Synthesis and aqueous solution properties of multinuclear oxo-bridged vanadium(IV/V) complexes

Reaction of the multifunctional phenolic ligands 2,5-bis[N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]hydroquinone (H6cahq), 2,2'-bis[N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]-4,4'-isopropylidenediphen ol(H6capd),2,2',2'-tris[N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]-1,1 ,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (H9catp) and the monofunctional 2-[N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)aminomethyl]-4-carboxyphenol (H3cacp), with VOSO4 and NaVO3 affords the oxo-bridged mixed-valence vanadium(IV/V) Na6[(VO)4(mu-O)2(mu-cahq)2] x Na2SO4 x 20H2O (1), HnNa(3-n)[(VO)2(mu-O)(mu-cacp)2] (2), HnNa(3-n)[(VO)4(mu-O)2(mu-capd)2] (3), HnNa(9-n)[(VO)6(mu-O)3(mu3-catp)2] (4). In addition to the synthesis, we report the infrared, magnetic, optical and electrochemical properties of these complexes. The hydrolytic stability at different pH values was also investigated using visible spectroscopy.     

Genomic alterations in human umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stromal cells call for stringent quality control before any possible therapeutic approach

Background aimsThe umbilical cord (UC) is a promising source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). UC-MSCs display very similar in vitro characteristics to bone marrow–MSCs and could represent a valuable alternative for cell-based therapies. However, it is still unclear whether UC-MSCs are prone or not to the acquisition of genomic imbalances during in vitro expansion.MethodsWith the use of array-comparative genomic hybridization, we compared copy number variations of early (P2–P3) and late (>P5) passages of in vitro–expanded UC-MSCs.ResultsIn two of 11 long-term UC-MSCs cultures, we observed the appearance of clones carrying genomic imbalances, which generated genetic mosaicism at intermediate passages. Although still able to reach the senescence phase, the cells carrying the genomic imbalance acquired a proliferative advantage, as demonstrated by the increase in frequency during long-term culture.ConclusionsAltogether, our results suggest that UC-MSC–based clinical protocols should be designed with caution; their clinical use should be preceded by array-comparative genomic hybridization screening for the acquisition of genomic imbalances during in vitro expansion.     

MPLC purification of protected peptide fragments

Summary The effective purification of protected peptide fragments of medium polarity using glass columns packed with RP-8 and RP-18 materials of 40–63 m and eluted with mixtures of acetonitrile and water under isocratic conditions is described. Starting the purification from protected fragments of 80–97% purity, eight out of ten of the peptides were obtained in >99% purity and 53–86% purification yield.     

Synthesis and study of the cancer cell growth inhibitory properties of alpha-, gamma-tocopheryl and gamma-tocotrienyl 2-phenylselenyl succinates

Vitamin E succinate selenium-conjugated molecules were synthesized and their apoptogenic properties were evaluated. 4-Methyl-2-phenylselenyl succinate (4) was prepared by the reaction of sodium benzeneselenolate with 2-bromosuccinic anhydrite in methanol solution. The methyl ester was converted to the acid (5) by hydrolysis with aqueous hydrochloric acid. Reaction of the 2-phenylselenyl succinic anhydrite (6) with alpha-tocopherol (1a), gamma-tocopherol (1c), and gamma-tocotrienol (2c) in acidic conditions gave the respective esters. The free radical scavenging properties of alpha-tocopheryl-2-phenylselenyl succinate (7), gamma-tocopheryl-2-phenylselenyl succinate (8), and gamma-tocotrienyl-2-phenylselenyl succinate (9) were evaluated in comparison with those of alpha-tocopheryl succinate (10), gamma-tocopheryl succinate (11), and gamma-tocotrienyl succinate (12), respectively, and the free tocopherols and gamma-tocotrienol. Compounds 7-9 induced a statistically significant decrease in prostate cancer cell viability compared to 10-12, respectively, or 5, exhibiting features of apoptotic cell death and associated with caspase-3 activation. These data show that structural modifications of vitamin E components by 5 enhance their apoptogenic properties in cancer cells.     

Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oenococcus oeni immobilized in different layers of a cellulose/starch gel composite for simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic wine fermentations

The production of a two-layer composite biocatalyst for immobilization of two different microorganisms for simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation (MLF) of wine in the same bioreactor is reported. The biocatalyst consisted of a tubular delignified cellulosic material (DCM) with entrapped Oenococcus oeni cells, covered with starch gel containing the alcohol resistant and cryotolerant strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae AXAZ-1. The biocatalyst was found effective for simultaneous low temperature alcoholic fermentation resulting to conversion of malic acid to lactic acid in 5 days at 10 °C. Improvement of wine quality compared with wine fermented with S. cerevisiae AXAZ-1 immobilized on DCM was attributed to MLF as well as to increased ester formation and lower higher alcohols produced at low fermentation temperatures (10 °C) as shown by GC and headspace SPME GC/MS analysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the preparation of a three-layer composite biocatalyst is also possible. The significance of such composite biocatalysts is the feasibility of two or three bioprocesses in the same bioreactor, thus reducing production cost in the food industry     

Rapid detection of bacteria in bloodstream infections using a molecular method: a pilot study with a neonatal diagnostic kit

Molecular Biology Reports - Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening condition and its early diagnosis is crucial for infant survival. Identifying responsible pathogens is a key step. Blood culture...