Abstract  A pregnant, miniature horse mare had clinical signs of hepatoencephalopathy and concurrent hypocalcemia. The signs included dullness, inappetence, blindness, head pressing, weakness, muscle fasiculations, uveitis, and urinary incontinence. Hepatic dysfunction and hypocalcemia were confirmed by serum biochemical analysis. The mare was treated successfully with a continuous infusion of Ringer solution, calcium gluconate, dextrose, B-complex vitamins, sodium ampicillin, and flunixin meglumine; topical administration of ophthalmic ointments; and decompression of the urinary bladder. Histologic examination of a liver biopsy specimen revealed acute hepatic necrosis, which likely was associated with administration of a vaccine of equine origin 2 months earlier.

Abstract  The catalyst of highly dispersed gold nanoparticle supported on active carbon was prepared by sodium citrate reduction-colloid gold immobilization method, and its catalytic activity was evaluated by the liquid phase catalytic oxidation reaction of glucose to gluconic acid. The research results show that the sodium citrate amounts have important influence on the size of gold particles in gold colloidal preparation and the catalytic activity of Au/C catalyst obtained. The decrease of the activity for repeatedly used Au/C catalyst may be attributed to the decrease of the Au delta+-O delta- binding state on the catalyst surface. At the same time the catalytic activity for the liquid phase oxidation of glucose was compared between the prepared Au/C catalyst and the commercial Pd/C catalyst, and the results indicated that the Au/C catalyst was advantageous over Pd/C catalyst.

Abstract  The efficient control of fermentation processes requires reliable monitoring systems. This paper describes a fully automated monitoring system based on the on-line combination of ultrafiltration and column liquid chromatography. An evaluation of the performance of a hollow-fibre ultrafiltration module is provided and a method for the determination of sugars, alcohols and organic acids during a gluconic acid and a beer fermentation is presented. The system can be used for at least 250 h with complex fermentation broths under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions without any detrimental effect on either the fermentation or the chromatographic part. Depending on the application 3-5 analyses can be performed every hour, using only 3.0 mul of sample per analysis. Using refractometric or direct UV detection the linear dynamic range is from 0.2 to 150 g l-1 for most of the compounds, while with a simple post-column derivatization procedure sugars can be determined in the low mg l-1 range.

Abstract  Wine aged for 2 years in cellar conditions and a batch of non aged wine were subjected to biological aging with S. cerevisiae var. capensis under controlled microaeration. Another batch of the non aged wine and 4 year aged wine in cellar conditions were used as control and named initial and final control wines, respectively. Thirty-five aroma compounds were quantified by GC-MS, and grouped in nine odorants series to compare the microaerated wines with the control wines. Fruity, balsamic, floral, herbaceous, fatty and roasty series increases their values, while solvent and phenolic diminishes by the effect of yeast metabolism. Roasty and spicy series show the higher values in wines previously aged in cellar conditions for 2 and 4 years probably due to the contact of the wine with the wood. The toasty series is dependent of compounds such as 2,3-butanedione, 2,3-pentanodione, 4-ethylguaiacol and some lactones, whereas the spicy series is only dependent on 4-ethylguaiacol. The similarity obtained for some odorant series in wines aged under controlled conditions and wines aged for 4 years in cellar, suggest that the biological aging time can be shortened using a first step for wine aging in stainless-steel under controlled and periodic microaerations and a second step in an oak cask under cellar conditions. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  A novel heterogemini surfactant comprising two hydrocarbon chains and two different hydrophilic groups such as a quaternary ammonium cation and gluconamide nonion N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-(N'-alkyl-N'-gluconamide)ethyl]-1-alkylammonium bromides (2CnAmGlu, where n represents hydrocarbon chain lengths of 8, 10, 12, and 14) was synthesized by reacting N,N-dimethylethylenediamine with alkyl bromide, followed by a reaction with 1,5-D(+)-gluconolactone. The adsorption properties of 2CnAmGlu were characterized by surface tension measurements made using the Wilhelmy plate method, and their aggregation properties were investigated by dynamic light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy techniques. The relationship between the hydrocarbon chain length and the logarithm of the critical micelle concentration (cmc) for 2CnAmGlu exhibited a linear decrease when the chain length was increased up to 12 and then a departure from linearity at n=14. The surface tension reached 24-26 mN m-1 at each cmc, indicating high efficiency in lowering the surface tension of water. Furthermore, it was found that the structure of the aggregate formed for 2CnAmGlu in solution was influenced by the hydrocarbon chain length; that is, for n=10 and 12, micelles with a hydrodynamic radius of 2-5 nm were formed, whereas vesicles were also observed for n=14.

Abstract  Polymer-protected metal nanoparticles (NPs) are recognized as a type of complex between a polymer and metal NPs, since the metal NPs are stabilized by coordination to the polymer. Thus, they can work as an effective catalyst in a dispersed state due to their high surface area-to-volume ratio and high stability by protection with poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP). In this study, colloidal dispersions of PVP-protected and Au-containing bi-and trimetallic NPs were prepared and applied to the catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of glucose into gluconic acid in an alkaline solution. The AuAg and AuPt bimetallic NPs were more active than the Au NPs although the Ag and Pt NPs were less active than the Au NPs. The AuAgPt (Au/Ag/Pt = 7/2/1) trimetallic NPs were the most active catalyst for the same reaction. The high activity can be explained by electronic charge transfer from the Ag or Pt to the Au.

Abstract  The physicochemical properties of soymilk and the texture of tofu were compared with regard to 2 kinds of soymilk, one of which was prepared by squeezing homogenates before heating and the other was prepared by squeezing after heating raw soymilk with okara, residue of soymilk production. Relative particulate protein content and viscosity were higher and pH was lower in the soymilk prepared by the latter method, in which liberated lipid bodies were decreased and more lipids were precipitated with protein after centrifugation, suggesting a change in the interaction between proteins and lipids. A difference in the distribution of proteins and lipids was also implied by analysis with a laser particle size analyzer. The breaking stress of tofu made with 0.30% glucono-delta-lactone increased in accordance with an increase in particulate protein. The calcium and magnesium contents increased in soymilk prepared by squeezing after heating with okara. Viscosity was slightly increased and pH decreased by adding calcium to the soymilk, but the particulate protein content and breaking stress of tofu did not increase significantly. To examine the effect of macromolecules, okara was extracted by boiling and dialyzed. Viscosity and particulate protein content in soymilk increased as the dialyzed extracts of the okara were added. The breaking stress of tofu was increased by adding the dialyzed extracts but excessive amounts of the extracts resulted in softer tofu. Spectra of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and electrophoresis-separated patterns of proteins indicated that the dialyzed extracts contained mainly polysaccharides and the Basic 7S globulin protein.

Abstract  The mechanisms of stabilization of soybean soluble polysaccharide (SSPS) and high methoxyl pectin (HMP) in acidified milk drinks were studied focusing on the differences in behaviour between the two polysaccharides. The changes in casein micelles size during acidification with glucono-delta-lactone or by direct acidification were measured using light scattering. When HMP was added to skim milk before acidification, pectin adsorbed on the surface of the casein micelles via electrostatic interactions and prevented casein aggregation. Results suggested that adsorption of pectin occurred from the beginning of acidification and somewhat affected the rearrangement of casein micelles in the pH range between 5.8 and 5.0. On the other hand, SSPS, at concentrations up to 2% (w/w), did not interact with caseins at pH > 4.6. At pH < 4.2 SSPS showed better stabilizing properties than HMP. In addition, between pH 4.2 and 3.2, SSPS-stabilized acid dispersions were not affected by pH, while dispersions homogenized with pectin showed a size distribution that depended on pH. The differences in structure between SSPS and HMP account for the unique functionalities of the two polysaccharides in acid milk systems. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Abstract  The influence of lactose on the viscoelastic properties of acid-induced casein micelle (CM) gels was examined using a rheological measurement apparatus. Glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) was used to acidify CM suspensions. The storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") of the samples were measured as a function of time after the addition of GDL. The viscoelastic results demonstrated that lactose markedly enhanced the acid-induced gelation of CM. Further, the effects of lactose on CM gelation enhancement were strongly dependent on the gelation temperature, especially above 20 degrees C. However, the effectiveness of lactose on acid-induced CM gelation enhancement was almost cancelled out when the sample contained 0.5 M urea. On the basis of the results obtained from experiments on the effects of gelation temperature and urea, the enhancing effects of lactose on acid-induced CM gelation can be tentatively explained in terms of the strengthening effects of lactose on the hydrophobic interactions between CM particles. Furthermore, the results obtained in this study suggested that during the yogurt production process, lactose remaining in milk after lactic acid fermentation plays a significant role in curd formation.

Abstract  We investigated whether increased levels of dietary calcium and vitamin D could inhibit colon carcinogenesis in rats injected with a single dose of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine. Rats were given a single subcutaneous injection (200 mg/kg body wt) 2 wk before they were fed purified diets containing 20% fat for 32 wk. Diets contained one of three levels of calcium (5, 10 or 15 g/kg diet) as calcium gluconate and one of three levels of vitamin D (0.025, 0.05 or 0.1 mg/kg diet) as cholecalciferol in a 3 x 3 factorial design. Rats receiving the highest level of vitamin D had greater plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. Autoradiographic examination of [H-3]thymidine-treated rats demonstrated that a higher dietary level of calcium as well as higher levels of vitamin D significantly affected cellular kinetic indices. The total tumor incidence and tumor incidence in the distal colon was 45% lower in rats fed the highest level of both calcium and vitamin D compared with the other eight groups, although this decrease was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). The possible importance of these observations is discussed.

Abstract  Hydrogels formed by the self-assembly of peptides are promising biomaterials. The bioactive and biocompatible molecule Fmoc-FRGDF has been shown to be an efficient hydrogelator via a pi-beta self-assembly mechanism. Herein, we show that the mechanical properties and morphology of Fmoc-FRGDF hydrogels can be effectively and easily manipulated by tuning both the final ionic strength and the rate of pH change. The increase of ionic strength, and consequent increase in rate of gelation and stiffness, does not interfere with the underlying pi-beta assembly of this Fmoc-protected peptide. However, by tuning the changing rate of the system's pH through the use of glucono-delta-lactone to forma hydrogel, as opposed to the previously reported HCl methodology, the morphology (nano- and microscale) of the scaffold can be manipulated.

Abstract  Puka gum (PG), a high molecular weight arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) polysaccharide extracted from the native New Zealand Meryta sinclarii tree formed electrostatic complexes with whey protein isolate (WPI) under specific conditions. The PG and WPI mixtures were slowly acidified using glucono-delta-lactone (GDL), and the progressive change from soluble polymer solution to soluble complexes and to the formation of insoluble complexes (through the association of soluble complexes) were monitored using visual examination, turbidity, particle size (dynamic light scattering) and zeta-potential measurements at total biopolymer concentration C-p = 0.3% w/w, protein: polysaccharide ratio Pr:Ps = 2:1, [GDL] = 0.14% w/w, and T = 20 degrees C. This process was characterised by identifying the phase boundaries, pH(c) (pH = 5.7 at which soluble complexes of WP and PG were formed) and pH(Phi) (pH = 4.7 at which complexes associated to form coacervates). The coacervates formed under these conditions appeared as a sticky, viscoelastic and highly extensible material. The effect of ionic strength (0-100 mM NaCl) on complex formation was also studied and a pH(c)/pH(Phi)-ionic strength phase diagram was constructed. Coacervation was fully suppressed at ionic strengths above 60 mM NaCl. Rheological measurements of the insoluble coacervate phase at different final coacervation pH (Pr:Ps = 2:1 and 4:1; C-p = 3.0% w/w) showed highest complex modulus G* at approx. pH 3.6 for both Pr:Ps = 2:1 and 4:1, i.e. electrical equivalence pH (EEP), where electrostatic interactions are strongest and the overall charge on the insoluble complex is neutral. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Three white-rot fungi (IZU 154, Phanerochaete chrysosporium Burds. and Coriolus versicolor (L. ex Fr.) Quel.) were tested for their abilities to decolorize kraft bleaching effluents from the first alkaline extraction stage. The fungus IZU-154 exhibited the effective decolorization of not only hardwood but also softwood kraft pulp bleaching effluent.

For the softwood bleach plant effluent containing 10000 color units (CU), treatment with IZU-154 in the presence of a small amount of glucose (0.5%) resulted in 78% and 89% reductions of the color after one- and two-day incubations, respectively. On the other hand, when the effluent was treated under the same conditions, only 32% and 36% of the decolorization with C. versicolor and 49% and 72% of the decolorization with P. chrysosporium were observed within one- and two-day incubations, respectively. In comparison with 53% and 78% of color reductions achieved by IZU-154 with the softwood bleach plant effluent including glucose, addition of glucono-delta-lactone to the effluent showed remarkable decolorizations of 83% and 94% within 12- and 24-hour incubations, respectively. Furthermore, the color of the effluent was effectively removed by the addition of acetic acid as an additive. Therefore, a greater color reduction by IZU-154 can be expected for a possible biotechnological application.

Abstract  The effect of an intravenous calcium gluconate load (10 mg/kg over 5 min) on plasma ionized calcium concentration, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the rate of urinary excretion of calcium, sodium, and nephrogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (NcAMP) was examined in 26 patients with essential hypertension and 27 age- and sex-matched normotensive subjects. Prior to calcium administration hypertensives had lower plasma ionized calcium concentration (P < .01) and higher PTH levels (P < .001) and excreted more calcium (P < .05) and NcAMP (P < .001) in the urine compared to normotensives. Following calcium infusion, plasma ionized calcium did not differ significantly between the two groups, but PTH levels remained higher in the hypertensive subjects at both 60 min (P < .001), and at 120 min (P = .02) post-load. Post-load values for both urinary calcium excretion and urinary sodium excretion were significantly higher in the hypertensive subjects than in the control group. Both before and after calcium infusion, urinary calcium excretion was positively correlated with urinary sodium excretion in each of the two groups, but for the same level of sodium excretion, hypertensives excreted more calcium in the urine, compared to normotensives, both before (P < .05) and after calcium infusion (P < .001). A positive correlation between basal plasma renin activity (PRA) values and plasma ionized calcium values obtained before (r = 0.42, P = .03) or at 60 min (r = 0.41, P = .03) and 120 min (r = 0.42, P = .03) after calcium infusion existed only in the hypertensive subject group. Post-load urinary sodium excretion values were negatively correlated to basal PRA values in both groups (r = -0.55, P < .01 and r = -0.58, P < .01 for hypertensives and normotensives, respectively), but a similar negative correlation between post-load urinary calcium excretion values and basal PRA values existed only in the hypertensive subject group (r = -0.50, P < .01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abstract  20 hemodialysis patients (age xBAR = 58.9 +/- 14.8 years, 10 male patients, dialysis since xBAR = 45.9 +/- 39.4 months) with more than six months lasting hyperphosphatemia and serum-phosphate levels higher than 2 mmol/l, wich was refractory to usual phosphate binding therapy, were selected from our 217 ambulatory hemodialysis patients. The chronic treatment with calcium gluconate, calcium carbonate or aluminiumhydroxide was changed to calcium acetate (CA), using identical numbers of tablets (xBAR = 5.6 tabl./day: containing 616 mg elementary calcium). During 4 months of treatment. CA was prescribed in the 2nd and 4th month, the former phosphate binders in the 1st and 3rd. Under the administration of Ca, there was a decrease of S-phosphate levels in comparison with the former phosphate binders (2.15 +/- 0.37 versus 2.29 +/- 0.32 mmol/l), the calcium-phosphate product was slightly ameliorated 15.18 +/- 0,88 versus 5.49 +/- 0.76 mmol/l). calcium concentration (2.42 +/- 0.15 versus 2,40 +/- 0.15 mmol/l). standard bicarbonate and serum pH did not change. As a new phosphate binder, CA was superior to Ca-gluconate, and, in single cases, more effective than Ca-carbonate and even aluminumhydroxide. In conclusion, patients with poor compliance and severe hyperphosphatemia may benefit from treatment with calcium acetate.

Abstract  The goal of this study was to determine whether oral administration of sodium phosphate in conjunction with intravenous calcium is more efficaceous than intravenous calcium alone for the treatment of parturient paresis. Thirty cows with parturient paresis were examined and treated by the same veterinarian. The cows were divided randomly into two groups of 15 cows each. Cows in group A received 500 ml of a 40 per cent calcium borogluconate solution containing 15.65 g calcium gluconate and borogluconate, with a supplement of 6 per cent magnesium hypophosphite (9.85 g magnesium hypophosphite) intravenously over a period of approximately 15 min. Cows in group B received the same treatment as well as 350 g of monobasic sodium phosphate (70 g inorganic phosphate, NaH2PO4 2 H2O, Streuli) dissolved in 0.5 litres of distilled water orally via a stomach tube. After treatment, the heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, superficial body temperature, rumen motility, appetite and defecation of the cows were monitored every hour for eight h. The cows' attempts to rise and their ability to stand were also noted. Initially, the results of clinical examination and serum electrolyte analyses did not differ between the two groups of cows. Within one hour of treatment, stupor was not observed in any of the cows. The general demeanour after treatment did not differ significantly between the two groups. In both groups, the average rectal temperature increased within two hours of the initiation of treatment, from 38.0 +/- 0.95 degrees C to 38.5 +/- 0.40 degrees C. There was no significant difference in the recovery rate between the groups. Of the 30 cows, 22 (73.3 per cent) stood within eight hours of treatment (10 cows from group A and 12 cows from group B). The type of treatment did not affect the time required to stand: cows in group A stood within 47.3 +/- 44 minutes and cows in group B stood within 24.2 +/- 32 minutes after the start of treatment. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that oral treatment with 350 g of sodium phosphate together with intravenous infusion of calcium in cows with parturient paresis results in an improved outcome, even though all the cows had hypophosphataemia as well as hypocalcaemia.

Abstract  The dynamics,of the formation of the acid gel network for mixtures of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and low methoxyl amidated (LMA) pectin were studied using theological measurements. The results as a function of pectin content and casein micelle integrity, from neutral pH to approximately pH 4.2, together with the microstructural changes observed in some of these systems, are presented.

The gelation profiles of a. mixture of 4% w/v MPC and LMA pectin (0-0.075% w/v) after the addition of 1.2% w/v glucono-delta-lactone showed a gradual decrease in the shear modulus with the incorporation of pectin. The effects of casein micelle integrity on casein-pectin interactions were studied, by preparing MPC dispersions containing various levels of micellar casein. A gradual change in the shear modulus, from a disrupting effect of pectin added to MPC, in which the casein micelles are intact, to a clear synergistic effect of pectin added to dissociated casein systems, was found in the acid-induced milk gels. (C)007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Citric acid is a strong acid with good cation chelating ability and can be very efficient in solubilizing mineral phosphates. Only a few phosphate solubilizing bacteria and fungi are known to secrete citric acids. In this work, we incorporated artificial citrate operon containing NADH insensitive citrate synthase (gltA1) and citrate transporter (citC) genes into the genome of six-plant growth promoting P. fluorescens strains viz., PfO-1, Pf5, CHAO1, P109, ATCC13525 and Fp315 using MiniTn7 transposon gene delivery system. Comprehensive biochemical characterization of the genomic integrants and their comparison with plasmid transformants of the same operon in M9 minimal medium reveals the highest amount of ∼7.6±0.41 mM citric and 29.95±2.8 mM gluconic acid secretion along with ∼43.2±3.24 mM intracellular citrate without affecting the growth of these P. fluorescens strains. All genomic integrants showed enhanced citric and gluconic acid secretion on Tris-Cl rock phosphate (TRP) buffered medium, which was sufficient to release 200-1000 µM Pi in TRP medium. This study demonstrates that MPS ability could be achieved in natural fluorescent pseudomonads by incorporation of artificial citrate operon not only as plasmid but also by genomic integration.

Abstract  Protonation and complexation equilibriums of monosaccharides and the VO(IV)metal ion in aqueous solution were studied as well as their effect on the hyperglycernia of diabetic rats. The complexes formed were characterized by potentiometric titrations, paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC). The system involving D-gluconic acid (HGlu) and oxovanadium(IV) (VO2+) was chosen to study the serum glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. A binuclear species was detected in small quantities, which was formed by coordination of two HGlu molecules and two VO2+ ions through a hydroxide bridge. The mononuclear species formed by HGlu and VO2+ were confirmed by EPR. The anisotropic spectra obtained from aqueous frozen solutions (77 K) are characteristic of mononuclear VO-hexoses. The cyclic sugars D-ribone-1,4-lactone (Riblac), D-galactone-1,4-lactone (Galac) and 2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose (dGlu) showed weak interactions with the metal ion and they are not able to hold the metal in solution above pH 4.6 resulting in hydrolysis of the metal ion. Also, the acute treatment with sugar complexes of HGlu-VO led to a significant hypoglycemic effect (23% and 18% by intraperitoneal or oral gavage treatment, respectively) in diabetic rats. These results show the potential effectiveness of VO-HGlu complexes as anti-hyperglycemic agents through intraperitoneal injection in alloxaninduced diabetic rats. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  In situ-forming hydrogels of pectin, a polysaccharide present in the cell wall of higher plants, were prepared using an internal ionotropic gelation strategy based on calcium carbonate/D-glucono-delta-lactone, and explored for the first time as cell delivery vehicles. Since no ultrapure pectins are commercially available yet, a simple and efficient purification method was established, effectively reducing the levels of proteins, polyphenols and endotoxins of the raw pectin. The purified pectin was then functionalized by carbodiimide chemistry with a cell-adhesive peptide (RGD). Its gelation was analyzed by rheometry and optimized. Human mesenchymal stem cells embedded within unmodified and RGD-pectin hydrogels of different viscoelasticities (1.5 and 2.5 wt%) remained viable and metabolically active for up to 14 days. On unmodified pectin hydrogels, cells remained isolated and round-shaped. In contrast, within RGD-pectin hydrogels they elongated, spread, established cell-to-cell contacts, produced extracellular matrix, and migrated outwards the hydrogels. After 7 days of subcutaneous implantation in mice, acellular pectin hydrogels were considerably degraded, particularly the 1.5 wt% hydrogels. Altogether, these findings show the great potential of pectin-based hydrogels, which combine an interesting set of easily tunable properties, including the in vivo degradation profile, for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Abstract  The solid dispersion technique is one of the most effective methods for improving the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs; however this is reliant on a suitable carrier and solvent being selected. The work presented explores amino sugars (d-glucosamine HCl and d-gluconolactone) as potential hydrophilic carriers to improve dissolution rate of a poorly water-soluble drug, piroxicam, from physical mixtures and solid dispersion formulations. Solid dispersions of the drug and carrier were prepared using different ratios by the conventional solvent evaporation method. Acetone was used as solvent in the preparation of solid dispersions. Physical mixtures of piroxicam and carrier were also prepared for comparison. The properties of all solid dispersions and physical mixtures were studied using a dissolution tester, Fourier transform infrared, XRD, SEM and differential scanning calorimetry. These results showed that the presence of glucosamine or gluconolactone can increase dissolution rate of piroxicam compared to pure piroxicam. Glucosamine or Gluconolactone could be used as carrier in solid dispersion formulations and physical mixtures to enhance the dissolution rate. Solid state studies showed that no significant changes occurred for piroxicam in physical mixtures and solid dispersion.

Abstract  A novel incentive enzymatic glucose detection using ratiometric fluorescent co-doped silica nanotube was developed. With the great biocompatibility and multifunctional structure, silica nanotube allows both co-encapsulation of fluorescent dyes and bioconjugation of glucose oxidase without increasing its dynamic size. In our study, two kinds of fluorophore, namely Fluorescent isothiocyanate and Tetramethyl rhodamine, were employed as reporting and calibrating probe, respectively. Firstly, silica nanotubes were synthesized using anodic alumina membrane and Tetramethyl rhodamine, pH-insensitive dye, was embedded inside silica matrix during synthesis. Secondly, Fluorescent isothiocyanate, pH-sensitive dye, was subsequently embedded inside hollow void of nanotube using nano-molding lithography. Finally, glucose oxidase was covalently immobilized onto the outer surface of free-standing silica nanotubes. During enzymatic reaction, gluconic acid was generated and decreased pH of solution. The concentration of glucose was quantified by fluorescent ratiometric measurement based on the decreased emission intensity of Fluoresecein thioisocyanate compared to that of Tetramethyl rhodamine.

Abstract  (1R,4S)-1-Amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclpentene, an important precursor for the synthesis of carbocyclic nucleosides, has been prepared from D-glucono-delta-lactone in enantiomerically pure form (er > 99/1). The synthesis proceeded from the lactone via the diisopropylidene-2-amino-2-deoxymannonate and hydrolysis of the terminal isopropylidene group. Selective oxidation of the primary alcohol and esterification gave the corresponding mannarate which was deoxygenated at C5. Further transformations by regiospecific eliminative cleavage of the ketal and hydrogenation gave dimethyl (2S,3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxyadipate. Dieckmann cyclization through specific carbanion formation at C5 led to the aminohydroxy(methoxycarbonyl)cyclopentanone which was readily converted in a series of high-yielding steps to the target cyclopentene. Throughout the synthesis, stereo- and regioselectivities were strongly influenced by the sterically demanding 9-phenyl-9-fluorenyl protecting group on nitrogen.

Abstract  Context. This is the first case of proton pump induced hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia, accompanied with increased parathormone levels.

Objective. The proton pump inhibitors are widely used medications. They are considered safe, however, they have some side effects. One of these side effects is hypomagnesemia. Here we report a case with severe hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia due to long term proton pump inhibitor.

Case. A 73 years old woman, admitted to emergency room due to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. She had a previous history of muscle cramps and paresthesia for 4 months. She had a medical history of peptic ulcer and she was taking omeprazole for 7 years. Her laboratory evaluation showed marked hypomagnesemia [0.5 mg/dL (normal: 1.7-2.55 mg/dL)] and hypocalcemia [6.2 mg/dL (8.8-10.2 mg/dL)] with extremely low urinary calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) excretion [0.01 gr/24 h (normal:0.05-0.3 gr/24 h), <1.22 mg/24 h (normal: 9.7-12.20) respectively]. Her vitamin D level was normal [35 ng/mL (normal:30-80 ng/mL)] and PTH was increased [129 pg/mL (normal: 15-65 pg/mL)] in accordance with the secondary hyperparathyroidism. Symptoms resolved with the intravenous supplementation of calcium gluconate and magnesium sulphate. However, despite high levels of oral replacement, Mg levels remained low. With omission of omeprazole two months after the admission, her ion levels returned to normal without any replacement.

Conclusion. Especially elderly patients with long term proton pump inhibitor therapy, should be monitored for the symptoms of hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia.