The conclusions of thousands of peer-reviewed publications rely on data obtained using fluorescence-based quantitative real-time PCR technology. However, the inadequate reporting of experimental detail, combined with the frequent use of flawed protocols is leading to the publication of papers that may not be technically appropriate. We take the view that this problem requires the delineation of a more transparent and comprehensive reporting policy from scientific journals. This editorial aims to provide practical guidance for the incorporation of absolute minimum standards encompassing the key assay parameters for accurate design, documentation and reporting of qPCR experiments (MIQE précis) and guidance on the publication of pure 'reference gene' articles.

No abstract

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that ranks among the leading causes of adult disability. Mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis pathogenesis are not yet fully elucidated, putting limits to current disease management and treatment. Based on the phenomenological evidence for dysregulation within the glycome of chondrocytes and the network of a family of adhesion/growth-regulatory lectins, that is, galectins, we tested the hypothesis that Galectin-1 is relevant for causing degeneration. Immunohistochemical analysis substantiated that Galectin-1 upregulation is associated with osteoarthritic cartilage and subchondral bone histopathology and severity of degeneration (p < 0.0001, n = 29 patients). In vitro, the lectin was secreted and it bound to osteoarthritic chondrocytes inhibitable by cognate sugar. Glycan-dependent Galectin-1 binding induced a set of disease markers, including matrix metalloproteinases and activated NF-κB, hereby switching on an inflammatory gene signature (p < 10−16). Inhibition of distinct components of the NF-κB pathway using dedicated inhibitors led to dose-dependent impairment of Galectin-1–mediated transcriptional activation. Enhanced secretion of effectors of degeneration such as three matrix metalloproteinases underscores the data’s pathophysiological relevance. This study thus identifies Galectin-1 as a master regulator of clinically relevant inflammatory-response genes, working via NF-κB. Because inflammation is critical to cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis, this report reveals an intimate relation of glycobiology to osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration.

Despite representing one of the oldest pharmaceutical techniques, coating of dosage forms is still frequently used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The aims of coating range from simply masking the taste or odour of drugs to the sophisticated controlling of site and rate of drug release. The high expectations for different coating technologies have required great efforts regarding the development of reproducible and controllable production processes. Basically, improvements in coating methods have focused on particle movement, spraying systems, and air and energy transport. Thereby, homogeneous distribution of coating material and increased drying efficiency should be accomplished in order to achieve high end product quality. Moreover, given the claim of the FDA to design the end product quality already during the manufacturing process (Quality by Design), the development of analytical methods for the analysis, management and control of coating processes has attracted special attention during recent years. The present review focuses on recent patents claiming improvements in pharmaceutical coating technology and intends to first familiarize the reader with the available procedures and to subsequently explain the application of different analytical tools. Aiming to structure this comprehensive field, coating technologies are primarily divided into pan and fluidized bed coating methods. Regarding pan coating procedures, pans rotating around inclined, horizontal and vertical axes are reviewed separately. On the other hand, fluidized bed technologies are subdivided into those involving fluidized and spouted beds. Then, continuous processing techniques and improvements in spraying systems are discussed in dedicated chapters. Finally, currently used analytical methods for the understanding and management of coating processes are reviewed in detail in the last section of the review.

One route of realizing the information of glycans involves endogenous receptors (lectins). Occurrence at branch ends renders galactosides particularly accessible. Thus, they are suited for such a recognition process. Fittingly, these epitopes serve as physiological ligands. The ga(lactoside-binding) lectins share the β-sandwich fold with a sequence signature around a central tryptophan residue besides this specificity. Three modes of presentation of the carbohydrate recognition domain are known for galectins, and genome monitoring from fungi to mammals discloses that galectins form a network. The extent of its complexity varies considerably between organisms, for chicken reaching seven proteins, more for mammals. The current status of network analysis reveals overlapping and distinct expression profiles. Matching intra- and extracellular galectin presence, they have a broad range of functions at each site depending on their specific counterreceptor(s), with the possibility even for functional antagonism between family members. Orchestration of expression of galectin, the cognate glycan, its scaffold (protein or sphingolipid) and spatial aspects of glycoconjugate presentation has been detected to lead to growth regulation of immune and tumor cells. To delineate the factors that underlie the specificity of a galectin for its counterreceptor(s) in the cellular context and the details of structure-activity relationships by comparatively analyzing natural and rationally engineered proteins is the main challenge for ongoing research.