Impact of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides on phyllospheric Methylobacterium

Symbiotic Methylobacterium comprise a significant portion of the phyllospheric microbiome, and are known to benefit host plant growth, development, and confer tolerance to stress factors. The near ubiquitous use of the broad-spectrum herbicide, glyphosate, in farming operations globally has necessitated a more expansive evaluation of the impacts of the agent itself and formulations containing glyphosate on important components of the plant phyllosphere, including Methylobacterium.This study provides an investigation of the sensitivity of 18 strains of Methylobacterium to glyphosate and two commercially available glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH). Nearly all strains of Methylobacterium showed signs of sensitivity to the popular GBH formulations WeatherMax® and Transorb® in a modified Kirby Bauer experiment. However, exposure to pure forms of glyphosate did not show a significant effect on growth for any strain in both the Kirby Bauer test and in liquid broth, until polysorbate-20 (Tween20) was added as a surfactant. Artificially increasing membrane permeability through the introduction of polysorbate-20 caused a 78-84% reduction in bacterial cell biomass relative to controls containing glyphosate or high levels of surfactant only (0-9% and 6-37% reduction respectively). Concentrations of glyphosate as low as 0.05% w/v (500 µg/L) from both commercial formulations tested, inhibited the culturability of Methylobacterium on fresh nutrient-rich medium.To better understand the compatibility of important phyllospheric bacteria with commercial glyphosate-based herbicides, this study endeavours to characterize sensitivity in multiple strains of Methylobacterium, and explore possible mechanisms by which toxicity may be induced.

Hexahydroxytriphenylene for the synthesis of group 13 MOFs - a new inorganic building unit in a β-cristobalite type structure

Two new, microporous MOFs of framework composition ((CH3)2NH2)2[M3O(HHTP)(HHTP˙)], M = Al3+, Ga3+, H6HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene, are described. Electron diffraction combined with molecular simulations show that these compounds crystallize in the β-cristobalite structure, containing a new type of trinuclear inorganic building unit for MOFs and radical anions.

Synthesis of M-UiO-66 (M = Zr, Ce or Hf) employing 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid as a linker: defect chemistry, framework hydrophilisation and sorption properties

MOFs of general composition [M₆(OH)₄(O)₄(PDC)_6−x(Cl)_2x(H₂O)_2x] with M = Zr, Ce, Hf; and 0 ≤ x ≤ 2 were obtained and characterised in detail.

A multi-purpose reaction cell for the investigation of reactions under solvothermal conditions

A new versatile and easy-to-use remote-controlled reactor setup aimed at the analysis of chemical reactions under solvothermal conditions has been constructed. The reactor includes a heating system that can precisely control the temperature inside the reaction vessels in a range between ambient temperature and 180 °C. As reaction vessels, two sizes of commercially available borosilicate vessels (V_max = 5 and 11 ml) can be used. The setup furthermore includes the option of stirring and injecting of up to two liquid additives or one solid during the reaction to initiate very fast reactions, quench reactions, or alter chemical parameters. In addition to a detailed description of the general setup and its functionality, three examples of studies conducted using this setup are presented.

Synthesis, functionalisation and post-synthetic modification of bismuth metal–organic frameworks

Two new Bi-MOFs were discovered, synthesised and characterised, and the amino-functionalised Bi-MOF was post-synthetically modified using anhydrides and 1,3-propane sultone.

Synthesis of phosphonosulfonic acid building blocks as linkers for coordination polymers

Ten benzene based linkers containing sulfonic and phosphonic acids have been synthesized. One lanthanum MOF was isolated and characterized.

Tuning the stability of bimetallic Ce(iv)/Zr(iv)-based MOFs with UiO-66 and MOF-808 structures

A series of solid solutions of bimetallic Ce/Zr-UiO-66 and -MOF-808 compounds with a varying ratio of Ce⁴⁺ to Zr⁴⁺ were obtained under mild reaction conditions within 15 min. Samples with Ce ≤20 at% exhibit an enhanced thermal stability, better resistance against acids and smaller particle sizes.

Towards metal-organic framework based field effect chemical sensors: UiO-66-NH2 for nerve agent detection

Kelvin probe monitoring of metal-organic framework coated electrodes is demonstrated as a route for ppb-level detection of alkyl phosphonates.

We present a highly sensitive gas detection approach for the infamous ‘nerve agent’ group of alkyl phosphonate compounds. Signal transduction is achieved by monitoring the work function shift of metal–organic framework UiO-66-NH₂ coated electrodes upon exposure to ppb-level concentrations of a target simulant. Using the Kelvin probe technique, we demonstrate the potential of electrically insulating MOFs for integration in field effect devices such as ChemFETs: a three orders of magnitude improvement over previous work function-based detection of nerve agent simulants. Moreover, the signal is fully reversible both in dry and humid conditions, down to low ppb concentrations. Comprehensive investigation of the interactions that lead towards this high sensitivity points towards a series of confined interactions between the analyte and the pore interior of UiO-66-NH₂.

Synthesis and structure of Zr(iv)- and Ce(iv)-based CAU-24 with 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene

Eight-fold connection of hexanuclear clusters containing Zr(iv) or Ce(iv) through rigid, rectangular tetracarboxylate ions yields new MOFs with scu topology.

Structure property relationships affecting the proton conductivity in imidazole loaded Al-MOFs

A systematic investigation on the influence of steric effects and the possibility to form host-guest interactions on the proton conductivity was carried out using imidazole loaded derivatives of Al-MIL-53 [Al(OH)(1,4-BDC-(CH₃)_x)] (x = 0, 1, 2) and CAU-11.

Water-based synthesis and characterisation of a new Zr-MOF with a unique inorganic building unit

A new inorganic building unit in a Zr-MOF is formed through bridging of the well-known {Zr₆O₄(OH)₄} clusters by (μ-OH) groups.

The new triazine-based porous copper phosphonate [Cu3(PPT)(H2O)3]·10H2O

A new thermally stable copper phosphonate with pores of 9.4 Å diameter and a high water uptake at p/p⁰ = 0.2 is described.

Synthesis and Characterization of Mn6(PO4)4·H2O, a New Metal(II) Phosphate Hydrate

The new manganese phosphate hydrate,Mn6(PO4)4·H2O, has been obtained as a single phase product using hydrothermal methods and the structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc with a = 934.18(10), b = 1743.68(18), c = 815.15(8) pm, β = 92.616(2)°, V = 1326.4(2)·106 pm3, Z = 4, and the refinement led to R1 = 0.0281 and Rw2 = 0.0728 (all data). The structure is composed of [PO4] and [MnOx] polyhedra (x = 6, 7) and might be described as a distorted primitive hexagonal packing of [PO4] tetrahedra which are held together by Mn2+ ions partially located in distorted trigonal prismatic positions. This leads to a dense three-dimensional framework structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurements verified the presence of high-spin Mn2+ ions and thermogravimetric data confirm the chemical composition deduced from the single crystal structure determination.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Manganese Pyroarsenate Mn2As2O7 · 2H2O

The manganese pyroarsenate hydrate, Mn2As2O7 · 2 H2O, has been obtained as a single phase product using hydrothermal methods and the structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with a = 6.6576(4), b = 14.555(1), c = 7.8147(5) Å, β = 94.935(1)°, V = 754.46(8) Å3 and Z = 4. The manganese ions are each coordinated to five oxygen atoms and a water molecule in a distorted octahedral arrangement. Edge-sharing MnO6 octahedra form chains which are connected to a three-dimensional framework by As2O7 4- ions. The pyroarsenate anion, which attains a nearly eclipsed conformation, has a mean As-O distance for the terminal As-O bonds of 1.669(2) Å, while for the bridging oxygen atom a mean value of 1.757(2) Å is observed. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the presence of high-spin Mn2+ ions. Thermogravimetric as well as IR and Raman spectroscopic studies of Mn2As2O7 · 2 H2O are presented.

Synthesen, Kristallstrukturen und Eigenschaften von Trisilber-und Trikalium-tri-μ-imido-cyclotriphosphat, Ag3(PO2NH)3 und K3(PO2NH)3 / Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Properties of Trisilver and Tripotassium Tri-μ-im ido Cyclotriphosphate, Ag3(PO2NH)3 and K3(PO2NH)3

Coarse crystalline Ag3(PO2NH)3 (1) and K3(PO2NH)3 (2) are obtained by addition of an aqueous solution of AgNO3 to an acidified solution of Na3(PO2NH)3 · 4H2O and by diffusion controlled addition of ethanol to a solution of K3(PO2NH)3 in water, respectively. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by single crystal X-ray methods (Ag3(PO2NH)3: P21/c; a = 1166.6(1), b = 786.4(1), c = 997.8(1) pm, β = 106.91(1)°; Z = 4. K3(PO2NH)3: R3̄; a = 1271.4(2), c = 1017.9(2) pm, Z = 6). In Ag3(PO2NH)3 the cyclic anion is markedly distorted because of interactions between Ag+ and one nitrogen atom of the anion. In K3(PO2NH)3 the trimetaphosphimate ring shows a chair conformation and two cyclic anions are connected to each other by hydrogen bonds. DTA/TG investigations show thermal decomposition above 275 and 250 °C for 1 and 2, respectively.

Synthese, Kristallstruktur und Eigenschaften von 1,1,3,3,3-Pentaamino-1-oxo- 1λ5 ,3λ5-diphosphaz-2-en, (NH2)2(O)P-N=P(NH2)3 / Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of 1,1,3,3,3-Pentaamino-1-oxo-1λ5, 3λ5-diphosphaz-2-ene, (NH2)2(O)P-N=P(NH2)3

Coarse crystalline (NH2)2(O)P-N=P(NH2)3 is obtained from a NH3 saturated CH2Cl2 suspension of (NH2)2(O)P-N=P(NH2)3 NH4Cl at room temperature. (NH2)2(O)P-N=P(NH2)3·NH4Cl is synthesized by slow addition of Cl2(O)P-N=PCl3 to a solution of NH3 in CH2Cl2 at -78 °C. Excess NH4Cl is removed by treatment with HNEt2 followed by extraction with CH2Cl2. The crystal structure of (NH2)2(O)P-N=P(NH2)3 has been determined by single crystal X-ray methods (P21/c; a = 1462.8(3), b = 944.8(2), c = 1026.9(2) pm, β = 110.69(3)°; Z = 8). In the unit cell there are two crystallographically unique molecules. They form a three dimensional network by intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions (N-H···N ≥ 313 pm. N-H···O ≥ 293 pm). The investigation of the thermal properties shows decomposition with evolution of NH3 above 80 °C.

[Pseudomalignant endoscopic appearance in hyperplastic polyp at esophagogastric junction: case report]

Hyperplastic polyps are by far the most common benign tumors in the stomach larger than 5mm. Although the malignant potential of hyperplastic gastric polyps was originally denied, a low risk for carcinomatous conversion is now recognized. Its has been recommended that all gastric polyps of 5mm or more in diameter have to be removed. We present here the case of a large hyperplastic gastric polyp located at the esophagogastric junction with endoscopic malignant appearance. The description of its endoscopic and histological characteristics gives us the opportunity to discuss the difficulty of endoscopic diagnosis in the case of gastric polyps and to remind their prognosis.

Mapuera virus, a rubulavirus that inhibits interferon signalling in a wide variety of mammalian cells without degrading STATs

Mapuera virus (MPRV) is a paramyxovirus that was originally isolated from bats, but its host range remains unknown. It was classified as a member of the genus Rubulavirus on the basis of structural and genetic features. Like other rubulaviruses it encodes a V protein (MPRV/V) that functions as an interferon (IFN) antagonist. Here we show that MPRV/V differs from the IFN antagonists of other rubulaviruses in that it does not induce the proteasomal degradation of STAT proteins, key factors in the IFN signalling cascade. Rather, MPRV/V prevents the nuclear translocation of STATs in response to IFN stimulation and inhibits the formation of the transcription factor complex ISGF3. We also show that MPRV/V blocks IFN signalling in cells from diverse mammalian species and discuss the IFN response as a barrier to cross-species infections.

[Sebaceous tumors of the eyelids in a patient with Muir-Torre syndrome]

Muir-Torre syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition predisposing to cancer. It is characterized by cutaneous tumors (such as sebaceous adenomas, epitheliomas, or carcinoma, and/or keratoacanthomas) and internal malignancies. A 47-year-old male patient with cancer antecedents consulted for two tumors of the eyelid. Histological study of the exeresis biopsies of the eyelid lesions showed a sebaceous adenoma and an epidermoid carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation. With the suspicion of Muir-Torre syndrome, a genetic consultation was requested. The geneticist found a mutation of the MSH2 gene, which was not classified as pathological. Cancer screening was begun for the patient and his descendants. The clinical outcome was death from urothelial carcinoma. Eyelid sebaceous tumors require complete medical check-up in search of carcinoma. Demonstrating Muir-Torre syndrome allows the medical team to propose early cutaneous and visceral carcinoma screening for patients, their collaterals, and their descendants.

The V proteins of paramyxoviruses bind the IFN-inducible RNA helicase, mda-5, and inhibit its activation of the IFN-beta promoter

Most paramyxoviruses circumvent the IFN response by blocking IFN signaling and limiting the production of IFN by virus-infected cells. Here we report that the highly conserved cysteine-rich C-terminal domain of the V proteins of a wide variety of paramyxoviruses binds melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (mda-5) product. mda-5 is an IFN-inducible host cell DExD/H box helicase that contains a caspase recruitment domain at its N terminus. Overexpression of mda-5 stimulated the basal activity of the IFN-beta promoter in reporter gene assays and significantly enhanced the activation of the IFN-beta promoter by intracellular dsRNA. Both these activities were repressed by coexpression of the V proteins of simian virus 5, human parainfluenza virus 2, mumps virus, Sendai virus, and Hendra virus. Similar results to the reporter assays were obtained by measuring IFN production. Inhibition of mda-5 by RNA interference or by dominant interfering forms of mda-5 significantly inhibited the activation of the IFN-beta promoter by dsRNA. It thus appears that mda-5 plays a central role in an intracellular signal transduction pathway that can lead to the activation of the IFN-beta promoter, and that the V proteins of paramyxoviruses interact with mda-5 to block its activity.

Relationships and host range of human, canine, simian and porcine isolates of simian virus 5 (parainfluenza virus 5)

Sequence comparison of the V/P and F genes of 13 human, canine, porcine and simian isolates of simian virus 5 (SV5) revealed a surprising lack of sequence variation at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels (0–3 %), even though the viruses were isolated over 30 years and originated from countries around the world. Furthermore, there were no clear distinguishing amino acid or nucleotide differences among the isolates that correlated completely with the species from which they were isolated. In addition, there was no evidence that the ability of the viruses to block interferon signalling by targeting STAT1 for degradation was confined to the species from which they were isolated. All isolates had an extended cytoplasmic tail in the F protein, compared with the original W3A and WR monkey isolates. Sequence analysis of viruses that were derived from human bone-marrow cells isolated in London in the 1980s revealed that, whilst they were related more closely to one another than to the other isolates, they all had identifying differences, suggesting that they were independent isolates. These results therefore support previous data suggesting that SV5 can infect humans persistently, although the relationship of SV5 to any human disease remains highly contentious. Given that SV5 has been isolated on multiple occasions from different species, it is proposed that the term simian virus 5 is inappropriate and suggested that the virus should be renamed parainfluenza virus 5.

Vibrational analysis of Ag3(PO2NH)3, Na3(PO2NH)3 x H2O, Na3(PO2NH)3 x 4H2O,

FT IR and FT Raman spectra of Ag3(PO2NH), (Compound 1), Na3(PO2NH)3 x H2O (Compound II), Na3(PO2NH)3 x 4H2O (Compound III), [C(NH2)3]3(PO2NH)3 x H2O (Compound IV) and (NH4)4(PO2NH)4 x 4H2O (Compound V) are recorded and analyzed on the basis of the anions, cations and water molecules present in each of them. The PO2NH- anion ring in compound I is distorted due to the influence of Ag+ cation. Wide variation in the hydrogen bond lengths in compound III is indicated by the splitting of the v2 and v3 modes of vibration of water molecules. The NH4 ion in compound V occupies lower site symmetry and exhibits hindered rotation in the lattice. The correlations between the symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of P-N-P bridge and the P-N-P bond angle have also been discussed.