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Biomedical subjects

D Purvis

Publications and source records attributed to D Purvis.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

An ultrasensitive and stable potentiometric immunosensor.

We describe a novel quantitative polypyrrole based potentiometric biosensor that provides broad-spectrum assay capability. The biosensor allows for capture of analytes of interest from complex real samples such as serum and whole blood, and subsequent measurement in a controlled matrix environment. The technology is rapid (<15 min), ultrasensitive (<50 fM) and reproducible (CV<5% at 0.1 ng/ml). In addition the system has shown a wide dynamic range (four to five orders of magnitude), and good stability, 37 degrees C for at least 4 months. This potentiometric biosensor detects enzyme labelled immuno-complexes formed at the surface of a polypyrrole coated, screenprinted gold electrode. Detection is mediated by a secondary reaction that produces charged products (a 'charge-step' procedure). A shift in potential is measured at the sensor surface, caused by local changes in redox state, pH and/or ionic strength. The magnitude of the difference in potential is related to the concentration of the formed receptor-target complex. The potentiometric sensing technology has been demonstrated in assays for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (Mw>300 kDa), Troponin I (Mw approximately 23 kDa), Digoxin (Mw 780 Da) and tumour necrosis factor (hTNF-alpha) (Mw approximately 23 kDa). These model targets were chosen to represent analytes of a range of molecular weights, and because of their requirement for assays of high analytical sensitivity and precision. All these assays were performed using complex fluid samples and the presence of any non-specific binding has no significant effect on the final measurement. New assays can be transferred and optimised readily.

Biosensing Techniques↗

Self-definition, defensive processing, and influence: the normative impact of majority and minority groups.

Past research has found that recipients agree with majority group positions and resist minority group positions on direct measures of influence. The authors suggest that these attitude shifts reflect normative pressures to align with valued majorities and to differentiate from derogated minorities. In support of this idea, participants who considered a majority group relevant to their own self-definitions (but not those who judged it irrelevant), on learning that the group held a counterattitudinal position, shifted their attitudes to agree with the source. In a second study, recipients who judged a minority group (negatively) self-relevant, on learning that the group held a similar attitude to their own, shifted their attitudes to diverge from the source. These shifts in attitudes were based on participants' interpretations of the attitude issues.

Analysis of Variance↗

Autotransfusion in the emergency patient.

As the need for blood products increases in the veterinary emergency setting, the technique of autologous transfusion is being re-explored. Analogous transfusions provide an immediate source of blood with known compatibility to the patient. With the advent of passive canister collection systems, the technique is becoming simplified and affordable for the veterinary community. Although complications such as coagulopathies and microemboli have been reported with the procedure, attention to patient selection, technique, and patient monitoring following transfusion greatly minimizes potential drawbacks.

Animals↗

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome: septic shock.

The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is the body's response to a multitude of chemical mediators. Conditions inciting the release of these mediators include bacterial sepsis, viremia, pancreatitis, trauma, neoplasia, heat stroke, and many others. The key to the successful management of SIRS lies in anticipation and not reaction. Resuscitation of the patient to supranormal levels, coupled with aggressive monitoring and support of target organs are essential.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning and targeted mutagenesis of the gene psaF encoding subunit III of photosystem I from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Photosystem I is one of the two multisubunit pigment-protein complexes in the thylakoid membranes of cyanobacteria. Subunit III of photosystem I complex was isolated from a mutant of the cyanonbacterium Synechocystis sp PCC 6803, which lacks subunit II. The sequence of its NH2-terminal residues was determined and corresponding oligonucleotide probes were used to isolate the gene encoding this subunit. The gene, designated as psaF, codes for a mature protein of 15705 Da that is synthesized with a 23-amino acid extension. The deduced amino acid sequence is homologous to subunit III from spinach and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The presequence of subunit III shows characteristics typical of bacterial presequences and exhibits remarkable amino acid identity around the proteolytic processing site when compared to corresponding regions from the precursors of eukaryotic subunit III. There are two conserved hydrophobic regions in the mature subunit III which may cross or interact with thylakoid membrane. The gene psaF exists as a single copy in the genome and is expressed as a monocistronic RNA. A stable mutant strain in which the gene psaF was replaced by a gene conferring resistance to kanamycin was generated by targeted mutagenesis. Photoautotrophic growth of the mutant strain was comparable with that of the wild type suggesting that function of subunit III is dispensable for photosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Addition of more MgSO4 to BG11 medium enhanced growth of the mutant strain but not of the wild type cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Insulin-like immunoreactivity in the brain of two hagfishes, Eptatretus stouti and Myxine glutinosa.

Immunocytochemical investigation of the brains of hagfish Myxine glutinosa and Eptatretus stouti with antisera raised against salmon insulin revealed the presence of groups of immunoreactive cells discretely localized in the mid- and hindbrain of both species. Subpopulations of these cells reacted weakly with antisera against Myxine islet insulin and equivocally with anti-bovine insulin serum. Extracts prepared from Myxine brain were subject to gel filtration and were found by radioimmunoassay to contain two forms of insulin-like material, one of large molecular weight (less than 66 kDa) and another smaller molecule (6 kDa). The relationship of these molecules to the insulin-related growth factor family of neurohormonal peptides is discussed and their potential function assessed in terms of a possible homology with Muller-type cells and involvement in axonal regeneration phenomena.

Animals↗