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Other Compounds (other + compound)
Kinds of Other Compounds Selected AbstractsOccurrence of pharmaceuticals and hormones in sewage sludgeENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2010Antonio Nieto Abstract The present study evaluates the presence of nine hormones and their conjugates and 20 pharmaceuticals such as anti-inflammatories, lipid regulators, and antibiotics among others in sewage sludge from two sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the Tarragona area (Spain) for the period March 2007 until March 2008. Target analytes have been determined using different methods involving pressurized liquid extraction and liquid chromatography (electrospray ionization) tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Most of the pharmaceuticals and hormones were found at low micrograms per kilogram dry weight levels in the sewage sludge samples analyzed. Some compounds were present in all samples, such as acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, and ibuprofen, among others. Other compounds, such as estriol, were found only in the STP of Reus. The compounds that showed the highest concentration in both STPs were roxithromycin and tylosin (1,446 and 1,958,µg/kg dry wt, respectively). The presence of these compounds in sewage sludge demonstrated that they are partially or totally removed from the influent wastewater by sorption into the sewage sludge. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1484,1489. © 2010 SETAC [source] Volatile composition and olfactory profile of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) plantsFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2007M. Consuelo Díaz-Maroto Abstract The composition of volatile oil extracts of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) plants was investigated by gas chromatography,mass spectrometry. Those volatiles responsible for the characteristic minty and pungent aroma of this plant were determined by gas chromatography,olfactometry. Volatile oil extracts were found to be rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, mainly pulegone and piperitone oxide, followed by isopulegol, piperitone and piperitenone. Major monoterpenes hydrocarbons were limonene and , -pinene, while sesquiterpenoids were detected in low levels. With respect to the aroma characteristics, pulegone was found to have an intense mint, balsamic and pungent aroma. Other compounds with minty notes were isopulegone, piperitol and 1,8-cineole. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Structural Transformations during Formation of Quasi-Amorphous BaTiO3,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2007D. Ehre Abstract A model of structural transformations of amorphous into quasi-amorphous BaTiO3 is suggested. The model is based on previously published data and on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data presented in the current report. Both amorphous and quasi-amorphous phases of BaTiO3 are made up of a network of slightly distorted TiO6 octahedra connected in three different ways: by apices (akin to perovskite), edges, and faces. Ba ions in these phases are located in the voids between the octahedra, which is a nonperovskite environment. These data also suggest that Ba ions compensate electrical-charge imbalance incurred by randomly connected octahedra and, thereby, stabilize the TiO6 network. Upon heating, the edge-to-edge and face-to-face connections between TiO6 octahedra are severed and then reconnected via apices. Severing the connections between TiO6 octahedra requires a volume increase, suppression of which keeps some of the edge-to-edge and face-to-face connections intact. Transformation of the amorphous thin films into the quasi-amorphous phase occurs during pulling through a steep temperature gradient. During this process, the volume increase is inhomogeneous and causes both highly anisotropic strain and a strain gradient. The strain gradient favors breaking those connections, which aligns the distorted TiO6 octahedra along the direction of the gradient. As a result, the structure becomes not only anisotropic and non-centrosymmetric, but also acquires macroscopic polarization. Other compounds may also form a quasi-amorphous phase, providing that they satisfy the set of conditions derived from the suggested model. [source] Activation of Arylalkylamine N -Acetyltransferase by Phorbol Esters in Bovine Pinealocytes Suggests a Novel Regulatory Pathway in Melatonin SynthesisJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 9 2004C. Schomerus Abstract In all mammalian species investigated, noradrenaline activates a ,-adrenoceptor/cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent mechanism to switch on arylalkylamine N -acetyltransferase and melatonin biosynthesis in the pineal gland. Other compounds which are known to influence the melatonin-generating system are phorbol esters. The effect of phorbol esters on regulation of melatonin synthesis has been mainly investigated in rat pinealocytes. In these cells, phorbol esters do not increase cAMP levels and arylalkylamine N -acetyltransferase on their own; however, phorbol esters potentiate the effects on cAMP and AANAT activity induced upon ,-adrenoceptor stimulation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of phorbol esters on the regulation of melatonin synthesis in bovine pinealocytes. We show that, in these cells, the phorbol esters 4,-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate have a direct stimulatory effect and induced 4,10-fold increases in AANAT protein levels, AANAT activity and melatonin production. The extent of these effects was similar to those induced by noradrenaline. Notably, responses to PMA were not accompanied by increases in cAMP levels. Northern blot analysis showed that Aanat mRNA levels did not change upon PMA treatment indicating that phorbol esters control AANAT at a post-transcriptional level. The effects on AANAT and melatonin production were reduced by use of protein kinase C inhibitors, but not by blockade of the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway. Our results point towards a novel mechanism in the regulation of melatonin production that is cAMP-independent and involves protein kinase C. The study is of particular interest because regulation of melatonin biosynthesis in bovines may resemble that in primates more closely than that in rodents. [source] Thioredoxin system inhibitors as mediators of apoptosis for cancer therapyMOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH (FORMERLY NAHRUNG/FOOD), Issue 1 2009Kathryn F. Tonissen Abstract The thioredoxin (Trx) system is a major antioxidant system integral to maintaining the intracellular redox state. It contains Trx, a redox active protein, which regulates the activity of various enzymes including those that function to counteract oxidative stress within the cell. Trx can also scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and directly inhibits proapoptotic proteins such as apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). The oxidized form of Trx is reduced by thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). The cytoplasm and mitochondria contain equivalent Trx systems and inhibition of either system can lead to activation of apoptotic signaling pathways. There are a number of inhibitors with chemotherapy applications that target either Trx or TrxR to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is effective against many cancer cells and functions by up-regulating an endogenous inhibitor of Trx. Other compounds target the selenocysteine-containing active site of TrxR. These include gold compounds, platinum compounds, arsenic trioxide, motexafin gadolinium, nitrous compounds, and various flavonoids. Inhibition of TrxR leads to an accumulation of oxidized Trx resulting in cellular conditions that promote apoptosis. In addition, some compounds also convert TrxR to a ROS generating enzyme. The role of Trx system inhibitors in cancer therapy is discussed in this review. [source] Pharmacotherapy Of The Ion Transport Defect In Cystic FibrosisCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2001Karl Kunzelmann SUMMARY 1. More than 1300 different mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease characterized by deficient epithelial Cl, secretion and enhanced Na+ absorption. The clinical course of the disease is determined by the progressive lung disease. Thus, novel approaches in pharmacotherapy are based primarily on correction of the ion transport defect in the airways. 2. The current therapeutic strategies try to counteract the deficiency in Cl, secretion and the enhanced Na+ absorption. A number of compounds have been identified, such as genistein and xanthine derivatives, which directly activate mutant CFTR. Other compounds may activate alternative Ca2+ -activated Cl, channels or basolateral K+ channels, which supply the driving force for Cl, secretion. Apart from that, Na+ channel blockers, such as phenamil and benzamil, are being explored, which counteract the hyperabsorption of NaCl in CF airways. 3. Clinical trials are under way using purinergic compounds such as the P2Y2 receptor agonist INS365. Activation of P2Y2 receptors has been found to both activate Cl, secretion and inhibit Na+ absorption. 4. The ultimate goal is to recover Cl, channel activity of mutant CFTR by either enhancing synthesis and expression of the protein or by activating silent CFTR Cl, channels. Strategies combining these drugs with compounds facilitating Cl, secretion and inhibiting Na+ absorption in vivo may have the best chance to counteract the ion transport defect in cystic fibrosis. [source] Autoxidation of linalyl acetate, the main component of lavender oil, creates potent contact allergensCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 1 2008Maria Sköld Background:, Fragrances are among the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. We have in previous studies shown that linalool, present in lavender oil, autoxidizes on air exposure, forming allergenic oxidation products. Oxidized linalool was found to be a frequent cause of contact allergy in a patch test study on consecutive dermatitis patients. Linalyl acetate, the main component of lavender oil is commonly used as a fragrance chemical in scented products. Because of structural similarities, linalyl acetate should also be susceptible to oxidation on air exposure, forming similar oxidation products as linalool. Objective:, The aim of the present study was to investigate the autoxidation of linalyl acetate and the influence of oxidation on its sensitizing potency. Methods:, Analyses were performed using gas chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and mass spectrometry. Sensitizing potencies of compounds were determined using the local lymph node assay (LLNA) in mice. Results:, Analyses showed that the content of linalyl acetate decreased over time on air exposure and other compounds were formed. Hydroperoxides, an epoxide and an alcohol were identified as oxidation products from linalyl acetate. In the LLNA, linalyl acetate of high purity showed a weak sensitizing potency (EC3 25%). Autoxidation increased the sensitizing potency of linalyl acetate, and a 10 weeks oxidized sample gave an EC3 value of 3.6%. As for linalool, the hydroperoxides were shown to be the oxidation products with the highest sensitizing potency. Conclusion:, It is concluded that autoxidation of the weakly allergenic linalyl acetate leads to formation of allergenic oxidation products. [source] Recent advances in the application of capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and FoodomicsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 1 2010Miguel Herrero Abstract The use of capillary electromigration methods to analyze foods and food components is reviewed in this work. Papers that were published during the period April 2007 to March 2009 are included following the previous review by García-Cańas and Cifuentes (Electrophoresis, 2008, 29, 294,309). These works include the analysis of amino acids, biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, DNAs, carbohydrates, phenols, polyphenols, pigments, toxins, pesticides, vitamins, additives, small organic and inorganic ions and other compounds found in foods and beverages, as well as those applications of CE for monitoring food interactions and food processing. The use of microchips, CE-MS, chiral-CE as well as other foreseen trends in food analysis are also discussed including their possibilities in the very new field of Foodomics. [source] Simple method for determination of cocaine and main metabolites in urine by CE coupled to MSELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 12 2009José Luiz da Costa Abstract In this work, a simple method for the simultaneous determination of cocaine (COC) and five COC metabolites (benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene (CET), anhydroecgonine, anhydroecgonine methyl ester and ecgonine methyl ester) in human urine using CE coupled to MS via electrospray ionization (CE-ESI-MS) was developed and validated. Formic acid at 1,mol/L concentration was used as electrolyte whereas formic acid at 0.05,mol/L concentration in 1:1 methanol:water composed the coaxial sheath liquid at the ESI nozzle. The developed method presented good linearity in the dynamic range from 250,ng/mL to 5000,ng/mL (coefficient of determination greater than 0.98 for all compounds). LODs (signal-to-noise ratio of 3) were 100,ng/mL for COC and CET and 250,ng/mL for the other studied metabolites whereas LOQ's (signal-to-noise ratio of 10) were 250,ng/mL for COC and CET and 500,ng/mL for all other compounds. Intra-day precision and recovery tests estimated at three different concentration levels (500, 1500 and 5000,ng/mL) provided RSD lower than 10% (except anhydroecgonine, 18% RSD) and recoveries from 83,109% for all analytes. The method was successfully applied to real cases. For the positive urine samples, the presence of COC and its metabolites was further confirmed by MS/MS experiments. [source] Whole body extract of Mediterranean fruit fly males elicits high attraction in virgin femalesENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2008Vassilis G. Mavraganis Abstract The search for effective female attractants emanating from the host or body of fruit flies has been an area of intensive research for over three decades. In the present study, bodies of male Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), were extracted with diethyl ether or methanol and subjected to gas chromatography,mass spectrometry. Analysis revealed substantial qualitative and quantitative differences between males from a laboratory culture and wild males captured alive in an orchard. Most notably, the hydrocarbon sesquiterpene (±)-,-copaene, which is known to be involved in the sexual behaviour of the species, was found in substantial amounts in wild males, but was not detected in laboratory males. In laboratory tests, 15 laboratory or wild male equivalents of diethyl ether extracts or combined diethyl ether and methanol extracts, or, to a lesser extent, methanol extracts alone, were found to attract virgin females. In a citrus orchard, traps baited with combined diethyl ether and methanol extracts of wild males attracted significantly more virgin females than traps baited with various doses of pyranone or blends of other compounds identified in the extracts or reported in the literature, such as ethyl acetate, ethyl-(E)-3-octenoate, and 1-pyrroline. Traps baited with blends of compounds, however, displayed substantial attractiveness compared to control (non-baited) traps. These results are important for better understanding the mating system of C. capitata as well as for further improving existing monitoring and control systems. [source] Isolation and characterization of naphthalene-degrading bacteria from sediments of Cadiz area (SW Spain)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2008D. Nair Abstract Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of harbor sediments from shipping activity, fuel oil spills, and runoffs are becoming a great concern because of the toxicity and recalcitrance of many of the fuel components. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of most concern due to their toxicity, low volatility, resistance to degradation, and high affinity for sediments. Microorganisms, especially bacteria, play an important role in the biodegradation of these hydrocarbons. The objective of the present study was to characterize and isolate PAH-(naphthalene) degrading bacteria in the coastal sediments of Cadiz (SW Spain), since this area is mostly polluted by PAH occurrence. A total of 16 naphthalene-utilizing bacteria were isolated from these sites. Introduction of bacteria isolated from contaminated sediments into mineral medium contributed to the increased rate of hydrocarbon utilization. The bacterial isolates obtained from these sites are very potent in utilizing naphthalene and crude oil. It would be interesting to assess if the selected naphthalene-degrading isolates may degrade other compounds of similar structure. Hence these isolates could be very helpful in bioremediating the PAH-contaminated sites. Further pursue on this work might represent eco-friendly solution for oil contamination on sea surface and coastal area. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008. [source] Detection of nodularin in flounders and cod from the Baltic SeaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Vesa Sipiä Abstract The brackish water cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena regularly forms waterblooms in the Baltic Sea. Many N. spumigena strains can produce nodularin, a hepatotoxic penta-peptide, which has caused several animal poisonings in the Baltic Sea area. To improve our understanding of nodularin bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms this study measured nodularin in flounder and cod caught from the Baltic Sea. Flounders were collected from the western Gulf of Finland in July 1996, September 1997, and September 1998, and from the Gulf of Bothnia in August 1997 and September 1998. Flounders were also collected from the coastal areas of Sweden in the Baltic Proper during September 1998. Cod were caught from the southern Baltic Sea in August 1998. Livers and muscles of the 1997 fish were isolated, extracted, and analysed for nodularin using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibition assay. Approximately 30,70 ng of nodularin/g dry weight (maximum value 140 ng/g) were found in the liver tissue samples by ELISA and PP1 inhibition. These concentrations were below the detection limit of HPLC. PP1 assay showed inhibition also in muscle samples, but this may due to other compounds present in the muscle extracts rather than NODLN or due to matrix interference. The recovery of nodularin from liver tissue with ELISA and PP1 assays was about 30%. Nodularin concentrations in samples are not corrected for recovery. Although the concentrations of nodularin found in this study are low further studies of nodularin are needed to assess possible bioaccumulation in brackish water food webs. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 121,126, 2001 [source] Photodegradation of common environmental pharmaceuticals and estrogens in river waterENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2005Angela Yu-Chen Lin Abstract Photodegradation rates of five pharmaceuticals (gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, and propranolol) and of four estrogens (estriol, estrone [E1], 17,-estradiol [E2], and 17,-ethinylestradiol [EE2]), which are common contaminants in the aquatic environment, were measured in both purified and river water at environmentally relevant concentrations (1,2 ,g/L) and different oxygen concentrations. Solutions were irradiated with a xenon arc lamp (765 W/m2; 290 nm < , < 700 nm) and analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method with electrospray ionization for pharmaceuticals and atmospheric pressure photoionization for estrogens. In river water, half-lives were 4.1 h for ketoprofen, 1.1 min for propranolol, 1.4 h for naproxen, 2 to 3 h for estrogens, and 15 h for gemfibrozil and ibuprofen. In air-saturated purified water, rates generally were slower except for that of ketoprofen, which reacted with a half-life of 2.5 min. Naproxen, propranolol, and E1 reacted with half-lives of 1.9, 4.4, and 4.7 h, respectively. The EE2, estriol, E2, gemfibrozil, and ibuprofen reacted with half-lives of 28.4, 38.2, 41.7, 91.4, and 205 h, respectively. The presence of oxygen doubled the direct photolysis rates of naproxen and propranolol. In nonautoclaved river water, 80% of E2 rapidly biotransformed to E1 within less than 20 min, whereas all other compounds remained stable over 22 h. [source] Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties of Trinuclear CuIIMIICuII (M = Cu, Ni, Co and Fe) and Tetranuclear [2×1+1×2] CuIIMnII,2CuII Complexes Derived from a Compartmental Ligand: The Schiff Base 3-Methoxysalicylaldehyde Diamine Can also Stabilize a CocrystalEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 20 2010Arpita Biswas Abstract The present investigation describes syntheses, characterization and studies of the mononuclear compound [CuIIL,(H2O)] (1), the triangular, trinuclear monophenoxido-bridged compounds [{CuIIL}2MII(H2O)2](ClO4)2·nH2O [2 (M = Cu, n = 0), 3 (M = Ni, n = 3), 4 (M = Co, n = 0), 5 (M = Fe, n = 0)] and the tetrametallic self-assembled complex [{CuIILMnII(H2O)3}{CuIIL}2](ClO4)2·H2O (6) derived from compartmental Schiff base ligand, H2L, which is the [2+1] condensation product of 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and trans -1,2-diaminocyclohexane. Single-crystal X-ray structures of 2, 5 and 6 were determined. Two pairs of terminal···central metal ions in the trinuclear cores in 2 and 5 are monophenoxido-bridged. Interestingly, the CuO6 and FeO6 environments have tetragonally compressed octahedral geometries. On the other hand, the structure of 6 reveals that it is a [2×1+1×2] cocrystal of one diphenoxido-bridged dinuclear [CuIILMnII(H2O)3]2+ dication and two mononuclear [CuIIL] moieties. Cocrystallization in 6 takes place as a result of water encapsulation. The variable-temperature (2,300 K) magnetic susceptibilities of compounds 2,6 have been measured. The exchange integrals obtained are: the CuII3 compound 2, J = ,78.9 cm,1; the CuIINiIICuII compound 3, J = ,22.8 cm,1; the CuIICoIICuII compound 4, J = ,7.8 cm,1; the CuIIFeIICuII compound 5, J = ,3.0 cm,1; the CuII3MnII compound 6, J = ,15.1 cm,1. The monophenoxido-bridging core in 3 and 4 has been proposed after comparison of the structures and magnetic properties of these two compounds with those of 2, 5 and related other compounds. This paper presents rare examples of monophenoxido-bridged CuIIMIICuII (M = Cu, Ni, Co and Fe) compounds, provides an understanding of the structures from magnetic exchange integrals, and, most importantly, reports on the first example of a cocrystal derived from a 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde diamine compartmental ligand. [source] REVIEW FOR SPECIAL ISSUE ON CANNABINOIDS: Ligands that target cannabinoid receptors in the brain: from THC to anandamide and beyondADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Roger G. Pertwee ABSTRACT A major finding,that (,)- trans -,9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (,9 -THC) is largely responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis,prompted research in the 1970s and 1980s that led to the discovery that this plant cannabinoid acts through at least two types of cannabinoid receptor, CB1 and CB2, and that ,9 -THC and other compounds that target either or both of these receptors as agonists or antagonists have important therapeutic applications. It also led to the discovery that mammalian tissues can themselves synthesize and release agonists for cannabinoid receptors, the first of these to be discovered being arachidonoylethanolamide (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. These ,endocannabinoids' are released onto their receptors in a manner that appears to maintain homeostasis within the central nervous system and sometimes either to oppose or to mediate or exacerbate the unwanted effects of certain disorders. This review provides an overview of the pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors and their ligands. It also describes actual and potential clinical uses both for cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists and for compounds that affect the activation of cannabinoid receptors less directly, for example by inhibiting the enzymatic hydrolysis of endocannabinoids following their release. [source] Monoamine oxidase A rather than monoamine oxidase B inhibition increases nicotine reinforcement in ratsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2006Karine Guillem Abstract Although nicotine is considered to be responsible for the addictive properties of tobacco, growing evidence underlines the importance of non-nicotine components in smoking reinforcement. It has been shown that tobacco smoke contains monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B inhibitors and decreases MAO-A and MAO-B activity in smokers. Here, we investigated the effects of clorgyline hydrochloride (irreversible MAO-A inhibitor; 2 mg/kg/day), selegiline (irreversible MAO-B inhibitor; 4 mg/kg) and the beta-carboline norharmane hydrochloride (reversible MAO-B inhibitor; 5 mg/kg/day) treatments on nicotine self-administration (30 µg/kg/infusion, free base) in rats. Independent of the responsiveness to novelty and locomotor activity stimulation, only clorgyline hydrochloride treatment increased the intake of nicotine in a fixed-ratio schedule (FR5) of reinforcement. When a progressive-ratio schedule was implemented, both clorgyline hydrochloride and norharmane hydrochloride treatments potentiated the reinforcing effects of nicotine, whereas selegiline had no effect. Taken together, these results indicate that MAO-A inhibition interacts with nicotine to enhance its rewarding effects in rats and suggest that other compounds present in tobacco, such as beta-carboline, may also play an important role in sustaining smoking behavior in humans. [source] The New Metabolite (S)-Cinnamoylphosphoramide from Streptomyces sp. and Its Total SynthesisEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 30 2008Melanie Quitschau Abstract The tunicate-associated strain Streptomyces sp. JP90 produces the unprecedented metabolite cinnamoylphosphoramide (1) among several other compounds. Structure elucidation was accomplished by NMR spectroscopic studies and efficient total synthesis. The absolute configuration at phosphorus was determined by synthesis of both enantiomers of 1 performing a resolution of the corresponding diastereomeric phosphoramides of L -phenylalanine ethyl ester. Unusual cinnamic acid derivative 1 represents the first bacterial organophosphoramide. As it matches the Schrader's formula for insecticidal organophosphates, its biological activity was investigated. A weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed in in vitro tests, and water-soluble analogues of 1 were prepared. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] Cross-adaptation of a model human stress-related odour with fragrance chemicals and ethyl esters of axillary odorants: gender-specific effectsFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009Charles J. Wysocki Abstract The human axillae have a characteristic odour that is comprised of or generated from a mixture of C6,C11 normal, branched, hydroxy- and unsaturated acids (and other compounds). We used ethyl esters of one of these acids and a palette of fragrance compounds (tested individually) to evaluate the effectiveness of these chemicals to reduce the overall olfactory impact of a model of human stress-related odour (SRO) by cross-adaptation (adaptation to one odorant can reduce sensitivity to other odorants). Sensory volunteers provided hedonic and intensity ratings of the SRO and of each of the potential cross-adapting agents prior to 2.5 min of induced olfactory adaptation to each agent. Across adaptation, possible cross-adaptation was evaluated by intermittent evaluations of the perceived intensity of the SRO. We determined that some potential cross-adapting agents did reduce the impact of the SRO; however, the same chemicals were not necessarily effective for male and female SRO. Indeed, the list of effective chemicals depended upon the gender of the donor of the SRO and the gender of the sensory volunteer, suggesting a gender-specific response to both the SRO-stimuli used and the fragrance chemicals used to cross-adapt it. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fumigant toxicity of Korean medicinal plant essential oils and components from Asiasarum sieboldi root against Sitophilus oryzae L.FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2008Junheon Kim Abstract Medicinal plant essential oils and components from Asiasarum sieboldi were tested for their insecticidal activities against the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae, using a fumigation bioassay. Responses varied with plant material and concentration. The LC50 value of A. sieboldi essential oil against rice weevil was 2.37 µg/ml air. Analysis by gas chromatography,mass spectrometry led to the identification of 20 compounds from A. sieboldi essential oil. Among identified compounds, five main compounds were tested for their insecticidal activity against rice weevil and compared to the toxicity of dichlorvos. Responses varied with compound and dose. Eucarvone was the most toxic, followed by safrole, with LC50 values of 3.32 and 11.27 µg/ml, respectively. LC50 values of other compounds were >25 µg/ml. The LC50 value of dichlorvos was 0.0081 µg/ml. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Backhousia citriodora F. Muell.,Rediscovery and chemical characterization of the L -citronellal form and aspects of its breeding systemFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2001J. C. Doran Abstract The rare L -citronellal form of Backhousia citriodora F. Muell. was first reported in 1950 but attempts to relocate it were unsuccessful until 1996. The quest to relocate trees of this type has been driven by interest in L -citronellal for perfumery. The common, citral form of the species is already under cultivation for oil production in Australia. This paper reports on the rediscovery of the L -citronellal form, first in 1996 in a year-old provenance/progeny trial of B. citriodora in south-eastern Queensland, and then in a natural population on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in 1998. The three L -citronellal trees in the trial gave foliar oil concentrations (g/100 g dry weight) of 3.2, 2.2 and 1.8, respectively, when sampled in November 1996. The same trees sampled in March 1999 gave pale yellow oils consisting of 85,89% citronellal, 6,9% isopulegol isomers with small quantities of citronellol (approx. 3%) and several other compounds. Data on the physicochemical properties of these oils are given in the paper. Seed from a single mature L -citronellal tree gave progeny of both the L -citronellal and citral form in a ratio of approximately 1 : 1. Propagation material from many more plants of the L -citronellal form needs to be collected and assembled in breeding populations. This would form the basis of a selection and breeding programme, should this chemotype show economic potential. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The potential for abiotic organic synthesis and biosynthesis at seafloor hydrothermal systemsGEOFLUIDS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1-2 2010E. SHOCK Geofluids (2010) 10, 161,192 Abstract Calculations are presented of the extent to which chemical disequilibria are generated when submarine hydrothermal fluids mix with sea water. These calculations involve quantifying the chemical affinity for individual reactions by comparing equilibrium compositions with the compositions of mixtures in which oxidation,reduction reactions are inhibited. The oxidation,reduction reactions that depart from equilibrium in these systems provide energy for chemotrophic microbial metabolism. Methanogenesis is an example of this phenomenon, in which the combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane induced by fluid mixing is far from equilibrium, which can be approached if more methane is generated. Similarly, the production of other organic compounds is also favorable under the same conditions that permit methanogenesis. Alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and amino acids are among the compounds that, if formed, would lower the energetic state of the chemical composition generated in mixed fluids. The resulting positive values of chemical affinity correspond to the thermodynamic drive required for abiotic organic synthesis. It is also possible that energy release accompanies biosynthesis by chemotrophic organisms. In this way, hydrothermal ecosystems differ radically from familiar ecosystems at Earth's surface. If captured, the energy released may be sufficient to drive biosynthesis of carbohydrates, purines, pyrimidines and other compounds which require energy inputs. [source] Multifunctional Crosslinkable Iridium Complexes as Hole Transporting/Electron Blocking and Emitting Materials for Solution-Processed Multilayer Organic Light-Emitting DiodesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2009Biwu Ma Abstract Here, a new series of crosslinkable heteroleptic iridium (III) complexes for use in solution processed phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) is reported. These iridium compounds have the general formula of (PPZ-VB)2Ir(C,N), where PPZ-VB is phenylpyrazole (PPZ) vinyl benzyl (VB) ether; and the C,N ligands represent a family of four different cyclometallating ligands including 1-phenylpyrazolyl (PPZ) (1), 2-(4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridyl (DFPPY) (2), 2-(p-tolyl)pyridyl (TPY) (3), and 2-phenylquinolyl (PQ) (4). With the incorporation of two crosslinkable VB ether groups, these compounds can be fully crosslinked after heating at 180,°C for 30,min. The crosslinked films exhibit excellent solvent resistance and film smoothness which enables fabrication of high-performance multilayer OLEDs by sequential solution processing of multiple layers. Furthermore, the photophysical properties of these compounds can be easily controlled by simply changing the cyclometallating C,N ligand in order to tune the triplet energy within the range of 3.0,2.2,eV. This diversity makes these materials not only suitable for use in hole transporting and electron blocking but also as emissive layers of several colors. Therefore, these compounds are applied as effective materials for all-solution processed OLEDs with (PPZ-VB)2IrPPZ (1) acting as hole transporting and electron blocking layer and host material, as well as three other compounds, (PPZ-VB)2IrDFPPY (2), (PPZ-VB)2IrTPY(3), and (PPZ-VB)2IrPQ(4), used as crosslinkable phosphorescent emitters. [source] Synthesis and Characterization of a Composite Zeolite,Metglas Carbon Dioxide Sensor,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2005G. Giannakopoulos Abstract The synthesis of a faujasite,Metglas composite material that can be used in gas-sensing applications is presented. A continuous faujasite film was synthesized on a Metglas magnetoelastic strip using the secondary growth method. The ability of the new composite to remotely sense carbon dioxide in a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature over a wide range of concentrations is demonstrated by monitoring the changes in the resonance frequency of the strip. The novel sensor combines the electromagnetic properties of the magnetoelastic material with the adsorption properties of the faujasite crystals. Experiments performed over a period of a few months showed that the composite sensor remained fully operational, thus indicating its long-term stability. Furthermore, the present work demonstrates that a zeolite,Metglas composite can be used as a sensor of an analyte in a mixture as long as it adsorbs selectively larger amounts of the particular analyte than other compounds present in the mixture. [source] Inhibition of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein: Another mechanism for drug-induced steatosis in miceHEPATOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Philippe Lettéron Although many steatogenic drugs inhibit mitochondrial fatty acid ,-oxidation, limited information is available on possible effects on hepatic lipoprotein secretion. In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) lipidates apolipoprotein B (Apo B), to form triglyceride (TG)-rich very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, which follow vesicular flow to the plasma membrane to be secreted, whereas incompletely lipidated Apo B particles are partly degraded. We studied hepatic MTP activity, the lipoproteins present in the ER lumen, and hepatic lipoprotein secretion 4 hours after administration of a single dose of amineptine (1 mmol/kg), amiodarone (1 mmol/kg), doxycycline (0.25 mmol/kg), tetracycline (0.25 mmol/kg), tianeptine (0.5 mmol/kg), or pirprofen (2 mmol/kg) in mice. These various doses have been shown previously to markedly inhibit fatty acid oxidation after a single dose, and to trigger steatosis either after repeated doses (doxycycline) or a single dose (other compounds) in mice. In the present study, amineptine, amiodarone, pirprofen, tetracycline, and tianeptine, but not doxycycline, inhibited MTP activity in vitro, decreased ex vivo MTP activity in the hepatic homogenate of treated mice, decreased TG in the luminal VLDL fraction of hepatic microsomes of treated mice, and decreased in vivo hepatic lipoprotein secretion (TG and Apo B). In conclusion, several steatogenic drugs inhibit not only mitochondrial ,-oxidation, as previously shown, but also MTP activity, Apo B lipidation into TG-rich VLDL particles, and hepatic lipoprotein secretion. Drugs with these dual effects may be more steatogenic than drugs acting only on ,-oxidation or only MTP. [source] Preparation, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of 2-amino-4-arylthiazole derivativesHETEROATOM CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2006Pedro Morales-Bonilla Seven 2-amino-4-aryl-1,3-thiazoles (1a,g) and their corresponding 2-aminoacetyl (2a,g) and 2-aminoacetyl-5-bromo (3a,g) derivatives were synthesized and tested in vitro against 11 reference strains, three Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria, two yeasts, and two moulds. Toxicity of the compounds was also evaluated using the brine shrimp test. Compounds 1a, 1b, 1e,g, and 3b showed moderate antimicrobial activity at different concentrations. The results indicated that acetylation of the amino group and bromination at position 5 of the thiazole moiety cause lost of activity. Compounds 1a, 1e, and 1f showed toxicity to brine shrimp nauplii below 10 ppm. Most other compounds showed moderate toxicity, LD50 above 100 ppm. Structures of all compounds were confirmed by NMR and MS data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 17:254,260, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20182 [source] Review of issues concerning the use of reproductive inhibitors, with particular emphasis on resolving human-wildlife conflicts in North AmericaINTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2010Kathleen A. FAGERSTONE Abstract This manuscript provides an overview of past wildlife contraception efforts and discusses the current state of research. Two fertility control agents, an avian reproductive inhibitor containing the active ingredient nicarbazin and an immunocontraceptive vaccine, have received regulatory approval with the Environmental Protection Agency and are commercially available in the USA. OvoControl G Contraceptive Bait for Canada Geese and Ovo Control for pigeons are delivered as oral baits. An injectable immunocontraceptive vaccine (GonaCon Immunocontraceptive Vaccine) was registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in female white-tailed deer in September 2009. An injectable product (GonaCon Immunocontraceptive Vaccine) is registered for use in female white-tailed deer. Both products are labeled for use in urban/suburban areas where these species are overabundant. Several other compounds are currently being tested for use in wildlife in the USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand that could have promise in the future. The development and use of reproductive inhibitors for resolving human,wildlife conflicts will depend on a number of factors, including meeting the requirements of regulatory agencies for use in the environment and on the biological and economical feasibility of their use. Use will also be dependent on health and safety issues and on public acceptance of the techniques. [source] Aroma profile of Niagara grape juice contaminated with multicoloured Asian lady beetle taint using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/olfactometryINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Carolyn F. Ross Summary The objective of this study was to determine the odour-active compounds present in Niagara grape juice tainted with multicoloured Asian lady beetle (MALB: Harmonia axyridis: Coleoptera: coccinellidae). Niagara grape juice was made with (2.5 MALB/L) and without MALB and evaluated using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC/MS/O) to tentatively identify compounds. Compared to the control juice, phenol, described as musty/mouldy, was found to be unique to the MALB-tainted grape juice. The four odourants significantly higher in the MALB-tainted grape juice were described as fruity, asparagus, stagnant water/chemical and musty/mouldy, tentatively corresponding to octanal, 3-sec-butyl-2-methoxypyrazine (SBMP), 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol and decanal, respectively. Three of the five compounds found in the MALB-tainted juice have been reported to be produced by live MALB. While past literature has focused on the contribution of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines to MALB-taint, the present study suggests other compounds, in addition to SBMP, may contribute to the aroma profile of MALB-tainted grape juice. [source] Novel neuroprotective, neuritogenic and anti-amyloidogenic properties of 2,4-dinitrophenol: The gentle face of JanusIUBMB LIFE, Issue 4 2006Fernanda G. De Felice Abstract In Roman mythology, Janus was the god of gates, doors, beginnings and endings. He was usually depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions. Janus was frequently used to symbolize change and transitions, such as the progression from past to future or from one viewpoint to another. 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and other nitrophenols have long been known to be toxic at high concentrations (the 'bad' face of DNP), an effect that appears essentially related to interference with cellular energy metabolism due to uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Five years ago, however, we published the first report showing that low concentrations of DNP protect neurons against the toxicity of the amyloid-, peptide (De Felice et al. (2001) FASEB J. 15:1297 - 1299]. Since then, other studies have provided evidence of beneficial actions of DNP (at low concentrations), including neuroprotection against different types of insult, blockade of amyloid aggregation, stimulation of neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation, and even extension of lifespan in certain organisms. Some of these effects appear to be due to mild mitochondrial uncoupling and prevention of cellular oxidative stress, whereas other actions are related to activation of additional intracellular signaling pathways. Thus, a novel and 'gentle' face of DNP is emerging from such studies. In this review, we discuss both toxic and beneficial actions of DNP. The evidence available so far suggests that DNP and other compounds with similar biological activities may be of significant interest to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and other neurological disorders. iubmb Life, 58: 185-191, 2006 [source] A novel finding that Streptomyces clavuligerus can produce the antibiotic clavulanic acid using olive oil as a sole carbon sourceJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008G. Efthimiou Abstract Aims:, This study aims to establish whether commercially available food oils can be used by Streptomyces clavuligerus as sole carbon sources for growth and clavulanic acid production. Methods and results:, Batch cultures in bioreactors showed that Strep. clavuligerus growth and clavulanic acid yields in a P-limited medium containing 0.6% (v/v) olive oil were respectively 2.5- and 2.6-fold higher than in a glycerol-containing medium used as control. Glycerol- and olive oil-grown cells present different macromolecular composition, particularly lipid and protein content. Conclusions:,Streptomyces clavuligerus uses olive oil as the sole carbon and energy source for growth and clavulanic acid production. Yields and production rates in olive oil are comparable to those reported for oil-containing complex media. Differences in yields and in the macromolecular composition indicate that different metabolic pathways convert substrate into product. Significance and impact of the study:, This is the first report of oils being used as the sole carbon source by Strep. clavuligerus. Apart from economic benefits, interesting questions are raised about Strep. clavuligerus physiology. Defined culture media allow physiological studies to be performed in the absence of interference by other compounds. Understanding how Strep. clavuligerus catabolises oils may have an economic impact in clavulanic acid production. [source] Tissue histopathology, clinical chemistry and behaviour of adult comt -gene-disrupted miceJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Kristiina Haasio Abstract Catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme is a widely distributed enzyme that catalyses O -methylation of catecholamines and other compounds having a catechol structure. Because there has been some concern about the consequences of a low COMT activity in the development of oestrogen-dependent cancers and because one of the COMT inhibitors, tolcapone, has caused serious liver injuries in Parkinsonian patients, the histopathology and clinical chemistry of Comt -gene-disrupted mice were studied at the age of 12 months. Owing to the high COMT activities in liver and kidney and the role of COMT in the metabolism of catechol oestrogens, special emphasis was given to the histology of the liver, kidney and oestrogen-dependent organs such as mammary glands and uterus. The mice of both heterozygous and homozygous genotypes appear to be physically healthy and fertile. Diurnal motility rhythm and behaviour in measuring anxiety and depression were equal in all genotypes. At the age of 12 months, the body weight of homozygous mice was 7,9% lower than that of the other groups. This was re,ected in histology as a diminished incidence of vacuolation of liver cells (fatty change). Macroscopic pathology and histopathology revealed no abnormal ,ndings in any COMT genotype. The values of some clinical chemistry parameters, such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, glucose, calcium and proteins, were at a higher level in homozygous animals compared with the wild-type mice. However, all the values remained within the normal physiological range, and the differences in enzyme levels between genotypes were not re,ected as histopathological ,ndings in the relevant organs. No changes in haematological parameters or plasma catecholamine concentrations were noted but plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol levels were high in COMT null mice. The results suggest that the full or 50% lack of Comt gene as such is not associated with any toxic consequences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||