Co-Formulation of Recombinant Porcine IL-18 Enhances the Onset of Immune Response in a New Lawsonia intracellularis Vaccine.

Pig is one of the most consumed meats worldwide. One of the main conditions for pig production is Porcine Enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. Among the effects of this disease is chronic mild diarrhea, which affects the weight gain of pigs, generating economic losses. Vaccines available to prevent this condition do not have the desired effect, but this limitation can be overcome using adjuvants. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 18 (IL-18), can improve an immune response, reducing the immune window of protection. In this study, recombinant porcine IL-18 was produced and expressed in Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris. The protein's biological activity was assessed in vitro and in vivo, and we determined that the P. pastoris protein had better immunostimulatory activity. A vaccine candidate against L. intracellularis, formulated with and without IL-18, was used to determine the pigs' cellular and humoral immune responses. Animals injected with the candidate vaccine co-formulated with IL-18 showed a significant increase of Th1 immune response markers and an earlier increase of antibodies than those vaccinated without the cytokine. This suggests that IL-18 acts as an immunostimulant and vaccine adjuvant to boost the immune response against the antigens, reducing the therapeutic window of recombinant protein-based vaccines.

Altering the spectroscopy, electronic structure, and bonding of organometallic curium(III) upon coordination of 4,4'-bipyridine.

Structural and electronic characterization of (Cp'3Cm)2(µ-4,4'-bpy) (Cp' = trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl, 4,4'-bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) is reported and provides a rare example of curium-carbon bonding. Cp'3Cm displays unexpectedly low energy emission that is quenched upon coordination by 4,4'-bipyridine. Electronic structure calculations on Cp'3Cm and (Cp'3Cm)2(µ-4,4'-bpy) rule out significant differences in the emissive state, rendering 4,4'-bipyridine as the primary quenching agent. Comparisons of (Cp'3Cm)2(µ-4,4'-bpy) with its samarium and gadolinium analogues reveal atypical bonding patterns and electronic features that offer insights into bonding between carbon with f-block metal ions. Here we show the structural characterization of a curium-carbon bond, in addition to the unique electronic properties never before observed in a curium compound.

Synthesis and Crystallographic Characterization of a Reduced Bimetallic Yttrium ansa-Metallocene Hydride Complex, [K(crypt)][(µ-CpAn)Y(µ-H)]2 (CpAn = Me2Si[C5H3(SiMe3)-3]2), with a 3.4 Å Yttrium-Yttrium Distance.

The reduction of a bimetallic yttrium ansa-metallocene hydride was examined to explore the possible formation of Y-Y bonds with 4d1 Y(II) ions. The precursor [CpAnY(µ-H)(THF)]2 (CpAn = Me2Si[C5H3(SiMe3)-3]2) was synthesized by hydrogenolysis of the allyl complex CpAnY(η3-C3H5)(THF), which was prepared from (C3H5)MgCl and [CpAnY(µ-Cl)]2. Treatment of [CpAnY(µ-H)(THF)]2 with excess KC8 in the presence of one equivalent of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) generates an intensely colored red-brown product crystallographically identified as [K(crypt)][(µ-CpAn)Y(µ-H)]2. The two rings of each CpAn ligand in the reduced anion [(µ-CpAn)Y(µ-H)]21- are attached to two yttrium centers in a "flyover" configuration. The 3.3992(6) and 3.4022(7) Å Y···Y distances between the equivalent metal centers within two crystallographically independent complexes are the shortest Y···Y distances observed to date. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible)/near infrared (IR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy support the presence of Y(II), and theoretical analysis describes the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) as an Y-Y bonding orbital composed of metal 4d orbitals mixed with metallocene ligand orbitals. A dysprosium analogue, [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][(µ-CpAn)Dy(µ-H)]2, was also synthesized, crystallographically characterized, and studied by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility. The magnetic data are best modeled with the presence of one 4f9 Dy(III) center and one 4f9(5dz2)1 Dy(II) center with no coupling between them. CASSCF calculations are consistent with magnetic measurements supporting the absence of coupling between the Dy centers.

Cyclopentadienyl coordination induces unexpected ionic Am-N bonding in an americium bipyridyl complex.

Variations in bonding between trivalent lanthanides and actinides is critical for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. The ability to tune bonding and the coordination environment in these trivalent systems is a key factor in identifying a solution for separating lanthanides and actinides. Coordination of 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) and trimethylsilylcyclopentadienide (Cp') to americium introduces unexpectedly ionic Am-N bonding character and unique spectroscopic properties. Here we report the structural characterization of (Cp'3Am)2(µ - 4,4'-bpy) and its lanthanide analogue, (Cp'3Nd)2(µ - 4,4'-bpy), by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Spectroscopic techniques in both solid and solution phase are performed in conjunction with theoretical calculations to probe the effects the unique coordination environment has on the electronic structure.

Creation of an unexpected plane of enhanced covalency in cerium(III) and berkelium(III) terpyridyl complexes.

Controlling the properties of heavy element complexes, such as those containing berkelium, is challenging because relativistic effects, spin-orbit and ligand-field splitting, and complex metal-ligand bonding, all dictate the final electronic states of the molecules. While the first two of these are currently beyond experimental control, covalent M‒L interactions could theoretically be boosted through the employment of chelators with large polarizabilities that substantially shift the electron density in the molecules. This theory is tested by ligating BkIII with 4'-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine (terpy*), a ligand with a large dipole. The resultant complex, Bk(terpy*)(NO3)3(H2O)·THF, is benchmarked with its closest electrochemical analog, Ce(terpy*)(NO3)3(H2O)·THF. Here, we show that enhanced Bk‒N interactions with terpy* are observed as predicted. Unexpectedly, induced polarization by terpy* also creates a plane in the molecules wherein the M‒L bonds trans to terpy* are shorter than anticipated. Moreover, these molecules are highly anisotropic and rhombic EPR spectra for the CeIII complex are reported.

Synthesis, characterization, and theoretical analysis of a plutonyl phosphine oxide complex.

The interplay of bond strength and covalency are examined in AnO2Cl2(OPcy3)2 (An = Pu, U) complexes. The synthesis of trans-PuO2Cl2(OPcy3)2, 1-Pu, has been carried out and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction along with UV-vis-NIR, and 31P NMR spectroscopies. Theoretical analysis finds that despite a higher calculated covalency for the Pu-Cl interaction, the Pu-OPcy3 interaction is stronger due to the accumulation of electron density in the interatomic region. The coordination of equatorial ligands slightly decreases the strength of the PuOyl interactions relative to the free gas phase (PuO2)2+ ion.

Influence of Outer-Sphere Anions on the Photoluminescence from Samarium(II) Crown Complexes.

Three samarium(II) crown ether complexes, [Sm(15-crown-5)2]I2 (1), [Sm(15-crown-5)2]I2·CH3CN (2), and [Sm(benzo-15-crown-5)2]I2 (3), have been prepared via the reaction of SmI2 with the corresponding crown ether in either THF or acetonitrile in good to moderate yields. The compounds have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and a variety of spectroscopic techniques. In all cases, the Sm(II) centers are sandwiched between two crown ether molecules and are bound by the five etheric oxygen atoms from each crown ether to yield 10-coordinate environments. Despite the higher symmetry crystal class of 1 (R3c), the samarium center resides on a general position, whereas in 2 and 3 (both in P21/c) the metal centers lie upon inversion centers. Moreover, the complexes in 2 and 3 are approximated well by D5d symmetry. The molecule in 1, however, is distorted from idealized D5d symmetry, and the crown ethers are more puckered than observed in 2 and 3. All three complexes luminesce in the NIR at low temperatures. However, the nature of the luminescence differs between the three compounds. 1 exhibits broadband photoluminescence at 20 °C but at low temperatures transitions to narrow peaks. 2 only exhibits nonradiative decay at 20 °C and at low temperatures retains a mixture of broadband and fine transitions. Finally, 3 displays broadband luminescence regardless of temperature. Spin-orbit (SO) CASSCF calculations reveal that the outer-sphere iodide anions influence whether broadband luminescence from 5d → 4f or fine 4f → 4f transitions occur through the alteration of symmetry around the metal centers and the nature of the excited states as a function of temperature.

Expression and characterization of a novel single-chain anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody in the goat milk.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has essential functions in angiogenesis, endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tumor invasion. Different approaches have been developed to suppress tumor angiogenesis, which is considered a hallmark of cancer. Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies constitute an important strategy for cancer immunotherapy, which has been produced on several platforms. In this study, a novel single-chain anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (scVEGFmAb) was produced in the goat mammary gland by adenoviral transduction. scVEGFmAb was purified by affinity chromatography. N-glycans were analyzed by exoglycosidase digestion and hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The biological activity of scVEGFmAb was assessed by scratch and mouse aortic ring assays. scVEGFmAb was produced at 0.61 g/L in the goat milk, and its purification rendered 95 % purity. N-glycans attached to scVEGFmAb backbone were mainly neutral biantennary core fucosylated with Galß1,4GlcNAc motif, and charged structures were capped with Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc. The chimeric molecule significantly prevented cell migration and suppressed microvessel sprouting. These results demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of producing an anti-VEGF therapeutic antibody in the milk of non-transgenic goats with the potential to counteract tumor angiogenesis.

Understanding the Stabilization and Tunability of Divalent Europium 2.2.2B Cryptates.

Lanthanides such as europium with more accessible divalent states are useful for studying redox stability afforded by macrocyclic organic ligands. Substituted cryptands, such as 2.2.2B cryptand, that increase the oxidative stability of divalent europium also provide coordination environments that support synthetic alterations of Eu(II) cryptate complexes. Two single crystal structures were obtained containing nine-coordinate Eu(II) 2.2.2B cryptate complexes that differ by a single coordination site, the occupation of which is dictated by changes in reaction conditions. A crystal structure containing a [Eu(2.2.2B)Cl]+ complex is obtained from a methanol-THF solvent mixture, while a methanol-acetonitrile solvent mixture affords a [Eu(2.2.2B)(CH3OH)]2+ complex. While both crystals exhibit the typical blue emission observed in most Eu(II) containing compounds as a result of 4f65d1 to 4f7 transitions, computational results show that the substitution of a Cl- anion in the place of a methanol molecule causes mixing of the 5d excited states in the Eu(II) 2.2.2B cryptate complex. Additionally, magnetism studies reveal the identity of the capping ligand in the Eu(II) 2.2.2B cryptate complex may also lead to exchange between Eu(II) metal centers facilitated by π-stacking interactions within the structure, slightly altering the anticipated magnetic moment. The synthetic control present in these systems makes them interesting candidates for studying less stable divalent lanthanides and the effects of precise modifications of the electronic structures of low valent lanthanide elements.

Origin of Bond Elongation in a Uranium(IV) cis-Bis(imido) Complex.

The activation of U-N multiple bonds in an imido analogue of the uranyl ion is accomplished by using a system that is very electron-rich with sterically encumbering ligands. Treating the uranium(VI) trans-bis(imido) UI2(NDIPP)2(THF)3 (DIPP = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl and THF = tetrahydrofuran) with tert-butyl(dimethylsilyl)amide (NTSA) results in a reduction and rearrangement to form the uranium(IV) cis-bis(imido) [U(NDIPP)2(NTSA)2]K2 (1). Compound 1 features long U-N bonds, pointing toward substantial activation of the N═U═N unit, as determined by X-ray crystallography and 1H NMR, IR, and electronic absorption spectroscopies. Computational analyses show that uranium(IV)-imido bonds in 1 are significantly weakened multiple bonds due to polarization toward antibonding and nonbonding orbitals. Such geometric control has important effects on the electronic structures of these species, which could be useful in the recycling of spent nuclear fuels.

Exploring the Oxidation States of Neptunium with Schiff Base Coordination Complexes.

A pair of neptunium Schiff base coordination complexes, NpVIO2L(MeOH) and NpIVL2 {H2L = N,N'-bis[(4,4'-diethylamino)salicylidene]-1,2-phenylenediamine}, have been synthesized and analyzed by several characterization methods including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electronic absorption, 1H NMR, cyclic voltammetry, and theoretical interpretation. Structural analysis reveals that NpVIO2L(MeOH) and NpIVL2 are isomorphous with the previously reported UVIO2L(MeOH) and MIVL2 (M = Pu, Ce, U, Th) complexes, respectively, allowing for a direct comparison across the series. The reduction of NpVIO2L(MeOH) in situ or direct synthesis from a (NpVO2)+ source shows evidence of a pentavalent neptunyl (NpVO2L)xn- species as determined by UV/vis/NIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The synthesis of (NpVO2L)xn- directly from a (NpVO2)+ starting material gives a similar spectrum. Theoretical analysis offers insight into the electronic structure for a better understanding of the bonding patterns and relative stability of the different oxidation states. Computational results show that the Np-L covalent interactions in NpIVL2 are similar to those in the NpVIO2L(MeOH) complex, indicating that neither the presence of the axial oxo ligands nor the oxidation state significantly modify the nature of the Np-L bonds.

Classical and Quantum Mechanical Calculations of the Stacking Interaction of NdIII Complexes with Regular and Mismatched DNA Sequences.

The design of organometallic complexes used as selective intercalators to bind and react at DNA mismatch sites has concentrated efforts in the last few years. In this context, lanthanides have received attention to be employed as active optical centers due to their spectroscopic properties. Despite the fact that there are several experimental data about synthesis and DNA binding of these compounds, theoretical analyses describing their interaction with DNA are scarce. To understand the binding to regular and mismatched DNA sequences as well as to determine the effect of the intercalation on the spectroscopic properties of the complexes, a complete theoretical study going from classical to relativistic quantum mechanics calculations has been performed on some lanthanide complexes with phenanthroline derivatives synthesized and characterized herein, viz. [Nd(NO3)3(H2O)(dppz-R)] with R = H, NO2-, CN- and their [Nd(NO3)3(H2O)(dpq)] analogue, which was computationally modeled. The results were in correct agreement with the available experimental data showing that dppz complexes have higher binding affinities to DNA than dpq one and supporting the idea that these complexes are not selective to mismatch sites in the sampled time scale. Finally, the spectroscopic analysis evidence an intercalative binding mode and made possible the elucidation of the emission mechanism of these systems. This approach is proposed as a benchmark study to extend this methodology on similar systems and constitutes the first theoretical insight in the interaction between DNA and lanthanide complexes.

Rare-Earth Metal(II) Aryloxides: Structure, Synthesis, and EPR Spectroscopy of [K(2.2.2-cryptand)][Sc(OC6 H2 tBu2 -2,6-Me-4)3 ].

The suitability of aryloxide ligands for stabilizing +2 oxidation states of Sc and Y has been examined and EPR evidence indicating the first O-donor complexes of ScII and YII has been obtained, as well as an X-ray crystal structure of a ScII aryloxide complex. The trivalent rare-earth metal aryloxide precursors, Ln(OAr')3 , 1-Ln (Ln=Sc, Y, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er; OAr'=OC6 H2 tBu2 -2,6-Me-4), were synthesized from the corresponding rare-earth metal trichlorides and LiOAr'⋅OEt2 . Reduction of THF solutions of 1-Ln with potassium graphite in the presence of 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) yielded dark-colored solutions, 2-Ln, whose EPR spectra at 77 K are characteristic of the LnII ions: a two-line spectrum (g∥ =1.99, g□ =1.97, Aave =154 G) for 2-Y and an eight-line spectrum (gave =2.01 and Aave =291 G) for 2-Sc. Solutions of 2-Y decompose within one minute at room temperature, wheras 2-Sc persists up to 40 min at room temperature. 2-Sc was identified by X-ray crystallography as [K(crypt)][Sc(OAr')3 ], which has a trigonal-planar arrangement of oxygen-donor atoms around ScII . Analogous reductions of 1-Ln for Ln=Gd, Dy, Ho, and Er also gave dark solutions of limited stability. Theoretical analysis using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) along with complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) methods, and structural analysis with the Guzei ligand solid angle G-parameter method are presented.

Theoretical Determination of Energy Transfer Processes and Influence of Symmetry in Lanthanide(III) Complexes: Methodological Considerations.

This work presents a theoretical protocol to analyze the symmetry effect on the allowed character of the transitions and to estimate the probability of energy transfer in lanthanide(III) complexes. For this purpose, a complete study was performed based on the multireference CASSCF/PT2 technique along with TDDFT, to build the energy level diagrams and determine the spectral overlap integrals, respectively. This approach was applied on a series of LnIII complexes, viz. [LnCl3(DMF)2(Dpq)]/[Ln(NO3)3(DMF)2(Dpq)], where Ln = SmIII, TbIII, ErIII/EuIII, NdIII and dpq = dipyridoquinoxaline, synthesized and characterized by Patra et al. ( Dalton Trans. 2015 , 44 ( 46 ), 19844 - 19855 ; CrystEngComm 2016 , 18 ( 23 ), 4313 - 4322 ; Inorg. Chim. Acta 2016 , 451 , 73 - 81 ). A fragmentation scheme was applied where both the ligand and the lanthanide fragments were treated separately but at the same level of theory. The symmetry analysis only partially reproduced the expected results, and a more detailed analysis of the crystal field became necessary. On the other hand, the most probable energy transfer pathways that take place in the complexes were elucidated from the energy gaps between the ligand-localized triplet state and the emitting levels of the lanthanide fragments. These gaps, which are related to the energy transfer rate, properly reproduced the trend reported experimentally for the best and worst yields. Finally, the spectral overlap integral was calculated from the emission spectra of the dpq ligand and the absorption spectra of the lanthanide fragment. The obtained values are in good agreement with the quantum yields calculated for the systems. The most remarkable aspect of this protocol was its ability to explain the emission and nonemission of the studied compounds.

Three new types of transition metal carboranylamidinate complexes.

Three new types of transition metal carboranylamidinate complexes are reported. The tetranuclear Mn(ii) complex Mn4Cl6[(o-C2B10H10)C(NiPr)(NHiPr)]2(THF)4·THF (2) was prepared by treatment of anhydrous MnCl2 with Li[(o-C2B10H10)C(NiPr)(NHiPr)] ([double bond, length as m-dash]Li[HLiPr]) in THF, while the analogous reaction with FeCl2 afforded ionic [Li(DME)3][FeCl2{(o-C2B10H10)C(NiPr)(NHiPr)}] (3). The dinuclear Mo(ii) complex Mo2[(o-C2B10H10)C(NiPr)(NHiPr)]2(OAc)2·2THF (4), obtained from Mo2(OAc)4 and 2 equiv. of Li[HLiPr], represents the first example of a M-M multiple bond stabilized by carboranylamidinate ligands. All title compounds were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The M-M bonding in compound 4 has been further elucidated through Complete Active Space Self Consistent Field (CASSCF) calculations.

Ab initio calculations of heavy-actinide hexahalide compounds: do these heavy actinides behave like their isoelectronic lanthanide analogues?

Research on heavy actinides has experienced an increased interest in the last few years due to new synthetic techniques and recent technological advances that have allowed for obtaining important information even from very small samples. This area presents challenges not only from the experimental point of view but also from the theoretical perspective. This work deals with a multiconfigurational CASSCF and NEVPT2 benchmark study based on a two-step methodology that considers first correlation effects and then the spin-orbit coupling applied to berkelium (Bk), californium (Cf), einsteinium (Es) and fermium (Fm) hexahalides. Optical properties, such as f → d transitions and crystal-field parameters, have been calculated and rationalized. The results for these trivalent actinides indicate that the electronic structure of the low-lying states is reproduced accurately with small basis sets. The ground-state multiplets are isolated, in the same manner as their isoelectronic lanthanide counterparts. In the case of tetravalent berkelium, the picture is different regarding the electronic structure where crystal-field theory fails due to considerable ligand-to-metal charge transfer contributions to the ground state.

Theoretical Method for an Accurate Elucidation of Energy Transfer Pathways in Europium(III) Complexes with Dipyridophenazine (dppz) Ligand: One More Step in the Study of the Molecular Antenna Effect.

A theoretical protocol to study the sensitization and emission mechanism in lanthanide compounds on the basis of multireference CASSCF/PT2 calculations is proposed and applied to [Eu(NO3)3(dppz-CN)] and [Eu(NO3)3(dppz-NO2)] compounds synthesized and characterized herein. The method consists of a fragmentation scheme where both the ligand and the lanthanide fragments were calculated separately but at the same level of theory, using ab initio wave-function-based methods which are adequate for the treatment of quasi-degenerate states. This is based on the fact that the absorption is ligand-localized and the emission is europium-centered. This characteristic allowed us to describe the most probable energy transfer pathways that take place in the complexes, which involved an ISC between the S1 to T1 ligand states, energy transfer to 5D2 in the lanthanide fragment, and further 5D0 → 7FJ emission. For both compounds, the triplet and 5D2 states were determined at the CASPT2 level to be around ∼26000 and ∼22400 cm-1, respectively. This difference is in the optimal range for the energy transfer process. Finally, the emissive state 5D0 was found at ∼18000 cm-1 and the emission bands in the range 550-700 nm, in quite good agreement with the experimental results.

Mechanisms of long-term weight regain in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Weight regain after bariatric surgery may be associated with behavioral, metabolic, or mechanical factors alone or in combination. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors are related to weight regain in the long-term after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: A retrospective case-control study with 40 patients undergoing SG (32 women, 8 men; age 42.9 ± 10.7 y; preoperative body mass index 35 ± 2.8 kg/m(2)), was performed. Patients were grouped according percentile->50% (cases) or <50% (controls)-of weight regain (%WR cutoff: 25% of weight loss). Weight history, anthropometry, glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), thyroid-stimulating hormone, resting energy expenditure, body composition, dietary survey, psychological test, and physical activity were recorded. Residual gastric capacity was estimated using a radiologic method. RESULTS (MEDIAN [P25-P75]): The evaluation was conducted 38.5 mo (34-41 mo) after SG. Percent weight regain ranged from 2.7% to 129.2% (25.4% [13-37.1]). Patients in the higher %WR group had a greater residual gastric volume (252.7 ± 108.4 versus 148.5 ± 25.3; P < 0.05) and the estimated volume was significantly correlated with %WR (r = 0.673; P = 0.023). Significantly higher body mass index (P = 0.001), resting energy expenditure (P = 0.04), fasting insulin (P = 0.01), and HOMA-IR (P = 0.02) were observed in the higher %WR group. A higher fat intake and a trend toward higher total energy intake were observed in the group with greater %WR. Clinical or borderline levels of anxiety were more frequently observed in the higher %WR group (70% versus 30%; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results from the present study demonstrated that the most important factor associated with long-term weight regain after SG was residual gastric volume. Additional prospective studies with larger numbers of patients are necessary to confirm our results.