Circadian and Ultradian (12 H) Rhythms of Hepatic Thiosulfate Sulfurtransferase (Rhodanese) Activity in Mice During the First Two Months of Life

Thiosulfate sulfurtransferase (TST) is an important ‘enzyme of protection,’ that accelerates the detoxification of cyanide, converting it into thiocyanate. The TST physiological rhythm was investigated at wks 2, 4, and 8 of post‐natal development (PND) in the mouse. The results revealed a statistically significant gender‐related difference, with the highest activity in females, at all the documented PND stages. In the second week of PND (pre‐weaning time), the circadian rhythm of the enzyme activity was associated with ultradian components. The prominent circadian rhythm (τ=24 h) peaked at the beginning of the light span, more precisely ～3 HALO (Hours After Light Onset). A week after weaning (wk 4 of PND), an impairment of the rhythm, with the peak shifted toward the second half of photophase, was recorded. Four to 6 wks later, about wk 8 of PND, the circadian rhythm pattern was stabilized, with its peak then located at the beginning of the dark span (13 HALO). The obtained results showed a 12 h phase‐shift of the circadian TST peak time during PND, suggesting that the rhythm stabilization is age‐dependent.     

The Screening of RNA Aptamers Specific for Carbonic Anhydrase I Using the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by an Exponential Enrichment Method (SELEX)

Carbonic anhydrases (CA) or carbonate dehydratases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide and water to bicarbonate. CA I is the most abundant protein in the cytosol and has been reported to the partially associated with a number of fatal diseases. A newly established Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) method referred to as Protein-SELEX was used to select RNA aptamers against the human erythrocyte CA I (CA I) protein. After five rounds of selection and counter selection the specific binding of the 6th cycle in vitro transcribed RNA library to CA I was detected by an Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). Three Specific sequences were identified as binding candidates after cloning and sequence analysis and one of the selected CA I specific RNA aptamers, CAapt1, was used to confirm specific binding and the Kd values were determined using an EMSA. The CAapt1 RNA aptamer showed no affinity towards any other protein and in comparison to the “0” cycle library, a significant enrichment was obtained. This methodology permitted us to successfully investigate the ssRNA aptamer CAapt1 for CA I protein.     

Synthesis of Certain 5′-Substituted Derivatives of Ribavirin and Tiazofurin

Abstract

The synthesis of several 5′-substituted derivatives of ribavirin (1) and tiazofurin (3) are described. Direct acylation of 1 with the appropriate acyl chloride in pyridine-DMF gave the corresponding 5′-O-acyl derivatives (4a-h). Tosylation of the 2′, 3′-O-isopropylidene-ribavirin (6) and tiazofurin (11) with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride gave the respective 5′-O-p-tolylsulfonyl derivatives (7a and 12a), which were converted to 5′-azido-5′-deoxy derivatives (7b and 12b) by reacting with sodium/lithium azide. Deisopropylidenation of 7b and 12b, followed by catalytic hydrogenation afforded 1-(5-amino-5-deoxy-β-D)-ribofuranosyl)-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide (10b) and 2 - (5 -amino- 5-deoxy- β-D-ribofuranosyl) thiazole-4-carboxamide (16), respectively. Treatment of 6 with phthalimide in the presence of triphenylphosphine and diethyl azodicarboxylate furnished the corresponding 5′-deoxy-5′-phthaloylamino derivative (9). Reaction of 9 with n-butylamine and subsequent deisopropylidenation provided yet another route to 10b. Selective 5′-thioacetylation of 6 and 11 with thiolacetic acid, followed by saponification and deisopropylidenation afforded 5′-deoxy-5′-thio derivatives of 1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1, 2, 4-triazole-3-carboxamide (8a) and 2-β-D-ribofuranosylthiazole-4-carboxamide (15), respectively.     

Some factors influencing adoption of sheltered dogs

Abstract

In Italy the law forbids euthanizing shelter dogs unless they are severely ill or dangerous. This has created a problem: many dogs are housed for long periods of time in shelters. It is important to the welfare of these dogs for us to find methods to increase successful adoption rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different management factors such as the number of dogs in a pen, Temporary Adoption Programs (TAPs), and animal-owner-related characteristics on successful adoptions of kenneled dogs. The study included 763 dogs, 92 of whom were dogs showing behavioral problems. The age of the dogs upon arrival at the shelter was the most important determinant for length of stay, with younger dogs being adopted faster (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 150.27; df = 3; n = 733; p < 0.001). Dogs up to six months of age (n = 73) were adopted more quickly than older dogs (average length of stay: 1.4 vs. 6.4 months). The year of admittance was also significant since dogs who were admitted in a year in which more dogs were brought to the shelter spent more time in the shelter before being re-homed (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 96.18; df = 2; n = 733; p < 0.001). Dogs' gender had no effect on length of stay (Mann-Whitney, U = 64563; Z = 0.81; p = ns; n¹ = 389; n² = 344). Temporary Adoption Programs had a significant positive effect in reducing the return rate when the final adopter was the same person who had “temporarily” adopted the dog (Fisher exact test, p = 0.0063). Return rate was also associated with behavioral problems. Fearful dogs were returned more often than dogs with other problems (Fisher exact test, p = 0.029). It is concluded that, although young age is the most important factor leading to quick adoption, programs which include increased human interaction, and special training for dogs with behavioral problems, could aid in the successful re-homing of shelter dogs.     

Studies on the Dehydration of New 2- (Pentitol-1-YL) Pyridines Having D-Gulo,D-IDO,and L-Manno Configurations

Abstract

Fusion of 2-trimethylsilylpyridine and tetra-O-acetyl-aldehydo-D-xylose or 2,3:4,5-di-O-isopropylidene-aldehydo-L-arabinose led, after removing of the protecting groups, to 2-(pentitol-1-yl)pyridines of D-gulo and D-ido or L-manno configurations. Dehydration of the sugar-chain with D-gulo and D-ido configurations gave the corresponding 2′,5′-anhydro derivatives, whereas 2-(5-O-isopropyl-L-manno-pentitol-1-yl)-pyridine was the only compound formed by dehydration of the sugar-chain with L-manno configuration. Structural proofs are based on ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra.     

Pyrazolo[3,4-d)Pyrimidine 2′-Deoxyribo and 2′,3′-Dideoxyribo-Furanosides: Synthesis and Application to Oligonucleotide Chemistry

Abstract

The synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 2′-deoxyribo-nucleosides with various substituents at C-4 and C-6 (1 4) is described employing either liquid-liquid or solid-liquid phase-transfer glycosylation. From 1a (Z⁸C⁷A_d) and 2b (Z⁸C⁷G_d) the phosphoramidites 12a, b and 15a, b were synthesized. They were used in automated solid-phase synthesis resulting in the oligonucleotides 16 - 25. Deoxygenation (3′-OH) of 1a and 2b yielded pyrazolo[3,4-d]-pyrimidine 2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides isosteric to ddA, ddG, and ddI.     

Synthetic Nucleosides and Nucleotides. XX1. Synthesis of Various 1-β-D-Xylofuranosyl-5-Alkyluracils and Related Nucleosides

Abstract

Treatment of D-xylose (1) with 0.5% methanolic hydrogen chloride under controlled conditions followed by benzoylation and acetolysis afforded crystalline 1-O-acetyl-2, 3, 5-tri-O-benzoyl-α-D-xylofuranose (4) in good yield. Coupling of 4 with 2, 4-bis-trimethylsilyl derivatives of 5-alkyluracils (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl) (5a-5d), 5-fluorouracil (5e) and uracil (5f) in acetonitrile in the presence of stannic chloride gave 1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-xylofuranosyl)-nucleosides (6a-6f). Saponification of 6 with sodium methoxide afforded 1-β-D-xylofuranosyl-5-substituted uracils (7a-7f). Condensation of 4 with free adenine in similar fashion and deblocking gave carcinostatic 9-β-D-xylofuranosyladenine (7g).     

Synthesis of Some Novel Acyclolumazine N-1 Nucleosides

Abstract

Reactjon of (2-acetoxyethoxy)methyl bromide with the silylated lumazine bases (1-6) in the presence of n-Bu₄NI leads to the formation of the nucleosides 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 respectively. Deacetylation with methanolic ammonia afforded the free nucleosides 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19, respectively, in good yields. Structural proofs of the newly synthesized compounds are based on elemental analyses, UV and ¹H-NMR spactra. None of the acyclic nucleosides exhibited antiviral activity against HSV-1 in vitro.     

Synthesis of Pyrazolo[3, 4-d]Pyrimidine Ribonucleoside 3′, 5′-Cyclic Phosphates Related to cAMP,cIMP and cGMP1

Abstract

The synthesis of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine ribonucleoside 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphates related to cAMP, cIMP and cGMP has been achieved for the first time. Phosphorylation of 4-amino-6-methylthio-1-β-D-ribo-furanosylpyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (1) with POCl₃ in trimethyl phosphate gave the corresponding 5′-phosphate (2a). DCC mediated intramolecular cyclization of 2a gave the corresponding 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (3a), which on subsequent dethiation provided the cAMP analog 4-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (3b). A similar phosphorylation of 6-methylthio-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one (5), followed by cyclization with DCC gave the 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate of 5 (9a). Dethiation of 9a with Raney nickel gave the cIMP analog 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidin-4(5H)-one 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (9b). Oxidation of 9a with m-chloroperoxy benzoic acid, followed by ammonolysis provided the cGMP analog 6-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrazolo [3, 4-d] pyrimidin-4(5H)-one 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate (7). The structural assignment of these cyclic nucleotides was made by UV and H NMR spectroscopic studies.     

Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of 5′-O-Sulfamoyluridine Derivatives

Abstract

A series of 5′-O-[[[[(alkyl)oxy]carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl] uridines have been synthesized by reaction of cyclohexanol, palmityl alcohol, 1,2-di-O-benzoylpropanetriol and 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-benzoyl-L-glucopyranose with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate and 2,3′-O-isopropylidene-uridine. Another series of 5′-O-(N-ethyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl) uridines have been prepared by reaction of 2′,3′-O-isopropylidene and 2′,3′-di-O-acetyluridine with N-ethylsulfamoyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl chlorides. All compounds were tested against HSV-2, VV, SV and ASFV viruses. 2′,3′-Di-O-acetyl-5′-O-(N-ethyl and N-isopropylsulfamoyl) uridine showed significant activities against HSV-2. 5′-O-[[[[(2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-benzoyl-β-L-glucopyranosyl)oxy]carbonyl]amino] sulfonyl]-2′,3′-O-isopropylideneuridine was very active against ASFV.     

New Acyclic C-Nucleosides of the Imidazole

Abstract

Acid catalyzed isomerization of 1-aryl-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glycero-β-L-gluco-heptofuranose) [1,2-d]-2-imidazolines (4) yields 1-aryl-4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)imidazoles (8) which can be also obtained by reductive desulphuration of 1-aryl-2-benzylthio-4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)imidazoles (6). Compounds (4) were obtained by desulphuration with Raney nickel from 1-aryl-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glycero-β-L-gluco-heptofuranose) [1,2-d]-imidazolidine-2-thiones (1) or 1-aryl-2-benzylthio-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glycero-β-L-gluco-heptofuranose) [1,2-d]-2-imidazolines (2).     

6,7-Dimethyl-3-β-D-Erythrofuranosyl-1-Phenyl- and 1-p-Fluorophenyl-Pyrazolo[3,4-b]QUINOXALINE∗

Abstract

The C-nucleoside analogs 6,7-dimethyl-3-β-D-erythrofuranosyl-1-phenylpyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 4 and 3-β- D -erythrofuranosyl-1-p-fluorophenylpyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 8 were prepared by dehydration of the polyhydroxyalkyl chain of 6,7-dimethyl-1-phenyl-3-( D -arabino-tetritol-1-yl)-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 3 and 1-p-fluorophenyl-3-( D -arabino-tetritol-1-yl)-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline 7, respectively. The structure and anomeric configuration of the products were determined by n.m.r. spectroscopy. The mass spectra and biological activities in connection with chemical constitution are discussed.     

Preparation of New Glycoheptofurano[2,1-d]Imidazolidine-2-Thiones., Isomerizations to Acyclic-Sugar C-Nucleoside Analogues of Imidazole

Abstract

1-Methyl- and 1-aryl-(1,2-dideoxy-D-glyofurano)[2,1-d]-imidazolidine-2-thiones having the configurations β-D-glycero-L-gluco (4), β-D-glycero-D-ido (5—8), α-D glycerol-D-galacto (9—10) and β-D-glycero-D-talo (11, 12) are prepared by reaction of 2-amino-2-deoxy-aldoses with methyl and aryl isothiocyanates. 1-Aryl-(1,2-dideoxy–β-D-glycero-L-gluco-heptofurano)[2,1-d]imidazolidine-2-thiones (1—3) have been converted into 1-aryl-4-(D-galacto-pentitol-1-yl)-4-imidazo-line-2-thiones (24—26) by acid catalysed isomerization.     

Synthesis of Brunfelsamidine Ribonucleoside and Certain Related Compounds by the Stereospecific Sodium Salt Glycosylation Procedure

Abstract

A synthesis of 2,4-dideazaribavirin ( 2 ), brunfelsamidine ribonucleoside ( 8c ) and certain related derivatives are described for the first time using the stereospecific sodium salt glycosylation procedure. Glycosylation of the sodium salt of pyrrole-3-carbonitrile ( 4 ) with 1-chloro-2, 3-O-t-isopropylidene-5-O-t-butyldimethylsilyl-α-D-ribofuranose ( 5 ) gave exclusively the corresponding blocked nucleoside ( 6 ) with β-anomeric configuration, which on deprotection provided 1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyrrole-3-carbonitrile ( 7 ). Functional group tranformation of 7 gave 2 , 8c and related 3-substituted pyrrole ribonucleosides. These compounds are devoid of any significant antiviral/antitumor activity invitro.     

Nucleosides,XLVI1 Syntheses and Reactions of 6- and 7-p-Chlorophenyllumazine Nucleosides

Abstract

The syntheses of 6-(4) and 7-p-chlorphenyl-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-lumazine (6), was well as the debenzoylation to the corresponding free nucleosides 5 and 7, were improved. Thiation of 4 and 6 by P₄S₁₀ led in excellent yields to 4-thiolumazine nucleosides (8, 10) which could be deblocked to 9 and 11 and converted on treatment with ammonia into the isopterin-N-1- ribofuranosides 13 and 14. 2,2′-Anhydro-nucleoside formation worked well with 5 and 7 respectively to give 15 and 16, which formed on acid hydrolysis the 6- and 7-substituted 1-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-lumazines 18 and 19. The new nucleosides have been characterized by UV and ¹H-NMR spectra.     

Nucleosides. 131. The Synthesis of 5-(2-Chloro-2-Deoxy-β-D-arabino-Furanosyl)Uracil. Reinterpretation of Reaction of ψ-Uridine With α-Acetoxyisobutyryl Chloride. Studies Directed Toward the Synthesis of 2′-Deoxy-2′-Substituted Arabino-Nucleosides. 2

Abstract

Treatment of ψ-uridine (3) with α-acetoxyisobutyryl chloride in acetonitrile gave, after deprotection, a mixture of four products: 5-(2-chloro-2-deoxy-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)uracil (10a), its 3′-chloro xylo isomer (11a), 2′-chloro-2′-deoxy-ψ-uridine (9a) and 4,2′-anhydro-ψ-uridine (8a). Each component was isolated by column chromatography. Compound 9 was converted to the known 1,3-dimethyl derivative 2 by treatment with DMF-dimethylacetal. Treatment of 10 and 11 with NaOMe/MeOH afforded the same 4,2′-anhydro-C-nucleoside 8. The 1,3-dimethyl analogues of 10 and 11, however, were converted to 2′,3′-anhydro-1,3-dimethyl-ψ-uridine (13) upon base treatment. The epoxide 13 was also prepared in good yield by treatment of 10 and 11 with DMF-dimethylacetal.     

Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure of 3-Amino-1-β-D-Ribofuranosyl-s-Triazolo[5, 1-c]-s-Triazole

Abstract

The first chemical synthesis of 3-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-s-triazolo[5,1-c]-s-triazole (6) is described. Direct glycosylation of 3-amino-5(7)H-s-triazolo[5,1-c]-s-triazole (2) with 1-O-acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-D-ribofuranose (3) in the presence of TMS-triflate gave 3-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-s-triazolo[5, 1-c]-s-triazole (4) which, on ammonolysis, gave 6. The absolute structure of 6 is determined by X-ray diffraction techniques employing Mo Kα radiation. The structure is solved by direct methods and refined to the R value of 0.044 by using a full-matrix least-squares method. The sugar of 6 has a ³T₂ configuration. The torsion angles about the C5′–C4′ bond are both gauche and the torsion angle about the glycosidic bond is in the anti range. Each azole ring of the aglycon is planar and the dihedral angle between the planes of the rings is 3.6°.     

The Large Scale Synthesis and Chromatographic and Spectral Properties of a Series of Alkylated Thymine and Uracil-Containing Nucleosides. O2-, 3- and O4-Alkylpyrimidine Derivatives

Abstract

The syntheses of the O ²-, 3- and O ⁴-alkyl- (methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-and n-butyl-) deoxythymidines are described along with those of the methyldeoxyuridines and some alkyl-5-methyluridines. A simple direct alkylation procedure using the appropriate diazoalkane is used, followed by efficient chromatographic separations. These allow the compounds to be synthesised and purified in gram quantities if necessary. The chromatographic and UV spectral properties of the compounds are summarised together with their proton magnetic resonance spectra.     

The tRNA “WOBBLE POSITION” Uridines. III.1 the Synthesis of 5-[S-Methoxycarbonyl (Hydroxy)Methyl] Uridine and its 2-Thio Analogue

Abstract

The diastereoisomers 2a, 2b and their 2-thio analogues 4a and 4b were obtained by three-step transformation of uridine and 2-thiouridine, respectively. The absolute configuration at C-5¹ in 2a and 2b was established by CD, while for 4a and 4b the configurational assignment was based on the chemical correlation. The acids 1 and 3 were obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of 2a and 4a, respectively.     

5′-O-[N-(Amnoacyl)Sulfamoyl]Nucleosides. Synthesis and Antiviral and Cytostatic Activities

Abstract

5′-O-[N-(Aminoacyl)sulfamoyl]-uridines and -thymidines 4a-12a and 4b-12b have been synthesized and tested against Herpes Simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and as cytostatics. Condensation of 2′,3′-O-isopropylidene-5′-O-sulfamoyluridine and 3′-O-acetyl-5′-O-sulfamoylthymidine with the N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of Boc-L-Ser(Bzl), (2R, 3S)-3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbuta-noic acid [(2R, 3S-N-Z-AHPBA], (2R, 3S) and (2S, 3R)-N-Boc-AHPBA gave 4a,b-7a,b, which after removal of the protecting groups provided 1Oa,b-12a,b. A study of the selective removal of the O-Bzl protecting group from the L-Ser derivatives 4a,b, without hydrogenation of the pyrimidine ring, has been carried out. Only the fully protected uridine derivatives 4a-7a did exhibit high anti-HSV-2 activity, and none of the synthesized compounds showed significant cytostatic activity against HeLa cells cultures.