Exploring individual's public trust in the NHS Test and Trace System - A pragmatic reflexive thematic analysis

Context

Digital contact tracing uses automated systems and location technology embedded on smartphone software for efficient identification of individuals exposed to COVID-19. Such systems are only effective with high compliance, yet compliance is mediated by public trust in the system. This work explored the perception of individual's trust and expectation of the broader Test and Trace system in the United Kingdom (UK) with the upcoming release of the National Health Service's (NHS) COVID-19 app as a case example.

Methods

Twelve adults underwent online semi-structured interviews in August 2020, prior to public availability of the COVID-19 app. Pragmatic reflexive thematic analysis was applied inductively to explore common themes between participants, using an organic and recursive process (Braun & Clarke, 2019).

Results

Themes highlighted features of the technology that would be perceived to be trustworthy (Theme 1), and concerns relating to i) whether users would comply with a T&T system (Theme 2) and ii) how a T&T system would handle user's personal data (Theme 3). Two further themes built on aspects of automation within a T&T system and its impact on trust (Theme 4) and how the media altered perceptions of the T&T system (Theme 5).

Conclusions

Participants outlined the need for different user requirements that could be built into the NHS COVID-19 app that would support increased adherence. Concurrently, participants raised questions surrounding personal data and privacy of their data, plus the level of automated versus manual tasks, which impacted perception of trust in the app and wider system. Additionally, themes highlighted that T&T systems do not happen within a vacuum, but within a pre-existing environment influenced by variables such as the media and perception of other's compliance to T&T.

Implications

Since it's roll-out, controversies surrounding the UK T&T system include concerns about privacy, stigma and uptake. Considering the current piece of work, which anticipated similar concerns prior to public access to COVID-19 app, engaging with the public may have been an important step in improving the perception and compliance with the app. Principles fundamental to patient and public involvement (PPI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) such as the inclusion of the public in the early development of research and aligning the outcomes of research and innovation with broader societal values and expectations would have been well-applied to this system and should be applied to future autonomous systems requiring high public uptake.

Identification of genomic regions associated with differences in fleece type in Huacaya and Suri alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

The difference in fleece type is the distinguishing trait between the two types of alpacas (Vicugna pacos), Huacaya and Suri. The Suri fleece type has been found to be inherited dominantly over the Huacaya type, resulting in offspring with the Suri phenotype. The aim of our study was to map genomic regions associated with the two different fleece types. In this study, 91 alpacas (54 Huacayas and 37 Suris) from Germany and Switzerland were genotyped using the 76k alpaca SNP array. Only 59k chromosome-localised markers map to the alpaca reference assembly VicPac3.1, and after quality control 49 866 SNPs, were retained for population structure assessment and to conduct a genome-wide association study. Both principal component and neighbour-joining tree analysis showed that the two fleece-type cohorts overlapped rather than forming two distinct clusters. Genome-wide significantly associated markers were observed in the scaffold region of chromosome 16 (NW_021964192.1), which contains a cluster of keratin genes. A haplotype predominantly found in Suri alpacas has been identified which supports dominant inheritance. Variant filtering of nine whole-genome sequenced alpacas from both fleece types in the critical interval of 0.4 Mb did not reveal perfect segregation of either fleece type for specific variants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use the recently developed species-specific SNP array to identify genomic regions associated with differences in fleece type in alpacas. There are still some limitations, such as the preliminary status of the reference assembly and the incomplete annotation of the alpaca genome.

Deep learning-assisted radiomics facilitates multimodal prognostication for personalized treatment strategies in low-grade glioma

Determining the optimal course of treatment for low grade glioma (LGG) patients is challenging and frequently reliant on subjective judgment and limited scientific evidence. Our objective was to develop a comprehensive deep learning assisted radiomics model for assessing not only overall survival in LGG, but also the likelihood of future malignancy and glioma growth velocity. Thus, we retrospectively included 349 LGG patients to develop a prediction model using clinical, anatomical, and preoperative MRI data. Before performing radiomics analysis, a U2-model for glioma segmentation was utilized to prevent bias, yielding a mean whole tumor Dice score of 0.837. Overall survival and time to malignancy were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. In a postoperative model, we derived a C-index of 0.82 (CI 0.79-0.86) for the training cohort over 10 years and 0.74 (Cl 0.64-0.84) for the test cohort. Preoperative models showed a C-index of 0.77 (Cl 0.73-0.82) for training and 0.67 (Cl 0.57-0.80) test sets. Our findings suggest that we can reliably predict the survival of a heterogeneous population of glioma patients in both preoperative and postoperative scenarios. Further, we demonstrate the utility of radiomics in predicting biological tumor activity, such as the time to malignancy and the LGG growth rate.

Associations between minerals and metabolic indicators in maternal blood pre- and postpartum with ewe body condition, methane emissions, and lamb body weight development

In sheep production, economic efficiency strongly depends on the maternal health and feed efficiency status and on weaning performances of their offspring. Accordingly, an optimal level for the supply with macro- and microelements and the ewe energy status has impact on the fetal development during gestation and on maternal milk production during lactation. Furthermore, this study addressed intergenerational aspects, i.e., on associations between maternal energy metabolism profiles considering the macro- and microelement status, metabolic indicators (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), body condition and methane (CH4) emissions with lamb BW (LBW) in two sheep breeds. Traits were recorded at the beginning of gestation (ewe traits), at lambing, three weeks postpartum, and at weaning (ewe and lamb traits). Trait recording included CH4 emissions (recorded via laser methane detector (LMD)), ewe BW (EBW), backfat thickness (BFT), and body condition score (BCS) from 46 ewes (24 Merinoland- (ML), 22 Rhönsheep (RH)), and LBW of their 87 (35 ML, 52 RH) purebred lambs. Serum levels of the following ewe blood parameters were determined: calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphate (P), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). Mixed models were applied to infer associations between ewe blood parameters with EBW, BFT, BCS, and CH4 and with LBW recorded in offspring. At weaning, a maternal serum Mg level > 1.0 mmol/L was significantly associated with an increase of 13% in LBW in ML, compared to offspring from ML ewes with a serum Mg concentration within the lower reference range (0.8 mmol/L). Furthermore, higher Cu levels were favorably associated with ewe BCS and BFT at weaning in both breeds. In RH ewes, a Se level > 2.4 μmol/l was significantly associated with increased BCS. In the ML breed, high Zn levels during lactation were associated with reduced CH4 emissions. Ewe EBW was significantly larger for ML ewes representing low Ca levels. A low BHB level was associated with decreasing CH4 emissions in RH and ML. Serum levels for Na, K, P, GLDH, and Fe did not significantly affect the traits of interest. Trait associations from the present study indicate the importance of the mineral supply and metabolic status of the ewe with regard to body condition, CH4 emissions, and LBW development, but depending on the breed. Identified associations might contribute to energy efficiency in sheep production systems.

Long-term application potential of urban air mobility complementing public transport: an upper Bavaria example

In this paper, the required models and methods to analyze and quantify the potential demand for urban air mobility (UAM) complementing public transport and possible impacts were defined and applied to the Munich Metropolitan region. An existing agent-based transport model of the study area were used and extended to cover socio-demographic changes up to the year 2030 and intermodal UAM services. An incremental logit model for UAM was derived to simulate demand for this new mode. An airport access model was developed as well. Three different UAM networks with different numbers of vertiports were defined. Sensitivity studies of ticket fare and structure, flying vehicle cruise speed, passenger process times at vertiports and different Urban Air Mobility networks sizes were performed. For the reference case, UAM accounts for a modal share of 0.5%. The absolute UAM demand is concentrated on very short routes; hence, UAM vehicle flight speed variation shows low UAM demand impacts. Kilometer-based fare, number of UAM vehicles per vertiport and passenger process times at vertiports show a significant impact on UAM demand.

P1540 Imaging parameters vs. operator dependence of global longitudinal strain values

Background

Speckle tracking based global longitudinal strain (GLS) values have proven useful in the assessment of subtle changes in left ventricular function. From a clinical point of view, robustness and reliability of measured values are critical to ensure a valid patient assessment and follow-up. However, it is still a matter of debate if imaging parameters systematically alter measured strain values and if these changes are relevant as compared with GLS fluctuations that are caused by different operators or different studies by the same operator.

Methods

In a consecutive everyday patient population (n = 35), we recorded the apical four chamber view several times in each patient with different ultrasound machine settings (modification of gain, frame rate, sector depth, and transducer frequencies) using a commercially available ultrasound imaging system. Furthermore, apical four chamber views with ‘optimized’ imaging settings at the operators’ discretion were recorded by two different observers (obA/obB) in each subject to compute inter- and intra-observer variability. GLS values were calculated offline with a dedicated software. We fitted a linear mixed effects model with random intercept and slope to assess the effect of imaging parameters on GLS and compared the two investigators with Bland-Altman plots.

Results

Ejection fraction ranged between 10% and 76% and was correlated well with GLS (r = -0.78). Neither gain settings (range: -24 to 24 arbitrary units, p = 0.68) nor frame rate (range: 51-113 sec-1, p = 0.77) systematically changed measured GLS values. Conversely, higher sector depth increased (range: 12 to 24 cm, mean effect: -0.16%/cm; 95% CI -0.24% to -0.07%, p < 0.01), and higher transducer imaging frequencies decreased absolute GLS values (range for harmonic imaging: 1.5/3.1 MHz to 2.0/4.3 MHz, mean effect 1.10%/MHz; 95% CI 0.61% to 1.59%, p < 0.01). According to our data, a 12 cm increase of sector depth would translate into an average change of -1.87% GLS (95% CI: -2.87% to -0.86%), whereas a switch of the second harmonic imaging frequency from 3.1 MHz to 4.3 MHz would cause a 1.32% GLS change (95% CI: 0.73% to 1.91%). Intra- and inter-observer variability showed good correlation and limits of agreement (obA: mean difference [MD]: -0.20%; 95% limits of agreement [LOA]: -2.42% to 2.02%, p = 0.86, obB: MD: -0.10%; 95% LOA: -4.28% to 4.07%, p = 0.12, obA vs. obB: MD: -0.53%; 95% LOA: -3.68% to 2.62%, p = 0.92).

Conclusion

Overall, GLS values were robust and reproducible in our cohort of patients. In comparison, potential systematic changes of GLS values caused by modification of imaging parameters (sector depth/transducer frequency) were much less in number than GLS variations caused by different operators or different studies by the same operator.

Studies of Gallium Accumulation in Inflammatory Lesions

The kinetics of 67Ga accumulation in experimental inflammatory exudates were studied. In six rabbits with 5. aureus induced abscesses, serial samples of exudate and blood were obtained at 1, 2, 4, 24 and 48 hrs after intravenous injection of 67Ga. The accumulation of 67Ga in the inflammatory exudate was slow with an accumulation half-time of 5.5 hrs. The concentration of 67Ga in the abscesses approached that of blood 48 hrs after injection.

Analysis of the distribution of 67Ga in the inflammatory exudate revealed that the portion of 67Ga in the cellular fraction (1,600 xg pellet) correlated best with the number of non-viable polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) (r = 0.81). Its correlation with total number of PMN and bacteria was r = 0.69 and r = 0.35, respectively. Autoradiographie studies confirmed that the majority of 67Ga in the cellular fraction of the exudate was associated with non-viable PMN’s.

Molecular analyses on Neospora caninum-triggered NETosis in the caprine system

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite causing serious reproductive disorders in large and small ruminants worldwide. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) react against multiple invading pathogens through different mechanisms including the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Here, in vitro interactions of caprine PMN and N. caninum tachyzoites were studied. Scanning electron microscopic- and immunofluorescence-analyses demonstrated that caprine PMN undergo NETosis upon contact with tachyzoites of N. caninum, extruding filaments that entrap parasites. Detailed co-localization studies of N. caninum tachyzoite-induced NETs revealed the presence of PMN-derived DNA being decorated with histones (H1, H2A/H2B, H3,H4) and neutrophil elastase (NE) corroborating the molecular characteristics of classical mammalian NETs. As a new result for parasite-induced NETosis, we identified pentraxin and cathepsin B in N. caninum-triggered NETs. Nonetheless, functional inhibition assays revealed that during caprine NET formation triggered by N. caninum different molecular signaling pathways are induced, when compared to other apicomplexan parasites or host species. As such, N. caninum-induced NETosis appears to be influenced by MPO but independent of NADPH oxidase, SOCE, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activities. Furthermore, the inhibition of PMN autophagy via blockage of the PI3K-mediated signaling pathway failed to influence tachyzoite-induced NETosis. Since N. caninum-tachyzoites induced caprine NETosis, this effector mechanism should be considered as an early host immune response during acute caprine neosporosis.

Abstract P4-18-05: Male breast cancer— infusing a little blue into the sea of pink

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease dominated by a sea of pink. Issues faced by men with this disease include delayed diagnosis, lack of male-specific information, stigma about having a "female disease" and often under-treatment.

MBC is often treated as a female breast cancer but differences between the two are starting to emerge. Men are often older at diagnosis and sometimes considered "too old" for more aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy. Drugs such as aromatase inhibitors may not be as effective in men as in women but are often prescribed. Drugs such as tamoxifen can cause side-effects such as weight gain, hot flushes, loss of libido and impotence.

Support for patients with MBC is less advanced than that for female breast cancer. A Man's Pink, a MBC advocacy organization, mission is to promote MBC awareness, increase early detection, optimize and increase the survival rates for men diagnosed with breast cancer. Male Breast Cancer: Taking Control (BC Publishing, Boyages, 2015) empowers patients to understand their diagnosis and treatment.

Apart from incidence data, prognosis and treatment options, this talk will focus on how a website (www.malebreastcancer.ca) dedicated to MBC can help dismiss some of the myths and help overcome stigmata for men facing difficulties at diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Our goal is to promote awareness to assist with earlier diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates and the journey for men in their battle with breast cancer.

Citation Format: Wagner H, Boyages J. Male breast cancer— infusing a little blue into the sea of pink [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-18-05.

Lama glama αS1-casein: Identification of new polymorphisms in the CSN1S1 gene

South American camelids have been poorly genetically investigated and little information is available in llamas (Lama glama) regarding the diversity of the caseins at the protein and gene level. Exon skipping and duplication events previously reported in the α_S1-casein gene (CSN1S1) led us to investigate the genetic variability at this locus. Seventy-two positive clones for the α_S1-casein transcripts were analyzed and randomly sequenced. The comparative analysis of the sequences revealed 2 transitions, c.366A>G and c.690T>C, at the 10th nucleotide of exon 12 and 94 bp of exon 19, respectively. These SNP are responsible for 2 amino acid changes, Ile→Val in position 86 and Tyr→His in position 194 of the mature protein. Both polymorphisms clarify the genetic events behind the protein variants A and B. This result was confirmed by isoelectric focusing analysis of llama milk samples. Quick methods based on PCR-RFLP and allele-specific PCR were set up for allelic discrimination in a population of 128 animals. Based on genotyping results, 4 haplotypes were observed and the estimated frequencies indicated B as the most common haplotype (0.629) in the investigated population. These data add knowledge to the genetic variability of a species little investigated, and open opportunity for new investigation in the field of milk protein for South American camelids, including the possibility, in the future, to select alleles with favorable characteristics.

Effects of saralasin on blood pressure, renin and renal blood flow in unilateral renovascular hypertension

The effect of saralasin, a competitive inhibitor of angiotensin II, was assessed in hypertensive patients with unilateral renal artery stenosis after furosemide application. A significant fall of systemic arterial blood pressure, an increase of renal venous renin activity, significantly on the stenosed side in patients without arteriosclerosis of the contralateral kidney, and an almost equal decrement of renal blood flow in both kidneys were observed. Conceivably saralasin exerts different sodium-dependent effects on peripheral angiotensin II and specific intrarenal vascular receptors.

Survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab or everolimus for HER2-negative primary breast cancer (GBG 44-GeparQuinto)†

BACKGROUND

The GeparQuinto study showed that adding bevacizumab to 24 weeks of anthracycline-taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases pathological complete response (pCR) rates overall and specifically in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). No difference in pCR rate was observed for adding everolimus to paclitaxel in nonearly responding patients. Here, we present disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) analyses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 1948) with HER2-negative tumors of a median tumor size of 4 cm were randomly assigned to neoadjuvant treatment with epirubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel (EC-T) with or without eight infusions of bevacizumab every 3 weeks before surgery. Patients without clinical response to EC ± Bevacizumab were randomized to 12 weekly cycles paclitaxel with or without everolimus 5 mg/day. To detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 (α = 0.05, β = 0.8) 379 events had to be observed in the bevacizumab arms.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 3.8 years, 3-year DFS was 80.8% and 3-year OS was 89.7%. Outcome was not different for patients receiving bevacizumab (HR 1.03; P = 0.784 for DFS and HR 0.974; P = 0.842 for OS) compared with patients receiving chemotherapy alone. Patients with TNBC similarly showed no improvement in DFS (HR = 0.99; P = 0.941) and OS (HR = 1.02; P = 0.891) when treated with bevacizumab. No other predefined subgroup (HR+/HER2-; locally advanced (cT4 or cN3) or not; cT1-3 or cT4; pCR or not) showed a significant benefit. No difference in DFS (HR 0.997; P = 0.987) and OS (HR 1.11; P = 0.658) was observed for nonearly responding patients receiving paclitaxel with or without everolimus overall as well as in subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term results, in opposite to the results of pCR, do not support the neoadjuvant use of bevacizumab in addition to an anthracycline-taxane-based chemotherapy or everolimus in addition to paclitaxel for nonearly responding patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT 00567554, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

[Association between trunk muscle activation and wall inclination during various static climbing positions: implications for therapeutic climbing]

BACKGROUND

Sport climbing has been increasingly applied as therapy for patients with orthopaedic problems. Results from previous intervention studies have already revealed positive effects, especially for people with back problems, although there is a lack of baseline knowledge regarding the general effects of climbing. The aim of this present study is to investigate the muscle activation of the trunk while performing various static climbing positions at different inclination angles. SUBJECTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen healthy adults without climbing experience were asked to hold three static climbing positions (base position, lifting a hand, lifting a foot) at three different handhold set-ups and six wall inclination angles (0°, 4°, 8°, 12°, 15°, 18°) for 5 seconds each. Bilateral muscle activity of Erector spinae, Multifidus, Latissimus dorsi, Obliquus externus abdominis, Obliquus internus abdominis and Rectus abdominis was measured using surface electromyography. Data were analysed for each muscle and climbing condition separately.

RESULTS

Compared to the vertical wall, the muscle activity starts to differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 12° onwards. This inclination angle particularly affects the activity of all muscles when lifting a hand (0.000 ≤ p ≤ 0.048). The oblique abdominal muscles did not show any or little effects when lifting a foot or being in the base position, while all other muscles demonstrate a continuous increase. The EMG data were normalised to the corresponding base position and analysed for each muscle and climbing condition separately.

CONCLUSION

Inclinable climbing walls are an appropriate method to increase muscle activity. Compared to the base position, activation of the oblique abdominal muscles, which are relevant for a stable trunk, is increased only when a hand is lifted. Climbing walls used for therapy should offer variable inclination angles. Further research should concentrate on the development and evaluation of climbing exercises for specific patients (eg people with scoliosis).

Lack of host gut microbiota alters immune responses and intestinal granuloma formation during schistosomiasis

Fatalities from schistosome infections arise due to granulomatous, immune-mediated responses to eggs that become trapped in host tissues. Schistosome-specific immune responses are characterized by initial T helper type 1 (Th1) responses and our previous studies demonstrated that myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88)-deficient mice failed to initiate such responses in vivo. Paradoxically, schistosomal antigens fail to stimulate innate cells to release proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. Since Schistosoma mansoni infection is an intestinal disease, we hypothesized that commensal bacteria could act as bystander activators of the intestinal innate immune system to instigate Th1 responses. Using a broad spectrum of orally administered antibiotics and anti-mycotics we analysed schistosome-infected mice that were simultaneously depleted of gut bacteria. After depletion there was significantly less inflammation in the intestine, which was accompanied by decreased intestinal granuloma development. In contrast, liver pathology remained unaltered. In addition, schistosome-specific immune responses were skewed and faecal egg excretion was diminished. This study demonstrates that host microbiota can act as a third partner in instigating helminth-specific immune responses.

2. Über die Hämolyseaktivität von Lysolecithin, das durch Lecithinspaltung mit Phospholipase A in wäßrigem Milieu erhalten wird

Die hypothetische Zwischenverbindung, die bei der Phosphatidylcholin (PC)-Spaltung durch Phospholipase A (E.C. 3.1.1.4.) aus Crotalus terr. terr. und durch Crotalus adamant.-Schlangen-Gift in wäßrigem System entsteht, entfaltet gegenüber Rindererythrocyten im Gegensatz zu freiem Lysophosphatidylcholin (LPC) nur eine sehr geringe Hämolyseaktivität. Dieses Ergebnis ist eine weitere Bestätigung für die Bildung einer Zwischenverbindung bei Einwirkung von Crotalus-Phospholipase A auf PC in wäßrigem Medium. Zusatz von Desoxycholat setzt das „gebundene Lysolecithin“

in Freiheit und führt zu der erwarteten Totalhämolyse. Lysolecithin, das man nach Bienengifteinwirkung im wäßrigen Medium erhält, entspricht in seiner lytischen Wirkung dem „freien“ Lysolecithin.

Synthesis of Xanthone-O-glycosides, I Synthesis of 3-0-β-Glycosides

The synthesis of hydroxy-xanthone-3-O-β-glycosides by condensation of the appropriate aglycone and the acetyl-α-D-glycosyl bromide in pyridine solution in presence of silver carbonate is described. The naturally occurring l-hydroxy-3-O-β-primeverosyl-7-methoxy xanthone (gentioside) has been synthesized and its structure thereby confirmed.

Über die Inhaltsstoffe der Früchte von Angelica silvestris L

Angelica silvestris L. gehört zu den verbreitetsten Umbelliferen Mitteleuropas. Die Wurzel (Wald-Engelwurz) wird in der Volksmedizin wegen ihrer spasmolytischen und karminativen Wirkung gegen Erkrankungen des Magens und der Niere verwendet. Die gepulverten Früchte benutzte man als Insekticidum.

Mit den Inhaltsstoffen von Radix Angelicae silvestris beschäftigten sich vor allem BAERHEIM-SVENDSEN 1 und CAPORALE 2. Isoliert wurden die Furanocumarine Oxypeucedanin, Oxypeucedaninhydrat, Isoimperatorin, ein Bergaptol-Derivat mit einer C10H17-Seitenkette und eine Verbindung der Bruttoformel C18H24O4 (Silvangin). Papierchromatographisch war Umbelliferon nachzuweisen. Über die Inhaltsstoffe der Früchte liegt lediglich eine Arbeit von KHADZHAI und SOKOLOVA 3 vor, in der ohne nähere Angaben über die Isolierung einer spasmolytisch wirksamen Verbindung (Angesin) berichtet wird.

Bei der erneuten Bearbeitung der Früchte haben wir aus einem Äther- und Alkoholextrakt durch Chromatographie an Aluminiumoxyd insgesamt 7 Verbindungen isoliert und größtenteils strukturell aufgeklärt.

Sphingolipide und Glykolipide von Pilzen und höheren Pflanzen

Aus der Phosphatidfraktion der Erdnuß (Arachis hypogaea L.) wurde ein phosphorhaltiges Sphingoglykolipid isoliert, das in der qualitativen und quantitativen Zusammensetzung seiner Sphingosinbasen, Fettsäuren und Zuckerbausteine mit dem Phytoglykolipid (PhGL) aus Soja und Mais große Ähnlichkeit aufweist. Nach dem Ergebnis der Mol.-Gew.-Bestimmungen ist für das Erdnuß-PhGL eine Polymerstruktur wahrscheinlich.

Endgültiger Strukturbeweis und Synthese von Frangulin A

By coupling emodine with α-acetobromo-L-rhamnose according to Koenigs-Knorr frangulin A was synthesized and thereby its final structure proved as 1,6,8-trihydroxy-3-methyl-anthra-chinone-6-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranoside.

Notizen: Silydianin und Silychristin, zwei isomere Silymarine aus Silybum marianum L. Gaertn. (Mariendistel) / Silydianin and Silychristin, two Isomeric Silymarins from Silybum marianum L. Gaertn. (milk thistle)

Two isomeric flavonolignans (Silymarins) have been isolated from the fruits of Silybum marianum L. Gaertn. and structurally elucidated mainly by means of NMR/mass spectroscopy and X-ray analysis respectively.

Constituents of Euphorbiaceae, 13. Comm. [1] Isolation and Structure Elucidation of Five Cerebrosides from Euphorbia characias L

Five cerebrosides B-1−B-4 were isolated from the fraction B, obtained from the latex of Euphorbia characias L. On the basis of spectral evidences and chemical reactions they were characterized as (2S, 3S, 4R, 8Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxytetracosenoyl]-8 (Z)-octadecene-1,3,4-triol-2-amino (B-1), (2S, 3S, 4R, 8Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2 N-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxyhexacosenoyl]-8(Z)-octadecene-1,3,4-triol-2-amino(B-2), (2 S, 3 S,4 R, 8 Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxyoctacosenoyl]-8 (Z)-octa-decene-1,3,4-triol-2-amino (B-3), (2 S, 3 S, 4R, 8Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxyhexacosanoyl]-8 (Z)-octadecene-1,3,4-triol-2-amino (B-3a), (2S, 3S, 4R, 8Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2 N-[(2'R)-2'-hydroxyheptacosanoyl]-8 (Z)-octadecene-1,3,4-triol-2-amino (B-4).

Reversed phase column flash chromatography was effective for the isolation of the cerebrosides. FAB-MS spectrometry, 1H NMR, 13C NMR analyses and DQF-COSY and 1H-detected HMQC (single bond and multiple bond) experiments and chemical reactions were useful in providing informations for the structure elucidation.

Synthese und endgültiger Strukturbeweis von Glucofrangulin A aus Rhamnus frangula L

Durch Umsetzung eines Gemisches von Frangulin A und B bzw. reinem 1.6.8-Trihydroxy-3methyl-anthrachinon-6-O-α-ʟ-rhamnosid (Frangulin A) mit α-Acetobromglucopyranose nach einer modifizierten Koenigs-Knorr- Methode wurde Glucofrangulin A erhalten und über das Acetat identifiziert. Das synthetische Glucofrangulin-A-Acetat ist in jeder Hinsicht mit dem von SEEBECK und SCHINDLER sowie MÜHLEMANN aus natürlichem Glucofrangulin hergestellten Acetat identisch. Durch NMR-Vergleich mit verschiedenen Anthrachinon-1- bzw. -8-glykosiden wird für das Glucofrangulin A die endgültige Struktur eines 1.6.8-Trihydroxy-3-methyl-anthrachinon-6-O-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranosyl-8-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosides bewiesen.

Über einen neuen Typ der Lysolecithin-Acylierung

Es wird gezeigt, daß die Hydrolyse des Lecithins mit Phospholipase A (EC. 3.1.1.4.) nur reversibel ist, wenn in der β-Stellung des Substrates ungesättigte Fettsäuren enthalten sind. Die Zusammensetzung der vom Lecithin abgespaltenen Fettsäuren hat zudem einen quantitativen Einfluß auf die Reacylierung des Lysolecithins. Bei der Rückreaktion werden bevorzugt ungesättigte Fettsäuren wieder verestert.

Biflavones from the Leaves of Araucaria rulei F. Muell. and a Survey on Biflavanoids of the Araucaria Genus

Eleven biflavones have been isolated from the leaves of Araucaria rulei and identified by NMR spectroscopy and via the permethylated and peracetylated products. The biflavones found until now in the Araucaria genus are summarized in a table.

Über neue Inhaltsstoffe aus den Rinden von Viburnum prunifolium L. (Amerikanischer Schneeball) und Viburnum opulus L. (Gemeiner Schneeball)

Aus der Rinde des amerikanischen Schneeballs (Viburnum prunifolium L.) wurden als neue Verbindungen das Bis- (5.7.4′-Trihydroxy-Flavon) Amentoflavon, Scopoletin, Sitosterin, Äsculetin, α,β-Amyrin, Oleanol- und Ursolsäure, ein in seiner Struktur noch unbekanntes Polyen (farbloses Carotinoid) und Arbutin, aus der Rinde des gemeinen Schneeballs (Viburnum opulus L.) ᴅʟ-Catechin als phenolischer Hauptbestandteil isoliert. An der spasmolytischen Wirksamkeit alkoholischer Viburnum-prunifolium-Auszüge sind die Cumarine beteiligt.

Die Flavon-C-glykoside von Viola tricolor L. / The Flavone-C-glycosides of Viola tricolor L

For a flavone-di-glycoside from a garden variety of Viola tricolor L. the structure 5,7,4′-Trihydroxyflavone-6-C-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-8-C-α-ʟ-rhamnopyranoside was elucidated using mainly perjodate oxidation, NMR- and mass-spectroscopy.

From the same plant besides the mono-C-glucosides Vitexin, Saponaretin, Orientin and Isoorientin four Apigenin-di-C-glycosides were isolated, one of them proved to be identical with Vicenine-2.

Über eine in-vivo-Methode zur Herstellung radioaktiv markierter Phosphatide mit Sojabohnen / A Method for Preparing Radioactive Labeled Phosphatides Using Soybeans in-Vivo

Germinating soybeans, when incubated for 20-30 hours under an illumination at 25°-30° temp, with labeled 32P-phosphate, 14C-acetate, 14C-glycerol and 14C-choline, radioactivity ranging from 2 to 14% is incorporated into the main phosphatides lecithin (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and monophosphoinositide (MPI). The incorporation of 32P-phosphate in these phosphatides depending on light and temperature, increases to its maximum (3.7 mCi/1 g soybeans) almost running linear and continues further even in the absence of any further germination due to intensive exposure to radiation.

14C-acetate is incorporated almost exclusively into fatty acids of the phospholipids during germination as a result of which highest specific radioactivity was seen in the stearic acid followed by oleic acid and palmitic acid. Linol- and linolenic acid under these experimental conditions are weakly or not labeled, 14C-choline is incorporated only in PC. As the PC after 14C-(methyl) -methionine-incubation does not exhibit any significant labeling, one can exclude the pathway of PC-biosynthesis through PE-methylation. The utilization of 14C-glycerol proves that the incorporation of all the compounds under consideration here is effected not by a mere exchange but by a de novo synthesis. This procedure of labeling is suitable for preparing 3H-, 14C- and 32P-PC, -PE, -MPI and phosphatidic acid (PA).

Constituents of Euphorbiaceae, 10. Comm. / New Cerebrosides from Euphorbia characias L

Four new cerebrosides C-1 – C-4 were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia characias L. On the basis of spectral evidences and chemical reactions they were characterized as (2S, 3S, 4R, 5R, 6Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2'R)-2′-hydroxy-(15′Z)-tetracosenoyl]-6(Z)-octadecene-1,3,4,5-tetraol-2-amino (C-1), (2 S, 3 S, 4 R, 5 R, 6 Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2′ R)-2′hydroxy-(17′ Z)-hexacosenoyl]-6(Z)-octadecene-1,3,4,5-tetraol- 2-amino (C-2), (2S, 3S, 4R, 5R, 6Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2′R)-2′-hydroxy-(19′Z)-octacosenoyl]-6-(Z)-octadecene-1,3,4,5-tetraol-2-amino (C-3) and (2 S, 3 S, 4 R, 5 R, 6 Z)-1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-2N-[(2′R)-2′-hydroxy-octacosanoyl]-6-(Z)-octadecene-1,3,4,5-tetraol-2-amino (C-4).

Reversed phase column flash chromatography was effective for the isolation of the cerebrosides. FAB-MS spectrometry, 1H NMR, 13C NMR analysis and chemical reactions were useful in providing information for the structure elucidation.

Chemische Struktur und serologische Aktivität tierischer und pflanzlicher Polyglycerophosphatide I

Durch präparative Dünnschichtchromatographie wurden die Cardiolipine verschiedener Rinderorgane (Herzmuskel, Niere, Leber, Lunge, Testes, Placenta und Ovarien) erstmals in reiner Form isoliert, ihre Fettsäuremethylester durch direkte Umesterung gewonnen und quantitativ Gaschromatographisch bestimmt. Nach ihrer Fettsäurezusammensetzung lassen sich die untersuchten Organ-Cardiolipine in einen Linolsäure- und einen Linol-Ölsäure-Typ unterteilen. Für die präparative Isolierung von Nieren-Cardiolipin wurde ein neues Säulen-chromatographisches Verfahren ausgearbeitet.

1. Reacylierung des Lysolecithins nach einer Deacylierung von Lecithin durch Phospholipase A im wäßrigen Milieu

Gereinigtes Soja-Lecithin wird in einer wäßrigen 0,1-m. Glycinlösung von Phospholipase A (EC. 3.1.1.4) aus Crotalus terr. terr., von Crotalus adamanteus-Gift und der Pankreasphospholipase A zu 40 — 70% zu Lysolecithin abgebaut. Die Deacylierungsreaktion ist bereits nach zwei bis fünf Min. beendet.

Durch Zugabe von EDTA zum Reaktionssystem läßt sich eine Acylierung des gebildeten Lysolecithins zu Lecithin auslösen. Durch einen geringen Überschuß an Ca2® kann die Deacylierungs-Reaktion wieder gestartet werden. Diese reversible Deacylierung des Lecithins wird mit 14C-Leci-thin als Substrat bewiesen.

Enthält das Reaktionssystem Äther oder Desoxycholat, die als Aktivatoren der Deacylierungs-Reaktion bekannt sind, wird keine vollständige Acylierung des Lysolecithins nach EDTA-Zugabe mehr erreicht.

Wird die Deacylierung des Lecithins durch Bienengift-Phospholipase A katalysiert, läßt sich eine Acylierung des gebildeten Lysolecithins nicht auslösen!

Es wird experimentell belegt, daß die Reacylierung des Lysolecithins nicht durch die Phospholipase A katalysiert wird. Eine Hypothese des Reaktionsablaufs der beschriebenen reversiblen Deacylierung von Lecithin wird zur Diskussion gestellt.

Triacylglycerols, Fucosterol, Diacylglyceroglycolipids and Fucoxanthin from Fucus virsoides

From the marine brown macroalga Fucus virsoides J. AG. (Fucales, Phaeophyceae), a mixture of triacylglycerols 1 -3, fucosterol 4, a mixture of galactosyldiacylglycerols 5-8 and fucoxanthin 9 have been isolated. Normal phase column flash chromatography was effective for the isolation of the marine compounds. FAB-MS, CI-MS spectrometry, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY and 1H-13C COSY experiments were useful in providing informations for their structure elucidation