Search

The coordinating properties of the bis(1,4‐dimethyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) ligand (abbreviated as bitz) towards silver(I) and gold(I) centres have been explored. The bitz behaves as bridging ligand giving both dinuclear [M2(bitz)2](PF6)2 and trinuclear [M3(bitz)3](PF6)3 species, whose formation has been supported by X‐ray diffraction analysis, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry evidences. The dinuclear and trinuclear gold(I) complexes present very similar luminescence properties, emitting in the blue region, at ~450 nm, when excited at 350 nm. Selected experimental aspects dealing with the synthesis of the dinuclear and trinuclear species, as well as with the absorption properties of the gold(I) complexes, have been investigated also through relativistic DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: From October 2020 to October 2022, we conducted an implementation study to offer telemedicine (TM) across four HIV units of general public hospitals in Buenos Aires. The intervention used TM to provide a continuum of care to patients with HIV. Methods and Setting: We used the RE‐AIM framework to evaluate the strategy. The study started during a COVID‐19 outbreak with strict lockdown policies and continued until return to normal practices. Implementation facilitation served as the core implementation strategy. Results: We reached 4118 patients (58% of eligible individuals), and the main perceived benefits were the ability to avoid exposure to infectious diseases and reduced travel time and cost. After a median of 515 days of follow‐up, 95.7% of participants with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 87.8% were virally suppressed, with a median CD4+ count of 648 cells/μL. In total, 36.6% reported clinical events, and 20.4% presented with COVID‐19 infection. The proportion of physicians adopting TM was 69.37%. After enrolment, 2406 of 5640 (43%) follow‐up visits were conducted via TM. By the end of the study, 26.29% of appointments offered in the four centres were through TM, whereas 73.71% were in‐person appointments. Conclusion: It was feasible to implement TM in the four centres in the public health sector in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was acceptable for both patients and healthcare workers, and effectively reached a large proportion of the population served in these clinics. Both healthcare workers and patients consider it a model of care that will continue to be offered in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the use of electronic devices in children and possible risk factors for smartphone ownership and cyberbullying. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted involving 62 Italian general paediatricians who administered a close‐ended questionnaire about the use of electronic devices to 1732 parents/caregivers. Results: Data of 2563 children aged 0–14 years were collected. Investigating the electronic device use by parents/caregivers of children aged 0–1 years, 72.5% of mothers were revealed to have the habit to use a smartphone during breastfeeding and bottle‐feeding. The ownership of a smartphone was found in 29.5% of children aged 2–14 years, 68.1% considering only children aged 10–14. A higher parental degree level was identified as a protective factor for smartphone ownership by children (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36–0.98; p = 0.04 for father; OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.33–0.78; p = 0.002 for mother). A higher risk of cyberbullying was found when caregivers did not use any restrictions on smartphone use (OR 11.92; 95% CI 3.41–41.68; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The absence of rules for smartphone use represents a risk factor for cyberbullying. In this context, the general paediatrician might play an important role in helping parents/caregivers and their children adopt safer use of electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The similar reactivity of lanthanides generally leads to statistically populated polynuclear complexes, making the rational design of ordered hetero‐lanthanide compounds extremely challenging. Here we report on the site selectivity in hetero‐lanthanide tetranuclear complexes afforded by the relatively simple ditopic pyterpyNO ligand (4'‐(4‐pyridil)‐2,2':6',2"‐terpyridine N‐oxide). The sequential room temperature reaction of RE2(tta)6(pyterpyNO)2 (where RE=Y, (1); Eu, (2), Dy, (3) Htta=2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone) with La(tta)3dme (dme=dimethoxyethane) yielded Y2La2(tta)12(pyterpyNO)2 (4), Dy2La2(tta)12(pyterpyNO)2 (5) and Eu2La2(tta)12(pyterpyNO)2 (6). Single crystals X‐ray diffraction studies showed that 4, 5 and 6 are isostructural, featuring a tetranuclear structure with two different metal coordination sites with coordination numbers 8 (CN8) and 9 (CN9). The two smaller cations are mainly bridged by the O‐donor atoms of the NO groups of two pyterpyNO ligands (CN8), while the larger lanthanum centres are bound by a terpyridine unit (CN9). Size selectivity has been studied with structural and magnetic studies in the solid state and through 19F NMR and photoluminescence studies in solution, showing a direct dependence on the difference of ionic radii of the ions and yielding a 91 % selectivity for 4. Furthermore, 19F NMR, X‐ray and PL studies pointed out that the nature of the product is independent from the synthetic route for compound Eu2Y2(tta)12(pyterpyNO)2 (7), keeping the ion selectivity also for a self‐assembly reaction. Unexpectedly, these studies have evidenced that selectivity is not exclusively governed by electrostatic interactions related to size dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic defect in the nuclear encoded subunits of cytochrome c oxidase are very rare. To date, most deleterious variants affect the mitochondrially encoded subunits of complex IV and the nuclear genes encoded for assembly factors. A biallelic pathogenic variant in the mitochondrial complex IV subunit COX5A was previously reported in a couple of sibs with failure to thrive, lactic acidosis and pulmonary hypertension and a lethal phenotype. Here, we describe a second family with a 11‐year‐old girl presenting with failure to thrive, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia and short stature. Clinical exome revealed the homozygous missense variant c.266 T > G in COX5A, which produces a drop of the corresponding protein and a reduction of the COX activity. Compared to the previous observation, this girl showed an attenuated metabolic derangement without involvement of the cardiovascular system and neurodevelopment. Our observation confirms that COX5A recessive variants may cause mitochondrial disease and expands the associated phenotype to less severe presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first emerged in China in November 2019. Most governments have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by imposing a lockdown. Some evidence suggests that a period of isolation might have led to a spike in alcohol misuse, and in the case of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), social isolation can favour lapse and relapse. The aim of our position paper is to provide specialists in the alcohol addiction field, in psychopharmacology, gastroenterology and in internal medicine, with appropriate tools to better manage patients with AUD and COVID-19,considering some important topics: (a) the susceptibility of AUD patients to infection; (b) the pharmacological interaction between medications used to treat AUD and to treat COVID-19; (c) the reorganization of the Centre for Alcohol Addiction Treatment for the management of AUD patients in the COVID-19 era (group activities, telemedicine, outpatients treatment, alcohol-related liver disease and liver transplantation, collecting samples); (d) AUD and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Telemedicine/telehealth will undoubtedly be useful/practical tools even though it remains at an elementary level; the contribution of the family and of caregivers in the management of AUD patients will play a significant role; the multidisciplinary intervention involving experts in the treatment of AUD with specialists in the treatment of COVID-19 disease will need implementation. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic is rapidly leading addiction specialists towards a new governance scenario of AUD, which necessarily needs an in-depth reconsideration, focusing attention on a safe approach in combination with the efficacy of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the chemical environment in oil and gas fluids such as produced water (PW) and soured oil or low‐oxygen environments plays a vital role in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). H2S and/or other forms of sulphur species in soured oils and PW are key factors in the corrosion and growth of microorganisms. To mitigate reservoir souring and subsequent corrosion, nitrate is injected to displace sulphate‐reducing bacteria with nitrate reducers. However, nitrates and the associated nitrogen species (eg, nitrite) impact the chemistry and microbial activity, and hence the corrosion potential in the system. This study investigates the PW chemical environment in light of sulphide and nitrite chemistry, and provides information towards understanding the chemical transformations and microbial relationships. The sulphide‐nitrite environment was studied as a function of temperature, pressure, nitrite level, oxygen‐using equilibrium, and kinetic model approaches. Equilibrium simulation predicted the formation of FeS, FeO(OH), and Fe2O3 as the key corrosion products, the amount of which varied depending on the chemistry and operating conditions. In experiments where nitrite was very low or absent, S0 was favoured over SO42− as the inlet H2S concentration increased and FeS dominated with an increase in temperature. In the presence of nitrite, Fe2O3 was formed instead of FeO(OH) at temperatures above 50°C. The trend of the kinetic simulation of the sulphide‐oxygen reaction in seawater was in good agreement with the wet‐lab experiment in PW. The models can serve as tools to better understand and describe the chemical environment in PW systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External load influences internal load in resistance training (RT). The purpose of the present study was to compare the total volume-load, perceptual and stress responses during three different RT protocols. Twelve resistance-trained men completed three different RT protocols with the back squat and bench press exercises: (1) power (POW) (5 sets of 6 repetitions at 50%1RM, 2-min of rest), (2) hypertrophy (HYP) (5 sets-to-failure at 75%1RM, 2-min of rest), and (3) strength (STR) (5 sets-to-failure at 90%1RM, 3-min of rest). Volume-load (kg × reps.), session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), training impulse (TRIMP; reps. × sRPE), cortisol, immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) were assessed before and/or after the sessions. HYP was the most demanding session in terms of volume-load (p < 0.001), TRIMP (p < 0.001), cortisol (p = 0.001), lactate (p < 0.001), and CK (p = 0.001). Despite POW exhibited a greater volume-load than STR (p = 0.016), the latter exhibiting a greater sRPE (p < 0.001), and a greater post-session CK (p = 0.05). However, the TRIMP of STR and POW were not statistically different (152 vs. 260 AU; p = 0.089). These specific responses could be meditated by the presence of muscular failure. When pooling all the sessions, significant correlations were revealed among external and internal stress markers (r = 0.35–0.80; p ≤ 0.05). The use of TRIMP could be recommended as a simple and valid monitoring tool which integrates into a single parameter the internal and the external loads of RT sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new model with the aim to predict the temperature dependence of europium emission in coordination systems is presented. The model has been developed from a library of Eu3+ complexes of general formula EuL3A2, where L is a β‐diketone, and A is an ancillary ligand. Three possible deactivation channels have been considered: two competitive metal‐related terms describing the primary deactivation channels, i. e. back energy transfer and multiphonon quenching, and a third ligand‐related term to describe non‐radiative deactivation of the antenna triplet. As many parameters as possible are taken from measurable chemical‐physical properties, such as ligand triplet and multiphonon quenching energies. The other parameters have been deduced from selected EuL3A2 compounds and used as one‐size‐fits‐all values. The model proved to be very effective in describing the interplay between back energy transfer and multiphonon deactivation channels. Finally, the model has been implemented in a freeware standalone MATLAB application. Users need to input only the energy of the sensitizer triplet level and choose the coordinated quencher, if present. It simulates the range of applicability of the molecular thermometers and the shape of the thermometric sensitivity curve Sr employing as thermometric parameter either emission intensity or lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cirrhosis is a disease with multisystem involvement. It has been documented that patients with cirrhosis exhibit abnormal patterns of fluctuation in their body temperature. However, the clinical significance of this phenomenon is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine if temperature variability analysis can predict survival in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: Thirty eight inpatients with cirrhosis were enrolled in the study. Wireless temperature sensors were used to record patients' proximal skin temperature for 24 hr. The pattern of proximal temperature fluctuation was assessed using the extended Poincaré plot to measure short‐term and long‐term proximal temperature variability (PTV). Patients were followed up for 12 months, and information was collected on the occurrence of death/liver transplantation. Results: During the follow‐up period, 15 patients (39%) died or underwent transplantation for hepatic decompensation. Basal proximal skin temperature absolute values were comparable in survivors and nonsurvivors. However, nonsurvivors showed a significant reduction in both short‐term and long‐term HRV indices. Cox regression analysis showed that both short‐term and long‐term PTV indices could predict survival in these patients. However, only measures of short‐term PTV were shown to be independent of the severity of hepatic failure in predicting survival. Finally, the prognostic value of short‐term PTV was also independent of heart rate variability, that is, a measure of autonomic dysfunction. Conclusion: Changes in the pattern of patients' temperature fluctuations, rather than their absolute values, hold key prognostic information, suggesting that impaired thermoregulation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive asbestos‐related cancer of the serous membranes. Despite intensive treatment regimens, MM is still a fatal disease, mainly due to the intrinsic resistance to current therapies and the lack of predictive markers and new valuable molecular targets. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibition has recently emerged as a potential therapy against methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)‐deficient cancers, in which the accumulation of the substrate 5'‐methylthioadenosine (MTA) inhibits PRMT5 activity, thus sensitizing the cells to further PRMT5 inhibition. Considering that the MTAP gene is frequently codeleted with the adjacent cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) locus in MM, we assessed whether PRMT5 could represent a therapeutic target also for this cancer type. We evaluated PRMT5 expression, the MTAP status and MTA content in normal mesothelial and MM cell lines. We found that both administration of exogenous MTA and stable PRMT5 knock‐down, by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), selectively reduced the growth of MTAP‐deleted MM cells. We also observed that PRMT5 knock‐down in MTAP‐deficient MM cells reduced the expression of E2F1 target genes involved in cell cycle progression and of factors implicated in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Therefore, PRMT5 targeting could represent a promising new therapeutic strategy against MTAP‐deleted MMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of apex predators is a key challenge both in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The white shark is a rare but persistent inhabitant of the Mediterranean Sea and it is currently assessed as "critically endangered" in the region. However, the population trends and dynamics of this species in the area are still unknown. Little is known about white shark distribution, habitat use and population abundance trends, aspects that are critical for conservation and management. In this study, we built the most comprehensive database of white shark occurrence records in the region. We collected 773 different records from different sources and used them to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of Mediterranean white sharks between 1860 and 2016. We analysed these data by using generalized additive models and used spatially disaggregated information on human population abundance as a proxy of observation effort. Our results suggest a complex trajectory of population change characterized by a historical increase and a more recent reduction (61%, range 58%–72%) since the second half of the 20th century. In particular, analyses reveal a 52% (range 37%–88%) to 96% (range 92%–100%) overall decline in different Mediterranean sectors and a contraction in spatial distribution. Here, we provide the first reconstruction of abundance trends and offer new hypotheses regarding the drivers of change of white sharks in the Mediterranean. Our approach can be broadly applied to data‐poor contexts to reconstruct change and inform the conservation of endangered top predators in the Mediterranean Sea and other intensely used marine regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal adrenal function can interfere with linear growth, potentially causing either acceleration or impairment of growth in paediatric patients. These abnormalities can be caused by direct effects of adrenal hormones, particularly glucocorticoids and sex steroids, or be mediated by indirect mechanisms such as the disturbance of the growth hormone‐insulin‐like growth factor‐1 axis and aromatization of androgens to oestrogens. The early diagnosis and optimal treatment of adrenal disorders can prevent or minimize growth disturbance and facilitate improved height gain. Mechanisms of growth disturbance in the following abnormal states will be discussed; hypercortisolaemia, hyperandrogenaemia and obesity. Prevalence and features of growth disturbance will be discussed in ACTH‐dependent and ACTH‐independent Cushing's syndrome, adrenocortical tumours, premature adrenarche, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency disorders. Recommendations for management have been included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary amines have been subjected to an acceptorless dehydrogenative homo‐ and heterocoupling into imines with a cobalt catalyst. The catalytically active species are composed of cobalt nanoparticles, which are generated in situ by heating Co2(CO)8 in the presence of trioctylphosphine oxide as a surfactant. The nanoparticles have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy where the image showed spherical and small particles with a narrow size distribution. The catalyst can be recovered and used again with essentially no effect on the yield. The catalyst can also be used for the dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines into imines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitramines (for example RDX, HMX and CL‐20) are frequently made by nitrolyzing tertiary amides. While generally high yielding, sometimes the amides can be difficult to remove while keeping any ring systems intact. This study investigates twelve acyl hexahydro‐s‐triazines for their ease of conversion into nitramines using four common nitration conditions. Several new amide protecting group have been examined and one (cyclopropanecarboxamide) has been found to be better than those amides currently employed. The amide groups have been found to be nitrolyzable in the following order: Cyclopropyl>Ethyl>Propyl>Methyl>i‐Propyl≈t‐Butyl≈Methoxymethyl≫Hydrogen>Pentafluorophenyl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the effects of 20 weeks of concurrent training with and without repetitions to failure on neuromuscular and functional adaptations in older men. Methods: Thirty‐six older men (67.1 ± 5.1 years) were randomized into three groups: one performing repetitions to failure (RFG, n = 13), another performing repetitions not to failure and 50% of the repetitions of the RFG (NFG, n = 12), and a third performing repetitions not to failure with equal training volume of the RFG (ENFG, n = 11). Training was performed twice a week for 20 weeks at intensities ranging from 65% to 80% of maximal strength. In each session, the individuals started with strengthening exercises and then performed aerobic exercise on a treadmill. Before and after the intervention, individuals were assessed for their one repetition maximum (1RM) for leg press (LP) and knee extension (KE) exercises, knee extensors' isometric peak torque (PTiso), and rate of torque development (RTD) at 50 ms, 100 ms, and 250 ms, muscle thickness of the quadriceps, as well as functional performance on sit‐to‐stand, and timed up and go tests. Results: After training, there were significant (P < 0.001) increases in the LP and KE 1RM, PTiso, and RTD outcomes in all groups. Also, there were significant increases in muscle thickness of the quadriceps and in the sit‐to‐stand test (P < 0.05) in all groups. No significant differences were observed between groups in any outcome. Conclusion: Concurrent training using repetitions to concentric failure did not promote additional benefits for neuromuscular function, muscle thickness, or functional capacity of older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in situ formed cobalt catalyst is developed from cobalt(II)bromide, bis[2‐(diisopropylphosphino)‐4‐methylphenyl]amine and zinc metal. The catalyst mediates the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines into imines with the release of hydrogen gas and the transformation is applied to the synthesis of a variety of imines from different alcohols and amines. The mechanism is investigated with labelled substrates and based on the results a cobalt(I) PNP complex is believed to be the catalytically active species which abstracts hydrogen gas from the alcohol through a metal ligand bifunctional pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of dinuclear molecular complexes [Eu2(dbm)6(bipyMO)2], 1, [Tb2(dbm)6(bipyMO)2], 2, [Eu2(tta)6(bipyMO)2], 3 [Eu2(hfac)6(bipyMO)3], 4, [Tb2(hfac)6(bipyMO)3], 5 is here reported (bipyMO = 4,4′‐bipyridine N‐oxide, Hdbm = dibenzoylmethane, Htta = thenoyltrifluoroacetone, Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone). The products were obtained in mild conditions and with high yields reacting anhydrous lanthanide β‐diketonates and bipyMO in 1:1 or 1.5 molar ratio in toluene. X‐ray single crystal studies on 2, 3, 4 showed that the heterotopic ligands are hypodentate, bridging the two lanthanide centres exclusively through the oxygen atom. Photoluminescence studies show bright red emissions from europium derivatives with absolute quantum yields up to 44 %. The heterotopic divergent bipyMO ligand reacts with neutral diketonato lanthanide complexes to yield dinuclear compounds [Ln2(β‐dik)6(bipyMO)n] (Ln = Eu, Tb) with a pendant nitrogen donor functionality. All the reported complexes have good emission properties with PLQY value up to 44 %. These derivatives are potentially useful as building blocks for the synthesis of heterometallic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive asbestos‐related cancer, whose incidence is increasing worldwide. Unfortunately, no effective therapies are currently available and the prognosis is extremely poor. Recently, the anti‐helminthic drug pyrvinium pamoate has attracted a strong interest for its anti‐cancer activity, which has been demonstrated in many cancer models. Considering the previously established inhibitory effect of pyrvinium pamoate on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and given the important role of this pathway in MM, we investigated the potential anti‐tumor activity of this drug in MM cell lines. We observed that pyrvinium pamoate significantly impairs MM cell proliferation, cloning efficiency, migration, and tumor spheroid formation. At the molecular level, our data show that pyrvinium pamoate down‐regulates the expression of β‐catenin and Wnt‐regulates genes. Overall, our study suggests that the repurposing of pyrvinium pamoate for MM treatment could represent a new promising therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study we investigated fatigue origins induced by low-frequency pulsed current (PC) and medium-frequency current (MF) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) after a clinical-like session.Methods: Eleven healthy men randomly underwent 2 NMES sessions, PC and MF, on quadriceps muscle (15-minute duration, 6 seconds on and 18 seconds off). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), central activation ratio (CAR), vastus lateralis electromyographic activity (EMG), and evoked contractile properties were determined before and after the sessions. Evoked torque and discomfort during the sessions were also measured.Results: Both currents produced decreases in MVC, EMG, and evoked contractile properties after the sessions. No difference was found between currents for all variables (P > 0.05). Evoked torque during sessions decreased (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in mean evoked torque and discomfort (P > 0.05).Discussion: Both currents induced similar neuromuscular fatigue. Clinicians can choose either PC or MF and expect similar treatment effects when the goal is to generate gains in muscle strength. Muscle Nerve 58: 293-299, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a rare disorder characterised by impaired testosterone secretion since birth, and represents a valuable model for studying the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in humans. This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate all health‐related physical fitness (HRPF) components and quality of life in a series of eight men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism under regular TRT. The study group was compared to a control group of 16 healthy subjects paired for age, body mass index and physical activity. Body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and joint flexibility were evaluated in two different 7‐day interval time points, based on the pharmacokinetics of testosterone in the hypogonadal group. Quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL‐brief questionnaire. Both groups had similar performances in all HRPF components evaluated, independently of plasma testosterone levels (p > .05). Quality of life was also similar in the four domains analysed (p > .05). The results of this pilot study suggest that regular testosterone replacement was efficient in providing HRPF and quality of life in a series of congenitally hypogonadal men to levels like those observed in healthy men. In addition, acute fluctuations in plasma testosterone did not correlate with changes in muscle strength and endurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study evaluated and compared the recovery of pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of trained men after bench press exercise.Methods: Eighteen volunteers performed eight sets of bench press exercise to momentary muscle failure and were evaluated for TB and PM peak torque and total work on an isokinetic dynamometer.Results: PM peak torque and total work remained lower than baseline for 72 and 96 h, respectively. TB peak torque was only different from baseline immediately post training, while total work was significantly lower than baseline immediately and 48 h after training. Normalized peak torque values were only different between TB and PM at 48 h after training.Conclusions: Considering the small and nonsignificant difference between the recovery of TB and PM muscles, the results suggest that bench press exercise may promote a similar stress on these muscles. Muscle Nerve 56: 963-967, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Recent studies have demonstrated that there is an inverse relationship between lymphatic egress and inflammatory arthritis in affected joints. As a model, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-transgenic mice develop advanced arthritis following draining lymph node (LN) collapse, and loss of lymphatic contractions downstream of inflamed joints. It is unknown if these lymphatic deficits are reversible. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that anti-TNF therapy reduces advanced erosive inflammatory arthritis, associated with restoration of lymphatic contractions, repair of damaged lymphatic vessels, and evidence of increased monocyte egress. Methods TNF-transgenic mice with advanced arthritis and collapsed popliteal LNs were treated with anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (10 mg/kg weekly) or placebo for 6 weeks, and effects on knee synovitis, lymphatic vessel ultrastructure and function, and popliteal LN cellularity were assessed by ultrasound, histology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), near-infrared indocyanine green imaging, and flow cytometry. Results Anti-TNF therapy significantly decreased synovitis (∼5-fold; P < 0.05 versus placebo), restored lymphatic contractions, and significantly increased the number of popliteal LN monocyte/macrophages (∼2-fold; P < 0.05 versus placebo). TEM demonstrated large activated macrophages attached to damaged lymphatic endothelium in mice with early arthritis, extensively damaged lymphatic vessels in placebo-treated mice with advanced arthritis, and rolling leukocytes in repaired lymphatic vessels in mice responsive to anti-TNF therapy. Conclusion These findings support the concept that anti-TNF therapy ameliorates erosive inflammatory arthritis, in part via restoration of lymphatic vessel contractions and potential enhancement of inflammatory cell egress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing is associated with changes in body composition that may result in sarcopenic obesity ( SO). Interleukin-6 ( IL-6) and C-reactive protein ( CRP) are important inflammatory markers related to ageing. SO has been examined as an important public health problem, but its association with inflammatory markers has yet to be investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between SO-related phenotypes and inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women. A total of 130 women (66·7 ± 5·2 years) underwent body composition evaluation using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Volunteers were classified according to a SO definition previously described in the literature. Waist circumference ( WC) and handgrip strength ( HG) were also measured. Blood samples were collected for CRP, tumour necrosis factor and IL-6 measurements. All the inflammatory markers were higher in SO individuals when compared to non- SO; however, only IL-6 reached statistical significance (median 3·34 versus 1·37 pg ml−1; P<0·05). Also, CRP was significantly correlated ( P<0·01) with body mass index ( rs = 0·34), fat mass (FM; rs = 0·25) and WC ( rs = 0·33). Similarly, IL-6 levels were significantly correlated ( P<0·05) to age ( rs = 0·19), FM ( rs = 0·19) and WC ( rs = 0·17). HG was found to be significantly reduced among subjects with higher IL-6 levels ( P = 0·02). In summary, the combination of reduced muscle mass and excess body fat (i.e. SO) is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women. Moreover, CRP and IL-6 are associated with SO-related phenotypes in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signaling driven by hepatocyte growth factor ( HGF) and MET receptor facilitates conspicuous biological responses such as epithelial cell migration, 3-D morphogenesis, and survival. The dynamic migration and promotion of cell survival induced by MET activation are bases for invasion-metastasis and resistance, respectively, against targeted drugs in cancers. Recent studies indicated that MET in tumor-derived exosomes facilitates metastatic niche formation and metastasis in malignant melanoma. In lung cancer, gene amplification-induced MET activation and ligand-dependent MET activation in an autocrine/paracrine manner are causes for resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors. Hepatocyte growth factor secreted in the tumor microenvironment contributes to the innate and acquired resistance to RAF inhibitors. Changes in serum/plasma HGF, soluble MET ( sMET), and phospho- MET have been confirmed to be associated with disease progression, metastasis, therapy response, and survival. Higher serum/plasma HGF levels are associated with therapy resistance and/or metastasis, while lower HGF levels are associated with progression-free survival and overall survival after treatment with targeted drugs in lung cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, and malignant melanoma. Urinary sMET levels in patients with bladder cancer are higher than those in patients without bladder cancer and associated with disease progression. Some of the multi-kinase inhibitors that target MET have received regulatory approval, whereas none of the selective HGF- MET inhibitors have shown efficacy in phase III clinical trials. Validation of the HGF- MET pathway as a critical driver in cancer development/progression and utilization of appropriate biomarkers are key to development and approval of HGF- MET inhibitors for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insight into the ineffectiveness of a subcomponent self-assembly procedure between 4-aminopyridine (4-apy) and pyridine-2-carbaldehyde (2-pyA) led to a new aminal ligand (L). The combination of L with AgI gave a 2D luminescent network, in which the silver ions have a distorted triangular-pyramidal coordination geometry. The aminal is stable in acetonitrile and DMSO but decomposes in alcohol solvents. Moreover, we found that CuII also induced the decomposition of L, which led to Cu(pic)2, {[Cu(4-apy)4](ClO4)2}, and an unprecedented {[Cu4(pic)4(OH)2(H2O)6](ClO4)2} tetramer based on CuII ions and picolinic acid (Hpic) generated in situ. The decomposition pathway of L was clarified by a combination of single-crystal XRD analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney cancer is not a single disease; it is comprised of several different types of cancer, each with a different histology, with a different clinical course, caused by a different gene, and responding differently to therapy. The VHL gene is the gene for the hereditary cancer syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau, as well as for the common form of sporadic, noninherited, clear cell kidney cancer. Understanding the VHL-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway has provided the foundation for the development of several agents targeting this pathway, such as sunitinib, sorafenib, and temsirolimus. Hereditary papillary renal carcinoma (HPRC) is a hereditary renal cancer syndrome in which affected individuals are at risk for the development of bilateral, multifocal, type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma. The genetic defect underlying HPRC is MET, the cell surface receptor for hepatocyte growth factor. Mutations of MET also have been identified in a subset of tumors from patients with sporadic type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Clinical trials targeting the MET pathway are currently underway in patients with HPRC and in patients with sporadic (nonhereditary) papillary kidney cancer. The BHD gene (also known as folliculin or FLCN) is the gene for Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, an autosomal-dominant genodermatosis associated with a hereditary form of chromophobe and oncocytic, hybrid RCC. Preclinical studies are underway targeting the BHD gene pathway in preparation for clinical trials in Birt-Hogg-Dube and sporadic chromophobe RCC. Patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis RCC (HLRCC) are at risk for developing cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas and a very aggressive type of RCC. HLRCC is characterized by germline mutation of the Krebs cycle enzyme, fumarate hydratase (FH). Studies of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the VHL-HIF pathways have provided the foundation for therapeutic approaches in patients with HLRCC-associated kidney cancer as well as other hereditary and sporadic forms of RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique population of CD23+ CD21high B cells in inflamed nodes (Bin) has been shown to accumulate in lymph nodes (LNs) draining inflamed joints of TNF-transgenic (TNF-tg) mice. Bin cells contribute to arthritis flare in mice by distorting node architecture and hampering lymphatic flow, but their existence in human inflamed LNs has not yet been described. Here, we report the characterization of resident B-cell populations in fresh popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs) from patients with severe lower limb diseases (non-RA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and from banked, cryopreserved reactive and normal human LN single cell suspension samples. Bin-like B cells were shown to be significantly increased in reactive LNs, and strikingly elevated (>30% of total) in RA samples. Histopathology and immunofluorescence analyses were consistent with B follicular hyperplasia and histological alterations in RA vs. non-RA PLNs. This is the first description of Bin-like B cells in human inflamed LNs. Consistent with published mouse data, this population appears to be associated with inflammatory arthritis and distortion of LN architecture. Further analyses are necessary to assess the role of CD23+CD21hi Bin-like B cells in RA pathogenesis and arthritic flare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS) on the arterial stiffness in healthy young adult and middle-aged men using the augmentation index ( AI-x) and hemodynamic measures. Methods Twenty-four men (12 aged 27·25 ± 5·53 years and 12 aged 54·83 ± 5·10 years) were randomly allocated to two subgroups: TENS or placebo in ganglion region for 45 min. The AI-x and hemodynamic measures [late systolic blood pressure ( SBP), central blood pressure ( CBP), difference between P1 and P2 (ΔP) and tension time index ( TTI)] were determined before and after protocols. Results TENS resulted in reduction of SBP in younger adults ( TENSpre: 111 ± 2; post: 105 ± 2·2 mm Hg; PLACEBOpre: 113 ± 1·8; post: 114 ± 2·5 mm Hg; GEE, P<0·01), whereas no difference was found in middle-aged group. TENS also resulted in reduction of AI-x younger adults group ( TENSpre: 56 ± 2·8; post: 53 ± 2%; PLACEBOpre: 55 ± 3; post: 58 ± 2·5%; GEE, P<0·01). ΔP and TTI were significantly decreased after the application of TENS in both groups, but significantly greater reductions in TTI and the SBP/ CBP ratio were found in the group of younger adults. Conclusions The acute application of ganglion TENS attenuated arterial stiffness in younger adults as well as hemodynamic measures in the middle-aged group. This method could emerge as effective therapy for the management of arterial blood pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honami and monami waves are caused by large-scale coherent vortex structures which form in shear layers generated by canopies. In order to reach new insights on the onset of such waves, the instability of these shear layers is studied. Two different approaches are used. In the first approach, the presence of the canopy is modeled via a drag coefficient, taken to vary along the canopy as by experimental indications. The second approach considers the canopy as a porous medium and different governing equations for the fluid flow are deduced. In this second case, the anisotropy of the canopy, composed by rigid cylindrical elements, is accounted for via an apparent permeability tensor. The results obtained with the latter approach approximate better experimental correlations for the synchronous oscillations of the canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE: We report herein the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and low-energy collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry analysis (CID-MS/MS) of a mixture of lipid As isolated from the rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the mutant wild strain of the Gram-negative bacteria Aeromonas liquefaciens (SJ-19a, resistant) grown in the presence of phages. The interaction between the phages and the Gram-negative bacteria regulates host specificity and the heterogeneity of the lipid A component of the LPS. METHODS: The heterogeneous mixture of lipid As was isolated by the aqueous phenol method from the LPS of the rough wild strain of Gram-negative bacteria Aeromonas liquefaciens (SJ-19a). Hydrolysis of the LPS was with 1% acetic acid, and purification was by chromatography using Sephadex G-50 and SephadexG-15. ESI-MS and low-energy CID-MS/MS analyses were performed with a triple-quadrupole (QqQ) and a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer. RESULTS: Preliminary analysis of the lipid As mixture was conducted by ESI-MS in the negative ion mode and the spectrum obtained suggested that the lipid A SJ-19a was composed of a heterogeneous mixture of different lipid A molecules. CID-MS/MS experiments confirmed the identities of the various mono-phosphorylated β-D-GlcpN-(1→6)-α-D-GlcpN disaccharide entities. This lipid As mixture was asymmetrically substituted with fatty acids such as ((R)-14:0(3-OH)), (14:0(3-(R)-(O-12:0)) and (14:0(3-(R)-O-(14:0)) located on the O-3, O-3', N-2 and N-2' positions, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Low-energy collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry in-space (QqQ-MS/MS) and in-time (FTICR-MS/MS) allowed the exact determination of the fatty acid acylation positions on the H2PO3→4-O'-β-D-GlcpN-(1→6)-α-D-GlcpNdisaccharide backbones of this heterogeneousmixture of lipid As, composedinter alia of seven different substituted lipid As, formed from the incomplete biosynthesis of their respective LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of metastasis, an important breast cancer prognostic factor, depends on cell migration/invasion mechanisms, which can be controlled by regulatory and effector molecules such as Rho-associated kinase protein (ROCK-1). Increased expression of this protein promotes tumor growth and metastasis, which can be restricted by ROCK-1 inhibitors. Melatonin has shown oncostatic, antimetastatic, and anti-angiogenic effects and can modulate ROCK-1 expression. Metastatic and nonmetastatic breast cancer cell lines were treated with melatonin as well as with specific ROCK-1 inhibitor (Y27632). Cell viability, cell migration/invasion, and ROCK-1 gene expression and protein expression were determined in vitro. In vivo lung metastasis study was performed using female athymic nude mice treated with either melatonin or Y27832 for 2 and 5 wk. The metastases were evaluated by X-ray computed tomography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and by immunohistochemistry for ROCK-1 and cytokeratin proteins. Melatonin and Y27632 treatments reduced cell viability and invasion/migration of both cell lines and decreased ROCK-1 gene expression in metastatic cells and protein expression in nonmetastatic cell line. The numbers of 'hot' spots (lung metastasis) identified by SPECT images were significantly lower in treated groups. ROCK-1 protein expression also was decreased in metastatic foci of treated groups. Melatonin has shown to be effective in controlling metastatic breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, not only via inhibition of the proliferation of tumor cells but also through direct antagonism of metastatic mechanism of cells rendered by ROCK-1 inhibition. When Y27632 was used, the effects were similar to those found with melatonin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of a single session of partial-body cryotherapy ( PBC) on muscle recovery, 26 young men performed a muscle-damaging protocol that consisted of five sets of 20 drop jumps with 2-min rest intervals between sets. After the exercise, the PBC group ( n = 13) was exposed to 3 min of PBC at −110 °C, and the control group ( n = 13) was exposed to 3 min at 21 °C. Anterior thigh muscle thickness, isometric peak torque, and muscle soreness of knee extensors were measured pre, post, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h following exercise. Peak torque did not return to baseline in control group ( P < 0.05), whereas the PBC group recovered peak torques 96 h post exercise ( P > 0.05). Peak torque was also higher after PBC at 72 and 96 h compared with control group ( P < 0.05). Muscle thickness increased after 24 h in the control group ( P < 0.05) and was significantly higher compared with the PBC group at 24 and 96 h ( P < 0.05). Muscle soreness returned to baseline for the PBC group at 72 h compared with 96 h for controls. These results indicate that PBC after strenuous exercise may enhance recovery from muscle damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Session ratings of perceived exertion ( SRPE) provide a valid and reliable indicator of resistance exercise session intensity. However, there is a lack of studies on the effects of resistance exercise with blood flow restriction ( BFR) on SRPE. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the effects of resistance exercise at high intensity versus low intensity with BFR on internal training load measured by SRPE. Thirteen young (22·2 ± 3·8 years) resistance-trained men (training experience 3·2 ± 2·4 years) participated in the study protocol. After determining one maximum repetition (1- RM), the subjects were assigned to two groups in a counterbalanced design (i) high-intensity exercise ( HIE, performed one training session at 80% of 1- RM) and (ii) low intensity with BFR ( BFR, performed an exercise session at 50% of 1- RM with BFR). During each session, subjects performed three sets of unilateral elbow flexion leading to concentric failure with a 1-min rest interval between sets. A cuff around the arm, inflated at 110 mmHg, was used continuously for BFR. The SRPE was reported 30 min after the end of the session. The low intensity with BFR showed lower total work (197·13 ± 63·49 versus 300·92 ± 71·81 kg; P = 0·002) and higher SRPE (9 versus 6; P = 0·007) than high-intensity resistance exercise. The present results indicate that BFR is an important factor to increase internal training load. Future studies should investigate the physiological stress imposed by different training methods rather than just quantify the external training load such as intensity or volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgency for protecting sharks was recently highlighted after reports of endangered shark fishing and commercialization in the Gulf of California (Madigan et al., 2021) and in the Mediterranean Sea (Milazzo et al., 2021). In particular, MPAs should dedicate a strong and continuous effort to create long-term, strict, and constructive relationships with local fishers, as well as with any other stakeholder category, which could contribute to significantly maximize the overall conservation outcomes of MPAs. (b) The baby basking shark released by the fisher and staff member of the Torre Guaceto MPA, Italy, Mediterranean Sea (photo credit: Consorzio di Gestione di Torre Guaceto) gl This fortunate outcome highlights how vital strict collaboration and, even more, reciprocal trust is among fishers, conservation managers, and scientists. [Extracted from the article]

We describe herein the synthesis and photophysical characterization of new lanthanide complexes that consist of a (9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl or a (9,9′-spirobifluoren-2-yl)-2-oxoethyl unit as the antenna, covalently linked to a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A) unit as the Ln3+ (Gd3+, Eu3+, Sm3+, Tb3+, Dy3+) coordination site. We were able to translate the spectroscopic properties of the innovative bipartite ligands into the formation of highly luminescent europium complexes that exhibit efficient emission ( ϕse>0.1) upon sensitization in the near-visible region, that is, with an excitation wavelength above 350 nm. The luminescence of the Eu3+complexes is clearly detectable at concentrations as low as 10 p M. Furthermore, the structural organization of these bipartite ligands makes the complexes highly soluble in aqueous solutions and chemically stable over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We propose a method to formulate probabilistic models of protein structure in atomic detail, for a given amino acid sequence, based on Bayesian principles, while retaining a close link to physics. We start from two previously developed probabilistic models of protein structure on a local length scale, which concern the dihedral angles in main chain and side chains, respectively. Conceptually, this constitutes a probabilistic and continuous alternative to the use of discrete fragment and rotamer libraries. The local model is combined with a nonlocal model that involves a small number of energy terms according to a physical force field, and some information on the overall secondary structure content. In this initial study we focus on the formulation of the joint model and the evaluation of the use of an energy vector as a descriptor of a protein's nonlocal structure; hence, we derive the parameters of the nonlocal model from the native structure without loss of generality. The local and nonlocal models are combined using the reference ratio method, which is a well-justified probabilistic construction. For evaluation, we use the resulting joint models to predict the structure of four proteins. The results indicate that the proposed method and the probabilistic models show considerable promise for probabilistic protein structure prediction and related applications. Proteins 2014; 82:288-299. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new software framework for Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling for simulation, prediction, and inference of protein structure. The software package contains implementations of recent advances in Monte Carlo methodology, such as efficient local updates and sampling from probabilistic models of local protein structure. These models form a probabilistic alternative to the widely used fragment and rotamer libraries. Combined with an easily extendible software architecture, this makes PHAISTOS well suited for Bayesian inference of protein structure from sequence and/or experimental data. Currently, two force-fields are available within the framework: PROFASI and OPLS-AA/L, the latter including the generalized Born surface area solvent model. A flexible command-line and configuration-file interface allows users quickly to set up simulations with the desired configuration. PHAISTOS is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0. Source code and documentation are freely available from http://phaistos.sourceforge.net. The software is implemented in C++ and has been tested on Linux and OSX platforms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective B cell depletion therapy ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. Arthritis flare in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-transgenic mice is associated with efferent lymph node (LN) 'collapse,' triggered by B cell translocation into lymphatic spaces and decreased lymphatic drainage. The aim of this study was to examine whether the efficacy of B cell depletion therapy is associated with restoration of lymphatic drainage due to removal of obstructing nodal B cells. Methods We used contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, indocyanine green near-infrared imaging, and intravital immunofluorescence imaging to longitudinally assess synovitis, lymphatic flow, and cell migration in lymphatic vessels in TNF-transgenic mice. We conducted tests to determine whether the efficacy of B cell depletion therapy is associated with restoration of lymphatic draining and cell egress from arthritic joints. Results Unlike active lymphatics to normal and prearthritic knees, afferent lymphatic vessels to collapsed LNs in inflamed knees do not pulse. Intravital immunofluorescence imaging demonstrated that CD11b+ monocyte/macrophages in lymphatic vessels afferent to expanding LNs travel at high velocity (mean ± SD 186 ± 37 μm/second), while these cells are stationary in lymphatic vessels afferent to collapsed popliteal LNs. B cell depletion therapy for arthritis flares in TNF-transgenic mice significantly decreased knee synovium volume (by 50% from the baseline level) and significantly increased lymphatic clearance compared with placebo ( P < 0.05). This increased lymphatic drainage restored macrophage egress from inflamed joints without recovery of the lymphatic pulse. Conclusion These results support a novel mechanism in which B cell depletion therapy for joint arthritis flares lessens inflammation by increasing lymphatic drainage and subsequent migration of cells and cytokines from the synovial space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies have attempted to link the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene with the variability in muscle strength responses to resistance training (RT); however, the literature is inconclusive. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between the ACE I/D genotype and muscle strength response to a RT program in young men. Methods: 124 men (22±2.6 years; 174.8±6.5cm; 71.5±13.8 kg) without resistance training experience were tested before and after 11 weeks of five whole-body RT exercises (bench press, seated row, knee extension, knee flexion and sit ups). The bench press 1RM test was used to assess upper-body muscle strength and the isokinetic knee extensor peak torque (PT) was used as a measure of lower-body strength. Results: At baseline, there were no differences among ACE genotype for 1RM load (54±11.7 kg for II, 58.5±8.9 kg for ID and 52.3±12.2 kg for DD) or knee extensor peak torque (PT) (220.1±36.8 N·m for II, 209.4 ±44.4 N·m for ID and 199.7±32.4 N·m for DD). Moreover, ACE genotype was not associated with lower-body (7.1±10.5%, 15.7±10.4% and 14.1±22.7% for II, ID and DD, respectively) or upper-body strength gains (16.2±8.9%, 14.5±11.3% and 21.9±17.1% for II, ID and DD, respectively) in response to RT. Conclusion: The ACE I/D genotype was not associated with the muscle strength responses to RT. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Molecular processes depending on protein-protein interactions can use consensus recognition sequences that possess defined secondary structures. Left-handed polyproline II (PPII) helices are a class of secondary structure commonly involved with cellular signal transduction. However, unlike α-helices, for which a substantial body of work exists regarding applications of ring-closing metathesis (RCM), there are few reports on the stabilization of PPII helices by RCM methodologies. The current study examined the effects of RCM macrocyclization on left-handed PPII helices involved with the SH3 domain-mediated binding of Sos1-Grb2. Starting with the Sos1-derived peptide 'Ac-V1-P2-P3-P4-V5-P6-P7-R8-R9-R10-amide,' RCM macrocyclizations were conducted using alkenyl chains of varying lengths originating from the pyrrolidine rings of the Pro4 and Pro7 residues. The resulting macrocyclic peptides showed increased helicity as indicated by circular dichroism and enhanced abilities to block Grb2-Sos1 interactions in cell lysate pull-down assays. The synthetic approach may be useful in RCM macrocyclizations, where maintenance of proline integrity at both ring junctures is desired. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 96: 780-788, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which described the development of a three-dimensional bioreactor system for long-term, functional culture of human bone marrow cells on macroporous mircospheres in a packed-bed bioreactor with frequent medium change. An overview is given on peripheral lymphoid organs (PLO) which are referred as the primary sites for the development of adaptive immune responses in mammals. The findings of a variety of procedures are revealed such as tissue preparation, flow cytometry, and histology and immunohistochemistry.