Synthesis and biological evaluation of new glutamic acid-based inhibitors of MurD ligase

Mur ligases catalyze the biosynthesis of the UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide precursor of peptidoglycan, an essential polymer of bacterial cell-wall. They constitute attractive targets for the development of novel antibacterial agents. Here we report on the synthesis of a series of 2,4-diaminoquinazolines, quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones, 5-benzylidenerhodanines and 5-benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-diones and their inhibitory activities against MurD from Escherichia coli. Compounds (R)-27 and (S)-27 showed inhibitory activity against MurD with IC₅₀ values of 174 and 206 μM, respectively, which makes them promising starting points for optimization.     

Doubled haploid production in rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) through isolated microspore culture

Haploid induction in rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.), a novel and increasingly important vegetable, was studied in microspore culture. A procedure based on a high sucrose NLN medium and heat shock treatment resulted in nuclear divisions and embryo induction. The effect of genotype both among seed lots and among single plants was a major factor influencing embryo formation. The addition of activated charcoal was essential for obtaining reproducible results, 0.2 mg l⁻¹ being superior to 1.0 mg l⁻¹. A 24 h heat shock treatment at 32°C doubled the embryogenic response compared to a 48 h treatment. Embryo conversion was only efficient (23%) for embryos that had been cultured on medium with activated charcoal and subcultured on solid B5 medium; pretreatment of embryos with ABA or desiccation for 1–3 weeks inhibited embryo conversion. Analysis of ploidy level revealed that the majority (65.6%) of 489 regenerated plantlets tested were diploid. Breeding programs and genetic studies of rocket are likely to benefit substantially from the established method.     

Reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic septoplasty in patients with septate uterus - a retrospective cohort study and systematic review of the literature

Background  

Septate uterus, one of the most common forms of congenital uterine malformations, negatively affects female reproductive health.