Showing papers by "Solvay published in 2009"

Expression of glutamate receptor subunits in human cancers.

Abstract: Emerging evidence suggests a role for glutamate and its receptors in the biology of cancer. This study was designed to systematically analyze the expression of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor subunits in various human cancer cell lines, compare expression levels to those in human brain tissue and, using electrophysiological techniques, explore whether cancer cells respond to glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists. Expression analysis of glutamate receptor subunits NR1-NR3B, GluR1-GluR7, KA1, KA2 and mGluR1-mGluR8 was performed by means of RT-PCR in human rhabdomyosarcoma/medulloblastoma (TE671), neuroblastoma (SK-NA-S), thyroid carcinoma (FTC 238), lung carcinoma (SK-LU-1), astrocytoma (MOGGCCM), multiple myeloma (RPMI 8226), glioma (U87-MG and U343), lung carcinoma (A549), colon adenocarcinoma (HT 29), T cell leukemia cells (Jurkat E6.1), breast carcinoma (T47D) and colon adenocarcinoma (LS180). Analysis revealed that all glutamate receptor subunits were differentially expressed in the tumor cell lines. For the majority of tumors, expression levels of NR2B, GluR4, GluR6 and KA2 were lower compared to human brain tissue. Confocal imaging revealed that selected glutamate receptor subunit proteins were expressed in tumor cells. By means of patch-clamp analysis, it was shown that A549 and TE671 cells depolarized in response to application of glutamate agonists and that this effect was reversed by glutamate receptor antagonists. This study reveals that glutamate receptor subunits are differentially expressed in human tumor cell lines at the mRNA and the protein level, and that their expression is associated with the formation of functional channels. The potential role of glutamate receptor antagonists in cancer therapy is a feasible goal to be explored in clinical trials.

Analysis of Gene Expression in Parkinson's Disease: Possible Involvement of Neurotrophic Support and Axon Guidance in Dopaminergic Cell Death

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. We have studied alterations in gene expression in the substantia nigra, the caudate nucleus and putamen of four PD patients and four matched controls using custom designed Agilent microarrays. To gain insight into changes in gene expression during early stages of dopaminergic neurodegeneration, we selectively investigated the relatively spared parts of the PD substantia nigra, and correlated gene expression changes with alterations in neuronal density. We identified changes in the expression of 287 transcripts in the substantia nigra, 16 transcripts in the caudate nucleus and four transcripts in the putamen. For selected transcripts, transcriptional alterations were confirmed with qPCR on a larger set of seven PD cases and seven matched controls. We detected concerted changes in functionally connected groups of genes. In the PD substantia nigra, we observed strong evidence for a reduction in neurotrophic support and alterations in axon guidance cues. As the changes occur in relatively spared parts of the PD substantia nigra, they suggest novel disease mechanisms involving neurotrophic support and axon guidance in early stages of cellular stress events, ultimately leading to dopaminergic cell death in PD.

Incurred sample reproducibility: views and recommendations by the European Bioanalysis Forum

Abstract: Following intensive discussions, review, alignment of procedures and multiple surveys among their member companies, the European Bioanalysis Forum (EBF) is providing a recommendation on how to integrate incurred sample reproducibility (ISR) in the bioanalytical process. The recommendation aims to provide guidance throughout the lifecycle of a validated method, including the application of the method in study support. In its recommendation, the EBF considers both the internal discussions with EBF member companies, as well as the input provided in international meetings where ISR was discussed. The ultimate goal of the EBF recommendation is to ensure that bioanalytical methods can provide accurate and reproducible concentration data for pharmacokinetic and/or toxicokinetic evaluation, without any compromise, while safeguarding the optimal use of laboratory resources.

Organic Light Emitting Diode Products

Abstract: A plurality of organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices can be spatially distributed to form various lighting systems and luminaires The lighting systems can be configured to readily replace conventional light bulbs or tubular fluorescent lamps A networked lighting system including a plurality of OLED devices can have a variable light field based on a feedback

Wegener’s granulomatosis patients show an adequate antibody response to influenza vaccination

Abstract: Objectives: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a systemic vasculitis characterised by relapsing and remitting disease activity. Immunosuppressive drugs are used to control disease, but increase susceptibility to infection. Therefore, influenza vaccination should be considered in WG patients. This study was performed to assess the immunogenicity of influenza vaccination in WG patients. Methods: A randomised, controlled trial was performed in WG patients with quiescent disease, defined as a Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) less than 2. Patients were randomly assigned to receive influenza vaccination (n = 49) or to participate as controls (n = 23). In addition, healthy controls (n = 49) were vaccinated. At entry and at 1 and 3-4 months after entry, antibody responses to vaccination were determined. Furthermore, disease activity was measured (BVAS), adverse effects were recorded and antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) titres were determined. Results: WG patients achieved high seroprotection rates to all three influenza strains, comparable with healthy controls. Only the A/H1N1 strain patients had a lower seroconversion rate (p = 0.002) and geometric mean titre (p = 0.037) than controls. After 1 month, one control and one vaccinated WG patient had developed active disease. At 3-4 months, two additional control patients had developed active disease compared with none of the vaccinated patients (p = 0.099). Vaccination did not influence ANCA titres. Adverse effects did not differ between patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: Influenza vaccination in WG patients with quiescent disease induced a sufficient antibody response.

Fibrates and Microvascular Complications in Diabetes - Insight from the FIELD Study

Abstract: Fibrates are widely prescribed lipid-lowering drug in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Their main clinical effects, mediated by peroxisome proliferative activated receptor (PPAR) alpha activation, are a moderate reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, a marked reduction in triglycerides (TG) and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), usually dependent of their baseline levels and dyslipidemia type. A beneficial effect on cardiovascular outcomes but also on inflammatory and thrombogenesis pathways as well as antioxidant properties have been evidenced conferring other pleiotropic effects to fibrates. Diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy are the major microvascular complications of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their presence can accentuate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycemia, hypertension, genetic susceptibility among other risk factors play a significant role in the development and progression of these complications. Plasma lipid abnormalities are also involved in the pathogenesis of microvascular diseases suggesting a potential benefit of lipid lowering drugs in their prevention. Clofibrate was the first fibrate in the 60's to show an improvement in the retinal hard exudation in subjects with diabetic retinopathy. Recently, in the Fenofibrate Intervention in Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study fenofibrate treatment demonstrated a significant 30% reduction in the need for laser therapy in patients with and without known diabetic retinopathy, and more particularly in the first course of laser treatment for both macular edema and proliferative retinopathy. In addition, fenofibrate treatment was associated with less albuminuria progression and reduced risk of non traumatic distal amputations. These results, along with previous evidence of positive effects on microvascular complications, suggest that fibrates, and particularly fenofibrate, offer good opportunity to prevent the most serious complications of diabetes.

Studies of cell-mediated immune responses to influenza vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract: Objective Both antibody and cell-mediated responses are involved in the defense against influenza. In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a decreased antibody response to subunit influenza vaccine has been demonstrated, but cell-mediated responses have not yet been assessed. This study was therefore undertaken to assess cell-mediated responses to influenza vaccination in patients with SLE. Methods Fifty-four patients with SLE and 54 healthy control subjects received subunit influenza vaccine. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were obtained before and 1 month after vaccination. Cell-mediated responses to A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 vaccines were evaluated using an interferon-γ (IFNγ) enzyme-linked immunospot assay and flow cytometry. Antibody responses were measured using a hemagglutination inhibition test. Results Prior to vaccination, patients with SLE had fewer IFNγ spot-forming cells against A/H1N1 compared with control subjects and a lower frequency of IFNγ-positive CD8+ T cells. After vaccination, the number of IFNγ spot-forming cells increased in both patients and control subjects, although the number remained lower in patients. In addition, the frequencies of CD4+ T cells producing tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-2 were lower in patients after vaccination compared with healthy control subjects. As expected for a subunit vaccine, vaccination did not induce a CD8+ T cell response. For A/H3N2-specific responses, results were comparable. Diminished cell-mediated responses to influenza vaccination were associated with the use of prednisone and/or azathioprine. The increase in A/H1N1-specific and A/H3N2-specific antibody titers after vaccination was lower in patients compared with control subjects. Conclusion In addition to a decreased antibody response, cell-mediated responses to influenza vaccination are diminished in patients with SLE, which may reflect the effects of the concomitant use of immunosuppressive drugs. This may render these patients more susceptible to (complicated) influenza infections.

Progestins inhibit expression of MMPs and of angiogenic factors in human ectopic endometrial lesions in a mouse model

Abstract: Progestins are successfully used in the treatment of endometriosis; however, the exact mechanisms of their action are still unsolved. We here focused on the effect of different progestins on parameters of extracellular matrix degradation and angiogenesis involved in the establishment and maintenance of ectopic endometrial lesions. Human endometrium was intraperitoneally transplanted into nude mice. After 7 and 28 days of treatment with progesterone, dydrogesterone, or its metabolite dihydrodydrogesterone, respectively, ectopic lesions were evaluated for proliferation and apoptosis. Expression of estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor-AB, the angiogenetic factors, cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer (CYR61), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -3, -7 and -9 was investigated. Functional impact on angiogenesis was evaluated by density of microvessels and of vessels stabilized by pericytes within the ectopic lesions. Although dydrogesterone significantly reduced proliferation of endometrial stromal cells after 28 days, suppression of apoptosis was independent from progestins. Expression of MMP-2 was significantly reduced by all progestins and MMP-3 by dydrogesterone. In the grafted endometrial tissue, transcription of bFGF was suppressed by progesterone and dihydrodydrogesterone, and VEGFA and CYR61 by dihydrodydrogesterone and dydrogesterone. In parallel, microvessel density was slightly suppressed by progestins, whereas number of stabilized vessels increased. Thus, progestins regulate factors important for the establishment and maintenance of ectopic endometrial lesions.

Effect of a second, booster, influenza vaccination on antibody responses in quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus: an open, prospective, controlled study

Abstract: Objective. In SLE, a decreased antibody response on influenza vaccination has been reported. In this study, we assessed whether a booster vaccination could improve antibody responses, as determined by seroprotection rates, in SLE patients. Methods. SLE patients (n ¼ 52) with quiescent disease (SLEDAI 44) and healthy controls (HCs) (n ¼ 28) received subunit influenza vaccine in October–December 2007. After 4 weeks, only SLE patients received a second dose of vaccination. Sera were obtained before both vaccinations, and 4 weeks after the second vaccination. At each visit, SLE disease activity was recorded. The haemagglutination inhibition test was used to measure antibody titres. Seroprotection was defined as a titre 540. Results. Following the first vaccination, seroprotection rates and geometric mean titres (GMTs) to each vaccine strain increased in both SLE patients and controls to comparable levels. Seroprotection rates in SLE patients after the first vaccination were 86.5% to A/H1N1, 80.8% to A/H3N2 and 61.5% to the B-strain while GMTs were 92.6, 56.2 and 39.2, respectively. Overall, the booster vaccination did not lead to a further rise of seroprotection rates and GMTs in SLE patients. However, in patients not vaccinated in the previous year, GMT and seroconversion rate to A/H1N1 did rise following the booster vaccination. Both influenza vaccinations did not increase SLEDAI scores. Conclusions. Additional value of a booster influenza vaccination in SLE is limited to patients who were not vaccinated in the previous year.

Doped conjugated polymers, devices, and methods of making devices

Abstract: Use of certain materials in hole injection or hole transport layers can improve the operational lifetimes in organic electronic devices. Compositions comprising a doped conjugated polymer, doped with a redox dopant, including iodonium salt, can increase lifetimes. Inks can be formulated and cast as films in organic electronic devices including OLEDs, PHOLEDs, and OPVs. One embodiment provides a composition with a conjugated polymer doped with a redox dopant. Non-aqueous based inks can be formulated. Iodonium salts can be used.

G2 dualities in D = 5 supergravity and black strings

Abstract: Five-dimensional minimal supergravity dimensionally reduced on two commuting Killing directions gives rise to a G2 coset model. The symmetry group of the coset model can be used to generate new solutions by applying group transformations on a seed solution. We show that on a general solution the generators belonging to the Cartan and nilpotent subalgebras of G2 act as scaling and gauge transformations, respectively. The remaining generators of G2 form a subalgebra that can be used to generate non-trivial charges. We use these generators to generalize the five-dimensional Kerr string in a number of ways. In particular, we construct the spinning electric and spinning magnetic black strings of five-dimensional minimal supergravity. We analyze physical properties of these black strings and study their thermodynamics. We also explore their relation to black rings.

Process for producing sodium bicarbonate for flue gas desulphurization

Abstract: Process for producing sodium bicarbonate for purifying flue gases, according to which an aqueous solution containing sodium sulphate is subjected to electrodialysis to produce a sodium hydroxide solution and a sodium bisulphate solution, the sodium hydroxide solution being carbonated in order to obtain sodium bicarbonate.

Multitrace deformation of the Aharony-Bergman-Jafferis-Maldacena theory

Abstract: Motivated by the study of big crunch singularities in asymptotically ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{4}$ space-times, we consider a marginal triple trace deformation of Aharony-Bergman-Jafferis-Maldacena (ABJM) theory. The deformation corresponds to adding a potential which is unbounded below. In a 't Hooft large $N$ limit, the beta function for the triple trace deformation vanishes, which is consistent with the near-boundary behavior of the bulk fields. At the next order in the $1/N$ expansion, the triple trace couplings exhibit nontrivial running, which we analyze explicitly in the limit of zero 't Hooft coupling, in which the model reduces to an $O(N)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}O(N)$ vector model with large $N$. In this limit, we establish the existence of a perturbative UV fixed point, and we comment on possible nonperturbative effects. We also show that the bulk analysis leading to big crunch singularities extends to the ${\mathbb{Z}}_{k}$ orbifold models dual to ABJM theory.

Organic light emitting diode lighting systems

Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. By selecting the plurality of OLED devices, or by selectively controlling the plurality of OLED devices, the color characteristics of the lighting system can be tuned. The lifetime of the lighting system can be improved.

Interactions of serotonin (5-HT)2 receptor-targeting ligands and nicotine: locomotor activity studies in rats.

Abstract: Male Wistar rats were used to verify the hypothesis that serotonin (5-HT)2A or 5-HT2C receptors may control the locomotor effects evoked by nicotine (0.4mg/kg). The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist (M100,907), the 5-HT2A receptor agonist (DOI), the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist (SB 242,084), and the 5-HT2C receptor agonists (Ro 60-0175 and WAY 163,909) were used. M100,907 (0.5–2mg/kg) did not alter, while DOI (1 mg/kg) enhanced the nicotine-induced hyperlocomotion. The effect of DOI was antagonized by M100,907 (1 mg/kg). SB 242,084 (0.25–1 mg/kg) augmented, while Ro 60-0175 (1 and 3 mg/kg) and WAY 163,909 (1.5 mg/kg) decreased the overall effect of acute nicotine; effects of Ro 60-0175 and WAY 163,909 were attenuated by SB 242,084 (0.125 mg/kg). In another set of experiments, M100,907 (2 mg/kg) on Day 10 attenuated, while DOI (0.1–1 mg/kg) enhanced the nicotine-evoked conditioned hyperlocomotion in rats repeatedly (Days 1–5) treated with nicotine in experimental chambers. SB 242,084 (0.125 or 1 mg/kg) did not change, while Ro 60-0175 (1 mg/kg) or WAY 163,909 (1.5 mg/kg) decreased the expression of nicotine-induced conditioned hyperactivity. Only DOI (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) and SB 242,084 (1 mg/kg) enhanced the basal locomotion. The present data indicate that 5-HT2A receptors are significant for the expression of nicotine-evoked conditioned hyperactivity. Conversely, 5-HT2C receptors play a pivotal role in the acute effects of nicotine. Pharmacological stimulation of 5-HT2A receptors enhances the conditioned hyperlocomotion, while activation of 5-HT2C receptors decreases both the response to acute nicotine and conditioned hyperactivity. Synapse 63:653–661, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Highly Hydrophobic Carbon Black Obtained by Covalent Linkage of Perfluorocarbon and Perfluoropolyether Chains on the Carbon Surface

Abstract: Perfluorocarbon chains, that is, perfluoroethyl, CF3CF2−, perfluoro-n-propyl, CF3CF2CF2−, perfluoro-iso-propyl, (CF3)2CF−, and perfluoropolyether (PFPE) residues, were covalently bonded on the surface of a carbon black using perfluorodiacyl and PFPE peroxides. Thermal decomposition of the fluorinated peroxides allows the covalent linkage of fluorinated radicals to the polycyclic aromatic structure of the carbon black. Contact angle measurements in agreement with XPS data revealed a gradual enhancement of the water repellence with increasing fluorine content on the surface. When perfluoroalkyl chains were bonded to the carbon black the morphology and the surface areas of the modified carbonaceous materials were mostly retained as shown by BET and SEM analyses.

Process for producing sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate from an ore mineral comprising sodium bicarbonate

Abstract: Process for producing sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate from an ore mineral comprising sodium bicarbonate Process to produce sodium carbonate and/ or sodium bicarbonate from an ore mineral comprising sodium bicarbonate according to which : a production solution comprising sodium carbonate is introduced into the less basic compartments of an electrodialys er comprising alternating less basic and more basic adjacent compartments separated from each other by cationic membranes, the more basic compartments being delimited by the anionic faces of bipolar membranes on one side and by the cationic membranes on the other side; a solution comprising sodium hydroxide is produced into the more basic compartments, by combination of the flux of sodium ions crossing the cationic membrane and the flux of hydroxyl ions crossing the anionic face of the bipolar membranes; the solution comprising sodium hydroxide is extracted from the more basic compartments of the electrodialyser and used to constitute a reaction solution; the reaction solution is put into contact with the mineral ore comprising sodium bicarbonate in order to form a solution comprising sodium carbonate; the solution comprising sodium carbonate is divided into a part which is used to constitute the production solution and a remaining part which constitutes a produced solution.