JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 5 2001
MARY AN GODSHALL
The high molecular weight (HMW) material (> 12,000 Da) of ten raw cane sugars from seven countries and two U.S. states was isolated by dialysis and analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Simultaneous detection of colorant polymers and polysaccharides was accomplished by using two detectors in series , UV at 214 nm for colorant polymers and refractive index (RI) for carbohydrate polymers. The monosaccharide composition of the nondialyzable raw sugar fraction (the tenate) was determined by hydrolysis with trifluoroacetic acid and with oxalic acid. Aconitic acid was associated with the tenate. The raw sugars were categorized into two types according to their GPC patterns and aconitic acid content. Hydrolysis of individually collected GPC peaks demonstrated that one particular peak contained most of the aconitic acid. [source]

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor: is there a role in ischaemic cardiomyopathy?

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 11 2003
Authors' reply
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Measurement of the soluble angiopoietin receptor tie-2 in patients with coronary artery disease: development and application of an immunoassay

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 7 2003
N. A. Y. Chung
Abstract Background The angiopoietin family has emerged as a group of crucial growth factors to normal angiogenesis. They are essential to the development of the mature vessel wall and interact with the endothelium via endothelial cell-specific tyrosine kinase receptors, tie-1 and tie-2. The role of the tie-2 receptor has been extensively examined in neovascularization associated with malignancy, but little is known about the role it may play in atherosclerosis, a condition whose pathophysiology also involves angiogenesis. Soluble tie-2 has been detected in the plasma of healthy controls, but this has yet to be applied to patients in the clinical setting. Materials and methods We developed an ELISA to detect plasma tie-2 levels and applied these to a clinical setting. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation for the assay were 4·7% and 9·6%, respectively. We then measured levels of tie-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), another factor associated with angiogenesis, and the soluble VEGF receptor Flt-1 (sFlt-1) in 75 patients with coronary artery disease [25 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 25 with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and 25 with stable angina] and 25 healthy controls. Results Median [IQR, interquartile range] levels of tie-2 were significantly higher in the coronary artery disease patients (AMI 12 [10,17] ng mL,1, ACS 10 [9,14] ng mL,1, stable angina 9 [3,11] ng mL,1) when compared with the controls (7·5 [7,9] ng mL,1P = 0·004). As expected, levels of VEGF and sFlt were significantly different from those in the healthy controls (P = 0·011 and P < 0·001, respectively). Significant correlations were found between levels of tie-2 and VEGF (Spearman r = 0·59, P < 0·001), tie-2 and sFlt-1 (r = 0·45, P < 0·001) and VEGF and sFlt-1 (r = 0·56, P < 0·001) in the whole study group. Conclusion We suggest that tie-2 may be potentially used as a marker of angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and may help elucidate the role of the angiopoietin/tie-2 system in atherogenesis. [source]

Enhanced immunogenicity of CTL antigens through mutation of the CD8 binding MHC class,I invariant region

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
Linda Wooldridge
Abstract CD8+ cytotoxic T,lymphocytes (CTL) are key determinants of immunity to intracellular pathogens and neoplastic cells. Recognition of specific antigens in the form of peptide-MHC class,I complexes (pMHCI) presented on the target cell surface is mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) engagement. The CD8 coreceptor binds to invariant domains of pMHCI and facilitates antigen recognition. Here, we investigate the biological effects of a Q115E substitution in the ,2,domain of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201 that enhances CD8 binding by,,50% without altering TCR/pMHCI interactions. Soluble and cell surface-expressed forms of Q115E HLA-A*0201 exhibit enhanced recognition by CTL without loss of specificity. These CD8-enhanced antigens induce greater CD3 ,,chain phosphorylation in cognate CTL leading to substantial increases in cytokine production, proliferation and priming of naive T cells. This effect provides a fundamental new mechanism with which to enhance cellular immunity to specific T cell antigens. [source]

Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent and Soluble 1,2,4-Linking Hyperbranched Poly(arylenevinylene) Featuring Intramolecular Energy Funneling

ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2010
Zengqi Xie
Abstract The synthesis and optical properties of a highly soluble (>200,mg,mL,1) and highly fluorescent (,F in film,=,0.64) 1,2,4-linking hyperbranched poly(arylenevinylene) (1,2,4- hb -PAV) prepared via Wittig reaction of A3 (biphenyl-tricarbaldehyde) and B2 (phosphonium salt) monomers is reported. The molecular weight of 1,2,4- hb -PAV can be precisely controlled by the amount of the base (NaOCH3) used in the polymerization. The absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of 1,2,4- hb -PAV shows distinct red-shifts compared to conventional 1,3,5-linking hyperbranched poly(arylenevinylene) (1,3,5- hb -PAV), attributed to the extended ,-conjugation along ortho - (1,2-) and para - (1,4-) links. The inherent energy gradient from the shorter branches to the longer conjugated stem in 1,2,4- hb -PAV enabled a characteristic energy funneling effect, which is absent in conventional hyperbranched polymer of 1,3,5- hb -PAV. [source]

cyclo(, -Asp- ,3 -hVal- ,3 -hLys) , Solid-Phase Synthesis and Solution Structure of a Water Soluble , -Tripeptide.

HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 11 2004
Preliminary Communication
The H2O-soluble cyclic ,3 -tripeptide cyclo(, -Asp- ,3 -hVal- ,3 -hLys) (4) was obtained by on-resin cyclization of the side-chain-anchored , -peptide 3 (Scheme). In aqueous solution, 4 adopts a structure with uniformly oriented amide bonds and all side chains in lateral positions (Fig.,3). [source]

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-I Tax induces expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R): Shedding of soluble IL-6R and activation of STAT3 signaling

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2006
Sankichi Horiuchi
Abstract Human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) encodes for the viral protein Tax, which is known to significantly disrupt transcriptional control of cytokines, cytokine receptors and other immuno-modulatory proteins in T cells. Specific dysregulation of these factors can alter the course and pathogenesis of infection. Soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) was shown to circulate at elevated levels in HTLV-I-infected patients, and high expressions of IL-6R and sIL-6R by HTLV-I-infected T cells were clinically and experimentally associated with Tax activity. To examine roles of Tax in expression of the IL-6R gene, the JPX-9 cell line was used, which is derived from Jurkat cell line expressing Tax cDNA. Over-expression of Tax enhanced IL-6R expression but not in Tax mutant JPX-9/M cell line. The clinical relevance of these observations was further demonstrated by ELISA using sera obtained from HTLV-I-infected patients. Our results revealed that sIL-6R levels were apparently elevated in HAM/TSP patients who were expressing Tax in their cells, while ATL patients' cells barely expressed Tax. HTLV-I-infected T-cell lines stimulated by IL-6/sIL-6R showed gp130-mediated STAT3 activity. IL-6/sIL-6R enhanced proliferation of HTLV-I-infected T cells in association with activation of STAT3. Consequently, Tax-mediated regulations of IL-6R and sIL-6R observed in HTLV-I-associated disorders may contribute to proliferation of HTLV-I-infected T cells through activation of inducible STAT3, and ultimately affect malignant growth and transformation of T cells by HTLV-I. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Soluble syndecan-1 (sCD138) as a prognostic factor independent of mutation status in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
I. JILANI
Summary Syndecan-1 (sCD138) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate-bearing proteoglycan expressed in epithelial cells as well as hematopoietic cells that demonstrate plasmacytoid differentiation. Higher levels of sCD138 correlate with poor outcome in myeloma. We examined the association of circulating sCD138 levels in plasma with clinical behavior in 104 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. sCD138 levels were significantly higher in patients (median, 52.8 ng/ml; range, 13.4,252.7 ng/ml) than in healthy control subjects (median, 19.86; range, 14.49,33.14 ng/ml) (P < 0.01). Elevated sCD138 (>median, 52.8 ng/ml) was associated with significantly shorter survival (P = 0.0004); this association was independent of IgVH mutation status, ,2-microglobulin (,2-M) level, and treatment history. Patients with mutated IgVH but high sCD138 levels (>52.8 ng/ml) had significantly shorter survival than those with mutated IgVH and lower levels of sCD138. Similarly, patients with unmutated IgVH but high sCD138 levels had significantly shorter survival than those with lower sCD138 levels and unmutated IgVH (P = 0.007). In a multivariate Cox regression model, only Rai stage, ,2-M, and sCD138 remained predictors of survival. These data suggest that sCD138 when combined with ,2-M and Rai stage, may replace the need for testing IgVH mutation status. [source]

Soluble, insoluble and geometric signals sculpt the architecture of mineralized tissues

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, Issue 2 2004
U. Ripamonti
Abstract Bone morphogenetic and osteogenic proteins (BMPs/OPs), members of the transforming growth factor-, (TGF-,) superfamily, are soluble mediators of tissue morphogenesis and induce de novo endochondral bone formation in heterotopic extraskeletal sites as a recapitulation of embryonic development. In the primate Papio ursinus, the induction of bone formation has been extended to the TGF-, isoforms per se. In the primate and in the primate only, the TGF-, isoforms are initiators of endochondral bone formation by induction and act in a species-, site- and tissue-specific mode with robust endochondral bone induction in heterotopic sites but with limited new bone formation in orthotopic bone defects. The limited inductive capacity orthotopically of TGF-, isoforms is associated with expression of the inhibitory Smads, Smad6 and Smad7. In primates, bone formation can also be induced using biomimetic crystalline hydroxyapatite matrices with a specific surface geometry and without the exogenous application of osteogenic proteins of the TGF-, superfamily, even when the biomimetic matrices are implanted heterotopically in the rectus abdominis muscle. The sequence of events that directs new bone formation upon the implantation of highly crystalline biomimetic matrices initiates with vascular invasion, mesenchymal cell migration, attachment and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells attached to the substratum, expression and synthesis of osteogenic proteins of the TGF-, superfamily resulting in the induction of bone as a secondary response. The above findings in the primate indicate enormous potential for the bioengineering industry. Of particular interest is that biomimetic matrices with intrinsic osteoinductivity would be an affordable option in the local context. [source]

Controlling High Blood Pressure: The Art of the Soluble and the Hope of Progress

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 11 2007
George A. Mensah MD
First page of article [source]

Soluble and particulate Co-Cr-Mo alloy implant metals activate the inflammasome danger signaling pathway in human macrophages: A novel mechanism for implant debris reactivity

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 7 2009
Marco S. Caicedo
Abstract Immune reactivity to soluble and particulate implant debris remains the primary cause of aseptic inflammation and implant loosening. However, the intracellular mechanisms that trigger immune cells to sense and respond to exogenous nonbiological agents such as metal particles or metal ions released from orthopedic implants remain unknown. Recent studies in immunology have outlined the importance of the intracellular inflammasome complex of proteins in sensing danger/stress signals triggered by nonbiological agents in the cytosol of macrophages. We hypothesized that metal implant debris can activate the inflammasome pathway in macrophages that causes caspase-1-induced cleavage of intracellular pro-IL-1, into its mature form, resulting in IL-1, secretion and induction of a broader proinflammatory response. We tested this hypothesis by examining whether soluble cobalt, chromium, molybdenum, and nickel ions and Co-Cr-Mo alloy particles induce inflammasome- mediated macrophage reactivity. Our results demonstrate that these agents stimulate IL-1, secretion in human macrophages that is inflammasome mediated (i.e., NADPH-, caspase-1-, Nalp3-, and ASC-dependent). Thus, metal ion- and particle-induced activation of the inflammasome in human macrophages provides evidence of a novel pathway of implant debris-induced inflammation, where contact with implant debris is sensed and transduced by macrophages into a proinflammatory response. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 847,854, 2009 [source]

Microenvironment regulation of PRG4 phenotype of chondrocytes

JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007
Megan E. Blewis
Abstract Articular cartilage is a heterogeneous tissue with superficial (S), middle (M), and deep (D) zones. Chondrocytes in the S zone secrete the lubricating PRG4 protein, while chondrocytes from the M and D zones are more specialized in producing large amounts of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) component of the extracellular matrix. Soluble and insoluble chemicals and mechanical stimuli regulate cartilage development, growth, and homeostasis; however, the mechanisms of regulation responsible for the distinct PRG4-positive and negative phenotypes of chondrocytes are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if interaction between S and M chondrocytes regulates chondrocyte phenotype, as determined by coculture in monolayer at different ratios of S:M (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) and at different densities (240,000, 120,000, 60,000, and 30,000 cells/cm2), and by measurement of PRG4 secretion and expression, and GAG accumulation. Coculture of S and M cells resulted in significant up-regulation in PRG4 secretion and the percentage of cells expressing PRG4, with simultaneous down-regulation of GAG accumulation. Tracking M cells with PKH67 dye in coculture revealed that they maintained a PRG4-negative phenotype, and proliferated less than S cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the up-regulated PRG4 expression in coculture is a result of preferential proliferation of PRG4-expressing S cells. This finding may have practical implications for generating a large number of phenotypically normal S cells, which can be limited in source, for tissue engineering applications. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 25:685,695, 2007 [source]

Systematic review: the role of different types of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 3 2004
C. J. Bijkerk
Summary Background :,Both high-fibre dietary advice and the prescription of fibre as a bulking agent are very common in primary and secondary care management of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome patients with constipation may have delayed intestinal transit. Therefore, fibres that accelerate intestinal transit may be beneficial in these patients. The uncertain benefits reported in several clinical studies, however, have led us to reappraise the value of fibre in irritable bowel syndrome management. Aim :,To quantify the effect of different types of fibre on global and symptom relief from irritable bowel syndrome. Methods :,Using a structured literature search in MEDLINE (1966,2002), we selected randomized controlled trials involving irritable bowel syndrome patients treated with fibre. Analyses were performed for the total group and for trials using soluble and insoluble fibre separately. Results :,Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. None investigated primary care irritable bowel syndrome patients. Fibre, in general, was effective in the relief of global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms [relative risk, 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19,1.50]. Irritable bowel syndrome patients with constipation may receive benefit from fibre treatment (relative risk, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.21,2.02), but there was no evidence that fibre was effective in the relief of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome. Soluble and insoluble fibre, separately, had different effects on global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Soluble fibre (psyllium, ispaghula, calcium polycarbophil) showed significant improvement (relative risk, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.35,1.78), whereas insoluble fibre (corn, wheat bran), in some cases, worsened the clinical outcome, but there was no significant difference compared with placebo (relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72,1.11). Conclusions :,The benefits of fibre in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome are marginal for global irritable bowel syndrome symptom improvement and irritable bowel syndrome-related constipation. Soluble and insoluble fibres have different effects on global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Indeed, in some cases, insoluble fibres may worsen the clinical outcome. Future clinical studies evaluating the effect and tolerability of fibre therapy are needed in primary care. [source]

Chitosan-based Polyelectrolyte Complexes Soluble in Enzyme-friendly pH Range

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 4 2010
Vladimir A. Izumrudov
Abstract By studying chitosan interactions with poly(styrene sulfonate) anions, a procedure that yields chitosan-based non-stoichiometric polyelectrolyte complexes soluble in neutral media has been developed. The elaborated strategy of the complex formation depended on the peculiar order of mixing the polyelectrolyte solutions, which served as a remedy for kinetic hindrances. The kinetic restrictions inevitably occurred on direct mixing of the components in slightly acidic and neutral media, due to the significant contribution of hydrogen bonds in stabilization of the intermediate insoluble products. The approach developed opens up a new avenue of attack on the problem of preparing water soluble biocompatible and biodegradable chitosan complexes that are suitable for use at physiological pH and ionic strength. [source]

Bioaccessibility of calcium, iron and zinc from three legume samples

MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 6 2003
Amparo Sahuquillo
Abstract Legumes can be a source of mineral elements but also of antinutritional factors which can affect their absorption. An in vitro method including gastrointestinal digestion was used to estimate mineral bioavailability. Soluble (bioaccessible) and insoluble calcium, iron and zinc from white beans, chickpeas and lentils were determined after gastrointestinal digestion. The influence of the original sample weight on the soluble mineral fraction was also estimated. The results obtained show that white beans are the legumes with the highest bioaccessible calcium and iron contents. Lentils have a high iron content but its bioaccessibility is much lower than that of iron from white beans and chickpeas. An increase in sample weight increases the amount of bioaccessible element available for intake, but the increase is not always proportional. [source]

Inhibition of term decidual NK cell cytotoxicity by soluble HLA-G1

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5-6 2006
Tobias G. Poehlmann
Objectives, Soluble (s)HLA-G1 is produced by trophoblast cells. Aim was to analyze the capacities and mechanisms of sHLA-G1 to regulate interleukin (IL)-2-induced cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells from human deciduas. Methods, Natural killer cells were isolated from decidual layers of term placentae, stimulated or not with IL-2 and supplemented with various concentrations of recombinant soluble HLA-G1 (sHLA-G1). For NK cell cytotoxicity assays, K562 cells were used as targets. Expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and perforin was analyzed by Western blotting. Apoptosis was examined by assessment of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for IL-2receptor- , (IL-2R,; CD25) and transferrin receptor CD71 expression. Results, Interleukin-2 increases CD71, STAT3, perforin expression and cytotoxic potential of NK cells. Expression of CD71, STAT3 and perforin decreased simultaneously with cytotoxicity and dose-dependently when sHLA-G1 (1.6 ,g/mL,1.6 ng/mL) was added to IL-2 stimulated cultures. sHLA-G1 did not induce apoptosis and CD25 expression was not affected. Conclusion, Interleukin-2R, expression is not controlled by sHLA-G1, but its signal transducer STAT3 as well as several downstream effects, such as perforin expression, proliferation and cytotoxicity. The control of STAT3 bioavailability through sHLA-G1 may be a key regulator of the mentioned effects. [source]

Titelbild: A Soluble and Highly Conductive Ionomer for High-Performance Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Angew. Chem.

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 35 2009
35/2009)
Ein hydroxidleitendes und stabiles Ionomer wird benötigt, um die Leistung von Hydroxidaustausch-Membranbrennstoffzellen (HEMFCs) zu maximieren. Y.,S. Yan et,al. berichten in ihrer Zuschrift auf S.,6621,ff. über die Synthese eines solchen Ionomers , ein Polysulfonmethylenphosphoniumhydroxid , sowie dessen Wirkungsweise, die auf der Erzeugung einer effizienten Dreiphasengrenze in der Katalysatorschicht beruht. [source]

A Soluble and Highly Conductive Ionomer for High-Performance Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 35 2009
Shuang Gu Dr.
Einfach besser: Das neue polymere Ionomer TPQPOH mit einer Tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphonium-Einheit ist in einigen niedrig siedenden wasserlöslichen Lösungsmitteln ausgezeichnet löslich, zeigt eine hohe Ionenleitfähigkeit und ist im Alkalischen außerordentlich stabil. Eine Hydroxidaustausch-Membranbrennstoffzelle mit diesem Ionomer weist eine erhöhte Leistungsdichte und einen verringerten inneren Widerstand auf. [source]

Soluble neuropilin-2, a nerve repellent receptor, is increased in rheumatoid arthritis synovium and aggravates sympathetic fiber repulsion and arthritis

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 10 2009
Alexander Fassold
Objective In inflammatory lesions, sympathetic nerve fibers disappear soon after the start of inflammation. We identified sympathetic nerve repellents as possible causal agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). On nerve terminals, repellent factors bind to neuropilin-2 and its coreceptor. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of neuropilin-2 in the synovial tissue of patients with RA and patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and in experimental arthritis. Methods The density of neuropilin-2,positive fibers and cells positive for semaphorin 3F (a sympathetic repellent) was investigated using immunofluorescence staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect soluble neuropilin-2 in body fluids from patients with RA and patients with OA. An axon outgrowth assay and a neuropilin-2 Fc fusion construct (neuropilin-2Fc) were used to investigate semaphorin 3F,induced sympathetic nerve repulsion. In an animal model of type II collagen,induced arthritis, soluble neuropilin-2Fc was studied in vivo. Results The synovial density of neuropilin-2,positive sympathetic nerve fibers was lower in RA than in OA, but the density of cells positive for semaphorin 3F was similar. In synovial fluid, the level of soluble neuropilin-2 was markedly higher in RA compared with OA. Mouse sympathetic ganglia served as an excellent model with which to study semaphorin 3F,induced nerve fiber repulsion. Neuropilin-2 and its coreceptor were present on sympathetic neurons, and semaphorin 3F bound to neuropilin-2Fc (binding constant 96 nmoles/liter). Semaphorin 3F dose-dependently increased sympathetic nerve fiber repulsion (at a 50% maximum response concentration of 160,210 nmoles/liter). In contrast to our expectations, soluble neuropilin-2Fc did not inhibit repulsion but increased the repellent effect of semaphorin 3F. In experimental arthritis, therapy with neuropilin-2Fc aggravated arthritis. Conclusion Soluble neuropilin-2 has no antirepellent activity but aggravates sympathetic nerve fiber repulsion and arthritis. Increased shedding of neuropilin-2 is probably an unfavorable sign in RA. [source]

Expression of human leucocyte antigen-G primarily targets affected skin of patients with psoriasis

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010
R.N. Cardili
Summary Background, The nonclassical human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule has been well recognized as a tolerogenic molecule and few studies have evaluated the role of the molecule in inflammatory cutaneous autoimmune diseases. Objectives, To evaluate the expression of HLA-G in skin specimens of patients with psoriasis and to analyse its correlation with epidemiological and clinical variables. Methods, Thirty untreated patients with psoriasis and 32 healthy individuals were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry was applied to identify HLA-G expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cutaneous skin biopsies. Results, Soluble and membrane-bound HLA-G expression was detected in 30 (90%) of the skin specimens from patients presenting clinical and histopathological features of psoriasis. Although infiltrating lymphomononuclear cells of the dermis exhibited HLA-G expression, the epidermis was primarily targeted. HLA-G expression was also observed in 27% (three of 11) of the specimens that exhibited no clinical and histopathological features of psoriasis (nonaffected areas). In contrast, skin specimens obtained from healthy individuals exhibited no HLA-G expression (P < 0·0001). The intensity of HLA-G expression was not associated with type I/II psoriasis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score or clinical forms. Conclusions, As the HLA-G molecule was consistently expressed in affected and, to a lesser extent, in nonaffected areas of untreated patients with psoriasis, irrespective of the severity of the clinical variants, one may hypothesize that the presence of HLA-G may be responsible, at least in part, for the regulation of autoimmune effector cells. [source]

Synthesis of Soluble, Linear Trisphenanthrolines.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 22 2005
Michael Schmittel
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Preparation and Structure of 2-Iodoxybenzoate Esters: Soluble and Stable Periodinane Oxidizing Reagents.

CHEMINFORM, Issue 18 2004
Viktor V. Zhdankin
Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source]

Soluble and Columnar Liquid Crystalline Peropyrenequinones by Coupling of Phenalenones in Caesium Hydroxide

CHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 19 2010
Noémie Buffet Dr.
Shades of violet: The nitrogen-free homologues of perylene tetracarboxylic diimide dyes have been prepared. CsOH succeeds where KOH fails to couple sterically demanding hydroxyphenalenones into the esterifiable precursors of ,-stacking long-wavelength absorbing disks (see figure). [source]

Evaluation of rHA labeled with Gd,DTPA for blood pool imaging and targeted contrast delivery

CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING, Issue 1 2010
Jim M. Wild
Abstract A new contrast agent was developed by linking Gd,DTPA chelate to recombinant human albumin in the laboratory. The molar relaxivity of the new agent was tested in aqueous solution at B0 1.5,T and temperature 20°C. The soluble compound had a higher molar longitudinal relaxivity and molar transverse relaxivity in water (r1,=,7.2,s,1,mM,1, r2,=,18.4,s,1,mM,1) than those measured for Gd,DTPA solution (r1,=,3.5,s,1,mM,1, r2,=,5.5,s,1,mM,1). The performance of the compound as a blood pool agent was investigated with soluble and microparticulate forms of the compound and comparisons were made with Gd,DTPA and the polymeric blood-pool agent, Gadomer. T1 -weighted imaging experiments show that the soluble compound acts as a highly effective blood pool agent with hyperintensity in the vasculature persisting beyond 2,h post administration, compared with free Gd,DTPA, which was cleared from the blood pool after approximately 10,min. The clearance kinetics of the new agents were examined, due to the incomplete elimination within 14 days post injection; both rHA labeled compounds are probably not suitable for development as routine blood pool contrast media. However, with free sites on the Gd-loaded rHA molecule, there are possibilities for binding the agent to antibodies in the laboratory, which was demonstrated, and thus there exist potential applications for in vivo molecular imaging with this agent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Determination of lattice parameters and thermal expansion of CuGe2P3 + 0.2 Ge3P4 at elevated temperatures

CRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2006
G. Bhikshamaiah
Abstract CuGe2P3 is a p-type semiconductor with zincblende structure. Ge3P4 is soluble up to 35 mole% in CuGe2P3. Lattice parameters of CuGe2P3 + 0.2 Ge3P4 have been determined at elevated temperatures from room temperature to 873 K using the x-ray diffraction profiles (111), (200), (220), (311), (222), (400), (331), (420), (422) and (511) obtained from high temperature diffractometer. It is found that the lattice parameter increases linearly from 0.53856 nm at RT to 0.54025 nm at 873 K. The data on lattice parameter is used and coefficient of lattice thermal expansion of CuGe2P3 +0.2 Ge3P4 was determined at different temperatures. It is found that the coefficient of thermal expansion of CuGe2P3 +0.2 Ge3P4 is 5.48 x 10 -6 K -1 and is independent of temperature. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source]

Human monocyte CD163 expression inversely correlates with soluble CD163 plasma levels

CYTOMETRY, Issue 1 2005
Bruce H. Davis
Abstract Background CD163 is a monocyte/macrophage-restricted receptor involved in the clearance of hemoglobin,haptoglobin complexes and regulation of inflammatory processes. CD163 is shed from the cell surface and exists as a soluble form in plasma (sCD163). Monocyte CD163 and sCD163 are potential diagnostic tools in variety of disease states. Methods We determined the relation between plasma sCD163 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, membrane expressions of CD163, CD64, and CD14 on blood monocytes by flow cytometry, and monocyte counts in 129 random blood samples. Results A strong inverse correlation was found between membrane CD163 expression and sCD163 levels (r = ,0.65, P < 0.001). Monocyte CD163 expression and SCD163 levels did not correlate with the monocyte absolute count. Conclusions The inverse relation between monocyte surface CD163 expression and sCD163 levels in human blood suggests that plasma sCD163 is derived from circulating monocytes, in addition to an unknown component from tissue macrophages. The lack of correlation with the absolute monocyte number suggests that such a balance is driven by the functional state of monocytes, rather than simply by numerical changes in circulating cells. We propose that further clinical evaluations of CD163 as a diagnostic parameter should include simultaneous measurements of soluble and cell-bound forms of this antigen. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Polysialic acid controls NCAM-induced differentiation of neuronal precursors into calretinin-positive olfactory bulb interneurons

DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROBIOLOGY, Issue 9 2008
Iris Röckle
Abstract Understanding the mechanisms that regulate neurogenesis is a prerequisite for brain repair approaches based on neuronal precursor cells. One important regulator of postnatal neurogenesis is polysialic acid (polySia), a post-translational modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM. In the present study, we investigated the role of polySia in differentiation of neuronal precursors isolated from the subventricular zone of early postnatal mice. Removal of polySia promoted neurite induction and selectively enhanced maturation into a calretinin-positive phenotype. Expression of calbindin and Pax6, indicative for other lineages of olfactory bulb interneurons, were not affected. A decrease in the number of TUNEL-positive cells indicated that cell survival was slightly improved by removing polySia. Time lapse imaging revealed the absence of chain migration and low cell motility, in the presence and absence of polySia. The changes in survival and differentiation, therefore, could be dissected from the well-known function of polySia as a promoter of precursor migration. The differentiation response was mimicked by exposure of cells to soluble or substrate-bound NCAM and prevented by the C3d-peptide, a synthetic ligand blocking NCAM interactions. Moreover, a higher degree of differentiation was observed in cultures from polysialyltransferase-depleted mice and after NCAM exposure of precursors from NCAM-knockout mice demonstrating that the NCAM function is mediated via heterophilic binding partners. In conclusion, these data reveal that polySia controls instructive NCAM signals, which direct the differentiation of subventricular zone-derived precursors towards the calretinin-positive phenotype of olfactory bulb interneurons. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008 [source]

Premixed insulin treatment for type 2 diabetes: analogue or human?

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 5 2007
Alan J. Garber
The progressive nature of type 2 diabetes makes insulin initiation a necessary therapeutic step for many patients. Premixed insulin formulations containing both basal and prandial insulin (so called biphasic insulin) are often prescribed because they are superior to long- or intermediate-acting insulin in obtaining good metabolic control. In addition, they are considered as an attractive alternative to classical basal-bolus therapy as fewer daily injections are required. Premixed insulin formulations include conventional (e.g. biphasic human insulin 70/30, or 30/70 in European countries, BHI 30) and newer premixed human analogues (e.g. biphasic insulin aspart 70/30, or 30/70 in Europe, BIAsp 30; insulin lispro mix 75/25,Mix 75/25, or Mix 25/75 in Europe). Like conventional premixed human insulin, premixed insulin analogues contain a fixed proportion of soluble, rapid-acting insulin analogue, with protaminated analogue comprising the remainder. Unlike conventional premixes, analogue premixes have more physiological pharmacokinetic and therapeutically more desirable pharmacodynamic profiles than premixed human insulin. Consequently, postprandial glycaemic control is better with premixed insulin analogues than with premixed human insulin. In nontreat-to-target registration trials, the lowering of haemoglobin A1c with premixed insulin analogues was not inferior to that seen with premixed human insulin. Minor hypoglycaemia was similar for premixed analogue and premixed human insulins, while major hypoglycaemia appears to be rare with either formulation. The occurrence of adverse events, other than hypoglycaemia, was also similar between various premix insulins. The premixed insulin analogues, BIAsp 30 and Mix 75/25, like the fast-acting analogues from which they are derived, also allow flexible injection timing, relative to meal timing, thus improving adherence, compliance and quality of life compared with premixed human insulin. Overall, the evidence suggests that premixed insulin analogues are cost effective and have useful advantages over premixed human insulin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [source]

Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients failing oral agents: cost-effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 70/30 vs. insulin glargine in the US,

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 1 2007
J. A. Ray
Objectives:, To project the long-term clinical and economic outcomes of treatment with biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 70/30, 30% soluble and 70% protaminated insulin aspart) vs. insulin glargine in insulin-naïve type 2 diabetes patients failing to achieve glycemic control with oral antidiabetic agents alone (OADs). Methods:, Baseline patient characteristics and treatment effect data from the recent ,INITIATE' clinical trial served as input to a peer-reviewed, validated Markov/Monte-Carlo simulation model. INITIATE demonstrated improvements in HbA1c favouring BIAsp 70/30 vs. glargine (,0.43%; p < 0.005) and greater efficacy in reaching glycaemic targets among patients poorly controlled on OAD therapy. Effects on life expectancy (LE), quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE), cumulative incidence of diabetes-related complications and direct medical costs (2004 USD) were projected over 35 years. Clinical outcomes and costs were discounted at a rate of 3.0% per annum. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Results:, Improvements in glycaemic control were projected to lead to gains in LE (0.19 ± 0.24 years) and QALE (0.19 ± 0.17 years) favouring BIAsp 70/30 vs. glargine. Treatment with BIAsp 70/30 was also associated with reductions in the cumulative incidences of diabetes-related complications, notably in renal and retinal conditions. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $46 533 per quality-adjusted life year gained with BIAsp 70/30 vs. glargine (for patients with baseline HbA1c , 8.5%, it was $34 916). Total lifetime costs were compared to efficacy rates in both arms as a ratio, which revealed that the lifetime cost per patient treated successfully to target HbA1c levels of <7.0% and , 6.5% were $80 523 and $93 242 lower with BIAsp 70/30 than with glargine, respectively. Conclusions:, Long-term treatment with BIAsp 70/30 was projected to be cost-effective for patients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently controlled on OADs alone compared to glargine. Treatment with BIAsp 70/30 was estimated to represent an appropriate investment of healthcare dollars in the management of type 2 diabetes. [source]

Twice daily biphasic insulin aspart improves postprandial glycaemic control more effectively than twice daily NPH insulin, with low risk of hypoglycaemia, in patients with type 2 diabetes

DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2003
J. S. Christiansen
Objective:, Biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp30) is a dual release formulation, containing 30% soluble and 70% protamine-crystallized insulin aspart. This study compared the glycaemic control and safety profiles achieved with either twice daily BIAsp30 or NPH insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes not optimally controlled by oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs), NPH insulin or a combination of both. Methods:, In this 16-week multinational, parallel-group, double-blind trial, 403 such patients were randomized to receive either BIAsp30 or NPH insulin immediately before breakfast and evening meals. OHAs were discontinued at randomization. Efficacy was assessed by glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and self-recorded daily 8-point blood glucose (BG) profiles. Hypoglycaemic and other adverse events were the chosen safety parameters. Results:, HbA1c concentration decreased by >0.6% (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline) in both groups, with metabolic control continuing to improve throughout the trial without reaching a stable level. Patients who switched from once or twice daily NPH monotherapy to twice daily BIAsp30 achieved a significantly greater reduction in HbA1c (0.78%) than those randomized to twice daily NPH insulin (0.58%; p = 0.03). BIAsp30 decreased mean daily postprandial glycaemic exposure to a greater extent than NPH insulin (mean difference = 0.69 mmol/l; p < 0.0001), reflecting greater decreases in the postbreakfast and postdinner increments (of 1.26 and 1.33 mmol/l, respectively), although postlunch increment was relatively increased (by 0.56 mmol/l). Despite the greater reduction in overall postprandial glycaemic exposure in the BIAsp30 group, the overall safety profile of BIAsp30 was equivalent to that of NPH insulin with <2% of patients experiencing major hypoglycaemia, and approximately 33% reporting minor hypoglycaemic episodes, in both groups. Conclusion:, Twice daily BIAsp30 reduced postprandial glucose exposure to a significantly greater extent than NPH insulin and was at least as effective at reducing HbA1c in patients with type 2 diabetes. Both insulins were well tolerated. In patients poorly controlled on OHAs or NPH alone, glycaemic control can be improved by switching to twice daily BIAsp30, without increasing hypoglycaemic risk. [source]