Cold-Triggered Induction of ROS- and Raffinose Metabolism in Freezing-Sensitive Taproot Tissue of Sugar Beet

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is the exclusive source of sugar in the form of sucrose in temperate climate zones. Sugar beet is grown there as an annual crop from spring to autumn because of the damaging effect of freezing temperatures to taproot tissue. A collection of hybrid and non-hybrid sugar beet cultivars was tested for winter survival rates and freezing tolerance. Three genotypes with either low or high winter survival rates were selected for detailed study of their response to frost. These genotypes differed in the severity of frost injury in a defined inner region in the upper part of the taproot, the so-called pith. We aimed to elucidate genotype- and tissue-dependent molecular processes during freezing and combined analyses of sugar beet anatomy and physiology with transcriptomic and metabolite profiles of leaf and taproot tissues at low temperatures. Freezing temperatures induced strong downregulation of photosynthesis in leaves, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ROS-related gene expression in taproots. Simultaneously, expression of genes involved in raffinose metabolism, as well as concentrations of raffinose and its intermediates, increased markedly in both leaf and taproot tissue at low temperatures. The accumulation of raffinose in the pith tissue correlated with freezing tolerance of the three genotypes. We discuss a protective role for raffinose and its precursors against freezing damage of sugar beet taproot tissue.

Vernalization Alters Sink and Source Identities and Reverses Phloem Translocation from Taproots to Shoots in Sugar Beet

During their first year of growth, overwintering biennial plants transport Suc through the phloem from photosynthetic source tissues to storage tissues. In their second year, they mobilize carbon from these storage tissues to fuel new growth and reproduction. However, both the mechanisms driving this shift and the link to reproductive growth remain unclear. During vegetative growth, biennial sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) maintains a steep Suc concentration gradient between the shoot (source) and the taproot (sink). To shift from vegetative to generative growth, they require a chilling phase known as vernalization. We studied sugar beet sink-source dynamics upon vernalization and showed that before flowering, the taproot underwent a reversal from a sink to a source of carbohydrates. This transition was induced by transcriptomic and functional reprogramming of sugar beet tissue, resulting in a reversal of flux direction in the phloem. In this transition, the vacuolar Suc importers and exporters TONOPLAST SUGAR TRANSPORTER2;1 and SUCROSE TRANSPORTER4 were oppositely regulated, leading to the mobilization of sugars from taproot storage vacuoles. Concomitant changes in the expression of floral regulator genes suggest that these processes are a prerequisite for bolting. Our data will help both to dissect the metabolic and developmental triggers for bolting and to identify potential targets for genome editing and breeding.

Microbiome-driven identification of microbial indicators for postharvest diseases of sugar beets

BACKGROUND

Sugar loss due to storage rot has a substantial economic impact on the sugar industry. The gradual spread of saprophytic fungi such as Fusarium and Penicillium spp. during storage in beet clamps is an ongoing challenge for postharvest processing. Early detection of shifts in microbial communities in beet clamps is a promising approach for the initiation of targeted countermeasures during developing storage rot. In a combined approach, high-throughput sequencing of bacterial and fungal genetic markers was complemented with cultivation-dependent methods and provided detailed insights into microbial communities colonizing stored roots. These data were used to develop a multi-target qPCR technique for early detection of postharvest diseases.

RESULTS

The comparison of beet microbiomes from six clamps in Austria and Germany highlighted regional differences; nevertheless, universal indicators of the health status were identified. Apart from a significant decrease in microbial diversity in decaying sugar beets (p ≤ 0.01), a distinctive shift in the taxonomic composition of the overall microbiome was found. Fungal taxa such as Candida and Penicillium together with the gram-positive Lactobacillus were the main disease indicators in the microbiome of decaying sugar beets. In contrast, the genera Plectosphaerella and Vishniacozyma as well as a higher microbial diversity in general were found to reflect the microbiome of healthy beets. Based on these findings, a qPCR-based early detection technique was developed and confirmed a twofold decrease of health indicators and an up to 10,000-fold increase of disease indicators in beet clamps. This was further verified with analyses of the sugar content in storage samples.

CONCLUSION

By conducting a detailed assessment of temporal microbiome changes during the storage of sugar beets, distinct indicator species were identified that reflect progressing rot and losses in sugar content. The insights generated in this study provide a novel basis to improve current or develop next-generation postharvest management techniques by tracking disease indicators during storage.

The Lewis superacid Al[N(C6F5)2]3 and its higher homolog Ga[N(C6F5)2]3 - structural features, theoretical investigation and reactions of a metal amide with higher fluoride ion affinity than SbF5

Herein we present the synthesis of the two Lewis acids Al[N(C6F5)2]3 (ALTA) and Ga[N(C6F5)2]3 (GATA) via salt elimination reactions. The metal complexes were characterized by NMR-spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction analysis revealing the stabilization of the highly Lewis acidic metal centers by secondary metal-fluorine contacts. The Lewis acidic properties of Al[N(C6F5)2]3 and Ga[N(C6F5)2]3 are demonstrated by reactions with Lewis bases resulting in the formation of metallates accompanied by crucial structural changes. The two metallates [Cs(Tol)3]+[FAl(N(C6F5)2)3]- and [AsPh4]+[ClGa(N(C6F5)2)3]- contain interesting weakly coordinating anions. The reaction of Al[N(C6F5)2]3 with trityl fluoride yielded [CPh3]+[FAl(N(C6F5)2)3]- which could find application in the activation of metallocene polymerization catalysts. The qualitative Lewis acidity of Al[N(C6F5)2]3 and Ga[N(C6F5)2]3 was investigated by means of competition experiments for chloride ions in solution. DFT calculations yielded fluoride ion affinities in the gas phase (FIA) of 555 kJ mol-1 for Al[N(C6F5)2]3 and 472 kJ mol-1 for Ga[N(C6F5)2]3. Thus, Al[N(C6F5)2]3 can be considered a Lewis superacid with a fluoride affinity higher than SbF5 (493 kJ mol-1) whereas the FIA of the corresponding gallium complex is slightly below the threshold to Lewis superacidity.

Chicory R2R3-MYB transcription factors CiMYB5 and CiMYB3 regulate fructan 1-exohydrolase expression in response to abiotic stress and hormonal cues

In the biennial Cichorium intybus, inulin-type fructans accumulate in the taproot during the first year. Upon cold or drought exposure, fructans are degraded by fructan exohydrolases, affecting inulin yield and degree of polymerization. While stress-induced expression of 1-FEH genes has been thoroughly explored, the transcriptional network mediating these responses has remained unknown. In this study, several R2R3-MYB transcriptional regulators were analysed for their possible involvement in 1-FEH regulation via transient transactivation of 1-FEH target promoters and for in vivo co-expression with target genes under different stress and hormone treatments. CiMYB3 and CiMYB5 selectively enhanced promoter activities of 1-FEH1, 1-FEH2a, and 1-FEH2b genes, without affecting promoter activities of fructosyltransferase genes. Both factors recognized the MYB-core motifs (C/TNGTTA/G) that are abundantly present in 1-FEH promoters. In chicory hairy root cultures, CiMYB5 displayed co-expression with its target genes in response to different abiotic stress and phytohormone treatments, whereas correlations with CiMYB3 expression were less consistent. Oligofructan levels indicated that the metabolic response, while depending on the balance of the relative expression levels of fructan exohydrolases and fructosyltransferases, could be also affected by differential subcellular localization of different FEH isoforms. The results indicate that in chicory hairy root cultures CiMYB5 and CiMYB3 act as positive regulators of the fructan degradation pathway.

CiMYB17, a stress-induced chicory R2R3-MYB transcription factor, activates promoters of genes involved in fructan synthesis and degradation

In Cichorium intybus, inulin metabolism is mediated by fructan-active enzymes (FAZYs): sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST), fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT), and fructan 1-exohydrolases 1, 2a and 2b (1-FEH1, -2a and -2b), respectively. While these enzymes have been rigorously characterized, the transcriptional network orchestrating their development- and stress-related expression has remained largely unknown. Here, the possible role of R2R3-MYB transcription factors in FAZY regulation was explored via bioinformatic identification of R2R3-MYBs (using an RNA sequencing (RNAseq) database), studies of co-expression of these factors with target genes, in vivo transient transactivation assays of FAZY target promoters (dual luciferase assay), and a yeast one-hybrid assay investigating the specificity of the binding of these factors to cis-elements. The chicory MYB transcription factor CiMYB17 specifically activated promoters of 1-SST and 1-FFT by binding to the consensus DNA-motif DTTHGGT. Unexpectedly, CiMYB17 also activated promoters of fructan exohydrolase genes. The stimulatory effect on promoter activities of sucrose transporter and cell wall invertase genes points to a general role in regulating the source-sink relationship. Co-induction of CiMYB17 with 1-SST and 1-FFT (and, less consistently, with 1-FEH1/2) in nitrogen-starved or abscisic acid (ABA)-treated chicory seedlings and in salt-stressed chicory hairy roots supports a role in stress-induced fructan metabolism, including de novo fructan synthesis and trimming of pre-existing fructans, whereas the reduced expression of CiMYB17 in developing taproots excludes a role in fructan accumulation under normal growth conditions.

Functional characterisation and cell specificity of BvSUT1, the transporter that loads sucrose into the phloem of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) source leaves

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is one of the most important sugar-producing plants worldwide and provides about one third of the sugar consumed by humans. Here we report on molecular characterisation of the BvSUT1 gene and on the functional characterisation of the encoded transporter. In contrast to the recently identified tonoplast-localised sucrose transporter BvTST2.1 from sugar beet taproots, which evolved within the monosaccharide transporter (MST) superfamily, BvSUT1 represents a classical sucrose transporter and is a typical member of the disaccharide transporter (DST) superfamily. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the β-GLUCURONIDASE (GUS) reporter gene under control of the BvSUT1-promoter showed GUS histochemical staining of their phloem; an anti-BvSUT1-antiserum identified the BvSUT1 transporter specifically in phloem companion cells. After expression of BvSUT1 cDNA in bakers' yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) uptake characteristics of the BvSUT1 protein were studied. Moreover, the sugar beet transporter was characterised as a proton-coupled sucrose symporter in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our findings indicate that BvSUT1 is the sucrose transporter that is responsible for loading of sucrose into the phloem of sugar beet source leaves delivering sucrose to the storage tissue in sugar beet taproot sinks.

Laccase-catalyzed green synthesis and cytotoxic activity of novel pyrimidobenzothiazoles and catechol thioethers

Laccase-catalyzed green reaction between catechols and 2-thioxopyrimidin-4-ones delivers novel pyrimidobenzothiazoles and catechol thioethers with antiproliferative activities against HepG2 cell line.

Optimization and Scale-up of Inulin Extraction from Taraxacum kok-saghyz roots

The optimization and scale-up of inulin extraction from Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin was successfully performed. Evaluating solubility investigations, the extraction temperature was fixed at 85°C. The inulin stability regarding degradation or hydrolysis could be confirmed by extraction in the presence of model inulin. Confirming stability at the given conditions the isolation procedure was transferred from a 1 L- to a 1 m3-reactor. The Reynolds number was selected as the relevant dimensionless number that has to remain constant in both scales. The stirrer speed in the large scale was adjusted to 3.25 rpm regarding a 300 rpm stirrer speed in the 1 L-scale and relevant physical and process engineering parameters. Assumptions were confirmed by approximately homologous extraction kinetics in both scales. Since T. kok-saghyz is in the focus of research due to its rubber content side-product isolation from residual biomass it is of great economic interest. Inulin is one of these additional side-products that can be isolated in high quantity (~ 35% of dry mass) and with a high average degree of polymerization (15.5) in large scale with a purity of 77%.

Optimization and Scale-up of Inulin Extraction from Taraxacum kok-saghyz roots

The optimization and scale-up of inulin extraction from Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin was successfully performed. Evaluating solubility investigations, the extraction temperature was fixed at 85 degrees C. The inulin stability regarding degradation or hydrolysis could be confirmed by extraction in the presence of model inulin. Confirming stability at the given conditions the isolation procedure was transferred from a 1 L- to a 1 m3-reactor. The Reynolds number was selected as the relevant dimensionless number that has to remain constant in both scales. The stirrer speed in the large scale was adjusted to 3.25 rpm regarding a 300 rpm stirrer speed in the 1 L-scale and relevant physical and process engineering parameters. Assumptions were confirmed by approximately homologous extraction kinetics in both scales. Since T. kok-saghyz is in the focus of research due to its rubber content side-product isolation from residual biomass it is of great economic interest. Inulin is one of these additional side-products that can be isolated in high quantity (- 35% of dry mass) and with a high average degree of polymerization (15.5) in large scale with a purity of 77%.

Linking Expression of Fructan Active Enzymes, Cell Wall Invertases and Sucrose Transporters with Fructan Profiles in Growing Taproot of Chicory (Cichorium intybus): Impact of Hormonal and Environmental Cues

In chicory taproot, the inulin-type fructans serve as carbohydrate reserve. Inulin metabolism is mediated by fructan active enzymes (FAZYs): sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST; fructan synthesis), fructan:fructan-1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT; fructan synthesis and degradation), and fructan 1-exohydrolases (1-FEH1/2a/2b; fructan degradation). In developing taproot, fructan synthesis is affected by source-to-sink sucrose transport and sink unloading. In the present study, expression of FAZYs, sucrose transporter and CWI isoforms, vacuolar invertase and sucrose synthase was determined in leaf blade, petiole and taproot of young chicory plants (taproot diameter: 2 cm) and compared with taproot fructan profiles for the following scenarios: (i) N-starvation, (ii) abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, (iii) ethylene treatment (via 1-aminoyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid [ACC]), and (iv) cold treatment. Both N-starvation and ABA treatment induced an increase in taproot oligofructans. However, while under N-starvation this increase reflected de novo synthesis, under ABA treatment gene expression profiles indicated a role for both de novo synthesis and degradation of long-chain fructans. Conversely, under ACC and cold treatment oligofructans slightly decreased, correlating with reduced expression of 1-SST and 1-FFT and increased expression of FEHs and VI. Distinct SUT and CWI expression profiles were observed, indicating a functional alignment of SUT and CWI expression with taproot fructan metabolism under different source-sink scenarios.

Smallest molecular chalcogenidometalate anions of the heaviest metals: syntheses, structures, and their interconversion

The syntheses of the first molecular meta-selenidomercurate(ii), ortho-telluridothallate(iii) and a hydrate of an ortho-selenidoplubate(iv) are presented alongside an improved and facile synthesis of the selenidobismuthate(iii) with almost quantitative yields. By means of quantum chemical calculations, the energetics of the interconversions of small metalate anions is discussed and the existence of the heaviest homologues of [NO2](-), [NO3](-), [PO4](2-) and [CO3](2-) are predicted.

Dissecting the regulation of fructan metabolism in chicory (Cichorium intybus) hairy roots

Fifteen per cent of higher plants accumulate fructans. Plant development, nutritional status and stress exposure all affect fructan metabolism, and while fructan biochemistry is well understood, knowledge of its regulation has remained fragmentary. Here, we have explored chicory (Cichorium intybus) hairy root cultures (HRCs) to study the regulation of fructan metabolism in sink tissues in response to environmental cues. In standard medium (SM), HRCs did not accumulate inulin. However, upon transfer to high-carbon (C)/low-nitrogen (N) medium, expression of sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST) and fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT) was strongly induced and inulin accumulated. Upon return to SM, inulin was degraded, together with a coordinate decline of 1-SST and 1-FFT expression. In HRCs, cold-induced expression of fructan 1-exohydrolases (1-FEH I and IIa) was similar to cold induction in taproots, even in the absence of accumulated inulin. For high-C/low-N induction of 1-SST and 1-FFT, and cold induction of 1-FEH I and IIa, the signaling pathways were addressed. While 1-SST and 1-FFT induction was similarly prevented by inhibitors of Ca(2+) signaling, protein kinases and phosphatases, cold induction of 1-FEH I and IIa revealed distinct signaling pathways. In summary, this study has established chicory HRCs as a convenient experimental system with which to study the regulation of fructan active enzyme (FAZY) expression in heterotrophic cells.

Inhibitors of plant invertases do not affect the structurally related enzymes of fructan metabolism

Plant fructan active enzymes (FAZYs), including the enzymes involved in inulin metabolism, namely sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST; EC 2.4.1.99), fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT; EC 2.4.1.100) and fructan 1-exohydrolase (1-FEH; EC 3.2.1.153), are evolutionarily related to acid invertases (AIs), that is, plant cell wall invertase (CWI) and vacuolar invertase (VI). Acid invertases are post-translationally controlled by proteinaceous inhibitors. Whether FAZYs are subject to similar controls is not known. To probe their possible interactions with invertase inhibitors, we transiently expressed chicory (Cichorium intybus) FAZYs, as well as several previously characterized invertase inhibitors from nonfructan species, and the C. intybus cell wall/vacuolar inhibitor of fructosidase (CiC/VIF), a putative invertase inhibitor of a fructan-accumulating plant, in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. Leaf extracts containing recombinant, enzymatically active FAZYs were used to explore the interaction with invertase inhibitors. Neither heterologous inhibitors nor CiC/VIF affected FAZY activities. CiC/VIF was confirmed as an AI inhibitor with a stronger effect on CWI than on VI. Its expression in planta was developmentally regulated (high in taproots, and undetectable in leaves and flowers). In agreement with its target specificities, CiC/VIF was associated with the cell wall. It is concluded that subtle structural differences between AIs and FAZYs result in pronounced selectivity of inhibitor action.

Prognosis of women with pT4b breast cancer: the significance of this category in the TNM system

AIMS

The T4b/pT4b category of the TNM System for breast cancer is discussed controversially. For a more detailed analysis, we explored the prognosis of patients with breast cancer strictly fulfilling the criteria for T4b/pT4b tumors according to the TNM System.

METHODS

Retrospectively analysed data from patients with pT4b breast tumors diagnosed between January 1994 and December 2004 were collected. Reclassification was undertaken according to the TNM System criteria establishing a study group including only "correctly" classified T4b/pT4b tumors. A control group with pT1-3 carcinomas was used for analysing the prognostic value of criteria for T4b/pT4b tumors.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients with pT4b carcinomas were found. After reclassification, 65 remained as pT4b fulfilling the strict criteria. The study group showed a 60% three-year Disease Specific Survival (DSS). Age (p<0.01) and regional lymph node status (p<0.01) were significantly related to prognosis. Compared to the control group, the DSS in the study group of patients with a tumor size >2 cm to 5 cm was significantly worse (three-year survival: 82% vs. 51%, p<0.01). For tumors >5 cm, the DSS was not significantly different between both groups (three-year survival: 68% vs. 72%, p=0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The criteria for T4b/pT4b breast cancer are associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with a tumor size >2 cm to 5 cm. For tumors >5 cm, prognosis is independent of T4b/pT4b criteria. These findings do not justify the demanded deletion of the T4b/pT4b category. The missing uniformity in applying the correct criteria of T4b/pT4b tumors queries the practicability of this category.

Prenatal DNA diagnosis of Noonan syndrome in a fetus with massive hygroma colli, pleural effusion and ascites

Prenatal molecular genetic diagnosis for Noonan syndrome I is reported. Noonan syndrome was suspected because of large cystic hygroma colli, massive pleural effusion and ascites at 23 weeks of gestation and normal karyotype (46,XX). DNA was prepared from amnion cells and screened for mutations in the PTPN11 gene. In exon 8, a missense mutation (S285F) was found. Delivery was induced at 33 weeks of gestation because of silent cardiotocography (CTG). Despite immediate drainage of the hydrothorax, mechanical ventilation was insufficient and the child died 9 h after birth due to severe pulmonary hypoplasia. Pleural punctate was enriched for small lymphocytes and thus was characterized as chylus. Prenatal ultrasound findings in Noonan syndrome usually are unspecific and rarely lead to a diagnosis. However, with the combination of cystic hygroma, pleural effusion, ascites and normal karyotype Noonan syndrome should be considered and DNA testing for PTPN11 mutations may be appropriate. Malformations of lymphatic vessels and/or chylothorax in Noonan syndrome seem to be more frequent than usually anticipated.

The common and distinct target genes of the p53 family transcription factors

p53 is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer. After activation by cellular stresses such as DNA damage or oncogene activation, p53, a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein, induces the expression of target genes which mediate tumor suppression. Two recently identified p53 homologues, p63 and p73, appear to function similarly to p53, that is, they both activate target gene expression and suppress cell growth when overexpressed; however, the p63 and p73 genes are rarely mutated in human cancer and do not adhere to Knudson's classical model of a tumor suppressor gene. Recently, exciting observations suggest nonoverlapping functions for the family members. Herein, we outline the recent literatures identifying and characterizing both the common and distinct target genes of the p53 family transcription factors in relation to their signaling pathways.

[Early post-partum discharge of mother and child: a literature review]

This review summarises data on the relationship between the duration of postnatal hospital stay and neonatal outcome for term and preterm infants. Almost all of the data available derive from observational studies and should thus be interpreted with caution. For term infants, several studies found an increase in readmission rates in infants discharged early; in one of these studies, hospital discharge at less than 30 hours post partum was associated with an increase of neonatal mortality by almost four times. These risks may be reduced by establishing a rigorous follow-up program including home visits, for example, by a midwife. Disadvantages concerning mother-infant interaction or breast feeding success have not yet been demonstrated. For preterm infants, two randomised studies showed substantial cost savings due to an early discharge program involving home visits and telephone contacts, while there was no increase in the rate of readmissions or other complications. Translated into the German setting, these data suggest a way of reducing the length of hospital stay for both term and preterm neonates and their mothers without compromising their outcome, a goal that may become even more relevant with the imminent introduction of a reimbursement system based on diagnosis-related groups (DRGs).

The [2+2]-photocycloaddition of aromatic aldehydes and ketones to 3,4-dihydro-2-pyridones: regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity, and reductive ring opening of the product oxetanes

3,4-Dihydro-2-pyridones [3,4-Dihydropyridin-2(1H)-ones] 6 were evaluated with respect to their use as alkene components in stereoselective Paternò-Büchi reactions. The parent compound 6a was shown to be a versatile synthetic building block that reacted with various photoexcited aromatic carbonyl compounds (benzaldehyde, benzophenone, acetophenone, methyl phenylglyoxylate, 3-pivaloyloxybenzaldehyde) with high regio- and diastereo-selectivity (51-63% yield). The products can be subjected to hydrogenolysis, opening a new and efficient route for the synthesis of 2-arylmethyl-3-piperidinols. As examples, the oxetanes 7a and 8a were hydrogenolytically cleaved and yielded the products 12 (88%) and 13 (93%). The ability of compound 6a to bind to a chiral lactam host through two hydrogen bonds was used favorably to differentiate the enantiotopic faces of its double bond. In the photocycloaddition to the chiral aldehyde 15, which was conducted at -10 degrees C in toluene, a high facial diastereoselectivity (>90% de. 56% yield) was recorded. The stereoselectivity results from a 1:1 association of dihydropyridone 6a to the aldehyde. The 4-substituted dihydropyridones 6b-6d (R = methyl, isopropyl, phenyl) were found to be less suited for potential use in photochemistry. The yields and facial diastereoselectivities recorded in their photocycloaddition to benzophenone remained low.

Synthesis and evaluation of diazine containing bioisosteres of (-)-ferruginine as ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

In this structure-affinity relationship (SAFIR) study, the bioisosteric potential of diazines in the field of ferruginine-type nAChR ligands was investigated. Novel enantiopure analogues of (-)-Ferruginine (3) such as 6-8 were synthesized utilizing enantiomerically pure N-protected (+)-2-tropanone 9 from the 'chiral pool' as versatile chiral building block and a palladium-catalyzed Stille cross-coupling of the tributylstannyl diazines 12, 14 and 16 with the vinyl triflate 11 of (+)-2-tropanone 9. The structures of the novel diazine analogues 6-8 of (-)-ferruginine (3) were assigned on the basis of spectral data, that of ligand 7 being additionally verified by X-ray crystallography. The bioisosteric replacement of the acetyl moiety as structural part of the lead compound 3 with the pyridazine, pyrimidine and pyrazine nucleus resulted in ligands with high to moderate affinity for the central alpha4beta2 and remarkably low affinity for the alpha7* nAChR subtypes. Among the compounds synthesized and tested, 7 was the most active one with K(i)=3.7 nM (alpha4beta2). Compared with the lead 3, this value represents a 30-fold improvement in the affinity for the alpha4beta2 subtype combined with a substantially improved selectivity ratio between the alpha4beta2 and alpha7* subtypes.

Phosphabenzenes as monodentate pi-acceptor ligands for rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation

A new class of phosphinine/rhodium catalysts for the hydroformylation of terminal and internal alkenes is presented in this study. A series of phosphabenzenes 1-14 has been prepared by condensation of phosphane or tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphane with the corresponding pyrylium salt. Trans-[(phosphabenzene)2RhCl(CO)] complexes 21-25 have been prepared and studied spectroscopically and by X-ray crystal-structure analysis. The hydroformylation of oct-1-ene has been used to identify optimal catalyst preformation and reaction conditions. Hydroformylation studies with 15 monophosphabenzenes have been performed. The catalytic performance is dominated by steric influences, with the phosphabenzene 8/rhodium system being the most active catalyst. Turnover frequencies of up to 45370 h(-1) for the hydroformylation of oct-1-ene have been determined. In further studies, hydroformylation activity toward more highly substituted alkenes was investigated and compared with the standard industrial triphenylphosphane/rhodium catalyst. The reactivity differences between the phosphabenzene and the triphenylphosphane catalyst increase on going to the more highly substituted alkenes. Even tetrasubstituted alkenes reacted with the phosphabenzene catalyst, whereas the triphenylphosphane system failed to give any product. In situ pressure NMR experiments have been performed to identify the resting state of the catalyst. A monophosphabenzene complex [(phosphinine 8)Ir(CO)3H] could be detected as the predominant catalyst resting state.

Intramolecular iron(II)-catalyzed nitrogen transfer reactions of unsaturated alkoxycarbonyl azides: a facile and stereoselective route to 4,5-disubstituted oxazolidinones

Intramolecular FeII-catalyzed reactions of various unsaturated alkoxycarbonyl azides are described. The reactions occur in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of trimethyl silyl chloride employing ethanol as the solvent. The corresponding 2-alkenyloxycarbonyl azides 5, 9, 18, 20, 22, and 24 gave the products 7/8, 10/11, 19, 21, 23, and 25 of an olefin chloroamination in moderate to good yields (47-72%). The facial diastereoselectivity of the ring closing C-N-bond forming step is good both in cyclic (20, 24) and in acyclic substrates (5, 18, 22) (>90% ds). The subsequent chlorine atom transfer occurs selectively in cyclic systems (20, 24) and in systems (9b, 18) which exhibit a conformational bias in the postulated radical intermediate 14. The lifetime tau of this elusive intermediate was estimated from the loss of stereochemical information in conformationally unrestricted systems (9a, 22) and from the data obtained with a radical clock (31-->32). 2-Alkynyloxycarbonyl azides 34 and 36 also yield chloroamination products which are obtained exclusively as the (Z)-isomers 35 and 37 (81-99% yield). The products of the tert-butyl-substituted substrates 38 undergo an immediate rearrangement/solvolysis reaction in the reaction mixture and gave the 5-alkoxyoxazolidinones 39 (93-99% yield).

Enantioselective photochemical reactions of 2-pyridones in solution

[reaction: see text] Two key photochemical reactions of prochiral 2-pyridones were studied in the presence of a chiral host. The [4 + 4]-photocycloaddition with cyclopentadiene (CpH) proceeded smoothly and with high enantioselectivity (84-87% ee). The absolute configuration of the endo-diastereoisomer was established by X-ray crystallography. The electrocyclic [4pi]-ring closure to 3-oxo-2-azabicyclo[2.2.0]-5-hexenes occurred with lower enantioselectivity (20-23% ee at -20 degrees C). The velocity of the latter reaction slowed significantly with decreasing temperature.

Effect of continuous antistaphylococcal therapy on the rate of P. aeruginosa acquisition in patients with cystic fibrosis

SUMMARY. Continuous therapy with antistaphylococcal antibiotics is advocated by some cystic fibrosis (CF) centers, but it is unclear whether this strategy favors early colonization with P. aeruginosa. We used the data base for the German Centers of the European Registry for Cystic Fibrosis (ERCF) to assess the effect of continuous antistaphyloccocal therapy on the rate of P. aeruginosa acquisition in CF patients. Patients included in this analysis had to be < 18 years of age, P. aeruginosa-negative prior to entry in the ERCF, and to have had at least 2 additional P. aeruginosa-negative respiratory cultures while followed in the ERCF. Of the 639 patients fulfilling these criteria, 48.2% received continuous antistaphyloccocal therapy, 40.4% intermittent antibiotic therapy, and 11.4% no antibiotic therapy. There were no differences between the groups in body mass index, as well as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV(1)) at baseline. The rate at which patients acquired positive respiratory cultures for Staph. aureus was significantly lower in the group receiving continuous antistaphyloccocal antibiotic therapy than in those not receiving such therapy. Patients receiving continuous antistaphyloccocal antibiotic therapy had a significantly higher rate of P. aeruginosa acquisition compared to patients receiving only intermittent or no antibiotic therapy. This difference was especially apparent for children younger than age 6 years. We conclude that continuous therapy with antistapyloccocal antibiotics directed against Staph. aureus increases the risk of colonization with P. aeruginosa. How this affects the clinical outcome of these patients remains to be determined.

Surfactant treatment of neonates with respiratory failure and group B streptococcal infection. Members of the Collaborative European Multicenter Study Group

OBJECTIVE

Connatal pneumonia caused by group B streptococcal (GBS) infection may be associated with surfactant dysfunction. We investigated the effects of surfactant treatment in term and preterm neonates with GBS infection and respiratory failure, in comparison with corresponding data from a control population of noninfected infants treated with surfactant for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

DESIGN/METHODS

The study comprised 118 infants with respiratory failure, clinical and/or laboratory signs of acute inflammatory disease, and GBS infection proven by culture results. They were recruited retrospectively from a database of patients treated with surfactant at 28 neonatology units participating in European multicenter trials (1987-1993) and prospectively from the same units in the following years. A nonrandomized control group of 236 noninfected infants was selected from the same database. The primary parameters evaluated were oxygen requirement, ventilator settings, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

Median birth weight in the GBS study group was 1468 g (25th-75th percentiles: 1015-2170), and median gestational age was 30 (27-33) weeks. Thirty-one percent of the infants weighed >2000 g. Median age at surfactant treatment was 6 hours. The mean initial surfactant dose was 142 mg/kg (standard deviation: 53). Ninety of the infants were treated with Curosurf (Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy), 13 with Survanta (Abboth GmbH, Wiesbaden, Germany), 12 with Alveofact (Dr Karl Thomae GmbH, Biberach, Germany), and 3 with Exosurf (Wellcome GmbH, Burgwedel, Germany). Within 1 hour of surfactant treatment, median fraction of inspiratory oxygen was reduced from .84 (25th-75th percentiles:.63-1.0) to.50 (.35-.80). The incidence of complications in the study group (mortality: 30%; pneumothorax: 16%; intracranial hemorrhage: 42%) was high, compared with infants with RDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Surfactant therapy improves gas exchange in the majority of patients with GBS pneumonia. The response to surfactant is slower than in infants with RDS, and repeated surfactant doses are often needed. The mortality and morbidity are substantial, considering the relatively high mean birth weight of the treated infants.

The synthesis of (+)-preussin and related pyrrolidinols by diastereoselective Paternò-Büchi reactions of chiral 2-substituted 2,3-dihydropyrroles

The N-alkoxycarbonyl substituted 2,3-dihydropyrroles 3 and 8 are converted to 2-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinols by the Paternò - Büchi reaction followed by hydrogenolysis. Since the addition of the photoexcited benzaldehyde at the unsaturated heterocycle proceeds in a syn fashion, the benzyl group at C-2 and the hydroxy group at C-3 of the product are cis oriented. The simple and facial diastereoselectivities of the Paternò-Büchi reaction were studied more closely and the relative configuration of the products was elucidated. The thermodynamically less stable endo product is formed as a result of simple diastereoselection. The face differentiation in 2-substituted 2,3-dihydropyrroles is presumably due to the nonplanarity of these heterocycles, which forces attack of the carbonyl group on the face with the existing substituent. All-cis-pyrrolidinols are consequently formed after hydrogenolysis. Following this route, a total synthesis of the pyrrolidinol alkaloid (+)-preussin (1) was conducted, which yielded the target compound in a total yield of 11% over nine steps starting from L-pyroglutaminol (11).

Highly enantiomerically enriched alpha-haloalkyl Grignard reagents

alpha-Chloro- and alpha-bromoalkyl Grignard reagents 11 and 30 with > 97% ee (enantiomeric excess) were generated by a sulfoxide/magnesium exchange reaction from the enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure sulfoxides 25 and 27. The resulting alpha-haloalkyl Grignard reagents are configurationally stable at -78 degrees C. Racemization sets in at or above -60 degrees C, especially when the solution contains bromide ions. In the absence of halide ions, the configurational stability extends up to -20 degrees C, when chemical decomposition commences.

The relation between ion pair structures and reactivities of lithium cuprates

From Li+ well-solvating solvents or complex ligands such as THF, [12]crown-4, amines etc., lithium cuprates R2CuLi(*LiX) crystallise in a solvent-separated ion pair (SSIP) structural type (e.g. 10). In contrast, solvents with little donor qualities for Li+ such as diethyl ether or dimethyl sulfide lead to solid-state structures of the contact ion pair (CIP) type (e.g. 11). 1H,6Li HOESY NMR investigations in solutions of R2CuLi(*LiX) (15, 16) are in agreement with these findings: in THF the SSIP 18 is strongly favoured in the equilibrium with the CIP 17, and in diethyl ether one observes essentially only the CIP 17. Salts LiX (X=CN, Cl, Br, I, SPh) have only a minor effect on the ion pair equilibrium. These structural investigations correspond perfectly with Bertz's logarithmic reactivity profiles (LRPs) of reactions of R2CuLi with enones in diethyl ether and THF: the faster reaction in diethyl ether is due to the predominance of the CIP 17 in this solvent, which is the reacting species; in THF only little CIP 17 is present in a fast equilibrium with the SSIP 18. A kinetic analysis of the LRPs quantifies these findings. Recent quantum-chemical studies are also in agreement with the CIP 17 being the reacting species. Thus a uniform picture of structure and reactivity of lithium cuprates emerges.

Increased killing of Bacillus subtilis on the hair roots of transgenic T4 lysozyme-producing potatoes

Transgenic potato plants expressing the phage T4 lysozyme gene which are resistant to the plant-pathogenic enterobacterium Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora have been constructed. The agricultural growth of these potatoes might have harmful effects on soil microbiota as a result of T4 lysozyme release into the rhizosphere. To assess the bactericidal effect of roots, we have developed a novel method to associate the cells of Bacillus subtilis with hair roots of plants and to quantify the survival of cells directly on the root surface by appropriate staining and fluorescence microscopy. With this technique, we found that the roots of potato plants (Désirée and transgenic control lines) without T4 lysozyme gene display measurable killing activity on root-adsorbed B. subtilis cells. Killing was largely independent of the plant age and growth of plants in greenhouse or field plots. Roots from potato lines expressing the T4 lysozyme gene always showed significantly (1.5- to 3.5-fold) higher killing. It is concluded that T4 lysozyme is released from the root epidermis cells and is active in the fluid film on the root surface. We discuss why strong negative effects of T4 lysozyme-producing potatoes on soil bacteria in field trials may not be observed. We propose that the novel method presented here to study interactions of bacteria with roots can be applied not only to bacterial killing but also to interactions leading to growth-sustaining effects of plants on bacteria.

[Advantages of water filtered over conventional infrared irradiation in neonatology]

BACKGROUND

When infrared (IR) radiation is conducted through water, its long-wave parts (called IR-B and IR-C) are filtered out in favour of the short-wave IR-A band. Since the former are normally absorbed in the outer layers of skin, water-filtering results in a reduced risk of superficial burns and a better penetration into tissues. This effect which in solar radiation results from its passing through the water vapour of the earth's atmosphere, has now been successfully imitated in radiant heaters. In this study, the potential benefits of water-filtered as compared to conventional infrared radiation in obstetrics and neonatology were examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To this end, three methodological approaches were made, namely: 1. Comparative physical measurements of radiant power density in several clinically used IR-sources, 2. physiological simulation experiments on the surface and depth effects of either type of radiation (performed on human adults and an artificial tissue phantom), and 3. clinical observations on the protective effects of the novel IR-A-radiators in incubator nursing and primary care of preterm neonates.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Although the absolute radiant power density was equivalent in a conventional and a novel heating device, the IR-A radiation proved to result in a markedly reduced superficial overheating of tissues. In addition, it exceeded conventional IR radiation in its ability to pass through incubator walls, thus lowering the risk of cooling in preterm neonates during nursing procedures. Moreover, when used as a complementary source of heat in the delivery room, IR-A radiation exerted a preventive effect against hypothermia during the subsequent transport of patients to the neonatal intensive care unit, probably due to the rapid build-up of heat deposits in peripheral tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

In view of these benefits which are reinforced by a greatly diminished evaporation effect, water-filtered IR-radiation seems to make a promising contribution to the thermal protection of preterm neonates.

Expression of a bacterial serine acetyltransferase in transgenic potato plants leads to increased levels of cysteine and glutathione

The coding sequence of the wild-type, cys-sensitive, cysE gene from Escherichia coli, which encodes an enzyme of the cysteine biosynthetic pathway, namely serine acetyltransferase (SAT, EC 2.3.1. 30), was introduced into the genome of potato plants under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. In order to target the protein into the chloroplast, cysE was translationally fused to the 5'-signal sequence of rbcS from Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic plants showed a high accumulation of the cysE mRNA. The chloroplastic localisation of the E. coli SAT protein was demonstrated by determination of enzymatic activities in enriched organelle fractions. Crude leaf extracts of these plants exhibited up to 20-fold higher SAT activity than those prepared from wild-type plants. The transgenic potato plants expressing the E. coli gene showed not only increased levels of enzyme activity but also exhibited elevated levels of cysteine and glutathione in leaves. Both were up to twofold higher than in control plants. However, the thiol content in tubers of transgenic lines was unaffected. The alterations observed in leaf tissue had no effect on the expression of O-acetylserine(thiol)-lyase, the enzyme which converts O-acetylserine, the product of SAT, to cysteine. Only a minor effect on its enzymatic activity was observed. In conclusion, the results presented here demonstrate the importance of SAT in plant cysteine biosynthesis and show that production of cysteine and related sulfur-containing compounds can be enhanced by metabolic engineering.

First confirmed case with paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 16

The existence of paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 16 [upd(16)pat] has previously been suspected but has not been proven. We report prenatal detection and follow-up of isodisomic upd(16)pat in a child with minimal defects but otherwise normal development. Our results indicate that isodisomic upd(16)pat is associated with a normal outcome if no recessive mutation is reduced to homozygosity.

A Five-Membered Ring with Three Negative Charges and Solvent-Free Lithium Counterions

Remarkably short distances to the ring plane are shown by the eta(5)-bound lithium ions in the first compound with a triply negatively charged five-membered ring, 1, which was obtained by reduction of 2 with lithium. R=CH(SiMe(3))(2), Dur=2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl.