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The fluorescence viewing of mitochondria is commonly performed by MitoTracker, a lipophilic cationic dye that is taken up by the mitochondria. In this forum, we highlight several issues that may occur with MitoTracker, including staining of other organelles. Our aim is to offer alternative dyes and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. We also offer options for software with alternatives to MitoTracker to expedite future experimental design. Descriptions of all the types of MitoTracker and their relative abilities. Drawbacks of MitoTracker include affecting mitochondrial function. Common alternatives discussing their relative benefits and disadvantages for MitoTracker. Limitations of MitoTracker and presents alternative dyes for more specific uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombotic events caused by atherosclerosis are by far the most common cause of death in the world. Advances in treatment have prolonged the life of patients with atherosclerotic disease, but treating individuals with clinically manifest disease will not result in a cure, and will not prevent the majority of such events. This paper explores the possibility that early implementation of a drug-based approach to the prevention of atherosclerosis and atherothrombotic events could dramatically reduce the footprint of this disease. Specifically, we consider the potential impact on atherothrombotic events of a population-based, pharmacological approach to lowering serum LDL-cholesterol levels in asymptomatic adults aged 35-50 years. We also consider the feasibility and basic design considerations for a clinical trial to assess the validity of this public health and primary prevention approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug discovery must be guided not only by medical need and commercial potential, but also by the areas in which new science is creating therapeutic opportunities, such as target identification and the understanding of disease mechanisms. To systematically identify such areas of high scientific activity, we use bibliometrics and related data-mining methods to analyse over half a terabyte of data, including PubMed abstracts, literature citation data and patent filings. These analyses reveal trends in scientific activity related to disease studied at varying levels, down to individual genes and pathways, and provide methods to monitor areas in which scientific advances are likely to create new therapeutic opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented pace of therapeutic development in oncology has created a climate in which the traditional methods of evaluating agent activity might no longer be adequate. How is the field transitioning to new endpoints in early drug development and what are the difficulties in this transition? Here, we will explore the historical context for the current criteria for tumour response evaluation and some of the pitfalls in using these standards when testing newer anticancer agents for activity. We will argue that the current drug development environment dictates different outcome measurements and therefore more imaginative and rigorous early-phase trial designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotechnology has established itself as one of the most promising, exciting sectors in our economy: its talent base is among the "best and the brightest"; it receives large amounts of government funding; it is relatively immune to poor economic cycles; and it has products that are increasingly in demand due to gaps in big pharma pipelines. However, there are many challenges to differentiating the sizzle from the steak. This article will discuss how to determine intrinsic value creation in the biotechnology industry over the long haul. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the PELICAN parental questionnaire to assess parental experiences and needs during their child's end-of-life care of K Zimmerman et al from the "Journal of Advanced Nursing."

Introduces new computer software from Stat-Ease Inc. designed to help scientists use statistical tools to set up and analyze experiments. How the Design-Ease software allows researchers to choose, conduct, and analyze two-level experiment designs.