Briarane diterpenes from two species of octocorals, Ellisella sp. and Pteroeides sp

Eight new briarane diterpenes (1-4, 7-10) have been isolated from two species of octocorals and the structures elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Two diterpenes (2, 3) from the gorgonian Ellisella sp. inhibited cytokinesis, causing multinuclei formation on NBT-II cells, while a known briarane (12) from the sea pen Pteroeides sp. showed reversal of multidrug resistance.     

Dynamic interplay of alkali cations and a natural organic binder in the microstructural evolution of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films prepared from Cu2ZnSnS4 powder-containing inks

The use of pre-synthesised Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) sub-micron powders as a raw material for preparing CZTS thin films for photovoltaic absorber applications is examined. A challenge in preparing photovoltaic device-relevant CZTS films from submicron powders is producing a dense CZTS film by a sintering process. This is due to the nature of non-unimodal particle size and morphology that typically lead to the formation of pores after sintering. This work aimed to study the sintering behaviour of CZTS films that were prepared from a CZTS powder-containing ink. Complementary DT-TGA and in situ X-ray powder diffraction studies at elevated temperature reveal that the tetragonal kesterite phase in the as-sintered CZTS film is stable until 620 °C. An effective tendency of CZTS powder towards film recrystallisation occurs when alkali cations (Na and/or K) are added to the ink. For the first time, effects of additional natural gum as a binder in the CZTS powder-containing ink on the CZTS film sintering behaviour were also investigated. Contrary to the positive effects of alkali addition, the binder inhibits recrystallisation of CZTS. Therefore, the amount of binder was controlled in a quantity large enough to modify the ink viscosity, but low enough to allow large CZTS grain growth during sintering. A dense and compact as-sintered CZTS film can be produced from a CZTS powder-containing ink with 10 mol% Na and 2 mol% K alkali addition along with 3 wt% binder addition.

The use of pre-synthesised Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) sub-micron powders as a raw material for preparing CZTS thin films for photovoltaic absorber applications is examined.     

Construction and immunogenicity of replication-competent adenovirus 5 host range mutant recombinants expressing HIV-1 gp160 of SF162 and TV1 strains

An HIV Env immunogen capable of eliciting broad immunity is critical for a successful vaccine. We constructed and characterized adenovirus 5 host range mutant (Ad5hr) recombinants encoding HIV_SF162 gp160 (subtype B) and HIV_TV1 gp160 (subtype C). Immunization of mice with one or both induced cellular immunity to subtype B and C peptides by ELISpot, and antibody responses with high binding titers to HIV Env of subtypes A, B, C, and E. Notably, Ad5hr-HIV_TV1 gp160 induced better cellular immunity than Ad5hr-HIV_SF162 gp160, either alone or following co-administration. Thus, the TV1 Env recombinant alone may be sufficient for eliciting immune responses against both subtype B and C envelopes. Further studies of Ad5hr-HIV_TV1 gp160 in rhesus macaques will evaluate the suitability of this insert for a future phase I clinical trial using a replication-competent Ad4 vector.     

Development of an oral rutin nanocrystal formulation

Dried rutin nanocrystals have been prepared by lyophilization and investigated regarding their physicochemical properties with respect to re-dispersability, particle size, morphology and dissolution behavior. Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and laser diffractometry (LD) were employed to determine the particle size. Morphology of the particles was analyzed by light microscopy. Lyophilized rutin nanocrystals were incorporated into tablets and the dissolution behavior of the tablets was evaluated. Very fine particles of lyophilized rutin could be completely re-dispersed in the water. The PCS size average and polydispersity index (PI) of lyophilized rutin were of 721 nm and of 0.288 after re-dispersion. The rutin nanocrystal-loaded tablets were produced using direct compression. The dissolution velocity of the rutin nanocrystal-loaded tablet was superior compared to rutin microcrystal-loaded and a marketed tablet. After 30 min rutin was released and dissolved completely from the nanocrystal tablets in water. In contrast, only 71% and 55% of the total amount of rutin were dissolved from the microcrystal tablets and the marketed tablet, respectively. The improving dissolution behavior of the rutin nanocrystal-loaded tablet should lead to a better bioavailability of the poorly soluble rutin in the body.     

Slicing technique of the RV outflow tract in transatrial-transpulmonary repair for tetralogy of Fallot

The relief of a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a crucial step to successful transatrial-transpulmonary repair for tetralogy of Fallot. We here describe our technique for achieving good effective relief of a right ventricular outflow tract obstruction by slicing the wall without right ventriculotomy or with minimum transannular right ventriculotomy if necessary. The right ventricular outflow tract can be widely opened by slicing the inner half of the wall both through the tricuspid valve and the pulmonary valve. This procedure can be performed safely and effectively by detecting structural differences between the inner and outer half of the right ventricular wall, the former coarse and the latter dense.