20
32
29
07
23
10 Cover Story
07
The cover story titled ‘Laboratory on the fingertips: Revolution in Healthcare’authored by Bhawana Jain, Asst. Editor, Microbioz India magazine.
Research Updates
16
Featured article
10
A crisp discovery to further strengthen human control over microbe physiology
Combination therapy is powerful in treating cancer: Research 16
We have covered major research news from a number of areas like Biotechnology, Microbiology and Health Sciences to keep you updated with latest breakthroughs and discoveries around the globe.
An international team of researchers has found a new and unique approach to improving the anti-cancer effect of a new medicine class called 'Smac mimetics'.
Product Launch
Upcoming Shows/Events/Exhibitions
24
Microbioz India has added a new series called as ‘Product Launch’ from the previous month which will be published occasionally and will be covering any new products that are being developed for your immediate awareness and knowledge.
34
We have a press release by Thailand Lab International 2017, a compiled list of Upcoming Events and Trade Shows
05
echnology has always been a driving force for improvements in healthcare. With new innovations and techniques, people can now monitor their health more often at the comfort of their own homes without wasting their precious time and money in commuting to and fro the clinics. These new techniques with increased accessibility to early diagnosis and treatment are not only safer and time-saving but more reliable as well. Microbioz India’s current issue’s cover story ‘Laboratory on the fingertips: Revolution in Healthcare’, authored by Bhawana Jain, M.Tech- Biotech & Editor- Microbioz India highlights the importance of these techniques in day-today lives of people who are vulnerable to diseases or have a history of a particular disease in their ancestors. The cover story also focuses how people can utilize these diagnostic techniques to keep a check on the various health parameters of the body. To read more, please turn to the cover story. Moreover, the magazine has included a featured story on ‘A crisp discovery to further strengthen human control over microbe physiology’ authored by Abhishek Gogna, B.Sc. Agriculture, G.B.P.U.A.T and some major research news from a number of areas like Biotechnology, Microbiology and Health Sciences to keep you updated with latest breakthroughs and discoveries around the globe. Microbioz India has now media partnered with up to 8 National and International Laboratory and Medical Exhibition and Conferences organizers and the list for the same can be viewed inside the magazine. Microbioz India has started a new series called ‘Product Launch’ which covers any new technologies/products that are being developed for your immediate awareness and knowledge. Dear friends and readers, once again I would like to thank you for your invaluable love and support. As always, we hope that you find value in this issue. We are always eager to receive your valuable feedback and suggestions as they help us come with better content each time. For any further value addition, please write at editor@microbiozindia.com.
Cover Story
By: Bhawana Jain, M.Tech- Biotech & Editor- Microbioz India Email ID: bhawana@microbiozindia.com
he surrounding and environment around us keep on changing and at times we may get exposed to a number of health issues. Obesity is one such problem which has now crawled into the lives of teenagers and young adults. Similarly, there are many other health related issues which have started to affect us. Whatever we try or do, we can’t be completely sure that the disease will not enter into our lives. However, by being cautious and by keeping a regular check on our health, we can prevent ourselves from any disease.
T
But with increasing family responsibilities and work which consume most of our time, there is just a short period of time left for ourselves. The pressure at work has taken a toll on our health. When health and fitness should be our topmost priority, we often forget to concentrate on it completely. The reason is our fast paced life that leaves us with little choice. But, in this world where we can get everything home delivered, a new change has welcomed by the healthcare industry as they have brought us the laboratory tests that can be performed at the convenience of our own homes. There are numerous benefits which these home-based laboratory tests offer us. The article discusses, in brief, some of the tests that can be performed in the comfort of our own homes and how these home based tests have brought the laboratory on our fingertips allowing us to monitor our health at periodic time intervals without wasting our precious time in commuting to and from to the clinic.
Common home-based tests and procedures Cholesterol Test: It is a quantitative test that measures the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood. Sometimes, the triglyceride measurement is also included in the test kit. It is done to assess the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease by clogging the blood vessels of the heart thus decreasing the oxygen supply to the heart. Test Procedure: To perform the test, the finger is pricked with a lancet to get a drop of blood. Then the drop of blood is put on a piece of paper that contains special chemicals. The amount of color change in the paper indicates how much cholesterol is in present in the blood. In some testing kits, a small machine is used which tells how much cholesterol is there is in the sample. Hepatitis C Test: Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver disease. It is a qualitative test that checks whether you have the infection or not. It does not tell anything about how advanced the disease is. Test Procedure: The test kit contains a small piece of filter paper, a lancet, and instructions for taking a blood sample and placing it on the filter paper. To perform the test, the finger is pricked with the lancet to obtain a drop of blood.
07
Cover Story Then that drop of blood is put on a piece of filter paper and sent in a special container to the testing laboratory. The laboratory analyzes the filter paper by performing a preliminary (screening) test that separates the samples into three groups: Samples that are clearly positive, Samples that might be positive, and Samples that are negative. All samples that "might be positive" have to go through a more specific (confirmatory) test to find those that are truly positive. All the "clearly positives" from the preliminary test and the "truly positives" from the more specific test are reported as positive. It must also be noted that a positive result does not mean that you are infected with HCV. It might also indicate that you had this infection in the past. In such cases, one should see a doctor for further testing and information. At the same time, a negative test does not guarantee that you don't have HCV infection because it takes some time for you to develop antibodies after you are infected with this virus. If you think you you're exposed to the virus and might be infected, you should see your doctor for a more accurate laboratory test. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and causes AIDS i.e., Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome. It is fatal to your health and if untreated can completely destroy the immune system. The HIV test is done to find out if you have HIV infection. Test Procedure: The kit comes with sterile lancets, an alcohol pad, gauze pads, a blood specimen collection card, a bandage, a lancet disposal container, a shipping pouch, and instructions. To do the test, you: Call a specified telephone number, Register a code number that is included with the specimen collection kit, Prick your finger with a lancet to get a drop of blood, place drops of blood on the card, Send the shipping pouch by express courier service to the central testing laboratory, Receive results by phone after 3-7 business days later, and If you test positive for HIV, you get counseling on what to do about yyour infection. These are just some of the tests which can be performed at your homes, there are many more in the list. These tests are a result of extensive research in the area of diagnostic tests realizing the importance of early diagnosis in your life and it
helps in treating any disease and even in gaining control of the disease. An accurate diagnosis leads to perfect treatment and can return the patient to full health. At the same time, the consequences of a wrong diagnosis can be devastating and can prove to be fatal for the patient. Thus, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment go hand in hand. People from all over the world are making use of these tests in their day-to-day lives. However, not all the tests are meant to be performed every day. Some tests should be performed on a periodic basis or in case you are more exposed to some of the factors which might cause infection, the tests can be performed more often.
Advantages of home based laboratory tests Easy and efficient Home based laboratory tests are easy as they can be done at the luxury of our own homes i.e., we don’t need to search for any commutation as the services are brought to our doorstep. This means that a person who constantly looks for reasons to avoid tests due to the traffic and other personal issues can go for this option. This reduces his waiting time at a clinic as he will be the only one going to get tested. At your convenience Laboratory tests can be done whenever we have time. i.e., we don’t need to check our calendar for fixing an appointment to get tested. We can perform the tests according to the schedule that suit us, and not the other way around. The option of total flexibility allows us to bend our testing hour based on our availability. Hygienic, healthy & Confidential As we do these tests ourselves, the fear of clinic hygiene is lost with home lab-tests. Environment’s cleanliness is vital in preventing disease epidemic. While the fear always lingers, home tests reduce the tension as we are aware of the environment. Also, the needles and other test equipment used are completely sterile and safe. Moreover, we can keep the results confidential & private. Despite these numerous benefits which these home-based laboratory tests offer, one should take precautions while using them. Though these home use laboratory tests are made to help us with health care, these tests should not replace periodic visits to our doctor. Many times, we should talk to our doctor even if we get normal test results. Most tests are best evaluated together with our medical history, a physical exam, and other testing. So, we should always see our doctor whenever we are feeling sick, or whenever we are worried about a possible medical condition, or if the test instructions recommend us to do so. References:
08
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProc edures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/default.htm http://imj.ie/a-correct-diagnosis-is-of-increasing-importance-2/
Featured article
By: Abhishek Gonga B.Sc. Agriculture, GBPUAT, Pantnagar Email ID:abhishekgogana@gmail.com
A crisp discovery to further strengthen human control over microbe physiology uman`s curiosity and the never ending hunger to mend his surroundings per his needs has done wonders, with extraordinary things now possible, things that would have been, in earlier times termed paranormal or magical. From the discovery of living cell by Anton van Leeuwenhoek in 1670 to controlling the physiology of these minuscule organisms, we have come a long way. These microbes have provided us great insight into the biological realm and innumerable fields have emerged as a consequence. Biotechnology, immunology, and microbiology are few disciplines which are at the forefront of scientific research on microbes. This article will introduce you to a recent discovery that has the promise of changing the way we deal with microbes in general and their genetic makeup in particular. Francisco Mojica was the man whose mind was enthralled by observation of palindrome repeats along a certain stretch of microbial DNA, and his work on this unusual observation, along with those of others around the world finally provided humanity, a powerful tool for very precise targeted genome modification “THE CRISPR/CAS9 SYSTEM�.
H
10
In the microbial systems where it functions, it plays the role of microbial guardian protecting it from external atrocities say e.g. plasmids and viruses that tend to modify the native genome of the organism to its benefit. And interestingly its working resembles the way our acquired immune system works. CRISPR stands for Clustered, Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, and as the name suggests, these are palindrome repeats (read same when read in opposite direction e.g.-HANNAH, on antiparallel strands of DNA) on the length of microbe DNA.
Figure: Structure of crRNA-guided E. coli Cascade complex (Cas, blue) bound to single-stranded DNA (orange)
Featured article Invader to these microbes have the ability to introduce their genetic material into cytoplasm and with help of group of complex enzymes (may be from the host or introduced along with foreign genetic material) and associated mechanisms integrate the same into microbe`s DNA, this altered DNA then functions erratically, in most cases to the benefit of invader. In other cases, the introduced material may not need to integrate itself into the host`s genome it can sustain independently, as is the case with plasmids. What is special with CRISPR is that there are present sequences from previous encounters with foreign genetic material between these repeats called as spacers (protospacer in some references), which serve as memory cassettes to the cell.
Applications to date The discovery of this unique system has created a buzz in the scientific world. There are many areas of economic and research oriented activities that can benefit directly from this. The industries employing microbes as their labor are at the best-suited position. Not only this, use of this system for developing techniques to fight against diseases and development of novel medicine help humanity get an edge in the fight against ever-evolving pathogenic races. Some of the areas where this system has been successfully employed to get desirable results are briefly mentioned below. Genome editing (see further knowledge for video link) The cell genome is prone to injuries and cells are equipped with elaborate mechanisms to restore the normal structure of the genome. One such method is HDR or homology-directed repair, as the name suggests the HDR uses homologous DNA sequences to drive high-efficiency repair. What if there was a way where we could give the cell the sequence to be used for DNA repair? Scientists have been doing this for a long time but the efficiency has increased manifold with the use of CRISPR/CAS9 system. Genetically modified organisms are already a reality and their pace of production has received a boost with the novel discovery.
The RNA synthesized from these sequences (CRISPRRNA) binds to a guided DNA endonuclease called cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9), the complex thus formed patrols the cytoplasm for any foreign DNA having complementary nucleotide length to those present in the CRISPR-cas9 system (CRISPR-RNA).If in case such a region is detected the complex binds to the same and the endonuclease cleaves the strand rendering the foreign material impotent To the question as to how did bacterium get a spacer in its genome? The answer is yet to be found but the possibility of such an event is extraordinarily low, it is seen that generally one in 10 million encounters will lead to successful integration and will help bacterium survive the attack, but given the rate of bacterial multiplication, it takes very less time for spacer to be integrated in bacterial gene pool and the chances of survival of the population are therefore raised above threshold.
Figure 1
Knockdown/activation Several genes can be activated or shut down by addition of specific groups to their promoter regions or to the gene itself (e.g. methylation of genome for preventing excision of selfgenome), the dead versions of cas9 eliminated the nuclease activity of CRISPR/CAS9 system, but it retains the ability to target specific genes this has its use in shutting a gene on or off. The cas9 system has been successfully employed to carry transcription factors that activated specific human genes.
11
Featured article Targeting of dCas9 to promoters was initially shown to repress gene expression in both Escherichia coli and human cells. This kind of control is detrimental to disease treatment and development of novel crop lines which have higher productivity and reduced impact on the environment. RNA editing The genome of an organism is responsible for its phenotype, the effect of environment, however, cannot be neglected, but for the environment to exercise its control, a gene performing a particular function must already be present. The genes express themselves as proteins via RNA synthesis. Many a disease are caused by the high or low level of protein`s and a system that could target RNA levels could offer a solution to these peculiar class of diseases. Some scientists believe it could be, one day, useful in illnesses ranging from Huntington’s to heart disease. Added benefit would be that the changes induced would be temporary, contrary to genomic modifications where a change is typically inherited and any mistake done in the process of tinkering with the genome may lead to a catastrophe. (What if the mutant is released into the wild population?) Disease models An ideal disease model would be an animal for research showing symptoms similar to a particular disease or showing what happens when the concerned gene is modified. Genetically modified mouse has served as a scaffold for studying the expression of genetic modification introduced in animal systems and has been since inception been the forerunner choice for research on nuclease-based genome editing. With CRISPR at work, we can simplify the creation of these disease model organisms. Much of the research in current times is directed at its implications in cancer diagnosis and possible treatment. A human trial has also been reported. Gene drive (see further knowledge for video link) In genetics, gene drive is a technique that promotes the inheritance of a particular gene to increase its prevalence in a population. To anyone familiar with the basic pattern of inheritance any offspring receives one of his chromosomal complement from either parent, but the gene drive alters this pattern promoting the desired gene to be inherited preferentially over the other.
Figure 2: the modified pattern of inheritance followed during gene drive.(source-Scientific American)
Though in theory any gene could be promoted but there are always chances of a resistance line developing in the wild due to selection pressure on the species. In late 2015 scientists at the University of California reported the successful use of the CRIPSR technique for promoting gene drive in mosquitos, the genetically modified mosquitos if allowed to mate with wild populations would promise a relief from many an insect-mediated disease like malaria (see Target Malaria), dengue fever, sleeping sickness etc. Figure 4: the modified pattern of inheritance followed during gene drive.(source-Scientific American) Gene drive endows us with the power to quickly wipe out an entire population if needed, promote a gene to an extent that it dominates amongst its alleles (this has great use in medicine, agriculture among other branches of applied science). The corresponding character is also elevated in the population. This has great ecological a footprint associated with it, so regulations are needed to be put in place and the debate has been going on for judging the soundness of this application of CRISPR/CAS9 system, and addressing the potential ecological issue that might arise from this kind of work. Uses in plants The technology has been used in plant system too, and successful results have been obtained in some of the agriculturally important crops e.g. potato, maize, cabbage, wheat, sorghum, barley, tomato etc. The majority of the attention had been toward using this technology to improve crop yield and develop pathogen resistant varieties, but the scenario is now shifting with the progressive utilization of this technique for molecular breeding programs.
13
Featured article A drought resistant maize variety has already been developed by researchers at DuPont Pioneer (U.S. based producer of hybrid seeds for agriculture) under brand name ‘aquamax®’, this modified variety has been reported to give 8.9% better yield over traditional counterparts. The use of aforementioned technology has the promise to revolutionize the way plant breeding operations are undertaken and will someday help eradicate food insecurity.
If applied to humans, babies free from genetic disease, strong, vigilant, or maybe with better looks and body shape, the list is endless, only the imagination span of parents who will be paying for this kind of work will decide. Such variations are deviations from the actual purpose this technology was initially considered to be put into for use. With possibilities at the helm of wiping of whole populations of mosquitos, what comes next is unpredictable. What if the population develop resistance and becomes even more capable of disease spread?
All good and no bad? As we come towards the end of this write-up I will use the opportunity to discuss with you, the readers some important facts regarding the unregulated use of this technology.
Curiosity, what if? Those words have paved the way for the development of science throughout the course of development, every time we discover something new we try to put it into use to its limit, often neglecting the future consequences.
We share this earth with numerous other living entities and all of us are a part of a perpetual network each with a role and by no means are we, the humans, at the top. Although we have been endowed with amazing cognitive prowess, past shows us that our attempts at terraforming the earth have eventually, lead to overall harm, so where should we stop? That is an issue of international debate and with technologies like these the boundary has to set early, the else injury is certain. Many eminent scientists, working at forefront of CRISPR/CAS9 system research are also equally worried regarding its ethical use. What comes next though remains to be seen.
Germline editing, especially in the case of humans have the potential hazard of leaking into natural populations and introducing new traits at a pace faster than already set by the course of evolution.
It is also true that often true innovation and intuitive works even in the field of science are affected but narrow-minded people whose aim stand at reaping the maximum economic harvest, these factors coupled with competition to excel and other motifs often lead to a, could be noble, technology put into use for deleterious works. Take one important case for example. CRISPR has opened a new avenue for experimenting with germline of species, from point of view of a scientist it is all research, just deeper. But a bioethicist sees it in totally different light. Germline editing, especially in the case of humans have the potential hazard of leaking into natural populations and introducing new traits at a pace faster than already set by the course of evolution. Also, ethicists consider this kind of work a downward slope starting with the purpose of curing disease like Alzheimer, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia etc. to conditioned organisms who may be taller, disease resistant, lacking disease carrying ability (vectors), more productive, drought resistant etc.
Further knowledge With enough reading, a good video reference is always useful to help solidify the concepts; I give below a select list from my playlist for those who want to dig further into the topic. What you need to know about CRISPR Genetic Engineering and Diseases – Gene Drive & Malaria Are GMOs Good or Bad? Genetic Engineering & Our Food Genetic Engineering Will Change Everything Forever CRISPR References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRISPR#Knockdown.2Factivation http://www.nature.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-systemunleashed-on-rna-1.20030 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRISPR#Knockdown.2Factivation http://www.nature.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-tested-in-aperson-for-the-first-time-1.20988 U.S. researchers call for greater oversight of powerful genetic technology | Science/AAAS | News". News.sciencemag.org. Retrieved 2014-07-18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BXYSGepx7Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnzcwTyr6cE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TmcXYp8xu4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhjPd4uNFY
15
Research News
A
An international team of researchers has found a new and unique approach to improving the anti-cancer effect of a new medicine class called 'Smac mimetics'.
Combination therapy is powerful in treating cancer: Research
On the basis of the study, the researchers revealed the importance of the MK2 protein as critical for the combination of Smac mimetics and p38 inhibitors to have a potent anticancer effect. And after understanding their previous discovery better, the team highlights MK2 as an exciting new target for anti-cancer therapies, particularly in combination with Smac mimetics.
Firstly, the researchers found that a protein called MK2 which aids in keeping cancer cells alive by making them resistant to the anti-cancer effects of Smac mimetics. Their findings have provided the ground to combine inhibitors of MK2 with Smac mimetics which according to researchers is a potentially powerful new combination therapy for cancers with few treatment options, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
In the context of this research, Professor Silke said that the research was part of a growing trend in the field, taking 'rational' approaches to treating cancer better, particularly through selecting combinations of anti-cancer agents.
The research was done as a collaboration project between Dr. Najoua Lalaoui, Professor John Silke and colleagues at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Australia; Professor Pascal Meier and colleagues at the Institute of Cancer Research, UK; and Professor Manolis Pasparakis and colleagues at the Cluster of Excellence CECAD at University of Cologne, Germany and has recently been published in the journal Molecular Cell.
"In the first place, the rational development of combination therapies has the potential to provide new treatments for cancers, such as AML, that have previously had poor outcomes."
According to Dr. Lalaoui, the research has helped to advance her team's previous discovery that combining the Smac mimetic agent birinapant with another new class of anti-cancer agents, called p38 inhibitors, could provide a new method of treating AML. Although the researchers knew that the two components could be combined but how they worked together at the molecular level was not fully understood to them.
16
"By understanding precisely which molecules are helping cancer cells to survive and evade treatment, we can develop smarter ways to kill these cells," Professor Silke said.
He said another potential benefit of combined anti-cancer therapies could be using each agent at lower doses. "With a combined approach, the agents could still kill the cancer cell but with fewer harmful side effects on healthy tissues. Our goal is to develop cancer treatments that are both safer and more powerful than are currently available" Professor Silke said. Story Source / Credit: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Journal Reference: Isabel Jaco, Alessandro Annibaldi, Najoua Lalaoui, Rebecca Wilson, Tencho Tenev, Lucie Laurien, Chun Kim, Kunzah Jamal, Sidonie Wicky John, Gianmaria Liccardi, Diep Chau, James M. Murphy, Gabriela Brumatti, Rebecca Feltham, Manolis Pasparakis, John Silke, Pascal Meier. MK2 Phosphorylates RIPK1 to Prevent TNF-Induced Cell Death. Molecular Cell, 2017; 66 (5): 698 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.05.003
Research News
Broccoli extract could help slash diabetics’ blood sugar levels any people do not like to eat vegetables, but soon doctors may start to prescribe broccoli says a new study carried out by the researcher at the University of Guthenberg. The study has found that broccoli contains a phytochemical named sulforaphane that can hold the key to slash the glucose level in Type II Diabetics.
M
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body is not able to use the hormone insulin and gradually loses the capacity to make it ultimately resulting in high blood glucose levels. This causes a build-up of sugar in the blood and for obese patients; their excess body fat makes it harder for the liver and muscle tissue to absorb this excess blood glucose. At present, type 2 diabetes affects more than 300 million people worldwide and makes up 90 percent of all diabetes cases. In most of the diabetics, the commonly prescribed medication is metformin, which helps to lower blood glucose. However, as many as 15 per cents cannot take this therapy because of kidney damage risks. The findings could offer a much-needed alternative to address the condition, which has become a worldwide epidemic.
Seeking a more viable path forward, Annika Axelsson and colleagues used a computational approach to identify compounds that might counter the disease-associated gene expression changes associated with type 2 diabetes. The researchers constructed a signature for type 2 diabetes based on 50 genes, then used publically available expression datasets to screen 3,852 compounds for drugs that potentially reverse disease. A promising chemical and a naturally occurring compound named sulforaphane found in cruciferous vegetables - tamped down glucose production by liver cells growing in culture and shifted liver gene expression away from a diseased state in diabetic rats. Then the researchers gave concentrated broccoli sprout extracts to 97 humans with type 2 diabetes patients in a 12-week randomized placebo-controlled trial and observed that obese participants who entered the study with deregulated disease demonstrated significantly decreased fasting blood glucose levels compared to controls. The authors say developing gene signatures to investigate large public repositories of gene expression data could be a valuable strategy to rapidly identify clinically relevant compounds. Story Source / Credit: Advancement of Science
American Association for the
Journal Reference: Annika S. Axelsson et al. Sulforaphane reduces hepatic glucose production and improves glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Science Translational Medicine, 2017 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aah4477
19
Research News
Study on Alzheimer links brain health with physical activity
A
new UW-Madison study has found that people at risk for Alzheimer's disease who do a more moderate-intensity physical activity, but not light-intensity physical activity show healthy patterns of glucose metabolism in their brain.
The results of the research have appeared online in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The research was carried out by senior author Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo, assistant professor of medicine who is a researcher at the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. The study was conducted on 93 members of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP) which has more than 1,500 registrants and therefore forms the largest parental history Alzheimer's risk study group in the world. Researchers measured the daily physical activity of participants, all of whom are in late middle-age and at high genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, but presently show no cognitive impairment using accelerometers. This was done for one week, quantified, and analyzed. This above method of measurement allowed researchers to find out the amount of time each subject spent engaged in light, moderate, and vigorous levels of physical activity. According to researchers, a slow walk is considered as a light physical activity, a brisk walk is equivalent to moderate while a strenuous run was considered vigorous. Data on the intensities of physical activity were then statistically analyzed to determine how they corresponded with glucose metabolism, a measure of neuronal health and activity in areas of the brain known to have depressed glucose metabolism in people with Alzheimer's disease.
20
Scientists also used a specialized imaging technique called 18Ffluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to measure brain glucose metabolism. Moderate physical activity was associated with healthier (greater levels of) glucose metabolism in all brain regions analyzed. Researchers noted a step-wise benefit: subjects who spent at least 68 minutes per day engaged in moderate physical activity showed better glucose metabolism profiles than those who spent less time. According to Dougherty, the first author of the study and a graduate student studying under the direction of Dr. Dane B. Cook, professor of kinesiology and a co-author of the study, "This study has implications for guiding exercise 'prescriptions' that could help protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease". "While many people become discouraged about Alzheimer's disease because they feel there's little they can do to protect against it, these results suggest that engaging in moderate physical activity may slow down the progression of the disease." "Seeing a quantifiable connection between moderate physical activity and brain health is an exciting first step," said Okonkwo. He explained that ongoing research is focusing on better elucidating the neuroprotective effect of exercise against Alzheimer's disease. Story Source / Credit: IOS Press Journal Reference: Ryan J. Dougherty, Stephanie A. Schultz, Taylor K. Kirby, Elizabeth A. Boots, Jennifer M. Oh, Dorothy Edwards, Catherine L. Gallagher, Cynthia M. Carlsson, Barbara B. Bendlin, Sanjay Asthana, Mark A. Sager, Bruce P. Hermann, Bradley T. Christian, Sterling C. Johnson, Dane B. Cook, Ozioma C. Okonkwo. Moderate Physical Activity is Associated with Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in Adults at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease, 2017; 1 DOI: 10.3233/JAD-161067
Research News
Type 1 Diabetes patients still produce some insulin: Study
S
cientists at Uppsala University in Sweden have found the production of some amount of insulin in almost half of the patients that have had type 1 diabetes for more than ten years.
Type 1 diabetes also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, a chronic disease that occurs during childhood or adolescence, has previously been considered to result in full loss of the patients' insulin production. However, by the use of sophisticated insulin assays that have been introduced in recent years, this has now been shown not to be true in all cases. The study involved more than a hundred type 1 diabetes patients at Uppsala University Hospital who were investigated for the production of insulin. It was wound that almost half of the adult patients that have had type 1 diabetes for at least ten years still produced some amounts of insulin. The research showed striking differences in the immune system between patients with full loss of their insulin production and patients that still produced some insulin. Patients with remaining insulin production had much higher levels in the blood of interleukin-35, a recently discovered anti-inflammatory signal protein of the immune system. They also had much more immune cells that produce interleukin-35 and dampen immune attacks.
It is still not known if the patients had higher levels of interleukin-35 already at the debut of disease, or if the levels had increased over the years with ceased immune attack towards the insulin-producing cells as result. A previous study by the same research group has shown that both patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and patients with the longstanding disease have in average lower levels of interleukin-35 when compared to healthy individuals. The previous study also showed that diabetes development could be prevented, as well as manifest diabetes could be reversed, in animal models for type 1 diabetes by interleukin-35 treatment. Outcomes of the present research in Diabetes Care may increase the interest of researchers to develop interleukin-35 into a drug for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. The discovery that almost half of the patients with type 1 diabetes have some remaining insulin production also makes it attractive to let the patients test new treatments that can induce regeneration of their remaining insulin-producing cells. The findings of this research have been published online by the medical journal Diabetes Care. Story Source / Credit: Uppsala University Journal References: Daniel Espes, Kailash Singh, Stellan Sandler, Per-Ola Carlsson. Increased Interleukin-35 Levels in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes With Remaining CPeptide. Diabetes Care, 2017; dc162121 DOI: 10.2337/dc16-2121
23
Product Launch
Open ELISA Analyzer Automates manual tests The ASI Infinity fully automated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyzer by Arlington Scientific Inc is designed to run virtually any enzyme immunoassay application from most manufacturers while still being in compliance with regulatory requirements. The walkaway system can automate nearly any manual assay, saving labor, time, and bench space. The ASI Infinity can perform multiple assays with distinct incubation periods or unique wash solutions simultaneously. The stainless steel probe and dedicated wash cup eliminate the need for expensive disposable pipette tips. Story Source/Credit: http://www.arlingtonscientific.com/ Image Credit: http://www.arlingtonscientific.com/ News Source: http://www.clpmag.com
Handheld Incubator Monitor Offers Real-Time Data Logging The AQ Incuba from E Instruments, Langhorne, Pa, is an all-in-one instrument suited for professionals interested in incubator air quality monitoring and real-time data logging. The handheld unit offers CO2 measurement ranges of 0–5%, 0–10%, and 0–20%. The standard model includes barometric air pressure, percent relative humidity, and temperature. Also included are an active internal sampling pump and magnetic rubber boot. The unit is Bluetooth-enabled. For more information, visit E Instruments. Story Source/Credit: http://www.e-inst.com/ Image Credit: http://www.e-inst.com/ News Source: http://www.clpmag.com
24
Product Launch
Vibration-Free Benchtop Chilling Incubators Torrey Pines Scientific Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, has launched larger EchoTherm vibration-free benchtop chilling incubators that are specially suited for protein crystallography. The incubators have a 100 L capacity and can hold 66 assay plates without stacking. The incubators are Peltierbased for heating and chilling, and are suitable for performing protein crystallizations. Other applications include incubating marine samples below room temperature, enzyme reactions and deactivations, hybridizations, ligations, and general lab incubations. Two models are available: the IN55 is fully programmable for temperature cycling crystals for better growth, while the IN50 is digital. Both models feature temperature ramping up and down. They are settable from 4.0ºC to 70.0ºC, feature temperature control to ± 0.1°C, and can be controlled at or near room temperature. For more information, visit Torrey Pines Scientific. Story Source/Credit: http://www.torreypinesscientific.com/ Image Credit: http://www.torreypinesscientific.com/ News Source: http://www.clpmag.com
Merck introduces SOLu-Trypsin Enzyme Brings Stability to Mass Spectrometry Merck's Advanced Proteomics Grade SOLu-Trypsin is an exclusive, solution stable enzyme for mass spectrometry. Designed to be stable in solution when refrigerated, SOLu-Trypsin can be used immediately without preparation. Other forms of trypsin require thawing or reconstitution and must be discarded if not used immediately. SOLu-Trypsin allows excess product to be saved for future use, thus eliminating unnecessary waste and cost. Key benefits of SOLu-Trypsin include: Ready to use-no preparation, such as reconstitution or thawing, required Fits seamlessly into established workflow-no need to modify protocols Eliminates waste-remains stable in the refrigerator after use so there is no need to discard excess product Recombinant, porcine sequence-no chymotryptic activity Stable for short-term use at room temperature in an autosampler or on a liquid-handling robot. Image Credit: Merck News Source: https://www.labbulletin.com/
26
Product Launch
Laboratory Glassware Washers Miele PG8583 Models: More Capacity, Flexibility & Purity! The laboratory glassware washers/disinfectors from Miele are your professional ally for cleaning all your lab glassware. Very gentle on materials, the Miele brand is recommended by the leading glassware manufacturers worldwide. The New model PG8583 is everything you need to make sure your glassware gets absolutely clean with no concerns about stubborn residues. This new model is all about savings: time, money and more especially resources. With short batch times & low consumption values this glasswasher has optimum cleaning performance. A Solution Tailored For You: More Capacity due to optimised chamber dimensions More Versatility thanks to modular basket concept Optimum Cleaning Performance EcoDry (patented AutoOpen function) Integrated dispenser pump & DryPlus hot-air drying (available in the PG8583CD version)
Image Credit: Miele News Source: https://www.labbulletin.com/
SepSolve Analytical Opens the Door to Routine GC×GC Analyses SepSolve Analytical Ltd (Peterborough, UK) has announced the launch of a flow modulator, INSIGHT™, for routine comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). The new modulator will substantially broaden the uptake and appeal of GC×GC, thanks to simplified technology, which offers high performance while avoiding use of liquid nitrogen. This approach means a greatly reduced cost of ownership for laboratories wishing to utilise the power of GC×GC; cost has previously been considered a major barrier for the technique to all but the largest laboratories. INSIGHT uses precise control of gas flows to simply fill and flush a sample loop to fractionate the first-column effluent and deliver it to the second column. The pared-down design fits easily inside standard GC ovens, and uses reverse fill/flush dynamics to provide improved peak shape and increased peak capacity for GC×GC compared to first-generation flow modulators.
Image Credit: SepSolve Analytical News Source: https://www.labbulletin.com/
29
Product Launch
LTE Scientific Ltd introduces eco-friendly high performance autoclave. Designed and built in the UK, the NEW LTE Touchclave-ecotech autoclave combines a high level of standard features with exceptionally low energy and water usage. Having responded to increasing customer demands to reduce their carbon footprint and utility costs, the Touchclave-ecotech is simply the most technically advanced and ‘greenest’ multi-purpose autoclave of its type. The ecotech range currently comprises 2 x front loading models of 40 and 60-litres, both of which can be bench mounted, plus a 60-litre top-loading model with low loading height. Ecotech’s unique external steam generation system saves both water usage and energy. No more waiting for water reservoirs to heat up as the new ecotech starts delivering steam in a matter of seconds, resulting in shorter cycle times and significant energy savings. The single piece 316L grade stainless steel pressure vessel is completely seamless providing a smooth and clean interior.
Image Credit: LTE Scientific Ltd News Source: https://www.labbulletin.com/
Priorclave Pass-Through Autoclaves Maintain Sterile Passage from Labs Front Loading Pass-Through Autoclaves Every laboratory is unique in what processes and procedures take place – some requiring a more sterile working environment than others, there may even be air locks for staff to pass through, extracting, cleansing and renewing the air, a system in operation where high risk conditions are the norm. In a similar manner, some laboratories need to have a secure, clean exit path for its waste media so that it can be safely discarded. To satisfy this requirement specialist laboratory autoclave manufacturer Priorclave produces Pass-Through laboratory or research grade autoclaves to satisfy sterilising requirements with a sterile path in and out of sealed laboratories. The build will also create a unique bulk head arrangement enabling the autoclave to be built into a dividing wall separating the lab from the outside world. Priorclave currently offers a wide choice of designs including cylindrical and rectangular chambers up to 700 litre capacity.
Image Credit: Priorclave Ltd News Source: https://www.labbulletin.com/
32