In vitro Selection of DNA Aptamers to Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Aptamer probes for specific recognition of glioblastoma multiforme were generated using a repetitive and broad cell-SELEX-based procedure without negative selection. The 454 sequencing technology was used to monitor SELEX, and bioinformatics tools were used to identify aptamers from high throughput data. A group of aptamers were generated that can bind to target cells specifically with dissociation constants (K(d)) in the nanomolar range.

Capturing cancer cells using aptamer-immobilized square capillary channels.

We report a simple square capillary-based cell affinity chromatography device that utilizes a coating of aptamers for selective capture of target cancer cells from a flowing suspension. The device consists of a square capillary with an inner diameter of roughly five cell diameters, connected via Teflon tubing to a syringe. Aptamers are immobilized on the inner surface of the capillary through biotin-avidin chemistry, the extent of which can be controlled by adjusting the aptamer concentration.

Recent developments in the use of γ-H2AX as a quantitative DNA double-strand break biomarker.

The past year has seen considerable developments in the use of the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to evaluate genome alterations in cells undergoing a variety of genotoxic stresses in vitro and in vivo. When the γ-H2AX foci which mark the DSBs are stained, individual breaks are detectible, making the assay suitable for situations requiring great sensitivity. While the methods for the detection of γ-H2AX foci are still evolving, particularly for in vivo detection, the basic assay has proven to be useful in several diverse areas of research.

Hypothermia postpones DNA damage repair in irradiated cells and protects against cell killing.

Hibernation is an established strategy used by some homeothermic organisms to survive cold environments. In true hibernation, the core body temperature of an animal may drop to below 0°C and metabolic activity almost cease. The phenomenon of hibernation in humans is receiving renewed interest since several cases of victims exhibiting core body temperatures as low as 13.

Micellization and solubilization of a model hydrophobic drug nimesulide in aqueous salt solutions of Tetronic T904.

The micellar and phase behavior of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide branched octablock copolymer Tetronic T 904 (hereafter written as T904) in water and NaCl solutions was examined. The copolymer shows a cloud point (CP) ranging from 74-65°C in the concentration range of 1-10% and forms aggregates (micelles) with a hydrodynamic diameter around 10-12nm in the temperature range 30-40°C. Stable, bluish solutions containing aggregates of variable size (several hundred nm in some cases) were observed even at temperatures much less than the critical micellization temperature (CMT=30°C for a 2% solution in water).

The suboptimal role of optical coherence tomography in diagnosing choroidal metastasis in the macula.

Purpose: To describe the clinical, optical coherence tomography, and echographic findings of a choroidal metastasis in the macula. An initial, erroneous diagnosis of a serous pigment epithelial detachment of the macula had been based on ophthalmoscopic and optical coherence tomography findings.

Methods: Case report of a patient with blurred vision in one eye and presumed serous pigment epithelial detachment.

Aptamers recognizing glycosylated hemagglutinin expressed on the surface of vaccinia virus-infected cells.

Traditional methods for detection and identification of pathogenic viruses or bacteria tend to be slow and cumbersome. We have developed aptamer probes with the capacity to rapidly detect the presence of viral infection with specificity and sensitivity. Vaccinia virus (VV) was chosen as the model because it is closely related to variola virus that causes smallpox.

Reversal of tachycardiomyopathy due to left atrial tachycardia by ivabradine.

Ivabradine has been shown to be effective in reducing sinus rate. Here we report of a case where ivabradine reduced the rate of a focal atrial tachycardia relieving patient's symptoms and reversing tachycardiomyopathy.

Downregulation of cyclin D1 is associated with decreased levels of p38 MAP kinases, Akt/PKB and Pak1 during chemopreventive effects of resveratrol in liver cancer cells.

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin with antioxidant activity. The chemopreventive effects of resveratrol against various types of cancer are well known, though the underlying molecular mechanisms of its action are still not identified. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a one of the most lethal malignancies and there is no effective treatment till date.

In vivo expression of MHC class I genes depends on the presence of a downstream barrier element.

Regulation of MHC class I gene expression is critical to achieve proper immune surveillance. In this work, we identify elements downstream of the MHC class I promoter that are necessary for appropriate in vivo regulation: a novel barrier element that protects the MHC class I gene from silencing and elements within the first two introns that contribute to tissue specific transcription. The barrier element is located in intergenic sequences 3' to the polyA addition site.

Generating aptamers for recognition of virus-infected cells.

Background: The development of molecular probes capable of recognizing virus-infected cells is essential to meet the serious clinical, therapeutic, and national-security challenges confronting virology today. We report the development of DNA aptamers as probes for the selective targeting of virus-infected living cells.

Methods: To create aptamer probes capable of recognizing virus-infected cells, we used cell-SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands via exponential enrichment), which uses intact infected live cells as targets for aptamer selection.

Molecular recognition of acute myeloid leukemia using aptamers.

Cell surface proteins can play important roles in cancer pathogenesis. Comprehensive understanding of the surface protein expression patterns of tumor cells and, consequently, the pathogenesis of tumor cells depends on molecular probes against these proteins. To be used effectively for tumor diagnosis, classification and therapy, such probes would be capable of specific binding to targeted tumor cells.

Imiquimod 5% cream as adjunctive therapy for primary, solitary, nodular nasal basal cell carcinomas before Mohs micrographic surgery: a randomized, double blind, vehicle-controlled study.

Background: Imiquimod 5% cream is currently approved for treatment of nonfacial, superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Topical imiquimod might be a reasonable candidate for adjunctive therapy of nodular, nasal BCCs before Mohs surgery.

Objective: To observe the effectiveness of imiquimod 5% cream in reducing the number of Mohs stages, defect size, cost of Mohs surgery, and reconstruction.

Significant improvements in self-reported gastrointestinal tolerability, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and adherence with lopinavir/ritonavir tablet formulation compared with soft gel capsules.

Background: The tablet formulation of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r; Kaletra) has many advantages over the soft gel capsule (SGC) formulation, including lower pill count, no refrigeration requirement, and no dietary restrictions. These advantages may help improve patient compliance and therefore increase adherence to treatment. However, there are limited data regarding patient preferences and only recently was the comparative efficacy and tolerability data of LPV/r SGC versus tablet formulation presented at an international conference.

Using aptamers to study protein-protein interactions.

The emerging science of systems biology focuses on the systematic study of complex interactions in whole biological systems. A systemic, or integrative, methodology is employed as the chief means of discovering new properties and understanding the aggregate of processes that occur in a biological system. Accordingly, the Human Genome Project has provided a complete map of genes and resultant proteins corresponding to their function.

Subclinical hypovitaminosis D among exclusively breastfed young infants.

Objective: To determine Vitamin D status of mother-newborn diads at birth and of their exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants at 3 months.

Design: Longitudinal study.

Methods: Exclusively breastfed infants born at term with birth weight > 2.

Posterior mediastinal liposarcoma simulating a lung mass: an unusual case report.

Liposarcomas constitute approximately 15% of all sarcomas among the mesenchymal neoplasms. They usually arise in the lower extremities or in the retroperitoneum but have been reported in sites such as abdomen, vulva and buttocks. Primary mediastinal liposarcomas are rare with less than 100 cases reported worldwide so far.

Electron microscopic investigation of the lens capsule and conjunctival tissues in individuals with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Purpose: To determine the presence of pseudoexfoliative material in the unaffected eyes of patients with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Design: Prospective observational case series.

Participants: Thirty-two consecutive patients with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome, undergoing routine cataract surgery.

Subluxation of suture-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses a clinicopathologic study.

Purpose: To report the occurrence of subluxation of suture-fixated posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lenses (IOL) and elucidate the mechanisms involved.

Design: Prospective clinicopathologic study.

Participants: A single 10-0 Prolene suture explanted from a patient who experienced subluxation of his PC-IOL, 11.

Overexpression of cyclin D1 is associated with elevated levels of MAP kinases, Akt and Pak1 during diethylnitrosamine-induced progressive liver carcinogenesis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-factorial and multi-step process. However, the molecular mechanisms, which play a pivotal role during progressive development of HCC, are not known. Accordingly Sprague-Dawley rats were administered diethylnitrosamine (DEN) for one to three months in order to understand the molecular alterations during progressive development of liver tumor.

Long-term monitoring of radioactivity in surface air and deposition in New York State.

Gross-beta activities have been determined weekly for 22 y from filtered atmospheric aerosols at seven sites in New York State. The activities, ranging from 0.1 to 0.

Emotional distress and quality of life in caregivers of patients awaiting lung transplant.

Objective: The aims of this study are to characterize the levels of emotional distress and quality of life among caregivers of lung transplant candidates and to examine the relation of coping styles and perceived caregiver burden to caregivers' self-reported emotional distress.

Methods: A consecutive series of primary caregivers of potential lung transplant candidates completed a battery of psychosocial measures, including the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), Scale for Caregiver Burden (SCB), and Medical Outcomes Survey, Short Form-36 (SF-36).

Results: Only 12 of the 82 caregivers (14.