Phosphine-mediated three-component bioconjugation of amino- and azidosaccharides in ionic liquids.

Bioconjugation of carbohydrates has been a challenging task because of their chemical, functional, and structural diversities, and no single chemical modification tool can be universally applicable to all the target substrates in different environments. In this report, we have developed a bioconjugation strategy for labeling of carbohydrate derivatives through a phosphine-mediated three-component coupling reaction in an ionic liquid medium.

Osteochondral fragmentation of the cervical articular process joints; prevalence in horses undergoing CT for investigation of cervical dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the cervical spine of mature horses under general anaesthesia is becoming increasingly accessible. Osteochondral fragmentation (OF) of the cervical articular process joints (APJs) has been identified on CT imaging; the prevalence, clinical features and significance of this finding are currently unknown. OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence and clinical features of a population of horses with CT evidence of OF within the cervical APJs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, descriptive case series. METHODS: The study population consisted of all horses undergoing CT imaging of the entire cervical spine between April 2016 and December 2019 at Liphook Equine Hospital for investigation of clinical signs localised to this region. CT scans were examined for evidence of OF within the APJs and additional case features were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 55 horses underwent CT imaging during the study period. OF was identified in 13 horses, giving a CT prevalence of 24% in the study population. OF occurred in a range of ages, breeds and uses of equine, presenting with varied clinical signs. It was identified at every level of the neck. Additional cervical pathology was identified in 11/13 OF cases. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Retrospective analysis of a clinical caseload with a lack of clinically normal controls or post mortem confirmation of imaging findings. Low case numbers. CONCLUSIONS: OF within the cervical APJs is recognised on CT imaging in horses with cervical dysfunction. Fragments are commonly identified in combination with additional cervical pathology. Further investigation is required to confirm their clinical significance and develop potential treatment options where necessary.

An Ionic Liquid Medium Enables Development of a Phosphine-Mediated Amine-Azide Bioconjugation Method.

While a diverse set of design strategies have produced various chemical tools for biomolecule labeling in aqueous media, the development of nonaqueous, biomolecule-compatible media for bioconjugation has significantly lagged behind. In this report, we demonstrate that an aprotic ionic liquid serves as a novel reaction solvent for protein bioconjugation without noticeable loss of the biomolecule functions. The ionic liquid bioconjugation approach led to discovery of a novel triphenylphosphine-mediated amine-azide coupling reaction that forges a stable tetrazene linkage on unprotected peptides and proteins. This strategy of using untraditional media would provide untapped opportunities for expanding the scope of chemical approaches for bioconjugation.

Ammonia induced encephalopathy from valproic acid in a bipolar patient: case report.

Valproic acid is widely used as a mood stabilizer. We report a case of an adult with bipolar disorder taking therapeutic doses of valproic acid, who presented to the emergency department with coma related to hyperammonemia as a complication of valproic acid treatment. Valproic acid was discontinued which resulted in rapid clinical recovery. Valproic acid induced coma was likely related to a urea cycle enzymopathy. Clinicians should consider hyperammonemia in all patients who present with coma and other mental status changes while on valproic acid. In such patients, ammonia level should be obtained in addition to liver function tests.