Modulation of humoral immune response to oral BCG vaccination by Mycobacterium bovis BCG Moreau Rio de Janeiro (RDJ) in healthy adults

We hypothesize that the energy strategy of a cell is a key factor for determining how, or if, the immune system interacts with that cell. Cells have a limited number of metabolic states, in part, depending on the type of fuels the cell consumes. Cellular fuels include glucose (carbohydrates), lipids (fats), and proteins. We propose that the cell's ability to switch to, and efficiently use, fat for fuel confers immune privilege. Additionally, because uncoupling proteins are involved in the fat burning process and reportedly in protection from free radicals, we hypothesize that uncoupling proteins play an important role in immune privilege. Thus, changes in metabolism (caused by oxidative stresses, fuel availability, age, hormones, radiation, or drugs) will dictate and initiate changes in immune recognition and in the nature of the immune response. This has profound implications for controlling the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, for preventing graft rejection, and for targeting tumor cells for destruction.     

Biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles and their endocytotic fate inside the cellular compartment: a microscopic overview

Macrophages are one of the principal immune effector cells that play essential roles as secretory, phagocytic, and antigen-presenting cells in the immune system. In this study, we address the issue of cytotoxicity and immunogenic effects of gold nanoparticles on RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles has been correlated with a detailed study of their endocytotic uptake using various microscopy tools such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal-laser-scanning microscopy (CFLSM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our findings suggest that Au(0) nanoparticles are not cytotoxic, reduce the production of reactive oxygen and nitrite species, and do not elicit secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL1-beta, making them suitable candidates for nanomedicine. AFM measurements suggest that gold nanoparticles are internalized inside the cell via a mechanism involving pinocytosis, while CFLSM and TEM studies indicate their internalization in lysosomal bodies arranged in perinuclear fashion. Our studies thus underline the noncytotoxic, nonimmunogenic, and biocompatible properties of gold nanoparticles with the potential for application in nanoimmunology, nanomedicine, and nanobiotechnology.     

Identification of archaeal proteins that affect the exosome function in vitro

Background  

The archaeal exosome is formed by a hexameric RNase PH ring and three RNA binding subunits and has been shown to bind and degrade RNA in vitro. Despite extensive studies on the eukaryotic exosome and on the proteins interacting with this complex, little information is yet available on the identification and function of archaeal exosome regulatory factors.     

An Improved System for the Aqueous Lipshutz–Negishi Cross‐Coupling of Alkyl Halides with Aryl Electrophiles

The development of a palladacyclic precatalyst supported by a new biaryl(dialkyl)phosphine ligand (VPhos) in combination with octanoic acid/sodium octanoate as a simple and effective surfactant system provided an improved catalyst system for the rapid construction of a broad spectrum of alkylated scaffolds from alkyl zinc reagents generated in situ.     

The effect of data scaling on dual prices and sensitivity analysis in linear programs

In many practical situations scaling the data is necessary to solve linear programs. This note explores the relationships in translating the sensitivity analysis between the original and the scaled problems.     

A stereocontrolled synthesis of (+)-saxitoxin

A concise stereoselective total synthesis of (+)-saxitoxin is described. A silver(I)-initiated hydroamination cascade constructs the bicyclic guanidinium ion core from a alkynyl bisguanidine. This sequence creates two C-N bonds, one C-O bond, and three rings and forms a single stereoisomer in a single synthetic transformation. This process enabled us to complete the synthesis of (+)-saxitoxin in 14 steps from N-Boc-l-serine methyl ester.     

In situ synthesis of water dispersible bovine serum albumin capped gold and silver nanoparticles and their cytocompatibility studies

A simple and convenient one step room temperature method is described for the synthesis of bovine serum albumin (BSA) capped gold and silver nanoparticles. BSA reduces silver ions to silver nanoparticles but does not directly reduce gold ions to gold nanoparticles at room temperature and varying pH conditions. However, when silver and gold ions are simultaneously added to BSA, silver ions get reduced to metallic silver first and these in turn reduce gold ions to gold nanoparticles through a galvanic exchange reaction. The so synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles are easily water dispersible and can withstand addition of salt even at high concentrations. It is shown that the capped protein retains its secondary structure and the helicity to a large extent on the nanoparticles surface and that the protein capping makes the nanoparticles cytocompatible.     

Synthesis,characterization, and application of novel biodegradable self-assembled 2-(N-phthalimido) ethyl-palmitate nanoparticles for cancer therapy

We report the synthesis of novel biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) which can kill the cancer cells without any additional drug loading. The NP was a self-assembled form of a phthalimide based conjugate, in which the phthalimide moiety was responsible for the anticancer activity. We describe the synthesis of a novel 2-(N-phthalimido) ethyl palmitate (PHEP-Pal) conjugate and subsequent preparation of NPs by a simple self assembly process. The successful synthesis of conjugate was confirmed by various characterization studies including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, TOF-liquid chromatography mass spectroscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction unit. The synthesis, shape, size, and size distribution of PHEP-Pal NPs were determined by transmission electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and dynamic light scattering technique. Finally, cell culture studies using A549 and HeLa cells were done to evaluate the anticancer effect of PHEP-Pal NPs, which demonstrated the potency of these NPs for use in cancer chemotherapy.