Studies on Chemical Constituents of Essential Oil from Leaves of Jiang-Zhang

Jiang-Zhang is a Physiological type of Cinnamomum porrectum (Roxb.) Kosterm. The essential oil of leaves of Jiang-Zhang can be extracted by steam distillation, with yields of 0.5–0.8%. It contained dtral (α-,β-citral) 64.11% and can be used in aromatic and medicinal industries. We used the methods of GC, IR, GC/MS/DS and prepared derivative and 47 chemical constituents were identified, as follows: α-thujene (0.06 %), α-pinene (2.42%), camphene (1.26%), sabinene (0.21%),β- pinene (1.38%) myrcene(0.38%), α-phellandrene (0.32%),△3-carene (0.01%), p-cymene(0.21%),α-limonene (1.57%), 1 8-cineole (0.82 % ), β-phellandrene (0.10 %), cis-linalool oxide(0.07 % ), linalool (8.43 % ) epicamphor(0.26 % ), camphor(1.10 %), borneol( 1.07 % ), β-citral (neral) (28.28 % ), geraniol (0.25%), nerol (0.47%), α-citral (geranial) (35.83%), methyl citronellate (0.12%), n-undecane (0.18), safrole (0.02), methyl geranate (0.23%), geranyl formate (0.09%), α-copaene (0.12%), trans-methyl cinnamate (0.02%), n-dodecane (0.20), β-elemene (0.12%), caryophyllene (4.67%), α-guaiene (0.04), β-guaiene (0.06%), β-selinene (0.97%), azulene (0.38%), β-cubebene (0.30%), n-pentadecane (0.05%), β-gurjunene (0.04 %), epi-β-santalene (0.46 %), aremophliene (0.05 % ), alloaromadendrene (0.03 % ), α-elemene (0.26%), trans-β-farnesene (0.04%), (z)-β-farnesene (0.30%), r-elemene (0.03%), β-bisaboiol(0.41%), cedrol (0.16%), respectively.     

三七环二肽成分

从三七(Panax notoginseng)的根中分离得到14个环二肽成分,通过波谱解析其结构分别鉴定为环-(亮氨酸-苏氨酸)(1)、环-(亮氨酸-异亮氨酸)(2)、环-(亮氨酸-缬氨酸)(3)、环-(异亮氨酸-缬氨酸)(4)、环-(亮氨酸-丝氨酸)(5)、环-(亮氨酸-酪氨酸)(6)、环-(缬氨酸-脯氨酸)(7)、环-(丙氨酸-脯氨酸)(8)、环-(苯丙氨酸-酪氨酸)(9)、环-(苯丙氨酸-丙氨酸)(10)、环-(苯丙氨酸-缬氨酸)(11)、环-(亮氨酸-丙氨酸)(12)、环-(异亮氨酸-丙氨酸)(13)、环-(缬氨酸-丙氨酸)(14)。其中化合物1为新化合物,化合物4～10为新天然化合物,化合物2～3、11～14为已知化合物;化合物2和11、3和4、12和13分别为一对混合物,比例分别为2：1、1：1和2：1。     

Circular dichroism spectra of DNA quadruplexes [d(G(5)T(5))](4) as formed with G(4) and T(4) tetrads and [d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5))]2 as formed with Watson-Crick-like (G-C)(2) and (T-A)(2) tetrads

We utilize electrophoresis and find that a thermally treated equimolar mixture of the oligonucleotide d(G(5)T(5)) and its complementary oligonucleotide d(A(5)C(5)) exhibits either two bands or a single band in one lane, depending on the conditions of the incubation solutions. The thermally treated d(G(5)T(5)) solution loaded in a different lane exhibits a single band of the parallel quadruplex [d(G(5)T(5))](4), which is composed of homocyclic hydrogen-bonded G(4) and T(4) tetrads previously proposed. For the thermally treated equimolar mixture of d(G(5)T(5)) and d(A(5)C(5)), the fast band is assigned to a Watson-Crick d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5)) duplex, so that the slow band with the same low mobility as that of [d(G(5)T(5))](4) may be assigned to either [d(G(5)T(5))](4) itself or a [d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5))](2) quadruplex. If the latter compound is true, this may be the antiparallel quadruplex composed of the heterocyclic hydrogen-bonded G-C-G-C and T-A-T-A tetrads proposed previously. After removing these three bands for the duplex and two kinds of hypothetical quadruplexes, we electrophoretically elute the corresponding compounds in the same electrophoresis buffer using an electroeluter. The eluted compounds are ascertained to be stable by electrophoresis. The circular dichroism (CD) and UV absorption spectra measured for the three isolated compounds are found to be clearly different. For the electrophoretic elution of the hypothetical [d(G(5)T(5))](4) quadruplex, the result of the molecularity of n = 4 obtained from the CD melting curve analysis provides further support for the formation of the parallel [d(G(5)T(5))](4) quadruplex already proposed. For the thermally treated equimolar mixture of d(G(5)T(5)) and d(C(5)A(5)), the fast band with a molecularity of n = 2 corresponds to the Watson-Crick duplex, d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5)). The slow band with a molecularity of n = 4 indicates the antiparallel quadruplex [d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5))](2), whose observed CD and UV spectra are different from those of [d(G(5)T(5))](4). By electrophoresis, after reannealing the eluted compound [d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5))](2), a distinct photograph showing the band splitting of this quadruplex band into the lower duplex and upper quadruplex bands is not possible; but by a transilluminator, we occasionally observe this band splitting with the naked eye. The linear response polarizability tensor calculations for the thus determined structures of the [d(G(5)T(5))](4) quadruplex, the McGavin-like [d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5))](2) quadruplex, and the Watson-Crick d(G(5)T(5)). d(A(5)C(5)) duplex are found to qualitatively predict the observed CD and UV spectra.     

Cyclopeptides from Sagina japonica (Caryophyllaceae)

Two new cyclic peptides, named sajaponicin C (1) and sajaponicin D (2), were isolated from the whole plants of Sagina japonica (Caryophyllaceae). Their structures were determined as cyclo(Pro(2)-Leu(2)-Tyr-Leu(1)-Phe(1)-Pro(3)-Phe(2)-Pro(1)) (1) and cyclo(Pro(1)-Pro(2)-Pro(3)-Pro(4)-Phe(1)-Gly-Thr-Ser-Phe(2)-Ile-Tyr) (2) on the basis of spectroscopic data, especially by two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques.     

Structure-activity relationship of linear peptide Bu-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Gly-NH(2) at the human melanocortin-1 and -4 receptors: histidine substitution

Systematic substitution of His(6) residue using non-selective hMC4R pentapeptide agonist (Bu-His(6)-DPhe(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Gly(10)-NH(2)) as the template led to the identification of Bu-Atc(6)(2-aminotetraline-2-carboxylic acid)-DPhe(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Gly(10)-NH(2) which showed moderate selectivity towards hMC4R over hMC1R. Further SAR studies resulted in the discovery of Penta-5-BrAtc(6)-DPhe(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Gly(10)-NH(2) and Penta-5-Me(2)NAtc(6)-DPhe(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Gly(10)-NH(2) which are potent hMC4R agonists and are inactive in hMC1R, hMC3R and hMC5R agonist assays.     

To the knowledge of the fauna of Microlepidoptera of the “Kurshskaya Kosa” National Park: I

A list of 212 Microlepidoptera species found in the territory of the Curonian Spit (both in its Russian and Lithuanian parts) is given: Micropterigidae (1), Eriocraniidae (1), Nepticulidae (16), Opostegidae (1), Heliozelidae (1), Adelidae (3), Prodoxidae (2), Incurvariidae (2), Tineidae (8), Psychidae (1), Douglasiidae (2), Bucculatricidae (3), Gracillariidae (26), Yponomeutidae (12), Plutellidae (3), Acrolepiidae (2), Glyphipterigidae (3), Lyonetiidae (1), Ethmiidae (1), Depressariidae (12), Elachistidae (20), Chimabachidae (1), Oecophoridae (9), Stathmopodidae (1), Batrachedridae (2), Coleophoridae (25), Momphidae (3), Blastobasidae (2), Cosmopterigidae (3), Choreutidae (1), Schreckensteiniidae (1), Epermeniidae (1), Alucitidae (1), Pterophoridae (7) and Pyralidae (35 species). 113 species of 24 families have been collected in the territory of the “Kurshskaya Kosa” National Park, including 45 species new to the Curonian Spit and 32 species new to Kaliningrad Province.     

Sulfide oxidation at halo-alkaline conditions in a fed-batch bioreactor

A biotechnological process is described to remove hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) from high-pressure natural gas and sour gases produced in the petrochemical industry. The process operates at halo-alkaline conditions and combines an aerobic sulfide-oxidizing reactor with an anaerobic sulfate (SO(4) (2-)) and thiosulfate (S(2)O(3) (2-)) reducing reactor. The feasibility of biological H(2)S oxidation at pH around 10 and total sodium concentration of 2 mol L(-1) was studied in gas-lift bioreactors, using halo-alkaliphilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (HA-SOB). Reactor operation at different oxygen to sulfide (O(2):H(2)S) supply ratios resulted in a stable low redox potential that was directly related with the polysulfide (S(x) (2-)) and total sulfide concentration in the bioreactor. Selectivity for SO(4) (2-) formation decreased with increasing S(x) (2-) and total sulfide concentrations. At total sulfide concentrations above 0.25 mmol L(-1), selectivity for SO(4) (2-) formation approached zero and the end products of H(2)S oxidation were elemental sulfur (S(0)) and S(2)O(3) (2-). Maximum selectivity for S(0) formation (83.3+/-0.7%) during stable reactor operation was obtained at a molar O(2):H(2)S supply ratio of 0.65. Under these conditions, intermediary S(x) (2-) plays a major role in the process. Instead of dissolved sulfide (HS(-)), S(x) (2-) seemed to be the most important electron donor for HA-SOB under S(0) producing conditions. In addition, abiotic oxidation of S(x) (2-) was the main cause of undesirable formation of S(2)O(3) (2-). The observed biomass growth yield under SO(4) (2-) producing conditions was 0.86 g N mol(-1) H(2)S. When selectivity for SO(4) (2-) formation was below 5%, almost no biomass growth was observed.     

Electronic ground states of low-spin iron(III) porphyrinoids

Six-coordinate low-spin iron(III) porphyrinates adopt either common (d(xy))(2)(d(xz),d(yz))(3) or less common (d(xz),d(yz))(4)(d(xy))(1) ground state. In this review article, three major factors that affect the electronic ground state have been examined. They are (i) nature of the axial ligand, (ii) electronic effect of peripheral substituents, and (iii) deformation of porphyrin ring. On the basis of the (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and EPR data, it is now clear that (i) the axial ligands with low-lying pi* orbitals such as tert-butylisocyanide and 4-cyanopyridine, (ii) the electron donating groups at the meso-carbon atoms, and (iii) the ruffled deformation of porphyrin ring stabilize the (d(xz),d(yz))(4)(d(xy))(1) ground state. By manipulating these factors, we are able to prepare various low-spin iron(III) porphyrinates with unusual electronic structures such as bis(imidazole) complexes with the (d(xz),d(yz))(4)(d(xy))(1) ground state or bis(tert-butylisocyanide) complexes with the (d(xy))(2)(d(xz),d(yz))(3) ground state; bis(imidazole) and bis(tert-butylisocyanide) complexes usually adopt the (d(xy))(2)(d(xz),d(yz))(3) and (d(xz),d(yz))(4)(d(xy))(1) ground state, respectively.     

Chemical and biological characterization of technetium(I) and Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with dithioether ligands serving as linkers for coupling the Tc(CO)(3) and Re(CO)(3) moieties to biologically active molecules

The organometallic precursor (NEt(4))(2)[ReBr(3)(CO)(3)] was reacted with bidendate dithioethers (L) of the general formula H(3)C-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-R (R = -CH(2)CH(2)COOH, CH(2)-C&tbd1;CH) and R'-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-R' (R' = CH(3)CH(2)-, CH(3)CH(2)-OH, and CH(2)COOH) in methanol to form stable rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes of the general composition [ReBr(CO)(3)L]. Under these conditions, the functional groups do not participate in the coordination. As a prototypic representative of this type of Re compounds, the propargylic group bearing complex [ReBr(CO(3))(H(3)C-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)C&tbd1;CH)] Re2 was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Its molecular structure exhibits a slightly distorted octahedron with facial coordination of the carbonyl ligands. The potentially tetradentate ligand HO-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-OH was reacted with the trinitrato precursor [Re(NO(3))(3)(CO)(3)](2-) to yield a cationic complex [Re(CO)(3)(HO-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-OH)]NO(3) Re8 which shows the coordination of one hydroxy group. Re8 has been characterized by correct elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Ligand exchange reaction of the carboxylic group bearing ligands H(3)C-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-COOH and HOOC-CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)-COOH with (NEt(4))(2)[ReBr(3)(CO)(3)] in water and with equimolar amounts of NaOH led to complexes in which the bromide is replaced by the carboxylic group. The X-ray structure analysis of the complex [Re(CO)(3)(OOC-CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)-COOH)] Re6 shows the second carboxylic group noncoordinated offering an ideal site for functionalization or coupling a biomolecule. The no-carrier-added preparation of the analogous (99m)Tc(I) carbonyl thioether complexes could be performed using the precursor fac-[(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(3)(CO)(3)](+), with yields up to 90%. The behavior of the chlorine containing (99m)Tc complex [(99m)TcCl(CO)(3)(CH(3)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(3))] Tc1 in aqueous solution at physiological pH value was investigated. In saline, the chromatographically separated compound was stable for at least 120 min. However, in chloride-free aqueous solution, a water-coordinated cationic species Tc1a of the proposed composition [(99m)Tc(H(2)O)(CO)(3)(CH(3)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(3))](+) occurred. The cationic charge of the conversion product was confirmed by capillary electrophoresis. By the introduction of a carboxylic group into the thioether ligand as a third donor group, the conversion could be suppressed and thus the neutrality of the complex preserved. Biodistribution studies in the rat demonstrated for the neutral complexes [(99m)TcCl(CO)(3)(CH(3)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(3))] Tc1 and [(99m)TcCl(CO)(3)(CH(2)-S-CH(2)CH(2)-S-CH(2)-C&tbd1;CH)] Tc2 a significant initial brain uptake (1.03 +/- 0.25% and 0.78 +/- 0.08% ID/organ at 5 min. p.i.). Challenge experiments with glutathione clearly indicated that no transchelation reaction occurs in vivo.     

Reconstitution of vacuolar-type rotary H+-ATPase/synthase from Thermus thermophilus

Vacuolar-type rotary H(+)-ATPase/synthase (V(o)V(1)) from Thermus thermophilus, composed of nine subunits, A, B, D, F, C, E, G, I, and L, has been reconstituted from individually isolated V(1) (A(3)B(3)D(1)F(1)) and V(o) (C(1)E(2)G(2)I(1)L(12)) subcomplexes in vitro. A(3)B(3)D and A(3)B(3) also reconstituted with V(o), resulting in a holoenzyme-like complexes. However, A(3)B(3)D-V(o) and A(3)B(3)-V(o) did not show ATP synthesis and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-sensitive ATPase activity. The reconstitution process was monitored in real time by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between an acceptor dye attached to subunit F or D in V(1) or A(3)B(3)D and a donor dye attached to subunit C in V(o). The estimated dissociation constants K(d) for V(o)V(1) and A(3)B(3)D-V(o) were ～0.3 and ～1 nm at 25 °C, respectively. These results suggest that the A(3)B(3) domain tightly associated with the two EG peripheral stalks of V(o), even in the absence of the central shaft subunits. In addition, F subunit is essential for coupling of ATP hydrolysis and proton translocation and has a key role in the stability of whole complex. However, the contribution of the F subunit to the association of A(3)B(3) with V(o) is much lower than that of the EG peripheral stalks.     

Metabolism of (1-(13)C) glucose and (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate in the neuronal and glial compartments of the adult rat brain as detected by [(13)C, (2)H] NMR spectroscopy

Ex vivo ?(13)C, (2)H? NMR spectroscopy allowed to estimate the relative sizes of neuronal and glial glutamate pools and the relative contributions of (1-(13)C) glucose and (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate to the neuronal and glial tricarboxylic acid cycles of the adult rat brain. Rats were infused during 60 min in the right jugular vein with solutions containing (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate and (1-(13)C) glucose or (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate only. At the end of the infusion the brains were frozen in situ and perchloric acid extracts were prepared and analyzed by high resolution (13)C NMR spectroscopy (90.5 MHz). The relative sizes of the neuronal and glial glutamate pools and the contributions of acetyl-CoA molecules derived from (2-(13)C, (2)H(3)) acetate or (1-(13)C) glucose entering the tricarboxylic acid cycles of both compartments, could be determined by the analysis of (2)H-(13)C multiplets and (2)H induced isotopic shifts observed in the C4 carbon resonances of glutamate and glutamine. During the infusions with (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate and (1-(13)C) glucose, the glial glutamate pool contributed 9% of total cerebral glutamate being derived from (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetyl-CoA (4%), (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (3%) and recycled (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (2%). The neuronal glutamate pool accounted for 91% of the total cerebral glutamate being mainly originated from (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (86%) and (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (5%). During the infusions of (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetate only, the glial glutamate pool contributed 73% of the cerebral glutamate, being derived from (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H(3)) acetyl-CoA (36%), (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (27%) and (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (10%). The neuronal pool contributed 27% of cerebral glutamate being formed from (2-(13)C) acetyl-CoA (11%) and recycled (2-(13)C, 2-(2)H) acetyl-CoA (16%). These results illustrate the potential of ?(13)C, (2)H? NMR spectroscopy as a novel approach to investigate substrate selection and metabolic compartmentation in the adult mammalian brain.     

Design of peptide oxytocin antagonists with strikingly higher affinities and selectivities for the human oxytocin receptor than atosiban.

The peptide oxytocin (OT) antagonist atosiban, approved for tocolytic use in Europe (under the tradename Tractocile), represents an important new therapeutic advance for the treatment of premature labor. This paper presents some new peptide OT antagonists which offer promise as superior tocolytics. The solid phase synthesis is reported of four pairs of L and D-2-naphthylalanine (L/D-2Nal) position-2 modified analogs of the following four oxytocin (OT) antagonists: des-9-glycinamide [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-pentamethylene propionic acid), 2-O-methyltyrosine, 4-threonine]ornithine-vasotocin (desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4)]OVT) (A); the Tyr-NH(2) (9) analog of (A), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT (B); the Eda(9) analog of (A), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT (C); and the retro COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10) modified analog of (C), d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10)]OVT (D). The eight new analogs of A-D are (1) desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4)]OVT, (2) desGly-NH(2),d(CH(2))(5)[2-Nal(2),Thr(4)]OVT, (3) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT, (4) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Tyr-NH(2) (9)]OVT, (5) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT, (6) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)]OVT, (7) d(CH(2))(5)[D-2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-0H)(10)]OVT, (8) d(CH(2))(5)[2Nal(2),Thr(4),Eda(9)<-- COCH(2)Ph(4-OH)(10)]OVT. Peptides 1-8 were evaluated for agonistic and antagonistic activities in in vitro and in vivo rat bioassays, in rat OT receptor (rOTR) binding assays and in human OT receptor (hOTR) and human vasopressin (VP) vasopressor (V(1a)) receptor (hV(1a)R) binding assays. Also reported are the hOTR and hV(1a)R affinity data for atosiban and for B. None of the eight peptides exhibit oxytocic or vasopressor agonism. Peptides 1-8 exhibit weak antidiuretic agonism (activities in the range 0.014-0.21 U/mg). Peptides 1-6 exhibit potent in vitro (no Mg(2+)) OT antagonism (anti-OT pA(2) values range from 7.63 to 8.08). Peptides 7 and 8 are weaker OT antagonists. Peptides 1-6 are all OT antagonists in vivo (estimated in vivo anti-OT pA(2) values in the range 6.94-7.23). Peptides 1-8 exhibit vasopressor antagonism, anti-V(1a) pA(2) values in the range 5.1-7.65. Peptides 1-8 exhibit high affinities for the rOTR (K(i) values = 0.3-7.8 nM). Peptides 1-4 and B exhibit surprisingly very high affinities for the hOTR; their K(i) values are 0.17, 0.29, 0.07, 0.14 and 0.59 nM, respectively. Peptides 1-4 and B exhibit respectively 449, 263, 1091, 546 and 129 times greater affinity for the hOTR than atosiban (K(i) = 76.4 nM). Peptides 1-4 exhibit high affinities for the hV(1a)R (K(i)s = 1.1 nM, 1.3 nM, 0.19 nM and 0.54 nM, all higher than the hV1(a)R affinities exhibited by atosiban (K(i) = 5.1 nM) and by B (K(i) = 5.26 nM). Because of their strikingly higher affinities for the hOTR than atosiban, peptides 1-4 and B exhibit gains in anti hOT/anti hV(1a) receptor selectivity compared with atosiban of 93, 64, 39, 56 and 127, respectively. These OT antagonists are thus promising candidates for development as potential new tocolytic agents.     

Effect of arterial oxygenation on quadriceps fatigability during isolated muscle exercise

The effect of various levels of oxygenation on quadriceps muscle fatigability during isolated muscle exercise was assessed in six male subjects. Twitch force (Q(tw)) was assessed using supramaximal magnetic femoral nerve stimulation. In experiment 1, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and Q(tw) of resting quadriceps muscle were measured in normoxia [inspired O(2) fraction (Fi(O(2))) = 0.21, percent arterial O(2) saturation (Sp(O(2))) = 98.4%, estimated arterial O(2) content (Ca(O(2))) = 20.8 ml/dl], acute hypoxia (Fi(O(2)) = 0.11, Sp(O(2)) = 74.6%, Ca(O(2)) = 15.7 ml/dl), and acute hyperoxia (Fi(O(2)) = 1.0, Sp(O(2)) = 100%, Ca(O(2)) = 22.6 ml/dl). No significant differences were found for MVC and Q(tw) among the three Fi(O(2)) levels. In experiment 2, the subjects performed three sets of nine, intermittent, isometric, unilateral, submaximal quadriceps contractions (62% MVC followed by 1 MVC in each set) while breathing each Fi(O(2)). Q(tw) was assessed before and after exercise, and myoelectrical activity of the vastus lateralis was obtained during exercise. The percent reduction of twitch force (potentiated Q(tw)) in hypoxia (-27.0%) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than in normoxia (-21.4%) and hyperoxia (-19.9%), as were the changes in intratwitch measures of contractile properties. The increase in integrated electromyogram over the course of the nine contractions in hypoxia (15.4%) was higher (P < 0.05) than in normoxia (7.2%) or hyperoxia (6.7%). These results demonstrate that quadriceps muscle fatigability during isolated muscle exercise is exacerbated in acute hypoxia, and these effects are independent of the relative exercise intensity.     

Planar π-aromatic C3h B6H 3 + and π-antiaromatic C2h B8H2: boron hydride analogues of D3h C3H 3 + and D2h C4H4

Based upon extensive density functional theory and wave function theory calculations performed in this work, we predict the existence of the perfectly planar triangle C(3h) B(6)H(3)(+) (1, (1)A') and the double-chain stripe C(2h) B(8)H(2) (9, (1)A(g)) which are the ground states of the systems and the inorganic analogues of cyclopropene cation D(3h) C(3)H (3) (+) and cyclobutadiene D(2h) C(4)H(4), respectively. Detailed adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) analyses indicate that C(3h) B(6)H (3) (+) is π plus σ doubly aromatic with two delocalized π-electrons and six delocalized σ-electrons formally conforming to the 4n + 2 aromatic rule, while C(2h) B(8)H(2) is π antiaromatic and σ aromatic with four delocalized π-electrons and ten delocalized σ-electrons. The perfectly planar C(2h) B(8)H(4) (5, (1)A(g)) also proves to be π antiaromatic analogous to D(2h) C(4)H(4), but it appears to be a local minimum about 50 kJ mol(-1) less stable than the three dimensional C(s) B(8)H(4)(6, (1)A'). AdNDP, nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS) and electron localization function (ELF) analyses indicate that these boron hydride clusters form islands of both σ- and π-aromaticities and are overall aromatic in nature in ELF aromatic criteria.     

Ternary Cu(II) complexes, Cu(H(-1)L)(ACys-) and Cu(H(-2)L)(ACys-); L = peptides, ACys- = N-acetyl-cysteinate. Analogous complexes to the intermediates in the transport of Cu(II) from Cu(H(-2)L) to cysteine

The Cu(II) in Cu(H(-2)L) has been postulated to be successively transported to cysteine (Cys) as follows; Cu(H(-2)L) <==> Cu(H(-2)L)(Cys*-) <==> Cu(H(-1)L)(Cys*-) --> Cu(H(-1)L)(Cys-), where Cys*- denotes the monodentate Cys-. N-acetyl-cysteinate (ACys-) complexes Cu(H(-2)L)(ACys-) and Cu(H(-1)L)(ACys-), having similar coordination modes to Cu(H(-2)L)(Cys*-) and Cu(H(-1)L)(Cys*-), respectively, exhibited the S --> Cu(II) charge transfer absorption at 325-355 nm and the d-d absorption at 530-610 nm. A linear interrelation existed between the energies of the CD and d-d absorptions. Cu(H(-2)L)(ACys-) were in rapid equilibrium with Cu(H(-1)L)(ACys-). Upon forming the ternary complex, pK(c2) of the parent Cu(H(-1)L) was raised to more than 1.0. The formation constants (K) of the Cu(H(-1)L)(ACys-) species from Cu(H(-1)L) were bigger than those of Cu(H(-2)L)(ACys-) from Cu(H(-2)L). The linear free-energy relationship existed between the free-energy change (deltaG) and the entropy change (deltaS) for the ternary complex formation. The rate constants (k1+) for the Cu(H(-1)L)(Cys-) formation closely correlated with the K values for Cu(H(-2)L)(ACys-). The ternary complexes containing ACys are considered to be analogous complexes to the intermediates in the transport of Cu(II) from peptides to cysteine.     

Interaction of metal ions with caffeine and theophylline: stability and structural features

The interactions of caffeine and theophylline with divalent cadmium, mercury, strontium and barium ions were studied in aqueous solution and physiological pH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and absorption spectra were used to determine the cation binding mode and association constants. Spectroscopic results showed that Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Sr(2+) and Ba(2+) bind strongly to caffeine and theophylline. Direct and indirect (through metal hydration shell) interactions were observed for caffeine and theophylline with Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Sr(2+) and Ba(2+) through O6 and N9 (caffeine) and O6, N9 and N7 atoms (theophylline). The overall binding constants are:k(Cd-caffeine) = 1.24 x 10(5) M(-1), k(Hg-caffeine) = 1.74 x 10(5) M(-1), k(Sr- caffeine) = 3.3 x 10(4) M(-1), k(Ba-caffeine) = 1.8 x 10(4) M(-1), k(Cd-theophylline) = 5.75 x 10(5) M(-1), k(Hg-theophylline) = 2.14 x 10(5) M(-1), k(Sr-theophylline) = 4.6 x 10(4) M(-1), k(Ba-theophylline) = 3 x 10(4) M(-1). These k values are evidence for weak and strong cation interactions in these metal complexes.     

Synthesis, characterization and assessment of the cytotoxic properties of cis and trans-[Pd(L)(2)Cl(2)] complexes involving 6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine derivatives

A series of square-planar Pd(II) complexes of the composition cis-[Pd(L(n))(2)Cl(2)] {L(1)=2-chloro-6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine (1), L(2)=2-chloro-6-[(4-methoxybenzyl)amino]-9-isopropylpurine (2), L(3)=2-chloro-6-[(2-methoxybenzyl)amino]-9-isopropylpurine (3) and 2-[(chloropropyl)amino]-6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine (6)} has been synthesized by the reaction of PdCl(2) with L(n) in a 1:2 molar ratio. In contrast, the same reaction followed by recrystallization of the product from N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) leads to trans-[Pd(L(n))(2)Cl(2)] x nDMF {L(3), n=0 (4), n=1(4( *)DMF); L(4)=2-chloro-6-[(2,3-dimethoxybenzyl)-amino]-9-isopropylpurine, n=0 (5), n=1.5 (5( *)DMF). The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, electrospray mass spectra in the positive ion mode (ES+MS), FTIR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, the complexes 2 and 6 have been also investigated by (15)N NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of L(5), {(H(2+)L(5))(Cl(-))(2)} x H(2)O, i.e. the protonated form of L(5), trans-[Pd(L(3))(2)Cl(2)] (4) and trans-[Pd(L(4))(2)Cl(2)] (5) have been determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. NMR data and X-ray structures revealed that the organic molecules are coordinated to Pd via N7 atom of a purine moiety. All the complexes and the corresponding ligands have been tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines: breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), malignant melanoma (G361), chronic myelogenous leukaemia (K562) and osteogenic sarcoma (HOS). Promising in vitro cytotoxic effect has been found for cis-[Pd(L(2))(2)Cl(2)] (2), having the IC(50) values of 12, 10, 25, and 14 microM against MCF7, G361, K562, and HOS, respectively, and for trans-[Pd(L(3))(2)Cl(2)].DMF (4) with the IC(50) value of 15 microM against G361.     

Hydroperoxide-dependent epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

Incubation of linoleic acid with the 105,000g particle fraction of the homogenate of the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) led to the formation of the following products: 13(S)-hydroxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid, 9,10-epoxy-12(Z)-octadecenoic acid (9(R),10(S)/9(S)/10(R), 80/20), 12,13-epoxy-9(Z)-octadecenoic acid (12(S),13(R)/12(R)/13(S), 64/36), and 9,10-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-11(E)-octadecenoic acid (9(S),10(R)/9(R),10(S), 91/9). Oleic acid incubated with the enzyme preparation in the presence of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid or cumene hydroperoxide was converted into 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid (9(R),10(S)/9(S),10(R), 79/21). Two enzyme activities were involved in the formation of the products, an omega 6-lipoxygenase and a hydroperoxide-dependent epoxygenase. The lipoxygenase, but not the epoxygenase, was inhibited by low concentrations of 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. In contrast, the epoxygenase, but not the lipoxygenase, was readily inactivated in the presence of 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid. Studies with 18O2-labeled 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid showed that the epoxide oxygens of 9,10-epoxyoctadecanoic acid and of 9,10-epoxy-13(S)-hydroxy-11(E)-octadecenoic acid were derived from hydroperoxide and not from molecular oxygen.     

Characterisation and biological activity of Glu3 amino acid substituted GIP receptor antagonists

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is an important gastrointestinal hormone, which regulates insulin release and glucose homeostasis, but is rapidly inactivated by enzymatic N-terminal truncation. Here we report the enzyme resistance and biological activity of several Glu(3)-substituted analogues of GIP namely; (Ala(3))GIP, (Lys(3))GIP, (Phe(3))GIP, (Trp(3))GIP and (Tyr(3))GIP. Only (Lys(3))GIP demonstrated moderately enhanced resistance to DPP-IV (p<0.05 to p<0.01) compared to native GIP. All analogues demonstrated a decreased potency in cAMP production (EC(50) 1.47 to 11.02 nM; p<0.01 to p<0.001) with (Lys(3))GIP and (Phe(3))GIP significantly inhibiting GIP-stimulated cAMP production (p<0.05). In BRIN-BD11 cells, (Lys(3))GIP, (Phe(3))GIP, (Trp(3))GIP and (Tyr(3))GIP did not stimulate insulin secretion with both (Lys(3))GIP and (Phe(3))GIP significantly inhibiting GIP-stimulated insulin secretion (p<0.05). Injection of each GIP analogue together with glucose in ob/ob mice significantly increased the glycaemic excursion compared to control (p<0.05 to p<0.001). This was associated with lack of significant insulin responses. (Ala(3))GIP, (Phe(3))GIP and (Tyr(3))GIP, when administered together with GIP, significantly reduced plasma insulin (p<0.05 to p<0.01) and impaired the glucose-lowering ability (p<0.05 to p<0.01) of the native peptide. The DPP-IV resistance and GIP antagonism observed were similar but less pronounced than (Pro(3))GIP. These data demonstrate that position 3 amino acid substitution of GIP with (Ala(3)), (Phe(3)), (Tyr(3)) or (Pro(3)) provides a new class of functional GIP receptor antagonists.     

Novel platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors: synthesis, characterization and antitumour activity

The Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes of the types cis-[Pt(L(1))(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O (1), cis-[Pt(L(2))(2)Cl(2)].3H(2)O (2), trans-[Pd(L(1))(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O (3), trans-[Pd(L(2))(2)Cl(2)].H(2)O (4), trans-[Pd(L(3))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (5) and trans-[Pd(L(4))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (6) (L(1)-L(4)=cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors derived from 6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine) have been prepared and characterized. The complexes have been studied by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, ES+ MS, FT-IR, (1)H, (13)C and (195)Pt NMR spectra, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The molecular structures of L(1), trans-[Pd(L(3))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (5) and trans-[Pd(L(4))(2)Cl(2)].2DMF (6) have been determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The complexes have been tested in vitro due to their presumable anticancer activity against the following human cancer cell lines: K-562, MCF7, G-361 and HOS. Satisfying results were obtained for the complex 1 with IC(50) values of 6 microM acquired against G-361 as well as against HOS cell lines. The lowest values of IC(50) were achieved for the complexes 3 and 4 against MCF 7 cell line with IC(50) 3 microM(for 3) and also 3 microM (for 4).