Far-red emitting fluorescent dyes for optical nanoscopy: Fluorinated silicon–rhodamines (SiRF dyes) and phosphorylated oxazines.

Far-red emitting fluorescent dyes for optical microscopy, stimulated emission depletion (STED), and ground-state depletion (GSDIM) super-resolution microscopy are presented. Fluorinated silicon–rhodamines (SiRF dyes) and phosphorylated oxazines have absorption and emission maxima at about λ≈660 and 680 nm, respectively, possess high photostability, and large fluorescence quantum yields in water. A high-yielding synthetic path to introduce three aromatic fluorine atoms and unconventional conjugation/solubilization spacers into the scaffold of a silicon–rhodamine is described. The bathochromic shift in SiRF dyes is achieved without additional fused rings or double bonds. As a result, the molecular size and molecular mass stay quite small (<600 Da). The use of the λ=800 nm STED beam instead of the commonly used one at λ=750–775 nm provides excellent imaging performance and suppresses re-excitation of SiRF and the oxazine dyes. The photophysical properties and immunofluorescence imaging performance of these new far-red emitting dyes (photobleaching, optical resolution, and switch-off behavior) are discussed in detail and compared with those of some well-established fluorophores with similar spectral properties

1,2-Bis{bis­[4-(trifluoro­meth­yl)phen­yl]phosphino}ethane

Crystals of the title compound, C30H20F12P2 or R 2PCH2CH2PR 2 (R = 4-C6H4CF3), were inadvertently prepared while attempting to recrystallize a crude sample of trans-Re(Cl)(N2)(R 2PCH2CH2PR 2)2 from diethyl ether. The molecule lies on a center of inversion. One of the rings lies approximately in the P—C—C—P plane; the dihedral angle is 174.53°.The other ring is not quite perpendicular; the dihedral angle is 71.1°. The compound is isostructural with the R = Ph, 4-C6H4CH3 and 4-C6H4CH2CH3 analogues. It is well known that the basicity of phosphines and diphosphines can be altered by changing the electron-donating ability of R; however, the structural parameters for the title compound do not significantly differ from those of the aforementioned substituted-phenyl compounds

The primary structure of a monoclonal λ-type immunoglobulin L-chain of subgroup II (Bence-Jones protein NEI): Evolutionary origin of antibody variability

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the gestational age at detection and prevalence of anencephaly in the North of The Netherlands over a 5-year period. MethodsA case list of all cases of anencephaly from two fetal medicine units was compiled. Cases were included if the estimated due date was between 1 August 2008 and 31 July 2013. ResultsOverall prevalence of anencephaly was 5.4 per 10.000 pregnancies (n=110). The majority of cases (69%) was detected before 18 weeks' gestation. Factors determining successful early diagnosis were competence level of the sonographers, with a significantly higher detection rate when scans were performed by a sonographer licensed by the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) for nuchal translucency measurement (p=0.001), and gestational age at or beyond 11weeks of gestation (p=0.024). ConclusionImproving detection of anencephaly in the first trimester requires ultrasound screening at or after 11weeks of gestation, performed by experienced sonographers trained in recognizing fetal anomalies. Sonographers should be instructed that the goal of the first trimester scan is not only to measure nuchal translucency thickness but also to exclude major anomalies. (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Isolation, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Jellyfish Collagen for Use in Biomedical Applications

Fibrillar collagens are the more abundant extracellular proteins. They form a metazoan-specific family, and are highly conserved from sponge to human. Their structural and physiological properties have been successfully used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. On the other hand, the increase of jellyfish has led us to consider this marine animal as a natural product for food and medicine. Here, we have tested different Mediterranean jellyfish species in order to investigate the economic potential of their collagens. We have studied different methods of collagen purification (tissues and experimental procedures). The best collagen yield was obtained using Rhizostoma pulmo oral arms and the pepsin extraction method (2–10 mg collagen/g of wet tissue). Although a significant yield was obtained with Cotylorhiza tuberculata (0.45 mg/g), R. pulmo was used for further experiments, this jellyfish being considered as harmless to humans and being an abundant source of material. Then, we compared the biological properties of R. pulmo collagen with mammalian fibrillar collagens in cell cytotoxicity assays and cell adhesion. There was no statistical difference in cytotoxicity (p > 0.05) between R. pulmo collagen and rat type I collagen. However, since heparin inhibits cell adhesion to jellyfish-native collagen by 55%, the main difference is that heparan sulfate proteoglycans could be preferentially involved in fibroblast and osteoblast adhesion to jellyfish collagens. Our data confirm the broad harmlessness of jellyfish collagens, and their biological effect on human cells that are similar to that of mammalian type I collagen. Given the bioavailability of jellyfish collagen and its biological properties, this marine material is thus a good candidate for replacing bovine or human collagens in selected biomedical applications

Anaphylaxis in Elderly Patients-Data From the European Anaphylaxis Registry

Background: Elicitors and symptoms of anaphylaxis are age dependent. However, little is known about typical features of anaphylaxis in patients aged 65 years or more. Methods: The data from the Network for Online Registration of Anaphylaxis (NORA) considering patients aged ≥65 (elderly) in comparison to data from adults (18–64 years) regarding elicitors, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment measures were analyzed. Results: We identified 1,123 elderly anaphylactic patients. Insect venoms were the most frequent elicitor in this group (p < 0.001), followed by drugs like analgesics and antibiotics. Food allergens elicited less frequently anaphylaxis (p < 0.001). Skin symptoms occurred less frequently in elderly patients (77%, p < 0.001). The clinical symptoms were more severe in the elderly (51% experiencing grade III/IV reactions), in particular when skin symptoms (p < 0.001) were absent. Most strikingly, a loss of consciousness (33%, p < 0.001) and preexisting cardiovascular comorbidity (59%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in the elderly. Finally, adrenaline was used in 30% of the elderly (vs. 26% in the comparator group, p < 0.001) and hospitalization was more often required (60 vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: Anaphylaxis in the elderly is often caused by insect venoms and drugs. These patients suffer more often from cardiovascular symptoms, receive more frequently adrenaline and require more often hospitalization. The data indicate that anaphylaxis in the elderly tends to be more frequently life threatening and patients require intensified medical intervention. The data support the need to recognize anaphylaxis in this patient group, which is prone to be at a higher risk for a fatal outcome

Peanut‐induced anaphylaxis in children and adolescents: Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry

Background Peanut allergy has a rising prevalence in high-income countries, affecting 0.5%-1.4% of children. This study aimed to better understand peanut anaphylaxis in comparison to anaphylaxis to other food triggers in European children and adolescents. Methods Data was sourced from the European Anaphylaxis Registry via an online questionnaire, after in-depth review of food-induced anaphylaxis cases in a tertiary paediatric allergy centre. Results 3514 cases of food anaphylaxis were reported between July 2007 - March 2018, 56% in patients younger than 18 years. Peanut anaphylaxis was recorded in 459 children and adolescents (85% of all peanut anaphylaxis cases). Previous reactions (42% vs. 38%; p = .001), asthma comorbidity (47% vs. 35%; p < .001), relevant cofactors (29% vs. 22%; p = .004) and biphasic reactions (10% vs. 4%; p = .001) were more commonly reported in peanut anaphylaxis. Most cases were labelled as severe anaphylaxis (Ring&Messmer grade III 65% vs. 56% and grade IV 1.1% vs. 0.9%; p = .001). Self-administration of intramuscular adrenaline was low (17% vs. 15%), professional adrenaline administration was higher in non-peanut food anaphylaxis (34% vs. 26%; p = .003). Hospitalization was higher for peanut anaphylaxis (67% vs. 54%; p = .004). Conclusions The European Anaphylaxis Registry data confirmed peanut as one of the major causes of severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in European children, with some characteristic features e.g., presence of asthma comorbidity and increased rate of biphasic reactions. Usage of intramuscular adrenaline as first-line treatment is low and needs to be improved. The Registry, designed as the largest database on anaphylaxis, allows continuous assessment of this condition

The South African agricultural innovation system – stakeholders, structure and process

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study makes a contribution to the research about the emergence and functioning of innovation systems in the agricultural sector in developing countries. It determines the current status quo of the South African Agricultural Innovation System and its limitations and shows possible solutions to overcome these. The agricultural sector in South Africa faces many challenges. Water scarcity, climate change and increasing resource pressure are just some of the obstacles, which need to be overcome. Agricultural activity is very diverse and ranges from highly efficient farming operations to food gardens and subsistence farming. Furthermore, the South Africa’s population will continue to grow, and food production will need to increase significantly. In order to meet these challenges and to ensure and improve food security, new solutions need to be found and innovations need to be implemented. This study explores the ability of the South African Agricultural Innovation System to support the emergence and implementation of innovative solutions and to enable long lasting change of the agricultural sector and the overall food system. The research used a variety of methodologies, such as literature review, qualitative interviews, social network analysis and content analysis. A first journal article seeks to portray the South African Agricultural Innovation System. Based on innovation system theory and its application in agriculture as well as qualitative interviews with various stakeholders, a social network analysis was performed and the results are presented in a visual form. The maturity of the innovation system and its ability to face and meet the existing challenges are discussed. The second journal article describes the ability of the South African agricultural sector to support a long-term transition towards more sustainability. The concepts of transition theory, the multilevel perspective and strategic niche management are presented and discussed. Limiting factors for a transition towards a more sustainable agricultural and food system in South Africa were identified during interviews with various parties involved in agricultural innovation. Potential solutions to overcome these limitations are described and reviewed.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie lewer ’n bydrae tot die navorsing oor die opkoms en funksionering van innovasiestelsels in die landbousektor in ontwikkelende lande. Dit bepaal die huidige status quo van die stelsel met sy onderskeie beperkinge en bied moontlike oplossings om dit te oorkom. Daar is aansienlike uitdagings wat die landbousektor in Suid-Afrika kniehalter. Waterskaarste, klimaatsverandering en toenemende druk op hulpbronne is slegs ’n paar van die struikelblokke wat oorkom moet word. Landboukundige aktiwiteit is geweldig uiteenlopend en wissel van hoogs doeltreffende landbouondernemings tot voedseltuine en bestaansboerdery. Aangesien Suid-Afrika se bevolking boonop voortdurend groei, moet voedselproduksie beduidend verhoog. Ten einde hierdie uitdagings die hoof te kan bied en voedselsekuriteit te verseker en te verbeter, moet nuwe oplossings gevind en innovasies geïmplementeer word. Hierdie studie ondersoek die vermoë van die Suid-Afrikaanse Landbou-innovasiestelsel om die opkoms en implementering van innoverende oplossings te ondersteun en langdurige verandering van die landbousektor en die algehele voedselstelsel moontlik te maak. Die navorsing het verskillende metodologieë gebruik, onder meer literatuuroorsig, kwalitatiewe onderhoude, sosiale netwerk-ontleding en inhoudontleding. Die eerste vaktydskrifartikel beeld die Suid-Afrikaanse Landbou-innovasiestelsel uit. Gebaseer op innovasiestelselteorie en die toepassing daarvan in die landbou, asook kwalitatiewe onderhoude met verskeie belanghebbendes, is ’n sosiale netwerk-ontleding gedoen en die resultate word in visuele vorm aangebied. Die volwaardigheid van die innovasiestelsel en die vermoë daarvan om die bestaande uitdagings aan te pak en dit die hoof te bied, word bespreek. Die tweede vaktydskrifartikel beskryf die vermoë van die Suid-Afrikaanse landbousektor om ’n langtermynoorgang na groter volhoubaarheid te ondersteun. Die konsepte oorgangsteorie, die veelvlakperspektief en strategiese nis-bestuur word aangebied en bespreek. Faktore wat ’n oorgang na ’n meer volhoubare landbou- en voedselstelsel in Suid-Afrika beperk, is in onderhoude met verskeie belanghebbendes by landboukundige innovasie uitgewys. Potensiële oplossings om hierdie beperkinge te oorkom word beskryf en hersien

Biochemische und immunologische Charakterisierung menschlicher Klasse-II-Histokompatibilitaetsantigene durch isoelektrische Fokussierung und monoklonale Antikoerper gegen polymorphe Epitope

Available from TIB Hannover: DW 6713 / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman