bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of storage time and temperature on recovery of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A
Authors: Presser Elise , Simuyandi Michelo , Brown Joe
Published: February 2014

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the optimal storage temperature to minimise degradation of salivary s‐IgA for field‐based surveillance applications in resource‐limited settings.

Methods

Saliva samples from 40 Zambian adults were stored at +25°C, +4°C, −20°C, and −80°C and each tested by ELISA for salivary s‐IgA concentration at 0, 1, 2, 7, and 15 days. Differences were determined among concentrations over time and temperature compared with baseline values. Kruskal‐Wallis tests were applied to analyse variance. Single and multivariate regression analyses estimated the influence of storage time and temperature on recoverable s‐IgA.

Results

Results revealed a statistically significant decrease in salivary s‐IgA concentration as storage time increased and as temperature decreased. Degradation during storage time was most pronounced at lower temperatures.

Conclusions

s‐IgA is stable at ambient temperatures in Zambia for at least 15 days, suggesting no need for cold chain handling before analysis in field‐based surveillance applications. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:417–420, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of outcome of radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinates
Authors: Sahin‐Yilmaz Asli , Oysu Çağatay , Devecioglu Ibrahim , Demir Kadri , Corey Jacquelynne P.
Published: February 2014

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the turbinates is used commonly for nasal obstruction; however, there is no consensus on patient selection for this surgery.

Methods

In a prospective clinical study, 53 adult subjects with bilateral turbinate hypertrophy were evaluated subjectively and objectively with anterior rhinomanometry at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐RFA of turbinates.

Results

RFA of the turbinates resulted in a significant decrease in predecongestant and postdecongestant visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and resistance measurements at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6 (p < 0.001 for all). Preoperative baseline subjective response to the decongestant showed a positive correlation with postoperative first month subjective and objective outcome (p < 0.05). Preoperative baseline objective response to the decongestant showed a highly significant correlation with postoperative 1‐month, 3‐month, and 6‐month objective outcomes of surgery (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Objective measures do not correlate with long‐term subjective satisfaction even when the nose is objectively patent in subjects who underwent inferior turbinate RFA. The patients’ long‐term subjective benefit from RFA surgery cannot be estimated after a rhinomanometry with topical decongestion is performed. Performing a rhinomanometry with topical decongestion may help only to estimate the patients’ objective benefit from RFA surgery.
Copper(II)‐Catalyzed Silylation of Activated Alkynes in Water: Diastereodivergent Access to E‐ or Z‐β‐Silyl‐α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl and Carboxyl Compounds
Authors: Calderone Joseph A. , Santos Webster L.
Published: February 2014

Copper(II)‐catalyzed silylation of substituted alkynylcarbonyl compounds was investigated. Through the activation of Me2PhSiBpin in water at room temperature and open atmosphere, vinylsilanes conjugated to carbonyl groups are synthesized in high yield. A surprising diastereodivergent access to olefin geometry was discovered using a silyl conjugate addition strategy: aldehydes and ketones were Z selective while esters and amides were exclusively transformed into the E products.
Ozonated Graphene Oxide Film as a Proton‐Exchange Membrane
Authors: Gao Wei , Wu Gang , Janicke Michael T. , Cullen David A. , Mukundan Rangachary , Baldwin Jon K. , Brosha Eric L. , Galande Charudatta , Ajayan Pulickel M. , More Karren L. , Dattelbaum Andrew M. , Zelenay Piotr
Published: February 2014

Graphene oxide (GO) contains several chemical functional groups that are attached to the graphite basal plane and can be manipulated to tailor GO for specific applications. It is now revealed that the reaction of GO with ozone results in a high level of oxidation, which leads to significantly improved ionic (protonic) conductivity of the GO. Freestanding ozonated GO films were synthesized and used as efficient polymer electrolyte fuel cell membranes. The increase in protonic conductivity of the ozonated GO originates from enhanced proton hopping, which is due to the higher content of oxygenated functional groups in the basal planes and edges of ozonated GO as well as the morphology changes in GO that are caused by ozonation. The results of this study demonstrate that the modification of dispersed GO presents a powerful opportunity for optimizing a nanoscale material for proton‐exchange membranes.
Aryl Formate as Bifunctional Reagent: Applications in Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Coupling Reactions Using In Situ Generated CO
Authors: Li Haoquan , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2014

After decades of development, carbonylation reactions have become one of the most powerful tools in modern organic synthesis. However, the requirement of CO gas limits the applications of such reactions. Reported herein is a versatile and practical protocol for carbonylative reactions which rely on the cooperation of phenyl formate and nonaflate, and the generation of CO in situ. This protocol has a high functional‐group tolerance and could be applied in carbonylations with C, N, and, O nucleophiles. The corresponding amides, alkynones, furanones, and aryl benzoates were synthesized in good yields.
Catalytic Asymmetric Transannulation of NH‐1,2,3‐Triazoles with Olefins
Authors: Kwok Sen Wai , Zhang Li , Grimster Neil P. , Fokin Valery V.
Published: February 2014

A convenient one‐pot asymmetric synthesis of 2,3‐dihydropyrroles from in situ generated triflated triazoles and olefins is described that further expands the utility of azavinyl carbene chemistry and provides access to an important class of cyclic enamides. Mechanistic investigations support the involvement of triflated cyclopropylaldimine intermediates in the formation of 2,3‐dihydropyrrole. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed rearrangement of cyclopropylimines into enantioenriched 2,3‐dihydropyrroles.
Palladium‐catalyzed carbonylation of quaternary ammonium halides to tertiary amides
Authors: Lei Yizhu , Zhang Rui , Wu Linjuan , Wu Qing , Mei Hui , Li Guangxing
Published: February 2014

Catalytic carbonylation of quaternary ammonium salts under anhydrous conditions was investigated using palladium catalyst. The carbonylation of tetramethylammonium iodide was chosen as a model reaction and studied systematically. Ligand‐free PdCl2 showed efficient catalytic performance for this transformation. A palladium catalyst loading as low as 0.05 mol% was sufficient for high yield (96.9%) of N,N‐dimethylacetamide, corresponding to a turnover frequency of 242 h−1. Under optimum conditions, several other quaternary ammonium halides were also carbonylated to corresponding tertiary amides in moderate to excellent yields. The catalytic activity of commercial palladium on activated carbon (Pd/C) catalyst was also evaluated. The Pd/C catalyst exhibited high activity for this carbonylation reaction and could be recycled six times with a slight decrease in activity. Furthermore, mechanistic considerations concerning Pd‐catalyzed carbonylation of quaternary ammonium halides were also discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of cationic nickel(II) compounds for butadiene polymerization
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Xu , Liu Heng , Zhang Xuequan , Sun Guangping , Zhang Hexin
Published: February 2014

A series of cationic nickel(II) compounds with various counter ions ([BF4]–, [CF3SO3]–) and N‐bearing ligands (1,10‐phenanthroline, benzimidazole and terpyridine) were synthesized. The simple compound, Ni(Phen)2Cl2, was prepared as a reference compound. All title compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, and infrared spectra analyses and compounds, some specific ones, were further examined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Upon treatment with ethylaluminum sesquichloride, these nickel(II) compounds exhibited high activities (up to 88.5%/4 h) for butadiene polymerization and afforded liquid polybutadiene (Mw < 30,000) with a high cis‐content (up to 92.1%). Various polymerization conditions were investigated in detail, and it was found that less steric hindrance of the ligands enhanced the catalytic activities of the nickel(II) compounds. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40511.
Rheological behavior of cellulose nanocrystal suspension: Influence of concentration and aspect ratio
Authors: Wu Qiang , Meng Yujie , Wang Siqun , Li Yanjun , Fu Shenyun , Ma Lingfei , Harper David
Published: February 2014

The steady and dynamic rheological behaviors of two cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions were investigated over a wide range of concentrations. The viscosity, storage and loss modules increased with increasing CNC concentration, and both CNC suspensions showed three regions in a viscosity‐concentration graph. The two critical concentrations depended on the aspect ratio and corresponded to the overlap and gelation concentration. Because of the higher aspect ratio, switchgrass CNC suspension transitioned into a biphasic state and formed a hydrogel at lower concentrations than those of cotton CNC suspensions. Furthermore, the complex viscosities of both CNC suspensions were higher than their steady viscosities; therefore, neither CNC suspension followed the Cox–Merz rule, which may be attributed to the existence of a liquid crystal domain in each suspension. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40525.
Increased 2,3‐butanediol production by changing codon usages in Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Seo‐Young , Kim Borim , Lee Soojin , Oh Minkyu , Won Jong‐In , Lee Jinwon
Published: February 2014

The natural microorganism Escherichia coli without modification is not suitable for the efficient production of 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BD) on an industrial scale because of its poor metabolic performance. Metabolic capacities of E. coli have been improved to produce 2,3‐BD efficiently, the performance of which is possible for producing such a product. Codon optimization with the ribosome‐binding site for the efficient production of target genes (budA and budC) was achieved by molecular engineering, which allowed the metabolic engineering to proceed to the next level. As a result, comparing the productivity in 26 H, where the amount of p18COR was 1.04 g/L and that of p18WTR was 0.41 g/L, represents an approximate 60.6% increase in the productivity of the p18WTR with codon optimization. In other words, p18COR was 2.54‐fold greater than p18WTR in the production of 2,3‐BD.
Anti‐senescence effect of FatI gene in goat somatic cells
Authors: Sun Xing‐Hong , Sun Xiao‐Feng , Ma Jin‐Mei , Liu Huan‐Qi , Min Ling‐Jiang , Pan Qing‐Jie , Qin Guo‐Qing , Shen Wei , Li Lan
Published: February 2014

The fatty acid dehydrogenase I (FatI) is able to express in mammalian cells and convert n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to n‐3 PUFAs. n‐3 PUFA is an important component of the cell membrane and plays an important role in the prevention and control of a variety of human diseases. However, n‐3 PUFAs cannot be endogenously synthesized by mammals because they lack the dehydrogenase that converts n‐6 to n‐3 PUFA. For the time being, gradually matured transgenic technology makes it possible to produce transgenic animals that are able to synthesize n‐3 PUFAs by themselves. However, the transgenic technology itself may bring negative impacts. In this study, the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1‐FatI was introduced into the genome of Boer goat fetal fibroblasts cultured in vitro, and the influence of biological characteristics of the fetal fibroblast was studied via overexpression of FatI. The results showed that the proliferation and apoptosis of cultured fetal fibroblast were not affected significantly by the overexpression of FatI using BrdU and TUNEL staining methods, respectively. Moreover, the overexpression of FatI significantly inhibited the senescence of somatic cells compared with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic cells (P < 0.01). Quantitative PCR revealed that the mRNA expression of P16 and P53 in the FatI transgenic cell group was significantly lower than that in the EGFP transgenic cell group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the senescence of goat somatic cells was inhibited by the overexpression of the FatI gene.
Congenital anomalies identified at birth among infants born following assisted reproductive technology in colorado
Authors: Moses X.J. Ethan , Torres Tirsa , Rasmussen Anna , George Christopher
Published: February 2014

Background

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has assisted many infertile couples in conceiving. Despite increasing use in the United States, the association between ART and congenital anomalies remains a highly contested subject. We conducted a study to examine the risk of congenital anomalies among infants conceived using ART.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 344,567 infants born in Colorado from 2007 to 2011 was conducted using data obtained from the Colorado Birth Certificate Database. The incidence of congenital anomalies identified at birth following conception with ART was assessed and compared with all naturally conceived infants born during the same time period. The odds ratio was calculated using multiple logistic regression after adjusting for multiple confounders.

Results

Of 2071 infants, 23 (1.11%) conceived using ART had a congenital anomaly identified at birth compared with 3826 (1.12%) of 342,496 infants conceived naturally. The adjusted odds ratio of a congenital anomaly among infants born following conception with ART was 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 0.67–1.52). The proportion of infants born following usage of ART in Colorado has not changed significantly (p = 0.20) from 2007 to 2011 with an overall proportion of 0.60% (range 0.52–0.64%), while the incidence of congenital anomalies has decreased significantly (p = 0.002) during the study years with an average of 1.12% (range, 0.92–1.25%).

Conclusion

This study suggests that conception by means of ART is not associated with an increased risk of congenital abnormalities identified by birth certificate data in Colorado when compared with births following natural conception. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:92–99, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐carbon metabolite levels in mid‐pregnancy and risks of conotruncal heart defects
Authors: Shaw Gary M. , Yang Wei , Carmichael Suzan L. , Vollset Stein Emil , Hobbs Charlotte A. , Lammer Edward J. , Ueland Per M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Evidence exists for an association between use of vitamin supplements with folic acid in early pregnancy and reduced risk for offspring with conotruncal heart defects. A few observations have been made about nutrients related to one‐carbon metabolism other than folate. Our prospective study attempted to extend information on nutrition and conotruncal heart defects by measuring analytes in mid‐pregnancy sera.

Methods

This study included data from a repository of women's mid‐pregnancy serum specimens based on screened pregnancies in California from 2002–2007. Each woman's specimen was linked with delivery information to determine whether her fetus had a conotruncal heart defect or another structural malformation, or was nonmalformed. We identified 140 conotruncal cases and randomly selected 280 specimens as nonmalformed controls. Specimens were tested for a variety of analytes, including homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, folate, vitamin B12, pyridoxal phosphate, pyridoxal, pyridoxic acid, riboflavin, total choline, betaine, methionine, cysteine, cystathionine, arginine, asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine.

Results and Conclusions

We did not observe statistical evidence for substantial differences between cases and controls for any of the measured analytes.

Analyses specifically targeting B‐vitamins also did not reveal differences between cases and controls. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:107–115, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classical endocannabinoid‐like compounds and their regulation by nutrients
Authors: Kleberg Karen , Hassing Helle A. , Hansen Harald S.
Published: February 2014

Endocannabinoid‐like compounds are structurally related to the true endocannabinoids but do not contain highly unsaturated fatty acids, and they do not bind the cannabinoid receptors. The classical endocannabinoid‐like compounds include N‐acylethanolamines and 2‐monoacylglycerols, and their structural resemblance to the endocannabinoids makes them players in the endocannabinoid system, where they can interfere with the actions of the true endocannabinoids, because they in several cases engage the same synthesizing and degrading enzymes. In addition they have pharmacological actions of their own, which are particularly interesting in a nutritional and metabolic context. Exogenously supplied oleoylethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and linoleoylethanolamide have anorexic effects, and the endogenous formation of these N‐acylethanolamines in the small intestine may serve an important role in regulating food intake, through signaling via PPARα and the vagus nerve to the brain appetite center. A chronic high‐fat diet will decrease intestinal levels of these anorectic N‐acylethanolamines and this may contribute to the hyperphagic effect of high‐fat diet; 2‐monoacylglycerols mediate endocrine responses in the small intestine; probably trough activation of GPR119 on enteroendocrine cells, and diet‐derived 2‐monoacylglycerols, for example, 2‐oleoylglycerol and 2‐palmitoylglycerol might be important for intestinal fat sensing. Whether these 2‐monoacylglycerols have signaling functions in other tissues is unclear at present. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(4):363–372, 2014
Repurposing of gallium‐based drugs for antibacterial therapy
Authors: Bonchi Carlo , Imperi Francesco , Minandri Fabrizia , Visca Paolo , Frangipani Emanuela
Published: February 2014

While the occurrence and spread of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens is vanishing current anti‐infective therapies, the antibiotic discovery pipeline is drying up. In the last years, the repurposing of existing drugs for new clinical applications has become a major research area in drug discovery, also in the field of anti‐infectives. This review discusses the potential of repurposing previously approved gallium formulations in antibacterial chemotherapy. Gallium has no proven function in biological systems, but it can act as an iron‐mimetic in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The activity of gallium mostly relies on its ability to replace iron in redox enzymes, thus impairing their function and ultimately hampering cell growth. Cancer cells and bacteria are preferential gallium targets due to their active metabolism and fast growth. The wealth of knowledge on the pharmacological properties of gallium has opened the door to the repurposing of gallium‐based drugs for the treatment of infections sustained by antibiotic‐resistant bacterial pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and for suppression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth. The promising antibacterial activity of gallium both in vitro and in different animal models of infection raises the hope that gallium will confirm its efficacy in clinical trials, and will become a valuable therapeutic option to cure otherwise untreatable bacterial infections. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(3):303–312, 2014
Management of suspected anastomotic leak after bariatric laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass
Authors: Jacobsen H J , Nergard B J , Leifsson B G , Frederiksen S G , Agajahni E , Ekelund M , Hedenbro J , Gislason H
Published: February 2014

Background

Anastomotic leak is one of the most serious complications following bariatric laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and associated with high morbidity rates and prolonged hospital stay. Timely management is of utmost importance for the clinical outcome. This study evaluated the approach to suspected leakage in a high-volume bariatric surgery unit.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent LRYGB performed by the same team of surgeons were registered prospectively in a clinical database from September 2005 to June 2012. Suspected leaks were identified based on either clinical suspicion and/or associated laboratory values, or by a complication severity grade of at least II using the Clavien–Dindo score.

Results

A total of 6030 patients underwent LRYGB during the study period. The leakage rate was 1·1 per cent (64 patients). Forty-five leaks (70 per cent) were treated surgically and 19 (30 per cent) conservatively. Eight (13 per cent) of 64 patients needed intensive care and the mortality rate was 3 per cent (2 of 64). Early leaks (developing in 5 days or fewer after LRYGB) were treated by suture of the defect in 20 of 22 patients and/or operative drainage in 13. Late leaks (after 5 days) were managed with operative drainage in 19 of 23 patients and insertion of a gastrostomy tube in 15. Patients who underwent surgical treatment early after the symptoms of leakage developed had a shorter hospital stay than those who had symptoms for more than 24 h before reoperation (12·5 versus 24·4 days respectively; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Clinical suspicion of an anastomotic leak should prompt an aggressive surgical approach without undue delay. Early operative treatment was associated with shorter hospital stay. Delays in treatment, including patient delay, after symptom development were associated with adverse outcomes.
Comparison of fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in symptomatic carotid artery and stable femoral artery plaques
Authors: Shaikh S , Welch A , Ramalingam S L , Murray A , Wilson H M , McKiddie F , Brittenden J
Published: February 2014

Background

Fluorine-18-labelled fluoroxdeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to evaluate atherosclerotic plaque metabolic activity, and through its uptake by macrophages is believed to have the potential to identify vulnerable plaques. The aims were to compare FDG uptake in carotid plaques from patients who had sustained a recent thromboembolic cerebrovascular event with that in femoral artery plaques from patients with leg ischaemia, and to correlate FDG uptake with the proportion of M1 and M2 macrophages present.

Methods

Consecutive patients who had carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic, significant carotid stenosis and patients with severe leg ischaemia and significant stenosis of the common femoral artery underwent FDG-PET and histological plaque analysis. The voxel with the greatest activity in the region of interest was calculated using the Patlak method over 60 min. Plaques were dual-stained for CD68, and M1 and M2 macrophage subsets.

Results

There were 29 carotid and 25 femoral artery plaques for study. The maximum dynamic uptake was similar in carotid compared with femoral plaques: median (range) 9·7 (7·1–12·2) versus 10·0 (7·4–16·6) respectively (P = 0·281). CD68 macrophage counts were significantly increased in carotid compared with femoral plaques (39·5 (33·9–50·1) versus 11·5 (7·7–21·3) respectively; P < 0·001), as was the proportion of M1 proinflammatory macrophages. The degree of carotid stenosis correlated with the maximum dynamic FDG uptake (rs = 0·48, P = 0·008).

Conclusion

FDG uptake was no greater in symptomatic carotid plaques than in the less inflammatory femoral plaques. In patients on statin therapy. FDG uptake occurred in areas of significant arterial stenosis, irrespective of the degree of inflammation.
Design of a comprehensive biochemistry and molecular biology experiment: Phase variation caused by recombinational regulation of bacterial gene expression
Authors: Sheng Xiumei , Xu Shungao , Lu Renyun , Isaac Dadzie , Zhang Xueyi , Zhang Haifang , Wang Huifang , Qiao Zheng , Huang Xinxiang
Published: February 2014

Scientific experiments are indispensable parts of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In this study, a comprehensive Biochemistry and Molecular Biology experiment about Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Flagellar phase variation has been designed. It consisted of three parts, namely, inducement of bacterial Flagellar phase variation, antibody agglutination test, and PCR analysis. Phase variation was observed by baterial motility assay and identified by antibody agglutination test and PCR analysis. This comprehensive experiment can be performed to help students improve their ability to use the knowledge acquired in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(3):XXXXX–XXXXX, 2014.
Problem‐solving test: Transport of a viral protein in a cell‐free system
Authors: Szeberényi József
Published: February 2014

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: protein glycosylation, glycoprotein, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, mannose, oligosaccharide, free polysomes, cell fractionation, [35S]methionine; pulse labeling; nuclear fraction, mitochondrial fraction, microsomal fraction, cytosol, gel electrophoresis, autoradiography, trypsin, deoxycholate, detergent, sucrose density gradient, isopycnic gradient centrifugation © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(2):174–177, 2014
The role of kappa opioid receptors in stress‐induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in rats
Authors: Funk Douglas , Coen Kathleen , Lê A. D.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Stress is related to heavy alcohol use and relapse in alcoholics. Using the reinstatement model, we have shown that corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) underlies stress‐induced relapse to alcohol seeking in laboratory rodents. Little is known about how other neurotransmitters interact with CRF in these effects. Dynorphin and its receptor (kappa opioid receptor, KOR) are involved in stress responses and in alcohol seeking. KOR and CRF receptors (CRF R) may interact in the production of stress‐related behaviors but it is not known whether this interaction is involved in reinstatement of alcohol seeking.

Methods

Male Long Evans rats were trained to self‐administer alcohol (12% w/v). After extinction of responding, we determined the effects of the KOR agonist, U50,488 (2.5, 5 mg/kg) on reinstatement of alcohol seeking, and their sensitivity to the selective KOR antagonist nor‐binaltorphimine dihydrochloride (nor‐BNI) (10 mg/kg) administered at different times before U50,488. We then examined the effects of nor‐BNI on reinstatement induced by the stressor yohimbine (1.25 mg/kg) and on reinstatement induced by exposure to alcohol‐associated cues . Finally, we determined whether CRF R1 blockade with antalarmin (10, 20 mg/kg) attenuates alcohol seeking induced by U50,488.

Results

U50,488 reinstated alcohol seeking. Prior treatment with nor‐BNI 2, but not 24 h before administration of U50,488 or yohimbine blocked reinstatement induced by these drugs. Cue‐induced reinstatement was blocked by nor‐BNI administered 2 h prior to testing. Finally, U50,488‐induced reinstatement was blocked by antalarmin.

Conclusions

These data further support a role for KOR in reinstatement of alcohol seeking under nonstress and stressful conditions and that KOR and CRF R interact in these effects.
Multivariate statistical monitoring as applied to clean‐in‐place (CIP) and steam‐in‐place (SIP) operations in biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Authors: Roy Kevin , Undey Cenk , Mistretta Thomas , Naugle Gregory , Sodhi Manbir
Published: February 2014

Multivariate statistical process monitoring (MSPM) is becoming increasingly utilized to further enhance process monitoring in the biopharmaceutical industry. MSPM can play a critical role when there are many measurements and these measurements are highly correlated, as is typical for many biopharmaceutical operations. Specifically, for processes such as cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) and steaming‐in‐place (SIP, also known as sterilization‐in‐place), control systems typically oversee the execution of the cycles, and verification of the outcome is based on offline assays. These offline assays add to delays and corrective actions may require additional setup times. Moreover, this conventional approach does not take interactive effects of process variables into account and cycle optimization opportunities as well as salient trends in the process may be missed. Therefore, more proactive and holistic online continued verification approaches are desirable. This article demonstrates the application of real‐time MSPM to processes such as CIP and SIP with industrial examples. The proposed approach has significant potential for facilitating enhanced continuous verification, improved process understanding, abnormal situation detection, and predictive monitoring, as applied to CIP and SIP operations. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:505–515, 2014
Assessment of the effect of triton X‐114 on the physicochemical properties of an antibody fragment
Authors: Malpiedi Luciana P. , Nerli Bibiana B. , Abdalla Dulcineia S. P. , Pessoa Adalberto
Published: February 2014

The effect of Triton X‐114 on the physicochemical properties of a single‐chain antibody fragment (scFv) has been studied. According to the far UV circular dichroism spectroscopy, the secondary structure of the recombinant antibody was not significantly affected by the presence of Triton. From the antibody tertiary structure analysis, it was found that the surfactant could be located around the tryptophan molecules accessible to the solvent, diminishing the polarity of its environment but maintaining most of the protein structure integrity. However, in certain conditions of high temperature and high concentration of denaturant molecules, the presence of TX could compromise the antibody fragment stability. These results represent a previous step in designing scFv purification protocols and should be considered prior to developing scFv liquid–liquid extraction procedures. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:554–561, 2014
Differential effects of cyclic stretch on bFGF‐ and VEGF‐induced sprouting angiogenesis
Authors: Wilkins Justin R. , Pike Daniel B. , Gibson Christopher C. , Kubota Atsutoshi , Shiu Yan‐Ting
Published: February 2014

How mechanical factors affect angiogenesis and how they and chemical angiogenic factors work in concert remain not yet well‐understood. This study investigated the interactive effects of cyclic uniaxial stretch and two potent proangiogenic molecules [basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] on angiogenesis using a stretchable three‐dimensional (3‐D) cell culture model. Endothelial cells seeded atop a 3‐D collagen gel underwent sprouting angiogenesis while being subjected to either 10 or 20% cyclic uniaxial stretch at a frequency of either 1/12 or 1 Hz, in conjunction with an elevated concentration of bFGF or VEGF. Without the presence of additional growth factors, 10 and 20% stretch at 1 Hz induced angiogenesis and the perpendicular alignment of new sprouts, and both inductive effects were abolished by cytochalasin D (an actin polymerization inhibitor). While “10% stretch at 1 Hz,” “20% stretch at 1 Hz,” bFGF, and VEGF were strong angiogenesis stimulants individually, only the combination of “20% stretch at 1 Hz” and bFGF had an additive effect on inducing new sprouts. Interestingly, the combination of “20% stretch at a lower frequency (1/12 Hz)” and bFGF decreased sprouting angiogenesis, even though the level of perpendicular alignment of new sprouts was the same for both stretch frequencies. Taken together, these results demonstrate that both stretch frequency and magnitude, along with interactions with various growth factors, are essential in mediating formation of endothelial sprouts and vascular patterning. Furthermore, work in this area is warranted to elucidate synergistic or competitive signaling mechanisms. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:879–888, 2014
Perfusion seed cultures improve biopharmaceutical fed‐batch production capacity and product quality
Authors: Yang William C. , Lu Jiuyi , Kwiatkowski Chris , Yuan Hang , Kshirsagar Rashmi , Ryll Thomas , Huang Yao‐Ming
Published: February 2014

Volumetric productivity and product quality are two key performance indicators for any biopharmaceutical cell culture process. In this work, we showed proof‐of‐concept for improving both through the use of alternating tangential flow perfusion seed cultures coupled with high‐seed fed‐batch production cultures. First, we optimized the perfusion N‐1 stage, the seed train bioreactor stage immediately prior to the production bioreactor stage, to minimize the consumption of perfusion media for one CHO cell line and then successfully applied the optimized perfusion process to a different CHO cell line. Exponential growth was observed throughout the N‐1 duration, reaching >40 × 106 vc/mL at the end of the perfusion N‐1 stage. The cultures were subsequently split into high‐seed (10 × 106 vc/mL) fed‐batch production cultures. This strategy significantly shortened the culture duration. The high‐seed fed‐batch production processes for cell lines A and B reached 5 g/L titer in 12 days, while their respective low‐seed processes reached the same titer in 17 days. The shortened production culture duration potentially generates a 30% increase in manufacturing capacity while yielding comparable product quality. When perfusion N‐1 and high‐seed fed‐batch production were applied to cell line C, higher levels of the active protein were obtained, compared to the low‐seed process. This, combined with correspondingly lower levels of the inactive species, can enhance the overall process yield for the active species. Using three different CHO cell lines, we showed that perfusion seed cultures can optimize capacity utilization and improve process efficiency by increasing volumetric productivity while maintaining or improving product quality. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:616–625, 2014
Minimizing femoral artery access complications during percutaneous coronary intervention: A comprehensive review
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Applegate Bob , Rao Sunil V. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Seto Arnold , Stone Gregg W.
Published: February 2014

Major bleeding complications after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) increase patient morbidity, prolong the hospital stay and costs, and are associated with reduced survival. Transfemoral access is still preferred at many centers given its familiarity and ease of use and is necessary in cases where large bore access is needed. Multimodality imaging with fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, and angiography can facilitate proper puncture of the common femoral artery. A proper technique (which includes femoral artery puncture and vascular access site closure) associated with adequate pharmacotherapy (both during PCI and peri‐procedural, for the treatment of the underlying coronary artery disease) has been shown to reduce the risk of bleeding and vascular complications associated with femoral artery access. Avoiding the use of arterial sheaths >6 French may further reduce the risk of bleeding. Data with vascular closure devices as a bleeding avoidance strategy are evolving but when used appropriately may further reduce the risk of bleeding and vascular access complications, and in this regard are synergistic with bivalirudin. Randomized trials to confirm these recommendations are needed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous transhepatic stenting of a restrictive atrial septal communication in hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Al Senaidi Khalfan , Al Mesned Abdulrahman , Coe James Y.
Published: February 2014

The postnatal survival of patients with congenital cardiac defects such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is dependent on the patency of the ductus arteriosus and the presence of an unrestrictive atrial septal defect (ASD). We report a six week old infant with HLHS and tricuspid valve regurgitation with restrictive ASD. Transfemoral balloon atrial septostomy provided temporary relief but further attempts were not possible. A transhepatic venous approach to stent the atrial communication was technically successful. This approach may be the only access for certain infant cardiac catheterization interventions, permitting the use of a large delivery system (≥ 8 Fr). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salvage of side branch by provisional “TAP technique” using absorb™ bioresorbable vascular scaffolds for bifurcation lesions: First case reports with technical considerations
Authors: Seth Ashok , Sengottuvelu G. , Ravisekar V.
Published: February 2014

Recent technological developments have led to the development of Absorb™ bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) [Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA] for percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The BVS is now approved for use in many countries but experience in bifurcation lesions is limited and largely unreported and concerns still exist about its use across major side branches. We report for the first time, the successful use of the “T and Protrusion” (TAP) technique of deploying BVS into the side branch (SB) through the struts of main branch (MB) BVS to salvage a suboptimal result and threatened closure of a SB in three cases when treating bifurcation lesions with a planned single BVS strategy. The TAP technique was successful in all cases and there were no complications. All patients continue to do well at short‐term follow‐up. This case report provides information regarding the feasibility as well as technical and procedural insights when using BVS for bifurcation lesions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of TiO2 Surface Structure on the Hydrogen Production Activity of the Pt@CuO/TiO2 Photocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Teng Fei , Chen Mindong , Li Na , Hua Xia , Wang Kai , Xu Tongguang
Published: February 2014

CuO/TiO2 composites were prepared by the impregnation method, in which TiO2 nanosheets and nanorods are used as the precursors, respectively. We investigated the effect of the TiO2 surface structure on the activity and recyclability of the photocatalysts. The hydrogen production activities were tested in a 3 mol L−1 methanol aqueous solution under UV‐light irradiation. After deposition of Pt, both Pt@CuO/TiO2 samples displayed higher hydrogen production activities than the Pt/TiO2 samples. The results reveal that the TiO2 sheet‐based samples display higher hydrogen production activities and stability than the TiO2 rod‐based ones. It is proposed that a more stable p–n heterojunction form at the interface between CuO and TiO2 nanosheets owing to the strong interaction of CuO with the {0 0 1} facets of the TiO2 sheets, which significantly refrains the recombination rate of electrons and holes.
Thermodynamic Constraints for the Utilization of CO2
Authors: Müller Karsten , Mokrushina Liudmila , Arlt Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

The production of chemical compounds from carbon dioxide could be a way to reduce this major greenhouse gas and gain a cheap raw material base. A variety of potential reactions might be suitable from a chemical point of view, but the low energetic level of carbon dioxide leads to severe limitations of the thermodynamic equilibrium. Most carbon dioxide utilization reactions are therefore not meaningful for an implementation outside the laboratory. This article gives an overview of the potential reactions to produce fine chemicals from carbon dioxide and their thermodynamic feasibility.
Fabrication of high performance chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous mat with controlled morphology and optimised diameter
Authors: Askari Mohsen , Rezaei Babak , Shoushtari Ahmad Mousavi , Noorpanah Parviz , Abdouss Majid , Ghani Mozhdeh
Published: February 2014

The main aim of the present study is to fabricate a high performance chitosan (CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibrous mat having a high content of CS, a desirable morphology (defect‐free structure) and a superfine diameter (approx. 100 nm). As electrospinning of constructions containing CS is known as a complex process, it is necessary to employ systematic control and optimisation of processes. In this regard, the controlling and optimisation of the processes were followed by two subsequent stages. In the first stage, morphology controlling parameters were investigated with respect to CS/PVA solution characteristics including CS concentration, solvent concentration and the content of the partner polymer (PVA). In the second stage, in order to attain the finest possible diameter, process modelling was carried out in terms of processing parameters (applied voltage, nozzle‐collector distance and feed rate) by using response surface methodology (RSM). According to the experimental results of the first stage, the best morphological structure containing the highest content of CS was obtained under 3% (w/v) of CS, concentrated acetic acid (90%) and 20% weight ratio of PVA. The significance of the applied model was confirmed by statistical approaches and the effect of the selected parameters on the diameter was studied. Experimentally, the finest diameter of 104 ± 18 nm was obtained under optimised processing parameters determined from the RSM technique. The experimental value of the nanofibre diameter was in close agreement with the predicted value in which the prediction error of the model was only 1.92% confirming the high reliability of the applied model.
One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of Pyrochlore Type K2Nb2O6
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Zhou Chao , Zhao Yufei , Shang Lu , Bian Tong , Shao Lei , Shi Feng , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Zhang Tierui
Published: February 2014

A novel K2Nb2O6 photocatalyst with pyrochlore structure has been synthesized via a facile one‐pot hydrothermal route with no aid of additives. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic H2 evolution was performed in an aqueous methanol solution under UV light irradiation. The as‐prepared K2Nb2O6 photocatalyst with pyrochlore structure showed higher H2 production activity than that of perovskite KNbO3 and commercial Nb2O5 powders in the absence of cocatalysts, due mainly to its unique crystal and energy band structures. The rate of H2 evolution can be significantly enhanced by loading of Pt nanoparticles. The highest H2 evolution rate of 121 µmol/h was reached when 0.7 wt% Pt nanoparticles were used, which was about 20 times higher than that of pristine K2Nb2O6.
Highly Efficient Au/TiO2 Catalyst for One‐pot Conversion of Nitrobenzene to p‐Aminophenol in Water Media
Authors: Zou Luyao , Cui Yuanyuan , Dai Weilin
Published: February 2014

Au/TiO2 catalyst is firstly reported to be efficient in the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to produce p‐aminophenol with a high PAP selectivity of 81% and overall yield more than 63%. The catalyst is also quite stable and can be reused for at least 4 times with only slight decrease in activity.
An Efficient One‐pot Synthesis of Aryl‐substituted 1‐(Thiazol‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxylates via a Hantzsch Synthesis‐Knorr Reaction Sequence
Authors: Gu Chunhui , Zhai Jiaojiao , Jiang Jianan , Liu Hongwei , Wang Lei , Zhu Dunru , Ji Yafei
Published: February 2014

The treatment of α‐bromoalkyl aryl ketones and 2‐(propan‐2‐ylidene)hydrazine carbothioamide afforded 4‐aryl‐2‐(2‐(propan‐2‐ylidene)hydrazinyl)thiazoles via a Hantzsch‐thiazole synthesis, which reacted with 4‐aryl‐2,4‐diketoesters via a sequential Knorr‐pyrazole reaction to deliver a variety of aryl‐substituted ethyl 1‐(thiazol‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐carboxylates in a one‐pot fashion with moderate to high yields. The key intermediates 4‐aryl‐2,4‐diketoesters, existing as its enolic lithium salt, were synthesized in situ by a high‐yield tert‐BuOLi‐mediated Claisen condensation of alkylphenones and diethyl oxalate. This class of elegant molecule comprises aryl groups on the two different heterocyclic cores, and the configurations of two representative molecules were determined by single crystal X‐ray crystallography.
Direct Electrochemistry of Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilized in a Low Molecular Weight Gel
Authors: Hu Yan , Sun Yanwen , Lu Lu , Huang Xirong
Published: February 2014

The ternary system of dodecylpyridinium bromide (DDPB)/acetone/H2O with appropriate composition can form a gel spontaneously and the gel is stable in hydrophobic ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF6). Based on the gelation phenomenon we observed, the low molecular weight gelator (LMWG) was first tried to immobilize horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, the UV‐Vis spectra and the bioactivity measurement indicate that the gel is suitable for the immobilization of HRP. The direct electrochemistry of the HRP‐gel modified GCE (HRP‐gel/GCE) in [Bmim]PF6 shows a pair of well‐defined and quasi‐reversible redox peaks with the heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) being 14.4 s−1, indicating that the direct electron transfer between HRP and GCE is fast. The HRP‐gel/GCE is stable and reproducible. Also the electrode exhibits good electrocatalytic effect on the reduction of trichloroacetic acid (TCA), showing good promise in bioelectrocatalysis.
Patterns of Long‐term Thienopyridine Therapy and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated With Coronary Stenting: Observations From the TIMI‐38 Coronary Stent Registry
Authors: Bonaca Marc P. , Murphy Sabina A. , Miller Debra , Herrman Jean‐Paul R. , Gottlieb Shmuel , Keltai Matyas , Menozzi Alberto , Nicolau José C. , Widimsky Petr , Antman Elliott M. , Wiviott Stephen D.
Published: February 2014

Background

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not known. Factors influencing DAPT duration are not well described.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that continued DAPT 12 months beyond ACS would be associated with patient factors such as stent type and that it may be associated with lower rates of ischemic events.

Methods

The TIMI 38 Coronary Stent Registry (CSR) followed patients who completed the TRITON‐TIMI 38 trial, received a stent, and were alive and event free. Continuation of DAPT was determined by the treating physician.

Results

The CSR enrolled 2110 patients (1679>12 months from index ACS) and followed for a median of 2.1 additional years. DAPT was continued in 554 (26%) and was more likely to be continued in patients with drug‐eluting stents (DES; 54%) and in North America. The rate of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke was 2.35% per year, and 13 patients (0.6%) experienced Academic Research Consortium definite or probable ST. Recurrent ischemic events were similar between patients who continued thienopyridine therapy and those who stopped at registry entry (P = 0.74 for cardiovascular death/MI/stroke; P = 0.72 for definite or probable ST). After propensity score adjustment, there was no significant difference in cardiovascular death/MI/stroke (P = 0.55) or bleeding (P = 0.51) with prolonged DAPT.

Conclusions

Patients stabilized for a year after ACS and stenting have low rates of ST relative to overall cardiovascular events. The decision to continue DAPT maybe associated with stent type (DES vs bare‐metal stent) and region.
Response to Relationship of Race/Ethnicity With Door‐to‐Balloon Time and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Findings From Get With the Guidelines–Coronary Artery Diseases
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Chitu Monica , Benedek Imre
Published: February 2014

Cavender MA et al. Clin Cardiol. 2013;36:749–756.