Rigidly linking cyclometallated Ir(iii) and Pt(ii) centres: an efficient approach to strongly absorbing and highly phosphorescent red emitters

The synthesis and photophysical properties of an unprecedented tetranuclear complex are described, in which a fac-tris-cyclometallated Ir(III) centre is rigidly connected to three cyclometallated Pt(II) centres. The complex absorbs strongly up to ∼600 nm and emits red light with unusually high efficiency

A high-throughput screening method for determining the substrate scope of nitrilases

Nitrile compounds are intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals such as atorvastatin. We have developed a chromogenic reagent to screen for nitrilase activity as an alternative to Nessler's reagent. It produces a semi-quantifiable blue colour and hydrolysis of 38 nitrile substrates by 23 nitrilases as cell-free extracts has been shown

Demographic associations with stage of readiness to screen for colorectal cancer

Objective: To describe the distribution of a population in southern urban Adelaide in terms of readiness to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC) by Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or colonoscopy according to the stages in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behaviour change and to compare the stages according to demographic variables. Methods: A random sample of 664 South Australians aged 50 to 74 were surveyed in June 2006. Chi-squared analyses were performed to determine if statistically significant differences on demographic variables existed between participants at different stages of readiness to screen

Exploring the Validity of the Continuum of Resistance Model for Discriminating Early from Late and Non-uptake of Colorectal Cancer Screening: Implications for the Design of Invitation and Reminder Letters.

This item is under embargo for a period of 12 months from the date of publication, in accordance with the publisher's policy.Background The continuum of resistance model contends that respondents lie at one end of a continuum and non-respondents at the other with respect to factors demonstrated to impact on screening participation. Purpose The aim of this study was to explore the validity of this model for the prediction of participation in colorectal cancer screening. Method People aged 50 to 74 years were asked to complete a survey (n = 1,250). Eligible respondents (n = 376, 30 %) were invited to complete a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). The cutoff period for the determination of participation rates was 12 weeks, with a reminder sent at 6 weeks. Results FOBTs were returned by n = 196 people (132 within 6 weeks, 64 following a reminder). Participation was generally influenced by the same variables in both the first 6 weeks and the second 6 weeks, consistent with the continuum of resistance model. These variables were having known someone with bowel cancer and the social cognitive factor, perceptions of barriers to screening. There is a suggestion, however, that other factors may be differentially associated with early, late and non-participants. Conclusion Participation in screening appears somewhat consistent with the continuum of resistance model in that early and late participants respond to some of the same factors. This suggests that the same messages are relevant to early, late and non-screeners, but further consideration of what other factors may be influencing discrete stages of readiness to participate is necessary.This work was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Grant number 324717

Evaluation of a Novel Chromogenic Medium for the Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Respiratory Samples from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dominant cause of respiratory infection in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Detection of P. aeruginosa is conducted by culture of respiratory samples but this process may occasionally be compromised due to overgrowth by other bacteria and fungi. We aimed to evaluate a novel chromogenic medium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa chromogenic agar (PACA), for culture of P. aeruginosa from respiratory samples, from patients with CF. A total of 198 respiratory samples were cultured onto PACA and three other media: CHROMID®P. aeruginosa, CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas and MacConkey agar. P. aeruginosa was recovered from 66 samples (33%), using a combination of all media. After 72 h incubation, the sensitivity of the four chromogenic media was as follows: 91% for PACA and CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas, 85% for CHROMID®P. aeruginosa and 83% for MacConkey agar. For the three chromogenic media, the positive predictive value after 72 h was as follows: 95% for PACA, 56% for CHROMagar™ Pseudomonas and 86% for CHROMID®P. aeruginosa. PACA proved to be a highly effective culture medium for the isolation and specific detection of P. aeruginosa from respiratory samples

Antitumour Activity of the Novel Flavonoid Oncamex in Preclinical Breast Cancer Models

We thank SULSA (Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance) for supporting this project through a SULSA BioSkape Industry PhD Studentship and Antoxis Limited for providing additional funding. We also thank the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union (METOXIA project; HEALTH-F2-2009-222741) for support.Background: The natural polyphenol myricetin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in preclinical cancer models. We hypothesised that myricetin-derived flavonoids with enhanced redox properties, improved cell uptake and mitochondrial targeting might have increased potential as antitumour agents. Methods: We studied the effect of a second-generation flavonoid analogue, Oncamex, in a panel of 7 breast cancer cell lines, applying western blotting, gene expression analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to xenograft tissue to investigate its mechanism of action. Results: Proliferation assays showed that Oncamex: treatment for 8 h reduced cell viability and induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, concomitant with increased caspase activation. Microarray analysis showed that Oncamex was associated with changes in expression of genes controlling cell cycle and apoptosis . Fluorescence microscopy showed the compound’s mitochondrial targeting and ROS-modulating properties, inducing superoxide production at concentrations associated with anti-proliferative effects. A preliminary in vivo study in mice implanted with the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft showed that Oncamex inhibited tumour growth, reduced tissue viability and Ki-67 proliferation, with no overall systemic toxicity. Conclusion: Oncamex is a novel flavonoid capable of specific mitochondrial delivery and redox modulation. It has shown antitumour activity in preclinical models of breast cancer, supporting the potential of this prototypic candidate for its continued development as an anticancer agent.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Demographic, social cognitive and social ecological predictors of intention and participation in screening for colorectal cancer

Extent: 10p.Background: Previous research points to differences between predictors of intention to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC) and screening behavior, and suggests social ecological factors may influence screening behavior. The aim of this study was to compare the social cognitive and social ecological predictors of intention to screen with predictors of participation. Methods: People aged 50 to 74 years recruited from the electoral roll completed a baseline survey (n = 376) and were subsequently invited to complete an immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT). Results: Multivariate analyses revealed five predictors of intention to screen and two predictors of participation. Perceived barriers to CRC screening and perceived benefits of CRC screening were the only predictor of both outcomes. There was little support for social ecological factors, but measurement problems may have impacted this finding. Conclusions: This study has confirmed that the predictors of intention to screen for CRC and screening behaviour, although overlapping, are not the same. Research should focus predominantly on those factors shown to predict participation. Perceptions about the barriers to screening and benefits of screening are key predictors of participation, and provide a focus for intervention programs.Tess A Gregory, Carlene Wilson, Amy Duncan, Deborah Turnbull, Stephen R Cole and Graeme Youn