Partnership between academia and industry for drug discovery in Alzheimer's disease.

Drug discovery has traditionally been almost exclusively the purview of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, whereas universities have focused on basic research. However, given the challenges involved in discovering and developing truly effective, symptomatic treatments and disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer's disease, there is a need to reassess this simple division of labor. Whereas each sector is likely to retain a core interest and expertise at either end of the drug discovery spectrum, there is room for closer cooperation at the intersection of the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.

Purification and characterization of follicle-stimulating hormone from pituitary glands of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was purified from pituitaries of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and its biochemical and biological properties were studied. Sea bass FSH (sbsFSH) was purified by ethanol extraction-precipitation (40-85%), followed by anion-exchange chromatography on a LKB Ultropac TSK-DEAE column using a linear gradient of ammonium bicarbonate (50-1000 mM) and reverse phase chromatography on a RESOURCE 15RPC column with a linear gradient of acetonitrile (0-50%), using a FPLC system. The molecular mass of the purified sbsFSH, estimated by mass spectrometry, was of 28.

Transvaginal sonographic evaluation of subendometrial-myometrial contractility in women using a copper-releasing intrauterine device.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a copper-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) on myometrial contractility midway through the menstrual cycle.

Study Design: Uterine peristalsis was studied midway through the cycle with transvaginal sonography in two groups of women, a control group and women in whom a copper-releasing IUD had been inserted.

Results: The results showed that 12 months after insertion, no uterine motility could be detected with sonography in any of the women with an IUD, but motility did occur in all the controls.

Distribution of estrogen receptor 2 mRNAs (Esr2a and Esr2b) in the brain and pituitary of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Three different estrogen receptors (ERs) have been characterized in teleost fish, i.e. Esr1, Esr2a and Esr2b.

Development of DNA aptamers for cytochemical detection of acetylcholine.

This report describes a novel approach to the detection of acetylcholine using DNA aptamers. Aptamers were developed by eight rounds of acetylcholine affinity column chromatography and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Sequences from rounds 5 and 8 were screened by colorimetric enzyme-based microtiter plate assays and found to bind acetylcholine and related compounds, but not unrelated compounds.

Mortality of Indianmeal moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) populations under fluctuating low temperatures: model development and validation.

A model for predicting mortality of Indianmeal moth larvae [Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] under fluctuating low-temperature conditions was developed. The time and temperature combinations required to achieve 100% mortality of field-collected, cold-acclimated P. interpunctella larvae obtained from laboratory mortality experiments were used to develop the mortality model.

Competitive FRET-aptamer-based detection of methylphosphonic acid, a common nerve agent metabolite.

Competitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-aptamer-based assay formats are described for one-step detection of methylphosphonic acid (MPA; a metabolite of several organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents). AminoMPA was attached to tosyl-magnetic beads and used for DNA aptamer selection from which one dominant aptamer sequence emerged. Two different FRET approaches were attempted.

Oxidative stress in primary culture hepatocytes isolated from partially hepatectomized rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of partial hepatectomy prior to cell isolation on hepatocytes in vitro. We characterized the possible changes of various stress oxidative parameters within the first 24 h after seeding. Male Wistar rats served as donors.

Involvement of oxidative stress in the impairment in biliary secretory function induced by intraperitoneal administration of aluminum to rats.

We have shown that aluminum (Al) induces cholestasis associated with multiple alterations in hepatocellular transporters involved in bile secretory function, like Mrp2. This work aims to investigate whether these harmful effects are mediated by the oxidative stress caused by the metal. For this purpose, the capability of the antioxidant agent, vitamin E, to counteract these alterations was studied in male Wistar rats.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and nitric oxide in rat liver regeneration.

In this work we investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the angiogenesis mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during rat liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy. Sham operated (Sh) and partially hepatectomized (PH) male Wistar rats were randomized in three experimental groups: control (treated with vehicle); pre-treated with sodium nitroprusside (SNP: 0.25 mg/kg body weight, i.

Zebrafish: from hematology to hydrology.

Hemostasis is a defense mechanism that protects an organism from bleeding. Abnormal hemostasis results in bleeding disorders and thrombosis. Several factors are known to control hemostasis in mammals.

Molecular characterization and central distribution of the estradiol receptor alpha (ERalpha) in the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Three different estrogen receptors (ERs) have been cloned and characterized in teleosts fish, i.e. ERalpha, ERbeta or ERbeta1 and ERgamma or ERbeta2.

Perspective on everyday technologies for Alzheimer's care: research findings, directions, and challenges.

The Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer's Care (ETAC) initiative was launched by the Alzheimer's Association and Intel Corporation in 2003 to identify and fund promising research in the use of technology--especially information and communication technologies (ICTs)--for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Agilent Technologies joined the initiative in 2005. In October 2006, representatives of the three partners, together with ETAC award grantees, met to review the most recent research, and discuss how current and developing technologies can address growing needs in Alzheimer's care.

Health economics and the value of therapy in Alzheimer's disease.

In increasingly aging societies throughout the developed and developing world, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are fast becoming a critical public health issue, exacting an enormous toll on individuals and healthcare systems. Over the past 10 years, five drugs have been developed and approved for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's dementia, and several disease-modifying drugs are in various stages of clinical development. While symptomatic medications were consistently shown to have clinical benefit in numerous efficacy studies, the cost effectiveness of antidementia therapies and their value to healthcare systems remain unclear.

Molecular characterization of two sea bass gonadotropin receptors: cDNA cloning, expression analysis, and functional activity.

The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing hormone (LH) play central roles in vertebrate reproduction. They act through their cognate receptors to stimulate testicular and ovarian functions. The present study reports the cloning and characterization of two sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) cDNAs encoding a FSH receptor (sbsFSHR) and a LH receptor (sbsLHR).

Hepatitis B virus genotype distribution and its lamivudine-resistant mutants in HIV-coinfected patients with chronic and occult hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes were examined in HIV-infected patients with chronic and occult HBV infection. From a total population of 593 HIV-infected patients, 22 individuals (prevalence 3.7%) were found to be HBsAg while 72 (12.

Isolated oligohydramnios in term pregnancy as an indication for induction of labor.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of active induction of labor for isolated oligohydramnios in low-risk term gestation.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the obstetric and perinatal outcome of 412 singleton term pregnancies with cephalic presentation and no maternal risk factors or fetal abnormalities. Two groups were compared: 206 deliveries after induced labor for isolated oligohydramnios, and 206 deliveries matched for gestational age following spontaneous labor with normal amniotic fluid index.

Molecular characterization and seasonal changes in gonadal expression of a thyrotropin receptor in the European sea bass.

The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a glycoprotein synthesized and secreted from thyrotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland. It acts by binding to and activating its specific receptor, the TSHR, to induce the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. Recent studies conducted in diverse fish species suggest a direct role of TSH on gonadal physiology.

Time-dependent onset of Interferon-alpha2b-induced apoptosis in isolated hepatocytes from preneoplastic rat livers.

We have already demonstrated that interferon alfa-2b (IFN-alpha2b) induces apoptosis in isolated hepatocytes from preneoplastic rat livers via the secretion of transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), and this process is accompanied by caspase-3 activation. The aim of this study was to further investigate the mechanism of this activation. Isolated hepatocytes from preneoplastic livers induced DNA fragmentation in response to IFN-alpha2b, which was completely blocked when anti-TGF-beta(1) was added to the culture media.

Involvement of reactive oxygen species on the apoptotic mechanism induced by IFN-alpha2b in rat preneoplastic liver.

Interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) is an important component in the preventive treatment of patients who have severe hepatic illness such as hepatitis B or C and hepatocarcinomas. In a previous work, using a rat liver preneoplastic model, we have demonstrated that IFN-alpha2b reduces the number and volume of altered hepatic foci (AHF) inducing apoptosis through a mechanism mediated by TGF-beta(1). In this study, the implication of hepatocytes redox status of IFN-alpha2b-treated preneoplastic liver in the TGF-beta(1)-induced apoptotic death was analyzed.

Hepatocytes isolated from preneoplastic rat livers are resistant to ethacrynic acid cytotoxicity.

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, such as several cytostatic drugs, through conjugation with glutathione (GSH). Pi class GST (GST P) liver expression is associated with preneoplastic and neoplastic development and contributes with the drug-resistance phenotype. Ethacrynic acid (EA) is an inhibitor of rat and human GSTs.

Relationship between central corneal thickness and hypotony maculopathy after trabeculectomy.

Purpose: To study the relationship of central corneal thickness and other factors and the development of hypotony maculopathy (HM).

Design: Prospective case-control study.

Participants: Thirteen patients with HM and 25 controls with hypotony (defined as intraocular pressure [IOP] of 6 mmHg or less) without signs of maculopathy after trabeculectomy or combined phacotrabeculectomy.

Game motivated and constraint induced therapy in late stroke with FMRI studies pre and post therapy.

20 patients with stroke more than one year earlier were evaluated, admitted to a novel therapy including constraint-induced and computer game-motivated therapy. Statistically significant improvements after 4 weeks of late therapy were seen in all 20 patients on nine out of eleven quantified clinical evaluation scales. The patients looked forward to and enjoyed the therapy.