bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The natural selection of metabolism and mass selects lifeforms from viruses to multicellular animals
Authors: Witting Lars
Published: September 2017

I show that the natural selection of metabolism and mass can select for the major life‐history and allometric transitions that define lifeforms from viruses, over prokaryotes and larger unicells, to multicellular animals. The proposed selection is driven by a mass‐specific metabolism that is selected as the pace of the resource handling that generates net energy for self‐replication. An initial selection of mass is given by a dependence of mass‐specific metabolism on mass in replicators that are close to a lower size limit. A sublinear maximum dependence selects for virus‐like replicators, with no intrinsic metabolism, no cell, and practically no mass. A superlinear dependence selects for prokaryote‐like self‐replicating cells, with asexual reproduction and incomplete metabolic pathways. These self‐replicators have selection for increased net energy, and this generates a gradual unfolding of population‐dynamic feed‐back selection from interactive competition. The incomplete feed‐back selects for larger unicells with more developed metabolic pathways, and the completely developed feed‐back for multicellular animals with sexual reproduction. This model unifies the natural selection of lifeforms from viruses to multicellular animals, and it provides a parsimonious explanation where allometries and major life histories evolve from the natural selection of metabolism and mass.
Hydrology driven changes in the rotifer trophic structure and implications for food web interactions
Authors: Galir Balkić Anita , Ternjej Ivančica , Špoljar Maria
Published: September 2017

Rotifers display r‐strategy life‐histories and are adaptable to environmental disturbances. Although rotifers constitute a large proportion of zooplankton in river‐floodplain systems, the influence of hydrology on their assemblage has been poorly studied. We postulated that rotifer assemblage and grazing activities were controlled by mechanisms associated with hydrological conditions. We conducted a 5‐year study (Kopački Rit Nature Park, NE Croatia) to assess the influence of hydrology on (a) rotifer assemblage during different hydrological phases, (b) the vertical distribution of rotifer abundance, functional feeding guilds, and grazing intensity, and (c) the main drivers affecting rotifer assemblage in the floodplain lake. The results indicated that (a) during isolation, longer residence time and high phytoplankton biomass microfilter‐feeders (mIff) and macrofilter‐feeders (mAff) grazing rates were similar whereas predators (Pr) were the most efficient consumers, (b) during high flow pulses, high conductivity and variable water level governed rotifer grazing rates of mIff and mAff at a retion of 1:2 and a decline of Pr grazing activity, and (c) during the flood pulse, reduced phytoplankton biomasss still resulted in mAff and Pr domination of the community whereas mIff grazing activity remained at the same level. Under stable hydrological conditions algivorous species codominated with bacterivores and predators, suggesting an increased biodiversity and food web interactions. In contrast, throughout the inundation period, algivorous species predominated. However, differences in rotifer assemblage between normal flow and flood pulses indicated the importance of hydrology in shaping rotifer trophic structure through modifying lower trophic levels and the availability of food sources.
Focused echocardiography and lung ultrasound protocol for guiding treatment in acute heart failure
Authors: Öhman Jonas , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Karjalainen Pasi , Lassus Johan
Published: September 2017

Aims

There is little evidence‐based therapy existing for acute heart failure (AHF), hospitalizations are lengthy and expensive, and optimal monitoring of AHF patients during in‐hospital treatment is poorly defined. We evaluated a rapid cardiothoracic ultrasound (CaTUS) protocol, combining focused echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac filling pressures, that is, medial E/e′ and inferior vena cava index, with lung ultrasound (LUS) for guiding treatment in hospitalized AHF patients.

Methods and results

We enrolled 20 consecutive patients hospitalized for AHF, whose in‐hospital treatment was guided using the CaTUS protocol according to a pre‐specified treatment protocol targeting resolution of pulmonary congestion on LUS and lowering cardiac filling pressures. Treatment results of these 20 patients were compared with those of a standard care sample of 100 patients, enrolled previously for follow‐up purposes. The standard care sample had CaTUS performed daily for follow‐up and received standard in‐hospital treatment without ultrasound guidance. All CaTUS exams were performed by a single experienced sonographer. The CaTUS‐guided therapy resulted in significantly larger decongestion as defined by reduction in symptoms, cardiac filling pressures, natriuretic peptides, cumulative fluid loss, and resolution of pulmonary congestion (P < 0.05 for all) despite a shorter mean length of hospitalization. Congestion parameters were significantly lower also at discharge (P < 0.05 for all), without any significant difference in these parameters on admission. The treatment arm displayed better survival regarding the combined endpoint of 6 month all‐cause death or AHF re‐hospitalization (log rank P = 0.017). No significant difference in adverse events occurred between the groups.

Conclusions

The CaTUS‐guided therapy for AHF resulted in greater decongestion during shorter hospitalization without increased adverse events in this small pilot study and might be associated with a better post‐discharge prognosis.
Vascular phenotypes of acute decompensated vs. new‐onset heart failure: treatment implications
Authors: Ferreira Jorge
Published: September 2017

Aims

Acute heart failure (HF) is a frequent and life‐threatening syndrome with heterogeneous clinical, haemodynamic, and neurohormonal features. This article describes the vascular phenotypes associated with acute decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF), and new‐onset acute HF (NOAHF).

Data Synthesis

Worsening of chronic HF occurs with full activation of adaptive mechanisms that maintain blood pressure (BP) and systemic perfusion. Rapid onset of HF in the setting of previous normal functioning heart not only does not allow full activation of adaptive mechanisms but also generates inappropriate responses from systemic endothelium leading to low BP/hypotension. Consequently, the treatment of ADCHF is based on diuretics and vasodilators, while in NOAHF, vasoconstrictors may be required to maintain BP to allow the correction of the acute cardiac disease.

Conclusions

Patients with ADCHF and NOAHF present different vascular phenotypes with treatment implications.
CMV and natural killer cells: shaping the response to vaccination
Authors: Goodier Martin R. , Jonjić Stipan , Riley Eleanor M. , Juranić Lisnić Vanda
Published: September 2017

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are highly prevalent, persistent human pathogens that not only evade but also shape our immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the control of CMV and CMVs have in turn developed a plethora of immunoevasion mechanisms targeting NK cells. This complex interplay can leave a long‐lasting imprint on the immune system in general and affect responses toward other pathogens and vaccines. This review aims to provide an overview of NK cell biology and development, the manipulation of NK cells by CMVs and the potential impact of these evasion strategies on responses to vaccination.
Electrochemical Investigation of the Eu3+/2+ Redox Couple in Complexes with Variable Numbers of Glycinamide and Acetate Pendant Arms
Authors: Burnett Marianne E. , Adebesin Bukola , Funk Alexander M. , Kovacs Zoltan , Sherry A. Dean , Ekanger Levi A. , Allen Matthew J. , Green Kayla N. , Ratnakar S. James
Published: September 2017

The Eu3+/2+ redox couple provides a convenient design platform for responsive pO2 sensors for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Specifically, the Eu2+ ion provides T1w contrast enhancement under hypoxic conditions in tissues, whereas, under normoxia, the Eu3+ ion can produce contrast from chemical exchange saturation transfer in MRI. The oxidative stability of the Eu3+/2+ redox couple for a series of tetraaza macrocyclic complexes was investigated in this work using cyclic voltammetry. A series of Eu‐containing cyclen‐based macrocyclic complexes revealed positive shifts in the Eu3+/2+ redox potentials with each replacement of a carboxylate coordinating arm of the ligand scaffold with glycinamide pendant arms. The data obtained reveal that the complex containing four glycinamide coordinating pendant arms has the highest oxidative stability of the series investigated.
Chemical Characterization, Oxidative Stability, and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Sesame Oils Extracted by Supercritical and Subcritical Techniques and Conventional Methods: A Comparative Study Using Chemometrics
Authors: Shi Long‐Kai , Zheng Li , Liu Rui‐Jie , Chang Ming , Jin Qing‐Zhe , Wang Xing‐Guo
Published: September 2017

In this study, profiles of chemical characterization, oxidative stability, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of sesame oils obtained from supercritical and subcritical techniques and conventional methods are studied and compared. The results shows that a large proportion of fatty acid and triacylglycerol are not significantly influenced by the processing technologies (except for LLLn, SOA, C18:3n‐6, and C22:0). However, significant differences of minor component, oxidation stability, and free radical scavenging activity among the test oil samples are observed. Supercritical sesame oils are more excellent than the subcritical sesame oils and oils obtained from the traditional methods, especially in terms of γ‐tocopherol, lignan and polyphenol contents, and antioxidant capacity, thus indicating that CO2 fluid technology is a desirable alternative to extract sesame oils with rich nutrition and superb physiological activity. Further, oils obtained from roasted sesame seeds exhibited higher oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity, thus declaring that high temperature roasting was a critical issue that influenced the quality of the final sesame oil product.

Practical Applications: This study used two burgeoning technologies, namely supercritical and subcritical techniques for the practical applications of the extraction process of sesame oils from sesame (Sesamum indicum, L.) seeds. Supercritical fluid was an excellent technology to selectively extract bioactive compounds from sesame by using CO2 as a carrier solvent. The use of CO2 supercritical fluid in the present study was associated with high efficiency and antioxidant activities of the obtained sesame oils. These results indicate that this technology was an efficient and rapid method for extracting phytochemicals when compared with the conventional methods (hot pressing, cold pressing, solvent extraction, and aqueous extraction), thus indicating that it had the potential to work as a satisfactory approach to produce specific sesame oil products for health care and cosmetic use. This method can be easily implemented on an industrial scale.

In this study, profiles of chemical characterization, oxidative stability, and in vitro antioxidant capacity of sesame oils obtained from supercritical and subcritical techniques and conventional methods are studied and compared. PCA and HCA show apparent distinctions between the supercritical sesame oils and the other kinds, as well as between the roasted and unroasted sesame oils. Models deduced by MLR are all significant, which are recognized as satisfactory and acceptable for predicting the in vitro antioxidant abilities of the sesame oils.
A Seagrass‐Based Biorefinery for Generation of Single‐Cell Oils for Biofuel and Oleochemical Production
Authors: Masri Mahmoud A. , Younes Samer , Haack Martina , Qoura Farah , Mehlmer Norbert , Brück Thomas
Published: September 2017

78 million tons of residual seagrass deposits accumulate annually on shorelines worldwide. These represent an untapped feedstock for fermentative single‐cell oil production, targeted at biofuel and oleochemical generation, without affecting the sensitive marine environment or compromising food security. Seven beach‐cast samples of seagrass (related to Z. marina, Z. noltii, S. filiforme, P. australis, P. oceanic, and T. testudinum) were collected from marine ecosystems around the world. A combination of 18S rRNA phylogenetic, structural, and comprehensive biomass analyses of seagrass leaves were applied. The carbohydrate content ranged from 73 to 81 % (w/dwbiomass). Single‐step enzymatic hydrolysis was developed to efficiently release the monomeric sugars contained in seagrasses biomass without any pretreatment. P. oceanica hydrolysate allowed for higher lipid yields (6.8 g L−1) compared to the synthetic minimal medium (5.1 g L−1) in shake flasks, and was subsequently utilized as the sole fermentation medium for oleaginous yeast T. oleaginosus at a technical scale using a fed‐batch bioreactor, which provided 24.5 g L−1 lipids (0.35 g L−1 h−1). Moreover, the sugar/lipid conversion ratio was 0.41 (w/w). Cumulative data indicates that by exploiting only half of the global beach‐cast seagrass, approximately 4 million tons of microbial oils could be generated.
Mechanistic exploration of Ni (II) removal by immobilized bacterial biomass and interactive influence of coexisting surfactants
Authors: Naskar Animesh , Bera Debabrata
Published: September 2017

Herein, the adsorption efficiency of biomass based on mutated bacterial strain (Bacillus cereus
) impregnated into calcium alginate towards Ni (II) ions was investigated in batch system. Biomass was characterized by sophisticated instrumental analyses. The influencing process parameters on Ni (II) removal from monometallic system were studied and optimal conditions were ascertained. The performance of such biosorbent on exposure to different metal ions was also evaluated. Especially, this work focused on principal interest in Ni (II) removal in presence of surfactants (Sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X‐100), where Sodium dodecyl sulfate offered synergetic effect as a function of sorption yield. The best fitted pseudo‐second order and film diffusion kinetic model in presence of surfactants provided more suitable prediction reflecting rate controlling steps of Ni (II) removal process. Additionally, experimental data adequately fitted by both Redlich‐Peterson and Langmuir‐Freundlich dual isotherm model. Thermodynamically the process was found to be spontaneous, endothermic and entropy‐driven. Regeneration studies were conducted with a series of five sequential adsorption‐desorption cycles. Moreover, biomass proved its worth for effective removal of Ni (II) from simulated inorganic wastewater. Thus, this green chemical approach may have immense potential to be explored in the actual system. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 342–354, 2018
Codigestion of high pressure thermal hydrolysis‐treated thickened waste activated sludge with primary sludge in two‐stage anaerobic digestion
Authors: Sarwar Rubaiya , Elbeshbishy Elsayed , Parker Wayne J.
Published: September 2017

Pretreatment of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) with high pressure thermal hydrolysis (HPTH) prior to co‐digestion with primary sludge (PS) in two‐stage anaerobic digestion was evaluated at two systems hydraulic residence times (HRTs). Pretreatment increased the soluble COD (SCOD) entering the acidogenic digester and at a 2 day HRT the increase in SCOD through the digester was also enhanced. With a 1 day HRT in the acidogenic digester the increment in SCOD concentrations was smaller in the pretreated reactor than in the control reactor suggesting there is a minimum residence time required to maintain hydrolysis of pretreated TWAS. At the 2 day HRT fermentation to volatile fatty acids (VFA) was similar in both reactors despite the considerably higher SCOD concentrations in the pretreated sludge. In contrast, at the 1 day HRT the pretreated digester VFA concentrations were 36% higher than that of the control digester. The control and pretreated methanogenic digesters operating at an HRT of 13 days had average total COD (TCOD) removal efficiencies of 45 and 52%, respectively which was consistent with an increase in methane yield from 0.19 L CH4/g COD for the control system to 0.23 L CH4/g COD for the pretreated system. With an HRT of 9 days, the corresponding TCOD removal efficiencies were reduced to 43% in and 48% respectively and the methane yields were 0.14 and 0.16 L CH4/g COD, respectively. COD removal to methane was found to be not significantly different between the control and pretreated systems at the reduced HRT. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 425–433, 2018
Food‐energy‐water nexus to mitigate sustainability challenges in a groundwater reliant agriculturally dominant environment (GRADE)
Authors: Uddameri Venkatesh , Reible Danny
Published: September 2017

Groundwater reliant and agriculturally dominant environments (GRADEs) utilize exhaustible aquifer resources to supply food and fiber demands. The sustainability of these GRADES is threatened by over‐exploitation of fresher groundwater resources. There is an interest in exploring deeper brackish groundwater resources to sustain agricultural based economies in these regions. Using the southern high plains of Texas (SHP) as a test‐bed, the interlinkages between food‐energy‐water on improving water resiliency through brackish groundwater development is explored. Three scenarios—(1) direct use of deeper formations; (2) blending deeper and shallower groundwaters and 3) desalination of blended resources were evaluated in a spatially explicit manner. The results indicate that direct reuse of deeper water is possible over 30% of the study area, but it is not available in areas of critical need. The parameters limiting the suitability of deeper groundwater for agriculture in the order of decreasing importance are EC > TDS > SAR > B > Na > Cl. Simple blending of water from deeper and shallower aquifers improve water quality over roughly 900,000 acres. While blending greatly reduces the specific ion toxicities caused by sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and boron (B), the limitations of total dissolved solids (TDS) cannot be overcome. The over‐burden pressures in the deeper confined aquifer somewhat alleviate the blending energy requirements, especially in the southern portions of SHP. Desalination increases the energy requirements by several fold and is not suitable to sustain current agricultural practices which are focused mostly on lower valued staple crops. Using desalinated water for municipal and industrial uses can help ameliorate the stresses on the Ogallala Aquifer and enhance its longevity. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 21–36, 2018

Novelty or Significance: The study is focused on the linkages between food, energy and water in groundwater dependent agricultural economies. Using the Southern High Plains of Texas as a test‐bed, the work evaluates whether a deeper brackish groundwater resource (Dockum geological unit) can be used to augment water supplies to sustain intensive agricultural production. The study identifies various factors that limit the use of this deeper resource and quantifies the energy footprint associated with three progressively complex approaches to improve water resiliency in the region and prolong the life of the Ogallala Aquifer.
Preserved cortical asymmetry despite thinner cortex in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure and associated conditions
Authors: Zhou Dongming , Rasmussen Carmen , Pei Jacqueline , Andrew Gail , Reynolds James N. , Beaulieu Christian
Published: September 2017

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with reduced overall brain volume. Although this has been reported consistently across studies, the status of cortical thickness after PAE is more variable. The cortex is asymmetric in typical controls, but it is unclear whether the left and right counter parts of the cortical gray matter are unevenly influenced in postpartum brain development after PAE. Brain MRI was acquired in a newly recruited sample of 157 participants (PAE: N = 78, 5.5–18.9 years, 40 females and controls: N = 79, 5.8–18.5 years, 44 females) across four Canadian sites in the NeuroDevNet project. The PAE group had other confounds such as psychiatric co‐morbidity, different living environment, and so on, not present in the control group. In agreement with previous studies, the volumes of all brain structures were reduced in PAE compared to controls, including gray and white matter of cerebrum and cerebellum, and all deep gray matter including the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, caudate, putamen, and pallidum. The PAE group showed reductions in global and regional cortical thickness, while the pattern and degree of cortical thickness asymmetry were preserved in PAE participants with the greatest rightward asymmetry in the lateral parietal lobe and the greatest leftward asymmetry in the lateral frontal cortex. This persistent asymmetry reflects that the homologous left and right cortical regions followed typical relative developmental patterns in the PAE group despite being thinner bilaterally than controls. Hum Brain Mapp 39:72–88, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of paratracheal lymph nodes in laryngeal cancer with subglottic involvement
Authors: Lucioni Marco , D'Ascanio Luca , De Nardi Elena , Lionello Marco , Bertolin Andy , Rizzotto Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to present our findings on the involvement of paratracheal lymph nodes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with subglottis extension, which is controversial.

Methods

We assessed 196 patients with laryngeal SCC involving the subglottis, treated with open laryngeal surgery with or without paratracheal neck dissection (PTND). The relationship of the paratracheal lymph node metastatic pattern with laterocervical nodal status and tumor location within different subglottic subsites was analyzed. The influence of PTND on regional disease control was assessed.

Results

Paratracheal lymph nodes were affected in 12.2% of cases. An increased frequency (P = .064) of paratracheal metastasis was noticed in case of anterior subglottis extension with respect to other subsites. A correlation (P < .001) between paratracheal lymph node and laterocervical node involvement was found among subjects with posterior subglottic extension.

Conclusions

Prophylactic PTND is indicated in laryngeal SCC with anterior subglottic extension and/or posterior subglottis involvement with clinically apparent laterocervical node metastases.
Case report of a potential association between Burkholderia cepacia and preterm delivery of a twin pregnancy following in vitro fertilization
Authors: Baka Stavroula , Dramountani Mariana , Karachalios Charalambos , Michaliadis Iraklis , Kouskouni Evangelia , Panoulis Konstantinos
Published: September 2017

Vaginal colonization of Burkholderia cepacia was identified as a potentially complicating factor during a high‐risk pregnancy.
Inhibitory effects of some drugs on carbonic anhydrase enzyme purified from Kangal Akkaraman sheep in Sivas, Turkey
Authors: Koçyiğit Ümit M. , Durna Daştan Sevgi , Taslimi Parham , Daştan Taner , Gülçin İlhami
Published: September 2017

In this study, carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme was purified and characterized from blood samples of Kangal Akkaraman sheep and inhibitory properties on certain antibiotics were examined. CA purification was composed of preparation of the hemolysate and conducting the Sepharose‐4B‐tyrosine‐sulfanilamide affinity gel chromatography in having specific activity of 11626 EU mg−1, yield of 14.40%, and 242.76‐fold purification. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed to assess the enzyme purity and a single band was observed. Some antibiotics were exhibited in vitro inhibition on the CA activity. IC50 values of these inhibitors were calculated by plotting activity percentage. IC50 values of certain drugs (dexamethasone; caffeine; metamizole sodium; tetramisol; ceftiofur HCl; ivermectin; tavilin 50; penokain G; neosym; and sulfamezathine) were found as 0.38, 8.24, 285.53, 114.77, 5.33, 2.76, 27.58, 213.50, 208.28, and 36.60 μM, respectively. Ki values of different drugs on Kangal Akkaraman sheep blood CA activity were found in the range of 0.21 ± 0.038–266.64 ± 37.11 μM.
An immobilized and highly stabilized self‐sufficient monooxygenase as biocatalyst for oxidative biotransformations
Authors: Valencia Daniela , Guillén Marina , Fürst Maximilian JLJ , López‐Santín Josep , Álvaro Gregorio
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The requirement for expensive cofactors that must be efficiently recycled is one of the major factors hindering the wide implementation of industrial biocatalytic oxidation processes. In this research, a sustainable approach based on immobilized self‐sufficient Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases is discussed.

RESULTS

A bifunctional biocatalyst composed of an NADPH‐dependent cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMO) fused to an NADP+‐accepting phosphite dehydrogenase (PTDH) catalyzes ϵ‐caprolactone synthesis from cyclohexanone, using phosphite as a cheap sacrificial substrate for cofactor regeneration. Several immobilized derivatives of the fused enzyme have been prepared with high immobilization yield (97%); the one obtained by affinity adsorption on Co‐IDA (Co: cobalt chelated; IDA: iminodiacetic acid) support has shown to be highly stable affording average yields of 80% after 18 reaction cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

The immobilized self‐sufficient monooxygenase has demonstrated to be able to perform Baeyer–Villiger oxidation with efficient cofactor recovery and biocatalyst recycling. The proposed biocatalytic process offers access to valuable molecules with high atom economy and limited waste generation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous removal of selenite and phenol from wastewater in an upflow fungal pellet bioreactor
Authors: Werkneh Adhena A , Rene Eldon R , Lens Piet NL
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The simultaneous treatment of wastewater containing selenite and phenol in batch and continuous systems, inoculated with pellets of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, was evaluated in this study.

RESULTS

Synthetic oil refinery wastewater containing 15 mg L−1 selenite and 100–600 mg L−1 phenol was used in batch incubations for 5 days. Orange‐red colored pellets developed during selenite incubations in the presence of up to 400 mg L−1 of phenol, which confirms the formation of elemental selenium with removal efficiencies ranging from 57–78.5% and 75–90.8% for, respectively, phenol and selenite. Continuous experiments in two upflow fungal pelleted bioreactors (30 °C, pH 4.5, hydraulic retention time of 16.7 h) fed the synthetic oil refinery wastewater containing phenol or phenol with selenite were performed for 38 days. The maximum removal efficiency of phenol in the fungal bioreactor was 100% (up to day 26).

CONCLUSION

Selenite mass balance showed that the overall maximum removal efficiency of selenite in the presence of phenol was 67.3%. The critical phenol and selenite loading rates of the upflow bioreactors were ∼12 and 4.3 mg L−1 h−1, respectively. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of a low‐cost magnesium product for phosphorus recovery by struvite crystallization
Authors: Crutchik Dafne , Rodrigues Samuel , Ruddle David , Garrido Juan Manuel
Published: September 2017

Background

The development of a cost‐effective process of struvite crystallization requires the selection of appropriate sources of alkali and magnesium. In this study, the effectiveness of two industrial grade products, MgO and Mg(OH)2, as magnesium and alkali sources to recover phosphorus as struvite were investigated and compared in a first set of experiments. Subsequently, the use of industrial Mg(OH)2 was compared in two different struvite crystallization systems, an upflow fluidized bed reactor (FBR) and a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) coupled to a settler tank.

Results

At the same operational conditions, the consumption of MgO was higher than Mg(OH)2 consumption. Moreover, industrial Mg(OH)2 consumption for FBR and the CSTR operation was 1.6 and 1.1 1 mol Mg added mol‐1 P precipitated, respectively. This difference was caused by the high mixing intensity and the higher contact time between the Mg(OH)2 slurry and the influent in the CSTR, favouring the conversion.

Conclusions

Both industrial grade magnesium products are promising options for struvite crystallization. However, Mg(OH)2 was more effective than the starting material, MgO, to recover phosphorus. Struvite crystallization by adding an industrial grade Mg(OH)2 could be economically viable with regard to alternative physico‐chemical P removal processes using metal salts, increasing the attractiveness of this P recovery process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
In situ purification of periplasmatic L‐asparaginase by aqueous two phase systems with ionic liquids (ILs) as adjuvants
Authors: Santos João HPM , Flores‐Santos Juan C , Meneguetti Giovanna P , Rangel‐Yagui Carlota O , Coutinho João AP , Vitolo Michele , Ventura Sónia PM , Pessoa Adalberto
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

L‐asparaginase (ASNase) is an important biopharmaceutical used to treat the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphosarcoma. Considering its main use in cancer therapy, the most important request for ASNase production is the need for a highly pure biopharmaceutical obtained in the final of the downstream process, which is considered as the crucial step in its production.

RESULTS

This work proposes the use of polymer–salt aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) based on polyethylene glycol and citrate buffer, with ionic liquids (ILs) as adjuvants, combined with the permeabilization of cell membrane using n‐dodecane and glycine for the in situ purification of periplasmatic ASNase from Escherichia coli cells. The process proposed was optimized (polymer molecular weight, pH, tie‐line length/mixture point, presence, nature and concentration of the adjuvant). The results show that ASNase partitions mostly to the PEG‐rich phase, due to hydrophobic interactions between both PEG and enzyme. Remarkably, the addition of 5 wt% of 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate [C4mim][CH3SO3] as adjuvant lead to high recoveries [87.94 ± 0.03 (%)], purification factors (20.09 ± 0.35), and a final specific activity SA = 3.61 ± 0.38 U mg‐1 protein, from a crude enzyme extract with a SA = 0.18 ± 0.05 U mg‐1 protein. Moreover, better results were achieved when a prepurification step consisting of an ammonium sulfate precipitation was combined with the optimized ATPS, achieving an increased SA = 22.01 ± 1.36 U mg‐1 protein and PF = 173.8.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel integrated downstream process was successfully implemented for the in situ purification of ASNase from fermentation broth. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Prediction of overall glucose yield in hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse using a single artificial neural network: good insight for process development
Authors: Plazas Tovar Laura , Ccopa Rivera Elmer , Pinto Mariano Adriano , Wolf Maciel Maria Regina , Maciel Filho Rubens
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

In this work a single artificial neural network (ANN) was used to model the overall yield of glucose (YGLC) as a function of a wide range of operating conditions of both pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis.

RESULTS

The model was validated experimentally and presented good predictions of YGLC. Sensitivity analysis using the ANN model indicated that most of the operating parameters, except for pretreatment time, were statistically significant (P‐value <0.05). Experiments showed that the processing of sugarcane bagasse (in natura) results in a satisfactory glucose yield of 69.34% when pretreated for 60 min with low initial biomass concentration and acid concentration (10% and 1.0% w/v), and followed by enzymatic hydrolysis for 72 h with 3.0% w/v substrate loading and 60 FPU per gWIS enzyme concentration.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated how pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis data can be used to parameterize a single ANN model. Acceptable predictions of YGLC are achieved in terms of RSD, MSE and R2. Supported by the model, this study provided a good insight for process development. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Hepatitis C virus infections among clients attending an HIV testing and counseling center in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mustafizur , Hossain Mohammad Enayet , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Hasan Rashedul , Rahman Mahfuza , Sarker Md. Safiullah , Azim Tasnim
Published: September 2017

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and genotypes among 965 individuals attending an HIV testing and counseling unit in Dhaka Bangladesh during Jan‐Dec 2011 was determined. Anti‐HCV antibody was detected in 4.4% individuals; the highest rate 37.8% was in people who inject drugs (PWID) followed by that in the general population (1.3%) and less than 1% in other populations. HCV RNA was detected in 2.7%. The most common genotype was genotype 3 (88.5%) followed by genotype 1 (11.5%). A national wide surveillance for HCV infection reaching all key populations is required to assess the countywide burden and to develop appropriate treatment strategies.
Comparison of the effects of once‐weekly and once‐daily rhPTH (1–34) injections on promoting fracture healing in rodents
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhu Junxiong , Ma Teng , Liu Can , Hai Bao , Du Guohong , Wang Hong , Li Nan , Leng Huijie , Xu Yingsheng , Song Chunli
Published: September 2017

To compare the efficacy of once‐weekly and once‐daily subcutaneous injections of teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1–34) on fracture healing, 50 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to a unilateral tibia fracture and received internal fixation with a Kirschner needle. Based on the injection dose and frequency, the rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 each): subcutaneous injections of saline or 10 µg/kg/w, 20 µg/kg/w, 10 µg/kg/d, and 20 µg/kg/d teriparatide. Four weeks later, the rats were euthanatized, and the fractured tibiae were assessed using X‐rays, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, micro‐computed tomography, the three‐point bending biomechanics test, and histology. Compared to the saline control group, either daily or weekly subcutaneous injections of teriparatide significantly increased bone mass, improved the bone microarchitecture, and promoted fracture healing (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD), bone microstructure or bone strength between the 20 µg/kg/w and 10 µg/kg/d groups (p > 0.05). Teriparatide 20 µg weekly injections promoted bone fracture healing to the same extent as teriparatide 10 µg daily injections, which can dramatically decrease the cumulative dosage of teriparatide injections. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1145–1152, 2018.
Hydrogen peroxide induces programmed necrosis in rat nucleus pulposus cells through the RIP1/RIP3‐PARP‐AIF pathway
Authors: Zhao Lei , Lin Hui , Chen Songfeng , Chen Sheng , Cui Min , Shi Deyao , Wang Baichuan , Ma Kaige , Shao Zengwu
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to systematically investigate whether programmed necrosis contributes to H2O2‐induced nucleus pulposus (NP) cells death and to further explore the underlying mechanism involved. Rat NP cells were subjected to different concentrations of H2O2 for various time periods. The cell viability was measured using a cell counting kit‐8, and the death rate was detected by Hoechst 33258/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The programmed necrosis‐related molecules receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIP1), receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3), poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The morphologic and ultrastructural changes were examined by phasecontrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the necroptosis inhibitor Necrostatin‐1 (Nec‐1), the PARP inhibitor diphenyl‐benzoquinone (DPQ) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology were used to indirectly evaluate programmed necrosis. Our results indicated that H2O2 induced necrotic morphologic and ultrastructural changes and an elevated PI positive rate in NP cells; these effects were mediated by the upregulation of RIP1 and RIP3, hyperactivation of PARP, and translocation of AIF from mitochondria to nucleus. Additionally, NP cells necrosis was significantly attenuated by Nec‐1, DPQ pretreatment and knockdown of RIP3 and AIF, while knockdown of RIP1 produced the opposite effects. In conclusion, these results suggested that under oxidative stress, RIP1/RIP3‐mediated programmed necrosis, executed through the PARP‐AIF pathway, played an important role in NP cell death. Protective strategies aiming to regulate programmed necrosis may exert a beneficial effect for NP cells survival, and ultimately retard intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1269–1282, 2018.
Raman spectroscopy in black phosphorus
Authors: Ribeiro Henrique B. , Pimenta Marcos A. , de Matos Christiano J.S.
Published: September 2017

In this article, we review the current status of Raman spectroscopy in orthorhombic black phosphorus (BP) (for simplicity, henceforth, referred to as BP). BP is a layered semiconductor crystal that recently regained interest because it can be exfoliated down to the single layer, thus exhibiting 2‐D properties. First, we briefly review the crystalline structure and the phonon dispersion relations in BP. Then, the symmetries of the Raman‐active modes are discussed in the light of group theory, and the scattering configurations for observing the different phonon modes are presented. Polarized Raman spectroscopy results are discussed and reveal unusual angular dependence features, which can be ascribed to the linear dichroism and to the complex nature of the electron–phonon matrix elements. Edge phonon effects originated from rearrangements of the atomic terminations are also discussed. Subsequently, Raman modes that emerge from interlayer interaction and that are only visible in the few‐layer regime are presented and discussed. Finally, we outline new perspectives to BP Raman spectroscopy in directions that remain partially or totally unexplored and that can provide potentially important outcomes to problems such as defects, oxidation, doping, strain, stacking order and other BP‐like 2‐D materials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical imaging of colour pigments used in Japanese woodblock prints using Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Minamikawa Takeo , Nagai Daiki , Kaneko Takaaki , Taniguchi Ittetsu , Ando Mariko , Akama Ryo , Takenaka Kenji
Published: September 2017

Ukiyo‐e printing is a traditional Japanese multicolour woodblock printing style that flourished during the 18th century. Although this genre subsequently experienced a decline, interest in it has since re‐emerged. However, the materials and carving and printing technologies originally used to produce ukiyo‐e prints remain unclear due to a lack of technical information. In this study, we performed non‐invasive molecular imaging of the colour pigments in recently reproduced and original ukiyo‐e prints using Raman microspectroscopy to investigate ukiyo‐e production technologies. First, to confirm the effectiveness of this method, we obtained Raman spectral images of an ukiyo‐e print, Ohisa with a fan, that was recently reproduced using the current ukiyo‐e production protocols. The pigment species were easily identified based on their Raman spectra, and small pigment granules were observed along the paper fibres. Furthermore, we performed Raman microspectroscopy of an original ukiyo‐e print, Kabuki Actor Iwai Hanshirô VIII as Miuraya no Agemaki. Some pigment species were revealed by the Raman spectra. We also obtained high‐spatial‐resolution pigment distribution images and observed characteristic inhomogeneous colour pigment aggregations on and between the paper fibres depending on the reproduced and the original ukiyo‐e prints. Our results indicate that Raman microspectroscopy is a promising technique for determining the original ukiyo‐e print production technologies that are currently unknown.
The feasibility of a search filter for the adverse effects of nondrug interventions in MEDLINE and Embase
Authors: Golder Su , Wright Kath , Loke Yoon K.
Published: September 2017

Authors and indexers are increasingly including terms for adverse drug effects in the titles, abstracts, or indexing of records in MEDLINE and Embase. However, it is not clear if this is the same for studies with nondrug adverse effects data.

We therefore assessed the feasibility of using adverse effects terms when searching MEDLINE or Embase to retrieve papers of nondrug adverse effects.

A collection of papers that reported data on nondrug adverse effects was sought from included studies of systematic reviews. Each included study was analysed to ascertain whether the corresponding record in MEDLINE and Embase included adverse effects terms in the title, abstract, or indexing.

From 9129 records screened from DARE, 30 reviews evaluating nondrug adverse effects met our inclusion criteria. From these, 635 unique papers were included in our analysis.

Sensitive searches for adverse effects required generic and specific named adverse effects terms using the title, abstract, and indexing. Records relating to surgical interventions were more likely to contain adverse effects terms than records relating to nonsurgical interventions. Using any adverse effects terms in the title, abstract or indexing in MEDLINE and Embase would have identified an average of 94% of papers on surgical adverse effect interventions per systematic review and 72% of papers on nonsurgical adverse effects per systematic review.

Hence, while a generic nondrug adverse effect search filter may not yet be feasible, a filter for the adverse effects of surgical interventions may be within reach.
Differentiation of glycated residue numbers on heat‐induced structural changes of bovine serum albumin
Authors: Liu Jianlei , Xing Xiaojuan , Jing Hao
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Glycation is an approach in dealing with heat‐induced protein aggregation. The relationship between degree of glycation and heat‐induced structural changes is still unclear. The present work investigates the effect of different numbers and sites of glycated residues on heat‐induced structural changes of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Glycation of BSA was carried out with xylose (Xyl) and galactose (Gal) by Maillard reaction. Glycated residues in BSA were identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and heat‐induced protein structural changes were characterized by fluorescence emission and synchronous fluorescence spectra, 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and circular dichroism (CD) spectra.

RESULTS

The numbers of glycated residues were 2 and 13 when BSA was glycated by Gal (BSA − Gal) and Xyl (BSA − Xyl), respectively. There were shifts of maximum wavelengths and decreases in fluorescence intensities for both intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescences; shifts of FTIR amide I, III, and A bands; and decrease or increase of CD band intensities, α‐helix and β‐sheet percentages when BSA was heated. Glycation with Gal or Xyl restrained in similar degrees those changes, including fluorescence wavelengths, amide I band, CD band intensities, and α‐helix and β‐sheet percentages.

CONCLUSION

Xyl glycated more residues than Gal, while their effects were similar in restraining heat‐induced BSA structural changes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Uptake of heavy metals and arsenic in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae grown on seaweed‐enriched media
Authors: Biancarosa Irene , Liland Nina S , Biemans Daan , Araujo Pedro , Bruckner Christian G , Waagbø Rune , Torstensen Bente E , Lock Erik‐Jan , Amlund Heidi
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is one of the most promising insect species for use in animal feed. However, studies investigating feed and food safety aspects of using black soldier fly as feed are scarce. In this study, we fed black soldier fly larvae feeding media enriched with seaweed, which contains naturally high concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential transfer of such undesirable substances from the feeding media to the larvae.

RESULTS

The larvae accumulated cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic. Concentrations of these elements in the larvae increased when more seaweed was added to the feeding media. The highest retention was seen for cadmium (up to 93%) and the lowest for total arsenic (up to 22%). When seaweed inclusion exceeded 20% in the media, this resulted in larval concentrations of cadmium and total arsenic above the current European Union maximum levels for these elements in complete feed.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm that insect larvae can accumulate heavy metals and arsenic when present in the feeding media. A broader understanding of the occurrence of these undesirable substances in processed larvae products is needed to assess feed and food safety. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of immediate‐release niacin and dietary fatty acids on acute insulin and lipid status in individuals with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Montserrat‐de la Paz Sergio , Lopez Sergio , Bermudez Beatriz , Guerrero Juan M , Abia Rocio , Muriana Francisco JG
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The nature of dietary fats profoundly affects postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and glucose homeostasis. Niacin is a potent lipid‐lowering agent. However, limited data exist on postprandial triglycerides and glycemic control following co‐administration of high‐fat meals with a single dose of niacin in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the study was to explore whether a fat challenge containing predominantly saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or MUFAs plus omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated (LCPUFAs) fatty acids together with a single dose of immediate‐release niacin have a relevant role in postprandial insulin and lipid status in subjects with MetS.

RESULTS

In a randomized crossover within‐subject design, 16 men with MetS were given a single dose of immediate‐release niacin (2 g) and ∼15 cal kg−1 body weight meals containing either SFAs, MUFAs, MUFAs plus omega‐3 LCPUFAs or no fat. At baseline and hourly over 6 h, plasma glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, triglycerides, free fatty acids (FFAs), total cholesterol, and both high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were assessed. Co‐administered with niacin, high‐fat meals significantly increased the postprandial concentrations of glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, triglycerides, FFAs and postprandial indices of β‐cell function. However, postprandial indices of insulin sensitivity were significantly decreased. These effects were significantly attenuated with MUFAs or MUFAs plus omega‐3 LCPUFAs when compared with SFAs.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of niacin co‐administration and compared to dietary SFAs, MUFAs limit the postprandial insulin, triglyceride and FFA excursions, and improve postprandial glucose homeostasis in MetS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry