Probiotic Formulations: Application and Status as Pharmaceuticals—A Review

The use of probiotics is a new way to control and treat infections in this modern era. Application of beneficial bacteria to protect against detrimental bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and thus reap a positive health benefit is the basis of probiotic therapy. Probiotics have a long global history of traditional use. They are normally consumed through fermented foods and are currently sold mostly as ingredients in foods or nutritional supplements. They are also supplied as pharma products. Recent research has highlighted the probiotic potential in the treatment or prevention of disease conditions, maintenance of health, improving immunity and in the reduction in the risk of future diseases. But their position in the pharmaceutical industry is still not very clear. Clinical practitioners use probiotic pharma products mostly as supplements. Their status as drugs is still unclear. This review is aimed to analyze probiotics as pharmaceuticals, their current status as dietary supplements and drugs, existing probiotic preparations and future research needs.     

Review Scopoletin – A Coumarin Phytoalexin with Medicinal Properties

Coumarins have been found in many plant species and some have antimicrobial and antifungal activities as well as pharmacological effects. Scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin) is a coumarin compound with antifungal properties that has been isolated from several plant species. Although it is not yet fully understood, the biosynthesis of scopoletin is described. In addition, its induction upon attack by pathogens and abiotic stress as well as its inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi are summarized in this review. The scientific information on the inhibitory effect of scopoletin on storage fungi is scarce.     

LNA and α-L-LNA: Towards Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

LNA and α-L-LNA are promising candidates for the development of efficient oligonucleotide-based therapeutic agents. Here, we report dose-dependent inhibition of HIV-1 Tat-dependent trans activation by a 12-mer chimeric α-L-LNA/DNA oligomer. This oligomer exhibits a dose-dependency similar to that of the corresponding 12-mer chimeric LNA/2′-O-Me-RNA oligomer. In addition, we show that incorporation of α-L-LNA or LNA monomers into each of the two binding arms of a “10–23” DNAzyme markedly increases cleavage of the target RNA.     

Biomimetic Leukocyte Adhesion： A Review of Microfluidic and Computational Approaches and Applications

Leukocyte rolling and adhesion are complex physiological processes that have received a great deal of attention over the past decade. Significant increases in the knowledge base related to how leukocytes adhere in shear flows have occurred as a result of the development of novel experimental and computational techniques. Micro- and nano-fabrication techniques have enabled the development of novel flow devices for studying leukocyte adhesion in simple and complex geometries. Improvements in computer technology have enabled simulations of complex flow processes to be developed. As a result of these advances in knowledge related to leukocyte adhesion, numerous novel devices have been developed that mimic the leukocyte rolling and adhesion process. Examples of these devices include cell separation and enrichment devices and targeted ultrasound contrast agents. Future advances related to leukocyte rolling and adhesion processes hold great promise for advancing our knowledge of disease processes as well as development of novel therapeutic devices.     

A Review of: “Cell Adhesion Fundamentals and Biotechnological Applications”

Abstract

M.A. Hjortso and J.W. Roos, Eds. Marcel Dekker, New York, 1994; hardbound pp. xi + 273, $135.00     

Decolourization of Industrial Effluents – Available Methods and Emerging Technologies – A Review

Water pollution control is presently one of the major thrust areas of scientific research. While coloured organic compounds generally impart only a minor fraction of the organic load to wastewaters, their colour renders them aesthetically unacceptable. Stringent regulating measures are coaxing industries to treat their waste effluents to increasingly high standards. Colour removal, in particular, has recently become an area of major scientific interest as indicated by the multitude of related research reports. During the past two decades, several decolourization techniques have been reported, few of which have been accepted by some industries. There is a need to find alternative treatments that are effective in removing dyes and colourants from large volume of effluents, which are cost-effective, like the biological or integrated systems. This article reviews some of the widely used and most promising industrial wastewater decolourization methods. Data on decolourizing efficiencies of different causative agents, obtained by means of different physical, chemical and biological methods are discussed. Further a critical review is made on the various treatment methodologies and emerging technologies with a note on their advantages and disadvantages.     

Micro- and Nanofluidics – Applications in Biotechnology

Cover illustration: Micro- and Nanofluidics – Applications in Biotechnology. This issue of BTJ edited by Hikmet Geckil and Utkan Demirci covers recent advances on BioMEMs (microelectromechanical systems used in biology) and lab-on-a-chip devices for cell and fluid manipulation, e.g. picoliter sequencing and PCR, as well as cytometry and imaging technologies. The cover image provided by Gurkan Yilmaz shows fluorescent particles moving inside a spiral channel in an dielectrophoretic particle separation experiment displayed by a fluorescent microscope. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/biot.201000204     

Do Interventions Designed to Support Shared Decision-Making Reduce Health Inequalities? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Increasing patient engagement in healthcare has become a health policy priority. However, there has been concern that promoting supported shared decision-making could increase health inequalities.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of SDM interventions on disadvantaged groups and health inequalities.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.

Data Sources

CINAHL, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, HMIC, MEDLINE, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Open SIGLE, PsycINFO and Web of Knowledge were searched from inception until June 2012.

Study Eligibility Criteria

We included all studies, without language restriction, that met the following two criteria: (1) assess the effect of shared decision-making interventions on disadvantaged groups and/or health inequalities, (2) include at least 50% of people from disadvantaged groups, except if a separate analysis was conducted for this group.

Results

We included 19 studies and pooled 10 in a meta-analysis. The meta-analyses showed a moderate positive effect of shared decision-making interventions on disadvantaged patients. The narrative synthesis suggested that, overall, SDM interventions increased knowledge, informed choice, participation in decision-making, decision self-efficacy, preference for collaborative decision making and reduced decisional conflict among disadvantaged patients. Further, 7 out of 19 studies compared the intervention''s effect between high and low literacy groups. Overall, SDM interventions seemed to benefit disadvantaged groups (e.g. lower literacy) more than those with higher literacy, education and socioeconomic status. Interventions that were tailored to disadvantaged groups'' needs appeared most effective.

Conclusion

Results indicate that shared decision-making interventions significantly improve outcomes for disadvantaged patients. According to the narrative synthesis, SDM interventions may be more beneficial to disadvantaged groups than higher literacy/socioeconomic status patients. However, given the small sample sizes and variety in the intervention types, study design and quality, those findings should be interpreted with caution.     

Hypoxia-Ischemia and Therapeutic Hypothermia in the Neonatal Mouse Brain – A Longitudinal Study

Therapeutic hypothermia is standard of care for infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Murine models of hypoxic-ischemic injury exist; however, a well-established mouse model of therapeutic hypothermia following hypoxic-ischemic injury is lacking. The goal of this study was to develop a full-term-equivalent murine model of therapeutic hypothermia after hypoxia-ischemia and examine magnetic resonance imaging, behavior, and histology in a region and sex specific manner. Hypoxic-ischemic injury was induced at postnatal day 10 in C57BL6 mice using a modified Vannucci model. Mice were randomized to control, hypothermia (31˚C for 4h), or normothermia (36˚C) following hypoxic-ischemic injury and stratified by sex. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was obtained at postnatal day 18 and 30 and regional and total cerebral and cerebellar volumes measured. Behavioral assessments were performed on postnatal day 14, 21, and 28. On postnatal day 18, normothermic mice had smaller cerebral volumes (p < 0.001 vs. controls and p = 0.009 vs. hypothermia), while at postnatal day 30 both injured groups had smaller volumes than controls. When stratified by sex, only normothermia treated male mice had smaller cerebral volumes (p = 0.001 vs. control; p = 0.008 vs. hypothermia) at postnatal day 18, which persisted at postnatal day 30 (p = 0.001 vs. control). Female mice had similar cerebral volumes between groups at both day 18 and 30. Cerebellar volumes of hypothermia treated male mice differed from control at day 18, but not at 30. Four hours of therapeutic hypothermia in this murine hypoxic-ischemic injury model provides sustained neuroprotection in the cerebrum of male mice. Due to variable degree of injury in female mice, response to therapeutic hypothermia is difficult to discern. Deficits in female behavior tests are not fully explained by imaging measures and likely represent injury not detectable by volume measurements alone.     

Finger Tip Amputations—Review of Procedures and Applications

Repair of finger tip amputations depends upon the slope of transsection and how much of the tip has been amputated. Type 1 and 2 injuries are easily handled in the emergency room by local flaps with results acceptable by functional and economic criteria. Type 3 amputations with losses of less than 25 percent can be repaired by primary closure. Losses of 50 percent or over are best treated by local or “distant” flaps from the involved or adjacent fingers or palm. Each style of flap and technique has advantages and disadvantages.     

An Integrative Model of Patient-Centeredness – A Systematic Review and Concept Analysis

Background

Existing models of patient-centeredness reveal a lack of conceptual clarity. This results in a heterogeneous use of the term, unclear measurement dimensions, inconsistent results regarding the effectiveness of patient-centered interventions, and finally in difficulties in implementing patient-centered care. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the different dimensions of patient-centeredness described in the literature and to propose an integrative model of patient-centeredness based on these results.

Methods

Protocol driven search in five databases, combined with a comprehensive secondary search strategy. All articles that include a definition of patient-centeredness were eligible for inclusion in the review and subject to subsequent content analysis. Two researchers independently first screened titles and abstracts, then assessed full texts for eligibility. In each article the given definition of patient-centeredness was coded independently by two researchers. We discussed codes within the research team and condensed them into an integrative model of patient-centeredness.

Results

4707 records were identified through primary and secondary search, of which 706 were retained after screening of titles and abstracts. 417 articles (59%) contained a definition of patient-centeredness and were coded. 15 dimensions of patient-centeredness were identified: essential characteristics of clinician, clinician-patient relationship, clinician-patient communication, patient as unique person, biopsychosocial perspective, patient information, patient involvement in care, involvement of family and friends, patient empowerment, physical support, emotional support, integration of medical and non-medical care, teamwork and teambuilding, access to care, coordination and continuity of care. In the resulting integrative model the dimensions were mapped onto different levels of care.

Conclusions

The proposed integrative model of patient-centeredness allows different stakeholders to speak the same language. It provides a foundation for creating better measures and interventions. It can also be used to inform the development of clinical guidance documents and health policy directives, and through this support the shift towards patient-centered health care.     

Evaluation of Functional Limitations in Female Soccer Players and Their Relationship with Sports Level – A Cross Sectional Study

The main objective(s) of the study

The aim of this study was to analyze: a) abnormalities in the length of lower limb muscles, b) the correctness of movement patterns, and c) the impact of functional limitations of muscles on the correctness of fundamental movement patterns in a group of female soccer players, in relation to their skill level.

Materials and Methods

21 female soccer players from Polish Ekstraklasa and 22 players from the 1^st Division were tested for lower limb muscle length restrictions and level of fundamental movement skills (with the Fundamental Movement Screen™ test concept by Gray Cook). Chi-square test was used for categorical unrelated variables. Differences between groups in absolute point values were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

Statistically significant higher number of measurements indicating an abnormal length of rectus femoris was observed in the 1st Division group (p = 0.0433). In the group of Ekstraklasa the authors obtained a significantly higher number of abnormal hamstring test results (p = 0.0006). Ekstraklasa players scored higher in the rotational stability test of the trunk (p = 0.0008), whereas the 1st Division players scored higher in the following tests: deep squat (p = 0.0220), in-line lunge (p = 0.0042) and active straight leg raise (p = 0.0125). The results suggest that there are different functional reasons affecting point values obtained in the FMS™ tests in both analyzed groups.

Conclusions

The differences in the flexibility of rectus femoris and hamstring muscle observed between female soccer players with different levels of training, may result from a long-term impact of soccer training on the muscle-tendon system and articular structures. Different causes of abnormalities in fundamental movement patterns in both analyzed groups suggest the need for tailoring prevention programs to the level of sport skills represented by the players.     

Self-Reported Empathy in Adult Women with Autism Spectrum Disorders – A Systematic Mini Review

Introduction

There is limited research on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in females. Although the empathy construct has been examined thoroughly in autism, little attention has been paid to empathy in adult women with this condition or to gender differences within the disorder.

Objective

Self-reported empathy in adult women with ASD was examined and compared to that of typically developed men and women as well as to men with this condition.

Methods

Online databases were searched for articles investigating self-reported empathy among adult women with ASD. Only six studies comparing women to men were identified.

Results

All studies found women with an ASD to report lower levels of empathy than typically developed women, and typically developed men, but similar levels to men with this condition.

Conclusion

The self-reported empathic ability of women diagnosed with ASD resembles that of their male counterparts most closely; they show a hypermasculinisation in empathy. This is particularly surprising considering the large gender difference in empathy in the general population.

Discussion

One of the limitations of this review is that the current diagnostic criteria for ASD are oriented towards male-specific behaviour and fail to integrate gender specific characteristics. Hence, women diagnosed with ASD are likely to be at the male end of the continuum. The suggested hypermasculinisation of women on the spectrum, as evident from this review, may therefore be exaggerated due to a selection bias.     

BACE and γ-Secretase Characterization and Their Sorting as Therapeutic Targets to Reduce Amyloidogenesis

Secretases are named for enzymes processing amyloid precursor protein (APP), a prototypic type-1 membrane protein. This led directly to discovery of novel Aspartyl proteases (β-secretases or BACE), a tetramer complex γ-secretase (γ-SC) containing presenilins, nicastrin, aph-1 and pen-2, and a new role for metalloprotease(s) of the ADAM family as a α-secretases. Recent advances in defining pathways that mediate endosomal-lysosomal-autophagic-exosomal trafficking now provide targets for new drugs to attenuate abnormal production of fibril forming products characteristic of AD. A key to success includes not only characterization of relevant secretases but mechanisms for sorting and transport of key metabolites to abnormal vesicles or sites for assembly of fibrils. New developments we highlight include an important role for an ‘early recycling endosome’ coated in retromer complex containing lipoprotein receptor LRP-II (SorLA) for switching APP to a non-amyloidogenic pathway for α-secretases processing, or to shuttle APP to a ‘late endosome compartment’ to form Aβ or AICD. LRP11 (SorLA) is of particular importance since it decreases in sporadic AD whose etiology otherwise is unknown.     

Workflow management systems for gene sequence analysis and evolutionary studies – A Review

Post ‘omic’ era has resulted in the development of many primary, secondary and derived databases. Many analytical and visualization bioinformatics tools have been developed to manage and analyze the data available through large sequencing projects. Availability of heterogeneous databases and tools make it difficult for researchers to access information from varied sources and run different bioinformatics tools to get desired analysis done. Building integrated bioinformatics platforms is one of the most challenging tasks that bioinformatics community is facing. Integration of various databases, tools and algorithm is a challenging problem to deal with. This article describes the bioinformatics analysis workflow management systems that are developed in the area of gene sequence analysis and phylogeny. This article will be useful for biotechnologists, molecular biologists, computer scientists and statisticians engaged in computational biology and bioinformatics research.     

Industrial Applications of Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis – A Status Report

Despite the fact that the structure of peptides has been known for more than a century, it was not until du Vigneaud published the synthesis of oxytocin 50 years later that the field was truly launched and the use of peptides as pharmaceuticals began. Since then, technical progress in the field has been astonishing, and the synthesis of peptides of virtually any size and complexity is now possible, with scale-up to the level of metric tonnes a reality. Perhaps the most important development was Merrifield’s publication of the solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) method, which completely revolutionized the field, both from the perspective of accelerating research and discovery, and also because of its now widespread use for the manufacture of peptides for use as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The application of the SPPS method to the manufacture of peptide APIs will be reviewed, including both a historical overview and a summary of the current status. Some of the remaining challenges will also be discussed.     

HAY FEVER—A Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Treatment with Aqueous Pollen Extracts,Alum-Precipitated Pyridine Pollen Extracts and Aqueous Pollen in Oil Emulsions

Three different types of pollen extracts are currently being used in the prophylactic treatment of hay fever. A comparative clinical study of their efficacy reveals that all are about equally efficacious. The alum-precipitated pyridine pollen extracts may be slightly better. Since only 14 to 16 injections are required for prophylactic treatment, they may well replace the older aqueous pollen extracts, 20 to 35 injections of which are usually necessary to provide relief.The aqueous pollen in oil repository method of treatment needs only one to four injections for comparable results, but this so-called “one-shot” treatment can only be administered by one who is trained in emulsion therapy and has come to know by experience the proper maximum dose.     

Is Hepatitis C Associated with Atherosclerotic Burden? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Aims

Increasing evidence demonstrates that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with atherosclerosis. However, there are contrasting findings in several studies that the atherosclerotic burden is not associated with HCV infections. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify if HCV infection is associated with atherosclerosis compared to non-infected people.

Methods

Standard guidelines for performance of meta-analysis were followed.

Results

A thorough database search performed by two independent investigators identified 14 eligible studies for analysis. The data from 11 studies were synthesized to report unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for carotid atherosclerosis; the pooled unadjusted OR (95% confidence interval (CI)) was 1.65 (1.21, 2.09). By synthesizing the data from 8 studies to report adjusted ORs for carotid atherosclerosis the pooled multi-confounder adjusted OR (95% CI) was 1.76 (1.20, 2.32). However, the numbers of studies on coronary or femoral atherosclerosis were limited and not enough for analysis.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicats that HCV infection is associated with carotid atherosclerosis independent of classical risk factors. Therefore, we would recommend for HCV infected patients to be counseled on their risk for carotid atherosclerosis.