Illustrated and Annotated Checklist of Brazilian Gall Morphotypes

The analysis on nine inventories on the richness and diversity of galling herbivores in Brazil accounted for 806 gall systems occurring in 443 host-plant species from 74 plant families. This checklist of the Brazilian gall morphotypes proposes seven standardized morphotypes and five additional shapes that group the majority of the three-dimensional shapes reported in literature. Criteria are proposed to standardize the terminology, and a critical analysis is provided aiming to avoid possible inconsistencies in order to generate easily comparable data in future inventories. The morphotypes are herein catalogued in alphabetical order, accompanied by a conceptual definition, an illustration, and examples that best represent the shape. It is proposed that the inventories should present at least the (1) host-plant species, (2) galling herbivore species or its identification to the lowest possible taxonomic level, (3) host-plant galled organ and gall position, (4) gall morphotype, (5) gall color and registration of indumentum when present, (6) gall phenological and developmental data, (7) association with other trophic levels, and (8) additional information, such as dimension, and number of chamber(s).     

An Improved Method for the Preparation of 4-Cyano-2-butenyl-deoxyribonucleosidephosphoramidites

Abstract

An improved alternative synthesis of 4-cyano-2-butenyldeoxy nucleosidephosphoramidites in > 100g quantities is described via reaction of the phosphordiamidites with 4-cyano-2-buten-1-ol.     

Anti-HIV Pronucleotides: SATE Versus Phenyl as a Protecting Group of AZT Phosphoramidate Derivatives

Abstract

We comparatively studied the decomposition pathways in CEM cell extract of several PHENYL phosphoramidate diesters of AZT. A correlation between anti-HIV activities in TK^? cell lines and pharmacokinetic data has been observed. This study would help to design corresponding SATE phosphoramidate diesters which revealed potent anti-HIV properties.     

Effects of Intracellular Calcium Chelation and Pifithrin-α on Deoxynucleotide Metabolism in Human Lymphocytes

Previously, we have found that activation of deoxycytidine kinase elicited by various DNA-damaging chemical agents could be prevented by BAPTA-AM, a cell-permeable calcium chelator or by pifithrin-α, a pharmacological inhibitor of p53. Here, we show that stimulation of deoxycytidine kinase by UV-light also is calcium-dependent and pifithrin-α-sensitive in tonsillar lymphocytes, while thymidine kinase 1 activity is stabilised in the presence of BAPTA-AM. Importantly, both UV-irradiation and calcium chelation decreased the incorporation of labelled deoxycytidine and thymidine into DNA. Pifithrin-alpha dramatically reduced the labelling of both the nucleotide and DNA fractions, possibly due to inhibition of transmembrane nucleoside transport.     

Synthesis of 4-Amino-8-(2, 2-Difluoro-2-Deoxy-β-D-Ribo Furanosyl Amino)Pyrimido [5, 4-D]Pyrimidine (dFARPP). Stability and Cellular Cytotoxicity

Abstract

The synthesis of β-dFARPP was accomplished by Mitsunobu coupling of 6-cyanopurine with 2-deoxy-2, 2-difluororibose followed by purine ring-expansion under the action of methanolic ammonia. The title compound inhibited the growth of proliferating human leukemic CCRF-CEM cells at 6.1μg/ml but had no effect on plaque formation by a variety of DNA and RNA viruses.     

In Search of Acyclic Analogues as Universal Nucleosides in Degenerate Probes

Abstract

Five acyclic nucleoside analogues with unnatural base moieties have been synthesized of which three successfully were incorporated into oligonucleotides. The acyclic analogue containing the base 5-nitroindazole was the least discriminating and should be further pursued for use as a universal nucleoside analogue.     

Myocardial bridging: what have we learned in the past and will new diagnostic modalities provide new insights?

The clinical significance of myocardial bridging has been a subject of discussion and controversy since the introduction of coronary arteriography (CAG) in the early 1960s. More recently computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has made it possible to visualise the overlying muscular bands and appears to have a higher sensitivity for detecting myocardial bridging than CAG. Combining CTCA with invasive techniques such as CAG should make it possible to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial bridging and to provide answers to hitherto unresolved questions. This paper critically reviews the outcomes of previous studies and defines remaining questions that should be answered to optimise the management of the presumably fast growing number of patients in whom a diagnosis of myocardial bridging has been made.     

Human Pol ɛ-dependent replication errors and the influence of mismatch repair on their correction

Mutations in human DNA polymerase (Pol) ?, one of three eukaryotic Pols required for DNA replication, have recently been found associated with an ultramutator phenotype in tumors from somatic colorectal and endometrial cancers and in a familial colorectal cancer. Possibly, Pol ? mutations reduce the accuracy of DNA synthesis, thereby increasing the mutational burden and contributing to tumor development. To test this possibility in vivo, we characterized an active site mutant allele of human Pol ? that exhibits a strong mutator phenotype in vitro when the proofreading exonuclease activity of the enzyme is inactive. This mutant has a strong bias toward mispairs opposite template pyrimidine bases, particularly T•dTTP mispairs. Expression of mutant Pol ? in human cells lacking functional mismatch repair caused an increase in mutation rate primarily due to T•dTTP mispairs. Functional mismatch repair eliminated the increased mutagenesis. The results indicate that the mutant Pol ? causes replication errors in vivo, and is at least partially dominant over the endogenous, wild type Pol ?. Since tumors from familial and somatic colorectal patients arise with Pol ? mutations in a single allele, are microsatellite stable and have a large increase in base pair substitutions, our data are consistent with a Pol ? mutation requiring additional factors to promote tumor development.     

OPTImal CArdiac REhabilitation (OPTICARE) following Acute Coronary Syndromes: Rationale and design of a randomised, controlled trial to investigate the benefits of expanded educational and behavioural intervention programs

The majority of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) referrals consist of patients who have survived an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Although major changes have been implemented in ACS treatment since the 1980s, which highly influenced mortality and morbidity, CR programs have barely changed and only few data are available on the optimal CR format in these patients. We postulated that standard CR programs followed by relatively brief maintenance programs and booster sessions, including behavioural techniques and focusing on incorporating lifestyle changes into daily life, can improve long-term adherence to lifestyle modifications. These strategies might result in improved (cardiac) mortality and morbidity in a cost-effective fashion. In the OPTImal CArdiac REhabilitation (OPTICARE) trial we will assess the effects of two advanced and extended CR programs that are designed to stimulate permanent adaption of a heart-healthy lifestyle, compared with current standard CR, in ACS patients. We will study the effects in terms of cardiac risk profile, levels of daily physical activity, quality of life and health care consumption.