University of Saint Mary

About: University of Saint Mary is a education organization based out in Leavenworth, Kansas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 2276 authors who have published 2399 publications receiving 58990 citations. The organization is also known as: University of St. Mary & University of St Mary.

Production of recombinant tau oligomers in vitro

Abstract: The pathological aggregation of the tau protein is a common characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. There is strong interest in characterizing the potentially toxic nature of tau oligomers. These nonfibrillar, soluble multimers appear to be more toxic than neurofibrillary tangles made up of filamentous tau. However, reliable production, purification, and verification of tau oligomers can provide certain challenges. Here, we provide a series of methods that address these issues. First, recombinant tau is produced using Escherichia coli, purified through affinity, size-exclusion, and anion-exchange chromatography steps and quantified using an SDS Lowry protein quantitation assay. Aggregation of tau is induced using arachidonic acid, and oligomers are purified by centrifugation over a sucrose step gradient. Finally, we describe a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that utilizes the tau oligomer-specific TOC1 antibody to confirm the presence of oligomeric tau. Together, these steps provide a very simple and reliable method for producing tau oligomers that can be used in downstream applications.

Synergistic antibacterial efficacies of the combination of bovine lactoferrin or its hydrolysate with probiotic secretion in curbing the growth of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: The occurrence of multidrug-resistant or meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become an important issue in clinics. This study evaluated a combinatorial treatment approach by using the well-documented antibacterial protein apo-bovine lactoferrin (apo-bLf) or its hydrolysate and specific probiotic supernatants for controlling MRSA infection. Clinical MRSA strains were isolated from different patient specimens. Apo-bLf-hydrolysate possessed stronger anti-MRSA activity than complete bLf in that it inhibited the growth of most MRSA strains tested in vitro. Otherwise, the supernatants produced by Lactobacillus fermentum (ATCC 11739), Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (ATCC 15707) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (BCRC 17394) inhibited the growth of various MRSA strains. Further, L. fermentum or B. animalis subsp. lactis supernatant plus apo-bLf or bLf-hydrolysate led to partially synergistic to synergistic growth-inhibitory activity against MRSA strains. However, L. fermentum and not B. animalis subsp. lactis or B. longum subsp. longum was observed to resist the antibacterial activity of both apo-Lf and bLf-hydrolysate. Therefore, it is suggested that L. fermentum could be the best candidate to be used with apo-bLf or bLf-hydrolysate as a live supplement against MRSA infections.

Nanoplasmonics of prime number arrays

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the plasmonic near-field localization and the far-field scattering properties of non-periodic arrays of Ag nanoparticles generated by prime number sequences in two spatial dimensions. In particular, we demonstrate that the engineering of plasmonic arrays with large spectral flatness and particle density is necessary to achieve a high density of electromagnetic hot spots over a broader frequency range and a larger area compared to strongly coupled periodic and quasi-periodic structures. Finally, we study the far-field scattering properties of prime number arrays illuminated by plane waves and we discuss their angular scattering properties. The study of prime number arrays of metal nanoparticles provides a novel strategy to achieve broadband enhancement and localization of plasmonic fields for the engineering of nanoscale nano-antenna arrays and active plasmonic structures.

Examining evidence-based interventions to prevent inpatient falls.

Abstract: Well-researched interventions to prevent falls include medication review, fall alarms, and environmental aids. Nurses play a vital role in developing plans for fall prevention.