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First evidence of protein O-glycosylation in the probiotic L rhamnosus GG
Scientists have used mass spectrometry to provide evidence that the major secreted protein Msp1/p75 of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is glycosylated. The occurrence, biosynthesis and possible functions of glycoproteins have been increasingly documented for pathogens, however, glycoproteins are not usually described in probiotic bacteria. Understanding the protein glycosylation could allow for a better understanding of specific glycan-mediated interactions of probiotics and also for gl...
Brazil will become a 'mass spectrometry' innovator
Marcos Eberlin has been recognised by Waters Corporation for his pioneering work in mass spectrometry, lauding the Thompson Laboratory in Brazil as the 'most prestigious' mass spectrometry laboratory in all of Latin America. Dr Eberlin believes the pioneering professors and students of the Institute of Chemistry are no longer playing catch-up, and have become innovators in mass spectrometry. He has supervised a new generation of Brazilian mass spectrometrists as an educator, with over 100 resear...
New method for identification of novel proteins developed
A new method for the identification of novel proteins has been developed by G-Biosciences, allowing researchers to get a better view of less abundant proteins. Fraction-FOCUS is a simple and reproducible method of serial fractionation of total cellular proteins. Using proven technology, it is able to fractionate and concentrate all proteomes into multiple fractions. This allows the less abundant proteins to be viewed within a highly dynamic range. Researchers can simplify a protein mixture thr...
Dechra acquires rights for horse drug
Dechra, the UK-based veterinary pharmaceuticals group has secured worldwide rights of a new drug used to treat lameness in horses. The deal is worth more than £5 million. The agreement with Bexinc covers the rights to the drug, HY-50, everywhere but Canada. HY-50 is used for intra-articular (IA) or intravenous (IV) treatment of lameness in horses caused by joint dysfunction. In Europe it is the only single injection to deliver 50mg of sodium hyaluronate and having both IA and IV indications. Fo...
Brazil spectrometry lab gets formal recognition
A Brazilian spectrometry lab has been formally recognised for its innovative work. The Thomson Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, at the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil, was recognised as a Center of Innovation by the Waters Corporation. The lab is the first mass spectrometry laboratory in Latin America to receive such a designation. Centre staff and students were awarded the prize at a campus ceremony. "Today we are celebrating a milestone for mass spectrometry...
MALDI-TOF instruments suitable alternatives to nano-LC-MS
The increased precision of MALDI-TOF instruments is making them into a suitable replacement for nano-LC-MS technology for detection in Stable Isotope Standards and Capture by Anti-Peptide Antibodies (SISCAPA) assays. Bruker Corporation and SISCAPA Assay Technologies demonstrated that SISCAPA MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry can provide improved precision for the quantification of proteins such as high value protein biomarkers. The system was also found to be much easier and far more robust by researc...
Cloud role in supporting science
Two PhD students from Indiana University have been given funding to work on the development of software systems in scientific analysis, according to HPCwire. International software company Persistent Systems has awarded a grant of $100,000 to support research in cloud computing and bioinformatics. The research is hoped to improve analysis that is currently hindered by the lack of software tools for automatic data analysis. Anoop Mayampurath, one of the PhD students from Indiana University, will...
Florida clears DNA backlog
The State of California has cleared its backlog of DNA crime scene evidence as part of an effort to speed up analysis and see quicker criminal prosecutions. Attorney General Kamala Harris said in a statement that the California Department of Justice has now cleared all backlogged cases. This is the first time in the history of the Bureau of Forensic Services to have all evidence tested, she said. The clear-up means labs will now be able to perform routine analysis within 30 days, significantly d...
Three distinguishable clinical forms of MLD found
A study of five out of 200 patients presenting behavioural abnormalities and a progressive mental deterioration has found three distinguishable clinical forms of Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). The results found two patients to be suffering from a late-infantile form of MLD, one case of the juvenile form of MLD, along with the two patients with adult-type of MLD. This showed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required to guide the diagnosis of MLD patients. Biochemical investigations m...
Mini-mass spectrometer ready for evaluation
A new mini-mass spectrometer has been developed for evaluation by 1st Detect Corporation, signalling a significant development for security, industrial and research laboratory markets. The new technology is capable of detecting trace levels of volatile compounds and can provide highly accurate and rapid analysis and detection of low concentrations and chemical compounds. Developers believe the new technology will meet an unmet need in the laboratories, provided a superior alternative to the wide...
New approach to intra-cellular investigations
A new approach to intra-cellular investigations is becoming popular among researchers which uses Protea’s proprietary Laser Ablation Electrospray Ionization LAESI(R) technology to produce rapid identification times. Recent reasearch led by led by Dr. Akos Vertes of George Washington University in collaboration with scientists from George Mason University (VA) and researchers at Protea looked into the novel protein and biomarkers found in virally infected white blood cells called B lymphocytes f...
SFC: A Greener Approach to Analytical and Purification Applications
For laboratories overwhelmed with solvent disposal and time-consuming solvent cleanup, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is a beneficial alternative to purification and analytical applications. Considered a leading "green" purification technology, SFC systems from Waters are used to separate and isolate chiral and achiral chemical compounds using various methods of detection. The principles of SFC are similar to those of liquid chromatography, however SFC typically uses carbon dioxide a...
Developments in UTI treatment
Researchers in Germany have used mass spectrometry to significantly improve the treatment time for urinary tract infection (UTI). The Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) technique has reduced the time of identifying bacteria in urine to 30 minutes, compared to the 12 hours that it use to take. Any antibodies the patient may have taken also does not have any effect on the detection, and samples do not need to be cultured before testing. This means that treatment...
Replacing electrophoresis with pressure-driven flow
Scientists at the French National Centre of Scientific Research's Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS-CNRS) have postulated that replacing electrophoresis with pressure-driven flow could be more effective for separating DNA strands, according to Seperations Now. According to the research, pumping the strands through nanopillar arrays by pressure allows for cleaner separations than those generated by electrophoresis. This overcomes electrophoresis limitations such as separa...
Rapid identification of Staphylococcus aureus in blood cultures developed
The culturing time for identifying Staphylococcus aureus in blood cultures has been significantly reduced, thanks to a new process that identifies the bacterium by combining isotopic labelling with specific bacteriophage amplification. Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the new laboratory test in order to cut down the time it takes to multiply bacteria before it can be identified in a blood sample. Detection cu...
Further findings on the composition of the ventral disk
1D- and 2D-PAGE and mass spectrometry have been used to identify a Giardia genome that is associated with the ventral disk, adding to the already founded tubulin and giardin proteins. Giardia is a unicellular intestinal parasite that infects millions of people worldwide each year .The function of the Giardia genome was previously unknown in the ventral disk, and this new research has made significant advances in by identifying the proteins annotated in the Giardia genome. The study successfully...
CBS 'dramatically improves' workflow and productivity
An innovative user-friendly compound-based scanning software system significantly simplifies multi-residue analysis and leads to an increase in workflow and productivity, according to a recent article published in Chromatography Techniques. Gas Chromatography (GC), coupled to a triple quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS/MS-QqQ) operated in MRM mode is increasingly the preferred technique for multi-residue analysis in complex matrix samples by analytical laboratories. However, the process can be...
TR potential biomarkers for serologic diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis
Immunodominant antigens such as thioredoxin reductase GliT (TR) have been found to have potential as biomarkers for the serologic diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, according to a recent research paper published in BMC Microbiology. Scientists and doctors have recently documented a rise in incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in critically ill patients, which is evidentially not dependant on predisposing immunodeciency. According to the team, diagnosing IA has proven difficult given clinic...
New method for quantification of multiple phytohormones and metabolites
A new method for the simultaneous quantification of multiple phytohormones and metabolites has been found by researchers at the Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China. The UFLC-ESI-MS method has been identified as being a convenient, sensitive, reliable, and inexpensive method for the quantification of multiple phytohormones and metabolites in comparison to existing methods. Results from the study results will provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of rice defence r...
Mass Spec 'quickly identifies Staphylococcus aureus'
Unique isotopic labelling and specific bacteriophage amplification have been used by researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology to rapidly identify Staphylococcus aureus. Identifying the bacterium, which is responsible for staph infections, was seen as a critical task by the researchers, because the pathogenic bacterium causes a broad spectrum of infections. This can range from acute to chronic disease, which requires prompt treatment with antibiotics. Mass spectrometry systems were ab...
IC-ICP-MS method for detecting trace elements
A new IC-ICP-MS method for detecting trace elements has been revealed by Thermo Fisher Scientific which has combined the ionex ICS-5000 reagent-free ion chromatography system with the Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-Q-MS. This method has been proven to trace levels of organic and inorganic arsenic in apple juice, with a recent consumer report investigation revealing elevated levels of arsenic in juice samples. The distinction between organic and inorganic types of arsenic is important, as inorga...
Collagen XI 'could help identify and treat osteoarthritis'
Researchers at Boise State University used affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry in their research that found collagen XI may help identify and treat osteoarthritis. The study, which examined how the XI protein interacts with other proteins occurring in the part of tissue that provides structural support to cells, will significantly help researchers identify the structures of the disease and assist in discovering treatments. Osteoarthritis consists of complex gene families, and understan...
Amperometric detector improves selectivity and measurement sensitivity
A new Amperometric detector has been added to Metrohm's chromatography systems, which improves selectivity and offers enhanced measurement sensitivity. The detector, which features intelligent and maintenance-free optimized measuring cells, can be used as an alternative to conductivity and UV/VIS detectors when determining electroactive components. The amperometric detection is described by the company as far more "robust" and easier to use than ever before, exhibiting strikingly low noise and e...
New software to speed up the characterisation of complex glycans
New software produced by Biosoft is to be co-marketed in conjunction with Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, which will lead to advanced glycobiology results produced by Thermo Scientific mass spectrometer systems. The technology will speed up the characterisation of complex glycans through automated interpretation of the rich data produced by mass spec systems Bioinformatic tools that can simplify and expedite structural elucidation of glycans can greatly assist the scientific community and pharmace...
Advances in forensic testing credited in Stephen Lawrence trial
The blood spot that linked Gary Dobson to the murder of Stephen Lawrence is believed to be the smallest forensic sample upon which a criminal prosecution has ever been mounted. The conviction has been attributed to advanced breakthroughs in forensic analysis and a determination of police to atone for the errors of their original investigation. A private team of scientists were tasked with finding new evidence for the murder trial in the UK, carrying out months of research and contamination check...
Lonza launches new microbial-based platform
A new microbial-based platform for the production of high-quality plasmid DNA vaccines and therapeutics has been launched by Lonza. The pDNA platform consists of three harmonised processes; fermentation, primary recovery, and purification. It begins with a unique, fed batch, high cell density fermentation process compatible with multiple Escherichia coli (E. coli) host organisms, followed by noble primary recovery process performed under low shear conditions. A unique, two column purification pl...
Ocean optics releases small-footprint heating device
The USB-TC small-footprint heating device has been released by Ocean Optics, helping to efficiently maintain thermal stability of spectrometers operating in variable environments. The temperature control ensures accuracy in industrial and other settings where temperature variations can affect spectral performance, and is compatible with the company's USB2000+ and USB4000 miniature spectrometers. The USB-TC maintains a constant ambient temperature, stabilising within 0.1'C of the final temperatur...
Sex-specific association of rs16996148 SNP
Sex-specific associations of rs16996148 SNP in the NCAN/CILP2/PBX4 and serum lipid levels have been found in the Mulao and Han populations of China, according to Lipids in Health and Disease 2011. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs16996148 SNP and the associations of the SNP and serum lipid levels have also been found to differ in the Mulao and Han populations. The results mark significant research developments in the area, as little was known about the association of rs16996148 SNP and...
Researchers attempt to find candidate protein markers for tumor sensitivity to L-OHP
Intracellular S100A10 protein expression levels in drug-untreated CRC cells differ according to cell lines and are significantly correlated with sensitivity of CRC cells L-OHP exposure, it has been found by researchers. In an attempt to find candidate protein markers for tumor sensitivity to L-OHP from intracellular proteins of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, the researchers performed expression difference mapping (EDM) analysis of whole cell lysates from 11 human CRC cell lines with d...
Analytical gas chromatography column
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc have combined analytical gas chromatography column with a built-in guard column to extend the life of the analytical column without compromising its chromatographic performance. The TraceGOLD Gas Chromatography Columns with SafeGuard is suitable for use in a broad spectrum of applications that necessitate the injection of involatile sample matrix, particularly in environmental, forensic, food safety and petrochemical analyses. It is available in a range of guard colu...
Capto Blue affinity chromatography medium released
GE Healthcare has released Capto Blue affinity chromatography medium, promoting the new product as being more chemically stable with a more rigid agarose base matrix than its predecessor, allowing for faster flow rates and larger sample volumes, which leads to higher throughput and improved process economy. The chromatography medium has multiple purposes that include the capture of human serum albumin (HSA), as well as purification of HSA fusion proteins, blood coagulation factors, enzymes, and...
MALDI-TOF-MS a fast, reliable identification method
A recent study has concluded that Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) can be developed into a fast and reliable identification method for genetically highly related species when potential taxonomic and genetic inconsistencies are taken into account when generating a reference library. The results showed that 99.3 per cent of the 152 tested were identified at the species level, and suis biovar 1 and 2 were identified at the level of their bi...
Miniature spectrometer module released by Hamamatsu Photonics
Hamamatsu Photonics has released a new spectrometer that utilises a transmission grating and a new ultra high sensitivity IR Enhanced charge-coupled device (CCD). The C9405CB forms a MEMS structure on the back side of the CCD by using state of the art laser technology. This significantly increases sensitivity at wavelengths longer than 800nm. The CCD features a quantum efficiency of 40 per cent at 1000nm, without the need for a deep depletion structure, with its corresponding drawback of higher...
Proteome and transcriptome measurements coupled
New research has coupled proteome and transcriptome measurements, finding that a comprehensive view of viral gene expression can be seen that would not have been achievable by using the methodologies separately. Using the new methodology, researchers found that the majority of viral genes were efficiently detected at the transcript and/or protein level on manipulating the viral life cycle. Under the heading 'Insights on the detection and discovery of viral genes' they found a complementary corre...
Comet assay and pulsed-field electrophoresis used to detect genome use
Scientists in America appear to have found a use for 'junk' DNA using electrophoresis methods to uncover their results. The findings show that the gene deserts seem to help protect the genome against the damage caused by high levels of salt. Salt damages DNA by cleaving the double-stranded DNA that make up a cell's genome. Such DNA breaks can lead to the death of a cell; however, this doesn’t happen when damage is caused by high levels of salt. Scientists in America made the discovery by using a...
Mass spectrometry reveals counterfeit anti malarials in Africa
Criminals in Africa are producing harmful anti-malarial counterfeits with severe public health consequences, a recent investigation has found. The study, that used direct ionization mass spectrometry, among other methods, found that the quality of artemisinin-derivative based combination therapy (ACT) and removal of artemisinin monotherapies must be addressed quickly to deter major public health problems, with possible intervention from the International Health Regulations. Seven collections of...
New breast cancer treatment is 'gold'
Coated gold nanorods have the potential to act as anticancer agents, a new study has found. In research conducted by Associate Professor of Chemistry Eugene Zubarev, graduate student Leonid Vigderman and former graduate student Pramit Manna developed a method to encourage single breast cancer cells to take up around two million gold nanorod particles. This in turn would give scientists the opportunity to activate the particles and destroy breast cancer cells from the inside out. However, a ke...
Cooler extremities slow metabolism
Scientists have found that by cooling extremities, mammals can slow down their metabolism. In a study of red deer by the group of Walter Arnold at the Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, the team sought to discover whether cooler temperature and lower metabolism were a cause of eating less or self-inducing. Published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the scientists found through quantitative analysis and a controlled environment that the amo...
Chris Hoy joins the doping debate
Sir Chris Hoy has spoken out in support of the British Olympic Association's (BOA) stance on doping, by agreeing that athletes caught cheating should have a lifetime ban. The Olympian and four times gold medal winner said that there are "no grey areas" on this subject, while writing for the Daily Telegraph. "I completely support the BOA in its stance and, frankly, I have always been pretty bemused that the rest of the sporting world hasn’t followed suit. Are we serious about fighting against d...
GCMS used in fatty liver disease study
A protein that is potentially involved with the pathogenesis and/or progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been identified. In a study by a team from the College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, China, scientists noted that NAFLD is one of the most frequent causes of abnormal liver function, as an accumulation of fatty acid can be responsible for functional and morphological changes, Lipids in Health and Disease reported. Using gas chromatography-mass spectromet...
Met Police consider 'sobriety bracelets'
US-style 'sobriety bracelets', which use quantitative analysis processes to test blood alcohol levels, are being considered for use in the UK. Scotland Yard's commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, who is currently monitoring a UK trial into the devices, has claimed that the new technology could be a key tool in the effort to reduce alcohol-related crime in London. The electronic tags, similar to the one worn by actress Lindsey Lohan in the US, will alert the offender and the police if individuals b...
Amino Acid Analysis - Easily Turn Any HPLC System into an Amino Acid Analyser with Pinnacle PCX
ARC Sciences Ltd offers Pickering Laboratories Pinnacle Post Column reactions systems, which are a complete solution to Amino Acid Analysis. We supply columns, eluants, reagents and post-column derivatisation instruments that work seamlessly with virtually any modern HPLC so we can guarantee the accuracy and reproducibility of the analysis. Pickering chemists will help choose the method and instrumentation best suited to your requirements, work with you on any custom method optimization and offe...
Is High Sensitivity Enough? Laboratories Look for More in Tandem Quad MS for Bioanalysis.
While the first thing many bioanalytical laboratories look for in a new mass spectrometer is sensitivity - Waters is knows you’re also seeking to address flexibility, efficiency, and productivity as well as validation and compliance. Waters has created a new generation of comprehensive systems with the Regulated Bioanalysis System Solution. It’s an application-focused platform that enables the bioanalyst to combine improved workflow-driven analysis, data acquisition, and reporting with best-in...
Counterfeiting is impacting malaria treatment
Criminal activity is responsible for poor quality vital anti-malarials in Africa. According to a team from Tanzania, treatment of plasmodium falciparum malaria is more difficult than it ought to be, as a key component of controlling the virus is having a high availability of good quality artemisinin-derivative based combination therapy (ACT) at the correct dose. The team, however, stated that reports from Africa suggest this is not being provided. Using high performance liquid chromatography...
XMRV is able to downregulate A3G
Quantitative analysis processes have been used to gain insight into the processes of a virus. Published in the Virology Journal, a team from the USA sought to investigate Xenotropic murine leukaemia virus (MLV)-related virus (XMRV), which is a gammaretrovirus discovered in prostate cancer tissues. The scientists hypothesised that XMRV is a laboratory contaminant and may have originated via a rare recombination event, but suggested that APOBEC3G (A3G) could restrict its replication. Using west...
Failed drug could be used as different treatment
Quantitative analysis has shown that a drug originally deemed a failure, could have alternative treatment potential. According to Bloomberg, the blood cancer treatment Mylotarg, created by Pfizer, could help those newly-diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia live for longer. Mylotarg was removed from the market after it was linked to a number of deaths, however when used alongside chemotherapy, it extended the life of those with acute myeloid leukaemia from an average of 15 months, to 25 month...
Protein linked to the spread of breast cancer
Scientists have used quantitative analysis processes to investigate the invasion- and metastasis-related genes in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In a study by researchers from the Children's Hospital of Soochow University, China, the team noted that when breast cancer treatment fails, it is often as a result of lymph node metastasis and invasion of neighbouring organs. The investigative report, published by the Journal of Translational Medicine, noted that two-dimensional liquid pha...
Identification of human colorectal cancer proteins
Scientists have identified a number of proteins that are differently expressed in the presence of human colorectal cancer. Published in the BMC Cancer journal, the team from Spain noted that the universal hallmark of cancer cells is a change in their glycosylation phenotype, with the enhancement of alpha(1,6) linked fucose residues of glycoproteins the most commonly seen pattern. In the study, the team used LCA-affinity chromatography with SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry to identify the protein...
Biodiesel created from solid acid catalyst
Scientists have successfully produced biofuel directly from high-acid value Jatropha oil with a solid acid catalyst derived from lignin. In a study published by the Biotechnology for Biofuels journal, teams from Malaysia and China hoped to identify a potential route for biodiesel production. The scientists created the solid acid catalyst from Kraft lignin by chemical activation with phosphoric acid, pyrolysis and sulfuric acid. They noted that the catalyst had high levels of acid density, whi...
Physical map of potato created
Despite the importance of the potato as one of the world's most commonly eaten crops, so far little genomic research has been done due to the heterozygous and tetraploid nature of its genome. A team of scientists from Scotland and the Netherlands explained that due to these difficulties, the development of physical map resources that can facilitate genomic analyses has been limited. In a study published by BMC Genomics, the team used quantitative analysis processes to create the first two geno...