treatment for the myoma until after the birth. Six weeks later, the woman was admitted to the hospital at 17+6 weeks of gestation with scant vaginal bleeding and a suspicion of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) remote from term. During the evaluation, PPROM was ruled out, the vaginal bleeding ceased, the same intrauterine myoma was documented, and she was released from the hospital. Two weeks later, the woman was admitted again to the hospital at the 20th week of gestation and was diagnosed with PPROM remote from term. While in the hospital, the patient decided to terminate the pregnancy, but emphasized that she had not

We report on the selective formation of ortho-nitrophenol, ortho-nitrotoluene (1-Methyl-2-nitrobenzene) and ortho-phenolsulfonic acid (2-Hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid) through reaction of the Cu(I)-aromatic ring complex of phenol or toluene. In the case of nitration of phenol, the reaction could be formulated as: [GRAPHICS] The copper(I)-aromatic ring complex is formed in situ from Cu(II) and metallic copper in deaerated aqueous solutions containing the aromatic compounds. Phenol or toluene shift the comproportionation reaction of copper(0) and copper(II) towards the formation of Cu(I): 2C(6)H(5)OH((aq)) + Cu-(aq)(2+) + Cu-(s)(0)reversible arrow 2CuI(C6H5OH)((aq))(+) The stability constant of Cu(I)-phenol in aqueous solutions was reported previously as 900 +/- 100 M-1. The surprisingly stable d ->pi* Cu(I)-phenol complex causes distortion of the ring structure which facilitates selective substitutions. Similar results are reported for sulfonation of phenol (in aqueous solutions) and for nitration and sulfonation of toluene in a two phase process. [GRAPHICS] .

Background: Imperforated hymen is a rare condition usually diagnosed at puberty due to amenorrhea accompanied by cyclic pelvic pain and sometimes other significant complications such as hematometra, endometriosis, and infertility. The accepted surgical treatment for imperforate hymen and some other hymenal malformation is hymenectomy. However, given low incidence rates, long-term obstetrical and gynecological outcomes in post-hymenectomy women remain poorly understood. Objective: To investigate long-term obstetrical and gynecological outcomes in nulliparous women who underwent a hymenectomy. Study design: Retrospective study comparing gynecological and perinatal outcomes of nulliparous women with and without hymenectomy, who delivered between the years 1988 and 2015 at the Soroka University Medical Center. Univariate analysis was performed as accepted with multivariate logistic regression model used to assess long-term effects of hymenectomy. Results: During the study period, 56 of 74,598 nulliparous women who delivered at the Soroka University Medical Center had previously undergone a hymenectomy. In a univariate analysis, cesarean deliveries were significantly more prevalent among women who had undergone a hymenectomy (30.4 versus 17.6% p = .01) as were infertility treatments (10.7 versus 4.4% p = .04) and dyspareunia (42.9 versus 0.2% p <.001). In a multivariate logistic regression model hymenectomy was found to be an independent risk factor for significant obstetrical and gynecological outcomes defined as one or more of the following: caesarean deliveries, cervical laceration, vaginal laceration, perineal laceration, preterm delivery, cervical incompetence, endometriosis, infertility, and dyspareunia (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.26-4.93; p = .001). Conclusions: Hymenectomy is associated with significant long-term obstetrical and gynecological complications. Informing medical teams of these risks might promote early detection and minimize associated complications such as laceration-associated blood loss and preterm delivery.

Objective: The appropriate management of endometrial polyps in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients remains controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between endometrial polyp size and malignancy risk among asymptomatic postmenopausal women. Methods: This observational retrospective study investigated 472 postmenopausal asymptomatic women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy between 2010 and 2014 (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3). Results: Of the 472 women, premalignant and malignant lesions were found in 11 (2.33%) cases; four (0.84%) had endometrial carcinoma, and seven (1.49%) had atypical endometrial hyperplasia. The incidence of premalignant or malignant lesions among various cut-offs of polyp size (10, 15, 20 mm) was not significantly different. Conclusion: In the current series no significant risk factor for malignancy was found among different cut-offs of polyp size. (C) 2019 The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada/La Societe des obstetriciens et gynecologues du Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This study opens the investigation series focused on antimicrobial effects of copper (Cu) compared to silver (Ag), which is currently used to treat wound infection in burn victims as well as in chronic wounds. Noticeably, in its ionized state, Cu is more commonly present as Cu2+ rather than as Cu+, while electronic configuration similarity of Cu+ and Ag+ indicates that actually it may be the active state. To test this hypothesis, effect of Cu+ and Cu2+, using Ag+ ions and metallic copper as controls on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, was examined under anaerobic conditions. Cu+ was produced by two different methods, and its effect on microorganism growth was tested using a syringe and Petri dish methods. It was found that the presence of Cu+ causes a dramatic depletion in the viability of both microorganisms. Metallic copper did not have any effect on the viability, whereas Cu2+ and Ag+ ions had much lower activity than Cu+ ions. Minimal inhibitory concentration of Cu+ for E. coli was twice lower than that of Cu2+. The obtained results show that Cu+ proves to be a potent antimicrobial agent.

The reaction of fluoride ions with alumina was found to strongly depend on the concentration of fluoride ions in the aqueous solution. At low concentrations ([fluoride ions] < 0.1 mol/l in the case of potassium fluoride), the aqueous concentration of aluminum ions is relatively high as measured by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and the aluminum oxide dissolves as a fluoride complex. At high concentrations of fluoride ([fluoride ions] > 0.5 mol/l in the case of potassium fluoride), a new structure is formed on the alumina surface involving fluoride, aluminum, potassium, and oxygen (in the case of potassium fluoride). The structure was characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The resulting structure improved the passivation of alumina, the solubility of aluminum ions decreasing compared to the untreated alumina. Aluminum surfaces that were fluoride-treated showed a better resistance to dissolution in both acidic and basic media.

Oxidative stress is induced by reactive oxygen substances (ROS) that are known to affect male fertility. The aims of this study were to prospectively investigate and characterize total antioxidant and specifically polyphenols concentrations and their relations to sperm quality and fertility treatment success. During their infertility treatment, sixty-seven males were prospectively recruited to this study. After separation of the sperm from the semen sample, the semen fluid samples antioxidants and polyphenols concentrations were determined. Antioxidant concentration was significantly associated with sperm concentration and total motile count. Antioxidants concentration in the group of male with sperm concentration ≥ 15 × 10(6) was significantly higher than in the group of male with antioxidants concentration < 15 × 10(6) (830.3 ± 350 μM and 268.3 ± 220 μM, resp., p < 0.001). Polyphenols concentration did not differ between the groups of sperm concentration above and below 15 × 10(6) (178.7 ± 121 μM and 161.7 ± 61 μM, resp., p-NS). No difference was found between fertilization rates and antioxidants or polyphenols concentrations. This is the first study that reports on polyphenols concentration within semen fluid. More studies are needed in order to investigate polyphenols role in male fertility.

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate whether lycopene from natural sources (tomato extract) is able to protect newborns milk formula, against oxidative damage caused by exposure to hydroxyl radicals, and is there a difference between milk substitutes from various sources. Methods: Four commercial brands of infant milk formula: two of the formulas were dairy milk (A-d and B-d) and two were based on soy bean vegan milk (A-s and B-s), were exposed to ionizing radiation radical (·OH). Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) using thiobarbituric acid reactive substance test (TBARS). Results: When suspensions containing the four brands of formula were subjected to oxidizing media produced by ionizing radiation (hydroxyl radicals), lipid peroxidation increased linearly as a function of the irradiation dose (R = 0.99). It was found that lycopene in a concentration of 0.6 mM, reduced the radiation damage only in the soy-based formula; decrease of ∼40% of the damage achieved in B-s, and ∼20% reduction in the damage caused to A-s, significantly p < 0.01. Conclusions: Lycopene in dairy milk did not protect against hydroxyl radicals; however, lycopene found to protect against hydroxyl radicals in soy milk. This result suggests different mechanisms of radical production that arises from high iron levels present in the soy milk and involving the high-valent iron peroxo species.

Powdered infant formula normally shows fatty acid compositions similar to those of human milk, generally achieved by combination of vegetable oils. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid C22:6n-3 and arachidonic acid C20:4n-6 are found to be important in the development of brain and retina in utero. Lipid peroxidation is a free-radical chain reaction of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Increasing polyunsaturated fatty acid content in infant formula may predispose infants to peroxidative damage. Lipid peroxidation leads to rancidity that is critical in neonatal infant formulas. The assessment of lipid peroxidation is usually performed by analyzing the most important secondary product of autoxidation, malondialdehyde, but there are also many other direct and indirect methods for predicting lipid peroxidation level. This chapter deals with levels of lipid oxidation in neonatal milk substitutes. The chapter presents a review of studies carried out in the last two decades. Most studies deal with the effect of storage on lipid oxidation in baby milk substitutes. In some cases a comparison was made between breast milk and newborns milk formula, or different brands of baby milk formula. The chapter focused on storage in various conditions; freezing at low temperatures, ambient temperature preservation and high temperatures. The main conclusions from this literature review are: (1) neonatal milk substitutes that contain more unsaturated fatty acids are more susceptible to oxidation; (2) breast milk is considered to be less sensitive to oxidative damage during the feeding process than formulas; (3) formulas based on soy are more susceptible to oxidation damages; (4) exposure of neonatal milk substitutes to oxygen, radiation or extreme temperatures, increases oxidative lipids damage.

OBJECTIVE:Knowledge about levels of toxic and non-toxic elements in amniotic fluid is limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to measure levels of trace elements Cu, Fe, Zn, B, Sr and Co in amniotic fluid and maternal serum during second trimester of pregnancy; and (2) to determine what correlations exists between elements levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.METHODS:The levels of, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron were measured in blood and amniotic fluid during genetic amniocentesis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).RESULTS:Concentrations of the elements: Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Sr and B in amniotic fluid were significantly lower than in maternal blood. For iron, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron there was a linear correlation between levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.CONCLUSIONS:The concentration of trace elements in amniotic fluid was found to be lower than maternal serum and linearly correlated to its level.

Objective: To investigate pregnancy outcome in patient who conceived by assisted reproductive techniques.Methods: A retrospective population-based study was conducted, comparing obstetrical complications and neonatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF; n = 1296) and ovulation induction (n = 1988) as compared to singleton pregnancies conceived spontaneously (n = 172 288). Multivariable models were constructed to control for confounders.Results: A significant linear association (using the chi-square test for trends) was documented among the three groups in adverse outcomes such as gestational diabetes mellitus (17.3% in the IVF, 14.2% in the ovulation induction, 6.6% in the comparison group, p<0.001), severe preeclampsia (2.7% in the IVF, 1.8% in the ovulation induction, 1.1% in the comparison group, p<0.001) and perinatal mortality (3.3% in the IVF, 2.1% in the ovulation induction, 1.3% in the comparison group, p<0.001). In vitro fertilization and ovulation induction treatments were found to be independent risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus, using two different multiple logistic regression models controlling for confounders such as maternal age (adjusted OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.52-2.07, p<0.001 and adjusted OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.69-2.21, p<0.001; respectively).Conclusions: Pregnancies conceiving following assisted reproductive techniques are at an increased risk for adverse obstetrics outcomes. The risk is higher for pregnancies following IVF compared with these conceived following ovulation induction.

Invasive sinonasal mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection that usually occurs in immunocompromised or diabetic patients, and it is often fatal. The authors present a case of a woman patient suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and diabetes mellitus treated with prednisone, presenting with a rapidly progressive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. She was successfully treated with combined intravenous antifungal therapy and radical debridement followed by complex defect reconstruction with a free vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, tissue expander, and ophthalmic prosthesis.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and it is the second most common cause of cancer-related death among men in the western world. Microscopic prostate cancer was found in up to 30% of men as early as 20-40 years old of age. Lycopene is a lipid soluble carotenoid molecule. It is found in high concentration in red fruit and vegetables. Lycopene has a significant anti-oxidative activity. There is laboratory evidence that explain it's function as an inhibitor of various tumors as well as epidemiological evidence that shows that lycopene-rich foods reduce the incidence of a few types of cancer and especially prostate cancer. This paper reviews the evidence that explain lycopene activity, its biological effect and availability and its effect on the prevention of prostate cancer.

We conducted this study to determine the fatty acid composition of breastmilk of Israeli women and compare it with baby milk substitutes. Samples of mature breast milk, from 29 lactating Israeli Jewish mothers were collected during feedings. Total milk lipids extracts were transmethylated and analyzed by using an improved gas-chromatographic method. About 72% of the total fatty acids in the investigated breast milk comprised oleic (18:1c; 31±4%), palmitic (16:0; 21±4%), and linoleic (18:2n-6; 20±4%) acids. Total saturated fatty acids represented 42±7% of total fatty acids. The monounsaturated fatty acids content was 33±5%, of which 94% was oleic acid, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids content was about 24±4%, of which 85% was linoleic acid. The α-linolenic acid level found in this study, 2.0±0.6%, was higher than the range of values reported for the world population (0.10–1.4%). The main fatty acids composition of the milk substitutes has very similar composition to the breast milk. Docosahexaenoic acid levels are particularly low among the population of Jewish nursing mothers in relation to the milk substitutes, containing docosahexaenoic acid in their formulations.