Oriented display of HIV-1 Env trimers by a novel coupling strategy enhances B cell activation and phagocytosis.

Introduction: Conformationally stabilized Env trimers have been developed as antigens for the induction of neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1. However, the non-glycosylated immunodominant base of these soluble antigens may compete with the neutralizing antibody response. This has prompted attempts to couple Env trimers to organic or inorganic nanoparticles with the base facing towards the carrier.

Bind&Bite: covalently stabilized heterodimeric coiled-coil peptides for the site-selective, cysteine-free chemical modification of proteins.

Ensuring site-selectivity in covalent chemical modification of proteins is one of the major challenges in chemical biology and related biomedical disciplines. Most current strategies either utilize the selectivity of proteases, or are based on reactions involving the thiol groups of cysteine residues. We have modified a pair of heterodimeric coiled-coil peptides to enable the selective covalent stabilization of the dimer without using enzymes or cysteine moieties.

Development of a Testing Funnel for Identification of Small-Molecule Modulators Targeting Secretin Receptors.

The secretin receptor (SCTR), a prototypical class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), exerts its effects mainly by activating Gαs proteins upon binding of its endogenous peptide ligand secretin. SCTRs can be found in a variety of tissues and organs across species, including the pancreas, stomach, liver, heart, lung, colon, kidney, and brain. Beyond that, modulation of SCTR-mediated signaling has therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple diseases, such as heart failure, obesity, and diabetes.

Synthesis of Novel Hybrids of Quinazoline and Artemisinin with High Activities against , Human Cytomegalovirus, and Leukemia Cells.

Many quinazoline derivatives have been synthesized over the last few decades with great pharmacological potential, such as antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiviral. But so far, no quinazoline-artemisinin hybrids have been reported in the literature. In the present study, five novel quinazoline-artemisinin hybrids were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro biological activity against malarial parasites ( 3D7), leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM and CEM/ADR5000), and human cytomegalovirus.

The developing role of transition to practice programs for newly graduated mental health nurses.

A number of significant challenges face graduate mental health nurses entering the workforce. In response, Transition to Practice programs have been promoted as a potential strategy for improving recruitment and retention within the mental health system. This review explores the experience of transition for mental health nurse graduates and identifies key aspects of Transition to Practice programs that facilitate the transition to practising professional.

Possible implications of MCAM expression in metastasis and non-metastatic of primary uveal melanoma patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the expression of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) as prognostic factor in uveal melanoma patients.

Methods: Paraffin sections from 35 primary uveal melanomas were analyzed immunhistochemically for the expression of MCAM. Further known prognostic factors such as cell type, ciliary body invasion, tumor stage, and local extension were evaluated.

Current and future therapies for age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness, with an increasing incidence as the elderly population expands.

Objective: In this article we review current therapeutic strategies and discuss possible future targets.

Methods: A review of the literature and ongoing clinical trials was undertaken.

Full macular translocation (FMT) versus photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 2-year results of a prospective, controlled, randomised pilot trial (FMT-PDT).

Background: To report the outcome of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), near visual acuity (NVA), contrast sensitivity (CS) and vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in patients 2 years after undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT) or full macular translocation (FMT) for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Fifty patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to AMD were randomized to PDT or FMT. BCVA was determined according a standardized protocol with ETDRS charts.

Intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion: one-year results.

Purpose: To report on the anatomic and visual acuity response after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in patients with macular edema due to non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods: In a retrospective study, 21 consecutive patients (21 eyes) with non-ischemic CRVO underwent, on average, 3.7 intravitreal bevacizumab injections (1.

[Vitreal-induced RPE cell traction. Investigation of pathological vitreous samples in an in vitro contraction model].

Background: The aim of this study was to quantify the contraction of retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE) induced by bioactive factors in pathological vitreous samples.

Material And Methods: Using an in vitro contraction assay, the contraction-stimulating activity of vitreous samples of different vitreoretinal pathologies was evaluated. Transdifferentiated porcine RPE cells were placed on hemispherical type I collagen gel.

Treatment of chronic ocular hypotony with intraocular application of sodium hyaluronate.

Aim: The aim of the study was to report the functional and morphological outcome of intraocular injection of sodium hyaluronate for treatment of chronic ocular hypotony (COH).

Methods: We reviewed the digital chart records of patients with COH who had received one or more injections of intravitreal or intracameral sodium hyaluronate (1.4% or 2.

Bevacizumab as adjuvant for neovascular glaucoma.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the longterm effects of intraocular bevacizumab (Avastin) injections as adjuvant treatment in patients with neovascular glaucoma.

Methods: Twenty eyes of 18 consecutive patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 7), ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (n = 7), ischaemic ophthalmopathy (n = 2) and retinal ischaemia resulting from persistent detachment (n = 2) were treated with intraocular bevacizumab injections (1.25 mg/0.

Visualization of circulating melanoma cells in peripheral blood of patients with primary uveal melanoma.

Purpose: In patients with uveal melanoma, tumor cell dissemination and subsequent formation of metastases are confined mainly to the hematogenous route. Here, we sought to isolate circulating melanoma cells in peripheral blood of patients with primary uveal melanoma and clinically localized disease.

Experimental Design: Blood samples from 52 patients with clinically localized uveal melanoma and from 20 control individuals were prospectively collected before therapy of the primary tumor.

The effects of triamcinolone crystals on retinal function in a model of isolated perfused vertebrate retina.

A good clinical experience of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) has been reported in several studies, but there are growing indications that epiretinal crystals of TA exhibit retinal toxicity. To investigate the effects of TA on retinal function we used a model of an electrophysiological in vitro technique for testing retinal toxicity. Isolated bovine retinas were perfused with an oxygen saturated nutrient solution.

Electrophysiological effects of Brilliant Blue G in the model of the isolated perfused vertebrate retina.

Background: To facilitate epiretinal or inner limiting membrane peeling dyes like Indocyanine Green (ICG) as well as Trypan Blue (TB) were used so far. However, toxic effects on the retina were described for both dyes. The aim of our study was to investigate the retinal tolerance to the new dye Brilliant Blue G (BBG), which implies a possibly more favorable biocompatibility.

An action research protocol to strengthen system-wide inter-professional learning and practice [LP0775514].

Background: Inter-professional learning (IPL) and inter-professional practice (IPP) are thought to be critical determinants of effective care, improved quality and safety and enhanced provider morale, yet few empirical studies have demonstrated this. Whole-of-system research is even less prevalent. We aim to provide a four year, multi-method, multi-collaborator action research program of IPL and IPP in defined, bounded health and education systems located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Safety monitoring in bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment: retinal function assessed by psychophysical (visual fields, colour vision) and electrophysiological (ERG/EOG) tests in two subgroups of patients.

Background: Bevacizumab (Avastin) has been used as off-label treatment for the specific inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Although only intravenous administration of the drug is approved in combination therapy of colorectal carcinoma, promising short-term results have been reported about its intravitreal administration. However, VEGF is also known to exhibit neurotrophic capabilities.

The retinal tolerance to bevacizumab in co-application with a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

Aim: To investigate the retinal toxicity of bevacizumab in co-application with a commercially available recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and to facilitate a new therapeutic concept in the treatment of massive subretinal haemorrhage caused by neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Isolated bovine retinas were perfused with an oxygen-preincubated nutrient solution. The electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded as a transretinal potential using Ag/AgCl electrodes.

Internal limiting membrane peeling with indocyanine green or trypan blue in macular hole surgery: a randomized trial.

Objective: To report on anatomical and visual outcomes after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole repair.

Methods: Forty patients with stage II to IV idiopathic macular holes were randomly assigned (1:1) in a 2-arm, single-center, randomized controlled . Internal limiting membrane delamination was performed using indocyanine green (ICG) solution (n = 20) or trypan blue (TB) (n = 20).

Inner limiting membrane as membranous support in RPE sheet-transplantation.

Purpose: To investigate the inner limiting membrane as a scaffold for retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE).

Methods: Human donor eyes (n = 10) from the Eye Bank Tübingen were used to collect the inner limiting membrane (ILM). These human donor eyes and additional porcine eyes (n = 11) served to isolate RPE cells.

Pharmacological prevention of radiation-induced dry eye-an experimental study in a rabbit model.

Purpose: To evaluate the radioprotective effect of lidocaine, amifostine and pilocarpine on lacrimal glands.

Methods: Twenty-five rabbits were randomized into five groups: the control, irradiated/sham-treated, irradiated/lidocaine-pretreated, irradiated/amifostine-pretreated and irradiated/pilocarpine-pretreated groups. One week before irradiation, 72 h and 1 month afterward, the inferior lacrimal gland was investigated histomorphologically, immunohistochemically [tenascin-C and alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)] and functionally using scintigraphy and the Schirmer test.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva with orbital invasion: orbital exenteration or minimally invasive procedure?].

Background: Here we present a case of a female patient with squamous cell carcinoma with orbital invasion who insisted on a globe-sparing excisional biopsy rather than a more invasive procedure.

Case: A 48-year-old patient presented with a conjunctival tumor at the medial canthus of the right eye. The visual acuity in this eye was 1.

Nurse managers in Australia: mentoring, leadership and career progression.

Identification of those leadership qualities which nurses believe led to their successful attainment of a nursing management position may help in understanding how to identify and foster leadership potential amongst nursing staff. This study asked nurse managers to indicate the important factors which influenced and facilitated their entry to management positions with a particular reference to the development of leadership characteristics. The results suggest that the leadership qualities we expect nurse managers to display evolve in a largely random way.

Profile of first-line nurse managers in New South Wales, Australia, in the 1990s.

Aims: To determine a demographic profile, employment history and career plans of a sample of nursing unit managers (first-line managers) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia in 1999. To compare the profile of first-line nurse managers in 1999 with those in 1989.

Background: This study replicates another undertaken a decade earlier (see Duffield 1992).

[The parameters of image quality of a novel ultra high resolution film-screen system].

A film/screen system is described where the light emission of the intensifying screen is in the UV, which is more efficiently absorbed by the film, and hence print-through is virtually eliminated. In addition, because of significantly higher UV absorption within the screen, MTF is superior to conventional systems based on visible light. Thus the overall UV film/screen system has imaging efficiency and quality, as measured by the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) and the Noise Equivalent Quantum Efficiency (NEQ), with superior characteristics to those of conventional systems.