Materials Research & Manufacturing Section News

Members of the Materials Research and Manufacturing Section of the Chemistry Division share information concerning all phases of materials procurement, production, applications, and handling by means of educational activities, cooperative programs, publications, and Section-sponsored events at annual conferences

A new diagnostic assay for classical galactosemia

Classical galactosemia is a potentially lethal disorder of the Leloir metabolic pathway that affects approximately 1 out of 53,000 newborns in the United States each year. In the Leloir pathway, galactokinase converts galactose to galactose 1-phosphate, which then reacts with uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose to produce glucose 1-phosphate in a reaction catalyzed by galactose 1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GalT). Glucose 1-phosphate is subsequently converted to glucose 6-phosphate, which enters glycolysis and generates energy. Since lactose, a disaccharide comprised of galactose and glucose, is the first sugar metabolized by breast-fed infants, diagnosis of classical galactosemia is a high priority in newborn screening. GalT is deficient in classical galactosemia. Therefore, the current method for diagnosing this inborn disorder involves adding to a blood sample the two substrates for GalT [galactose 1-phosphate and UDP-glucose] and measuring the production of glucose 1-phosphate. Since glucose 1-phosphate cannot be measured directly by spectro-photometric/-fluorometric methods, available methods entail the use of a coupled assay involving two or three additional enzymes. A simpler, less expensive, and more accurate diagnostic method is desirable. To this end, we explored the utility of an easier assay based on a phosphatase that cleaves glucose 1-phosphate into glucose and orthophosphate; we reasoned that the orthophosphate in turn can be detected colorimetrically by using malachite green-based phosphate detection. Before implementing this method, however, it is necessary to identify a phosphatase that exhibits a significant bias for glucose 1-phosphate over galactose 1-phosphate in order to ensure a readout from the GalT product and not the substrate. Here, I present results from kinetic studies on two haloacid dehalogenase (HAD)-like phosphatases from Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium that indicate such a strong preference for glucose 1-phosphate. I also describe approaches that I have initiated to improve the yield of these phosphatases in recombinant form. Another key requisite prior to translating this phosphatase-based assay for routine clinical use is the removal of endogenous phosphate in the blood samples. Since GalT activity will be determined by measuring the concentration of glucose 1-phosphate produced, which in turn is determined by measuring the concentration of phosphate produced by the Salmonella phosphatase, phosphate in blood samples would interfere with an accurate measurement of GalT activity. I will summarize findings from ongoing studies that demonstrate the challenges associated with phosphate removal, and conclude with the prospects of implementing this new assay for classical galactosemia.A three-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Biochemistr

Leben und Werk von Johannes Sayk

Die Dissertation stellt den Lebenslauf und das wissenschaftliche Werk und Wirken von Johannes Sayk in den Mittelpunkt und ordnet es in den hochschulpolitischen Kontext der DDR ein. Ein Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf der eingehenden Betrachtung von Sayks bedeutendster Erfindung, der Zellsedimentierkammer, welche die liquorzytologische Diagnostik erheblich beeinflusste. Anhand des genannten Quellenmaterials konnte erstmals der akademische Werdegang Sayks rekonstruiert, nationale und internationale Verbindungen analysiert und vor dem gesellschaftspolitischen Hintergrund betrachtet werden

Identifying Possible Futures of Urban Form Development with a Scenario Planning Approach (Case Study: Northwest District of Mashhad City)

AbstractTurbulence and unexpected events have significantly impacted cities, accelerating the process of urban growth and development. In this ever-changing urban landscape, utilization of scenario planning tools is crucial for urban planners. The northwest district of Mashhad is a key area within the master plan of the city. Notably, this area is characterized by rapid and extensive construction. The following research question guided this study: "What are the potential future scenarios for urban development in the northwest area of Mashhad?" The research was purposefully applied in terms of methodology and employed a descriptive and analytical approach. Both documentary and field methods were utilized for data collection, while the Delphi method and Smicprob Expert scenario planning were employed for data analysis. The results of scenario development indicated that the third scenario held the highest probability at 17%. According to this scenario, 4 events were continuous with only one event not occurring.Keywords: Possible Futures, Scenario Planning, Urban Form, Northwest District of Mashhad. Introduction:The occurrence of unexpected events and turbulence has had a profound impact on cities, accelerating the process of urban growth and development. In this dynamic environment where cities are constantly subject to change, the use of scenario planning tools is indispensable for urban planners. The northwest area of Mashhad is recognized as one of the seven key areas within the master plan of the city. Notably, this area is characterized by a high and rapid rate of construction. A comprehensive overview of each area revealed relatively distinct conditions in the current areas. Specifically, the research question was as follows: "What are the potential future scenarios for urban form development in the northwest area of Mashhad?". The current research aimed to employ scenario-based planning and methods, particularly utilizing Smik Probe Expert's scenario planning, to identify potential futures for the development of the urban form in the northwestern area of Mashhad. Therefore, the primary objective of this research was to generate scenarios for the development of the urban form in the northwest area of Mashhad. Methodology:The current research employed a purposeful approach and utilized descriptive and analytical methods. Drawing from the field of future research, the study adopted the French futuristic scenario writing approach and utilized documentary methods (including books, articles, and urban development plans), as well as field methods (such as observation and structured questionnaires targeting an elite audience group) to gather data. The statistical population for the target group consisted of 25 individuals and the snowball method was employed to select the sample size. Additionally, the Delphi method and Smik Prob Expert scenario writing were utilized for data analysis. Research Findings:Scenario writing provides a means to delineate various potential futures. In this study, the Smic Probe Expert scenario writing method was employed to identify future scenarios for the study area. Through this method, 32 potential scenarios were identified, resulting in 15 feasible scenarios. Results and Discussion:The primary objective of scenario writing is not only to forecast, but also to broaden vision and gain insight into the future for making more informed decisions. According to the findings, the 3rd scenario had the highest probability of occurrence, exceeding 17%. Following that, the 18th scenario held a probability of occurrence of over 10%. The 2nd, 25th, 10th, and 1st scenarios were ranked 3rd to 6th, respectively. Based on the 3rd scenario, speculations included the "occurrence of population movements and migration of the less privileged to other areas due to increased rent prices," "intensification of land exploitation (increased density and compression) and adaptive changes in infrastructure," "development of specialized functions based on land prices and the road network," "acceptance of urban and suburban tourism and commercial functions due to market trends and available spaces," and "expansion of specific residential and activity patterns within the city limits to prevent the formation and expansion of marginalization in the North-West Development Corridor." The only hypothesis that did not materialize was the "disruption of the fabric and division of the area into two types of developed fabrics (centered on urban and suburban tourist and commercial centers) and undeveloped fabrics." In essence, the potential future of urban form development in the northwest region presented a "challenging yet hopeful" outlook. Conclusion:In the foreseeable future of the area, the trend towards investing in urban and extra-urban tourism and commercial functions had intensified due to rising land and housing prices, market dynamics, and the presence of large vacant lands. Additionally, with the ongoing population growth and a shortage of housing, a significant increase in rental rates was expected, posing challenges for residents and tenants in the area, particularly those in the middle-income bracket. However, a promising aspect was the absence of growth in informal settlements located in the northern region, primarily attributed to the development of specific residential patterns, such as garden villas, which effectively mitigated the potential for marginalization. The histogram of the sensitivity analysis indicated that the most significant value was associated with the scenario of "disruption of the fabric and division of the area into two types of developed fabrics (centered on urban and extra-urban tourism and commercial centers) and undeveloped fabrics.

Sex Differences in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The Importance of Body Composition

Purpose To examine sex-specific differences in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in relation to abdominal fat accumulation, psoas muscle density, tumor size, pathology, and survival, and to evaluate possible associations with RCC characteristics and outcome. Methods A total of 470 patients with RCC who underwent nephrectomy between 2006 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Specific characteristics of RCC patients were collected, including sex, height, tumor size, grade, and data on patient survival, if available. Abdominal fat measurements and psoas muscle area were determined at the level of L3 (cm(2)). Results Women had a higher subcutaneous (p < 0.001) and men had a higher visceral fat area, relative proportion of visceral fat area (p < 0.001), and psoas muscle index (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed an association between higher psoas muscle index and lower grade tumors [women: odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.99, p = 0.011; men: OR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99, p = 0.012]. Univariate regression analysis demonstrated an association between psoas muscle index and overall survival (women: OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.93, p = 0.033; men: OR 1.62 (95% CI, 1.33-1.97, p < 0.001). In contrast, there were no associations between abdominal fat measurements and tumor size, grade, or survival. Also, there were no sex-specific differences in tumor size or tumor grades. Conclusions A higher preoperative psoas muscle index was independently associated with overall survival in RCC patients, with a stronger association in men compared with women. In addition, the psoas muscle index showed an inverse association with tumor grade, whereby this association was slightly more pronounced in women than in men