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Shows Potential (shows + potential)
Selected AbstractsA New Poly(thienylenevinylene) Derivative with High Mobility and Oxidative Stability for Organic Thin-Film Transistors and Solar CellsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 27 2009Bogyu Lim A novel thiophene-thienylenevinylene copolymer is synthesized and evaluated for use in organic field-effect transistors and organic solar cells. PETV12T shows good solution processability and high structural organization after annealing. Organic thin-film transistors based on the polymer exhibit high mobility and a high resistance to oxidation. In addition, PETV12T shows potential as an electron donor in bulk heterojunction solar cells. [source] Feather keratin hydrolysis by a Vibrio sp. strain kr2JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2000S. Sangali The aim of the study was to characterize feather-degrading bacteria isolated from poultry industry waste. A Vibrio sp. strain kr2 producing a high keratinolytic activity when cultured on native feather-containing broth was isolated. The bacterium grew with an optimum at pH 6·0 and 30 °C, where maximum feather-degrading activity was also observed. Keratinase production was similar at both 25 and 30 °C, while the maximum concentration of soluble protein was reached at 30 °C. Reduction of disulphide bridges was also observed, increasing with cultivation time. The keratinase of strain kr2 was active on azokeratin, azocasein, benzoyl-arginine- p -nitroanilide and Ala-Ala- p -nitroanilide as substrates. The amino acid composition of the feather hydrolysate was determined, presenting similarities with that reported for feather lysate, feather meal and raw feathers. A novel feather-degrading bacterium was isolated and characterized, showing high keratinolytic activity. Complete feather degradation was achieved during cultivation. Strain kr2 shows potential for use for biotechnological processes involving keratin hydrolysis. [source] Using interpubic distance for sexing manakins in the fieldJOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY, Issue 1 2010Chase D. Mendenhall ABSTRACT Field methods for determining the sex of birds are often limited due to morphometric overlap between sexes, intermediate plumages, seasonality, and reliance on subjective age classification. Interpubic distance, characterized in birds as the distance between the distal ends of the pubic bones, has not been formally tested as a method for determining the sex of birds, despite references among parrot breeders and the frequent use of analogous measurements in mammals. We developed a harmless and easily performed field method for measuring interpubic distance in studies involving bird capture, and compared the interpubic distances of known sex White-ruffed Manakins (Corapipo altera), Orange-collared Manakins (Manacus aurantiacus), and Blue-crowned Manakins (Lepidothrix coronata) to evaluate the possible use of this measurement to determine sex. Using interpubic distance ranges based on 85% confidence intervals where overlap existed between sexes, the sex of 92.8,100% of all manakins in our study was accurately determined with no misclassification. Interpubic distance performed better than plumage-based methods that sexed 74.0% of all individuals and misclassified 1.5%. Using linear discriminant analysis, we developed classification equations that allowed us to accurately determine the sex of all individuals with 100% accuracy using mass and interpubic distance. Additionally, we compared the interpubic distances of female White-ruffed Manakins to evaluate the potential to determine age and reproductive status. Despite an apparent relationship between interpubic distance, age and reproductive status, we concluded that interpubic distance has limited use for determining age and reproductive status due to extensive overlap (31.6,100%), but shows potential in other applications. Based on these results, we endorse the use of interpubic distance to determine the sex of manakins. We encourage further study to develop additional classification equations using different morphometric measurements and to test the efficacy of interpubic distance to determine sex in other bird species. RESUMEN Los métodos del campo para distinguir el sexo de aves son limitados a causa de traslapes de medidas mórfometricas extremas entre sexos, plumajes intermedios, diferencias temporales y/o dependencia en clasificación sujeto de la edad. Distancia interpúbica, caracterizada en aves como la distancia entre los puntos distales de los huesos púbicos, no ha sido formalmente probada como un método para distinguir el sexo de las aves, a pesar de referencias por criadores de loros y uso de métodos similares en mamíferos. Diseñamos un método del campo rápido y sencillo que no tiene riesgo del daño para sacar la distancia interpúbica en estudios que capturan aves. Comparamos la distancia interpúbica de individuos de sexo conocido de Corapipo altera, Manacus aurantiacus, y Lepidothrix coronata para probar el método. Clasificamos correctamente el sexo de 92.8,100% de todos los individuos en este estudio por rangos determinados a través de intérvalos de confianza de 85%. La distancia interpúbica funcionó mejor que un método basado en plumaje, el cual que distinguió el sexo correcto de 74.0% pero falló en clasificar el sexo de 1.5% de los individuos estudiados. Usamos el análisis de discriminación linear para determinar el poder predictivo de la distancia interpúbica, longitud del ala y masa e hicimos ecuaciones de clasificación que distinguieron sexo con un 100% de éxito usando solo masa y distancia interpúbica. Además, comparamos distancia interpúbica de las hembras de C. altera para evaluar el potencial de distinguir edad y estadio reproductivo. A pesar de existir una conexión entre distancia interpúbica, edad y estadio reproductivo, concluimos que la distancia interpúbica es limitada en el contexto de distinguir edad y estadio reproductivo por traslape extensivo (31.6,100%), pero muestra potencial en otras aplicaciones. Basados en estos resultados recomendamos el uso de distancia interpúbica como un método para distinguir sexo de pipridos. Recomendamos más investigación para crear otras ecuaciones de clasificación usando medidas mórfometricas diferentes y probar la eficacia de la distancia interpúbica para distinguir el sexo de otras especies de aves. [source] Extraction Using Moderate Electric FieldsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004I. SENSOY ABSTRACT: During moderate electric field (MEF) processing, a voltage applied across a food material may affect the permeability of cell membranes. It is known that high electric fields can cause either reversible or irreversible rupture of cell membranes. In this research, the effect of MEF processing on permeability was studied. Effects of frequency and electric field strength were investigated. Cellular structure was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fermented black tea leaves and fresh or dry mint leaves were placed in tea bags or cut in 1 cm2 squares, depending on the experiment, and immersed in an aqueous fluid medium. Control samples were heated on a hot plate. MEF treatments were conducted by applying a voltage across electrodes immersed in opposite sides of the beaker. Control and MEF-treated fresh mint leaf samples heated to 50°C were analyzed by TEM. MEF processing significantly increased the extraction yield for fresh mint leaves because of additional electric field effects during heating. Dried mint leaves and fermented black tea leaves were not affected by the treatment type. Low frequency resulted in higher extraction rates for fresh mint leaves. The electric field strength study showed that electrical breakdown is achieved even at low electric field strengths. MEF treatment shows potential to be used as an alternative to conventional heating for extraction from cellular materials. [source] Use of the ,nutriceutical', bovine colostrum, for the treatment of distal colitis: results from an initial studyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 11 2002Z. Khan Summary Background : Bovine colostrum is a rich source of nutrients, antibodies and growth factors. Aim : To examine the efficacy of colostrum enemas in the treatment of distal colitis using a randomized, double-blind, controlled protocol. Methods : Fourteen patients (eight female), with a mean age of 45 years (range, 16,75 years) and mild to moderately severe distal colitis (Powell-Tuck scoring system), received colostrum enema (100 mL of 10% solution) or placebo (albumin solution) b.d. for 4 weeks. Both groups also received mesalazine (1.6 g/day) or, if already taking it, had a dose increment of 1.6 g/day. Disease activity was documented at 0, 2 and 4 weeks. Results : After 4 weeks, the colostrum group showed a mean reduction in symptom score of ,,2.9 (95% confidence interval (CI), ,,5.4 to ,,0.3), whereas the placebo group showed a mean response of +,0.5 (95% CI, ,,2.4 to +3.4). The histological score improved in five of the eight patients in the colostrum group (mean response, ,,0.9; 95% CI, ,,1.69 to ,,0.03), whereas the histological scores only improved in two of the six patients in the placebo group (mean response, 0.2; 95% CI, ,,2.4 to +2.6). Conclusions : Bovine colostrum enema shows potential as a novel therapy for left-sided colitis with additional benefits over using mesalazine alone. Further studies appear to be warranted. [source] Metabonomics: the use of electrospray mass spectrometry coupled to reversed-phase liquid chromatography shows potential for the screening of rat urine in drug developmentRAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 20 2002Robert S. Plumb The application of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) followed by principal components analysis (PCA) has been successfully applied to the screening of rat urine following the administration of three candidate pharmaceuticals. With this methodology it was possible to differentiate the control samples from the dosed samples and to identify the components of the mass spectrum responsible for the separation. These data clearly show that LC/MS is a viable alternative, or complementary, technique to proton NMR for metabonomics applications in drug discovery and development. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Palatal Flap Modifications Allow Pedicled Reconstruction of the Skull BaseTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2008Christopher L. Oliver MD Abstract Objectives: Defects after endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) to the skull base, have exposed limitations of traditional reconstructive techniques. The ability to adequately reconstruct these defects has lagged behind the ability to approach/resect lesions at the skull base. The posteriorly pedicled nasoseptal flap is our primary reconstructive option; however, prior surgery or tumors can preclude its use. We focused on the branches of the internal maxillary artery, to develop novel pedicled flaps, to facilitate the reconstruction of defects encountered after skull base expanded endonasal approaches. Study Design: Feasibility. Methods: We reviewed radiology images with attention to the pterygopalatine fossa and the descending palatine vessels (DPV), which supply the palate. Using cadaver dissections, we investigated the feasibility of transposing the standard mucoperiosteal palatal flap into the nasal cavity and mobilizing the DPV for pedicled skull base reconstruction. Results: We transposed the palate mucoperiosteum into the nasal cavity through limited enlargement of a single greater palatine foramen. Our method preserves the integrity of the nasal floor mucosa, and mobilizes the DPV from the greater palatine foramen to their origin in the pterygopalatine fossa. Radiological measurements and cadevaric dissections suggest that the transposed, pedicled palatal flap (the Oliver pedicled palatal flap) could be used to reconstruct defects of the planum, sella, and clivus. Conclusions: Our novel modifications to the island palatal flap yield a large (12,18 cm2) mucoperiosteal flap based on a , 3 cm pedicle. The Oliver pedicled palatal flap shows potential for nasal cavity and skull base reconstruction (see video, available online only). [source] Effect of oleocanthal and its derivatives on inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide in a murine chondrocyte cell lineARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2010Anna Iacono Objective In joint diseases, cartilage homeostasis is disrupted by mechanisms that are driven by combinations of biologic factors that vary according to the disease process. In osteoarthritis (OA), biomechanical stimuli predominate, with up-regulation of both catabolic and anabolic factors. Likewise, OA progression is characterized by increased nitric oxide (NO) production, which has been associated with cartilage degradation. Given the relevance of cartilage degenerative diseases in our society, the development of a novel pharmacologic intervention is a critically important public health goal. Recently, oleocanthal isolated from extra virgin olive oil was found to display nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug activity similar to that of ibuprofen, a drug widely used in the therapeutic management of joint inflammatory diseases. We undertook this study to evaluate the effect of oleocanthal and its derivatives on the modulation of NO production in chondrocytes. Methods Cultured ATDC-5 chondrocytes were tested with different doses of oleocanthal and its derivatives. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Nitrite accumulation was determined in culture supernatant using the Griess reaction. Inducible NO synthase (NOS2) protein expression was examined using Western blotting analysis. Results Oleocanthal and its derivatives decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced NOS2 synthesis in chondrocytes without significantly affecting cell viability at lower concentrations. Among the derivatives we examined, derivative 231 was the most interesting, since its inhibitory effect on NOS2 was devoid of cytotoxicity even at higher concentrations. Conclusion This class of molecules shows potential as a therapeutic weapon for the treatment of inflammatory degenerative joint diseases. [source] The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and tolerability of dabigatran etexilate, a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor, in healthy male subjectsBRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Joachim Stangier Aims The novel direct thrombin inhibitor (DTI), dabigatran etexilate (Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG), shows potential as an oral antithrombotic agent. Two double-blind, randomized trials were undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and tolerability of orally administered dabigatran etexilate in healthy male subjects. Methods Dabigatran etexilate or placebo was administered orally at single doses of 10,400 mg (n = 40) or at multiple doses of 50,400 mg three times daily for 6 days (n = 40). Plasma and urine samples were collected over time to determine the PK profile of dabigatran. PD activity was assessed by its effects on blood coagulation parameters: activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), reported as international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT), and ecarin clotting time (ECT). All adverse events were recorded. Results Dabigatran etexilate was rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentrations of dabigatran reached within 2 h of administration. This was followed by a rapid distribution/elimination phase and a terminal phase, with associated estimated half-lives of 8,10 h and 14,17 h with single and multiple dose administrations, respectively. Dabigatran exhibited linear PK characteristics with dose-proportional increases observed in maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve. Steady-state conditions were reached within 3 days with multiple dosing. The mean apparent volume of distribution during the terminal phase (Vz/F) of 1860 l (range 1430,2400 l) and the apparent total clearance after oral administration (CLtot/F) of 2031 ml min,1 (range 1480,2430), were dose independent. Time curves for aPTT, INR, TT and ECT paralleled plasma concentration,time curves with values increasing rapidly and in a dose-dependent manner. At the highest dose of 400 mg administered three times daily, maximum prolongations over baseline of 3.1 (aPTT), 3.5 (INR), 29 (TT) and 9.5-fold (ECT) were observed. Dabigatran underwent conjugation with glucuronic acid to form pharmacologically active conjugates that accounted for approximately 20% of total dabigatran in plasma. Overall, variability in PK parameters was low to moderate, with an average interindividual coefficient of variation (CV) of approximately 30% and variability in PD parameters was low, with CV < 10%. Of the four assays, TT and ECT exhibited the greatest sensitivity and precision within the anticipated therapeutic dose range. Bleeding events were few and were mild-to-moderate in intensity, occurring only in the higher, multiple dose groups. Conclusions These data suggest that dabigatran etexilate is a promising novel oral DTI with predictable PK and PD characteristics and good tolerability. Further investigation of dabigatran etexilate for the treatment and prophylaxis of patients with arterial and venous thromboembolic disorders, acute coronary syndromes and other medical conditions is warranted. [source] | ||||||||||||||||