Evolution of moisture management behavior of high-wicking 3D warp knitted spacer fabrics

Moisture management behavior is a vital factor in evaluating thermal and physiological comfort of functional textiles. This research work studies functional 3 dimensional (3D) warp knitted spacer fabrics containing high-wicking materials characterized by their profiled cross section. These spacer fabrics can be used for protective vest to absorb a user’s sweat, to reduce the humidity and improve user’s thermal comfort. For this reason, different 3D warp knitted spacer fabrics were produced with functional fiber yarns in the back layer of the fabric (close to the body) and polyester in the front and middle layers (outer surface). Comfort properties such as air and water vapor permeability and wicking and other moisture management properties (MMP) of different fabric samples were measured. It is demonstrated that by using profiled fibers such as Coolmax fiber, moisture management properties of spacer fabrics can be improved, enabling them to be use as a snug-fitting shirt worn under protective vests with improved comfort.

Strain differentiation of Trichophyton rubrum by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA and analysis of rDNA nontranscribed spacer

Trichophyton rubrum is the most common pathogen causing dermatophytosis. Molecular strain-typing methods have recently been developed to tackle epidemiological questions and the problem of relapse following treatment. A total of 67 strains of T rubrum were screened for genetic variation by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, with two primers, 5'-d[GGTGCGGGAA]-3' and 5'-d[CCCGTCAGCA]-3', as well as by subrepeat element analysis of the nontranscribed spacer of rDNA, using the repetitive subelements TRS-1 and TRS-2. A total of 12 individual patterns were recognized with the first primer and 11 with the second. Phylogenetic analysis of the RAPID products showed a high degree of similarity (> 90 %) among the epidemiologically related clinical isolates, while the other strains possessed 60% similarity. Specific amplification of TRS-1 produced three strain-characteristic banding patterns (PCR types); simple patterns representing one copy of TRS-1 and two copies of TRS-2 accounted for around 85 % of all isolates. It is concluded that molecular analysis has important implications for epidemiological studies, and RAPID analysis is especially suitable for molecular typing in T. rubrum.

On the origin of exciton formation in dye doped Alq(3) OLEDs

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Preparation, characterization, and CuX2 and CoX2 (X = Cl-, Br-, ClO4-) adsorption behavior of a polyhedral oligomer silsesquioxane functionalized with an organic base

In this paper we report on the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption properties of the first 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-modified porous silsesquioxane (ATPS). The isotherms of adsorption of MX2 (M = Cu(II), Co(II); X = Cl-, Br-, ClO4-) by ATPS were studied in ethanol and aqueous solutions at 298 K. The results showed that there is a good fit between the experimental data and the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption capacity in both solvents followed the sequence Cu(II) >> Co(II). The lowest adsorption for Co(II) should be related to the largest hydration volume, which obstructs the adsorption capacity of the surface, and consequently causes a decrease in the number of cations adsorbed. For the salts with different anions the sequence was MCl2 > MBr2 > M(ClO4)2 in both solvents. The low affinity for M(ClO4)(2) toward the solid phase is a consequence of the poorer coordination ability of the ClO4-. Adsorptions from ethanol solutions were higher than those from aqueous solutions due to the higher polarity of water, which can more strongly solvate the solute and the basic sites on the surface. The following adsorption capacities (in mmol g(-1)) were determined: 0.24 (aq) and 0.84 (eth) for CuCl2, 0.09 (aq) and 0.16 (eth) for CuBr2, and 0.08 (aq) and 0.11 (eth) for Cu(ClO4)(2); 0.02 (aq) and 0.07 (eth) for CoCl2, 0.02 (aq) and 0.06 (eth) for CoBr2, and 0.01 (aq) and 0.05 (eth) for Co(ClO4)(2). (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes on a silica gel surface chemically modified with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole

The isotherms of adsorption of MX2 (M = Cu2+, Co2+; X = Cl-, Br-, ClO4) by silica gel chemically modified with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (SiATR) were studied in acetone and ethanol solutions, at 25 degrees C. The 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole molecule, covalently bound to the silica gel surface, adsorbs MX2 from solvent by forming a surface complex. At low loading, the electronic and electron spin resonance spectral parameters indicated that the Cu2+ complexes have distorted tetragonal symmetry. The CoX2 (X = Cl-, Br-) analogues exhibit a distorted-tetrahedral geometry, whilstthe (SiATR)mCo)ClO4)(2) complex has a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry, with four equatorial nitrogen atoms around the cobalt. (C) 1998 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Differentiation of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and A-thiooxidans strains based on 16S-23S rDNA spacer polymorphism analysis

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analyses of the PCR-amplified 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer (ITS) were used for differentiating Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans strains from other related acidithiobacilli, including A. ferrooxidans and A. caldus. RFLP fingerprints obtained with AluI, DdeI, HaeIII, HinfI and MspI enabled the differentiation of all Acidithiobacillus reference strains into species groups. The A. thiooxidans strains investigated (metal mine isolates) yielded identical RFLP patterns to the A. thiooxidans type strain (ATCC 19377(T)), except for strain DAMS, which had a distinct pattern for all enzymes tested. Fourteen A. ferrooxidans mine strains were assigned to 3 RFLP groups, the majority of which were grouped with A. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270(T). The spacer region of one representative strain from each of the RFLP groups obtained was subjected to sequence analysis, in addition to eleven additional A. thiooxidans strains isolated from sediment and water samples, and A. caldus DSM 8584(T). The tRNA(IIe) and tRNA(Ala) genes, present in all strains analyzed, showed high sequence similarity. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS sequences differentiated all three Acidithiobacillus species. Inter- and infraspecific genetic variations detected were mainly due to the size and sequence polymorphism of the ITS3 region. Mantel tests showed no significant correlation between ITS sequence similarity and the geographical origin of strains. The results showed that the 16S-23S rDNA spacer region is a useful target for the development of molecular-based methods aimed at the detection, rapid differentiation and identification of acidithiobacilli. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Molecular analysis of the rDNA ITS-1 intergenic spacer in Drosophila mulleri, D-arizonae, and their hybrids

We analyzed the ITS-1 spacer region of the rDNA in Drosophila mulleri and D. arizonae, two sibling species belonging to the mulleri complex (repleta group) and in hybrids obtained in both cross directions. In spite of several previous studies showing the incompatibility of crosses involving D. arizonae females and D. mulleri males, we were able to obtain hybrids in this direction. Complete ITS-1 region was amplified using primers with homology at the 3'-end of the 18S rDNA and the 5'-end of the 5.8S rDNA genes. Our data demonstrated that D. mulleri and D. arizonae can be differentiated as they present a difference in length for the ITS-1 region. The amplified fragment for this region in D. mulleri has a length of 600 bp, whereas in D. arizonae this fragment is about 500 bp. It was also observed that male and female hybrids obtained in both cross directions present two amplified fragments, confirming the location of the ribosomal cistrons in the X chromosomes and microchromosomes of both parental species.

Expressão in vitro da cicloxigenase-2 (Cox2) no osteossarcoma exposto a inibidores seletivo da Cox2

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

3-Hydroxypropionic Acid as an Antibacterial Agent from Endophytic Fungi Diaporthe phaseolorum

Endophytic fungi are considered a rich source of active compounds resulting from their secondary metabolism. Fungi from marine environment grow in a habitat with unique conditions that can contribute to the activation of metabolic pathways of synthesis of different unknown molecules. The production of these compounds may support the adaptation and survival of the fungi in the marine ecosystem. Mangroves are ecosystems situated between land and sea. They are frequently found in tropical and subtropical areas and enclose approximately 18.1 million hectares of the planet. The great biodiversity found in these ecosystems shows the importance of researching them, including studies regarding new compounds derived from the endophytic fungi that inhabit these ecosystems. 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HPA) has been isolated from the mangrove endophytic fungus Diaporthe phaseolorum, which was obtained from branches of Laguncularia racemosa. The structure of this compound was elucidated by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR. In bioassays, 3-HPA showed antimicrobial activities against both Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The structure of this antibiotic was modified by the chemical reaction of Fischer-Speier esterification to evaluate the biologic activity of its chemical analog. The esterified product, 3-hydroxypropanoic ethyl ester, did not exhibit antibiotic activity, suggesting that the free carboxylic acid group is important to the pharmacological activity. The antibiotic-producing strain was identified with internal transcribed spacer sequence data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antibacterial activity by 3-HPA against the growth of medically important pathogens.

An intraoperatively moulded PMMA prostheses like spacer for two-stage revision of infected total knee arthroplasty

We report a series of 16 consecutive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision procedures for deep infection, treated with a newly developed intraoperatively moulded PMMA cement-prostheses-like spacer (CPLS). The standard treatment consisted of a two-stage protocol with initial explantation of the infected components combined with radical debridement, followed by implantation of a temporary cement spacer and final reimplantation of a new TKA. A sterilizeable Teflon tapered aluminium mould was developed for production of a custom made CPLS during the intervention. Stable implantation of the CPLS was achieved with a second cementation, allowing for correct alignment and ligament balancing. The spacer remained 3.5 months on average until reimplantation of a TKA occurred. At time of reimplantation, patients had an average KSS score of 84.44 points with an average flexion capacity of 102°. There was no recurrent infection during the study period of minimum 2 years. With this new technique, a low friction articulation with good stability, high comfort and a better range of motion compared to handcrafted spacers was achieved. The use of this spacer is a time sparing, cheap and convenient option in 2-stage TKA revision.

Multiple B-cell clones producing antibodies directed to the spacer and disintegrin/thrombospondin type-1 repeat 1 (TSP1) of ADAMTS13 in a patient with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND: The cysteine-rich/spacer domains of ADAMTS13 contain a major binding site for antibodies in patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). OBJECTIVE: To study the heterogeneity of the antibody response towards these domains an immunoglobulin V-gene phage-display library was constructed to isolate monoclonal anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies from the immunoglobulin repertoire of a patient with acquired TTP. METHODS: Combined variable heavy chain (VH) and variable light chain (VL) segments, expressed as single-chain Fv fragments (scFv), were selected for binding to an ADAMTS13 fragment consisting of the disintegrin/thrombospondin type-1 repeat 1 (TSP1)/cysteine-rich/spacer domains. RESULTS: Seven different scFv antibody clones were identified that were assigned to four groups based on their homology to VH germline gene segments. Epitope-mapping revealed that scFv I-9 (VH1-69), I-26 (VH1-02), and I-41 (VH3-09) bind to an overlapping binding site in the ADAMTS13 spacer domain, whereas scFv I-16 (VH3-07) binds to the disintegrin/TSP1 domains. The affinity of scFv for the disintegrin/TSP1/cysteine-rich/spacer domain was determined by surface plasmon resonance analysis and the dissociation constants ranged from 3 to 254 nM. The scFv partially inhibited ADAMTS13 activity. However, full-length IgG prepared from the variable domains of scFv I-9 inhibited ADAMTS13 activity more profoundly. Plasma of six patients with acquired TTP competed for binding of scFv I-9 to ADAMTS13. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that multiple B-cell clones producing antibodies directed against the spacer domain are present in the patient analyzed in this study. Our findings also suggest that antibodies with a similar epitope specificity as scFv I-9 are present in plasma of other patients with acquired TTP.

closo-borane conjugated regulatory peptides retain high biological affinity: synthesis of closo-borane conjugated Tyr(3)-octreotate derivatives for BNCT

Despite the improvements in cancer therapy during the past years, high-grade gliomas and many other types of cancer are still extremely resistant to current forms of therapy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) provides a promising way to destroy cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. However, BNCT in practice is still limited due to the lack of boron-containing compounds that selectively deliver boron to cancer cells. Since many neuroendocrine tumors show an overexpression of the somatostatin receptor, it was our aim to synthesize compounds that contain a large number of boron atoms and still show high affinity toward this transmembrane receptor. The synthetic peptide Tyr (3)-octreotate (TATE) was chosen as a high-affinity and internalizing tumor targeting vector (TTV). Novel boron cluster compounds, containing 10 or 20 boron atoms, were coupled to the N-terminus of TATE. The obtained affinity data demonstrate that the use of a spacer between TATE and the closo-borane moiety is the option to avoid a loss of biological affinity of closo-borane conjugated TATE. For the first time, it was shown that closo-borane conjugated regulatory peptides retain high biological affinity and selectivity toward their transmembrane tumor receptors. The results obtained and the improvement of spacer and boron building block chemistry may stimulate new directions for BNCT.

The cement prosthesis-like spacer: an intermediate halt on the road to healing.

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic infections remain a devastating problem in the field of joint arthroplasty. In the following study, the results of a two-stage treatment protocol for chronic periprosthetic infections using an intraoperatively molded cement prosthesis-like spacer (CPLS) are presented. METHODS Seventy-five patients with chronically infected knee prosthesis received a two-stage revision procedure with the newly developed CPLS between June 2006 and June 2011. Based on the microorganism involved, patients were grouped into either easy to treat (ETT) or difficult to treat (DTT) and treated accordingly. Range of motion (ROM) and the knee society score (KSS) were utilized for functional assessment. RESULTS Mean duration of the CPLS implant in the DTT group was 3.6 months (range 3-5 months) and in the ETT group 1.3 months (range 0.7-2.5 months). Reinfection rates of the final prosthesis were 9.6% in the ETT and 8.3% in the DTT group with no significant difference between both groups regarding ROM or KSS (P = 0.87, 0.64, resp.). CONCLUSION The results show that ETT patients do not necessitate the same treatment protocol as DTT patients to achieve the same goal, emphasizing the need to differentiate between therapeutic regimes. We also highlight the feasibility of CLPS in two-stage protocols.

A 5'-3' exonuclease activity involved in forming the 3' products of histone pre-mRNA processing in vitro.

Histone RNA 3' processing in vitro produces one or more 5' cleavage products corresponding to the mature histone mRNA 3' end, and a group of 3' cleavage products whose 5' ends are mostly located several nucleotides downstream of the mRNA 3' end. The formation of these 3' products is coupled to the formation of 5' products and dependent on the U7 snRNP and a heat-labile processing factor. These short 3' products therefore are a true and general feature of the processing reaction. Identical 3' products are also formed from a model RNA containing all spacer nucleotides downstream of the mature mRNA 3' end, but no sequences from the mature mRNA. Again, this reaction is dependent on both the U7 snRNP and a heat-labile factor. Unlike the processing with a full-length histone pre-mRNA, this reaction produces only 3' but no 5' fragments. In addition, product formation is inhibited by addition of cap structures at the model RNA 5' end, indicating that product formation occurs by 5'-3' exonucleolytic degradation. This degradation of a model 3' product by a 5'-3' exonuclease suggests a mechanism for the release of the U7 snRNP after processing by shortening the cut-off histone spacer sequences base paired to U7 RNA.

Functional importance of conserved nucleotides at the histone RNA 3' processing site.

Histone pre-mRNA 3' processing is controlled by a hairpin element preceding the processing site that interacts with a hairpin-binding protein (HBP) and a downstream spacer element that serves as anchoring site for the U7 snRNP. In addition, the nucleotides following the hairpin and surrounding the processing site (ACCCA'CA) are conserved among vertebrate histone genes. Single to triple nucleotide mutations of this sequence were tested for their ability to be processed in nuclear extract from animal cells. Changing the first four nucleotides had no qualitative and little if any quantitative effects on histone RNA 3' processing in mouse K21 cell extract, where processing of this gene is virtually independent of the HBP. A gel mobility shift assay revealing HBP interactions and a processing assay in HeLa cell extract (where the contribution of HBP to efficient processing is more important) showed that only one of these mutations, predicted to extend the hairpin by one base pair, affected the interaction with HBP. Mutations in the next three nucleotides affected both the cleavage efficiency and the choice of processing sites. Analysis of these novel sites indicated a preference for the nucleotide 5' of the cleavage site in the order A > C > U > G. Moreover, a guanosine in the 3' position inhibited cleavage. The preference for an A is shared with the cleavage/polyadenylation reaction, but the preference order for the other nucleotides is different [Chen F, MacDonald CC, Wilusz J, 1995, Nucleic Acids Res 23:2614-2620].