Sequence-defined macromolecules were prepared with a thiolactone-based platform whereby ligand functionalities introduced along the backbone enabling nickel induced formation of single-chain nanoparticles.

Elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that homocysteine enhances monocyte/human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) interactions, a pivotal early event in atherogenesis, by upregulating endothelial adhesion molecules. After incubation of cultured HAECs with reduced DL-homocysteine for up to 24 hours, adhesion of human monocytes to homocystein...

Research has confirmed the positive effect of berries of Aronia melanocarpa on the cardiovascular system. The protective effects of polyphenol-rich extract from berries of A. melanocarpa against changes in biological properties of fibrinogen were studied. In in vitro model of hyperhomocysteinemia the capability of fibrinogen to interact with human blood platelets was measured by platelet adhesi...

The human paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a serum high-density lipoprotein-associated phosphotriesterase secreted mainly by the liver. This enzyme is able to hydrolyze toxic organophosphate xenobiotics, endogenous oxidized phospholipids, and homocysteine thiolactone. Physiologically, it is thought to protect against cardiovascular diseases. The level of PON-1 gene expression is a major determinant of ...

Elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that homocysteine enhances monocyte/human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) interactions, a pivotal early event in atherogenesis, by upregulating endothelial adhesion molecules. After incubation of cultured HAECs with reduced DL-homocysteine for up to 24 hours, adhesion of human monocytes to homocystein...

Life developed on Earth probably about 3.8 billion years ago, on a planet that was already largely covered by oceans and where the atmosphere was very humid. The reactions, which may have led to the formation of the first polymers, particularly to the first peptides and nucleic acids, must have been compatible with these conditions. This is the case of the reaction of nitriles with aminothiols,...

OBJECTIVE Endogenous adenosine has several cardioprotective effects. We postulate that in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia increased intracellular formation of S-adenosylhomocysteine decreases free intracellular adenosine. Subsequently, facilitated diffusion of extracellular adenosine into cells through dipyridamole-sensitive transporters is enhanced, limiting adenosine receptor stimulation. ...

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with endothelial dysfunction, although the underlying mechanism is unknown. Previous studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the regulation of systemic and renal hemodynamics. This study investigated whether hyperhomocysteinemia induces renal oxidative stress and promotes renal dysfunction involving disturbances of the NO-pathway i...

In a previous study we have shown that public buses in Oporto, the second largest city in Portugal, were highly contaminated with MRSA. Here we describe the results of a similar study performed in another urban area of Portugal-Lisbon, the capital. Between May 2011 and May 2012, hand touched surfaces of 199 public buses in Lisbon were screened for MRSA contamination. Subsequently, the hands of ...