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INTRODUCTION: Brain insulin resistance and deficiency is a consistent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Insulin resistance can be mediated by the surface expression of the insulin receptor (IR). Cleavage of the IR generates the soluble IR (sIR). METHODS: We measured the levels of sIR present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from individuals along the AD diagnostic spectrum from two cohorts: Seattle (n = 58) and the Consortium for the Early Identification of Alzheimer's Disease‐Quebec (CIMA‐Q; n = 61). We further investigated the brain cellular contribution for sIR using human cell lines. RESULTS: CSF sIR levels were not statistically different in AD. CSF sIR and amyloid beta (Aβ)42 and Aβ40 levels significantly correlated as well as CSF sIR and cognition in the CIMA‐Q cohort. Human neurons expressing the amyloid precursor protein "Swedish" mutation generated significantly greater sIR and human astrocytes were also able to release sIR in response to both an inflammatory and insulin stimulus. DISCUSSION: These data support further investigation into the generation and role of sIR in AD. Highlights: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble insulin receptor (sIR) levels positively correlate with amyloid beta (Aβ)42 and Aβ40.CSF sIR levels negatively correlate with cognitive performance (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score).CSF sIR levels in humans remain similar across Alzheimer's disease diagnostic groups.Neurons derived from humans with the "Swedish" mutation in which Aβ42 is increased generate increased levels of sIR.Human astrocytes can also produce sIR and generation is stimulated by tumor necrosis factor α and insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully conjugated polyazomethines (PAZs) exhibit large amounts of micropores among their many short branches in relatively planar structures based on their fully conjugated configuration. However, these fully conjugated structures cause insolubility and non‐processability of the PAZs because they may have strong stacking interactions due to their planar structures. In this paper, to overcome this problem, three short lengths of oligodimethylsiloxane (ODMS) grafts (x = 9, 18 and 39) were introduced by end‐capping reaction of aldehydes at the end of insoluble PAZs with amino‐terminated ODMSs as end‐capping agents. As a result, the insoluble PAZs became almost soluble (solubility > 95–100%) and their molecular weight could be estimated using gel permeation chromatography (Mw = 15.9 × 103 g mol−1). PAZ‐embedded mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated using blend solutions containing only small amounts (1.0 wt%) of the solubilized PAZs with ODMS grafts and crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PAZs/PDMS MMMs showed ultrahigh permeability to oxygen which achieved 8600 barrer without a decrease of the original permselectivity of PDMS. The excellent oxygen permeability of the PAZs/PDMS MMMs may be caused by an effective increase of porosity based on the fully conjugated PAZ nanosheet. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a device simulation method that quantitatively represents the film profile characteristics. We simulated device characteristics according to pile‐up size and quantitatively confirmed relationship between film profile and device performance. We checked the device characteristics by changing the ratio of the pile‐up area to the planar area in units of pixels and changing the pile‐up stacking thickness. As a result, when ratio of the flat area in active area is 80% or more and the thickness difference is less than 10%, we obtained device efficiency of 90% and more compared to the ideal device (perfectly flat device) for red, green and blue devices. We could also confirm the reliability of the simulation method through device fabrication. And we expect that this study can contribute to improving the characteristics of the panel and device of solution processed OLED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of diets with increased concentrations of dietary fiber is thought to be beneficial in the management of dogs with large bowel diarrhea. Objective: To determine whether feeding a diet with high concentrations of soluble and insoluble fiber to dogs with acute colitis would be superior to feeding a diet with typical fiber levels. Animals: A total of 52 dogs with acute signs of large bowel diarrhea housed in an animal shelter were entered into the study; 11 dogs per diet completed the protocol. Methods: In this randomized, prospective study, dogs with a fecal score of 4, 5, 6, or 7 and signs of acute colitis were fed a high fiber diet (4.54% soluble; 15.16% insoluble fiber) or a standard diet (0.6% soluble; 5.33% insoluble fiber) and fecal scores compared over the course of the study with significance defined as P <.05. Results: All dogs fed the high fiber diet (11/11; 100%) had a fecal score <5 on the day of adoption or day 9, which was statistically different (P <.04) than dogs fed the standard diet (6/11 dogs; 55%; 95% CI: 23‐83). The proportions of stools with a fecal score >4 were greater (P =.0001) in the dogs fed the standard diet (29/48 samples; 60%; 95% CI: 45‐74) compared to the high fiber diet (8/50 samples; 16%; 95% CI: 7‐29). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: The results support feeding the high fiber diet described herein to dogs with acute large bowel diarrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiadiazolobenzotriazole (TBZ)‐containing donor‐acceptor (D–A) type polymers are rarely investigated as electrochromic materials, although they have made important progress in the fields of organic transistors and solar cells. In this work, a new class of soluble D–A type electrochromic polymer is designed using the alkyl substituted TBZ units as the acceptor, the alkyl substituted 3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) units as the donor, and benzene (B) units as the π‐bridge. Through altering the molar ratio of ProDOT/B/TBZ, three polymers named PPBT‐1, PPBT‐2 and PPBT‐3 are chemically synthesized. After various characterizations, it is found that all the polymers display saturated green in their neutral states and switch to transparent gray upon oxidation with narrow optical bandgaps, and moreover, they demonstrate high optical contrast, rapid switching speed, and excellent coloration efficiency particularly in the near infrared region. The impacts of different donor‐acceptor feed ratios on electrochromic performances are mainly reflected in the optical, electrochemical and kinetic properties. In contrast to PPBT‐1 and PPBT‐3, PPBT‐2 show the best performances with the most appropriate ProDOT/B/TBZ ratio of 2/3/1 in its backbone. These positive results provide a theoretical basis for the research of electrochromic polymers based on TBZ units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated film profile and device performance in pixel of 80ppi, 144ppi and 200ppi with 2nd harmonic structure which had thicker HIL and HTL. Pile‐up phenomena depended on ink formulation and pixel size and target film thickness. The excessive pile‐up was occurred in smaller pixel with same ink. Profiles were improved with changing the first layer ink that it had suppressed pile‐up in 200ppi size pixel. Device performance was also achieved in 200ppi size pixel compared with 80ppi size pixel device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RGB printing method has been widely regarded as a potential tool for manufacturing high resolution, large size OLED applications, with the help of recent progresses of soluble OLED materials and ink‐jet printing equipment. However, there are still technical hurdles which remain in order for inkjet‐printed OLED displays to move from prototype to mass production scale. In this report, recent R&D trends will be reviewed of device performances, ink‐jet printing equipment, as well as inkjet‐printed OLED products recently demonstrated by display panel makers for various applications. Moreover, key technical issues will be discussed to be overcome in order for mass production, such as an ink formulation, a high resolution ink‐jet printing, inter‐mixing between printed layers, thickness uniformity of printed layers, etc. Lastly, our recent progress will be presented, of a power consumption, color gamut, and lifetime of inkjet‐printed panel with pixel resolution over 200ppi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed soluble hole injection materials and inks, named ELsource, that can be used as hole injection layer in organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display. OLED is an optical device. Therefore, we developed the hole injection materials with optical properties necessary for an optical device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of copolyarylates (PP0–PP100) containing phthalide groups was synthesized via interfacial polymerization from a mixture of phenolphthalein (PP) and bisphenol A with molar equivalent of terephthalyl chloride. Incorporating PP into the polymer chain improved the solubility of the polyarylates in common organic solvents. The glass transition temperature (191–314 °C), residual weight percentage, Young's modulus (1.7–2.8 GPa), solubility and complex melt viscosity of the copolyarylates increased with increasing PP units in the copolymerization. By contrast, crystallinity and elongation at break (14.1 to 11.2%) of the copolyarylates decreased with increasing PP units in the polymer backbone. When the PP content increased over 30 mol% (PP30), the copolyarylates became amorphous polymers. When the PP content was below 30 mol%, the copolyarylates exhibited good melt processability. With regards to its solubility, thermal stability, mechanical properties and melt processability, PP30 may be considered as a promising candidate in the field of processable high‐performance engineering plastics. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are developing the soluble hole injection materials and the inks, named ELsource® that can be used as hole injection layer in OLED display. OLED display is one of optical device. Therefore, we developed the hole injection materials with optical properties necessary for that optical devices. We also developed the hole injection material with the deeper ionization potential applicable to QLED display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new diamine with bulky pendant biphenyl and ortho‐position dimethyl structures, 4,4′‐((1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4‐ylmethylene)bis(2,6‐dimethylaniline), was synthesized via a one‐pot reaction of 4‐biphenyl carboxaldehyde and 2,6‐dimethylaniline. The diamine was employed to polymerize with several dianhydrides via one‐step condensation under high‐temperature conditions. The light yellow or colorless polyimide (PI) films obtained were found to have cut‐off wavelengths in the range 286–358 nm and transmittance over 80% in the visible region (400–780 nm). Meanwhile, these PIs possessed excellent solubility in common organic solvents, even in low‐boiling‐point solvents such as chloroform (CHCl3), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and tetrahydrofuran. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the PIs were determined to exceed 343 °C, even to 456 °C. All PI films were flexible with a tensile strength of 78–119 MPa, a Young's modulus of 2.0–2.5 GPa and elongation at break of 4.0%–8.2%. Therefore, these colorless PIs can be used as candidate materials for flexible display substrates. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are developing the soluble hole injection materials and the inks, named ELsource® that can be used as hole injection layer in OLED display. OLED display is one of optical device. Therefore, we developed the hole injection materials with optical properties necessary for that optical device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: To develop colorless and soluble polyimide films, cis‐hydrogenated bisphenol A (cis‐HBPA) was successfully separated from HBPA isomers, and two novel monomers containing cis‐HBPA unit, 4,4′‐(4,4′‐isopropenylbicyclohexyloxy) diphthalic anhydride (HBPADA) and 4,4′‐(4,4′‐isopropenylbicyclohexyloxy) dianiline (f) were designed and synthesized. PI–(1 – 5) were achieved from HBPADA and five kinds of aromatic diamines and PI – 6 from HBPADA and semiaromatic diamine f via a two‐step thermal imidization. All the polyimides could afford flexible, tough, and transparent films with transparency as high as 86% at 450 nm. Surprisingly, the polyimides containing cis‐HBPA unit exhibited excellent solubility not only in polar solvents such as N, N‐dimethylacetamide, but also in low boiling solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane. Additionally, analogues aromatic PI – 7 derived from 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)‐diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 2,2‐bis(4‐aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane (e) was obtained for comparison with PI–(1 – 6) on aspects of thermal, mechanical, soluble, optical, electrical, and morphological properties. The structure‐property relationships of PI–(1 – 7) were investigated in detail. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2115–2128 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct photocatalytic water splitting is an attractive strategy for clean energy production, but multicomponent nanostructured systems that mimic natural photosynthesis can be difficult to fabricate because of the insolubility of most photocatalysts. Here, a solution-processable organic polymer is reported that is a good photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution from water, either as a powder or as a thin film, suggesting future applications for soluble conjugated organic polymers in multicomponent photocatalysts for overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an increased interest in computational methods for amyloid and (or) aggregate prediction, due to the prevalence of these aggregates in numerous diseases and their recently discovered functional importance. To evaluate these methods, several datasets have been compiled. Typically, aggregation-prone regions of proteins, which form aggregates or amyloids in vivo, are more than 15 residues long and intrinsically disordered. However, the number of such experimentally established amyloid forming and non-forming sequences are limited, not exceeding one hundred entries in existing databases. In this work, we parsed all available NMR-resolved protein structures from the PDB and assembled a new, sevenfold larger, dataset of unfolded sequences, soluble at high concentrations. We proposed to use these sequences as a negative set for evaluating methods for predicting aggregation in vivo. We also present the results of benchmarking cutting edge tools for the prediction of aggregation versus solubility propensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel carborane polyimides were synthesized and studied. Aromatic meta-carborane diamines of different structures were initially prepared. Polymerization of these new diamines with the commercially available 4,4′-oxydiphthalic dianhydride led to meta-carborane polyimides with various structures and thermal properties. The amorphous polymers obtained are of moderate molecular weight and show good solubility in organic solvents. Thermal analyses of these polyimides reveal that they have moderate to ultrahigh thermal stability depending on their specific structures, with 5% decomposition temperatures ranging from 382 to 786 °C in nitrogen. Different thermal properties of these polyimides are observed when the analyses are performed in dry air, with 5% decomposition temperatures shifting to temperatures ranging from 388 to 1128 °C. Due to the ever-present requirement of higher performance polymers in fields like aerospace and defense, the methods developed here could be an impetus for the development of these industries. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of interlayer with fluorene and arylamine materials on solution processed organic light emitting devices using small molecules as emissive layer (SM-OLEDs) was studied. The SM-OLEDs using fluorene and arylamine-containing polymer as interlayer had low efficiency and extremely short lifetime. On the other hand, the lifetime was improved by inserting arylamine-containing hole transport material between interlayer and emissive layer. In our experiment using several materials of small molecules, we found that the presence of fluorene unit leads to significant decrease in lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are developing the soluble hole injection materials and the ink, named ELsource® that can be used as hole injection layer in OLED devices. Optimization of solvent composition applicable to wet coating process and new hole injection material with higher transmittance are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of O3 and O3/S2O82− in the advanced oxidation process (AOPs) on the biodegradable and soluble characteristics of semiaerobic stabilized solid waste leachate. The biodegradability (BOD5/COD) ratio improved from 0.034 to 0.05 and 0.29 following O3 and O3/ S2O82−, respectively. Fractions of biodegradable COD(bi) (24%), nonbiodegradable COD(ubi) (76%), soluble COD(s) (59%), biodegradable soluble COD(bsi) (38%), nonbiodegradable soluble COD(ubsi) (62%), and particulate COD (PCOD) (41%) in stabilized leachate were also investigated. The fraction of COD (bi) increased to 28 and 39% after applying O3 and O3/ S2O82− in AOPs, respectively. COD(S) increased to 65 after O3 and to 72% after O3/AOPs, whereas COD (bsi) increased to 38 and 55% after O3 and O3/AOPs, respectively. The removal efficiency of total COD was obtained at 15 after O3 alone and improved to 72% following ozone-based AOPs, whereas PCOD reduced from 41 to 35 after O3 and 28% after ozone-based AOPs. Ozone/Prsulfate is an efficient method for degradation of stabilized leachate, enhanced biodegradability and improved biodegradable and soluble characteristics of stabilized leachate. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 184-191, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aromatic poly(amide amine)s (APAAs), as novel high-performance polymers, have been obtained by the condensation polymerization of N,N'-bis(4-bromobenzoyl)- p-phenylenediamine with two different primary aromatic diamines via palladium-catalyzed aryl amination reaction. The structures of the polymers are characterized by means of FTIR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis, the results show a good agreement with the proposed structures. DSC and TGA measurements exhibit that polymers possess high glass transition temperature ( Tg > 240 °C) and good thermal stability with high decomposition temperatures ( T5 > 400 °C). These novel polymers also display good solubility. In addition, due to its special structure, APAA-2 is endowed with significantly strong photonic luminescence in N, N-dimethylformamide and good electroactivity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 4845-4852 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of monomers containing thioether units 4,6-bis(4-chloroformylphenylthio)pyrimidine ( BPPM-DC) and 3,6-bis(4-chloroformylphenylthio)pyridazine ( BPPD-DC) were synthesized by two steps and were reacted with diamine-containing thioether (−S-) and sulfone units to prepare a kind of polyamide containing heterocycles and high contents of thioether groups. These polyamides had good optical properties, including an optical transmittance of the aromatic polyamide film at 450 nm that was higher than 87%. Additionally, the pyridazine, pyrimidine and the large quantity of thioether units provided the polymers with high refractive indices of 1.722-1.732 and low birefringences of 0.004-0.006. These polyamides were also found to have good thermal properties. They showed improved solubility in polar aprotic solvents and could form tough films with a tensile strength of 79.2-112.3 MPa and a storage modulus of 1.4-2.4 GPa (at 200 °C).© 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma is a rich mixture of immune regulatory factors that shape immune cell function. This immunomodulatory role of plasma is especially important in neonates. To maintain in utero feto-maternal tolerance and to allow for microbial colonization after birth, the neonatal immune system is biased against pro-inflammatory responses while favoring immune suppression. Therefore, the neonatal period provides a unique opportunity to study the physiologic mechanisms regulating the immune system. Several recent studies in neonates have identified plasma factors that play a key role in immune regulation. Insight into immune regulation by neonatal and adult plasma may have clinical implications, because plasma is easily accessible, affordable, and widely available. Herein, we review plasma-mediated immune regulation, with specific focus on neonatal plasma. We discuss how immune suppression is a key function of plasma and provide a systematic overview of the published literature regarding plasma-derived immune suppressive proteins, lipids, purines, and sugars. Finally, we outline how immune regulation by these factors, which are particularly abundant in neonatal plasma, may eventually be used to treat immune-mediated diseases, such as autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4,4′-Bis(4-chloroformylphenylthio)benzene was synthesized in two steps and was reacted with diamine-containing thioether and amide units to prepare a polyamide containing high contents of thioether groups. The intrinsic viscosities of the polyamides were 0.76-0.87 dL g−1. These polyamides had excellent thermal properties, with glass transition temperatures of 234.8-269 °C and initial degradation temperatures of 461-469.7 °C. They showed improved solubility in polar aprotic solvents and could form moderate strength films with a tensile strength of 75.2-111.6 MPa and storage modulus of 1.0-1.3 GPa (at 220 °C). These polymer films also had good optical properties, including an optical transmittance of the aromatic polyamide film at 450 nm that was higher than 90%. Additionally, the high quantity of thioether units provided the polymers with high refractive indices of 1.700-1.704 and low birefringences of 0.007-0.008. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

9,9-Bis(3-methyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)xanthene (BMHPX) was synthesized in 72% yield by a HCl/ZnCl2-catalyzed condensation reaction of xanthenone with excess o-cresol. Based on this new bisphenol monomer, a series of poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PAEN) and PAEN copolymers containing methyl substituent and cardo xanthene moiety were prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile (DFBN) with BMHPX and with varying mole proportions of BMHPX to hydroquinone (HQ) (100/0-40/60) using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. These polymers had inherent viscosities between 0.54 and 0.72 dl/g, and their weight-average molecular weights and number-average molecular weights were in the range of 32,600-36,400 and 17,300-18,300, respectively. All PAENs were amorphous and were soluble in dipolar aprotic solvents such as NMP and N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and even in THF and chloroform at room temperature. The resulting polymers showed glass transition temperatures ( Tg's) between 213-226°C, and the Tg values of the copolymers were found to increase with increase of the BMHPX units content in the polymer. Thermogravimetric studies showed that all the polymers were stable up to 404°C, with 10% weight loss temperatures ranging from 444 to 455°C, and char yields of 52-58% at 700°C in nitrogen. All new PAENs could be cast into transparent, strong, and flexible films with tensile strengths of 102-120 MPa, elongations at break of 14-18%, and tensile moduli of 3.3-3.7 GPa. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of membrane CD276 (mB7-H3) has been reported on dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, activated T cells, and various carcinoma cells. However, reports concerning its in vivo function have been inconsistent. Moreover, whether there is a soluble form of this protein is not known. In this study, using a sensitive dual monoclonal antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the soluble form of B7-H3 (sB7-H3), we demonstrated the release of sB7-H3 by monocytes, DCs, activated T cells, and various mB7-H3+ but not mB7-H3– carcinoma cells. Release from cells was blocked by addition of a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI), which concomitantly caused the accumulation of B7-H3 on the cell surface. To determine the level of circulating sB7-H3, more than 200 serum samples were included in the study. The results indicated that sB7-H3 was present at high levels in all serum samples. Western blotting of sB7-H3 from cell culture supernatants or sera of healthy donors indicated that the molecular size was approximately 16 kDa. Soluble B7-H3 was able to bind to the B7-H3 receptor (B7-H3R) on activated T cells, which showed that sB7-H3 is a functionally active form. These results indicate that release of sB7-H3 from the cell surface is mediated by a matrix metalloproteinase and probably regulates B7-H3R/B7-H3 interactions in vivo. Cleavage of sB7-H3 to an active soluble form would alter both proximal and distal cellular responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating soluble CD86 (sCD86) levels are elevated in a number of leukaemias and are an independent prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukaemia. We investigated the clinical significance of circulating sCD86 in 299 patients from the UK Medical Research Council myeloma VIth trial, where patients received ABCM [adriamycin, carmustine (BCNU), cyclophosphamide, melphalan] either alone or with prednisolone (ABCM + P). Serum levels of sCD86 were significantly elevated ( P = 0·0001) in myeloma patients and using the median normal donor level (0·621 ng/ml) as a cut-off point, 70% of patients had elevated levels (range = 0·015–15·87 ng/ml, median = 1·1 ng/ml). In univariate analysis elevated sCD86 levels were associated with significantly shorter ( P < 0·001) survival (median = 22 vs. 51 months) and event-free survival (median = 14 vs. 31 months) in ABCM + P but not ABCM patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that sCD86 was a significant, independent prognostic marker of both overall [risk ratio (RR) = 2·04, P = 0·0006] and event-free (RR = 1·95, P = 0·0004) survival in ABCM + P patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that sCD86 levels are a significant independent prognostic marker in at least some myeloma treatment groups and its biological role and prognostic value should be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of soluble forms of CD80 (sCD80), CD86 (sCD86), and CD83 (sCD83) provide a potentially powerful immunoregulatory mechanism. We therefore investigated the potential presence and relative levels of these molecules in the synovial fluid (SF) and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Serum and SF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of sCD80, sCD86, and sCD83 in RA and OA patients were similar to those present in normal donor serum (NDS) and the SF of OA patients. In contrast, when compared with NDS and OA SF levels, almost all RA SF samples had elevated sCD83 levels (32/35, >0.63 ng/ml) and a substantial proportion had elevated sCD80 (13/29, >0.22 ng/ml) or sCD86 (16/33, >2.31 ng/ml) levels. Analysis of matched pairs of serum and SF from RA patients demonstrated that the SF/serum ratio for sCD80 (95% CI = 1.7-3), sCD86 (95% CI = 1.5-3.1), and sCD83 (95% CI = 3.6-7.8) levels was >1 in almost all patients. In conclusion, this study shows that the SF from almost all RA patients contain elevated levels of sCD83 and the majority of these samples also contain elevated levels of sCD80 and/or sCD86. These molecules may play a role in modulating immune responses within the rheumatoid joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reduced microbial stimulation has been reported as a reason for the increasing prevalence of atopic diseases in industrialized countries. Antigen-presenting cells (APC), responding to microbial signals by pattern recognition receptors such as CD14, have an important role in the development of the Th1/Th2 balance. We hypothesized that atopic children have a lower expression of CD14 on monocytes and lower soluble CD14 levels (sCD14). Seventy-six children were followed prospectively from birth and signs of atopic disease were evaluated. The expression of CD14 on monocytes was analysed with flow cytometry at 0, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Circulating levels of sCD14 were analysed by ELISA and total IgE was analysed by fluoroenzymo immunoassay at these ages, and in a subgroup, followed up at 7 years. Levels of sCD14 were reduced at 7 years both in children with a current or a cumulative history of atopy compared to non-atopic children with P=0.002 and 0.001, respectively. Sensitized children with atopic symptoms had lower sCD14 at 3 and 18 months and at 7 years of age than non-atopic non-sensitized children with P=0.023, 0.039 and 0.008, respectively. The lower levels of sCD14 observed in atopic children may be a consequence of an atopic family heredity and/or atopic disease, but it may also reflect a reduced capacity to respond to microbial signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell surface proteins CD20 and CD52 differ significantly in their structures and are expressed on the majority of B cells. Both circulating CD20 (cCD20) and circulating CD52 (cCD52) have been recently documented in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. A retrospective study to establish whether cCD20 and/or cCD52 were detectable in patients with lymphoma, and the clinical associations of these soluble antigens if detected, was conducted. cCD20 and cCD52 levels were analysed in a cohort of 65 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 37 with Hodgkin's disease (HD). Patients with NHL had elevated pretherapy levels of cCD20 and cCD52 compared with normal individuals. Patients with HD had significantly lower than normal pretherapy levels of both cCD20 and cCD52. cCD20 levels were marginally elevated post-therapy in NHL patients while in patients with HD, cCD20 levels remained significantly lower than normal after therapy. Serum cCD52 levels became significantly lower than normal post-therapy in NHL patients, and remained significantly lower than normal in HD patients. No predictive effects were found for pretherapy or post-therapy levels of cCD52 on survival for either cohort of patients. Post-therapy cCD20 levels independently highly correlated with survival in patients with NHL. Prospective evaluation will be required to establish if cCD20 and cCD52 may be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognostic categorization, and monitoring of the clinical course in patients with lymphoma. The clinical significance of circulating antigen in patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapy directed against CD20 and/or CD52 warrants study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Ben-Ari Z, Schmilovotz-Weiss H, Belinki A, Pappo O, Sulkes J, Neuman MG, Kaganovsky E, Kfir B, Tur-Kaspa R, Klein T (Beilinson and Golda Campuses, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel, and In Vitro Toxicology Laboratory, Sunnybrook Women's College, Toronto, Canada) Circulating soluble cytochrome c in liver disease as a marker of apoptosis. J Intern Med 2003; 254: 168–175. Objectives. To measure levels of soluble cytochrome c , a clinical marker of apoptosis in patients with liver disease; determine whether soluble cytochrome c is derived from the liver; and correlate soluble cytochrome c level with histology and disease activity. Design. Laboratory research study with comparison group. Setting. Liver Institute, at the Rabin Medical Center, Israel, and In Vitro Toxicology Laboratory, Canada. Subjects. A total of 108 patients with liver disease and 30 healthy controls. Interventions. Paired hepatic and portal vein samples were taken via the transjugular vein in patients after liver biopsy and transjugular intrahepatic portacaval shunt, and bile from patients with external biliary drainage. Soluble cytochrome c was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in peripheral blood. Apoptotic cells in liver tissue were identified by morphological criteria and quantitated with the dUTP nick-end-labelling (TUNEL) assay. Main outcome measures. Soluble cytochrome c level by type of liver disease by clinical and histological findings. Results. Soluble cytochrome c concentration (mean 187.1 ± 219.5 ng mL-1 ) was significantly higher in patients with liver disease than in controls (39.8 ± 35.1 ng mL-1 ; P = 0.0001), with highest levels in the primary sclerosing cholangitis group (mean 1041.0 ± 2844.8 ng mL-1 ; P = 0.001). Cytochrome c levels were correlated with serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine levels, necroinflammatory... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved method of cell fractionation allowed the extraction of soluble (sNR) and membrane-associated (mNR) forms of nitrate reductase (NR) from a dinoflagellate, even though in previous studies only mRNA had been found in these algae. Both activities were assayed in cell-free extracts of Peridinium gatunense from Lake Kinneret, Israel, after disruption of the cells and differential centrifugation. In the cultures used, sNR showed much higher NO3--reducing activity. Only a low proportion. 2.5-3% of NR activity, was found to be associated with mNR. moreover, mNR comprised two forms as indicated by protein solubilization : a tightly membrane-bound and a more weakly attached NR, Ascorbate inhibited all NR activities, but that of mNR recovered after its removal. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and DTT also diminished sNR and mNR activities. For both enzymes, pH optima (7.65) and temperature optima (13-25°C were similar, and agreed with those for optimum growth of P. gatunense both in culture and in the lake. The most efficient electron donor was NADH, though NADPH sustained low NR activities. Carboxylic anions such as succinate and malate did not support any reduction of NO3-, nor did they cause any stimulation of sNR or mNR activities. Both forms of NR showed a high affinity for their substrates: Km was c. 10 μM for NO3- and c. 5 μM for NADH. The high efficiency of NO3- assimilation by Peridinium to be limited mainly by energy under otherwise optimal nutritional conditions and, at low nitrate concentrations, the low Km may be one of the main reasons for the high competitivity of this alga in Lake Kinneret. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells regulates leukocyte migration. The level of soluble adhesion molecules which are shed into the circulation is known to reflect the degree of inflammation, and this level can therefore be used as an indicator of disease activity. The objective of this study was first to investigate the relationship between sE‐selectin levels and disease activity parameters (scores of extent, severity, itch, and sleep) in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients, and second to determine the effect of therapy with an immunosuppressive drug (cyclosporin A) on sE‐selectin levels. Methods:Fourteen patients with severe AD and 41 healthy controls were studied. sE‐selectin was measured by ELISA both 2 weeks before therapy with cyclosporin A and after 16 weeks of treatment. Results:At baseline, the level of sE‐selectin was significantly higher in patients with AD than in healthy control subjects (P<0.0001). After treatment of AD with cyclosporin A, there was a significant reduction of the sE‐selectin levels (P<0.0001). In addition, changes in sE‐selectin levels significantly correlated with changes in disease activity parameters such as severity (P<0.002) and extent of disease (P<0.049). Conclusions:Soluble E‐selectin is a new serologic marker in AD which reflects disease activity. Therefore, soluble E‐selectin may be a useful parameter in the monitoring of this disease. Abbreviations: AD: atopic dermatitis; sE-selectin: soluble E-selectin; CsA: cyclosporin A; SEM: standard error of mean; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; VCAM: vascular adhesion molecule; ICAM: intercellular adhesion molecule; ELAM: endothelial cell-leukocyte adhesion molecule; LEC-CAM: leukocyte-endothelial cell – cellular adhesion molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble antigens of Erwinia salicis are transported though the xylem vessels to the leaves of Salix species. These antigens can be detected by the use of the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent. Assay (ELISA) in willow trees in the absence of bacterial cells and are also produced in pure cultures. In this way population of E. salicis occurring in stem or branches can be traced in the leaves. The possibilities for more general application in the detection of vascular parasites is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble porous organic polymers (SPOPs) are currently the subject of extensive investigation due to the enhanced processability compared to insoluble counterparts. Here, a new concept for the construction of SPOPs is presented, which combines the unique topological structure of hyperbranched polymers with rigid building blocks. By using this facile, one‐step strategy, a class of novel SPOPs which possess surface areas up to 646 m2 g−1 have been synthesized. The extended π‐conjugated backbone affords the polymers bright fluorescence under UV irradiation. Interestingly, after dissolution in a suitable solvent that was slowly evaporated, the polymers retain a large extent of porosity. The SPOPs are potential candidates for gas storage and separation, photovoltaic, and biological applications. In particular, due to the presence of an internal porous structure and open conformations, they show high drug loading efficiency (1.91 g of ibuprofen per gram), which is considerably higher than conventional porous organic polymers. A new concept for the construction of soluble porous organic polymers (SPOPs) is presented via the combination of unique topological structure of hyperbranched polymers with rigid building blocks. The resulting SPOPs exhibit good porous and fluorescence properties no matter in solid or solution form, which is promising in separation, photovoltaic, and biomaterial field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]