Solid-Phase Synthesis of Caged Luminescent Peptides via Side Chain Anchoring.

The synthesis of caged luminescent peptide substrates remains challenging, especially when libraries of the substrates are required. Most currently available synthetic methods rely on a solution-phase approach, which is less suited for parallel synthesis purposes. We herein present a solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) method for the synthesis of caged aminoluciferin peptides via side chain anchoring of the P residue.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Glycosyl Luciferins.

Measuring glycosidase activity is important to monitor any aberrations in carbohydrate hydrolase activity, but also for the screening of potential glycosidase inhibitors. To this end, synthetic substrates are needed which provide an enzyme-dependent read-out upon hydrolysis by the glycosidase. Herein, we present two new routes for the synthesis of caged luminescent carbohydrates, which can be used for determining glycosidase activity with a luminescent reporter molecule.

Activity Sensing of Coagulation and Fibrinolytic Proteases.

The blood coagulation cascade is a complex physiological process involving the action of multiple coupled enzymes, cofactors, and substrates, ultimately leading to clot formation. Serine proteases have a crucial role, and aberrations in their activity can lead to life-threatening bleeding disorders and thrombosis. This review summarizes the essential proteases involved in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, the endogenous peptide sequences they recognize and hydrolyze, and synthetic peptide probes based on these sequences to measure their activity.

Readily Accessible Strained Difunctionalized trans-Cyclooctenes with Fast Click and Release Capabilities.

The click reaction between a functionalized trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and a tetrazine (Tz) is a compelling method for bioorthogonal conjugation in combination with payload releasing capabilities. However, the synthesis of difunctionalized TCOs remains challenging. As a result, these compounds are poorly accessible, which impedes the development of novel applications.

Investigation of in vitro histone H3 glycosylation using H3 tail peptides.

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on histone tails regulate eukaryotic gene expression by impacting the chromatin structure and by modulating interactions with other cellular proteins. One such PTM has been identified as serine and threonine glycosylation, the introduction of the ß-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) moiety on histone H3 tail at position Ser10 and Thr32. The addition of the ß-O-GlcNAc moiety on serine or threonine residues is facilitated by the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), and can be removed by the action of O-GlcNAcase (OGA).

Luminescent Assay for the Screening of SARS-CoV-2 M Inhibitors.

Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 millions of infections have been reported globally. The viral chymotrypsin-like main protease (M ) exhibits a crucial role in viral replication and represents a relevant target for antiviral drug development. In order to screen potential M inhibitors we developed a luminescent assay using a peptide based probe containing a cleavage site specific for M .

A Revised Modular Approach to (-)--Δ-THC and Derivatives Through Late-Stage Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions.

A revised modular approach to various synthetic (-)--Δ-THC derivatives through late-stage Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions is disclosed. Ten derivatives were synthesized allowing both sp- and sp-hybridized cross-coupling partners with minimal β-hydride elimination. Importantly, we demonstrate that a -bromo-substituted THC scaffold for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions has been initially reported incorrectly in recent literature.

Rapid tests and transfusion safety in Niamey, Niger.

To evaluate the virological safety of blood components provided by the Niamey blood transfusion center after undergoing rapid tests. Samples found negative with rapid tests (n = 222) were screened by the Abbott Prism assay. Positive samples were confirmed by appropriate methods.

Knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice of blood products prescribers in Niamey.

Aim Of The Study: The lack of traceability and monitoring of blood donors and transfused patients constitute a barrier to the most basic rules of haemovigilance and overall good transfusion practices. This study draws up an inventory of knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice of blood prescribers in Niamey.

Materials And Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 180 prescribers of blood products in Niamey in 2011.

Small bowel involvement documented by capsule endoscopy in Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a small and medium vessel vasculitis and is also known as allergic granulomatous angiitis. Gastrointestinal involvement is common in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome (20-50%). The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhoea and occasionally gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation.

[Seroprevalence of infectious markers among blood donors in Niamey (Niger)].

Background: The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted infectious (TTI) markers for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) and syphilis among blood donors in Niamey (Niger). The association between seroprevalence of ITT markers and sociodemographic characteristics of blood donors was investigated.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 among 3213 blood donors.

Hemocompatibility and biofunctionality of two poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethyleneglycol) copolymers.

To mask the antigenic sites of cells for cell therapies, especially for blood transfusion, we investigated the hemocompatibility of two poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-poly(ethyleneglycol) compared with that of the homopolymer without PEG. Our strategy relies on the potential ability of these copolymers to self-assemble at the erythrocyte surface. The cationic sequence of the copolymer should be able to interact with the glycocalyx by ionic interaction.

Guidelines for the transfusion of red cells.

The following recommendations, which aim at standardising and rationalising clinical indications for the transfusion of red cells in Belgium, were drawn up by a working group of the Superior Health Council. To this end, the Superior Health Council organised an expert meeting devoted to "Guidelines for the transfusion of red cells" in collaboration with the Belgian Hematological Society. The experts discussed the indications for red cell transfusions, the ideal red cell concentrate, the practical issues of administering red cells, and red cell transfusions in patients in a critical condition.

Guidelines for the transfusion of platelets.

Recommendations aiming at standardising and rationalising clinical indications for the transfusion of platelets in Belgium were drawn up by a working group of the Superior Health Council. To this end the Superior Health Council organised an expert meeting devoted to "Guidelines for the transfusion of platelets" in collaboration with the Belgian Hematological Society. The experts discussed the indications for platelet transfusions, the ideal platelet concentrate and the optimal platelet transfusion therapy.

[Long term results of treatment of hemorrhagic radiation proctitis by argon plasma coagulation].

Aim: To assess long term results of argon plasma coagulation (APC) treatment in hemorrhagic radiation proctitis.

Methods: Thirty patients treated with APC in 2 departments were enrolled. In 16 patients, APC was the first treatment used.

[Analysis of 516 reports of reactions after the transfusion of labile blood products].

Background: In order to assess the implemented preventive measures of transfusion reactions (TR) and to make a study of residual reactions, we analyzed 516 TR reports from 14 hospitals, for three years since 1996 to 1998.

Methods: Clinical signs were classified according to seven etiologic categories. Systematic anti-erythrocyte and anti-leucocyte detection, as well as bacterial control of the returned bag were performed.

[The Hemovigilance Commission of the University Hospital Center].

As suggested by the National Blood Council, a Hemovigilance Committee was set up in the University Hospital of Liège in 1995. A multidisciplinary discussion takes place on any action aiming at the improvement of transfusion safety, and the follow-up of its implementation. The first issue to be discussed was the set up of a detailed documentation of all blood transfusions.