Acid Present (acid + present)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase activity is induced by phytanic acid

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 13 2000
Anna W. M. Zomer
Phytanic acid (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) is a branched-chain fatty acid present in various dietary products such as milk, cheese and fish. In patients with Refsum disease, accumulation of phytanic acid occurs due to a deficiency of phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase, a peroxisomal enzyme containing a peroxisomal targeting signal 2. Recently, phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase cDNA has been isolated and functional mutations have been identified. As it has been shown that phytanic acid activates the nuclear hormone receptors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and all three retinoid X receptors (RXRs), the intracellular concentration of this fatty acid should be tightly regulated. When various cell lines were grown in the presence of phytanic acid, the activity of phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase increased up to four times, depending on the particular cell type. In one cell line, HepG2, no induction of phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase activity was observed. After addition of phytanic acid to COS-1 cells, an increase in phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase activity was observed within 2 h, indicating a quick cell response. No stimulation of phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase was observed when COS-1 cells were grown in the presence of clofibric acid, 9- cis -retinoic acid or both ligands together. This indicates that the activation of phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase is not regulated via PPAR, or RXR. However, stimulation of PPAR, and all RXRs by clofibric acid and 9- cis -retinoic acid was observed in transient transfection assays. These results suggest that the induction of phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase by phytanic acid does not proceed via one of the nuclear hormone receptors, RXR or PPAR,. [source]


Bacterial synthesis of poly(hydroxybutyrate- co-hydroxyvalerate) using carbohydrate-rich mahua (Madhuca sp.) flowers

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
P.K. Anil Kumar
Abstract Aims:, The objective of the present work was to utilize an unrefined natural substrate namely mahua (Madhuca sp.) flowers, as a carbon source for the production of bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer by Bacillus sp-256. Methods and Results:, In the present work, three bacterial strains were tested for PHA production on mahua flower extract (to impart 20 g l,1 sugar) amongst which, Bacillus sp-256 produced higher concentration of PHA in its biomass (51%) compared with Rhizobium meliloti (31%) or Sphingomonas sp (22%). Biosynthesis of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) , P(HB-co-HV) , of 90 : 10 mol% by Bacillus sp-256 was observed by gas chromatographic analysis of the polymer. Major component of the flower is sugars (57% on dry weight basis) and additionally it also contains proteins, vitamins, organic acids and essential oils. The bacterium utilized malic acid present in the substrate as a co-carbon source for the copolymer production. The flowers could be used in the form of aqueous extract or as whole flowers. PHA content of biomass (%) and yield (g l,1) in a 3·0-l stirred tank fermentor after 30 h of fermentation under constant pH (7) and dissolved oxygen content (40%) were 54% and 2·7 g l,1, respectively. Corresponding yields for control fermentation with sucrose as carbon source were 52% and 2·5 g l,1. The polymer was characterized by proton NMR. Conclusions:, Utilization of mahua flowers, a natural substrate for bacterial fermentation aimed at PHA production, had additional advantage, as the sugars and organic acids present in the flowers were metabolized by Bacillus sp-256 to synthesize P(HB-co-HV) copolymer. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Literature reports on utilization of suitable cheaper natural substrate for PHA copolymer production is scanty. Mahua flowers used in the present experiment is a cheaper carbon substrate compared with several commercial substrates and it is rich in main carbon as well as co-carbon sources that can be utilized by bacteria for PHA copolymer production. [source]


Isomerization of delta-9-THC to delta-8-THC when tested as trifluoroacetyl-, pentafluoropropionyl-, or heptafluorobutyryl- derivatives,,

JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 5 2008
Justin M. Holler
Abstract For GC,MS analysis of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC), perfluoroacid anhydrides in combination with perfluoroalcohols are commonly used for derivatization. This reagent mixture is preferred because it allows simultaneous derivatization of delta-9-THC and its acid metabolite, 11-nor-delta-9-THC-9-carboxylic acid present in biological samples. When delta-9-THC was derivatized by trifluoroacetic anhydride/hexafluoroisopropanol (TFAA/HFIPOH) and analyzed by GC,MS using full scan mode (50,550 amu), two peaks (P1 and P2) with an identical molecular mass of 410 amu were observed. On the basis of the total ion chromatogram (TIC), P1 with a shorter retention time (RT) was the major peak (TIC 84%). To identify the peaks, delta-8-THC was also tested under the same conditions. The RT and spectra of the major peak (TIC 95%) were identical with that of P1 for delta-9-THC. A minor peak (5%) present also correlated well with the latter peak (P2) for the delta-9-THC derivative. The fragmentation pathway of P1 was primarily demethylation followed by retro Diels-Alder fragmentation (M , 15,68, base peak 100%) indicating P1 as a delta-8-THC-trifluoroacetyl compound. This indicated that delta-9-THC isomerized to delta-8-THC during derivatization with TFAA/HFIPOH. Similar results were also observed when delta-9-THC was derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride/pentafluoropropanol or heptafluorobutyric anhydride/heptafluorobutanol. No isomerization was observed when chloroform was used in derivatization with TFAA. In this reaction, the peaks of delta-8-THC-TFA and delta-9-THC-TFA had retention times and mass spectra matching with P1 and P2, respectively. Because of isomerization, perfluoroacid anhydrides/perfluoroalcohols are not suitable derivatizing agents for analysis of delta-9-THC; whereas the TFAA in chloroform is suitable for the analysis. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Correlations of dietary patterns with prostate health

MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 1 2008
Maria Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis
Abstract Both genetic and environmental influences may be involved in etiology of prostate health and prostate cancer. These include ethnic origin, family history, smoking, and diet. Adiposity and excess energy intake are potentially distinct risk factors and positive associations with prostate cancer risk for both were observed among case-control and cohort studies. Some epidemiological studies support an association between dietary fat, particularly saturated or animal fats, and prostate cancer risk. Of these, several suggest reduced risk with low-fat diets high in n-3 fatty acids and increased risk with high-fat diets rich in n-6 fatty acids. Others suggested association with higher meat intake, possibly due to heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, produced during grilling or frying. Positive association of prostate cancer risk with dairy intake could involve ,-methylacyl-CoA racemase activity (required for ,-oxidation of phytanic acid present in dairy products and red meat) or the suppression of vitamin D activity by calcium. Inverse associations were observed with dietary intake of plant foods. These include cereals, soy products, and fruit and vegetable sources of carotenoids. Numerous plant constituents may act synergistically in the prevention and inhibition of prostate disorders. These diet-risk associations may lead to future individualized diet recommendations based upon genetic polymorphisms. [source]


Formation of porous layers on InSb(100) by anodization

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003
P. Schmuki
Abstract The present work deals with anodization processes of n-type InSb(100). Preferential etching of InSb can be electrochemically initiated in HCl HBr and HF solutions. Except for etch features also the formation of porous layers can be observed. The resulting features were characterized by SEM and AES measurements. Due to the narrow bandgap of the material the results of the anodization process are neither sensitive to illumination of the n-type material nor to the doping level. The morphology of the attack depends strongly on the electrochemical conditions and the type of halogen acid present in the electrolyte. In HCl and HBr a black porous layer can be formed that is likely to consist to a certain extent of an antimony-oxo-chloride or antimony-oxo-bromide. In HF, however, polarization under a wide range of electrochemical conditions leads to a uniform etching of the InSb surface. [source]


The synthesis and accumulation of stearidonic acid in transgenic plants: a novel source of ,heart-healthy' omega-3 fatty acids

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2009
Noemí Ruiz-López
Summary Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have a proven role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and precursor disease states such as metabolic syndrome. Although most studies have focussed on the predominant omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), recent evidence suggests similar health benefits from their common precursor, stearidonic acid. Stearidonic acid is a ,6-unsaturated C18 omega-3 fatty acid present in a few plant species (mainly the Boraginaceae and Primulaceae) reflecting the general absence of ,6-desaturation from higher plants. Using a ,6-desaturase from Primula vialii, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis and linseed lines accumulating stearidonic acid in their seed lipids. Significantly, the P. vialii,6-desaturase specifically only utilises ,-linolenic acid as a substrate, resulting in the accumulation of stearidonic acid but not omega-6 ,-linolenic acid. Detailed lipid analysis revealed the accumulation of stearidonic acid in neutral lipids such as triacylglycerol but an absence from the acyl-CoA pool. In the case of linseed, the achieved levels of stearidonic acid (13.4% of triacylglycerols) are very similar to those found in the sole natural commercial plant source (Echium spp.) or transgenic soybean oil. However, both those latter oils contain ,-linolenic acid, which is not normally present in fish oils and considered undesirable for heart-healthy applications. By contrast, the stearidonic acid-enriched linseed oil is essentially devoid of this fatty acid. Moreover, the overall omega-3/omega-6 ratio for this modified linseed oil is also significantly higher. Thus, this nutritionally enhanced linseed oil may have superior health-beneficial properties. [source]


Diastereomeric differentiation of norbornene amino acid peptides by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 18 2009
B. Raju
A new class of diastereomeric pairs of non-natural amino acid peptides derived from butyloxycarbonyl (Boc-)protected cis- (2S,3R)- and trans- (2S,3S) -, -norbornene amino acids including a monomeric pair have been investigated by electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry using quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) and ion-trap mass spectrometers. The protonated cis -BocN- , -nbaa (2S,3R) (1) (,nbaa,=,, -norbornene amino acid) eliminates the Boc group to form [M+H,Boc+H]+, whereas an additional ion [M+H,C4H8]+ is formed from trans -BocN- , -nbaa (2S,3S) (2). Similarly, it is observed that the peptide diastereomers (di-, tri- and tetra-), with cis -BocN- , -nbaa (2S,3R)- at the N-terminus, initially eliminate the Boc group to form [M+H,Boc+H]+ which undergo further fragmentation to give a set of product ions that are different for the peptides with trans -BocN- , -nbaa (2S,3S)- at the N-terminus. Thus the Boc group fragments differently depending on the configuration of the amino acid present at the N-terminus. It is also observed that the peptide bond cleavage in these peptides is less favoured and most of the product ions are formed due to retro-Diels-Alder fragmentation. Interestingly, sodium-cationized peptide diastereomers mainly yield a series of retro-Diels-Alder fragment ions which are different for each diastereomer as they are formed starting from [M+Na,Boc+H]+ in peptides with cis -BocN- , -nbaa (2S,3R)- at the N-terminus, and [M+Na,C4H8]+ in peptides with trans -BocN- , -nbaa (2S,3S)- at the N-terminus. All these results clearly indicate that these diastereomeric pairs of peptides yield characteristic product ions which help distinguish the isomers. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Two- and three-dimensional hydrated coordination polymers of diaqualanthanum(3+) ions with 2-hydroxypropanedioate, oxalate and acetate anions as bridging ligands

ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C, Issue 4 2009
Rajesh Koner
The title compounds, poly[[tetraaquadi-,-2-hydroxypropanedioato-,-oxalato-dilanthanum(III)] tetrahydrate], {[La2(C2O4)(C3H2O5)2(H2O)4]·4H2O}n, (I), and poly[[tetra-,-acetato-tetraaqua-,-oxalato-dilanthanum(III)] dihydrate], {[La2(C2O4)(C2H3O2)4(H2O)4]·2H2O}n, (II), represent crystalline hydrates of coordination polymers of diaqualanthanum(3+) ions with different combinations of bridging carboxylate ligands, viz. 2-hydroxypropanedioate and oxalate in a 2:2:1 ratio in (I), and acetate and oxalate in a 2:4:1 ratio in (II). While the acetate component was one of the reactants used, the other ligands were obtained in situ by aerial oxidation of the dihydroxyfumaric acid present in the reactions. The crystal structure of (I) consists of two-dimensional polymeric arrays with water molecules intercalated between and hydrogen bonded to the arrays. The oxalate components are located on inversion centres. The crystal structure of (II) reveals an open three-dimensional polymeric connectivity between the interacting components, with the solvent water molecules incorporated within the intralattice voids and hydrogen bonded to the polymeric framework. The LaIII ion and the noncoordinated water molecules are located on axes of twofold symmetry. The oxalate group is centred at the 222 symmetry site, the intersection of the three rotation axes. The coordination number of the LaIII ion in the two structures is 10. The significance of this study lies mainly in the characterization of two new coordination polymers, as well as in the confirmation that dihydroxyfumaric acid tends to rearrange to form smaller components in standard laboratory procedures, and should be considered a poor reagent for formulating hybrid coordination polymers with metal ions. [source]


Conjugated polyamines and hydroxycinnamic acids in grape berries during Botrytis cinerea disease development: differences between ,noble rot' and ,grey mould'

AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF GRAPE AND WINE RESEARCH, Issue 2 2003
L. GENY
Abstract Data are provided on contrasting levels of different categories of polyamines and hydroxycinnamic acids during the course of disease development due to Botrytis cinerea on ripe grape berries that led to either noble rot or to grey mould. Noble rot development was mainly characterised by a greater accumulation of wall-bound polyamines at the beginning of infection, whereas the disease process that led to grey mould was marked by an increase of conjugated polyamines. During grey mould infection, coumaric acid was the predominant hydroxycinnamic acid present in both healthy and infected grape berries regardless of infection stage, whereas ferulic acid was present at lower concentrations than the other hydroxycinnamic acids identified. Moreover, changes in the relative proportions of each of the three hydroxycinnamic acids considered showed contrasting patterns according to the sort of rot which developed. The different roles of these compounds (hydroxycinnamic acids and polyamines) and their involvement in the interaction between Botrytis cinerea and grapevines is discussed. During development of grey mould, coumaric acid was the predominant hydroxycinnamic acid at the beginning and the end of infection, whereas caffeic acid predominated during mid stage. [source]


QSAR Modeling of a Set of Pyrazinoate Esters as Antituberculosis Prodrugs

ARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE, Issue 2 2010
João P. S. Fernandes
Abstract Tuberculosis is an infection caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A first-line antimycobacterial drug is pyrazinamide (PZA), which acts partially as a prodrug activated by a pyrazinamidase releasing the active agent, pyrazinoic acid (POA). As pyrazinoic acid presents some difficulty to cross the mycobacterial cell wall, and also the pyrazinamide-resistant strains do not express the pyrazinamidase, a set of pyrazinoic acid esters have been evaluated as antimycobacterial agents. In this work, a QSAR approach was applied to a set of forty-three pyrazinoates against M. tuberculosis ATCC 27294, using genetic algorithm function and partial least squares regression (WOLF 5.5 program). The independent variables selected were the Balaban index (J), calculated n -octanol/water partition coefficient (ClogP), van-der-Waals surface area, dipole moment, and stretching-energy contribution. The final QSAR model (N = 32, r2 = 0.68, q2 = 0.59, LOF = 0.25, and LSE = 0.19) was fully validated employing leave- N -out cross-validation and y -scrambling techniques. The test set (N = 11) presented an external prediction power of 73%. In conclusion, the QSAR model generated can be used as a valuable tool to optimize the activity of future pyrazinoic acid esters in the designing of new antituberculosis agents. [source]


Ab initio and density functional theory studies of the structure, gas-phase acidity and aromaticity of tetraselenosquaric acid

CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2000
Li-Xin Zhou
Abstract Results of ab initio self-consistent-field (SCF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the gas-phase structure, acidity (free energy of deprotonation, ,G*) and aromaticity of tetraselenosquaric acid (3, 4-diselenyl-3-cyclobutene-1,2-diselenone, H2 C4 Se4)are reported. The global minimum found on the potential energy surface of tetraselenosquaric acid presents a planar conformation. The ZZ isomer was found to have the lowest energy among the three planar conformers and the ZZ and ZE isomers are very dose in energy. The optimized geometric parameters exhibit a bond length equalization relative to reference compounds, cyclobutanediselenone, and cyclobutanediselenol. The computed aromatic stabilization energy (ASE) by homodesmotic reaction is -77.4 (MP2(fu)/6,311+G** /RHF/6 - 311 + G** ) and - 54.8 kJ/mol (B3LYP/6 - 311 + G** //B3LYP/6 -311 + G**). The aromaticity of tetraselenosquaric acid is indicated by the calculated diamagnetic susceptibility exaltation (A) -19.13 (CSGT(IGAIM)-RHF/6,311 + G**// RHF/6,311 + G** and -32.91 (4,·10,6 m,3/mol)(CSGT(I-GAIM)-B3LYP/6 - 311 + G* * //B3LYP/6 - 311 + G**). Thus, tetraselenosquaric acid fulfils the geometric, energetic and magnetic criteria of aromaticity. The calculated gas-phase acidity is ,G1*(298k) = 1257.7 and ,G*2 (298k) = 1617.1 kJ/mol. Hence, tetraselenosquaric acid is the strongest acid among the three squaric acids (3, 4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1, 2-dione, H2 C4 3,4-dithiohydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dithione, H2C4 S4, 3, 4-diselenyl-3-cyclobutene-1,2-diselenone, H2C4Se4). [source]