Tracking the amyloidogenic core of IAPP amyloid fibrils: Insights from micro-Raman spectroscopy.

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is the major protein component of extracellular amyloid deposits, located in the islets of Langerhans, a hallmark of type II diabetes. The underlying mechanisms of IAPP aggregation have not yet been clearly defined, although the highly amyloidogenic sequence of the protein has been extensively studied. Several segments have been highlighted as aggregation-prone regions (APRs), with much attention focused on the central 8-17 and 20-29 stretches.

Prognostic value of EZH2, paxillin expression and DNA ploidy of breast adenocarcinoma: correlation to pathologic predictors.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the association of EZH2 and paxillin expression and DNA ploidy status with pathological parameters of breast cancer, aiming to correlate tumor phenotype with its malignant behavior.

Methods: EZH2 and paxillin expression and DNA ploidy were evaluated in imprint smear samples obtained from 105 breast tumors after surgical removal.

Results: Increased expression of paxillin was associated with p53 expression (p=0.

Secondary structure of chorion proteins of the Lepidoptera Pericallia ricini and Ariadne merione by ATR FT-IR and micro-Raman spectroscopy.

The gross morphological features of the eggs and eggshells (chorions) of two Lepidoptera species, Pericallia ricini and Ariadne merione were revealed for the first time by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These two insect pests are extremely serious threats for many crops, mainly in India, but also in several other regions of the world. Micro-Raman and ATR FT-IR spectroscopy were also applied to study in detail the secondary structure of the eggshell (chorion) proteins of these Lepidoptera species.

Complexation of lysozyme with poly(sodium(sulfamate-carboxylate)isoprene).

The complexation between hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and a novel pH-sensitive and intrinsically hydrophobic polyelectrolyte poly(sodium(sulfamate-carboxylate)isoprene) (SCPI), was investigated by means of dynamic, static, and electrophoretic light scattering and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements. The complexation process was studied at both pH 7 and 3 (high and low charge density of the SCPI, respectively) and under low ionic strength conditions for two polyelectrolyte samples of different molecular weights. The solution behavior, structure, and effective charge of the formed complexes proved to be dependent on the pH, the [-]/[+] charge ratio, and the molecular weight of the polyelectrolyte.

Non-contact detection of ciprofloxacin in a model anterior chamber using Raman spectroscopy.

We examine the application of an improved noncontact and noninvasive Raman spectroscopic technique in measuring medicines at therapeutic concentrations in a model system mimicking the anterior chamber of the eye. A 90-deg laser Raman scattering geometry is employed to reduce the direct exposure of the basic cordial ocular tissues to the laser beam and increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the spectra. The technique is applied to a commercially available artificial anterior chamber (AAC) fitted with corneas of porcine eyes.