Prediction of near-term climate change impacts on UK wheat quality and the potential for adaptation through plant breeding.

Wheat is a major crop worldwide, mainly cultivated for human consumption and animal feed. Grain quality is paramount in determining its value and downstream use. While we know that climate change threatens global crop yields, a better understanding of impacts on wheat end-use quality is also critical. Combining quantitative genetics with climate model outputs, we investigated UK-wide trends in genotypic adaptation for wheat quality traits. In our approach, we augmented genomic prediction models with environmental characterisation of field trials to predict trait values and climate effects in historical field trial data between 2001 and 2020. Addition of environmental covariates, such as temperature and rainfall, successfully enabled prediction of genotype by environment interactions (G × E), and increased prediction accuracy of most traits for new genotypes in new year cross validation. We then extended predictions from these models to much larger numbers of simulated environments using climate scenarios projected under Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 for 2050-2069. We found geographically varying climate change impacts on wheat quality due to contrasting associations between specific weather covariables and quality traits across the UK. Notably, negative impacts on quality traits were predicted in the East of the UK due to increased summer temperatures while the climate in the North and South-west may become more favourable with increased summer temperatures. Furthermore, by projecting 167,040 simulated future genotype-environment combinations, we found only limited potential for breeding to exploit predictable G × E to mitigate year-to-year environmental variability for most traits except Hagberg falling number. This suggests low adaptability of current UK wheat germplasm across future UK climates. More generally, approaches demonstrated here will be critical to enable adaptation of global crops to near-term climate change.

Prediction of the Renal Organic Anion Transporter 1 (OAT1)- Mediated Drug Interactions for LY404039, the Active Metabolite of Pomaglumetad Methionil.

PURPOSE: The objective of this work was to demonstrate that clinical OAT1-mediated DDIs can be predicted using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. METHODS: LY404039 is a metabotropic glutamate receptor 2/3 agonist and the active moiety of the prodrug pomaglumetad methionil (LY2140023). After oral administration, pomaglumetad methionil is rapidly taken up by enterocytes via PEPT1 and once absorbed, converted to LY404039 via membrane dehydropeptidase 1 (DPEP1). LY404039 is renally excreted by both glomerular filtration and active secretion and in vitro studies showed that the active secretion of LY404039 was mediated by the organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1). Both clinical and in vitro data were used to build a PBPK model to predict OAT1-mediated DDIs. RESULTS: In vitro inhibitory potencies (IC50) of the known OAT inhibitors, probenecid and ibuprofen, were determined to be 4.00 and 2.63 µM, respectively. Subsequently, clinical drug-drug interaction (DDI) study showed probenecid reduced the renal clearance of LY404039 by 30 to 40%. The PBPK bottom-up model, predicted a renal clearance that was approximately 20% lower than the observed one. The middle-out model, using an OAT1 relative activity factor (RAF) of 3, accurately reproduced the renal clearance of LY404039 and pharmacokinetic (PK) changes of LY404039 in the presence of probenecid. CONCLUSIONS: OAT1- mediated DDIs can be predicted using in vitro measured IC50 and PBPK modeling. The effect of ibuprofen was predicted to be minimal (AUC ratio of 1.15) and not clinically relevant.

Ethnic variability in the expression of hepatic drug transporters: absolute quantification by an optimized targeted quantitative proteomic approach.

Hepatic OATPs 1B1, 1B3 and 2B1, as well as P-gp, play important roles in regulating liver uptake and biliary excretion of drugs. The intrinsic ethnic variability in OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of statins has been proposed to underlie the ethnic variability in plasma exposures of statins between Caucasians and Asians. Using a targeted quantitative proteomic approach, we determined hepatic protein concentrations of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OATP2B1, P-gp, and PMCA4 (a housekeeping protein) in a panel of human livers (n = 141) and compared protein expression across Caucasian, Asian, African-American, and unidentified donors. Using an optimized protocol that included sodium deoxycholate as a membrane protein solubilizer, the hepatic protein expression levels (mean ± S.D.) of these transporters across all livers were determined to be 15.0 ± 6.0, 16.1 ± 8.1, 4.1 ± 1.3, 0.6 ± 0.2, and 2.4 ± 1.0 fmol/µg of total membrane protein, respectively. The scaling factor was 3.5 mg of total membrane protein in 100 mg of wet liver tissue. OATP1B1 protein expression was significantly associated with the c.388A>G (rs2306283, N130D) single nucleotide polymorphism. When compared across ethnicity, the hepatic expression levels of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 were unexpectedly higher in Asians relative to Caucasians, suggesting that hepatic OATP expression alone does not explain the increased systemic statin levels in Asians compared with Caucasians. These findings may help improve physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict statin pharmacokinetic profiles and enable extrapolation of pharmacokinetic data of OATP substrates across ethnic groups.

Prediction of renal transporter mediated drug-drug interactions for pemetrexed using physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling.

Pemetrexed, an anionic anticancer drug with a narrow therapeutic index, is eliminated mainly by active renal tubular secretion. The in vitro to in vivo extrapolation approach used in this work was developed to predict possible drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that may occur after coadministration of pemetrexed and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and it included in vitro assays, risk assessment models, and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. The pemetrexed transport and its inhibition parameters by several NSAIDs were quantified using HEK-PEAK cells expressing organic anion transporter (OAT) 3 or OAT4. The NSAIDs were ranked according to their DDI index, calculated as the ratio of their maximum unbound concentration in plasma over the concentration inhibiting 50% (IC50) of active pemetrexed transport. A PBPK model for ibuprofen, the NSAID with the highest DDI index, was built incorporating active renal secretion in Simcyp Simulator. The bottom-up model for pemetrexed underpredicted the clearance by 2-fold. The model we built using a scaling factor of 5.3 for the maximal uptake rate (Vmax) of OAT3, which estimated using plasma concentration profiles from patients given a 10-minute infusion of 500 mg/m(2) of pemetrexed supplemented with folic acid and vitamin B12, recovered the clinical data adequately. The observed/predicted increases in Cmax and the area under the plasma-concentration time curve (AUC0-inf) of pemetrexed when ibuprofen was coadministered were 1.1 and 1.0, respectively. The coadministration of all other NSAIDs was predicted to have no significant impact on the AUC0-inf based on their DDI indexes. The PBPK model reasonably reproduced pemetrexed concentration time profiles in cancer patients and its interaction with ibuprofen.

Comparison between single-cell cultures and tissue cultures as model systems for evaluating the modulation of gene expression by food bioactives.

In this study, we sought the use of cultured human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissue to investigate the transcriptional effects of some bioactives, whose role in the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque development through the regulation of gene expression has been hypothesized. After supplementation with n - 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or epigallocatechin-3-gallate, the expression of five genes involved in cholesterol metabolism was assessed in cultures of AAA tissue obtained during elective open surgery, and compared to the results obtained in a single-cell culture model (HepG2 cells). All bioactives modulated gene expression in HepG2 cells, while no effects were observed in the tissue culture due to the shortcomings of the tissue model, which showed high within-patient variations and high between-patient variations in gene expression. Results herein reported underline that the choice of the model system is a critical point in the evaluation of the transcriptional effects of bioactives.

Vernix Caseosa Peritonitis Causing Acute Abdomen After Cesarean Section: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND Vernix caseosa peritonitis (VCP) is a rare complication that typically presents following an otherwise uneventful cesarean section. Leakage of vernix caseosa into the peritoneum is thought to elicit a granulomatous foreign body reaction. Symptoms can be similar to other acute abdominal conditions, and diagnosis is confirmed by intraoperative findings and histological examination. Peritoneal lavage with supportive measures is the mainstay of treatment and recovery. CASE REPORT Case 1 was a 30-year-old woman who developed right iliac fossa pain, fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea less than a week after her lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). She underwent a laparoscopy for a peritonitic abdomen and concern for intra-abdominal sepsis. A peritoneal biopsy demonstrated histological changes consistent with VCP. Case 2 was a 39-year-old woman who underwent a LSCS. After discharge, she re-presented with generalized abdominal pain. With computed tomography (CT) scan findings suggestive of appendicitis, an appendectomy was performed, and vernix caseosa was detected in all quadrants. Case 3 was a 33-year-old woman who presented with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and iliac fossa pain 9 days following an LSCS. She was given analgesia and antibiotics for a pelvic fluid collection noted on CT scan. She re-presented with tense swelling and pain above her cesarean section incision. Laparoscopy revealed adhesions over the lower abdomen and pelvis and white plaques suggestive of vernix caseosa along the peritoneal side walls. CONCLUSIONS The rising incidence of cesarean births worldwide creates the potential for increased numbers of VCP cases. Greater recognition of VCP is warranted to prevent unnecessary procedures.

Characterization of the expression and activity of carboxylesterases 1 and 2 from the beagle dog, cynomolgus monkey, and human.

The carboxylesterases (CESs) are a family of serine hydrolases that hydrolyze compounds containing an ester, amide, or thioester. In humans, two dominant forms, CES1 and CES2, are highly expressed in organs of first-pass metabolism and play an important role in xenobiotic metabolism. The current study was conducted to better understand species-related differences in substrate selectivity and tissue expression of these enzymes. To elucidate potential similarities and differences among these enzymes, a series of 4-nitrophenyl esters and a series of gemcitabine prodrugs were evaluated using enzyme kinetics as substrates of expressed and purified CESs from beagle dog, cynomolgus monkey, and human genes. For the substrates examined, human and monkey CES2 more efficiently catalyzed hydrolysis compared with CES1, whereas CES1 was the more efficient enzyme in dog. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses indicate that the pattern of CES tissue expression in monkey is similar to that of human, but the CES expression in dog is unique, with no detectable expression of CES in the intestine. Loperamide, a selective human CES2 inhibitor, was also found to be a CES2-selective inhibitor in both dog and monkey. This is the first study to examine substrate specificity among dog, human, and monkey CESs.

Heavy eye syndrome precipitated by superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in a woman with axial high myopia.

A 56-year-old woman with pseudophakia and glaucoma was referred because of left eye hypotropia and esotropia noted following superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in that eye. Examination suggested left heavy eye syndrome, and it was confirmed the patient had high axial myopia before her cataract surgeries. Both nasal displacement of the left superior rectus muscle and inferior displacement of the left lateral rectus muscle were noted intraoperatively. Removal of the glaucoma drainage device, posterior loop myopexy of the superior rectus muscle to the lateral rectus muscle, and implantation of a new glaucoma drainage device inferonasally improved the strabismus.

Gene expression profile of primary prostate epithelial and stromal cells in response to sulforaphane or iberin exposure.

BACKGROUND: Broccoli consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) derived from glucosinolates that accumulate in broccoli are dietary compounds that may mediate these health effects. Sulforaphane (SF, 4-methylsulphinylbutyl ITC) derives from heading broccoli (calabrese) and iberin (IB, 3-methylsulphinypropyl ITC) from sprouting broccoli. While there are many studies regarding the biological activity of SF, mainly undertaken with cancerous cells, there are few studies associated with IB. METHODS: Primary epithelial and stromal cells were derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue. Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 whole genome arrays were used to compare global gene expression between these cells, and to quantify changes in gene expression following exposure to physiologically appropriate concentrations of SF and IB. Ontology and pathway analyses were used to interpret results. Changes in expression of a subset of genes were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: Global gene expression profiling identified epithelial and stromal-specific gene expression profiles. SF induced more changes in epithelial cells, whereas IB was more effective in stromal cells. Although IB and SF induced different changes in gene expression in both epithelial and stromal cells, these were associated with similar pathways, such as cell cycle and detoxification. Both ITCs increased expression of PLAGL1, a tumor suppressor gene, in stromal cells and suppressed expression of the putative tumor promoting genes IFITM1, CSPG2, and VIM in epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that IB and SF both alter genes associated with cancer prevention, and IB should be investigated further as a potential chemopreventative agent. Prostate 69: 1411-1421, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Breast cancer resistance protein interacts with various compounds in vitro, but plays a minor role in substrate efflux at the blood-brain barrier.

Expression of breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp) at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been revealed recently. To investigate comprehensively the potential role of Bcrp at the murine BBB, a chemically diverse set of model compounds (cimetidine, alfuzosin, dipyridamole, and LY2228820) was evaluated using a multiexperimental design. Bcrp1 stably transfected MDCKII cell monolayer transport studies demonstrated that each compound had affinity for Bcrp and that polarized transport by Bcrp was abolished completely by the Bcrp inhibitor chrysin. However, none of the compounds differed in brain uptake between Bcrp wild-type and knockout mice under either an in situ brain perfusion or a 24-h subcutaneous osmotic minipump continuous infusion experimental paradigm. In addition, alfuzosin and dipyridamole were shown to undergo transport by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in an MDCKII-MDR1 cell monolayer model. Alfuzosin brain uptake was 4-fold higher in mdr1a(-/-) mice than in mdr1a(+/+) mice in in situ and in vivo studies, demonstrating for the first time that it undergoes P-gp-mediated efflux at the BBB. In contrast, P-gp had no effect on dipyridamole brain penetration in situ or in vivo. In fact, in situ BBB permeability of these solutes appeared to be primarily dependent on their lipophilicity in the absence of efflux transport, and in situ brain uptake clearance correlated with the intrinsic transcellular passive permeability from in vitro transport and cellular accumulation studies. In summary, Bcrp mediates in vitro transport of various compounds, but seems to play a minimal role at the BBB in vivo.

To investigate the prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in presumed age-related peripapillary subretinal neovascular membranes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence and angiographic appearances of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) masquerading as age-related peripapillary subretinal neovascular membranes (PSRNVM). METHODS: A consecutive case series of all patients investigated for presumed age-related PSRNVM in our tertiary referral centre over the period September 2006-2007. The presenting clinical features and fundus fluorescein angiographic (FFA) characteristics of each patient's lesion were identified. Any accompanying Indocyanine Green Angiogram (ICGA) was also reviewed, and on the basis of this investigation patients were classified into one of three groups: proven PCV, probable PCV and PSRNVM. RESULTS: Thirty patients with presumed age-related PSRNVM were identified. The FFA leakage pattern was occult in 21 patients and classic in nine patients. Sixteen patients also had ICGA performed. In 14 of these patients the original FFA leakage pattern was occult, and in two it was classic. Of the 14 patients with occult leakage on FFA who subsequently underwent ICGA all were found to have PCV. CONCLUSIONS: PCV is important and underrecognized in presumed age-related PSRNVMs. In such cases, particularly when the pattern of leakage on the fluorescein angiogram is occult, ICGA should be performed to identify the site of the polyps and if required to direct treatment.

A Case of a Cavitary Iris Melanoma with Aqueous Cytological Modulation.

Malignant melanoma is the most common primary malignant tumour of the iris, but represents a small proportion of all uveal melanomas. The authors describe a 34-year-old male with a pigmented lesion of the iris. The lesion remained stable for 7 years, but the patient re-presented after this time with sudden enlargement of the mass and hyphaema. Excisional biopsy confirmed cavitary melanoma of the iris. This is the first reported case of cavitation in a primary iris melanoma. The patient has not had any further adjuvant treatment and remains metastasis free at 5 years of follow-up.

Successful Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Use without Systemic Anticoagulation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Patient with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an important life-saving technology for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Unfortunately, ECMO has been traditionally contraindicated in patients with hemorrhagic neurologic diseases. The recent improvement in ECMO devices, increased utilization and experience with venovenous ECMO technologies among healthcare teams, and the use of ECMO without anticoagulation has expanded the potential populations that may benefit from ECMO. We present a case of successful utilization of venovenous ECMO for severe respiratory failure secondary to ARDS in a patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe, episodic cerebral vasospasm. We also discuss important limitations and considerations for future successful use of ECMO in hemorrhagic stroke. This case report highlights the potential for this life-saving technology in patients with hemorrhagic stroke.

Abemaciclib Inhibits Renal Tubular Secretion Without Changing Glomerular Filtration Rate.

Abemaciclib, an inhibitor of cyclin dependent kinases 4 and 6, is indicated for metastatic breast cancer treatment. Reversible increases in serum creatinine levels of ~15-40% over baseline have been observed following abemaciclib dosing. This study assessed the in vitro and clinical inhibition of renal transporters by abemaciclib and its metabolites using metformin (a clinically relevant transporter substrate), in a clinical study that quantified glomerular filtration and iohexol clearance. In vitro, abemaciclib inhibited metformin uptake by organic cation transporter 2, multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE)1, and MATE2-K transporters with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.4-3.8 µM. Clinically, abemaciclib significantly increased metformin exposure but did not significantly affect measured glomerular filtration rate, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), serum cystatin-C, or the urinary markers of kidney tubular injury, NGAL and kidney injury molecule-1.

Polyamine metabolism and transforming growth factor-beta signaling are affected in Caco-2 cells by differentially cooked broccoli extracts.

The health benefits of consuming cruciferous vegetables are widely considered to be due to the biological activity of glucosinolate degradation products. However, it is conceivable that other phytochemicals within crucifers may also have biological activity that may contribute to health benefits. In this study, we analyzed global gene expression in Caco-2 cells exposed to extracts derived from broccoli that had been heat treated to different extents to result in contrasting profiles of glucosinolates and their degradation products. Extracts microwaved for 0, 1, and 4 min contained 9.5, 25.5, and 0 micromol/L sulforaphane and induced changes in expression of 381, 1017, and 101 genes, respectively (>2 fold; P < 0.01). Seventy-two genes showed similar changes in expression after treatment with all 3 extracts. These included genes involved in polyamine catabolism and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling. Consistent with these changes in gene expression, subsequent studies demonstrated that exposing cells to these extracts, including the 4-min extract that contained no glucosinolate degradation products, increased putrescine and N-acetyl-spermine concentration, and suppressed the TGFbeta1-mediated induction of phosphorylated Smad 2. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of phytochemicals from a cruciferous vegetable affecting both a signaling pathway and a catabolic process.

Juxtapapillary cytomegalovirus retinitis with optic neuritis.

A 49-year-old man with AIDS developed acute monocular visual loss and an ipsilateral swollen optic disc with a large right relative afferent pupillary defect, a nerve fiber bundle visual field defect, and a peripapillary retinal infiltrate. Lumbar puncture disclosed cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Treatment with oral valganciclovir produced complete resolution of the visual deficits and the fundus abnormality. This case differs from previously reported cases of CMV optic neuritis in which visual function has been irreversibly lost.

Dual action of sulforaphane in the regulation of thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin in human HepG2 and Caco-2 cells.

We have previously demonstrated that sulforaphane is a potent inducer for thioredoxin reductase in HepG2 and MCF-7 cells (Zhang et al. Carcinogenesis 2003, 24, 497-503; Wang et al. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005, 53, 1417-1421). In this study, we have shown that sulforaphane is not only an inducer for thioredoxin reductase but also an inducer for its substrate, thioredoxin in HepG2, and undifferentiated Caco-2 cells. Sulforaphane acts at two levels in the regulation of thioredoxin reductase/thioredoxin system by the upregulation of the expression of both the enzyme and the substrate. In human hepatoma HepG2 cells, sulforaphane induced thioredoxin reductase mRNA and protein by 4- and 2-fold, respectively, whereas thioredoxin mRNA was induced 2.9-fold and thioredoxin protein was unchanged in whole cell extracts, but an increase in nuclear accumulation (1.8-fold) was observed. Moreover, the induction of thioredoxin reductase was found faster than that of thioredoxin. The effects of PI3K and MAPK kinase inhibitors, LY294002, PD98059, SP600125, and SB202190, have been investigated on the sulforaphane-induced expression of thioredoxin reductase and thioredoxin. PD98059 abrogates the sulforaphane-induced thioredoxin reductase at both mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 cells, although other inhibitors were found less effective. However, both PD98059 and LY294002 significantly decrease thioredoxin mRNA expression in HepG2 cells. None of the inhibitors tested were able to modulate the level of expression of either thioredoxin reductase mRNA or protein in Caco-2 cells suggesting that there are cell-specific responses to sulforaphane. In summary, the dietary isothiocyanate, sulforaphane, is important in the regulation of thioredoxin reductase/thioredoxin redox system in cells.

Prediction of Transporter-Mediated Drug-Drug Interactions for Baricitinib.

Baricitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor, undergoes active renal tubular secretion. Baricitinib was not predicted to inhibit hepatic and renal uptake and efflux drug transporters, based on the ratio of the unbound maximum eliminating-organ inlet concentration and the in vitro half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50 ). In vitro, baricitinib was a substrate for organic anion transporter (OAT)3, multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (MATE)2-K, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Probenecid, a strong OAT3 inhibitor, increased the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC[0-∞] ) of baricitinib by twofold and decreased renal clearance to 69% of control in healthy subjects. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling reproduced the renal clearance of baricitinib and the inhibitory effect of probenecid using the in vitro IC50 value of 4.4 µM. Using ibuprofen and diclofenac in vitro IC50 values of 4.4 and 3.8 µM toward OAT3, 1.2 and 1.0 AUC(0-∞) ratios of baricitinib were predicted. These predictions suggest clinically relevant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with ibuprofen and diclofenac are unlikely.

The Surgical Simulation and Training Markup Language (SSTML): an XML-based language for medical simulation.

Under contract with the Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), Energid Technologies is developing a new XML-based language for describing surgical training exercises, the Surgical Simulation and Training Markup Language (SSTML). SSTML must represent everything from organ models (including tissue properties) to surgical procedures. SSTML is an open language (i.e., freely downloadable) that defines surgical training data through an XML schema. This article focuses on the data representation of the surgical procedures and organ modeling, as they highlight the need for a standard language and illustrate the features of SSTML. Integration of SSTML with software is also discussed.

Temperature-dependent binding of monoclonal antibodies to C hordein.

The consensus octapeptide repeat motif of the barley seed storage protein C hordein, Pro-Gln-Gln-Pro-Phe-Pro-Gln-Gln, forms the epitope of two anti-prolamin monoclonal antibodies (Mabs), IFRN 0061 and 0614. The Mabs were found to exhibit unusual temperature-dependent binding characteristics, recognising C hordein and a peptide corresponding to the consensus repeat at 5 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The K(d) of IFRN 0614 for the consensus peptide was found to be 1.2x10(12) mol(-1) at 12 degrees C, but no constant could be calculated at 37 degrees C due to a lack of binding. Similar ELISA binding characteristics were observed with an anti-C hordein polyclonal antiserum and a Mab raised to the consensus peptide. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the protein and the consensus peptide exist in a temperature-dependent equilibrium of poly-L-proline II type structures and beta-turn conformations. Whilst thermodynamic and kinetic effects may reduce antibody binding at higher temperatures, they cannot account for the complete loss of Mab recognition at higher temperatures. It seems likely that the Mabs preferentially recognise the Pro-Gln-Gln-Pro-Phe-Pro-Gln-Gln motif when presented in a conformation which may correspond to the poly-L-proline II type conformation which dominates the CD and FTIR spectra at 4-12 degrees C.