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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 21.

New Synthetic Polymer Is First to Match Rigidity of DNA or Collagen
Take one kilogram of polyisocyanide polymer. Sprinkle liberally across an Olympic swimming pool. Warm gently. Within minutes, your jelly is ready. Serves 25 million. [More]
Source: Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Tags: Health,Health,Biotechnology,More Science,Biotechnology,Biology,Technology Source Type: news

iRobot’s health robot gets FDA OK
The remote presence robot developed by IRobot Corp. (Nasdaq: IRBT) and its telemedicine partner, InTouch Health, has received 510(k) clearance by the by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in hospitals. The FDA clearance comes nearly six months after the Bedford, Mass.-based robotics business and its Santa Barbara, Calif. partner first launched RP-VITA (Remote Presence Virtual + Independent Telemedicine Assistant) at the InTouch Health 7th Annual Clinical Innovations Forum. Hoag Hospitals…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 24, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Patricia Resende Source Type: research

Taxonomic characterization, adaptation strategies and biotechnological potential of cryophilic yeasts from ice cores of Midre Lovénbreen glacier, Svalbard, Arctic.
Abstract Ten strains of cryophilic yeast were studied from glacier ice cores of Svalbard, Arctic. The ice melt samples contained about 3×10(3) - 1×10(4) colony forming unit (CFUs) per ml of these yeasts. Sequence analysis of the isolates, using D1/D2 domain identified five species of yeasts: Cryptococcus adeliensis (MLB-18 JX192655), Cryptococcus albidosimilis (MLB-19 JX192656), Cryptococcus saitoi (MLB-22 JX192659), Rhodosporidium sp. MAC-2011b (MLB-20 JX192657), and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MLB-27 JX192664). Effect of temperature on growth of these isolates was studied. The strains are able to grow at temperat...
Source: Cryobiology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: Singh P, Tsuji M, Singh SM, Roy U, Hoshino T Tags: Cryobiology Source Type: research

Characterization of a Heavy Metal Translocating P-Type ATPase Gene from an Environmental Heavy Metal Resistance Enterobacter sp. Isolate.
Abstract Heavy metals are common contaminants found in polluted areas. We have identified a heavy metal translocating P-type ATPase gene (hmtp) via fosmid library and in vitro transposon mutagenesis from an Enterobacter sp. isolate. This gene is believed to participate in the bacterium's heavy metal resistance traits. The complete gene was identified, cloned, and expressed in a suitable Escherichia coli host cell. E. coli W3110, RW3110 (zntA::Km), GG48 (ΔzitB::Cm zntA::Km), and GG51 (ΔzitB::Cm) were used to study the possible effects of this gene for heavy metal (cadmium and zinc in particular) resistance. Among ...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Chien CC, Huang CH, Lin YW Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Optimized Fed-Batch Fermentation of Scheffersomyces stipitis for Efficient Production of Ethanol from Hexoses and Pentoses.
Abstract Scheffersomyces stipitis was cultivated in an optimized, controlled fed-batch fermentation for production of ethanol from glucose-xylose mixture. Effect of feed medium composition was investigated on sugar utilization and ethanol production. Studying influence of specific cell growth rate on ethanol fermentation performance showed the carbon flow towards ethanol synthesis decreased with increasing cell growth rate. The optimum specific growth rate to achieve efficient ethanol production performance from a glucose-xylose mixture existed at 0.1 h(-1). With these optimized feed medium and cell growth rate, a...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Unrean P, Nguyen NH Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Recombinant Expression and Characterization of an Organic-Solvent-Tolerant α-Amylase from Exiguobacterium sp. DAU5.
In this study, a novel organic-solvent-tolerant α-amylase gene was cloned from the mild halophile Exiguobacterium sp. DAU5. The open reading frame (ORF) of the enzyme consisted of 1,545 bp and encoded 514 amino acids, the primary sequence revealed that it belongs to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 13. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed an AmyH monomer of 57 kDa. The enzyme exhibited maximal activity at 40 °C in pH 8.5 glycine-NaOH buffer, and the activity was strongly inhibited by Zn(2+), Cu(2+), and Fe(2+). The α-amylase AmyH exhibited high hydrolysis activity toward so...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Chang J, Lee YS, Fang SJ, Park IH, Choi YL Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Recombinant Production of Crab Antimicrobial Protein Scygonadin Expressed as Thioredoxin and SUMO Fusions in Escherichia coli.
In this study, I developed a protocol for producing recombinant scygonadin in Escherichia coli. The target protein was expressed as both thioredoxin and SUMO fusions, and released by TEV and SUMO protease-mediated cleavages, respectively. In either case, the liberated scygonadin was separated from its carrier using a HisTrap HP column. From thioredoxin and SUMO fusion constructs, 32.7 and 29.2 mg target protein per liter of culture was obtained, respectively. The described protocol provides an effective means for producing scygonadin in relatively large quantities, which facilities its further characterization. PMID: ...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Li Y Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Prediction of Optimal pH in Hydrolytic Reaction of Beta-glucosidase.
In this study, 23 features selected from 540 plus features of individual amino acid as well as a feature combined whole protein information were screened as independents in a 20-1 feedforward backpropagation neural network for predicting optimal pH in beta-glucosidase's hydrolytic reaction because this enzyme drew attention recently due to its role in biofuel industry. The results show that 11 features can be used as independents for the prediction, while the feature of amino acid distribution probability works better than the rest independents for the prediction. Our study paves a way to predict the optimal reaction param...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Yan S, Wu G Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Linking Performance with Microbial Community Characteristics in an Anaerobic Baffled Reactor.
Abstract The performance and microbial community characteristics of a laboratory scale anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) with four compartments (C1-C4) treating sugar refinery wastewater were investigated. The COD removal was 94.8 % with a CH(4) yield of 0.21 L g(-1) COD(removed) at total organic loading rate (OLR) of 5.33 kg COD/m(-3) day(-1). Fermentative bacteria were dominant in C1 and C2, while syntrophic acetogens and methanogens were dominant in C3 and C4. Some acid-tolerant methanogens were enriched in acidogenic phase. The present of the acid-tolerant methanogens could improve the efficiency and stabi...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Ban Q, Li J, Zhang L, Jha AK, Nies L Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Secretory Phospholipase A(2) in Dromedary Tears: a Host Defense Against Staphylococci and Other Gram-Positive Bacteria.
In this report, we have analyzed the bactericidal activity of dromedary tears and the subsequently purified sPLA(2) on several Gram-positive bacteria. Our results showed that the sPLA(2) displays a potent bactericidal activity against all the tested bacteria particularly against the Staphylococcus strains when tested in the ionic environment of tears. There is a synergic action of the sPLA(2) with lysozyme when added to the bacteria culture prior to sPLA(2). Interestingly, lysozyme purified from dromedary tears showed a significant bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogene and Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas ...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Ben Bacha A, Abid I Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Enhancement of Streptomyces transglutaminase activity and pro-peptide cleavage efficiency by introducing linker peptide in the C-terminus of the pro-peptide.
In this study, we developed a new approach to improve the properties of TGase based on pro-peptide engineering. When the α-helix(37G-42S) in pro-peptide was substituted with three glycines and three alanines respectively, the mutants exhibited higher specific activity and the efficiency of pro-peptide cleavage was enhanced. To further improve the properties of TGase, relevant mutations were constructed by introducing linker peptides in the C-terminus of the pro-peptide. Mutants with GS (GGGGS) and PT (PTPPTTPT) linker peptide exhibited 1.28 fold and 1.5 fold higher specific activity than the wild-type enzyme, respectively...
Source: Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Chen K, Liu S, Wang G, Zhang D, Du G, Chen J, Shi Z Tags: J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Construction of lactose-consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae for lactose fermentation into ethanol fuel.
Abstract Two lactose-consuming diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, AY-51024A and AY-51024M, were constructed by expressing the LAC4 and LAC12 genes of Kluyveromyces marxianus in the host strain AY-5. In AY-51024A, both genes were targeted to the ATH1 and NTH1 gene-encoding regions to abolish the activity of acid/neutral trehalase. In AY-51024M, both genes were respectively integrated into the MIG1 and NTH1 gene-encoding regions to relieve glucose repression. Physiologic studies of the two transformants under anaerobic cultivations in glucose and galactose media indicated that the expression of both LAC genes ...
Source: Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zou J, Guo X, Shen T, Dong J, Zhang C, Xiao D Tags: J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Integration in Bioanalysis: Technologies for Point-of-Care Testing.
This article gives a brief overview of recent achievements and future prospects. PMID: 23344629 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Advances in Biochemical Engineering Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Bier FF, Schumacher S Tags: Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol Source Type: research

Aerobic transformation of zinc into metal sulfide by photosynthetic microorganisms.
Abstract Industrial activity over the last two centuries has increased heavy metal contamination worldwide, leading to greater human exposure. Zinc is particularly common in industrial effluents and although an essential nutrient, it is highly toxic at elevated concentrations. Photoautotrophic microbes hold promise for heavy metal bioremediation applications because of their ease of culture and their ability to produce sulfide through metabolic processes that in turn are known to complex with the metal ion, Hg(II). The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae, and the cyanobacteriu...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Edwards CD, Beatty JC, Loiselle JB, Vlassov KA, Lefebvre DD Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Comparative functional genomics to reveal the molecular basis of phenotypic diversities and guide the genetic breeding of industrial yeast strains.
Abstract An understanding of the genetic basis underlying the phenotypic variations of yeast strains would guide the breeding of this useful microorganism. Here, comparative functional genomics (CFG) of two bioethanol Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (YJS329 and ZK2) with different stress tolerances and ethanol fermentation performances were performed. Our analysis indicated that different patterns of gene expression in the central carbon metabolism, antioxidative factors, and membrane compositions of these two strains are the main contributors to their various traits. Some of the differently expressed genes were d...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zheng DQ, Liu TZ, Chen J, Zhang K, Li O, Zhu L, Zhao YH, Wu XC, Wang PM Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Biodiversity of Actinomycetes Associated with Caribbean Sponges and Their Potential for Natural Product Discovery.
In this study, 16 different species of Caribbean sponges were collected from four different locations in the coastal waters off Puerto Rico in order to examine diversity and bioactive metabolite production of marine actinomycetes in Caribbean sponges. Sediments were also collected from each location, in order to compare actinomycete communities between these two types of samples. A total of 180 actinomycetes were isolated and identified based on 16S rRNA gene analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of at least 14 new phylotypes belonging to the genera Micromonospora, Verruscosispora, Streptomyces, Salinospora...
Source: Marine Biotechnology - January 24, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Vicente J, Stewart A, Song B, Hill RT, Wright JL Tags: Mar Biotechnol (NY) Source Type: research

Toxin–antitoxin systems are ubiquitous and versatile modulators of prokaryotic cell fate
Abstract Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are small genetic elements found on plasmids or chromosomes of countless bacteria, archaea, and possibly also unicellular fungi. Under normal growth conditions, the activity of the toxin protein or its translation is counteracted by an antitoxin protein or noncoding RNA. Five types of TA systems have been proposed that differ markedly in their genetic architectures and modes of activity control. Subtle regulatory properties, frequently responsive to environmental cues, impact the behavior of TA systems. Typically, stress conditions result in the degradation or depletion of the antito...
Source: FEMS Microbiology Letters - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Christopher F. Schuster, Ralph Bertram Tags: MiniReview Source Type: research

Laboratory capacity for diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease in Eastern Africa: implications for the progressive control pathway
Conclusions: This study indicates that FMD diagnostic capacity in Eastern Africa is still inadequate and largely depends on antigen and antibody ELISAs techniques undertaken by the NRLs. Hence, for the region to progress on the PCP-FMD, there is need to: implement regional control measures, improve the serological diagnostic test performance and laboratory capacity of the NRLs (including training of personnel as well as upgrading of equipment and methods, especially strengthening the molecular diagnostic capacity), and to establish a regional reference laboratory to enforce QMS and characterization of FMD virus containing samples.
Source: BMC Veterinary Research - Latest articles - January 24, 2013 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Alice NamatovuSabenzia WekesaKirsten TjørnehøjMoses DhikusookaVincent MuwanikaHans SiegsmundChrisostom Ayebazibwe Source Type: research

Repressible promoters -- A novel tool to generate conditional mutants in Pichia pastoris
Conclusion: Our results show that all of the novel promoters can be used for repression of genes in liquid culture. We also came to the conclusion that the choice of the repressible promoter is of particular importance. For a successful repression experiment it is crucial that the native promoter of a gene and the repressible promoter in its non-repressed state are of similar strength.
Source: Microbial Cell Factories - January 24, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Marizela DelicDiethard MattanovichBrigitte Gasser Source Type: research

Slideshow: Mission Bay, UCSF come of age
Life sciences researchers, California and San Francisco politicians and biotech companies applauded the 10th anniversary of the city's Mission Bay life sciences hub Wednesday. See a slideshow of Wednesday's 10th-anniversary celebration. ---> In Genentech Hall -- a building occupied by the University of California, San Francisco, in January 2003 --speakers highlighted how the roughly 300-acre, onetime railyard and warehouse district has become a research enclave housing three Nobel Prize winners,…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Ron Leuty Source Type: research

Pharma MNCs use RTI law to protect market for patented drugs
MNCs are using such information to sue generic firms even at a stage when their marketing approval is still pending or during the few months' window between the grant of approval and the actual product launch.
Source: The Economic Times Healthcare and Biotech News - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

VistaGen concludes final Phase I study of AV-101 pain prodrug
Biotechnology company VistaGen Therapeutics has concluded its final Phase I study evaluating the safety of AV-101, a prodrug candidate for multiple applications including chronic neuropathic pain.
Source: Drug Development Technology - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

O’Malley floats $3 million tax credit pool to bolster cyber security
Maryland is looking to build on the success of a biotechnology tax credit to bolster another industry here — cyber security. Gov. Martin O’Malley proposed in his fiscal 2014 budget a new cyber security tax credit that would set aside $3 million to encourage cyber security companies to expand or set up shop in Maryland. “The impetus for it came from the fact that we regularly talk with not only cyber security companies but also investors in that space, some who are just discovering Maryland,”…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Hospital Management Authors: Sarah Gantz Source Type: research

Genentech's Avastin approved for wider use in colorectal cancer
Genentech Inc.'s top-selling cancer drug Avastin won approval from U.S. regulators Wednesday to expand its use for metastatic colorectal cancer patients. The Food and Drug Administration's decision allows Avastin, a monoclonal antibody that crimps the blood vessels that feed oxygen, blood and other nutrients to tumors, to be used by metastatic colorectal cancer patients whose cancer progressed when taking Avastin as their first line of cancer-fighting drugs. Typically, doctors switch patients off…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Ron Leuty Source Type: research

WPS subsidiary Arise adds Aurora to network
Arise Health Plan, a subsidiary of WPS Health Insurance in Madison, said it reached an agreement with Aurora Health Care to include Aurora in Arise’s network. WPS Health Insurance also will add Milwaukee-based Aurora Health Care to its network sometime this year, but no official date has been set, WPS said Wednesday. Aurora runs 15 hospitals and 172 clinics and has more than 1,500 employed physicians within its network, as well as affiliations with 3,000 independent physicians. Arise Health…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Rich Kirchen Source Type: research

Alverno launches newly designed RN to BSN program
Alverno College is launching a redesigned RN to BSN program this June. The 18-month program, which consists of a blend of online and in-classroom learning, is structured so that working registered nurses can earn bachelor's degrees. "This program was prepared based on national nursing standards and a commitment to excellence, in combination with the voice of practicing nurses who told us what they needed in a program to fit their busy lives," Patricia Schroeder, dean of Alverno College's JoAnn McGrath…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Wendy Strong Source Type: research

MBF Healthcare to buy Universal HMO, more than double membership
MBF Healthcare Partners could more than double the HMO membership that it oversees as it signed a letter of intent to acquire certain assets of Universal Health Care Group. The Coral Gables-based private equity firm, led by Chairman Mike B. Fernandez, already owns the Simply Healthcare Plans HMO, which offers Medicaid plans, and Better Health, a provider service organization plan. Financial terms of the deal for St. Petersburg-based Universal Health Care weren’t disclosed. The HMO earned $3 million…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Brian Bandell Source Type: research

Former Practice Fusion CMO Robert Rowley lands at LifeNexus Inc.
Robert Rowley, M.D., who had a high-profile role at San Francisco’s Practice Fusion until recently, has surfaced at consumer health card company LifeNexus Inc. as medical advisor. LifeNexus, an eight-year-old company focusing on “portable health records,”also this week announced the hiring of tech veteran John Sines as CFO. He actually started in the job several weeks ago. David Strand, the company’s chief executive officer, is a former CEO of ExperiaHealth and LifeMasters Supported SelfCare,…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Chris Rauber Source Type: research

Highmark revises plan to buy WPAHS
Highmark’s offer to put up $75 million for medical education at West Penn Allegheny Health System would be converted into a grant under a revised deal to buy the hospital network, which was disclosed Wednesday in filings with the state. Highmark also will pay the ailing hospital system $50 million in rate increases over five years while deferring principal and interest payments until July 1 on WPAHS bonds held by the health insurer. How long the Insurance Department’s review will take is uncertain,…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Kris B. Mamula Source Type: research

Allergen to buy Map Pharmaceuticals for $958M
Allergan Inc. has agreed to buy Mountain View's Map Pharmaceuticals for $958 million, propelled by the expected Food and Drug Administration approval of Map's inhaled treatment for migraines. Allergan will snap up Map shares for $25 per share, a 60 percent premium. A treatment for migraines that was a joint project for the two companies, Levadex, is up for approval by the FDA no later than April 15. Check out Ron Leuty's story in our sister publication, the San Francisco Business Times, for the…
Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Jon Xavier Source Type: research

Cytos to Regain Rights to Smoking Cessation Vaccine
SCHLIEREN, Switzerland, January 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ?Cytos Biotechnology Ltd (SIX:CYTN) today announced that Novartis will discontinue the NIC002 project, which is a therapeutic vaccine candidate for the treatment of nicotine addiction....
Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Immunovative Inc.: Immunovative, Inc. Discovers Material Information in Connection With Its Lawsuit Against Immunovative Therapies, Ltd. ("ITL")
NEW YORK, NY (MARKET WIRE) Immunovative, Inc. (OTCQB: IMUN) ("IMUN" or "the Company") has today announced material information discovered in connection with its lawsuit against ITL. On January 16, 2013, the Company disclosed that it had filed a lawsuit against ITL in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York following ITL's wrongful termination of a License Agreement between ITL, as licensor, and IMUN or the Company, as licensee. In connection with its prosecution of the lawsuit against ITL, the Company discovered material information about the personal and professional background of Dr.
Source: Market Wire - Pharmaceuticals and Biotech - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Tags: Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Professional Services IMUN Source Type: news

Edwards Lifesciences: Edwards Lifesciences to Host Earnings Conference Call on February 4, 2013
IRVINE, CA (MARKET WIRE) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring, plans to announce its operating results for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 after the market closes on Monday, February 4, 2013 and will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET that day to discuss its results.
Source: Market Wire - Pharmaceuticals and Biotech - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Tags: Pharmaceuticals and Biotech Medical and Healthcare EW Source Type: news

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric exploration of the high-affinity binding of three natural alkaloids with the mRNA G-quadruplex in the BCL2 5'-untranslated region.
CONCLUSIONS: Three natural small molecules were found to have very high binding affinities to the mRNA G-quadruplex and stabilize this structure. The properties of these alkaloids revealed promising potentials to regulate the expression of the BCL2 protein from the posttranscriptional pathway. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 23322663 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM - January 23, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Tan W, Yuan G Tags: Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom Source Type: research

Ampio Pharma Says Eye Drug Trial Can Go Ahead
From Associated Press (January 22, 2013) GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. -- Biotech drug maker Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Tuesday the Food and Drug Administration accepted its application to start testing the eye drug Optina. Optina is designed to...
Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Onion Headline? "Government Should Slow Down Race to Implement Electronic Health Records"
Healthcare has been a technology paradox for a long time. There have been few places further out on the cutting edge of technology than biotech and medical devices. In contrast, healthIT has been in a time warp (see Why It’s Good News HealthIT is So Bad). While next year is the 20th anniversary of the Web, the dominant healthIT vendors have thrived on a business model and technology architecture that harkens back to when Wang and DEC were cutting edge. That is, most healthIT still has the same vendor provide technology for both back-end systems as well as consumer-facing systems.
Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News - January 23, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Authors: Dave Chase Source Type: news

Development of a novel electrochemical sensor using pheochromocytoma cells and its assessment of acrylamide cytotoxicity.
We report on a sensitive, simple, label-free cell-based electrochemical sensor to monitor the toxic effect of acrylamide on the Pheochromocytoma cells. The surface of the electrode was modified with gold nanoparticles and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide. Cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry were applied to characterize the modified electrode. Reduced graphene oxide was proved to increase electron-transfer rate between the cell and the surface of electrode, while gold nanoparticle retain cell bioactivity. The sensor exhibited good correlation to the logarithmic value of cell...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Sun X, Ji J, Jiang D, Li X, Zhang Y, Li Z, Wu Y Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

A one-pot 'green' synthesis of Pd-decorated PEDOT nanospheres for nonenzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensing.
Abstract We developed a novel nonenzymatic biosensor based on palladium/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (Pd/PEDOT) nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Pd/PEDOT has been successfully fabricated by a facile one-pot 'green' method using H(2)PdCl(4) as an oxidant and a source of metal nanoparticles without any surfactants and templates. The as-synthesized PEDOT nanospheres are quite uniform in size (∼60nm) without aggregation and provide a good platform for anchoring the Pd nanoparticles (NPs). Pd NPs (∼4.5nm) are homogenously dispersed on surface...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Jiang F, Yue R, Du Y, Xu J, Yang P Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Construction and evaluation of two biosensors based on yeast transcriptional response to genotoxic chemicals.
Abstract It has been well established that essentially all microbial mutagens are rodent carcinogens, yet current mutagen detection systems are limited by their detection sensitivity. Here we report the construction of a pair of hypersensitive biosensors by optimizing both reporters and the host strain. The resulting RNR3-yEGFP and HUG1-yEGFP reporters and the septuple yeast mutant in combination with the automated protocol not only remarkably enhance the detection sensitivity, but also allow a high throughput screen of environmental genotoxins. This system is deemed much more sensitive than similar yeast and bacte...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Wei T, Zhang C, Xu X, Hanna M, Zhang X, Wang Y, Dai H, Xiao W Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

A label-free microRNA biosensor based on DNAzyme-catalyzed and microRNA-guided formation of a thin insulating polymer film.
Abstract Herein we report a label-free microRNA (miRNA) biosensor in which the formation of a thin insulating film is used to amplify the analytical signal. Briefly, the biosensor is made of an oligonucleotide-coated gold electrode. After hybridizing with a target miRNA, free capture probe (CP) strands on the biosensor are removed by a nuclease digestion. A second hybridization with an oligonucleotide-tailed DNAzyme is performed to introduce the DNAzyme to the biosensor. The DNAzyme triggers the polymerization of 3,3'-dimethoxybenzidine (DB) in the presence of H(2)O(2) and the hybridized miRNA-CP duplexes serve as ...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Shen W, Deng H, Ren Y, Gao Z Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

A nanoporous membrane-based impedimetric immunosensor for label-free detection of pathogenic bacteria in whole milk.
This study shows that a HA-functionalized nanoporous membrane-based impedimetric sensor is capable of detecting pathogenic bacteria in whole milk without any pretreatment. This is a significant step for evaluating the safety of food and environmental samples and other medical diagnostics. PMID: 23428735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Joung CK, Kim HN, Lim MC, Jeon TJ, Kim HY, Kim YR Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Multiplex electrochemiluminescence immunoassay of two tumor markers using multicolor quantum dots as labels and graphene asconductingbridge.
Abstract A multiplex electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay for simultaneous determination of two different tumor markers, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), using multicolor quantum dots as labels and graphene as conducting bridge was developed. Herein, a typical sandwich immune complex was constructed on the glass carbon electrode, with QDs(525) and QDs(625) labeled on secondary anti-AFP and anti-CEA antibodies, respectively, thus to obtain distinguishable ECL signals. Because most of those QDs labeled on secondary antibodies were beyond the space domain of the ECL reaction, graphene ...
Source: Biosensors and Bioelectronics - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Guo Z, Hao T, Du S, Chen B, Wang Z, Li X, Wang S Tags: Biosens Bioelectron Source Type: research

Origin and diversification of a metabolic cycle in oligomer world.
Abstract Based on the oligomer-world hypothesis we propose an abstract model where the molecular recognition among oligomers is described in the shape space. The origin of life in the oligomer world is regarded as the establishment of a metabolic cycle in a primitive cell. The cycle is sustained by the molecular recognition. If an original cell acquires the ability of the replication of oligomers, the relationship among oligomers changes due to the poor fidelity of the replication. This change leads to the diversification of metabolic cycles. The selection among diverse cycles is the basis of the evolution. The evo...
Source: Biosystems - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Nishio T, Narikiyo O Tags: Biosystems Source Type: research

A novel analytical method for evolutionary graph theory problems.
Abstract Evolutionary graph theory studies the evolutionary dynamics of populations structured on graphs. A central problem is determining the probability that a small number of mutants overtake a population. Currently, Monte Carlo simulations are used for estimating such fixation probabilities on general directed graphs, since no good analytical methods exist. In this paper, we introduce a novel deterministic framework for computing fixation probabilities for strongly connected, directed, weighted evolutionary graphs under neutral drift. We show how this framework can also be used to calculate the expected number ...
Source: Biosystems - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Shakarian P, Roos P, Moores G Tags: Biosystems Source Type: research

In vitro and in vivo inoculation of four endophytic bacteria on Lycopersicon esculentum.
Abstract Four bacteria selected on the basis of their capability of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, stimulating plant-growth, and protecting the host plant from pathogens -Azospirillum brasilense, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Herbaspirillum seropedicae, Burkholderia ambifaria - were inoculated on tomato seeds either singularly, in couple and in a four bacteria mixer. Aim of this research was to evaluate: (1) effect of single and mixed cultures on the inoculated plant - plant growth, dry weight, root length and surface, number of leaves, among others; (2) colonization and interactions of the bacteria inside the ho...
Source: New Biotechnology - January 23, 2013 Category: Biotechnology Authors: Botta AL, Santacecilia A, Ercole C, Cacchio P, Del Gallo M Tags: N Biotechnol Source Type: research

Preparation, Characterization, and Bacteriostasis of AgNP-Coated β-CD Grafting Cellulose Beads.
Abstract A novel functional material of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) grafting cellulose beads containing immobilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is presented in this paper. The morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Phenolphthalein probe molecule technique was used to detect the activity of the grafting β-CD, and the results demonstrated that the deposition of AgNPs had no influence on its encapsulation ability. Acid resistance of the AgNPs on the bead material was studied by atomic absorption spectrometry. The stability of the AgNPs...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 23, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Wang T, Li B, Lin L Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Structural Insights on Mycobacterium tuberculosis Thiazole Synthase-A Molecular Dynamics/Docking Approach.
Abstract Tuberculosis (TB), an epidemic disease, affects the world with death rate of two million people every year. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found to be a more potent and disease-prolonged bacterium among the world due to multi-drug resistance. Emergence of new drug targets is needed to overcome the bacterial resistance that leads to control epidemic tuberculosis. The pathway thiamine biosynthesis was targeting M. tuberculosis due to its role in intracellular growth of the bacterium. The screening of enzymes involved in thiamin biosynthesis showed novel target thiazole synthase (ThiG) involved ...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 23, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Rohini K, Srikumar PS Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research