Synthesis of new olean-18(19)-ene derivatives from allobetulin

New olean-18(19)-ene triterpenoids were effectively synthesized by the interaction of allobetulin or its acetate with phosphorous oxychloride in refluxing pyridine. The structures of the synthesized 17-chloromethyloleane-18(19)-enes were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis.     

Oribatid mites (Acari,Oribatida) from riverine environments of some islands in Oceania

A checklist of identified oribatid mite taxa from riverine freshwater environments from six islands in Polynesia (New Caledonia, Tahiti, Moorea, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raiatea) is presented; 18 species, 16 genera and eight families were recorded. Trhypochthoniellus longisetus (Berlese, 1904) and Trimalaconothrus albulus Hammer, 1972 prevailed on distribution. Fortuynia smiti sp. n. (Fortuyniidae) is described from New Caledonia. The new speciesis morphologically most similar to Fortuynia marina Hammen, 1960 from New Guinea, but it differs from the latter by the longer notogastral setae dm, lm, c₂, p₁, epimeral setae 3b and adanal setae ad₁ and the presence of prodorsal lateral ridges.     

Synthesis and DNA Duplex Stabilities of Oligonucleotides Containing C-5-(3-Methoxypropynyl)-2′-deoxyuridine Residues

Abstract

5′-Dimethoxytrityl-5-(3-methoxypropynyl)-2′-deoxyuridine phosphoroamidite was synthesized with the use of commercial 3- methoxypropyne. Oligonucleotides (ODNs) containing 5-(3- ethoxypropynyl)- 2′-deoxyuridine in different positions were prepared. The stabilities of the duplexes formed by these ODNs with the complementary templates are increased in comparison with the unmodified counterparts. On average modified residue incorporated, the Tm is raised by 1°C.     

Variability in host plant resistance of Sorghum to Striga Hermonthica infestation in West Africa

Fourteen elite sorghum lines were evaluated for their resistance to Striga hermonthica at three locations in Nigeria and Mali. Results showed that many of the lines especially MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64 (Keninkédié) and the check SRN 39 remained resistant to Striga in all locations with low emerged Striga counts, while SAMSORG 14 had the highest Striga infestation in all locations. Considerable variation in reaction to Striga infestation was observed on Séguètana, 97-SB-F5DT-63 (Wasa), 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 38, CMDT 39 and CMDT 45 which were susceptible to Striga at Samaru, Nigeria but were resistant to Striga at both locations in Mali. Based on low Striga resistance and high grain yield, lines MALISOR 84-1, SAMSORG 41, 97-SB-F5DT-64, 97-SB-F5DT-65, CMDT 39 and SAMSORT 14 have been nominated for wider evaluation across more West African countries.     

Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Hydrazides and Substituted Benzalhydrazides of Betulinic Acid and Its Derivatives

New nitrogen-containing derivatives of betulinic and betulonic acids, hydrazides and N"-benzalhydrazides, were synthesized. Their antiviral activities toward viruses of influenza A virus, herpes simplex type I virus, enterovirus ECHO6, and HIV-1 were studied in vitro. Betulinic acid 3-oxime was found to have the highest activity against the influenza virus. Betulonic acid, betulinic acid 4-chlorobenzalhydrazide, betulonic acid 3-oxime benzalhydrazide, and betulinic acid hydrazide inhibited the replication of herpes simplex type I virus. Betulinic acid hydrazide also showed antiviral activity toward HIV-1. All the derivatives of betulinic acid under study displayed a low antiviral activity toward enterovirus ECHO6.     

The ABRF Metabolomics Research Group 2013 Study: Investigation of Spiked Compound Differences in a Human Plasma Matrix

Metabolomics is an emerging field that involves qualitative and quantitative measurements of small molecule metabolites in a biological system. These measurements can be useful for developing biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, or predicting response to therapy. Currently, a wide variety of metabolomics approaches, including nontargeted and targeted profiling, are used across laboratories on a routine basis. A diverse set of analytical platforms, such as NMR, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and time-of-flight-mass spectrometry, which use various chromatographic and ionization techniques, are used for resolution, detection, identification, and quantitation of metabolites from various biological matrices. However, few attempts have been made to standardize experimental methodologies or comparative analyses across different laboratories. The Metabolomics Research Group of the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities organized a “round-robin” experiment type of interlaboratory study, wherein human plasma samples were spiked with different amounts of metabolite standards in 2 groups of biologic samples (A and B). The goal was a study that resembles a typical metabolomics analysis. Here, we report our efforts and discuss challenges that create bottlenecks for the field. Finally, we discuss benchmarks that could be used by laboratories to compare their methodologies.     

A one-step approach to the synthesis of germanicane triterpenoids from allobetulin

A new triterpenoid of the germanicane series 3S,19R-diacetoxy-17-iodomethylenoleanane has been synthesized by treating allobetulin with acetyl chloride and sodium iodide in acetonitrile. The structure of the compound obtained has been corroborated by X-ray analysis data.     

Synthesis and pharmacological activity of amides and ozonolysis product of maleopimaric acid

The synthesis of a new group of maleopimaric acid amides containing fragments of the methyl esters of amino acids, aliphatic amines, imidazole and N-methylpiperazine was carried out. Ozonolysis of methyl maleopimarate flows through the cleavage of double bond C18(19) and the disclosure of anhydrous cycle with formation of secotriacid. As a result of screening of anti-inflammatory and antiulcer activity of maleopimaric acid derivatives new effective compounds such as methyl esters of maleopimaric acid and product of ozonolysis - diterpenic secotriacid, maleopimaric acid amide with L-leucine were revealed. An important advantage of the compounds studied is the low toxicity and the presence of bidirectional activity in the absence of adverse effects on the animal.     

Two common nonsynonymous paraoxonase 1 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">PON1</Emphasis>) gene polymorphisms and brain astrocytoma and meningioma

Background  

Human serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) plays a major role in the metabolism of several organophosphorus compounds. The enzyme is encoded by the polymorphic gene PON1, located on chromosome 7q21.3. Aiming to identify genetic variations related to the risk of developing brain tumors, we investigated the putative association between common nonsynonymous PON1 polymorphisms and the risk of developing astrocytoma and meningioma.