In a recent attempt to crystallize a regulator of MexAB-OprM multi-drug efflux systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NalD), we found that adding polyethylene glycol (PEG3350, Mw = 3,350 g/mol) into the protein solution increases the speed of NalD migration in gel electrophoresis, signaling a smaller hydrodynamic size. At first we conjectured that NalD was degraded unexpectedly by PEG; however, we ...

Background: The stratum corneum (SC) forms a difficult physical barrier for drugs to pass through the skin. Several strategies were developed to overcome this barrier. Optimization of topical drug formulations by selected excipients may facilitate the penetration of drugs through the SC into the viable skin cells and ultimately into the systemic circulation. Methods: Here, both the influence of...

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The interaction of a weak polyacid, sodium polyacrylate (PAA), and cationic mixed micelles of n-hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride/n-dodecyl hexaoxyethylene glycol monoether (CTAC/C12E8) was studied by turbidimetric titrations at varying pH, in order to determine the effect of polymer charge. Electrostatically-driven complex formation is controlled by three variables: the polymer linear char...

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex congenital heart defect and the microRNAs regulation in TOF development is largely unknown. Herein, we explored the role of miRNAs in TOF. Among 75 dysregulated miRNAs identified from human heart tissues, miRNA-940 was the most down-regulated one. Interestingly, miRNA-940 was most highly expressed in normal human right ventricular out-flow tract comparing ...

The suitability of different gelling agents as MRI phantoms was evaluated in terms of homogeneity, gel stability and reproducibility. Time and effort for preparation were also taken into account. The relaxation times of various gel compositions were estimated. Carbomer-980 and Carbopol-974P were determined to be promising novel phantom materials. These gelling agents are readily available, inex...

BACKGROUND While the 532 nm wavelength has been demonstrated to be effective for facial telangiectasias, 940 nm is a novel wavelength which has only been reported in case reports. While both the 532 and 940 nm wavelengths are effective for facial telangiectasias, we lack evidence to support whether one wavelength is superior. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, blinded split-faced trial for the 532 and ...

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays an important role in renal tubular injury and regeneration in acute kidney injury. However, its role in the development of renal fibrosis, often a long-term consequence of acute kidney injury, is unknown. Using amousemodel of renal fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury, we demonstrate increased GSK3β e...

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are sequence-specific post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Although major components of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway have been identified, regulatory mechanisms for this pathway remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that the RNAi pathway can be modulated intracellularly by small molecules. We have developed a cel...

Allyl amides were synthesised from the reaction of allyl alcohols and halogenated nitriles using a platinum multifaceted catalysis approach in which both the nucleophilic addition and subsequent [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement steps of the process were catalysed by the same complex. Additionally, (1)H/(13)C{(1)H} NMR and GC studies provided the first insights into the mechanism of this transfor...