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Quinlan B, Van Stiphout C, Bowes B, Twyman K, Alex R, Turner K, Brown J. ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS REGARDING THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH OBESITY IN A TERTIARY CARE INSTITUTION. RESULTS OF A PAN-INSTITUTION SURVEY. Can J Cardiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.08.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Alyethodi RR, Singh U, Kumar S, Alex R, Sengar GS, Raja TV, Deb R, Prakash B. Designing, optimization, and validation of whole blood direct T-ARMS PCR for precise and rapid genotyping of complex vertebral malformation in cattle. BMC Biotechnol 2021; 21:36. [PMID: 34022869 PMCID: PMC8141239 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-021-00696-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA testing in the cattle industry undergoes multiple hurdles. Successful genotyping involves the transportation of samples from the field to the laboratory in a chilled environment followed by DNA extraction, and finally, a specific genotyping protocol is followed. Various researches are focused on overcoming these issues. Microcards offer blood transportation at ambient temperature. Direct PCR methods can save the time of DNA extraction but available only for simplex PCR. Tetra Primer-Amplification Refractory Mutation System based Polymerase Chain Reaction (T-ARMS PCR) can make DNA testing faster in a low-cost setting. The present study was aimed to design, optimize, and validate a T-ARMS PCR for faster DNA testing of SNP responsible for Complex Vertebral Malformation (CVM)-an important genetic disease of the cattle industry. Further, a direct T-ARMS PCR from whole blood was developed to avoid the DNA extraction steps. Lastly, using the optimized protocol, genotyping of blood spotted on Microcard eliminates the need for cold chain maintenance in the transportation of samples. Results The present study demonstrated a novel T-ARMS PCR-based genotyping of the SNP rs438228855, which is responsible for CVM. Here, wild genotypes were recognized by 389 bp and 199 bp bands in agarose gel, while the carrier genotype showed an additional 241 bp band. The developed protocol was validated using PCR-Primer Introduced Restriction Analysis (PCR-PIRA) and sequencing. The present study further established a direct T-ARMS PCR for this SNP from whole blood. Different conditions such as heparin and EDTA treated blood, the need for pre-treatment, and two different DNA Polymerases for the direct PCR were optimized. Finally, our optimized protocol successfully genotyped the whole blood samples dried on Insta™DNA cards. Conclusions The present study reported the usefulness of primer modified T-ARMS PCR for detecting CVM for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, direct PCR in T-ARMS PCR has never been reported. Lastly, the use of microcards in the developed protocol can make the assay useful in the DNA testing of field samples. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12896-021-00696-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- R R Alyethodi
- Animal Science Division, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Garacharma, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 744101, India.
| | - U Singh
- Animal genetics & Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - S Kumar
- Animal genetics & Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - R Alex
- Animal genetics & Breeding Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - G S Sengar
- Animal genetics & Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - T V Raja
- Animal genetics & Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - R Deb
- ICAR-National Research centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - B Prakash
- Animal genetics & Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
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Koehler FC, Cornely OA, Wisplinghoff H, Schauss AC, Salmanton-Garcia J, Ostermann H, Ziegler M, Bacher P, Scheffold A, Alex R, Richter A, Koehler P. Candida-Reactive T Cells for the Diagnosis of Invasive Candida Infection-A Prospective Pilot Study. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1381. [PMID: 29988394 PMCID: PMC6024001 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Blood or tissue culture or histology prove invasive Candida infection, but long time to result, limited feasibility and sensitivity call for new approaches. In this pilot project, we describe the diagnostic potential of quantitating Candida-reactive, CD4/CD69/CD154 positive lymphocytes in blood of patients with invasive Candida infection. Methods: We used flow cytometry quantitating Candida-reactive, CD4/CD69/CD154 positive lymphocytes from peripheral blood of patients with invasive Candida infection, from patients at risk and healthy volunteers as controls. Results: Elevated levels of Candida-reactive lymphocytes were measured in 13 patients with proven invasive Candida infection and in one patient with probable hepatosplenic candidiasis. Results of three candidemia patients were uninterpretable due to autofluorescence of samples. Twelve of 13 patients had Candida identified to species level by conventional methods, and T cell reactivity correctly identified Candida species in 10 of 12 patients. Nine hematological high-risk patients and 14 healthy donors had no elevated Candida-reactive T cell counts. Conclusions: This Candida-reactive lymphocyte assay correctly identified the majority of patients with invasive Candida infection and the respective species. Our assay has the potential to support diagnosis of invasive Candida infection to species level and to facilitate tailored treatment even when biopsies are contraindicated or cultures remain negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix C Koehler
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department I of Internal Medicine, ECMM Diamond Center of Excellence in Medical Mycology, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hilmar Wisplinghoff
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Microbiology, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Astrid C Schauss
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jon Salmanton-Garcia
- Department I of Internal Medicine, ECMM Diamond Center of Excellence in Medical Mycology, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Helmut Ostermann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Petra Bacher
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) and Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Alex
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Anne Richter
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Philipp Koehler
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department I of Internal Medicine, ECMM Diamond Center of Excellence in Medical Mycology, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Alex R, Ramesha KP, Singh U, Kumar S, Alyethodi RR, Deb R, Rai S, Sharma S, Sengar GS, Kumar A, Prakash B. Association analysis of novel polymorphisms in 2', 5'-oligoadenylate synthetase gene with reproductive traits in indigenous and cross-bred cattle of Indian Origin. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 53:442-449. [PMID: 29277982 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
2', 5'-Oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are important components of an interferon-mediated antiviral pathway. No polymorphisms in exonic regions of bovine OAS1 gene have been identified and associated with reproduction traits. The objective of the study was to detect and evaluate the effects of mutations in exonic region of bovine OAS1 gene with reproduction traits in cattle. DNA samples collected from 250 individual cows of two Indian dairy breeds (Sahiwal and Frieswal) of cattle were used in the study. The genetic variants of the OAS1 gene were identified with polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequence analysis using seven set of primer pairs. The PCR-SSCP analysis revealed polymorphism in the fragments comprising of exon 2, exon 5 and first fragment of exon 6 while the fragments of exons 1, 3, 4 and second fragment of exon 6 were monomorphic in Sahiwal and Frieswal cattle. The mutations in the amplified region comprising of exon 2 were found to have significant association with age at first breeding and calving, service period, dry period and pregnancy rate. Significant associations were found between SNPs in the exon 5 and service and dry periods of the animal, whereas the genetic variants in the first fragment of the exon 6 showed significant association with age at first breeding and calving. To our knowledge, this study demonstrated for the first time that the polymorphisms in OAS1 gene were associated with reproductive traits and it can be chosen as a candidate gene for improvement of reproductive performance of cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alex
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - K P Ramesha
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India.,Dairy Production, SRS, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Banglore, India
| | - U Singh
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - S Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - R R Alyethodi
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - R Deb
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - S Rai
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India.,ERS, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - S Sharma
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - G S Sengar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - A Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
| | - B Prakash
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Section, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, UP, India
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Davis ID, Quirk J, Morris L, Seddon L, Tai TY, Whitty G, Cavicchiolo T, Ebert L, Jackson H, Browning J, MacGregor D, Wittke F, Winkels G, Alex R, Miloradovic L, Maraskovsky E, Chen W, Cebon J. A pilot study of peripheral blood BDCA-1 (CD1c) positive dendritic cells pulsed with NY-ESO-1 ISCOMATRIX™ adjuvant. Immunotherapy 2017; 9:249-259. [PMID: 28183192 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Pilot clinical trial of NY-ESO-1 (ESO) protein in ISCOMATRIX™ adjuvant pulsed onto peripheral blood dendritic cells (PBDC), to ascertain feasibility, evaluate toxicity and assess induction of ESO-specific immune responses. PATIENTS & METHODS Eligible participants had resected cancers expressing ESO or LAGE-1 and were at high risk of relapse. PBDC were produced using CliniMACS®plus, with initial depletion of CD1c+ B cells followed by positive selection of CD1c+ PBDC. Patients received three intradermal vaccinations of ESO/IMX-pulsed PBDC at 4-week intervals. RESULTS The process was feasible and safe. No vaccine-induced immune responses were detected. Assays of immunomodulatory cells did not correlate with outcomes. One patient had a long lasting complete remission. CONCLUSION This method was feasible and safe but was minimally immunogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Davis
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia.,Austin Health, Department of Medical Oncology, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University Eastern Health Clinical School, Level 2, 5 Arnold St, Box Hill, Victoria 3128, Australia.,Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juliet Quirk
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leone Morris
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Seddon
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tsin Yee Tai
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Lisa Ebert
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Judy Browning
- Austin Health, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Victoria, Australia
| | - Duncan MacGregor
- Austin Health, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Eugene Maraskovsky
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia.,CSL Limited, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Weisan Chen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - Jonathan Cebon
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Victoria, Australia.,Austin Health, Department of Medical Oncology, Victoria, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
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Deb R, Sengar GS, Singh U, Kumar S, Raja TV, Alex R, Alyethodi RR, Prakash B. LAMP assay for rapid diagnosis of cow DNA in goat milk and meat samples. Iran J Vet Res 2017; 18:134-137. [PMID: 28775755 PMCID: PMC5534258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal species detection is one of the crucial steps for consumer's food analysis. In the present study we developed an in-house built loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid detection of adulterated cow DNA in goat milk/meat samples. The cow milk/tissue DNA in goat milk/meat samples were identified in the developed LAMP assay by either naked eye visualizing with SYBR Green I dyes or by detecting the typical ladder pattern on gel electrophoresis. This test can detect up to minimum 5% level of cow components admixed in goat milk/meat samples and can be completed within 1 h 40 min starting from DNA extraction from milk/meat samples and can be performed in a water bath. Developed LAMP methodology is simple; rapid and sensitive techniques that can detect adulterant like cow components in goat milk/meat are more accurate than other existing DNA based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Deb
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - G. S. Sengar
- MSc in Biotechnology, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - U. Singh
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - S. Kumar
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - T. V. Raja
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R. Alex
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - R. R. Alyethodi
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - B. Prakash
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut-250 001, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Bacher P, Jochheim-Richter A, Mockel-Tenbrink N, Kniemeyer O, Wingenfeld E, Alex R, Ortigao A, Karpova D, Lehrnbecher T, Ullmann AJ, Hamprecht A, Cornely O, Brakhage AA, Assenmacher M, Bonig H, Scheffold A. Clinical-scale isolation of the total Aspergillus fumigatus-reactive T-helper cell repertoire for adoptive transfer. Cytotherapy 2015; 17:1396-405. [PMID: 26188965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Evidence of the criticality of the adaptive immune response for controlling invasive aspergillosis has been provided. This observation is supported by the fact that invasive aspergillosis, a grave complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, occurs long after myeloid reconstitution in patients with low T-cell engraftment and/or on immunosuppressants. Adoptive T-cell transfer might be beneficial, but idiosyncrasies of Aspergillus fumigatus and the anti-Aspergillus immune response render established selection technologies ineffective. METHODS We developed a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant protocol for preparation of A. fumigatus-specific CD4+ cells by sequentially depleting regulatory and cytotoxic T cells, activating A. fumigatus-specific T-helper cells with GMP-grade A. fumigatus lysate, and immuno-magnetically isolating them via the transiently up-regulated activation marker, CD137. RESULTS In 13 full-scale runs, we demonstrate robustness and feasibility of the approach. From 2 × 10(9) peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we isolated 27 × 10(3)-318 × 10(3)Aspergillus-specific T-helper cells. Frequency among total T cells was increased, on average, by 200-fold. Specific studies indicate specificity and functionality: After non-specific in vitro expansion and re-stimulation with different antigens, we observed strong cytokine responses to A. fumigatus and some other fungi including Candida albicans, but none to unrelated antigens. DISCUSSION Our technology isolates naturally occurring Aspergillus-specific T-helper cells within 2 days of identifying the clinical indication. Rapid adoptive transfer of Aspergillus-specific T cells may be quite feasible; the clinical benefit remains to be demonstrated. A manufacturing license as an advanced-therapy medicinal product was received and a clinical trial in post-transplantation invasive aspergillosis patients approved. The product is dosed at 5 × 10E3/kg T cells (single intravenous injection), of which at least 10% must be A. fumigatus-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bacher
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Jochheim-Richter
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Department of Translational Development of Cellular Therapeutics (GMP), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Eva Wingenfeld
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Department of Translational Development of Cellular Therapeutics (GMP), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Alice Ortigao
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Department of Translational Development of Cellular Therapeutics (GMP), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Darja Karpova
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Department of Translational Development of Cellular Therapeutics (GMP), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital III, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrew J Ullmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Hamprecht
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD); German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Cornely
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute (HKI) Jena and Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Halvard Bonig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Department of Translational Development of Cellular Therapeutics (GMP), Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Institute Frankfurt, Germany; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, Germany; German Rheumatism Research Center, Berlin, Germany
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Jochheim-Richter A, Bacher P, Ortigao A, Mockel-Tenbrinck N, Wingenfeld E, Karpova D, Assenmacher M, Alex R, Scheffold A, Bönig H. Generation of aspergillus fumigatus-specific TH1 cells against invasive aspergillosis. Cytotherapy 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2014.01.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Ramesan MT, Kuriakose B, Pradeep P, Alex R, Varghese S. Compatibilization of SBR/NBR Blends Using Chemically Modified Styrene Butadiene Rubber. INT POLYM PROC 2013. [DOI: 10.3139/217.1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The effect of dichlorocarbene modified styrene butadiene rubber (DCSBR) as a compatibilizer in blends of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR/NBR) has been studied. The cure characteristics, physical properties, crosslink density, FTIR studies and low temperature transitions of the blends were determined as a function of chlorine content of DCSBR. Compatibilizing efficiency depended on the chlorine content of DCSBR and composition of blend constituents. Effective compatibilization was achieved when chlorine content of compatibilizer was 25% and SBR content of blend was either 50% or lower. FTIR studies, glass transition behavior measured by DSC and DMA showed that an appreciable extent of molecular level miscibility has been achieved in SBR/NBR blends by using DCSBR as a compatibilizer. Improvement in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, resilience, hardness and compression set were achieved both when DCSBR was added and chlorine content of DCSBR increased up to 25%. The resistance of the vulcanizate towards air and oil aging improved with compatibilization. The change in technological properties correlated with crosslink density of the blends assessed from swelling studies and stress-strain data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - P. Pradeep
- Department of Physics, Sree Narayana College, Quilon, Kerala, India
| | - R. Alex
- Rubber Research Institute of India, Kerala, India
| | - S. Varghese
- Rubber Research Institute of India, Kerala, India
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Alex R, Jacob KS. Antituberculosis programmes in India: the absence of a public health approach. Natl Med J India 2007; 20:101. [PMID: 17802992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
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Alex R. Fuzzy synthetic rating and a satisfying solution for Lee–Tanaka’s LP problem. Soft comput 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00500-006-0141-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
The ability to bind to nitrocellulose is commonly accepted as being a universal property of proteins and has been widely used in many different fields of study. This property was first exploited in the study of DNA-binding proteins 30 years ago, in studies involving DNA binding by the lactose repressor (LacR) of Escherichia coli. Termed the filter-binding assay, it remains the quickest and easiest assay available for the study of protein-DNA interactions. However, the exact mechanism by which proteins bind to nitrocellulose remains uncertain. Given the supposedly universal nature of the interaction, we were surprised to notice that certain LacR variants were completely unable to bind simultaneously to DNA containing a single lac operator and nitrocellulose. Investigation of this loss of binding suggests that LacR requires a protein region that is both hydrophobic in nature and more or less unstructured, in order to bind to both nitrocellulose and DNA. In the case of wild-type, tetrameric LacR, the DNA-recognition domain that is not bound to DNA suffices. Dimeric LacR variants will only bind if they have certain C-terminal extensions. These experiments sound a cautionary note for the use of filter binding as an assay of choice, particularly in applications involving screening for the DNA-binding site of putative DNA-binding proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Oehler
- Institut für Genetik der Universität zu Köln, Weyertal 121, Köln, 50931, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate in vitro the mechanisms involved in the gastro-intestinal absorption of the HIV protease inhibitor, saquinavir mesylate (Invirase), whose oral bioavailability is low, variable, and significantly increased by co-administration with ritonavir, also an HIV protease inhibitor but with higher oral bioavailability. METHODS Confluent epithelial layers of human Caco-2 cells mimicking the intestinal barrier. RESULTS Both saquinavir and ritonavir showed polarized transport through Caco-2 cell monolayers in the basolateral to apical direction (secretory pathway), exceeding apical to basolateral transport (absorptive pathway) by factors of 50-70 and 15-25, respectively. Active efflux was temperature dependent, saturable and inhibited by verapamil and cyclosporin A. Saquinavir and ritonavir decreased each other's secretory permeability and hence elevated their net transport by the absorptive pathway. CONCLUSIONS Saquinavir and ritonavir are both substrates for an efflux mechanism in the gut, most likely P-glycoprotein, which acts as a counter-transporter for both drugs. Together with sensitivity to gutwall metabolism by cytochrome P-450 3A, this may partially account for the low and variable oral bioavailability of saquinavir in clinical studies and for its increased bioavailability after co-administration with ritonavir.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alsenz
- Preclinical Research Department, F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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Abstract
Tetrameric Lac repressor achieves cooperative repression by binding simultaneously to O1 and to one of the auxiliary operators O2 or O3, thereby forcing the intervening DNA into a loop. Dimeric Lac repressor is not able to form DNA loops and consequently shows no cooperative repression. We constructed a dimeric Lac repressor mutant which exhibits increased repression to the lac operon that does not depend on specific operator-repressor-operator loops. This Lac repressor carries a synthetic tail of basic residues attached to its C terminus. With this construct, we observe an increase of the in vivo repression upon addition of auxiliary lac operators to a chromosomal lac operon controlled by O1. This suggests that the basic tail enables dimeric Lac repressor to enhance its repression by additional non-specific DNA contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kolkhof
- Institut für Genetik der Universität zu Köln, Germany
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Feldmann T, Alex R, Suckow J, Dildrop R, Kisters-Woike B, Müller-Hill B. Single exchanges of amino acids in the basic region change the specificity of N-Myc. Nucleic Acids Res 1993; 21:5050-8. [PMID: 7902977 PMCID: PMC310616 DOI: 10.1093/nar/21.22.5050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We exchanged specific amino acids in the basic region of the murine N-Myc protein and tested the mutant proteins for their DNA binding specificity. The amino acids we exchanged were chosen in analogy to residues of the homologous basic regions of bHLH and bZIP proteins. Mutant N-Myc peptides were expressed in Escherichia coli and specific DNA binding was monitored by gel shift experiments. For this we used palindromic target sequences with systematic base pair exchanges. Several mutants with altered DNA binding specificity were identified. Amino acid exchanges of residues -14 or -10 of the basic region lead to specificity changes (we define leucine 402 of N-Myc as +1; comparable to GCN4 see (1)). The palindromic N-Myc recognition sequence 5'CACGTG is no longer recognized by the mutant proteins, but DNA fragments with symmetrical exchanges of the target sequence are. Exchanges at position -15 broaden the binding specificity. These data were used to build a computer based model of the putative interactions of the N-Myc basic DNA binding region with its target sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Feldmann
- Institut für Genetik der Universität zu Köln, Germany
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Abstract
The DNA-binding domain of the murine N-Myc protein, comprising the basic helix-loop-helix-zipper (bHLH-zip) region was expressed as a fusion protein in E. coli. The affinity purified glutathione-S-transferase-N-Myc fusion protein (GST-N-MYC) was used to select the N-Myc specific DNA-recognition motif from a pool of random-sequence oligonucleotides. After seven rounds of binding-site selection, specifically enriched oligonucleotides were cloned and sequenced. Of 31 individual oligonucleotides whose sequences were determined, 30 contained a common DNA-motif, defining the hexameric consensus sequence CACGTG. We confirm by mutational analysis that binding of the N-Myc derived bHLH-zip domain to this motif is sequence-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alex
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Germany
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Thoma K, Alex R, Randzio J. [Biodegradable gentamicin-depot implants made of beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramics. 3. In vivo studies on drug release, tissue tolerance, and biodegradation]. Pharmazie 1991; 46:266-70. [PMID: 1715996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In vivo drug release properties and biocompatibility of gentamicin-loaded controlled release implants made of beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramics designed for the local antibiotic treatment of bone infections were investigated. Controlled release pellets containing 0.4 and 0.8 mg of gentamicin were implanted into the femoral bone of rats. Drug release was measured from renal excretion over a time period of 3 weeks. The excretion pattern can be described by an initial phase of increased drug release was faster at higher drug loading. Drug release from glyceride-containing controlled release pellets occurs at a significantly slower rate than from drug-loaded pellets without glycerides. Histological studies after implantation of the pure ceramic pellets and the controlled release pellets into the bone tissue of rats and rabbits are showing a high tissue tolerance and the biodegradability of the implants. However, the glyceride-containing pellets are degraded at a slower rate than the pure ceramic pellets.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Thoma
- Institut für Pharmazie und Lebensmittelchemie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München
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Alex R, De P, De S. Self-vulcanizable ternary rubber blend based on epoxidized natural rubber, carboxylated nitrile rubber and polychloro-prene rubber: 2. Effect of blend ratio and fillers on properties. POLYMER 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/0032-3861(91)90334-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Alex R, Bodmeier R. Encapsulation of water-soluble drugs by a modified solvent evaporation method. I. Effect of process and formulation variables on drug entrapment. J Microencapsul 1990; 7:347-55. [PMID: 2384837 DOI: 10.3109/02652049009021845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoephedrine HCl, a highly water-soluble drug, was entrapped within poly (methyl methacrylate) microspheres by a water/oil/water emulsification-solvent evaporation method. An aqueous drug solution was emulsified into a solution of the polymer in methylene chloride, followed by emulsification of this primary emulsion into an external aqueous phase to form a water/oil/water emulsion. The middle organic phase separated the internal drug-containing aqueous phase from the continuous phase. Microspheres were formed after solvent evaporation and polymer precipitation. The drug content of the microspheres increased with increasing theoretical drug loading, increasing amounts of organic solvent, polymer and polymeric stabilizer, and decreased with increasing stirring time, increasing pH of the continuous phase and increased volume of the internal and external aqueous phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alex
- College of Pharmacy, University of Texas, Austin 78712-1074
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Alex R, De PP, De SK. Self-vulcanizable rubber blend system based on epoxidized natural rubber and carboxylated nitrile rubber. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1989. [DOI: 10.1002/pol.1989.140271003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Randzio J, Permanetter W, Thoma K, Alex R. [Healing and lymphatic or splenic reactions following implantation of a gentamicin-containing tricalcium phosphate drug deposit in animal experiments]. Dtsch Zahnarztl Z 1988; 43:33-6. [PMID: 3165771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Randzio J, Thoma K, Alex R, Rhomberg B. [Healing and pharmacokinetics of a beta-tricalcium phosphate-gentamycin combination in animal studies (preliminary report)]. Dtsch Zahnarztl Z 1985; 40:668-71. [PMID: 3868573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Bryon PA, Descos L, Alex R, Habozit B, Milon H, Pasquier J. [Association of lymph node lymphocytoma and myeloid aplasia]. Lyon Med 1970; 223:1057-60. [PMID: 5467882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Pasquier J, Alex R, Descos L, Duquesnel J, Croisille M, Minh VT. [A case of extensive inferior vena cava thrombosis of probable traumatic origin]. J Radiol Electrol Med Nucl 1969; 50:849. [PMID: 5401350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Alex R, Noel P, Pagnon P. [Apropos of a new injectable corticoid: paramethasone acetate]. Lyon Med 1967; 217:433-9. [PMID: 5600107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Alex R. [The treatment of genital tuberculosis in women]. Ther Ggw 1966; 105:25-38. [PMID: 5950214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Alex R, Robert M. [Apropos of a new anti-inflammatory medication in broncho-pulmonary pathology]. J Med Lyon 1965; 46:1111-6. [PMID: 5888707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Alex R. Die Listeriose. Gynecol Obstet Invest 1964. [DOI: 10.1159/000303881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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