Entrapment of enzyme-linked magnetic nanoparticles within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel microparticles prepared by photopatterning

In this study, hydrogel microparticles containing enzyme-linked magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared. Peroxidase (POD), a model enzyme, was covalently immobilized on the surface of MNPs using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and the resultant POD-linked MNPs were entrapped within various shapes of hydrogel microparticles using photopatterning. Pre-immobilizing POD on the MNP surface made it possible to use hydrogels prepared from high molecular weight PEG without enzyme leaching, which enhanced the reaction rate of entrapped enzymes by reducing resistance to mass transport. Quantitative assays showed a linear correspondence between fluorescence intensity and H₂O₂ concentrations below 15 mM.     

Differentiation and apoptosis of murine neuroblastoma cells N1E115

The mode and the kinetics of differentiation and death of murine N1E115 neuroblastoma cells induced by dimethyl sulfoxide and other nonspecific factors in vitro were investigated. After morphological differentiation neuroblastoma cells die by apoptosis which is indicated by characteristic morphological features and by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Durations of both differentiation and apoptosis are dependent on the nature of stimuli used. Protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide does not prevent differentiation and apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells induced by dimethyl sulfoxide and even accelerates both processes. The relationship between cell death and differentiation is discussed.     

Risperidone vs. haloperidol on reaction time, manual dexterity, and motor learning in treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND: The present study compared the effects of risperidone vs. haloperidol on reaction time, manual dexterity, and two types of motor learning in a sample of treatment-resistant schizophrenia patients. METHODS: Fifty-six DSM-III-R diagnosed schizophrenia inpatients participated in a randomized, double-blind comparison of risperidone vs. haloperidol. Measures of reaction time, manual dexterity, motor sequence learning, and gross motor learning were administered at baseline, after 4 weeks of fixed-dose medication, and after 4 weeks of flexible-dose medication. RESULTS: The results indicated that patients receiving risperidone showed greater improvement in reaction time and manual dexterity than patients receiving haloperidol. After covarying symptom changes and movement disorder ratings, the results remained significant. The two treatment groups did not differ on either measure of motor learning. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in performance in reaction time and manual dexterity may be due to a specific beneficial effect of risperidone, as opposed to a general reduction in extrapyramidal symptom liability, compared to haloperidol.     

Aminopyrimidines with high affinity for both serotonin and dopamine receptors

A series of [4-[2(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)alkyl]cyclohexyl]pyrimidin-2-ylamine s was prepared and found to have receptor binding affinity for D2 and D3 dopamine (DA) receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. The structural contributions to D2/D3 and 5-HT1A receptor binding of the aminopyrimidine, cycloalkyl, and phenylpiperazine portions of the molecule were examined. From these studies compounds 14, 39, 42, 43, having potent affinity for both DA D2 and 5-HT1A receptors, were evaluated for intrinsic activity at these receptors, in vitro and in vivo. Compound 14 (PD 158771) had a profile indicative of partial agonist activity at both D2 and 5-HT1A receptors causing partially decreased synthesis of the neurotransmitters DA and 5-HT and their metabolites. This compound has a profile in behavioral tests that is predictive of antipsychotic activity, suggesting that mixed partial agonists such as 14 may have utility as antipsychotic agents with increased efficacy and decreased side effects.     

Body-contacted SOI MOSFET structure with fully bulk CMOS compatiblelayout and process

A new SOI MOSFET structure to reduce the floating body effect is proposed and successfully demonstrated. The key idea of the proposed structure is that the field oxide does not consume the silicon film completely, so that the well contact can suppress the body potential increase in SOI MOSFET through the remaining silicon film between the field oxide and buried oxide. The measured results show the suppressed floating body effect as expected. This new structure retains most of the advantages in the propagation delay of the conventional SOI MOSFET without body potential instability. An additional advantage of the proposed structure is that the layout and process are the same as those of bulk CMOS     

A seven-day Helicobacter pylori treatment regimen using clarithromycin, omeprazole and tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate

The present work investigated the magnitude of microsphere-induced acute myotoxicity and determined whether this myotoxicity is related to microsphere size and/or reconstitution solvent. Using a high molecular weight poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer, the myotoxicity of two different size microsphere formulations (3.6 microns and 19 microns) in normal saline or distilled water was quantified using a previously validated isolated rat muscle system. Overall, microspheres were found to be relatively nontoxic compared to known myotoxic agents (e.g., phenytoin) and control muscles. The smaller microspheres were found to be significantly more myotoxic than larger microspheres. Furthermore, the myotoxicity was lower in large microspheres reconstituted with normal saline or normal saline with 0.5% (w/v) carboxymethylcellulose (to prevent aggregation) compared to those reconstituted with distilled water. Smaller microspheres were found to be extremely difficult to inject, due to aggregation, which could not be prevented by the addition of carboxymethylcellulose. This study suggests that larger microspheres are less myotoxic than smaller microspheres.     

Left ventricular geometry and severe left ventricular hypertrophy in children and adolescents with essential hypertension

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy has been established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults. Recent research has refined this relationship by determining a cutpoint of 51 g/m(2.7) for LV mass index indicative of increased risk and defining LV geometric patterns that are associated with increased risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate severe LV hypertrophy and LV geometry in children and adolescents with essential hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional study of young patients (n=130) with persistent blood pressure elevation above the 90th percentile was conducted. Nineteen patients (14%) had LV mass greater than the 99th percentile; 11 of these were also above the adult cutpoint of 51 g/m(2.7). Males, subjects with greater body mass index, and those who had lower heart rate at maximum exercise were at significantly (P<.05) higher risk of severe LV hypertrophy. In addition, 22 patients (17%) had concentric LV hypertrophy, a geometric pattern that is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. Seven patients had LV mass index above the cutpoint and concentric hypertrophy. No consistent significant determinants of LV geometry were identified in these children and adolescents with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Severe LV hypertrophy and abnormal LV geometry are relatively prevalent in young patients with essential hypertension. These findings suggest that these patients may be at risk for future cardiovascular disease and underscore the importance of recognition and treatment of blood pressure elevation in children and adolescents. Weight loss is an important component of therapy in young patients with essential hypertension who are overweight.