Antimicrobial Peptide-Poly(ethylene glycol) Conjugates: Connecting Molecular Architecture, Solution Properties, and Functional Performance.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics for treating infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria; yet, many peptides are limited by toxicity to eukaryotic cells and instability in biological environments. Conjugation to linear polymers that reduce cytotoxicity and improve stability, however, often decreases antimicrobial activity. In this work, we combine the biocompatibility advantages of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with the efficacy merits of nonlinear polymer architectures that accommodate multiple AMPs per molecule.

Coping with Animal Companion Loss: A Thematic Analysis of Pet Bereavement Counselling.

Face-to-face 'Pet Bereavement Counselling' (PBC) has been established in private practice to support bereaved animal companion owners, however, to date no research has been conducted on PBC. This study aimed to contribute to the existing knowledge base on animal companion loss and provide a preliminary research base on the potential salience of PBC. Six qualified and accredited PBC therapists were recruited and took part in semi-structured interviews.

Dual electrochemical and physiological apoptosis assay detection of in vivo generated nickel chloride induced DNA damage in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Environmental nickel exposure is known to cause allergic reactions, respiratory illness, and may be responsible for some forms of cancer in humans. Nematodes are an excellent model organism to test for environmental toxins, as they are prevalent in many different environments. Nickel exposure has previously been shown to impact nematode life processes.

A placebo-controlled trial of a proprietary extract of North American ginseng (CVT-E002) to prevent acute respiratory illness in institutionalized older adults.

Objectives: To compare a proprietary extract of American ginseng, CVT-E002, with placebo in preventing acute respiratory illness (ARI) in an institutional setting during the influenza season.

Design: Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials conducted late in the 2000 (8 week) and 2000-2001 (12 week) influenza seasons.

Setting: Long-term care setting that included nursing home and assisted living at three sites.

Membrane-associated forms of the beta A4 amyloid protein precursor of Alzheimer's disease in human platelet and brain: surface expression on the activated human platelet.

The amyloid protein precursor (APP) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is abundantly expressed in platelets, where its primary function remains undetermined. As an integral transmembrane protein, the release of APP from the membrane may be a critical event in AD. We examined the association of APP with human platelet membranes using a combination of alkali treatment and immunoprecipitation of the carboxyl-terminus of APP.