‘Protected DNA Probes’ capable of strong hybridization without removal of base protecting groups

We propose a new strategy called the ‘Protected DNA Probes (PDP) method’ in which appropriately protected bases selectively bind to the complementary bases without the removal of their base protecting groups. Previously, we reported that 4-N-acetylcytosine oligonucleotides (ac4C) exhibited a higher hybridization affinity for ssDNA than the unmodified oligonucleotides. For the PDP strategy, we created a modified adenine base and synthesized an N-acylated deoxyadenosine mimic having 6-N-acetyl-8-aza-7-deazaadenine (ac6az8c7A). It was found that PDP containing ac4C and ac6az8c7A exhibited higher affinity for the complementary ssDNA than the corresponding unmodified DNA probes and showed similar base recognition ability. Moreover, it should be noted that this PDP strategy could guarantee highly efficient synthesis of DNA probes on controlled pore glass (CPG) with high purity and thereby could eliminate the time-consuming procedures for isolating DNA probes. This strategy could also avoid undesired base-mediated elimination of DNA probes from CPG under basic conditions such as concentrated ammonia solution prescribed for removal of base protecting groups in the previous standard approach. Here, several successful applications of this strategy to single nucleotide polymorphism detection are also described in detail using PDPs immobilized on glass plates and those prepared on CPG plates, suggesting its potential usefulness

Postural abnormality as a risk marker for leg deep venous thrombosis in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary thromboembolism is a common cause of death in patients with autopsy-confirmed Parkinsonism. This study investigated the incidence of leg deep vein thrombosis in Parkinson's disease and relationships between deep vein thrombosis and clinical/laboratory findings, including postural abnormalities as assessed by photographic measurements. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed the presence of deep vein thrombosis using bilateral leg Doppler ultrasonography in 114 asymptomatic outpatients with Parkinson's disease. RESULTS: Deep vein thrombosis was detected in 23 patients (20%) with Parkinson's disease. Deep vein thrombosis was located in the distal portion in 18 patients and in the proximal portion in 5 patients. No significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, disease duration, Hoehn-Yahr stage, anti-Parkinson's drugs, or daily levodopa-equivalent dose were seen between deep vein thrombosis-positive and -negative groups. Univariate analysis for developing deep vein thrombosis in patients with Parkinson's disease identified the following markers: long-term wheelchair use, bent knee, bent spine, and D-dimer elevation. Bending angles were significantly greater in the deep vein thrombosis-positive group at the knee and spine than in the deep vein thrombosis-negative group. Half of Parkinson's disease patients with camptocormia had deep vein thrombosis. Among diabetes mellitus cases, long-term wheelchair use, bent knee over 15°, camptocormia, D-dimer elevation, the more risk markers were associated with a higher incidence of DVT. The presence of risk markers contributed to the development of deep vein thrombosis. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, a bent knee posture was strongly associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Presence of leg deep vein thrombosis correlated with postural abnormalities in Parkinson's disease. We recommend non-invasive ultrasonographic screening for leg deep vein thrombosis in these high-risk patients with Parkinson's disease

The correlation between the incidence of DVT and additional risk markers, including DM, D-dimer over normal limits, camptocormia, wheelchair use over 4 hours per day, and bent knee (>15°).

<p>0 = no risk marker group (n=58) I = one risk marker group (n=34), II = two risk marker group (n=13), III = three or more risk marker group (n=9) (0 vs. I p=0.045 odds ratio 3.93, I vs. II p=0.045 odds ratio 4.0 II vs. III p=0.041, odds ratio 9.3). <i>With respect to the additional effect of these 5 risk</i> markers, a higher incidence of DVT is observed in patients having more risk markers. The vertical bar represents the % incidence of DVT in each risk marker group. The black box shows the % incidence of proximal DVT, and the grey one shows the % incidence of distal DVT.</p

Measurements of postural abnormality in PD.

<p>Evaluations of bent spine and knee and the Pisa sign (lateral bending) are determined by the angle of the intersection of the basic axis and the movement axis. (A) Assessment of bent spine from a lateral view: (basic axis), a perpendicular line on the ground goes along the rear portion of the 5th lumbar vertebral body (movement axis), and a rear line links the 1st thoracic vertebral body to the 5th lumbar vertebral body. (B) Assessment of bent knee from the lateral view: (basic axis). The line passes along the center of the femoral bone (movement axis) and a median line links the lateral malleolus of the leg to the knee. (C) Assessment of the Pisa sign from the back view: (basic axis), a perpendicular line on the ground passes through the midpoint of the Jacoby line (movement axis) and a line links the 1st thoracic vertebral body to the midpoint of the Jacoby line.</p

Experimental reorganization energies of pentacene and perfluoropentacene: Effects of perfluorination

10.1021/jp4032089Journal of Physical Chemistry C1174322428-2243