Bioscience Horizons最新文献

{"title":"Analysis of Ge-132 and development of a simple oral anticancer formulation","authors":"Sara M. Ogwapit","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR015","url":null,"abstract":"The anticancer activity of synthetic organogermanium, β- or bis-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (Ge-132), has been demonstrated in several cancer cell models and human studies. Ge-132 increases pro-inflammatory responses by enhancing interferon-γ (IFN-γ), natural killer cell and T-cell activity, and is significantly less toxic than other widely used metal-based anticancer drugs such as cisplatin. In this small-scale laboratory study, we effectively assessed the physicochemical characteristics and purity of Ge-132, our main objective being to develop a novel oral anticancer formulation, using conventional tabletting excipients which do not alter the chemistry of Ge-132. We determined that solid Ge-132 decomposes at 330°C; is virtually insoluble in most common organic solvents; and readily dissolves in water (saturation solubility ≈1.28 g/100 ml) to form germane triol (pH 3.06–3.12). 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the structure of our compound showing two identical proton environments at 1.55 and 2.65 ppm (triplets) and three distinct carbon environments at 178.31, 27.37 and 12.93 ppm. The mass spectrum indicated the formation of numerous complex ion fragments with masses ranging from m/z 123.1 to m/z 478.3. FT-infrared and FT-Raman spectra showed characteristic sesquioxide peaks at 900.51, 900.26 and 800.04 cm −1 and, most importantly, confirmed the absence of toxic, inorganic GeO 2 , at 850 cm −1 . While parenteral formulations exist for many anticancer medicines, here we successfully developed uncoated tablets containing Ge-132 (5% w/w) by manual direct compression (powder particle size ≤180 µm). The tablets passed British Pharmacopoeia (BP) content uniformity testing (Ultraviolet–visible, 212 nm), and BP disintegration testing in both acidic and basic media, disintegrating between 2 min 55 s and 3 min 10 s, respectively. We prepared gastro-resistant formulations using Eudragit ® ; however, these failed content uniformity tests and had lower disintegration times (≤1 min 36 s), indicating that compatibility of polymers with Ge-132 requires further investigation. The results presented here support further larger-scale research on Ge-132 as a novel metal-based oral anticancer drug which can be conveniently administered alone or included within a chemotherapy regimen. Future formulation studies on Ge-132 could focus on compatibility assessments with nano-formulations in keeping with current advancements in metal-based anticancer therapies.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"1 1","pages":"128-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR015","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60764985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Social organization and change in the Indus Civilization; phytolith analysis of crop processing aims at Masudpur VII","authors":"J. Bates","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR001","url":null,"abstract":"The Indus Civilization (3rd to 2nd millennium BC) has been understood primarily through the study of its cities. However, the majority of the population lived in rural villages whose material remains have not been the focus of archaeological research. There has been no consensus on the nature of the social organization of the Indus Civilization, and the focus on urban sites and elite artefacts has meant that there has been little investigation into urban–rural interactions or the impact of urbanization on rural hinterlands. Food production, particularly that of staple crops, is one of the key links between a city and the villages that surround it. This paper uses phytolith analysis, a method of identifying plants and their constituent components using microscopic plant silica, to explore if the development of the cities affected the daily practice of crop processing and exchange in the Indus Civilization. This helps to ascertain whether city-centralized models of social organization can be applied to all aspects of rural–urban interactions. Using samples from Early and Mature Harappan periods at the village site of Masudpur VII in Haryana, India, the aims of crop processing, the crop assemblage and the local environmental conditions have been explored. This study concludes that contrary to the assumed city-focused models, the aims of the processing, composition of the crop assemblage and the local environmental conditions at Masudpur VII were not altered by the development of the city of Rakhigarhi in close proximity to it. This paper demonstrates that an understanding of ancient civilizations cannot be accurately drawn from the study of only their most conspicuous sites, especially when most of the people lived in the rural hinterlands.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"15 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR001","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60764520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use and understanding of analgesics (painkillers) by Aston university students","authors":"Sandeep Kaur Golar","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR009","url":null,"abstract":"Reports in the popular and scientific media demonstrate a degree of uncertainty about the beneficial and harmful effects of analgesics. This, together with the hectic student lifestyle, can potentially lead to confusion and misuse of certain over-the-counter (OTC) (non-prescribed) drugs, such as analgesics. Fifty structured interviews were performed to investigate whether students consume analgesics safely and with a good understanding of their adverse effects. Of 50 students, only 27 (54.0%) consumed analgesics, and none were chronic users. Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic. Slight differences in knowledge were evident between users and non-users; students who did not use analgesics gained slightly higher and statistically significant scores on the knowledge-based questions in the interview, than those who did use analgesics (P = 0.040). Gender differences were apparent: females demonstrated a significantly higher consumption of analgesics than males. Though it was not statistically significant, males showed slightly higher analgesic knowledge than females. Students demonstrated some basic knowledge and awareness of analgesics. However, they lacked understanding of risks, contraindications and of the type of analgesic contained in popular brands. Further investigation of such relationships could enhance our knowledge of analgesic use by the UK student population, but based on the present sample there are limited causes for concern.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"7 1","pages":"71-78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60764822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors affecting advertising in Indonesian adult and juvenile bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)","authors":"S. Horton","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR011","url":null,"abstract":"Inter-specific cooperative relationships are important in the behaviour of a variety of animals and often involve a mutually beneficial interaction. This study assessed the behavioural pattern known as ‘advertising’ in the bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) that remove ectoparasites from other species around Hoga Island, Indonesia. Advertising is the rocking dance that the cleaner performs, which may advertise their services to client fish. The ecological and behavioural factors influencing this behaviour have never been studied despite being of great importance in cleaning interactions. The factors assessed in the present study determined what effects time of day, location, reef position, life stage, client number, client size and interaction duration, had on advertising duration. The significant factors in determining advertising duration were that of life stage, where juveniles advertised significantly more than their adult counterparts (Mann–Whitney U-test: U = 7, p ≤ 0.01, N 1 = 96, N 2 = 96); and reef location (Mann–Whitney U-test: U = 2964.5, p ≤ 0.01, N 1 = 96, N 2 = 96) where cleaning stations on the reef crest exhibited less advertising than on the flat areas for both life stages. Juveniles are likely to advertise more due to the decreased client size and number seen at the juveniles’ stations, as well as the presence of mimics. Reef location is important as the reef crest allows more access to transient clients, hence a reduction in advertising duration. Life stage and location should be explored in future studies as significant factors in the behavioural ecology of cleaner–client interactions.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"90-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60764871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The use of treadmill training to recover locomotor ability in patients with spinal cord injury","authors":"R. Frood","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR003","url":null,"abstract":"Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects over 1000 people a year in the UK and has severe consequences for their independence and quality of life. Treatments to address SCI focus on techniques that aim to restore some degree of walking or locomotor activity. One such technique is treadmill training of SCI patients. This paper reviews the use of treadmill training in the recovery of locomotor ability in patients with SCI. Outcomes from treadmill training are variable; for patients with incomplete SCI (where some degree of connection between the brain and the spinal cord is spared from injury), treadmill training only enabled limited full weight-bearing locomotion. In patients suffering a complete SCI (where communication between the brain and spinal cord is lost), no weight-bearing locomotion at all was achieved with training. However, treadmill training does influence the activity of the leg muscles in the acute patients, observed by recordings made from the muscles (electromyography). The improvements achieved by treadmill training are not significantly different from other tech- niques such as overground training and functional electrical stimulation. The most effective way of restoring locomotion is through com- plete repair; however, regeneration techniques are still being developed. For regeneration to take place, the neurons within the spinal cord that are important in generating rhythmic movements (the central pattern generator (CPG) circuits) still need to be functioning, as these circuits have been shown to decline through long periods of inactivation. Treadmill training has therefore an important role in keeping neurons active until regenerative techniques become viable. Furthermore, in spinalized rats, it has been shown that by com- bining treadmill training with pharmaceutical and electrical stimulation therapies, greater improvements are seen. This suggests that the treatment of spinal cord injury should not be limited to one method. Techniques that repair the damage are the ultimate goal and it is important that patients keep active in order to increase chances of recovery.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"1 1","pages":"108-117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR003","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS) for HIV point of care testing","authors":"Catherine Abdul-Khaliq","doi":"10.1093/biohorizons/hzr004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/biohorizons/hzr004","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The use of HIV point of care tests (POCTs) is increasing rapidly in both laboratory and other settings. These tests are often performed by non-laboratory trained staff. At the present time there are no external quality assessment (EQA) providers in the UK offering proficiency testing schemes for HIV point of care testing. The aim of this study is to develop such an EQA scheme. Firstly, a selection of the most widely used POCTs was selected and their performance assessed using existing HIV-positive serology EQA specimens. All assays produced the correct results however intensity of results observed for the same specimen differed greatly between POCT devices. In addition the effect of various sub-groups of HIV-1 serum samples on the HIV POCT assays was investigated and no difference between the results on the POCTs was observed. Ultimately four serum specimens, two HIV-1 and one HIV-2 positive, one HIV negative, were chosen and sent to NHS laboratories and sexual health clinics for testing as part of a pilot EQA scheme for HIV POCT. Results were excellent with 97% of participants reporting correct results (n= 20). The study highlighted a lack of awareness of EQA particularly in non-laboratory settings, although recommendations (ISO 22870:2006) are in place for the users of such devices. In conclusion, the need for EQA for providers of point of care testing is an integral part of ensuring reliability of results and quality of care for the patient.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"23 - 30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/biohorizons/hzr004","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determination and identification of placental growth factor in wound fluid from venous leg ulcers","authors":"B. L. Sparkes","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR005","url":null,"abstract":"Leg ulcers are a common occurrence, particularly within the elderly population. Many hypotheses have been proposed to try to clarify the aetiology of ulceration, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. It is believed, however, that venous hypertension plays a significant role in ulceration. Injury, such as that associated with ulceration, is usually followed by a complex biological response in order to restore homeostasis. Angiogenesis is one such process, whereby new microvasculature is formed from pre-existing vasculature. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is thought to be a main contributor in angiogenesis, although its mechanism is thought to be hindered in ulceration despite up-regulated levels. An important member of the VEGF family is placental growth factor (PlGF), which has been shown to enhance the activity of VEGF as well as being an important growth factor involved in pathological skin angio- genesis. This study focuses on the expression levels of PlGF within wound fluid obtained from bandages used in the compression therapy treatment of venous leg ulcers. Through immunoblotting, fluid from three of the four patients showed the presence of a band 20 kDa in size, suggesting the presence of the PlGF-2 isoform. Furthermore, some patients expressed bands 40 and 70 kDa in size, which may correspond to the non-reduced dimer and the glycosylated form of the protein. Additionally, the level of immunoglobulin G was shown to be elevated in some of the patients. These data would suggest that PlGF can be identified through immunoblotting techniques. Moreover, the level of expression between patients is considerably varied.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"31-39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR005","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765173","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adherence of Mannheimia haemolytica to ovine bronchial epithelial cells","authors":"S. Haig","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR007","url":null,"abstract":"The adherence of six isolates of Mannheimia haemolytica to ovine bronchial epithelial cells (OBECs) was examined via immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantification assays; isolates used represented different capsular, outer membrane protein A (OmpA), and LPS types and species of isolation. The study revealed that both the capsular and LPS types of the isolates affected the level of adherence displayed; however there was no difference displayed in the level of adherence between ovine and bovine isolated strains, implying the presence of non-specific adhesins. Isolates were further tested for their ability to adhere to the extracellular matrix component, collagen, using a collagen-coated transwell insert seeded with OBECs, mimicking the in vivo environment of the respiratory tract. SEM results showed that all six isolates tested adhered to collagen. Additionally, the role of OmpA in attachment was investigated through inhibition assays using cross-absorbed OmpA-specific antibodies, with results showing that OmpA failed to have any effect on the level of attachment to OBECs achieved by all but the two virulent isolates tested, insinuating its potential as a virulence factor. Additionally, SEM revealed an unknown substance on the surface of the OBECs and decorating all six isolates. Subsequent analysis, entailing further SEM imaging and the growth of the isolates on Congo red agar indicated that this may be extracellular polysaccharide, implying that M. haemolytica possesses the potential to form biofilms, a previously undocumented ability.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"50-60"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR007","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An in vitro comparison of the antimicrobial activity of honey, iodine and silver wound dressings","authors":"C. Bradshaw","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR008","url":null,"abstract":"The main line of treatment for chronic wounds is the application of an appropriate dressing. Dressings can be used to reduce odour and pain, maintain a moist healing environment, remove excessive exudate and prevent clinical infection. Antimicrobial compounds such as silver, honey and iodine have been in use for millennia. The discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century greatly reduced the routine usage of such compounds. More recently, there has been renewed interest in these compounds, with manufacturers adding these to dressings to provide greater antimicrobial action and aid the healing process. Much of the published literature on the antimicrobial properties of silver, honey and iodine-containing dressings is contradictory, with varying degrees of efficacy reported. This study aimed to independently compare the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a wide variety of dressings against common wound pathogens; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in order to provide further evidence and aid dressing selection. Although no significant differences were reported between honey, iodine and silver; a significant difference was observed between the individual dressings, indicating that determination of bacterial species present within a wound can aid clinical staff in the selection of the most appropriate dressing.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"61-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR008","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60765267","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of mountain bike trails on red squirrel population (Sciurus vulgaris) in Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria","authors":"A. Lowney","doi":"10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR012","url":null,"abstract":"The increase in tourism and recreational activities potentially adds to the already increasing pressure on endangered and vulnerable wildlife. Impacts on wildlife caused by these increasingly popular pursuits are poorly understood. However, it is thought that these recreational activities can lead to a decline in local population numbers and even species richness. This study tests the effects of two recently opened mountain bike trails within Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria on the abundance of red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), whose numbers have rapidly declined throughout the UK. Distance sampling survey techniques were used following transect routes of a previous 2007 study, undertaken prior to construction of the mountain bike trails. Data gathered compares squirrel abundance with trail usage, habitat and population. Habitat type was the principle determinant of red squirrel abundance, with a significant correlation identified with preference towards Larch. No negative effect was found to be caused by the presence of the mountain bike trails. However, further studies should be undertaken and mitigation measures should be carried out until any negative effects can be completely dismissed.","PeriodicalId":52095,"journal":{"name":"Bioscience Horizons","volume":"4 1","pages":"99-107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2011-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1093/BIOHORIZONS/HZR012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"60764925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}