Chiral chromatographic separations based on ligand exchange.

Taking ligand-exchange chromatographic systems as an example, the effect of the stoichiometry of the solute-chiral selector interaction on the efficiency, selectivity and solute peak profile is discussed. Recent achievements and practical applications of chiral ligand-exchange chromatography are also briefly reviewed.

Dendritic cell-based genetic immunization in mice with a recombinant adenovirus encoding murine TRP2 induces effective anti-melanoma immunity.

Background: The induction of cellular immune responses to melanocyte-specific enzymes such as the tyrosinase family of proteins is the goal of various clinical studies for the immunotherapy of melanoma. Tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2) is an attractive model antigen for preclinical studies in C57BL/6 mice because it is naturally expressed by the murine B16 melanoma and can be recognized by self-reactive cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL). Here we describe efforts to develop genetic immunization with dendritic cells (DC) for the immunotherapy of melanoma in this clinically relevant system.

Genetic immunization of mice with human tyrosinase-related protein 2: implications for the immunotherapy of melanoma.

The melanosomal protein TRP2 expressed by melanocytes and most melanoma cells is an attractive, clinically relevant model antigen for the experimental development of melanoma immunotherapy in mice. A peptide shared by murine and human TRP2 can be recognized by melanoma-reactive CTL in C57BL/6 mice, as well as in human melanoma patients. Previous experiments demonstrated that gene gun immunization of mice with plasmid DNA encoding autologous murine TRP2 was unable to induce protective immunity against B16 melanoma cells naturally expressing TRP2.

Efficient transduction of mature CD83+ dendritic cells using recombinant adenovirus suppressed T cell stimulatory capacity.

We have developed a culture method for the foreign serum-free generation of highly immunostimulatory, CD83+ human dendritic cells (DC). In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and consequences of endogenously expressing antigens in mature DC using adenoviral vectors. Transduction of DC with Ad-EGFP demonstrated endogenous fluorescence in 50-85% of CD83+ DC.

Physico-chemical stability of docetaxel premix solution and docetaxel infusion solutions in PVC bags and polyolefine containers.

We assessed the physical and chemical stability of docetaxel infusion solutions. Stability of the antineoplastic drug was determined 1.) after reconstitution of the injection concentrate and 2.

Unilateral absence of the terminal nerve and distribution of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactive neurons in the brain of the common mole-rat (Cryptomys, Rodentia).

A paired terminal nerve with gonadotropin-releasing hormone-immunoreactive (GnRHir) neurons was found in five of six specimens of the Zambian common mole-rat (Cryptomys sp.). In these animals the distribution of GnRHir neurons in the CNS was approximately even on both sides.

DNA immunization targeting the skin: molecular control of adaptive immunity.

DNA-based immunization represents a novel approach for vaccine development. Recombinant DNA techniques are used to clone DNA sequences encoding antigens of choice into eukaryotic expression plasmids, which are readily and economically amplified in bacteria and recovered with a high degree of purity. For immunization, plasmid DNA is either coated onto microscopic gold particles and bombarded into skin using a gene gun or injected into skin or muscle.

Pulmonary nodules: detection with low-dose vs conventional-dose spiral CT.

The purpose of the study was the evaluation of low-dose spiral CT in the detection and assessment of contours of pulmonary nodules. In a prospective investigation 71 consecutive chest CT examinations were acquired both at 30 and 200 mA. Films were interpreted independently by two radiologists.

DNA-strand breaks limit survival in extreme dryness.

The inactivation of the anhydrobiotic organisms Bacillus subtilis (spores) and Deinococcus radiodurans during long-term exposure (up to several weeks) to extreme dryness (especially vacuum) is correlated with an increase in the number of DNA-strand breaks and other DNA lesions. Survival finally depends on the repair of DNA damages. Exposure of anhydrobiotic organisms to extreme dryness (e.