Superhyperfine interactions in inhomogeneously broadened paramagnetic centers observed via a hole-burned free induction decay

Superhyperfine interactions in inhomogeneously broadened paramagnetic centers are observed using a single high-turn-angle microwave pulse. The free induction signal that follows the hole-burning pulse exhibits oscillations that are distinct from the oscillatory free induction decay observable in some inhomogeneously broadened systems. It contains frequencies characteristic of the superhyperfine splittings, together with a zero frequency component. Experimental examples of the effect in both orientationally disordered (powdered) and structurally disordered (glassy) systems are presented and compared with the conceptually similar Fourier transform electron paramagnetic resonance detected nuclear magnetic resonance experiment, together with numerical simulations. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.

Characterization of redox centers in dimethyl sulfide dehydrogenase from Rhodovulum sulfidophilum

Dimethyl sulfide dehydrogenase from the purple phototrophic bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum catalyzes the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide to dimethyl sulfoxide. Recent DNA sequence analysis of the ddh operon, encoding dimethyl sulfide dehydrogenase (ddhABC), and biochemical analysis (1) have revealed that it is a member of the DMSO reductase family of molybdenum enzymes and is closely related to respiratory nitrate reductase (NarGHI). Variable temperature X-band EPR spectra (120122 K) of purified heterotrimeric dimethyl sulfide dehydrogenase showed resonances arising from multiple redox centers, Mo(V), [3Fe-4S](+), [4Fe-4S](+), and a b-type heme. A pH-dependent EPR study of the Mo(V) center in (H2O)-H-1 and (H2O)-H-2 revealed the presence of three Mo(V) species in equilibrium, Mo(V)-OH2, Mo(v)-anion, and Mo(V)-OH. Above pH 8.2 the dominant species was Mo(V)-OH. The maximum specific activity occurred at pH 9.27. Comparison of the rhombicity and anisotropy parameters for the Mo(V) species in DMS dehydrogenase with other molybdenum enzymes of the DMSO reductase family showed that it was most similar to the low-pH nitrite spectrum of Escherichia coli nitrate reductase (NarGHI), consistent with previous sequence analysis of DdhA and NarG. A sequence comparison of DdhB and NarH has predicted the presence of four [Fe-S] clusters in DdhB. A [3Fe-4S](+) cluster was identified in dimethyl sulfide dehydrogenase whose properties resembled those of center 2 of NarH. A [4Fe-4S](+) cluster was also identified with unusual spin Hamiltonian parameters, suggesting that one of the iron atoms may have a fifth non-sulfur ligand. The g matrix for this cluster is very similar to that found for the minor conformation of center 1 in NarH [Guigliarelli, B., Asso, M., More, C., Augher, V., Blasco, F., Pommier, J., Giodano, G., and Bertrand, P. (1992) Eur. J. Biochem. 307,63-68]. Analysis of a ddhC mutant showed that this gene encodes the b-type cytochrome in dimethyl sulfide dehydrogenase. Magnetic circular dichroism studies revealed that the axial ligands to the iron in this cytochrome are a histidine and methionine, consistent with predictions from protein sequence analysis. Redox potentiometry showed that the b-type cytochrome has a high midpoint redox potential (E-o = +315 mV, pH 8).

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy: When to call it quits

Abstract: Background: Patients diagnosed with cancer are often treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy with curative intent. The transition from curative to palliative intent involves re-evaluation of treatment, and has to take into account the attitudes, beliefs and life aims of the patient. Objective: To discuss the difficulties in determining when to cease chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with advanced cancer. Discussion: The concept of treatment evaluation using a ‘burden versus benefit’ paradigm is discussed. Treatment aims must be in concordance with those of the patient, which are often couched in functional terms or linked to future significant life events. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can offer patients in the palliative phase of cancer illness, benefits in terms of relief of symptoms and meaningful prolongation of life, and should be considered in appropriate circumstances. (author abstract)