Biochemical Engineering Sciences

Cover illustration Special Issue: Biochemical Engineering Sciences. This Special Issue is a collection of the latest research in biochemical engineering science presented at the 9^th ESBES Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2012. The cover illustrates the development in biochemical engineering science by showing symbols for several biochemical engineering subdisciplines, such as process engineering, strain and drug design, and material science, linked by covalent bonds in a hypothetical biological molecule. Images: © JarnoM, © Amelie Olivier, © teracreonte, © ermess, © by-studio, © Sergey Nivens, all from Fotolia.com.     

Metabolic Modeling and Simulation

Cover illustration Special issue: Metabolic Modeling and Simulation. Modeling of cellular metabolism has been a major area of research for bioengineers and biomedical researchers alike. This Special Issue collects a series of articles on methods of metabolic modeling, modeling of human metabolism, modeling of microbial metabolism and modeling of bioprocesses. This cover is a visual representation of the essence of metabolic engineering. Image: © rolffimages – Fotolia.com.     

Biotech Methods and Advances

Cover illustration: Biotech Methods and Advances. This BTJ special issue highlights articles on high-throughput protein production, a phage display method for fully in vitro recombinant antibody screening and a bioreactor setup to optimize biocatalysis. Image: Representative florescent micrograph depicting a living microdroplet of primary heart muscle cells containing therapeutic payloads for delivery through living cells, © Suwan Jayasinghe, London, UK.     

From “magic bullet” to “specially engineered shotgun loads”: the new genetics and the need for individualized pharmacotherapy

Steady progress in the identification of human pharmacogenetic variants and new discoveries of disease susceptibility genes makes the old notion of one disease/one drug untenable. Advances in the ability to rapidly identify these variants, when coupled with appropriate drug delivery systems, should revolutionize pharmacotherapy. BioEssays 20 :683–685, 1998.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons Inc.     

Occurrence of Enantioselectivity in Nature: The Case of (S)‐Norcoclaurine

This review article is aimed at providing a monographic overview on (S)‐norcoclaurine (NC) alkaloid from three diverse points of view, collected all together for the first time: 1) the synthetic one, where the compound is seen as a target chiral molecule to be obtained in the highest optical purity and as a starting point for the development of biocatalytic asymmetric syntheses of tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids; 2) the chromatographic one, which addresses the HPLC separation of the two NC enantiomers; and 3) the biochemical one, for which a thorough understanding of the topology and mechanism of action of norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) enzyme is still a matter of debate. Special emphasis on the most recent studies in the field is given by discussing the results published by the main research groups who are working on NC and NCS. Chirality 28:169–180, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Methods and Advances in Biotech

Cover illustration: This special issue on “Methods and Advances in Biotech” consists mainly of technical reports on PCR-based methods, focussing on multiplexing PCR, single cell PCR, real-time PCR and other molecular biology methods. We also offer reviews on biomolecular computing, transgenesis in plants, and a method to discover tunnels in molecular structures. Picture DNA helix © David Martyn – FOTOLIA.     

Plant Biotechnology

Cover illustration This Special Issue of Biotechnology Journal is edited by Prof. Eva Stöger and covers the latest breakthroughs in plant biotechnology. The cover image shows genetically modified corn producing an anti-HIV antibody along with DsRed as a visual marker. Image courtesy of Dr. Thomas Rademacher (RWTH and Fraunhofer IME, Aachen, Germany). Border around image: © boulemon – Fotolia.com.     

Systems & Synthetic Industrial Biotechnology

Cover illustration This Special Issue on “Systems and Synthetic Approaches to Industrial Biotechnology” compiles the outcomes of the minisymposiumat the 31^st General Assembly of the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS). Implementation of systems biology and synthetic biology approaches in engineering industrial microbes and processes provides a promising and straight-forward approach to linking basic and application-inspired research. The cover represents the various concepts involved in systems and synthetic biotechnology. Image: © kytalpa – Fotolia.com.     

Endothelial function and weight loss: Comparison of low‐carbohydrate and low‐fat diets

Objective: The effect of weight loss on obesity‐associated endothelial dysfunction is not clear because of conflicting data, demonstrating both improvement and no change in endothelial function after weight loss in obese subjects. A 2‐year prospective study (n = 121) was conducted to examine: (1) the effect of obesity and weight loss (either a low‐carbohydrate or and low‐fat diet) on flow mediated vasodilatation (FMD), a measure of endothelial function. Design and Methods: Participants reduced body weight by 7.1% ± 4.4%, 8.7% ± 6.8%, 7.1% ± 7.8%, and 4.1% ± 7.7% at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively with no significant differences between the low‐fat and low‐carbohydrate groups. Results: Endothelial function was inversely correlated with waist circumference, triglyceride level, and directly correlated with leptin in obese persons prior to weight loss. These weight losses did not confer any improvements in FMD. There were no differences between the low‐fat and low‐carbohydrate diets in FMD at any time point. At 6 months (r = 0.26, P = 0.04) and 1 year (r =0.28, P = 0.03), there were positive correlations between change in FMD and change in leptin but not at 2 years. Conclusion: There was no significant improvement in endothelial function after 7.1% ± 7.8% weight loss at 1 year and 4.1% ± 7.7% at 2 years, achieved by either a low carbohydrate or a low fat diet.     

Review of Transient Receptor Potential Channels

Transient Receptor Potential Channels; Islam, Md. Shahidul (Ed.); Series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, Vol. 704; 1095 pages; Hardcover; Publisher: Springer; 1st Edition (2011, XXIII); ISBN: 978-94-007-0264-6     

Cell and Protein Manipulation

Cover illustration Cell and Protein Manipulation. This second BTJ special issue on “Methods and Advances” features articles on cell manipulation (e.g. lysis methods for miniaturized high-throughput assays) or protein processing (e.g. plasma-free manufacturing of therapeutics or an inkjet printing method for manufacturing immuoassays). Image liquid nitrogen tank to store cells or proteins, © Baxter.     

Growth and reproduction in captive tufted capuchins (Cebus apella)

We present data on weight and reproduction from a colony of tufted capuchins monkeys (Cebus apella) over a 12 year period. The data constitute a normative record for this species. Weight at birth averages 210 g, and infants gain weight rapidly. Females typically first conceived just after their fifth birthday, and males were fertile by 4 years, 5 months. Interbirth intervals average 576 days. Eighty-seven percent of live-born infants survived past 6 months. Three of eight live-born infants that died prior to 6 months succumbed from trauma inflicted by cage mates. Am. J. Primatol. 44:197–203, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Objectively Measured Physical Activity in a Representative Sample of 3‐ to 4‐Year‐Old Children

Objective: This study aimed to describe levels of physical activity in a representative sample of preschool children and to quantify tracking of activity over 1 year. Research Methods and Procedures: Physical activity (mean accelerometry counts/minute) was assessed over 3 days using the Computer Science and Applications accelerometer in 3‐ to 4‐year‐old children (n = 104; 52 boys; mean age, 3.7 ± 0.4 years). In 60 children (30 boys), measurements were repeated 1 year later. Results: Mean total activity at baseline was 777 ± 207 counts/minute in boys and 657 ± 172 counts/minute for girls; this gender difference was significant (p < 0.001). In the cross‐sectional analysis, total activity was significantly positively related to age (r = 0.37, p = 0.007). In the sample followed up for 1 year, mean total activity was 849 ± 252. The longitudinal analysis confirmed that total physical activity increased over the 1‐year period (paired Student's t test, p < 0.001). The tracking rank order correlation coefficient of total activity count over 1 year was r = 0.40 (p < 0.001). Discussion: This study suggests that total activity increases during the preschool period in Scottish children and that gender differences in total activity are present early in life. Tracking of total activity was only modest, but adequate assessment of tracking requires methodological research aimed at elucidating the biological meaning of accelerometer output.     

Rectal temperatures before and after parturition in bottlenose dolphins

In five parturitions of four bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gilli), rectal temperatures (Rts) were determined at least once a day during the late period of pregnancy. Four of the five pregnancies showed a drop in RT ranging from 0.7 to 1.3°C (an average decrease of 0.9°C) from 24 to 12 hr pre‐partum. In these four cases, RT was significantly lower than their averages from 10 days to 1 day pre‐partum (P < 0.05). In two dolphins, the first RT post‐partum was higher than the average RT from 10 days to 1 day pre‐partum. Seasonal changes in RT were observed in six non‐pregnant dolphins. Average RT in June through August was significantly higher and in December through February was significantly lower than the rest of the year (P < 0.01). Zoo Biol 18:153–156, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Is Maternal Psychopathology Related to Obesigenic Feeding Practices at 1 Year?

Objective: To investigate the relationship between maternal psychopathological symptomatology during pregnancy and at 6 and 12 months postnatally and maternal use of controlling and restrictive feeding practices at 1 year. Research Methods and Procedures: Eighty‐seven women completed a measure of psychological distress during pregnancy and at 6 and 12 months postpartum, and at 12 months postnatally these women reported their usage of controlling and restrictive feeding practices and were observed feeding their infants. Results: General psychological distress, particularly anxious psychopathology, during pregnancy and at 6 and 12 months postnatally was significantly associated with maternal use of restrictive feeding practices at 1 year, even when controlling for length of breast‐feeding and the infants’ weights at 1 year. Contrary to expectations, depression and eating psychopathology as measured by the SCOFF eating disorder measure during pregnancy or at 6 or 12 months postnatally were not associated with the use of controlling or restrictive feeding practices at 1 year. Discussion: These findings indicate that anxious maternal psychopathology may partially explain the development of maternal use of restriction when feeding.     

Cover Picture: Biotechnology Journal 2/2013

Cover illustration Special issue: Nanobio vs. bionano As researchers develop capabilities to engineer and manipulate objects and systems at ever-diminishing scales, we are now entering the realm of scientific discoveries at the nano-level. One such invention is pictured on the cover of this Special Issue, edited by François Baneyx (University of Washington, USA) and Je-Kyun Park (KAIST, Korea), showing a single-cell-sized neural electrode with unique gold nanograin structures in the beautiful shape of a sunflower. Image: © Yoonkey Nam     

Provision of Foods Differing in Energy Density Affects Long‐Term Weight Loss

Objective: The energy density (kilocalories per gram) of foods influences short‐term energy intake. This 1‐year clinical trial tested the effect on weight loss of a diet incorporating one or two servings per day of foods equal in energy but differing in energy density. Research Methods and Procedures: Dietitians instructed 200 overweight and obese women and men to follow an exchange‐based energy‐restricted diet. Additionally, subjects were randomized to consume daily either one or two servings of low energy‐dense soup, two servings of high energy‐dense snack foods, or no special food (comparison group). Results: All four groups showed significant weight loss at 6 months that was well maintained at 12 months. The magnitude of weight loss, however, differed by group (p = 0.006). At 1 year, weight loss in the comparison (8.1 ± 1.1 kg) and two‐soup (7.2 ± 0.9 kg) groups was significantly greater than that in the two‐snack group (4.8 ± 0.7 kg); weight loss in the one‐soup group (6.1 ± 1.1 kg) did not differ significantly from other groups. Weight loss was significantly correlated with the decrease in dietary energy density from baseline at 1 and 2 months (p = 0.0001) but not at 6 and 12 months. Discussion: On an energy‐restricted diet, consuming two servings of low energy‐dense soup daily led to 50% greater weight loss than consuming the same amount of energy as high energy‐dense snack food. Regularly consuming foods that are low in energy density can be an effective strategy for weight management.     

Ovarian cycle of the captive formosan gem‐faced civets (Paguma larvata taivana)

Formosan gem‐faced civets are classified to be endemic sub‐species of Paguma larvata in Taiwan. Little about their reproductive physiology has been reported. This study was designed to characterize the ovarian activity throughout the year and define ovarian cycle length and the lengths of its component phases. Serum samples were collected for enzyme immunoassay (progesterone and estradiol) from seven captive civets twice weekly for 1 year. Meanwhile, periodic changes in external genitalia (vulva swelling) and vaginal cytology were examined and recorded. Results showed estrous cycles exhibited two types: 18‐day (18.5±1.1, n=64) and 28‐day (27.6±1.0, n=28) as shown by progesterone and estradiol fluctuations and corresponding changes in vulva morphology and vaginal cytology. Both types showed a similar 7‐day follicular phase, peaking progesterone at Day 7. The 18‐day cycle type prevails in the spring and summer whereas the 28‐day cycle type is significant in the autumn. In summary, female gem‐faced civets are polyestrous (approximately 13 cycles/year), and non‐typical seasonal breeders, with follicular phase and two distinct durations of luteal phases (diestrus) cycling throughout the year, but the frequency of ovarian cycles was remarkably gradually decreased from September to February of next year. Zoo Biol 0:1–11, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Next issue: Methods and Advances in Biotech

The March 2008 issue of BTJ is again entirely devoted to Methods and Advances; featuring articles on: – BRET technology and application to screening assays – Using a commercial DNA extraction kit to obtain RNA for RT-PCR – Method of tracking nanogel particles in vivo and in vitro – RNA interference: An emerging generation of biologicals – Whole genome amplification using single primer PCR – Enzyme restriction and ligation-independent recombination expression vectors – Protoplast isolation and transient gene expression in switchgrass – Roust macroporous matrixes for cell immobilization – Hepatogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells using microfluidic chips – A transformation procedure for the recalcitrant tomato – Bioreactor scale-up and oxygen transfer rate in microbial processes: An overview – Recent research of the genus Aspergillus for food and biotech applications Many of these exciting articles are already available online under “Early View”! A sneak preview of other content can be found under “News”. http://www.biotechnology-journal.com     

Reeler: new tales on an old mutant mouse

Neurological mouse mutants provide an opportunity to dissect the complex mechanisms that underlie vertebrate brain development. Advances in genetic technologies have permitted the identification of genes disrupted in many mutants, allowing a molecular interpretation of the phenotypes. For several decades, the spontaneous mutant mouse reeler has been used as a model for the analysis of the development of laminated brain structures. In this ataxic mutant, the migration of many neurons is aberrant, resulting in disrupted cellular organization. Recently, reelin, the gene disrupted in the reeler mouse, has been identified. reelin encodes a novel extracellular molecule that controls neural cell positioning through mechanisms that are not yet completely understood. Analysis of the expression pattern and the properties of the reelin gene product (Reelin) suggests models for its function during brain development. Furthermore, the recent identification of genes that may function in the Reelin signaling pathway advances our knowledge of the molecular basis of neuronal migration. BioEssays 20 :235–244, 1998.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.