A novel fluorescent nanoparticle with reversible on‐off switching properties has been synthesized. Three different wavelengths of light are used for switching‐on light, switching‐off light and excitation light, respectively. Thus, when this particle is used as a fluorescent probe by irradiation of the excitation light, the on‐off status can be maintained. We also showed that the on‐off status of the fluorescent particle even embedded in hydrogels can be remotely controlled by using two different wavelengths of light. These results promise that this kind of fluorescent particles will introduce a new concept and it will possibly be applied as a novel fluorescent probe, a photo memory, and a switching devise for photonics.magnified image
We developed a novel in situ method for the control of F-actin assembly by using a synthetic photoresponsive polycation. The photoresponsive polycation mainly comprises a water-soluble cationic monomer and also contains a small amount of the monomer of a triphenylmethane leucohydroxide derivative (20 mol %), which is a well-known photochromic molecule that can be cationized in aqueous solution by ultra violet (UV) irradiation, thereby causing an increase in the total charge on the photoresponsive polycation. Thus, by exposure to UV radiation in aqueous solution, F-actin and the photoresponsive polycation start assembling into F-actin/photoresponsive polycation complexes of various morphologies such as bundles, coils, and networks, depending upon the concentrations of both the F-actin and salt. Further, localized UV irradiation can be applied in order to control the local formation of F-actin/photoresponsive polycation complexes. Thus, this technique provides a novel method for the spatiotemporal control of F-actin assembly and can be applied to investigate the unknown characteristics of F-actin.
In this paper, the hydrogel is created with oriented structure by addition of very little amount of dopant, filamentous actin (F‐actin), which is 1/50 000 of lower critical concentration for nematic phase in F‐actin aqueous solution. The orientation mechanism of polymer network differs depending on the concentration of F‐actin. Furthermore, it is first exhibited that the role of polyelectrolyte for the emergence of anisotropy of gel is differed depending on its concentration by using digestion method to F‐actins, experimentally.
Background: Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, a skin rash, and joint pain. If left untreated, infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system, resulting in inflammation and long-term symptoms that include arthritis and/or intermittent pain in joints and muscles, facial palsy, cardiovascular abnormalities and cognitive disturbances. Recent research suggests that late-stage Lyme disease may be a result of malfunctioning immune function. AHCCÒ is a natural immune modulating compound derived from a unique fraction of special cultured medicinal mushroom mycelia. Previous studies have also suggested that AHCCÒ exhibits preventive effect against a wide range of infections caused by MRSA, influenza and West Nile virus. The effect of AHCCÒ supplementation on Lyme disease patients was evaluated in the current study.Methods: In a pilot open-label study, 12 Lyme disease patients were administered 3 grams of AHCCÒ daily for 8 weeks. Before commencement of the administration and after 4 and 8 weeks, the effects of AHCCÒ were evaluated clinically based on symptoms, serum antibodies to pathogens, inflammatory activity and serum immunological parameters. Patients completed questionnaires pertaining to Qualify of Life parameters.Results: After 8 weeks of AHCCÒ administration, AHCCÒ ameliorated flu-like symptoms and manifestations in the eye, joint, muscle, nervous system and cardiovascular system. In addition, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an index as inflammation and serum interleukin-8 was significantly decreased.Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that AHCCÒ may be effective in treating patients with Lyme disease.
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