Synthesis, Characterization and DNA Cleavage of Copper(II) Complex with D,L-Dithiothreitol

Purpose: To study deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) shearing capability of copper(II) complex of dithiothreitol (DTT) and to fevaluate its potential application in cancer therapy.Methods: A parrot green complex was synthesized by grinding copper acetate monohydrate and DTT in 1:2 molar ratio in a mortar until no fumes of acetic acid were observed. The complex was characterized using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infra-red (ATR-FTIR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Further information was also collected through Karl Fischer titration, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and (magnetic moment. Cleavage of DNA was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The gel was then stained, analyzed and photographed under ultraviolet (UV) light.Results: ATR-FTIR confirmed the formation of copper(II) complex with DTT by binding through thiol group based on the disappearance of the thiol (-SH) stretching peak at 2545 cm-1. The crystalline structure was elucidated by a sharp intense peak at 38.520 in XRD spectrum while the octahedral geometry of complex was inferred from a magnetic moment of 1.72 B.M. The results for water content obtained by Karl Fischer titration and TGA revealed that water molecules are not part of the coordination sphere of the complex. Cleavage study of DNA showed that the complex completely sheared the circular DNA compared to pure DTT.Conclusion: Solvent free synthesis of Copper(II)-DTT complex has been successfully achieved, and an anhydrous complex with octahedral geometry obtained. The complex has a greater potential to shear DNA molecule than pure DTT.Keywords: DNA shearing, Copper(II) complex, Dithiothreitol, Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infra-red, Karl Fischer titration, Magnetic momen

Software agents and wireless E-commerce

Software agent technology will become a necessity to e-commerce (traditional or wireless) rather than luxury. We propose an agent-based environment, which we call E-Commerce through Wireless Devices (E-CWE), that allows users, stationary or mobile, to submit their requests for services offered by providers. The E-CWE environment consists of a reception platform including a repository of service descriptions. A supervisor-agent is in charge of this repository. Acting on behalf of their users, user-agents are dynamically created in this platform. In the E-CWE environment, security is achieved in two steps: securing service access and securing payment. A prototype of a Travel Planning Agent (TPA) system is proposed to evaluate the performance of the environment

A Modular Cataract Surgery Training Model Incorporating Human Factors and a Pedagogical Theory

Qasim Mansoor,1,2 Neda Qurashi,1 Yunzi Chen1 1Department of Ophthalmology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK; 2Teesside Newmedica Eye Health Clinic & Surgical Centre, Middlesbrough, UKCorrespondence: Qasim Mansoor, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS4 3BW, UK, Email [email protected]: High volume cataract lists are cost-effective, reduce waiting times, and facilitate surgical teaching. We propose a stepwise training model that incorporates human factor principles and a reflective pedagogical approach, which has not been documented previously.Background/Aims: Surgical training in ophthalmology is effective when a modular approach is utilised. High volume lists further enhance training by increasing exposure to a newer way of learning and working. We evaluated the efficiency and safety of trainee-assisted cataract surgery across a single NHS eye unit and an independent sector (IS) provider.Methods: We examined results from audits of surgical efficiency and safety in trainee-assisted high-volume lists, including a single-centre comparative evaluation of consultant-only and trainee lists. The quantitative and qualitative information gained from these projects helped us to implement a modular, structured training programme that utilises a reflective cycle of pedagogy, suitable for any grade of trainee.Results: Our projects included an audit following cataract surgery performed by a surgical trainee over a 5-month period, which showed excellent post-op refractive results and no cases of intra-operative and post-operative complications. A single-centre observational study demonstrated comparable surgical throughput and safety results for trainee and solo consultant high volume lists. Systemic and ocular complication rates were reported to be similar for low and medium risk cataract surgery among trainee supervised IS and NHS lists.Conclusion: Cataract surgery outcomes and patient feedback support the effectiveness of the surgical training model. Combining Gibbs’ reflective cycle of critical reflection with the International Council of Ophthalmology’s principles helped us to develop the QM Model of modular teaching for cataract surgery, which we believe is suitable for utilisation in all surgical centres in the NHS and IS settings, for both low volume and high-volume surgical lists regardless of trainee experience.Plain Language Summary: What Is Already Known on This TopicHigh volume lists are increasingly popular for cataract surgery; however, trainee exposure to high flow cataract surgery lists is limited.What This Study AddsA modular approach to training via high volume training lists is possible.Origination and implementation of a stepwise cataract surgery training model that incorporates human factors and a pedagogical learning approach within high volume lists in the independent sector and NHS setting.How This Study Might Affect Research, Practice, or PolicyPromote the widespread adoption of the QM model which integrates modular-based experiential learning approaches for surgical training in both NHS and independent sector settings, applicable to low and high volume surgical lists, irrespective of trainee experience.Keywords: Cataract, surgery, training, education, teaching, pedagog

Integrin CD11b activation drives anti-tumor innate immunity

Myeloid cells are recruited to damaged tissues where they can resolve infections and tumor growth or stimulate wound healing and tumor progression. Recruitment of these cells is regulated by integrins, a family of adhesion receptors that includes integrin CD11b. Here we report that, unexpectedly, integrin CD11b does not regulate myeloid cell recruitment to tumors but instead controls myeloid cell polarization and tumor growth. CD11b activation promotes pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization by stimulating expression of microRNA Let7a. In contrast, inhibition of CD11b prevents Let7a expression and induces cMyc expression, leading to immune suppressive macrophage polarization, vascular maturation, and accelerated tumor growth. Pharmacological activation of CD11b with a small molecule agonist, Leukadherin 1 (LA1), promotes pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization and suppresses tumor growth in animal models of murine and human cancer. These studies identify CD11b as negative regulator of immune suppression and a target for cancer immune therapy

The preventive misconception: experiences from CAPRISA 004.

CAPRISA, 2014.Abstract available in pdf

Assessing the implementation effectiveness and safety of 1% tenofovir gel provision through family planning services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial.

CAPRISA, 2014.Background: The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) 004 trial demonstrated a 39% reduction in HIV infection, with a 54% HIV reduction in women who used tenofovir gel consistently. A confirmatory trial is expected to report results in early 2015. In the interim, we have a unique window of opportunity to prepare for and devise effective strategies for the future policy and programmatic scale-up of tenofovir gel provision. One approach is to integrate tenofovir gel provision into family planning (FP) services. The CAPRISA 008 implementation trial provides an opportunity to provide post-trial access to tenofovir gel while generating empiric evidence to assess whether integrating tenofovir gel provision into routine FP services can achieve similar levels of adherence as the CAPRISA 004 trial. Methods/design: This is a two-arm, open-label, randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. A maximum of 700 sexually active, HIV-uninfected women aged 18 years and older who previously participated in an antiretroviral prevention study will be enrolled from an urban and rural site in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The anticipated study duration is 30 months, with active accrual requiring approximately 12 months (following which an open cohort will be maintained) and follow-up continuing for approximately 18 months. At each of the two sites, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive tenofovir gel through either FP services (intervention arm) or through the CAPRISA research clinics (control arm). As part of the study intervention, a quality improvement approach will be used to assist the FP services to expand their current services to include tenofovir gel provision. Discussion: This protocol aims to address an important implementation question on whether FP services are able to effectively incorporate tenofovir gel provision for this at-risk group of women in South Africa. Provision of tenofovir gel to the women from the CAPRISA 004 trial meets the ethical obligation for post-trial access, and helps identify a potential avenue for future scale-up of microbicides within the public health system of South Africa. Trial registration: This trial was registered with the South Africa Department of Health (reference: DOH-27-0812-4129) and ClinicalTrials.gov (reference: NCT01691768) on 05 July 2012

Monitoring microbicide gel use with real-time notification of the container’s opening events : results of the CAPRISA Wisebag study.

CAPRISA, 2014.Accurate estimation of the effectiveness of a microbicide for HIV prevention requires valid measurement of adherence to product use. A microbicide gel applicator container (Wisebag), fitted with cell phone technology to transmit opening events and text message reminders, was developed to monitor each opening event of the container as a proxy for gel use and adherence. Ten women were enrolled in a pilot study and followed for up to 4 months. Wisebag opening (WBO) dates and times were recorded and correlated with self-reported sex acts and gel applicator returns. During the 33 monthly follow-up visits, 47.8% (77/161) of the recorded number of WBO events were concordant with the number of empty (used) applicators returned. The discrepancies were likely due to removal of more than one applicator during a single opening event. When the date and time of the WBO event data was assessed in relation to three different self-report adherence measures, agreement was fairly modest. The Wisebag was found to be acceptable as a storage container and the cell phone reminders generated were useful in supporting the dosing strategy. We recommend that the Wisebag be considered for larger scale and lengthier testing in microbicide trials

Disclosure of microbicide gel use to sexual partners: influence on adherence in the CAPRISA 004 trial.

CAPRISA, 2014.Abstract available in pdf