Supramolecular insulin assembly II for a sustained treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a chronic disease requiring continuous medical supervision and patient education to prevent acute secondary complications. In this study, we have harnessed the inherent property of insulin to aggregate into an oligomeric intermediate on the pathway to amyloid formation, to generate a form that exhibits controlled and sustained release for extended periods. Administration of a single dose of the insulin oligomer, defined here as the supramolecular insulin assembly II (SIA-II), to experimental animals rendered diabetic by streptozotocin or alloxan, released the hormone capable of maintaining physiologic glucose levels for > 120 days for bovine and > 140 days for recombinant human insulin without fasting hypoglycemia. Moreover, the novel SIA-II described here not only improved the glycemic control, but also reduced the extent of secondary diabetic complications.

LIBS Based Screening of Glycemic Elements of Ficus religiosa

The effectiveness of various trace element concentrations in medicinal plants in the cure of various diseases can be determined by their quantitative estimation. Elemental concentrations of aqueous extract of F. religiosa leaves were measured by Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). LIBS is a very powerful and efficient analytical tool for determining elemental constitution. The present study deals with the LIBS-based validation of elements responsible for the glycemic potential of aqueous extract of F. religiosa leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic models. The significant decrease in blood glucose level and marked improvement in glucose tolerance test of diabetic models is correlated to the concentration of elements present in the extract as revealed by LIBS spectra. Elements such as Mg and Ca have been observed in the LIBS spectra of F. religiosa.

Estimation of the shear transformation zone size fin a bulk metallic glass through statistical a analysis of the first pop-in stresses during spherical nanoindentation

The size of the shear transformation zone (STZ) that initiates the elastic to plastic transition in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass was estimated by conducting a statistical analysis of the first pop-in event during spherical nanoindentation. A series of experiments led us to a successful description of the distribution of shear strength for the transition and its dependence on the loading rate. From the activation volume determined by statistical analysis the STZ size was estimated based on a cooperative shearing model. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Indentation size effect and shear transformation zone size in a bulk metallic glass in two different structural states

The existence of an indentation size effect (ISE) in the onset of yield in a Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) is investigated by employing spherical-tip nanoindentation experiments. Statistically significant data on the load at which the first pop-in in the displacement occurs were obtained for three different tip radii and in two different structural states (as-cast and structurally relaxed) of the BMG. Hertzian contact mechanics were employed to convert the pop-in loads to the maximum shear stress underneath the indenter. Results establish the existence of an ISE in the BMG of both structural states, with shear yield stress increasing with decreasing tip radius. Structural relaxation was found to increase the yield stress and decrease the variability in the data, indicating ``structural homogenization'' with annealing. Statistical analysis of the data was employed to estimate the shear transformation zone (STZ) size. Results of this analysis indicate an STZ size of similar to 25 atoms, which increases to similar to 34 atoms upon annealing. These observations are discussed in terms of internal structure changes that occur during structural relaxation and their interaction with the stressed volumes in spherical indentation of a metallic glass. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On mechanical properties of metallic glass and its liquid vitrification characteristics

A systematic survey of the available data such as elastic constants, density, molar mass, and glass transition temperature of 45 metallic glasses is conducted. It is found that a critical strain controlling the onset of plastic deformation is material-independent. However, the correlation between elastic constants of solid glass and vitrification characteristics of its liquid does not follow a simple linear relation, and a characteristic volume, viz. molar volume, maybe relating to the characteristic size of a shear transformation zone (STZ), should be involved.

Mechanisms Responsible for the Trophic Effect of Beta-Adrenoceptors on the I-to Current Density in Type 1 Diabetic Rat Cardiomyocytes

Background/Aims: In diabetic ventricular myocytes, transient outward potassium current (I-to) amplitude is severely reduced because of the impaired catecholamine release that characterizes diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Sympathetic nervous system exhibits a trophic effect on I-to since incubation of myocytes with noradrenaline restores current amplitude via beta-adrenoceptor (beta AR) stimulation. Here, we investigate the intracellular signalling pathway though which incubation of diabetic cardiomyocytes with the beta AR agonist isoproterenol recovers I-to amplitude to normal values. Methods: Experiments were performed in ventricular myocytes isolated from streptozotocin-diabetic rats. I-to current was recorded by using the patch-clamp technique. Kv4 channel expression was determined by immunofluorescence. Protein-protein interaction was determined by coimmunoprecipitation. Results: Stimulation of beta AR activates first a G alpha s protein, adenylyl cyclase and Protein Kinase A. PKA-phosphorylated receptor then switches to the G alpha i protein. This leads to the activation of the beta AR-Kinase-1 and further receptor phosphorylation and arrestin dependent internalization. The internalized receptor-arrestin complex recruits and activates cSrc and the MAPK cascade, where Ras, c-Raf1 and finally ERK1/2 mediate the increase in Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 protein abundance in the plasma membrane. Conclusion: beta(2)AR stimulation activates a G alpha s and G alpha i protein dependent pathway where the ERK1/2 modulates the Ito current amplitude and the density of the Kv4.2 and Kv4.2 channels in the plasma membrane upon sympathetic stimulation in diabetic heart.

Prediction Of Shear-Band Thickness In Metallic Glasses

We derive an explicit expression for predicting the thicknesses of shear bands in metallic glasses. The model demonstrates that the shear-band thickness is mainly dominated by the activation size of the shear transformation zone (STZ) and its activation free volume concentration. The predicted thicknesses agree well with the results of measurements and simulations. The underlying physics is attributed to the local topological instability of the activated STZ. The result is of significance in understanding the origin of inhomogeneous flow in metallic glasses. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intrinsic correlation between dilatation and pressure sensitivity of plastic flow in metallic glasses

Taking shear-induced dilatation into consideration in shear transformation zone (STZ) operations, we derive a new yield criterion that reflects the pressure sensitivity in plastic flow in metallic glasses (MGs), which agrees well with experiments. Furthermore, an intrinsic theoretical correlation between the pressure sensitivity coefficient and the dilatation factor is revealed. It is found that the pressure sensitivity of plastic flow of MGs originates in the dilatation of microscale STZs.

Alterações histopatológicas pancreáticas, placentárias e na matriz extracelular hipofisária durante a diabetes mellitus gestacional

A Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional (DMG) pode ser definida como intolerância a carboidrato durante a gravidez e estima-se que pode afetar 10-22% de todas as pacientes grávidas. Durante a gravidez podem surgir diversas complicações para o feto como risco elevado de aborto espontâneo, anormalidades congênitas e morbidade e mortalidade neonatal. Entretanto, podem surgir também alterações morfofuncionais em diversos órgãos da mãe diabética, porém isso não é bem estabelecido. Investigar se haverá ou não alterações bioquímicas e histopatológicas em diversos órgãos, como hipófise, útero, placenta e pâncreas de ratas grávidas com diabetes mellitus durante e no final da gravidez e compará-las . Além disso, investigar se há alteração na matriz extracelular (MEC) da hipófise desses animais. No 5 dia de vida, ratas Wistar foram divididas em dois grupos: um tratado com estreptozotocina (Grupo Diabético / DIAB), na dose de 90 mg/kg, subcutâneo e outro grupo, que foi tratado com veículo (tampão citrato/CTR). Aos 90 dias de vidas, foram submetidas ao cruzamento. Após isso, foram sacrificadas no 11 e 21 dia de gravidez. Foram avaliados glicemia e bioquímica maternal e número de implantes .O pâncreas, útero, placenta e hipófises foram coradas com Hematoxilina e Eosina e somente as hipófises foram coradas com Massom e Picrosirius, para avaliação da MEC.Os animais diabéticos tanto do 11 quanto do 21 dia apresentaram uma redução no número de implantes, menor peso e maior glicemia e colesterol total, em relação aos animais controle independente do dia da gravidez. Não foi verificada diferença dos níveis de triglicerídeos entre os grupos não diabéticos e diabéticos, independente dos dias. Entretanto, os animais diabéticos que finalizaram o período de gestação apresentaram uma maior glicemia maternal em relação ao grupo diabético do 11 dia. Pâncreas de ratas diabéticas do 21 dia apresentaram vacuolização intracitoplasmática das ilhotas, insulite,migração de células inflamatórias, espessamento da parede do vaso e fibrose periductal e vascular. Essas alterações foram verificadas com bem menor intensidade nos animais diabéticos do 11 dia. Foi verificado que a placenta de animais diabéticos apresenta congestão na interface materno-fetal, migração celular, maior concentração de vasos maternos e fetais, mas em forma irregular , necrose e vacuolização. A hipófise de animais diabéticos mostraram células cromófobas agregadas, aumento da espessura de fibras de colágeno vermelhas da MEC, em contraste com o controle, que foi visualizado fibras em verde e em formato de feixe. A diabetes desempenhou um total remodelamento da hipófise. Gravidez de animais diabeticos mostraram maior dano ao pâncreas e placenta, especialmente no final da gravidez. Em consequência dessa alterações, esses animais diabéticos apresentaram hiperglicemia, maior colesterol total, porém menor peso materno, número de implantes e sem alterações nos triglicerídeos. Esse é o primeiro estudo a demonstrar remodelamento tecidual em alguns elementos da MEC na hipófise, como espessamento da camada da MEC e fibras de colágeno em verde. Alterações da MEC da hipófise são provavelmente devido ao processo de diabetes na gestação.

抗HIV p24多肽单克隆抗体和抗血清的制备及初步应用

检测p2 4抗原的诊断试剂在AIDS研究和防治方面具有重要意义。为研制国产HIVp2 4抗原诊断试剂 ,根据国内外文献 ,合成了HIVp2 4抗原的六个肽段 :G -A 12 ,D -R 16 ,P -S 18,A -G 2 3(HIV - 2ROD) ,P -S 18,N -I 15以及D -C 2 2。六个肽段中 ,N -I 15肽和D -C 2 2肽用于制备McAb ,其余 4个用于制备山羊抗血清。除D -R 16肽的滴度较低 (1∶2 0 0 0 )外 ,其余三个肽的抗血清滴度都在 1∶10 0 0 0以上。McAb中 ,N -I 15肽的反应比D -C 2 2肽要强 ,但两者的腹水滴度相同 ,均为 1∶10 0 0。单抗铺板检测病毒 p2 4抗原的非特异性反应比较强。用山羊抗血清铺板 ,1∶80 0 0的稀释度检测效果最好。用我们研制的抗体检测不出裂解HIV - 1ⅢB中 p2 4 ,却能够测出Abbott公司p2 4抗原诊断试剂盒的阳性对照 (HIVAG - 1)。用北海道大学免疫科学研究所研制的单抗和人阳性血清做的交叉对照实验表明 ,可能是由于合成肽免疫产生的抗体与裂解病毒p2 4的亲和力较差引...

核纤层蛋白及其基因的研究

核纤层是细胞核内极其重要的结构，近年来有关核纤蛋白及其基因的研究取得了较大进展，文中就国际上有关该领域研究的新进展并结合作者所在实验室近年来的有关研究结果，从核纤层蛋白成分及功能，核纤层蛋白基因及其起源分化等方面进行了较系统的介绍和探讨，并提出了一些值得深入研究的新问题。

原位杂交技术用于虹彩病毒对美国青蛙侵染的诊断

蛙虹彩病毒 (Rana grylio virus,RGV)能引起鱼类、两栖类和爬行类水生动物严重的系统性疾病 ,RGV是从我国患病蛙中分离到的一种虹彩病毒。体外扩增的 RGV经人工方法感染幼龄美国青蛙 (Rana grylio) ,运用原位杂交技术 ,分别对感染 1～ 3d后的蛙心、肺、肾、肠、脾、肝等 6种组织进行 RGV分子定位和检测。结果显示 ,在幼蛙的肺和肠中有较强的阳性信号 ,在其他组织中也检测到 RGV的存在。本试验探讨了 RGV感染早期在宿主体内的增殖及在不同组织中的分布状况 ,建立了一种蛙

一种快速提取分析微囊藻毒素的方法

以五种群体和单细胞微囊藻及自然微囊藻水华为材料 ,在沸水浴中经不同时间处理 ,过滤后直接进行HPLC UV检测 ,发现 12min的沸水浴处理就足以达到抽提目的。研究中发现 ,去离子水比蒸馏水是更有效的抽提溶剂。传统的甲醇抽提结果与沸水浴处理的相对误差主要在 0 2 %— 16 5 9%之间。结果还显示 ,群体微囊藻需要比单细胞微囊藻抽提更长时间。本研究提供了一种经过改进的高效、廉价和快速的微囊藻毒素抽提分析方法。

草鱼椎骨间质细胞系对水生动物病毒敏感性的测定

取草鱼椎骨间质组织体外培养,连续传代超过30次,建立了呈上皮细胞形态的草鱼椎骨间质细胞系GCVB,将自鳖、蛙、鱼中分离到的10株病毒分别接种于长成致密单层的GCVB细胞中,显微观察细胞病变情况,测定病毒滴度,结果表明,GCVB细胞对不同病毒株敏感性不同,如对鳜鱼病毒SCSV和虹鳟传染性胰腺坏死病病毒IPNV不够敏感,仅引起轻微或不可察病变,病毒滴度低于10~1TCID_(50)/mL;但中华鳖病毒TSV,蛙虹彩病毒中国分离株RGV9506,蛙虹彩病毒美国分离株FV3,胭脂鱼弹状病毒CSRV,鲤春病毒血症病

从我国分离的3株蛙虹彩病毒与FV3主要衣壳蛋白基因同源性的比较

中国科学院王宽诚基金 ( 1999) ; 中国科学院生物特支 费 (STZ -0 0 -13); 国家重点基础 ( 973)项目 (G19990 5 390 8)基金的 部分资助