Search

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine is a sensitive biomarker that reflects the degree of oxidative damage to DNA. We investigated whether serum 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine is a clinically useful biomarker for the severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension. METHODS: We measured serum 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in 25 patients (age 37 +/- 13 years, 68% women) diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, familial pulmonary arterial hypertension, or pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease. The severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension was evaluated by six-min walking distance, World Health Organization functional class, and serum brain natriuretic peptide levels. Age and gender-matched 22 healthy subjects served as the control group. RESULTS: The comparison of 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels between patients and controls was not statistically different [(19.86 +/- 9.79) versus (18.80 +/- 3.94) ng/mL, p=0.622)]. However, there was a significant negative correlation between 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels and six-min walking distance (r= -0.614, p=0.001). Additionally, serum 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in patients with functional class III-IV were significantly higher than those with functional class I-II (functional class III-IV 32.31 +/- 10.63 ng/mL versus functional class I-II 16.74 +/- 6.81 ng/mL, respectively, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were significantly correlated with exercise capacity (six-min walking distance) and symptomatic status (functional class), both of which show the severity of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients.

Obesity has become one of the most important health problems of today with its increasing prevalence. With the development of retinal imaging systems, obesity has been observed to be associated with changes in outer retinal layers and choroid in women.The aim of this study was to examine retinal layer parameters and their relationship with body mass index in obese women.The study included 197 eyes of 197 women, of whom 44 were normal-weight, 40 were overweight, 40 were class 1 obese, 38 were class 2 obese, and 35 were morbidly obese. The thickness of the choroid was measured manually using an enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography scanning program.The mean choroidal thickness values in five locations were lower than those of normal-weight, overweight, class 1, and class 2 obese women, in morbidly obese women (p 0.05 for all). Subfoveal outer retinal layer thickness and specific sublayer thickness of the photoreceptor layer values were significantly lower in morbidly obese women than in normal-weight women, but there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in retinal pigment epithelium thickness and Bruch's membrane thickness (p = 0.001, p 0.001, p = 1.00, and p = 0.101, respectively). Furthermore, there were significant negative relationships between body mass index and subfoveal choroidal thickness, subfoveal outer retinal layer thickness, and specific sublayer thickness of the photoreceptor layer values (r = -0.327, p 0.001; r = -0.259, p 0.001; and r = -0.281, p 0.001, respectively).Morbid obesity was associated with a thinner choroid, subfoveal outer retinal layer, and specific sublayer thickness of the photoreceptor layer in women. Furthermore, retinal hypoxia associated with morbid obesity may be related to a decrease in photoreceptor layer thickness. Thinning of the outer retinal layer may also lead to atrophy of the cone sheath.

In this study, selective and sensitive detection of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) in both aqueous solution and biological samples was performed using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a molecular imprinting technique. For this, dopamine-imprinted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacroyl-(L)-cysteine methyl ester-gold nanoparticles-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] nanoparticles were prepared. Furthermore, to evaluate the imprinting efficiency, non-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPA] nanoparticles were designed using the same polymerization procedure except for the addition of dopamine molecules. To examine the effect of incorporating AuNPs to increase the SPR signal response, control experiments were carried out via the SPR biosensor produced using [PHEMAC/MAPADA] nanoparticles prepared without the addition of AuNPs. Characterization studies of dopamine- + imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] and non-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPA] nanoparticles was performed with a zetasizer and an FTIR-ATR spectrophotometer. In addition, dopamine-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] and non-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] SPR sensors were characterized by ellipsometer and contact angle measurements. The high imprinting efficiency (I.F: 9.67) of the dopamine-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] SPR sensor was determined by comparing it with the non-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPA] SPR sensor. A good linear relationship was obtained in the 0.01–0.5 ppb concentration range with correlation coefficients of 0.9818 and 0.9819, respectively. The dopamine-imprinted [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] SPR sensor was 5.53 and 4.59 times more selective for the target molecule dopamine than for epinephrine (EP) and norepinephrine (NE), respectively. The repeatability of the [PHEMAC-AuNPs/MAPADA] SPR sensor was assessed with a 0.5 ppb dopamine solution, with the percent relative standard deviation of the intra-assays (RSD) being less than 1.7%, indicating negligible loss of dopamine sensing capability after four adsorption–desorption cycles with the same sensor.

In the present study, the enantiomeric forms of hydrophobic amino acids ( l -tryptophan, l -tyrosine, and l -phenylalanine) were separated by molecularly imprinted capillary columns (MICC) via Capillary Electrochromatography (CEC) for the first time. The monomer ratio, crosslinker ratio, template molecule ratio, the porogen ratio and type, polymerization time, and also the effect of temperature were examined to increase the permeability properties of MICC. FTIR, SEM and BET analyses were realized for the characterization of MICC. The effect of the electric field, organic solvent ratio, and pressure were carried out experimentally to determine the optimum conditions. The separation performances of MICC and the non-imprinted capillary columns (NICC) were compared electrochromatographically.

In this study, the molecular imprinting method was used to separate enantiomeric forms of chiral antidepressant drug, R,S-citalopram (R,S-CIT) in aqueous solution by CEC system combining the advantages of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For that, an amino acid based molecularly imprinted monolithic capillary column was designed and used as a stationary phase for selective separation of S-citalopram (S-CIT) for the first time. S-CIT was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the other enantiomeric form of R-CIT, which is same in size and shape to the template molecule. Morphology of the molecularly imprinted (MIP S-CIT) and non-imprinted (NIP S-CIT) monolithic capillary columns was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Imprinting efficiency of MIP S-CIT monolithic capillary column used for selective S-CIT separation was verified by comparing with NIP S-CIT and calculated imprinting factor (I.F:1.81) proved the high selectivity of the MIP S-CIT for S-CIT. Cavities formed for S-CIT form enabled selective (α = 2.08) separation of the target molecule from the other enantiomeric R-CIT form. Separation was achieved in a short period of 10 minutes, with the electrophoretic mobility of 7.68 × 10-6 m2 /Vs for R,S-CIT at pH 7.0 10 mM PB and 50% ACN ratio. The performance of both MIP S-CIT and NIP S-CIT columns was estimated by repeating the R,S-CIT separations with intra-batch and inter-batch studies for reproducibility of retention times of R.S-CITs. Estimated RSD values that are lower than 2% suggest that the monolithic columns separate R,S-CIT enantiomers without losing separation efficiency. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In this study, we have reported a novel fabrication technique for human serum albumin (HSA) imprinted composite bacterial cellulose nanofibers (MIP-cBCNFs) used for the depletion of HSA selectively from artificial blood plasma for proteomic applications. Molecular imprinting was achieved by using metal ion coordination interactions of N?methacryloyl?(L)?histidinemethylester (MAH) monomer and Cu(II) ions. MAH-Cu(II)-HSA complex was polymerized with bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNFs) under constant stirring at room temperature. The characterization of the MIP-cBCNFs was carried out by FTIR-ATR, SEM, contact angle measurements and surface area measurements. The adsorption experiments of HSA onto the MIP-BCNFs and NIP-BCNFs from aqueous HSA solutions were investigated in a batch system. The selectivity of the MIP-cBCNFs was investigated by using non-template human transferrin (HTR), and myoglobin (Myo). The relative selectivity coefficients of the MIP-cBCNFs were calculated as 4.73 and 3.02 for HSA/HTR and HSA/Myo molecules, respectively. In addition, the depletion of HSA from artificial human plasma was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and 2-D gel electrophoresis. As a result, it has been shown that metal ion coordination interactions contribute to specific binding of template when preparing MIP-cBCNFs for the depletion of HSA with a high adsorption capacity, significant selectivity and reusability. © 2018

SPR sensor used for amitrole detection was prepared without using any modification. Molecularly imprinted SPR sensor enabled high selectivity for amitrole pesticide. Amino acid-based functional monomer MATrp was integrated as a recognition element. Tailor-made SPR sensor enables real-time monitoring of amitrole pesticide. Synthetic recognition sites provided by MATrp were prepared without labeling.Herein, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based nanosensor was fabricated using molecular imprinting technique for the selective and sensitive detection of amitrole, a commonly used highly toxic pesticide. For this purpose, polymeric nanofilms involving N-methacryloyl-l-tryptophan methyl ester and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate which are functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively, were prepared on the SPR chips surface via the ultravoilet polymerization method. The nanofilms were characterized by several techniques such as ellipsometry, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection, atomic force microscope and contact angle measurements. The kinetic analyses for amitrole detection were examined through amitrole-imprinted and non-imprinted SPR sensor chips. The developed imprinted sensor showed high selectivity to the amitrole molecule than similar molecules and a good linear relationship for the 0.06-11.90 nM concentration range with a low limit of detection value of 0.037 nM. The high imprinting efficiency (I.F: 62.38) of the amitrole-imprinted SPR sensor was determined by comparing it with the non-imprinted SPR sensor. The most suitable model of this sensor is the Langmuir adsorption model. To statistically assess the reusability of the sensor, intraday experiments were tested three times with five replicates. The relative standard deviation% value less than1.5 indicates high reproducibility for both sensor production and reproducibility of the method. The prepared sensor was also applied efficiently for the selective detection of the amitrole in spiked samples prepared from vegetables to evaluate the matrix effect. As a result, amitrole-imprinted SPR sensors have been estimated to be highly selective, fast responsive, easy to use, reusable and sensitive in detecting amitrole in both natural source and aqueous solutions. Label-free amitrole detection was performed by an aminoacid-based SPR sensor fabricated without the need for complex coupling processes.

WOS:000612823000013 PubMed: 33383498 Boronic acids are important ligands used to selectively recognize and enrich compounds containing cis-diol groups such as nucleosides. In the present study, organic-inorganic hybrid [POSS-MAH-BPA] monolithic column was prepared for the first time in the literature as a new boronate affinity system for the recognition of nucleosides. The selectivity of the [POSS-MAH-PBA] boronate affinity monolithic column for the recognition of cis-diol containing adenosine nucleoside from its analogue molecule of deoxyadenosine triphosphate, dATP, noncis-diol containing compound was investigated both by UV and HPLC studies. When the relative selectivity coefficients are compared, the [POSS-MAH-PBA] boronate affinity monolithic column is 4.25 times more selective for adenosine than [POSS-MAH] monolithic column. Besides, to determine endogenous nucleosides in biological fluids, which may serve as non-invasive cancer biomarkers, nucleosides were spiked into the urine solutions and passed through the [POSS-MAH-PBA] boronate affinity monolithic column, and the nucleosides were confirmed by HPLC. The adenosine recognition capability of the [POSS-MAH-PBA] boronate affinity monolithic column with an average enrichment factor of 48.9-fold was apparently superior to that of the [POSSMAH] monolithic column. Methacryl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS-MA) with nano-sized stable 3-dimensional architectures provided the advantage of being used as an adsorbent for the monolithic structure by providing high surface area, 507.60 m(2)/g, and enabling vinyl groups to function with amino acid-based MAH monomers capable of providing electrons to coordinate PBA. Recovery results of more than 90% for adenosine showed that the [POSS-MAH-PBA] boronate affinity monolithic column could be a promising adsorbent for selective adsorption of cis-diol containing compounds such as nucleosides.

Recognition mechanism and enantiomerically separations of the chiral compounds are subjects that always stimulate the great interest of researchers in pharmacology and natural sciences, who are interested in finding solutions for both analytical purity and preparative purposes. Capillary Electrophoresis has become one of the most important analytical approaches for enantiomeric separations due to its superior properties, such as high resolution and high efficiency of chiral selectors. In this field, where researchers continue to be interested, the distinctions continue to develop day by day, with the introduction of new techniques developed on the basis of Capillary Electrophoresis philosophy in parallel with the development process of technology, as well as the chiral selectors of many different forms. In this review, besides some descriptive theoretical information about capillary electrophoresis and the techniques associated with it, studies on chiral separations using different chiral selectors or different chiral additives, such as molecularly imprinted polymers, cyclodextrins, Metal-organic frameworks, ionic liquids, nanoparticles and monoliths in the last nearly 10 years (2010-2020) were examined.

Increased urine albumin excretion is suggested to be an early marker of glomerular damage. Evaluation of a tests performance characteristics such as diagnostic sensitivity and specifictiy is a necessity before application into routine practice. To our knowledge up to now there is no study evaluating Dirui test strips for albuminuria determination. Therefore the objective of this study was to test these strips for agreement with the established method used in our routine laboratory. Freshly collected 177 urine specimens were included in the study. Strips were read on instruments Dirui H-500 and Dirui H-800 using reflectance photometry. For DiruiH13-Cr strip albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and for DiruiH12-800MA strip albumin determinations were compared with the analyses performed using immunoturbidimetry and kinetic Jaffe method. Sensitivity values for estimated ACR using DiruiH13-Cr strip and albumin concentration using DiruiH12-800MA strip were calculated as 80%, 72%, respectively. Specificity values were as; 71% for Dirui H13-Cr strip and 78% for Dirui H12-800MA strip. Screening tests using urine test strips should be validated before acceptance in the routine use. Dirui strips evaluated in this study seem to have a lower sensitivity than suggested and excess number of false negatives seems to limit utility of these strips. [Med-Science 2018; 7(3.000): 532-5]

WOS:000503065300011 In this study, D,L-ampicillin separation was carried out by ligand exchange-micellar electrokinetic chromatography method using L-Lysine monohydrochloride as a ligand and copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate is a central ion supplier. Isomeric separations were performed using capillary electrophoresis (CE) instrument, in which SDS-L-Lys-Cu+2 micelle complex was used as a pseudostationary phase. The effect of pH, SDS amount, applied electrical field, pressure, organic solvent ratio and ampicillin D,L-ratios were investigated. Fast,inexpensive and sensitive approach for the simultaneous separation of D,L-ampicillin in both aqueous and real antibiotic sample was performed using CE coupled with UV detector. The separation was achieved in a short period of 7 minutes with high-sensitivity andlow-detection limit of 1.25 mu M by the developed SDS-L-Lys-Cu+2 micelle-chiral selector complexes without using any extra process such as imprinting or spacer arms for the immobilization of the ligands.

Amac: Bu calismada kronik bobrek hastaligi olan hastalarda dinamik tiyol/disulfid dengesinin arastirilmasi amaclandi. Gerec ve Yontem: Calismaya evre 1-5 (non diyaliz) 150 ( 57 erkek, 93 kadin) kronik bobrek hastasi ve (76 ( 30 erkek, 46 kadin ) saglikli kontrol grubu alindi. Kan tiyol/disulfid dengesi yeni gelistirilen otomatik ve kalorimetrik bir yontemle olculdu. Bulgular: Tum populasyonun serum thiol duzeyi ortalamasi 320.8±57.8 µmol/L , total thiol duzeyi ortalamasi 352.0±61.5 µmol/L , ortalama disulfid duzeyi 15.6±5.3 µmol/L idi. Kronik bobrek hastalarinda ortalama serum thiol ( p

In this study, copper (II) ion (Cu+2) imprinted poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-metacryloyl-(L)-cysteine methyl ester [PHEMAC-Cu+2] nanoparticles were synthesized by two-phase mini-emulsion polymerization method and applied to the SPR sensor chip surface for the selective determination of the Cu+2 ions in both aqueous solution, Cu+2-spiked artificial urine and physiological serum samples to investigate the effects of metabolite residues during the analysis. The non-imprinted [PHEMAC] nanoparticles were synthesized by applying the same procedure for the [PHEMAC-Cu+2] nanoparticle synthesis except the addition of Cu+2 ions as a control experiment to evaluate the selectivity of the [PHEMAC-Cu+2] nanoparticles. Roughness differences between [PHEMAC-Cu+2] and [PHEMAC] nanoparticles showed that the imprinting process of Cu+2 ions was performed successfully. [PHEMAC-Cu+2] and [PHEMAC] SPR biosensors prepared by attaching nanoparticles onto the surface of sensor chips, were characterized by atomic force microscope, ellipsometer, contact angle measurements. Langmuir adsorption model was found the most applicable model for this affinity system. Results showed that Cu+2 affinity regions on the surface of [PHEMAC-Cu+2] SPR biosensor were homogeneously distributed and have a monolayer structure. Having the high imprinting efficiency with the imprinting factor of 4.74, the [PHEMAC-Cu+2] SPR biosensor was found to show more selectivity towards the target Cu+2 than the non-imprinted [PHEMAC] SPR biosensor. The selectivity studies of [PHEMAC-Cu+2] SPR biosensors for Cu+2 detection were investigated by using Zn+2 and Ni+2 solutions selected as competitor molecules. The results of intraday and interday precision studies were carried out to ascertain the reproducibility of the proposed method and reported as percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) value.

In this study, we have reported a novel wastewater treatment technique by phenol imprinted bacterial cellulose (BC-MIP) nanofibres with high specificity and adsorption capacity. N-methacryloyl-(L) phenylalanine methyl ester (MAPA) functional monomer was used to create specific binding sites for the template molecule phenol via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. BC-MIP nanofibres were synthesized by surface imprinting approach in the presence of different amounts of total monomer (% weight), monomer/template ratio and polymerization time. Then, the nanofibres were characterized by FTIR-ATR, surface area analysis (BET), elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements. Adsorption studies were performed with respect to pH, temperature and ionic strength, and the adsorption capacity was calculated by using the spectrophotometer. In order to desorb the adsorbed phenol from BC-MIP nanofibres, 0.1 M NaCl solution was used. Besides, BC-MIP nanofibres were applied to real wastewater samples from Ergene basin in Turkey. The suitable equilibrium isotherm was determined as Langmuir isotherm. To evaluate the selectivity of the BC-MIP nanofibres, similar molecules were utilized as competitor molecules, which were 2-chlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol. Electrostatic interactions were found to contribute to the generation of specific recognition binding sites. The results have shown that imprinting of phenol was achieved successfully with high adsorption capacity. The phenol removal efficiency was reported up to 97%. BC-MIP nanofibres were used 10 times with a negligible decrease in adsorption capacity. [GRAPHICS] . WOS:000471539100001 2-s2.0-85065257535 PubMed: 30919740

WOS: 000471359400002, Molecular imprinting technique is used to design artificial creatinine receptor on the gold surface of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chip using N-methacryloyl-(L)-histidine methyl ester (MAH), as a functional monomer. Surface characterization of SPR sensor chip is performed with atomic force microscope (AFM), ellipsometry and contact angle measurements. Creatinine imprinted SPR sensor is characterized with a linear range between 1 and 100 mM and limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of creatinine are found 57 mu M and 190 mu M, respectively. N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and creatine molecules are selected to examine the selectivity of creatinine imprinted SPR sensor. Reusability studies of SPR sensor is determined in urine mimic samples., Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology [0505_TGSD.2015_2], This study was funded and supported by Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology (Grand No. 0505_TGSD.2015_2).

A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor was developed to detect highly metastatic breast cancer cells by functionalizing the gold sensor surface with transferrin attachment. MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells with high and MCF 7 cells with low metastatic potential and transferrin expression were used. Serum starved MDA-MB-231 cells were used as control cells. First, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) nanoparticles were prepared by mini-emulsion polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Nanoparticles were characterized with a zeta-sizer and then their suspension is dropped on the surface of the QCM and the dried QCM surface was modified further by activation with carbodiimide and transferrin attachment. The QCM biosensor was analyzed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM), ellipsometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and contact angle measurements. The cells were applied to the derivatized QCM sensor to investigate the affinity and binding kinetics. The nanoparticles and transferrin were found to form a monolayer on the QCM surface. Binding kinetics were best fitted to the Langmuir–Freundlich adsorption model. The QCM signal was correlated well with the number of transferrin receptors on cells. It is concluded that the QCM biosensor functioning via transferrin receptor interactions may be used to detect breast cancer cells with high metastatic potential.

The aim of this study is to prepare megaporous dye-affinity cryogel discs for the purification of plasmid DNA (pDNA) from bacterial lysate. Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [PHEMA] cryogel discs were produced by free radical polymerization initiated by N,N,N',N'-tetramethylene diamine (TEMED) and ammonium persulfate (APS) redox pair in an ice bath. Cibacron Blue F3GA was used as an affinity ligand (loading amount: 68.9μmol/g polymer). The amount of pDNA adsorbed onto the PHEMA-Cibacron Blue F3GA cryogel discs first increased and then reached a plateau value (i.e., 32.5mg/g cryogel) at 3.0mg/mL pDNA concentration. Compared with the PHEMA cryogel (0.11mg/g cryogel), the pDNA adsorption capacity of the PHEMA-Cibacron Blue F3GA cryogel (32.4mg/g polymer) was improved significantly due to the Cibacron Blue 3GA immobilization onto the polymeric matrix. pDNA adsorption amount decreased from 11.7mg/g to 1.1mg/g with the increasing of NaCl concentration. The maximum pDNA adsorption was achieved at 4°C. The overall recovery of pDNA was calculated as 90%. The PHEMA-Cibacron Blue F3GA cryogel discs could be used five times without decreasing the pDNA adsorption capacity significantly. The results show that the PHEMA-Cibacron Blue F3GA cryogel discs promise high selectivity for pDNA.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D (vit D) supplementation on the ocular surface parameters in patients with vit D deficiency.Material and Methods: In total, 63 patients with serum vit D deficiency were included. Patients were treated with an oral dose of 300.000 IU cholecalciferol. The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, fluorescein tears breakup time (FBUT), Oxford score, and Schirmer’s 1 test were performed for all patients. The data was obtained initially and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after vit D supplementation.Results: Forty-nine of the patients were female and 14 were male. The mean age was 30.8±9.7 (18–58) years. All 63 patients came to the first follow-up, 57 patients came to the second follow-up, and 48 patients came to the third follow-up. The OSDI and Oxford scores yielded statistically significant decreases, while Schirmer’s 1 test and FBUT values showed a statistically significant increase after treatment with vit D. A positive correlation was observed between vit D values and FBUT and Schirmer’s 1 values; there was a negative correlation between OSDI values (r=0.286 and p0.001, r=0.219 and p=0.032, r = -0.357 and p0.001, respectively). The dry eye findings improved significantly after vit D supplementation in all cases. Conclusion: During clinical follow-up, it is important to evaluate serum vit D levels in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES). Increasing their vit D levels will help clinicians to treat DES quickly and effectively.

The ability to detect catecholamines (CAs) and their metabolites is vital to understand the mechanism behind the neuronal diseases. Neurochemistry aims to provide an improved pharmacological, molecular and physiological understanding of complex brain chemistries by analytical techniques. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is one such analytical technique that enables the study of various chemical species ranging from amino acids and peptides to natural products and drugs. CE can easily adapt the changes in research focus and in recent years remains an applicable technique for investigating neuroscience and single cell neurobiology. The prepared phenylalanine-based hydrophobic monolithic column, Polymethacryloyl-L-phenylalanine [PMAPA], was used as a stationary phase in capillary electrochromatography to separate CAs that are similar in size and shape to each other including dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) via hydrophobic interactions. Separation carried out in a short period of 17 min was performed with the electrophoretic mobility of 5.54 × 10−6 m2 V−1 s−1 and 7.60 × 10−6 m2 V−1 s−1 for DA and NE, respectively, at pH 7.0, 65% acetonitrile ratio with 100 mbar applied pressure by the developed hydrophobic monolithic column without needing any extra process such as imprinting or spacer arms to immobilize ligands used in separation.

Background/aim: The central nervous system is one of the major targets in lead exposure. Biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of lead exposure have not been identified. In this study, serum S100B, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and glutamate receptor 1 (GRIA1) levels were determined as possible biomarkers for lead neurotoxicity. Material and methods: Twenty-five subjects with chronic lead exposure and 25 controls were included in the study. NSE and S100B were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with a Cobas E601 analyzer. GRIA1 levels were measured with an ELISA kit using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Results: GRIA1 levels were significantly higher in the lead exposure group than in the control group. No significant differences for NSE, S100B, ALT, AST, or creatinine in sera were found between lead exposure and control groups. Conclusion: Subjects with chronic lead exposure are found to have increased glutamate receptor levels and do not seem to have glial or neuronal damage, which can be demonstrated with the elevation of NSE and S100B levels. GRIA1 levels might be used as a biomarker for the neurotoxicity of lead.

Trietazine was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the competitor molecule cyanazine, which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. Structural features of the molecularly imprinted column were figured out by SEM. The influence of the mobile-phase composition, applied electrical field, and pH of the mobile phase on the recognition of trietazine by the imprinted monolithic polymer has been evaluated, and the imprint effect in the trietazine-imprinted monolithic polymer was demonstrated by an imprinting factor. The optimized monolithic column resulted in separation of trietazine from a structurally related competitor molecule, cyanazine. In addition, fast separation was obtained within 6 min by applying higher electrical field, with the electrophoretic mobility of 2.97 × 10(-8) m(2) V(-1) s(-1) at pH 11.0.

One-step activation, purification, and stabilization of lipase enzyme were performed by using composite hydrophobic support at low ionic strength with increased surface area during embedding process. A novel hydrophobic poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate) [PHEMA] based, poly(glycidyl methacrylate-N-methacryloly-(L)-tryptophan) [PGMATrp] bead embedded composite cryogel membrane having specific surface area of 195 m(2)/g was used as hydrophobic matrix for adsorption of commercial Candida Rugosa lipase in a continuous system. PGMATrp embedded PHEMA cryogel membrane with 60-100 mu m pore size was obtained by dispersion polymerization of GMA and MATrp to form PGMATrp beads followed by embedding of PGMATrp to HEMA via APS and TEMED redox pair. The introduction of hydrophobic MATrp monomer into bead structure aiming to increase interaction between lipase and composite membrane was estimated using nitrogen stoichiometry of elemental analysis and found to be 239 mu mol/g of polymer. Hydophobicity increment due to embedding process was confirmed by measuring contact angle, it was found 42 degrees and 48.4 degrees for the PHEMA and PHEMA/PGMATrp composite cryogel respectively. Some parameters i.e. pH, flow-rate, protein concentration, temperature, salt type and ionic intensity were evaluated on the adsorption capacity in a continuous system. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) studies were performed for specific adsorption of lipase onto the PHEMA/PGMATrp embedded composite cryogel membrane. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Iron chelation therapy can be used for the selective removal of Fe(3+) ions from spiked human plasma by ion imprinting. N-Methacryloyl-(L)-glutamic acid (MAGA) was chosen as the chelating monomer. In the first step, MAGA was complexed with the Fe(3+) ions to prepare the precomplex, and then the ion-imprinted poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(L)-glutamic acid) [PHEMAGA-Fe(3+)] cryogel column was prepared by cryo-polymerization under a semi-frozen temperature of - 12°C for 24 h. Subsequently, the template, of Fe(3+) ions was removed from the matrix by using 0.1 M EDTA solution. The values for the specific surface area of the imprinted PHEMAGA-Fe(3+) and non-imprinted PHEMAGA cryogel were 45.74 and 7.52 m(2)/g respectively, with a pore size in the range of 50-200 μm in diameter. The maximum Fe(3+) adsorption capacity was 19.8 μmol Fe(3+)/g cryogel from aqueous solutions and 12.28 μmol Fe(3+)/g cryogel from spiked human plasma. The relative selectivity coefficients of ion-imprinted cryogel for Fe(3+)/Ni(2+) and Fe(3+)/Cd(2+) were 1.6 and 4.2-fold greater than the non-imprinted matrix, respectively. It means that the PHEMAGA-Fe(3+) cryogel possesses high selectivity to Fe(3+) ions, and could be used many times without significantly decreasing the adsorption capacity.

Dyslipidemia is one of the most important risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used to measure dyslipidemia. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) seems to be an alternative parameter to LDL-C as it is not influenced by triglyceride (TG) levels. The aim of this study is to compare non-HDL-C and LDL-C levels as risk markers in CAD patients. Materials and methods: One hundred and ten CAD patients and 42 individuals with normal coronary angiography results were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: TG < 200 mg/dL (n = 75) as group 1 and TG > 200 mg/dL (n = 35) as group 2. Total cholesterol (TC), TG, and HDL-C levels were analyzed with a Roche Modular P800 autoanalyzer. LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels were calculated. Results: There were statistically significant differences in TC, TG, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels when the groups were compared. Non-HDL-C levels of group 2 were statistically higher than those of group 1 and the control group. There was no significant difference in LDL-C levels between the groups. Conclusion: Non-HDL-C levels are better risk markers than LDL-C levels, especially in patients with TG > 200 mg/dL, and non-HDL-C levels should be taken into consideration when evaluating the risk of CAD.

The use of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs), which provides a means for preparing stationary phases with predetermined selectivity for a target molecule in capillary electrochromatography (CEC), is attractive because it combines selectivity, higher separation efficiency and shorter analysis time. A bisphenol A (BPA)-imprinted monolithic capillary BPA/PMAPA column was synthesized for the selective separation of bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solutions containing the competitor molecule phenol (PH), which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. BPA-imprinted monolithic column was prepared in the presence of the template molecule, BPA, which results in the formation of recognition cavities complementary to the template molecule, after the removal of template molecule. An amino acid based monomer, N-methacryloyl-L-phenyl alanine (MAPA), was used as the functional monomer. The new stationary phase contains both charged and hydrophobic groups originating from MAPA monomer, which behaves as both an electroosmotic flow (EOF) supplier and a hydrophobic matrix. The MAPA containing BPA imprinted column behaves as a mixed mode stationary phase, as ion exchanger and hydrophobic matrix depending on the pH of the medium. Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the structural features of the molecular imprinted column. MIP column performance was evaluated by the electrochromatographic separation of alkylbenzenes. The novelty of this work originated from dual separation mechanism shown by MAPA, which has the ability to form both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions by the charged and hydrophobic groups of phenylalanine amino acid. This new column with mixed-mode characteristics was then used successfully as the stationary phase in CEC for the selective separation of BPA in MIP systems.

A dopamine-imprinted monolithic column was prepared and used in capillary electrochromatography as stationary phase for the first time. Dopamine was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the competitor molecule norepinephrine, which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. Morphology of the dopamine-imprinted column was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the organic solvent content of mobile phase, applied pressure and pH of the mobile phase on the recognition of dopamine by the imprinted monolithic column has been evaluated, and the imprinting effect in the dopamine-imprinted monolithic polymer was verified. Developed dopamine-imprinted monolithic column resulted in excellent separation of dopamine from structurally related competitor molecule, norepinephrine. Separation was achieved in a short period of 10 min, with the electrophoretic mobility of 5.81x10(-5)m(2)V(-1)s(-1) at pH 5.0 and 500mbar pressure.

Pesticides have been utilized in agriculture for decades. However, their widespread use has increased multiple concerns due to their known and suspected toxicities on long-term human health risks in scientific and industrial communities. Thus, detecting pesticides will have a great impact on their management, as well as improve their toxicity effects over humans. Here, we fabricate molecularly imprinted nanofilms and integrate them with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors for sensitive, selective, fast and real-time detection of multiple pesticides, including cyanazine (SNZ), simazine (SMZ) and atrazine (ATZ). The molecularly imprinted nanofilms onto the SPR gold surfaces are prepared via UV polymerization reactions, which consist of N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (MAPA) as a functional monomer, 1-vinylimidazole (VIM) as a co-monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker. The real-time measurements on SPR sensor provide a detection range from 0.10 to 6.64 nM, as well as denote a limit of detection (LOD) values of 0.095, 0.031 and 0.091 nM for SNZ, SMZ and ATZ, respectively. Furthermore, we perform selectivity test, where SNZ, SMZ and ATZ are examined as competitor agents. Overall, the pesticide imprinted SPR sensors have been found to be highly selective and sensitive. These SPR sensors also hold great potential to be used an alternative method for the existing pesticide monitoring approaches due to their reusability, fast response, and easy-to-use properties, as well as can be tailored to detect and real-time monitor of other pesticides. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000402382500007, Aim: Environmental chemicals and heavy metals may alter thyroid hormone levels via several mechanisms, including disruption of iodine (I) transport, thyroid peroxi-dase, thyroid hormone-binding proteins, hepatic catabolism, deiodinases, and receptor binding. Our aim was to investigate the change in thyroid hormone levels in cadmium exposure. Material and Method: Painters, welders, miners, and smelters with an occupational exposure of more than 10 years, aged between 18-70 years, were divided into six groups according to whole blood cadmium levels (Group 1: 0-0.5 mu g/L; Group 2: 0.5-1 mu g/L; Group 3: 1-1.5 mu g/L; Group 4: 1.5-2 mu g/L; Group 5: 2-2.5 mu g/L; Group 6: > 2.5 mu g/L). Results: There was a positive correlation between cadmium and serum free thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels. There was a negative correlation between cadmium and serum alanine aminotransferase and vitamin B12 levels. Discussion: Cadmium exposure was found to lead to an increase in thyroid hormone levels.

In this study, C18-silica monoliths were synthesized as a porous layer in open tubular capillary columns, to be cut later into microcartridges for the analysis of neuropeptides by on-line solid-phase extraction capillary electrophoresis with UV and MS detection (SPE-CE-UV and SPE-CE-MS). First, several types of C18-silica monolithic (MtC18) microcartridges were used to analyse standard solutions of five neuropeptides (i.e. dynorphin A (1–7), substance P (7–11), endomorphin 1, methionine enkephalin and [Ala]-methionine enkephalin). The MtC18 sorbents were especially selective against endomorphin 1 and substance P (7–11)). The best results in terms of sensitivity and inter-microcartridge reproducibility were achieved with the microcartridges obtained from a 10-cm open tubular capillary column with a thin monolithic coating with large through-pores (1–5 μm). Run-to-run repeatability, microcartridge durability, linearity ranges and LODs were studied by MtC18-SPE-CE-MS. As expected due to their greater selectivity, the best LOD enhancement was obtained for End1 and SP (7–11) (50 times with regard to CE-MS). Finally, the suitability of the methodology for analysing biological fluids was tested with plasma samples spiked with End1 and SP (7–11). Results obtained were promising because both neuropeptides could be detected at 0.05 μg mL −1 , which was almost the same concentration level as for the standard solutions (0.01 μg mL −1 ).

WOS: 000407478900004, PubMed: 28322473, Diagnostic biomarkers such as proteins and enzymes are generally hard to detect because of the low abundance in biological fluids. To solve this problem, the advantages of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and nanomaterial technologies have been combined. The SPR sensors are easy to prepare, no requirement of labelling and can be detected in real time. In addition, they have high specificity and sensitivity with low cost. The nanomaterials have also crucial functions such as efficiency improvement, selectivity, and sensitivity of the detection systems. In this report, an SPR-based sensor is developed to detect lysozyme with hydrophobic poly (N-methacryloyl-(L)-phenylalanine) (PMAPA) nanoparticles. The SPR sensor was first characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared, atomic force microscope, and water contact angle measurements and performed with aqueous lysozyme solutions. Various concentrations of lysozyme solution were used to calculate kinetic and affinity coefficients. The equilibrium and adsorption isotherm models of interactions between lysozyme solutions and SPR sensor were determined and the maximum reflection, association, and dissociation constants were calculated by Langmuir model as 4.87, 0.019nM(-1), and 54nM, respectively. The selectivity studies of SPR sensor were investigated with competitive agents, hemoglobin, and myoglobin. Also, the SPR sensor was used four times in adsorption/desorption/recovery cycles and results showed that, the combination of optical SPR sensor with hydrophobic ionizable PMAPA nanoparticles in one mode enabled the detection of lysozyme molecule with high accuracy, good sensivity, real-time, label-free, and a low-detection limit of 0.66nM from lysozyme solutions. Lysozyme detection in a real sample was performed by using chicken egg white to evaluate interfering molecules present in the medium.

Objective: Ischemic stroke is defined as acute neurological disorder according to cerebral vascular damage and reduced blood flow to a particular region of the brain. Ischemic stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and placed 3rd among the causes of death. About 80% of all strokes depend on ischemic cause. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture or addition of a thrombus on plaque is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis is associated with the level of blood lipids from the first stages of the formation process. In our study, we aimed to investigate non-HDL, total cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: This study was performed in 52 patients who were admitted at Ankara Numune Hospital for Education and Investigation, Division of Neurology between December 2009- May 2010 with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in the first 24 hours and 48 healthy individuals matched for age and gender, who was admitted at the hospital during the same period. Total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels were measured by DXC 800 autoanalyzer (Beckmann-Coulter, USA). LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels were calculated according to the formulas. Results: Patient group had significantly lower HDL-C levels than the control group (p=0.009), whereas the triglyceride and total cholesterol / HDL-C levels were significantly higher (p=0.013, p=0.018). Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between groups. There were significant correlations between non-HDL-cholesterol levels and triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (respectively r=0.468, r=0.964, r=0.851) (respectively p

A new type of polymethacrylate-based monolithic column with chiral stationary phase was prepared for the enantioseparation of aromatic amino acids, namely D,L-phenylalanine, D,L-tyrosine, and D,L-tryptophan by CEC. The monolithic column was prepared by in situ polymerization of butyl methacrylate (BMA), N-methacryloyl-L-histidine methyl ester (MAH), and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) in the presence of porogens. The porogen mixture included DMF and phosphate buffer. MAH was used as a chiral selector. FTIR spectrum of the polymethacrylate-based monolith showed that MAH was incorporated into the polymeric structure via in situ polymerization. Some experimental parameters including pH, concentration of the mobile phase, and MAH concentration with regard to the chiral CEC separation were investigated. Single enantiomers and enantiomer mixtures of the amino acids were separately injected into the monolithic column. It was observed that L-enantiomers of aromatic amino acids migrated before D-enantiomers. The reversal enantiomer migration order for tryptophan was observed upon changing of pH. Using the chiral monolithic column (100 μm id and 375 μm od), the best chiral separation was performed in 35:65% ACN/phosphate buffer (pH 8.0, 10 mM) with an applied voltage of 12 kV in CEC. SEM images showed that the chiral monolithic column has a continuous polymeric skeleton and large through-pore structure.

In this study, vinyl phenyl boronic acid modified lauryl methacrylate-based monolithic column was successfully prepared for cation exchange/hydrophobic interaction monolithic chromatography of small molecules and proteins in nano LC. The polymeric mixture consisted of lauryl methacrylate, vinyl phenyl boronic acid as cation exchanger, ethylene dimethacrylate as cross-linker, polyethylene glycol and methanol as binary porogenic solvent, and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The resulting monolith showed good permeability and mechanical stability. Different ratios of monomer and porogens were used for optimizing the properties of the column. The monolithic column performance with respect to hydrophobic and cation exchange interactions was assessed by the separation a series of alkyl benzenes and anilines, respectively. cis-Diol-containing compounds such as phenols were also utilized to evaluate the retention behaviors of the vinyl phenyl boronic acid modified monolithic column. The monolithic column showed cation exchange interactions in the separation of aniline compounds. Theoretical plate number up to 52 000 plates/m was successfully achieved. The prepared monolith was further applied to the proteins with different acetonitrile content.

Objectives: The study demonstrates a gel problem sourced from the internal heat of centrifuges without temperature control. It was planned to investigate the internal temperatures of temperature controlled centrifuges and the centrifuges without temperature control and the effect of centrifuge temperature on enzymes and thyroid panel. Design and Methods: Internal heat of the centrifuges were monitored in the most busy working hours. Blood samples were obtained from 42 patients to two separate biochemistry tubes. One sample of the same patient was centrifuged with a temperature-controlled centrifuge (Group 1) and the other was centrifuged with a centrifuge without temperature control (Group 2). AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, total protein, albumin, TSH, fT3 and fT4 levels were determined in the same run of the analyzer. Results: ALT and TSH values in Group 2 were significantly lower, fT4 values were significantly higher than Group 1. Conclusions: Laboratories should be aware of a possible internal heat production in centrifuges without temperature control and gel tubes should be centrifuged in temperature controlled centrifuges especially in centrifuge units with high working load.

We have synthesized PVA/PEI monolithic cryogel columns chelated with Cu2+ ions as a model adsorbent, which is capable of binding haemoglobin (Hb) from human blood. The goal of this study is to perform the depletion of Hb via a single and easy process to be useful in proteomic studies. PVA/PEI-Cu2+ cryogel columns were subjected to adsorption studies of Hb from both aqueous solution and human plasma to evaluate the extent of interaction between cryogel columns and Hb. The effects of experimental parameters, such as pH, Hb equilibrium concentration, adsorption time, temperature, and ionic strength, on Hb adsorption capacity were investigated.

WOS: 000376136500005, PubMed: 26772759, In this study, we aimed to prepare the metal chelate affinity cryogels for the hemoglobin (Hb) depletion. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) cryogels were selected as base matrix because of their blood compatibility, osmotic, chemical, and mechanical stability. Cryogels are also useful when working with the viscous samples such as blood, because of their interconnected macroporous structure. Iminodiacetic acid (IDA), the chelating agent, was covalently coupled with PHEMA cryogels after activation with the epichlorohydrin and then the Ni(II) ions were chelated to the IDA-bound cryogels. The depletion of the Hb from hemolysate was shown by SDS-PAGE.

The liver is a vital organ, and its function is generally impaired by chemicals. Some natural compounds have a protective role against liver diseases such as royal jelly (RJ). To our knowledge, there are no data available on the effect of RJ therapy on the levels of bio-element metabolisms and antioxidant enzyme activities in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver damage. Therefore, in the present study, we have investigated the role of RJ therapy in the trace and major elements and antioxidant enzymes in CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in the CCl(4)-treated group more than they did in the sham and RJ-administered groups. Many bio-element levels were also reduced in only the CCl(4)-treated group. This showed that the depletion of trace elements was related to erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. RJ administration clearly increased the trace and major element levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in RJ groups. RJ may be used as functional foods because of their naturally high antioxidant potential and rich element content.

WOS:000298086500032 The aim of this study is to investigate in detail the feasibility of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(L)-histidine methyl ester), PHEMAH membranes for purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human plasma. PHEMAH membranes were prepared by photo-polymerization technique. Then, Zn2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Cu2+ ions were chelated directly on the PHEMAH membranes. Elemental analysis assay was performed to determine the nitrogen content and polymerized MAH was calculated as 168.5 mu mol/g. The nonspecific IgG adsorption onto the plain PHEMA membranes was negligible (about 0.25 mg/mL). A remarkable increase in the IgG adsorption capacities were achieved from human plasma with PHEMAH membranes (up to 68.4 mg/mL). Further increase was observed with the metal-chelated PHEMAH membranes (up to 118 mg/mL). The metal-chelate affinity membranes allowed the one-step separation of IgG from human plasma. The binding range of metal ions for surface histidines from human plasma followed the order: Cu2+ > Ni2+ > Zn2+ > Co2+. Adsorbed IgG was eluted using 250 mM EDTA with a purity of 94.1%. IgG molecules could be repeatedly adsorbed and eluted with the metal-chelated PHEMAH membranes without noticeable loss in their IgG adsorption capacity. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 3476-3484, 2012

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune multisystem disease. Bio-elements are required in different quantities by an organism to maintain its physiologic function. Monitoring the status of bio-elements is critical in human health. This study aimed to determine possible changes in levels of bio-elements in children with ARF before and after treatment. Levels of trace and major elements in children with ARF were investigated. The study included 33 children with ARF (17 boys and 16 girls) and 20 healthy control children (11 boys and 9 girls). The ages ranged from 5 to 16 years (mean 11.4 +/- A 3.82 years) in the study group and from 6 to 15 years (mean, 10.7 +/- A 3.22 years) in the control group. Trace and major element concentrations (total of 14 elements) in the serum were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Before treatment, the levels of the major elements potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) in children with ARF were higher than in the control group, whereas the calcium (Ca) level was lower. Before treatment, the levels of trace elements iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), and barium (Ba) were lower, whereas the copper (Cu), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), gallium (Ga), and strontium (Sr) levels were higher in the serum of the patients with ARF than in the control patients. The major findings show that the homeostasis of some trace and major elements were altered in the children with ARF and that these alterations may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of this disease.

N -Methacryloyl- l -tryptophan (MATrp) containing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) based supermacroporous cryogel [PHEMATrp] was prepared for lysozyme purification form chicken egg white. MATrp was synthesized by reacting methacryloyl chloride with l -tryptophan methyl ester and provided hydrophobic functionality to the cryogel. PHEMATrp cryogel with 60–100 μm pore size was obtained by free radical polymerization of HEMA and MATrp having a specific surface area of 50 m 2 /g. PHEMATrp cryogel was characterized by swelling studies, FTIR and SEM. The equilibrium swelling ratios of the cryogels were 7.18 g H 2 O/g for PHEMA and 6.99 g H 2 O/g for PHEMATrp. Lysozyme adsorption experiments were investigated under different conditions in continuous system (i.e., medium pH, flow-rate, protein concentration, temperature, salt type). Lysozyme adsorption capacity of PHEMA and PHEMATrp cryogels from aqueous solutions was estimated as 2.9 and 46.8 mg/g (0.49 and 7.85 mg/mL), respectively. Lysozyme molecules were desorbed with 0.5 M ethylene glycol solution with 91% recovery. It was observed that PHEMATrp cryogel can be used without significant decrease in lysozyme adsorption capacity after five adsorption–desorption cycles. PHEMATrp cryogel was used for the purification of lysozyme from chicken egg white. Purity of lysozyme was estimated by SDS-PAGE. Possible denaturation of purified lysozyme was checked with fluorimetric measurements. Specific activity of the purified lysozyme was found as 43,140 U/mg using Micrococcus lysodeikticus as substrate.

Magnetic poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(L)-histidine methyl ester) [m-poly(EGDMA-MAH)] beads were prepared by suspension polymerization for the affinity depletion of immunoglobulin-G (IgG) from human serum in a batch system. Elemental analysis of the magnetic beads for nitrogen was estimated as 70 μmol MAH/g polymer. IgG adsorption onto the m-poly(EGDMA) was negligible. Higher adsorption value (up to 46.8 mg/g) was obtained in which the m-poly(EGDMA-MAH) beads were used. IgG adsorption capacity of the magnetic beads increased with an increase in the concentration of IgG. The maximum IgG adsorption was observed at pH 6.5 for MOPS buffer. IgG molecules could be repeatedly adsorbed and eluted with these adsorbents, without noticeable loss in their IgG adsorption capacity. Adsorption capacity decreased for both increasing salt concentration and temperature. In this study, we show that m-poly(EGDMA-MAH) beads (wherein IgG molecules bind directly with the matrix) can be used directly for affinity depletion without further modification. Higher adsorption value was obtained from human serum (up to 85.7 mg/g). The elution results demonstrated that the adsorption of IgG to the adsorbent was reversible. The depletion efficiencies for IgG were above 85% for all studied concentrations. Eluted portion was analyzed for testing the IgG removal efficiency by two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Eluted proteins include mainly IgG, and a small number of nonalbumin proteins such as apolipoprotein A1, serotransferrin, haptoglobulin, and α1-antitrypsin. IgA was not identified in eluted fraction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007

BACKGROUND Validation of blood collection tubes are important to determine the role of different collection tubes which influence the assurance of laboratory results. We compared two different tubes (Improvacuter™ and Becton Dickinson [BD] Vacutainer™) and investigated the effect of gel and storage time in comparison with each other. METHODS We compared the results of nine immunoassays performed on UniCel® DxI 800 using blood samples collected in BD Vacutainer SST II Advance tubes, Improvacuter Gel and Clot Activator tubes, BD Vacutainer Clot Activator tubes and Improvacuter tubes. Analytes were measured in all tubes on 3 consecutive days to study the effect of long-term storage. Evaluation of clinical significance was performed based on total allowable error. RESULTS Estradiol and testosterone concentrations obtained from Improvacuter Gel and Clot Activator tubes and BD Vacutainer SST II Advance tubes remained below the lower limits of analytical range for the same analytes while they were within the limits in BD Vacutainer Clot Activator tubes and Improvacuter tubes. Statistical significance of stability was not clinically significant for the hormone parameters we tested in all four tubes. CONCLUSIONS Gel containing tubes (both BD and Improve) gave comparable results with the tubes which do not contain gel except for estradiol and testosterone. The use of gel containing tubes for estradiol and testosterone are not recommended on UniCel® DxI 800 according to our results. The change in the analyte concentrations over 48 h remained within the TEA limits for the studied analytes. Improve tubes gave similar results to BD tubes.

Amaç: Çocuklarda akut civa maruziyetine bağlı hızlı glomerüler fitrasyon hızı azalmalarında sistatin C düzeyinin böbrek fonksiyonlarını değerlendirme açısından kreatinine üstün olup olmadığını belirlemeyi amaçladık. Ayrıca kreatinin ve/veya sistatin C kullanılan 8 ayrı glomerular filtrasyon hızı hesaplama formülünü birbiriyle karşılaştırdık.Metod: Civa maruziyeti yaşayan 39 çocuğun serum üre, kreatinin ve sistatin C düzeyleri ölçüldü. Glomerular filtrasyon hızı 8 farklı formülle hesaplandı. Hasta grubu civa seviyelerine göre üç subgruba bölündü.Bulgular: Hastaların sistatin C ve civa düzeyleri kontrol grubundan anlamlı olarak farklı bulundu (p0.001). Kreatinin ve üre açısından iki grup arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmadı (p0.913, p0.236). Serum kreatinini ve boy kullanılarak veya bunlara ilaveten üre değerleri kullanılarak yapılan GFR hesaplamalarında hasta ve kontrol grupları arasında anlamlı bir fark yokken (sırasıyla, p0.069, p0.559, p0.424, p0.945 ), yalnızca sistatin C veya buna ek olarak kreatinin, üre ve boyun kullanıldığı GFR hesaplamalarında hasta ve kontrol grupları arasında anlamlı bir fark vardı (sırasıyla, p0.001, p0.001, p0.042, p0.001). Subgrup analizinde sistatin C sonuçları ile sistatin C kullanılarak hesaplanan dört GFR hesaplamasından üç tanesine ait sonuçlar kontrol grubunda subgruplara göre farklı bulunurken subgruplar arasında farklı bulunmadı.Sonuç: Akut maruziyetlere bağlı hızlı glomerüler fitrasyon hızı azalmalarında sistatin C düzeyi böbrek fonksiyonlarını değerlendirme açısından kreatinine üstündür. Sistatin C kullanılarak oluşturulan formüller glomerüler filtrasyon hızını belirlemede kreatinin ve boy uzunluğu kullanılarak oluşturulan formüllere kıyasla daha iyi sonuç vermektedir., Objective: Our aim was to determine whether cystatin C level has a superiority to creatinine to assess kidney functions in rapid decreases of glomerular filtration rate due to acute mercury exposure in children. Eight different glomerular filtration rate calculation formulas which have been used creatinine and/or cystatin C were also compared.Methods: Serum urea, creatinine and cystatin C values of 39 mercury exposed children were measured. Glomerular filtration rates were calculated by eight different formulas. Patient group was divided into three subgroups according to mercury levels.Results: Cystatin C and mercury levels of the patients were found significantly different from control group (p

Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) has been used for purification of proteins. IMAC introduces a new approach for selectively interacting biomolecules on the basis of their affinities for metal ions. The separation is based on different binding abilities of the proteins to the chelated metal ions on support. Here, N-methacryloyl-(L)-histidine methyl ester (MAH) is used as the metal-chelating ligand. Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Poly(HEMA) based membranes were prepared by photo-polymerization technique. Then, Zn(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), and Cu(2+) ions were chelated directly on the poly(HEMA-MAH) membranes for purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from human plasma.

In the present study, the effects of povidone iodine (PI) used during Caesarean operations on maternal thyroid hormones and urine iodine levels in the infant and the mother were investigated.Twenty-seven patients were allocated to the PI group I (Gr I), and 28 to the non-PI group (Group II). Maternal preoperative and 24th-h postoperative free T3 (fT3), freeT4 (fT4), TSH, and urine iodine levels were determined, as well as infant urine iodine values.In both groups, fT3 levels before and after the operation were found to be reduced (p 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively). However, the decrease in fT3 was approximately 1.5-fold higher in Gr I than in Gr II. TSH levels increased significantly in Gr I (p = 0.005). The urine iodine levels of the mothers increased 25% in Gr I, but only 2% in Gr II.The absorption of PI by the skin was found to lead to changes in fT3, TSH, and urine iodine excretion values in the mothers. The findings of this study of Caesarean operations, which have a short duration, might be a signal to be careful of thyroid hormone effects in operations lasting longer.