Stereoisomer-Dependent Membrane Association and Capacity for Insulin Delivery Facilitated by Penetratin.

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), such as penetratin, are often investigated as drug delivery vectors and incorporating d-amino acids, rather than the natural l-forms, to enhance proteolytic stability could improve their delivery efficiency. The present study aimed to compare membrane association, cellular uptake, and delivery capacity for all-l and all-d enantiomers of penetratin (PEN) by using different cell models and cargos. The enantiomers displayed widely different distribution patterns in the examined cell models, and in Caco-2 cells, quenchable membrane binding was evident for d-PEN in addition to vesicular intracellular localization for both enantiomers.

F-substituted amino acids as an alternative to fluorophore labels: monitoring of degradation and cellular uptake of analogues of penetratin by F NMR.

Current methods for assessment of cellular uptake of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) often rely on detection of fluorophore-labeled CPPs. However, introduction of the fluorescent probe often confers changed physicochemical properties, so that the fluorophore-CPP conjugate may exhibit cytotoxic effects and membrane damage not exerted by the native CPP. In the present study, introduction of fluorine probes was investigated as an alternative to fluorophore labeling of a CPP, since this only confers minor changes to its overall physicochemical properties.

Adherence to preventive swallowing exercises for head and neck cancer patients undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy treatment.

In recent years, preventive swallowing exercises have been investigated as a means to limit dysphagia in head and neck cancer patients. However, adherence to exercise regimes has been poorly documented limiting the conclusions drawn on the effects of the interventions. We investigated adherence to a preventive swallowing exercise program and identified possible associations between adherence and four selected baseline factors: HPV status, partner status, concomitant chemotherapy and tumor site and between adherence to swallowing exercises and attendance to supervised training sessions.

Stereochemistry as a determining factor for the effect of a cell-penetrating peptide on cellular viability and epithelial integrity.

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise efficient peptide-based delivery vectors. Owing to the inherent poor enzymatic stability of peptides, CPPs displaying partial or full replacement of l-amino acids with the corresponding d-amino acids might possess advantages as delivery vectors. Thus, the present study aims to elucidate the membrane- and metabolism-associated effects of l-Penetratin (l-PEN) and its corresponding all-d analog (d-PEN).

Fluorophore labeling of a cell-penetrating peptide significantly alters the mode and degree of biomembrane interaction.

The demand for highly efficient macromolecular drugs, used in the treatment of many severe diseases, is continuously increasing. However, the hydrophilic character and large molecular size of these drugs significantly limit their ability to permeate across cellular membranes and thus impede the drugs in reaching their target sites in the body. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have gained attention as promising drug excipients, since they can facilitate drug permeation across cell membranes constituting a major biological barrier.

Teaching Responsible Research and Innovation: A Phronetic Perspective.

Across the European research area and beyond, efforts are being mobilized to align research and innovation processes and products with societal values and needs, and to create mechanisms for inclusive priority setting and knowledge production. A central concern is how to foster a culture of "Responsible Research and Innovation" (RRI) among scientists and engineers. This paper focuses on RRI teaching at higher education institutions.

Cellular Effects and Delivery Propensity of Penetratin Is Influenced by Conjugation to Parathyroid Hormone Fragment 1-34 in Synergy with pH.

The cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) penetratin has demonstrated potential as a carrier for transepithelial delivery of cargo peptides, such as the therapeutically relevant part of parathyroid hormone, i.e., PTH(1-34).

Fluorophore labeling of a cell-penetrating peptide induces differential effects on its cellular distribution and affects cell viability.

Cell-penetrating peptides constitute efficient delivery vectors, and studies of their uptake and mechanism of translocation typically involve fluorophore-labeled conjugates. In the present study, the influence of a number of specific fluorophores on the physico-chemical properties and uptake-related characteristics of penetratin were studied. An array of seven fluorophores belonging to distinct structural classes was examined, and the impact of fluorophore labeling on intracellular distribution and cytotoxicity was correlated to the physico-chemical properties of the conjugates.

Dysphagia training after head and neck cancer fails to follow legislation and national recommendations.

Introduction: Dysphagia is a known sequela after head and neck cancer (HNC) and causes malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia and a reduced quality of life. Due to improved survival rates, the number of patients with sequelae is increasing. Evidence on the ideal HNC-specific rehabilitation of dysphagia is lacking, but several studies indicate that early initiation is crucial.

Human urinary excretion and metabolism of (82)Se-enriched selenite and selenate determined by LC-ICP-MS.

Urinary excretion of selenium after ingestion of isotope labeled selenite and selenate was studied in seven healthy volunteers, 4 men and 3 women (age 28-50 years). An aqueous solution containing 330 μL (82)Se-selenate (corresponding to 74.3 μg (82)Se) was given orally and urine samples were subsequently collected during the following 24 hours.

Reliability of knee joint range of motion and circumference measurements after total knee arthroplasty: does tester experience matter?

Background And Purpose: Two of the most utilized outcome measures to assess knee joint range of motion (ROM) and intra-articular effusion are goniometry and circumference, respectively. Neither goniometry nor circumference of the knee joint have been examined for both intra-tester and inter-tester in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the intra-tester and inter-tester reliability of active and passive knee joint ROM and circumference in patients with TKA when administered by physiotherapists (testers) with different clinical experience.