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In JoVE (1)
Other Publications (20)
- Cardiology in the Young
- Physical Review Letters
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Journal of Chemical Ecology
- The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
- Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry
- Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
- Pharmaceutical Research
- Circulation. Cardiovascular Imaging
- Biopolymers
- Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
- Substance Use & Misuse
- Bioconjugate Chemistry
- Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
- ISRN Pediatrics
- Addiction (Abingdon, England)
- Chembiochem : a European Journal of Chemical Biology
Articles by Francesc Martí in JoVE
JoVE Immunology and Infection
Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky
We describe a method for generating regulatory, memory and naïve T cells from a single human blood donor. Polarized Tregs can be then compared to other subsets in a variety of genetic and functional applications with genetic homogeneity, including a suppression assay also detailed here.
Other articles by Francesc Martí on PubMed
Safety and Efficacy of Sedation with Propofol for Transoesophageal Echocardiography in Children in an Outpatient Setting
Transoesophageal echocardiography has become a powerful tool in the diagnosis and management of children with congenital cardiac malformations. Unlike adults, children will not tolerate transoesophageal echocardiography under light sedation. This study was undertaken, therefore, to evaluate the safety and efficacy of deep sedation with propofol for transoesophageal echocardiography in children examined in an outpatient setting.
Differential Cross Section and Photon-beam Asymmetry for the Gamma N --> K+ Sigma- Reaction at E Gamma = 1.5-2.4 GeV
Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries have been measured for the gamma n --> K+ Sigma- and gamma p --> K+Sigma0 reactions separately using liquid deuterium and hydrogen targets with incident linearly polarized photon beams of E gamma = 1.5-2.4 GeV at 0.6 < cos ThetacmK< 1. The cross section ratio of sigma K+ Sigma-/sigma K+ Sigma0, expected to be 2 on the basis of the isospin 1/2 exchange, is found to be close to 1. For the K+ Sigma- reaction, large positive asymmetries are observed, indicating the dominance of K* exchange. The large difference between the asymmetries for the K+ Sigma- and K+ Sigma0 reactions cannot be explained by simple theoretical considerations based on Regge model calculations.
The Effect of Receptor Clustering on Vesicle-vesicle Adhesion
As part of our studies into how the localization of cell adhesion molecules into lipid rafts may affect cell adhesion, we developed Cu(1), a synthetic copper(iminodiacetate)-capped receptor able to phase separate from fluid phospholipid bilayers. The extent to which Cu(1) clustered into adhesive patches on the surface of vesicles could be controlled by changing vesicle composition. Extensive receptor phase separation significantly enhanced vesicle-vesicle adhesion; only vesicles with adhesive patches (blue fluorescence) adhered to their conjugate histidine-coated vesicles (red fluorescence) to form large vesicle aggregates (shown).
(2S,12Z)-2-Acetoxy-12-heptadecene: Major Sex Pheromone Component of Pistachio Twig Borer, Kermania Pistaciella
The sex pheromone of the pistachio twig borer, Kermania pistaciella (Lepidoptera: Oinophilidae), one of the most important insect pests of pistachio, Pistacia vera, in Turkey and Iran, was identified. In gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometric analyses of pheromone gland extracts of female K. pistaciella from Turkey, (2S,12Z)-2-acetoxy-12-heptadecene was identified as the major candidate pheromone component. In field experiments in Turkey, lures containing synthetic (2S,12Z)-2-acetoxy-12-heptadecene attracted large numbers of male moths. Its attractiveness was significantly reduced by the presence of the R-enantiomer or of either enantiomer of the corresponding alcohol. (2S,12Z)-2-Acetoxy-12-heptadecene is the first pheromone component identified in the Oinophilidae and the first secondary acetate pheromone component identified in the Lepidoptera.
Intermediate-term Results of Repair for Aortic, Neoaortic, and Truncal Valve Insufficiency in Children
Repair of aortic valve insufficiency is difficult, and durability is relatively unknown in children. This study evaluates the intermediate-term results of repair of the systemic semilunar valve, including the native aortic valve, neoaortic valve (anatomic pulmonary), and truncal valve.
Vesicle Aggregation by Multivalent Ligands: Relating Crosslinking Ability to Surface Affinity
In an effort to improve the stability of our tissue-mimetic vesicle aggregates, we have investigated how increasing the valency of our multivalent crosslinking ligand, poly-l-histidine, affected both the extent of vesicle aggregation and the affinity of the multivalent ligand for the synthetic receptor Cu(1) embedded in the vesicle membranes. Although increasing ligand valency gave the anticipated increase in the size of the vesicle aggregates, isothermal calorimetric studies did not show the expected increase in the valence-corrected binding constant for the embedded receptors. To explain both observations, we have developed a simple new binding model that encompasses both multivalent binding to receptors on a single vesicle surface (intramembrane binding) and vesicle crosslinking (intermembrane binding).
Assessment of Right Ventricular Size and Function: Echo Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The assessment of right ventricular (RV) size and function is important in the management of many patients with heart disease. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for quantitation of ventricular volumes and systolic function, subjective assessment ("eyeball") by echocardiography is the modality most often used for the RV. The echocardiographic "eyeball" method of assessing RV size and systolic function was compared with quantitative MRI.
Optimal Head Position During Transesophageal Echocardiographic Probe Insertion for Pediatric Patients Weighing Up to 10 Kg
No data exists for the optimal head position during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) probe insertion in children. Turning the head to the side closes the ipsilateral pyriform sinus and dilates the contralateral pyriform sinus, theoretically making probe insertion safer and easier. In this study, 94 children (weight,
Magnetically-controlled Release from Hydrogel-supported Vesicle Assemblies
Magnetic nanoparticle-vesicle assemblies embedded within a hydrogel extravesicular matrix have been shown to release their contents in response to a remote magnetic trigger.
Creating Functional Vesicle Assemblies from Vesicles and Nanoparticles
Vesicles (liposomes) have been shown to be excellent vehicles for drug delivery, yet assemblies of vesicles (vesicle aggregates) have been used infrequently in this context. However vesicle assemblies have useful properties not available to individual vesicles; their size can cause localisation in specific tissues and they can incorporate more functionality than is possible with individual vesicles. This article reviews progress on controlling the properties of vesicle assemblies in vitro, applications of vesicle assemblies in vivo, and our recent creation of magnetic nanoparticle-vesicle assemblies. The latter assemblies contain vesicles crosslinked by coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles and this inclusion of magnetic functionality makes them magnetically responsive, potentially allowing magnetically-induced contents release. This article describes further studies on the in vitro formation of these magnetic nanoparticle-vesicle assemblies, including the effect of changing magnetic nanoparticle concentration, pH, adhesive lipid structure and bilayer composition. These investigations have led to the development of thermally-sensitive magnetic nanoparticle-vesicle assemblies that release encapsulated methotrexate on warming.
Exploiting Biocatalysis in Peptide Self-assembly
This review article covers recent developments in the use of enzyme-catalyzed reactions to control molecular self-assembly (SA), an area that merges the advantages of biocatalysis with soft materials self-assembly. This approach is attractive because it combines biological (chemo-, regio-, and enantio-) selectivity with the versatility of bottom up nanofabrication through dynamic SA. We define enzyme-assisted SA (e-SA) as the production of molecular building blocks from nonassembling precursors via enzymatic catalysis, where molecular building blocks form ordered structures via noncovalent interactions. The molecular design of SA precursors is discussed in terms of three key components related to (i) enzyme recognition, (ii) molecular switching mechanisms, and (iii) supramolecular interactions that underpin SA. This is followed by a discussion of a number of unique features of these systems, including spatiotemporal control of nucleation and structure growth, the possibility of controlling mechanical properties and the defect correcting and component selecting capabilities of systems that operate under thermodynamic control. Applications in biomedicine (biosensing, controlled release, matrices for wound healing, controlling cell fate by gelation) and bio(nano)technology (biocatalysts immobilization, nanofabrication, templating, and intracellular imaging) are discussed. Overall, e-SA allows for unprecedented control over SA processes and provides a step forward toward production of nanostructures of higher complexity and with fewer defects as desired for next generation nanomaterials.
Designing Biomimetic Antifouling Surfaces
Marine biofouling is the accumulation of biological material on underwater surfaces, which has plagued both commercial and naval fleets. Biomimetic approaches may well provide new insights into designing and developing alternative, non-toxic, surface-active antifouling (AF) technologies. In the marine environment, all submerged surfaces are affected by the attachment of fouling organisms, such as bacteria, diatoms, algae and invertebrates, causing increased hydrodynamic drag, resulting in increased fuel consumption, and decreased speed and operational range. There are also additional expenses of dry-docking, together with increased fuel costs and corrosion, which are all important economic factors that demand the prevention of biofouling. Past solutions to AF have generally used toxic paints or coatings that have had a detrimental effect on marine life worldwide. The prohibited use of these antifoulants has led to the search for biologically inspired AF strategies. This review will explore the natural and biomimetic AF surface strategies for marine systems.
Alcohol Marketing in the 21st Century: New Methods, Old Problems
Marketing and advertising for alcoholic beverages is abundant throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Despite the fact that alcohol advertising is related to earlier initiation of drinking, higher rates of consumption, and positive expectancies among youth populations, alcohol companies continue to design new products and related campaigns with youth-friendly attributes. Alcopops and caffeinated alcoholic beverages are two particularly dangerous types of products, and new social networking technologies make direct promotion easy and voluminous. In order to stop the harm from these alcohol products and promotion, advocacy from the research community is imperative.
Chemical Synthesis of Cell-permeable Apoptotic Peptides from in Vivo Produced Proteins
In vivo synthesis of peptides by bacterial expression has developed into a reliable alternative to solid-phase peptide synthesis. A significant drawback of in vivo methods is the difficulty with which gene products can be modified post-translationally. Here, we present a method for the facile modification of peptides generated in bacterial hosts after cyanogen bromide cleavage at C-terminal methionines. Reaction of the resulting homoserine lactones with propargylamine allows efficient and selective modification with a wide variety of chemicals such as fluorescent dyes, biotin derivatives, polyprenyls, lipids, polysaccharides, or peptides. Attachment of the cell penetrating peptide octa-arginine (R(8)) to peptides derived from the proapoptotic tumor suppressor Bak BH3 led to efficient cellular uptake and subsequent cytochrome c release from mitochondria, culminating in induction of apoptosis similar to that observed with peptides linked to R(8) via the peptide backbone. These results highlight the significant potential for use of such tools in live cells.
Three-dimensional Echocardiographic Evaluation of the Fontan Conduit for Thrombus
Introduction: Total caval pulmonary connection (Fontan circuit) is the final common pathway for the palliation of single ventricle congenital heart disease. Flow within the Fontan circuit results in an environment that is prone to thrombus formation putting the patient at risk for pulmonary and/or systemic embolus. To prevent these problems, patients are placed on antithrombotic therapy and periodically evaluated for thrombus within the conduit. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, although commonly used to evaluate these patients, has been shown to have limited ability in accurately identifying thrombi within the Fontan conduit. The diagnosis of intracardiac thrombi has been augmented by three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and the patients in this series were evaluated with 3D imaging (3D transthoracic echocardiography and/or 3D transesophageal echocardiography) to determine if thrombi could be detected or excluded within the Fontan conduit. To the author's knowledge, this constitutes the first case series describing the use of 3D echocardiography to evaluate the Fontan conduit for thrombus. Methods: The four patients described in this case series underwent 3D echocardiography to evaluate the Fontan conduit for a suspected or potential thrombus. Results: The Fontan conduit was imaged and thrombi were felt to be documented or excluded in all four patients with 3D echocardiography. Conclusions: Three-dimensional echocardiography may enhance the ability to detect or exclude thrombi within the Fontan conduit. Further studies are needed to determine if this will prove to be an effective and reliable technique in evaluating the Fontan conduit for thrombus. (Echocardiography ****;**:1-6).
Postoperative Dissecting Ventricular Septal Hematoma: Recognition and Treatment
Dissecting ventricular septal hematoma (DVSH) rarely occurs after repair of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) but can lead to serious complications such as septal rupture, myocardial rupture, cardiogenic shock, heart block, outflow obstruction, cardiac tamponade, abscess transformation, and death. This paper describes the diagnosis and management of acute, severe, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by the development of a DVSH after VSD repair.
Top Priorities for Alcohol Regulators in the United States: Protecting Public Health or the Alcohol Industry?
Aims  This paper describes alcohol industry involvement in the 2010 annual conference proceedings of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA) in the United States. Design  The author attended the conference, observed conference attendees and panelists and identified key themes in the panel sessions. Setting  The NCSLA Annual Meeting took place 20-24 June 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants  NCSLA meeting attendees and panelists were professionals from state alcohol control systems; federal government agencies; and companies representing the alcohol industry. Measurements  The total number of conference attendees and participants were counted as well as the number of attendees and participants from regulator, industry and public health sectors. Findings  More than two-thirds (72.2%) of the 187 conference attendees were from alcohol producers, importers, wholesalers, retailers or their attorneys. Nearly two-thirds (65.0%) of the 40 panelists were from the alcohol industry. The author of this paper was the only attendee, and the only panelist, representing public health policy. Conclusions  The National Conference of State Liquor Administrators in the United States is dominated by the private, global companies that produce, import, distribute and sell alcohol, highlighting a lack of public health considerations within the Association's liquor control agenda.
Design of Photocontrolled RNA-binding Peptidomimetics
Positively constrained: the first examples of photocontrolled RNA binding peptides are described. The large number of positively charged sides chains in the Rev response element (RRE) of an HIV type I targeting α-helix imposes constraints on the choice of azobenzene-derived crosslinker.
