Uracil-water interaction revisited - in search of single H-bonded secondary minima

Monohydrated uracil (UW) complexes are stabilized by both O⋯HO and NH⋯O hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), simultaneously participating in forming three stable cyclic structures. The role and contribution of these individual H-bonds (O⋯HO and NH⋯O) to the stability of the three UW complexes are still not understood, because of the technical problems in obtaining their optimized structures by standard geometry optimization. The present study explores a non-standard approach to identify three single H-bonded local minima structures without imaginary frequency using DFT (M06-2X, B3LYP and B3LYP-D3), MP2 and CCSD(T) theories and Dunning's correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, in both vacuum and aqueous media (CPCM method). The results reveal that these new structures are very shallow secondary minima between two deep wells or next to a deep well of primary minima (double H-bonded structures) in the potential energy surface. The H-bond energy of these single H-bonded complexes is found to be less sensitive to a wide range (about 15-20 degrees) of O⋯HO and NH⋯O angles, and the linearity is preferred in the stable three single H-bonded structures. The technical method used to locate such a shallow minimum is described in detail and may be useful for identifying local minima in other cases where consecutive multiple H-bonded structures are global minima. Energy decomposition (using symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT)) of interaction energy, electron redistribution, and relevant vibrational modes are discussed.

Unraveling the Push-Pull Effect in Acenes, Polyenes and Polyynes

Substituent effects (SEs) are fundamental for predicting molecular reactivity, while polyene, polyyne and acene derivatives are precursors to compounds with diverse applications. Computations were performed for Y-R-X systems, where reaction sites Y=NO2 and O- , substituents X=NO2 , CN, Cl, H, OH, NH2 , and spacers R=polyene, polyyne (n=1-5, 10 repeating units) and acene (up to tetracene). The cSAR (charge of the substituent active region) approach allowed to present, for the first time, quantitative relations describing the spacer's electron-donating and withdrawing properties as a function of n and the spacer type. The electronic properties of the X substituents depend on the type of spacer, its length and the Y group, which is an example of the reverse SE. To describe how the SE between Y and X weakens with n, two approaches were compared: cSAR and SESE (SE stabilization energy). The EDDB (electron density of delocalized bonds) characterize changes in electron delocalization in spacers due to the SE. A new approach - EDDB differential maps - allow to extract the effect of X substitution on the electron delocalization. The charges at spacer's C atoms correlate with cSAR; changes in the slopes confirm the charge transfer by resonance.

Relationships between Heavy Metal Concentrations in Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) Tissues and Soil in Urban Parks

Anthropogenic ecological ecosystems create favourable conditions for the growth of the nitrophilous medicinal species Chelidonium majus in six urban parks in Southern Poland. This study focuses on the concentrations of trace elements in the soils, leaves, stems, and rhizomes of greater celandine. The soil samples were taken only in the humus horizon (A), which averaged approximately 15 cm in thickness under the clumps of Ch. majus. Regarding the reaction, the soil samples tested can be described as slightly acidic (5.6-6.8 in KCl) to alkaline (7.1-7.4 in H₂O). Organic carbon content at all sites is high, ranging from 3.2% to 13.6%, while the highest total nitrogen (Nt) content is 0.664%. The average total phosphorus (Pt) content in all samples is 548.8 mg/kg (and its range is 298-940 mg/kg), such values indicating its anthropogenic origin. In terms of heavy metals, Zn has the highest content in the analysed soil samples compared to the other elements, and its range is from 394.50 mg/kg to 1363.80 mg/kg in soil. In rhizomes, Zn also has the highest values (178.7-408.3 mg/kg), whereas, in stems and leaves, it varies (from 80.6 to 227.5 and from 57.8 to 297.4 mg/kg, respectively). Spearman's rank correlation showed high correlations between the content of Pb, Zn, Cd, and As in the soil and rhizomes of Ch. majus. Despite soil contamination with Pb, Cd, and Zn, Ch. majus does not accumulate them in its tissues. However, the translocation of Hg and Cr from rhizomes to leaves was observed. The different concentrations of metals in each park result from the degree of diversity of the parent rocks on which the soil was formed.

Electron Correlation or Basis Set Quality: How to Obtain Converged and Accurate NMR Shieldings for the Third-Row Elements?

The quality of theoretical NMR shieldings calculated at the quantum-chemical level depends on various theoretical aspects, of which the basis set type and size are among the most important factors. Nevertheless, not much information is available on the basis set effect on theoretical shieldings of the NMR-active nuclei of the third row. Here, we report on the importance of proper basis set selection to obtain accurate and reliable NMR shielding parameters for nuclei from the third row of the periodic table. All calculations were performed on a set of eleven compounds containing the elements Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, or Cl. NMR shielding tensors were calculated using the SCF-HF, DFT-B3LYP, and CCSD(T) methods, combined with the Dunning valence aug-cc-pVXZ, core-valence aug-cc-pCVXZ, Jensen polarized-convergent aug-pcSseg-n and Karlsruhe x2c-Def2 basis set families. We also estimated the complete basis set limit (CBS) values of the NMR parameters. Widely scattered nuclear shieldings were observed for the Dunning polarized-valence basis set, which provides irregular convergence. We show that the use of Dunning core-valence or Jensen basis sets effectively reduces the scatter of theoretical NMR results and leads to their exponential-like convergence to CBS. We also assessed the effect of vibrational, temperature, and relativistic corrections on the predicted shieldings. For systems with single bonds, all corrections are relatively small, amounting to less than 4% of the CCSD(T)/CBS value. Vibrational and temperature corrections were less reliable for H₃PO and HSiCH due to the high anharmonicity of the molecules. An abnormally high relativistic correction was observed for phosphorus in PN, reaching ~20% of the CCSD(T)/CBS value, while the correction was less than 7% for other tested molecules.

On the impact of side methyl groups on the structure and vibrational properties of β-carotenoids. The case of butadiene and isoprene

Theoretical consideration about the impact of methyl groups on the structure and vibrational properties of β-carotenoids, using medium size molecules of trans-butadiene and trans-isoprene, are reported. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with correlation-consistent and polarization-consistent basis sets were applied to trans-1,3-butadiene and trans-isoprene as the smallest building bricks of β-carotenoids. Their structure and harmonic vibrations were estimated in the complete basis set limit (CBS) using the non-linear least square fit. Optimized geometries and harmonic frequencies, obtained with B3LYP and BLYP density functionals and large basis sets, were favorably reproduced by a significantly faster approach, using a recently modified STO(1M)-3G Slater-type basis set. Selected density functionals with STO(1M)-3G and 6-311++G** basis sets were also successful in predicting β-carotene structures and harmonic vibrations. This work demonstrates the potential applicability of the proposed level of theory for larger molecules, including β-carotenoids, present in numerous natural food sources. The proposed scheme of molecular modeling, applied to biologically active compounds in food, could provide a deeper insight into their function in vivo, which is directly related to their structure and spectroscopic properties. It could also support the experimental qualitative analysis, based on peak assignment of β-carotenoids in various food sources.

On Complex Formation between 5-Fluorouracil and β-Cyclodextrin in Solution and in the Solid State: IR Markers and Detection of Short-Lived Complexes by Diffusion NMR

In this work, the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and IR spectroscopic markers of the complexation between 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in solid state and in aqueous solution are investigated. In the attenuated total reflectance(ATR) spectra of 5-FU/β-CD products obtained by physical mixing, kneading and co-precipitation, we have identified the two most promising marker bands that could be used to detect complex formations: the C=O and C-F stretching bands of 5-FU that experience a blue shift by ca. 8 and 2 cm-1 upon complexation. The aqueous solutions were studied by NMR spectroscopy. As routine NMR spectra did not show any signs of complexation, we have analyzed the diffusion attenuation of spin-echo signals and the dependence of the population factor of slowly diffusing components on the diffusion time (diffusion NMR of pulsed-field gradient (PFG) NMR). The analysis has revealed that, at each moment, ~60% of 5-FU molecules form a complex with β-CD and its lifetime is ca. 13.5 ms. It is likely to be an inclusion complex, judging from the independence of the diffusion coefficient of β-CD on complexation. The obtained results could be important for future attempts of finding better methods of targeted anticancer drug delivery.

Factors Governing the Chemical Stability and NMR Parameters of Uracil Tautomers and Its 5-Halogen Derivatives

We report on the density functional theory (DFT) modelling of structural, energetic and NMR parameters of uracil and its derivatives (5-halogenouracil (5XU), X = F, Cl, Br and I) in vacuum and in water using the polarizable continuum model (PCM) and the solvent model density (SMD) approach. On the basis of the obtained results, we conclude that the intramolecular electrostatic interactions are the main factors governing the stability of the six tautomeric forms of uracil and 5XU. Two indices of aromaticity, the harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA), satisfying the geometric criterion, and the nuclear independent chemical shift (NICS), were applied to evaluate the aromaticity of uracil and its derivatives in the gas phase and water. The values of these parameters showed that the most stable tautomer is the least aromatic. A good performance of newly designed xOPBE density functional in combination with both large aug-cc-pVQZ and small STO(1M)-3G basis sets for predicting chemical shifts of uracil and 5-fluorouracil in vacuum and water was observed. As a practical alternative for calculating the chemical shifts of challenging heterocyclic compounds, we also propose B3LYP calculations with small STO(1M)-3G basis set. The indirect spin-spin coupling constants predicted by B3LYP/aug-cc-pVQZ(mixed) method reproduce the experimental data for uracil and 5-fluorouracil well.

One-bond 1 J(15 N,H) coupling constants at sp2 -hybridized nitrogen of Schiff bases, enaminones and similar compounds: A theoretical study

¹ J(¹⁵ N,H) coupling constants for enaminones and NH-forms of intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded Schiff bases as model compounds for sp² -hybridized nitrogen atoms are evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) to find the optimal functionals and basis sets. Ammonia is used as a test molecule and its one-bond coupling constant is compared with experiment. A methylamine Schiff base of a truncated molecule of gossypol is used for checking the performance of selected B3LYP, O3LYP, PBE, BHandH, and APFD density functionals and standard, modified, and dedicated basis sets for coupling constants. Both in vacuum and in chloroform, modeled by the simple continuum model of solvent, the modified basis sets predict significantly better the ¹ J(¹⁵ N,H) value in ammonia and in the methylamine Schiff base of a truncated molecule of gossypol than the standard basis sets. This procure is then used on a broad set of intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded molecules, and a good correlation between calculated and experimental one-bond NH coupling constants is obtained. The ¹ J(¹⁵ N,H) couplings are slightly overestimated. The calculated data show for hydrogen-bonded NH interatomic distances that the calculated values depend on the NH bond lengths. The shorter the bond lengths, the larger the ¹ J(¹⁵ N,H). A useful correlation between ¹ J(¹⁵ N,H) and NH bond length is derived that enables realistic predictions of one-bond NH coupling constants. The calculations reproduce experimentally observed trends for the studied molecules.

What is the form of muscimol from fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria) in water? An insight from NMR experiment supported by molecular modeling

The biologically active alkaloid muscimol is present in fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria), and its structure and action is related to human neurotransmitter _γ -aminobutyric acid (GABA). The current study reports on determination of muscimol form present in water solution using multinuclear ¹ H and ¹³ C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments supported by density functional theory molecular modeling. The structures of three forms of free muscimol molecule both in the gas phase and in the presence of water solvent, modeled by polarized continuous model, and nuclear magnetic isotropic shieldings, the corresponding chemical shifts, and indirect spin-spin coupling constants were calculated. Several J-couplings observed in proton and carbon NMR spectra, not available before, are reported. The obtained experimental spectra, supported by theoretical calculations, favor the zwitterion form of muscimol in water. This structure differs from NH isomer, previously determined in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. In addition, positions of signals C3 and C5 are reversed in both solvents.

AB0299 REAL-WORLD ASSESSMENT OF GP2015 (ETANERCEPT BIOSIMILAR, SDZ-ETN): AN INTERIM ANALYSIS OF DATA FROM THE SELF-INJECTION ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN THE COMPACT STUDY

Background:

COMPACT is a non-interventional study to collect real-world evidence in European countries and Canada on effectiveness, safety and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis patients (pts) treated with SDZ-ETN (GP2015), an approved etanercept biosimilar. The first effectiveness and safety data from the study have been reported earlier1.

Objectives:

This interim analysis assessed patient usage behaviour and feelings of self-administered injection in general and with the auto-injector device using the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ) at Week 12 in pts with RA.

Methods:

Pts aged ≥18 years for whom treatment with SDZ ETN were initiated are being enrolled. The SIAQ, a patient questionnaire validated for pts with RA, was developed to assess overall pt experience with subcutaneous self-injection2. It assesses the perceived self-confidence on self-injection, potential barriers, as well as satisfaction with self-injection via device before the first self-injection (PRE module) and after dosing (POST module). The POST module used in COMPACT includes 21 items grouped into six hypothetical domains: “feelings about injection”,“self-image”, “self-confidence”, “injection-site reactions”, “ease of use of self-injection device (SD), and “satisfaction with self-injection”. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise SIAQ POST module data. The results for “ease of use of SD” domain are reported here. The “ease of use of SD” was rated by pts on a 6-point scale: 1 (very difficult) to 6 (very easy).

Results:

Of the 430 pts recruited, pts with RA represented the largest group (59.5%, n=256). Majority of pts with RA (77.7%) had comorbidities. Of the 256 pts with RA, 102 (40%) pts who used SD responded to the questionnaire. Majority of the pts found usage of the SD easy or very easy, for each of the domains assessed (Table). 49 % and 14% of the patients were “comfortable” and “very comfortable”, respectively using the SD. A majority of patients reported to be bothered by pain at the injection site “not at all” or only “a little” (69.6%), and to be bothered by redness “not at all” or only “a little” (89.2%), respectively.

Table.

Overall patient experience with usability of self-injection device at Week 12 (RA population)

Domain: Ease of use of self-injection deviceQuestionsCategory, %Very easyEasySome what easySomewhat difficultDifficultVery difficultN/ARemoval of Cap36.334.316.74.93.92.02.0To depress the device34.342.213.72.92.02.92.0To administer without any help42.235.310.82.02.05.92.0Use of self-injection device38.237.311.83.92.93.92.0

Conclusion:

The interim analysis results, although descriptive, show a clear trend for ease of use and good satisfaction with SDZ-ETN SD in pts with RA.

References:

[1]Schmalzing M, et al.Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019;71 (suppl 10).

[2]Keininger D, et al.Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2011,13;9:2.

Disclosure of Interests:

Herbert Kellner: None declared, Ayman Askari Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Thomas Kupka: None declared, Hilke Friccius-Quecke Employee of: Sandoz Hexal AG, Fabricio Furlan Employee of: Sandoz Hexal AG, Sohaib HACHAICHI Employee of: Sandoz Hexal AG, Marc Schmalzing Consultant of: Paid consultant for Hexal AG

Local aromaticity in polyacenes manifested by individual proton and carbon shieldings: DFT mapping of aromaticity

Exponential dependencies between locally calculated geometric and magnetic indexes of aromaticity, harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA) and nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS)(0), NICS(1) and NICS(1)zz, and the number of conjugated benzene rings in linear acenes, from benzene to decacene were observed at B3LYP/6-311+G** level of theory. Correlations between HOMA and NICS indexes showed exponential dependencies and were fitted with simple three-parameter function. Similar correlations between both indexes of aromaticity and proton and carbon nuclear isotropic shieldings of individual acene rings were observed. Contrary to proton data, the predicted ¹³ C nuclear isotropic shieldings of carbon atoms belonging to inner rings in polyacenes were less shielded, indicating lower aromaticity and therefore, higher reactivity.

Performance of revised STO(1M)-3G basis set for prediction of 5-fluorocytosine chemical shifts

Nuclear shieldings and chemical shifts of 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) were predicted in the gas phase and DMSO solution modeled by polarizable continuum model using B3LYP density functional and revised STO(1M)-3G basis set. For comparison, eight arbitrary selected basis sets including STO-3G and medium-size Pople-type and larger dedicated Jensen-type ones were applied. The former basis sets were significantly smaller, but the calculated structural parameters, harmonic vibrational frequencies, were very accurate and close to those obtained with larger, polarization-consistent ones. The predicted ¹³ C and ¹ H chemical shieldings of 5FC and cytosine, selected as parent molecule, were acceptable (root mean square for ¹³ C chemical shifts in DMSO of about 5 ppm and less) though less accurate than those calculated with large basis sets, dedicated for prediction of nuclear magnetic resonance parameters.

Local aromaticity mapping in the vicinity of planar and nonplanar molecules

We report on nucleus-independent magnetic shielding (NICS) scans over the centers of six- and five-membered rings in selected metal phthalocyanines (MPc) and fullerene C60 for more accurate characterization of local aromaticity in these compounds. Detailed tests were conducted on model aromatic molecules including benzene, pyrrole, indole, isoindole, and carbazole and subsequently applied to H₂ Pc, ZnPc, Al(OH)Pc, and CuPc. Similar behavior of three selected magnetic probes, Bq, ³ He, and ⁷ Li⁺ , approaching perpendicularly the ring centers, was observed. For better visualization of shielding zone over the centers of aromatic rings, we introduced a simple mathematical procedure: the first and second derivatives of scan curves with respect to magnetic probe position enabled their additional examination. It allowed an easier localization of curve minimum and discrimination between areas in space varying by the magnetic field magnitude and to illustrate local aromaticity of two different kinds of rings in MPc with better resolution. Our results supported earlier reports on very low aromaticity indexes of pyrrole ring incorporated into MPc and significant aromaticity of the central macrocycle. No direct dependence between harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity and NICS was observed. Instead, a correlation between position of scan curve minimum and its magnitude were observed. In addition, the NICS values and ³ He chemical shifts in the middle of neutral C60 and C60^6- anion agreed well with the reported experimental NMR values for He@C60 and He@C60^6- .

Convergence of nuclear magnetic shieldings and one-bond 1 J(11 B1 H) indirect spin-spin coupling constants in small boron molecules

Self-consistent field Hartree-Fock, density functional theory, and coupled-cluster calculations of the nuclear magnetic shielding constants of BH and BH₃ molecules have been conducted to characterize the convergence of individual results obtained with correlation-consistent and polarization-consistent basis sets. The individual ¹¹ B and ¹ H NMR parameters were estimated in the complete basis set limit and compared with benchmark results. Only the KT3 density functional accurately reproduced ¹¹ B shielding in BH molecule.

Method and basis set dependence of the NICS indexes of aromaticity for benzene

The role of theory level in prediction of benzene magnetic indexes of aromaticity is analysed and compared with calculated nuclear magnetic shieldings of ³ He used as NMR probe. Three closely related nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) based indexes were calculated for benzene at SCF-HF, MP2, and DFT levels of theory and the impact of basis set on these quantities was studied. The changes of benzene NICS(0), NICS(1), and NICS(1)zz parameters calculated using SCF-HF, MP2 and several density functionals were within 1 to 3 ppm. Similar deviations between magnetic indexes of aromaticity were observed for values calculated with selected basis sets. Only very small effect of polar solvent on benzene aromaticity was predicted. The ³ He nuclear magnetic isotropic shielding (σ) and its zz-components (σ_zz ) of helium atom approaching the centre of benzene ring from above produced similar curves versus benzene-He distance to NICS parameters calculated for similarly moving Bq ghost atom. We also propose an experimental verification of NICS calculations by designing the ³ He NMR measurement for benzene saturated with helium gas or in low temperature matrices.

DFT studies on the structural and vibrational properties of polyenes

Detailed density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the structure and harmonic frequencies of model all-trans and all-cis polyenes were undertaken. For the first time, we report on the convergence of selected B3LYP/6-311++G** and BLYP/6-311++G** calculated structural parameters resulting from a systematic increase in polyene size (chains containing 2 to 14 C = C units). The limiting values of the structural parameters for very long chains were estimated using simple three-parameter empirical formulae. BLYP/6-311++G** calculated ν(C = C) and ν(C-C) frequencies for all-trans and all-cis polyenes containing up to 14 carbon-carbon double bonds were used to estimate these values for very long chains. Correction of raw, unscaled vibrational data was performed by comparing theoretical and experimental wavenumbers for polyenes chains containing 3 to 12 conjugated C = C units with both ends substituted by tert-butyl groups. The corrected ν(C = C) and ν(C-C) wavenumbers for all-trans molecules were used to estimate the presence of 9 - 12 C = C units in all-trans polyene pigment in red coral.

Toward engineering efficient peptidomimetics. Screening conformational landscape of two modified dehydroaminoacids

Effective peptidomimetics should posses structural rigidity and appropriate interaction pattern leading to potential spatial and electronic matching to the target receptor site. Rational design of such small bioactive molecules could push chemical synthesis and molecular modeling toward faster progress in medicinal chemistry. Conformational properties of N-t-butoxycarbonyl-glycine-(E/Z)-dehydrophenylalanine N',N'-dimethylamides (Boc-Gly-(E/Z)-ΔPhe-NMe2 ) in chloroform were studied by NMR and IR spectroscopy. The experimental findings were supported by extensive calculations at DFT(B3LYP, M06-2X) and MP2 levels of theory and the β-turn tendency for both isomers of the studied dipeptide were determined in vacuum and in solution. The theoretical data and experimental IR results were used as an additional information for the NMR-based determination of the detailed solution conformations of the peptides. The obtained results reveal that N-methylation of C-terminal amide group changes dramatically the conformational properties of studied dehydropeptides. Theoretical conformational analysis reveals that the tendency to adopt β-turn conformations is much weaker for the N-methylated Z isomer (Boc-Gly-(Z)-ΔPhe-NMe2 ), both in vacuum and in polar environment. On the contrary, N-methylated E isomer (Boc-Gly-(E)-ΔPhe-NMe2 ) can easily adopt β-turn conformation, but the backbone torsion angles (φ1, ψ1, φ2, ψ2) are off the limits for common β-turn types.

Predicting the structure and vibrational frequencies of ethylene using harmonic and anharmonic approaches at the Kohn-Sham complete basis set limit

In this work, regular convergence patterns of the structural, harmonic, and VPT2-calculated anharmonic vibrational parameters of ethylene towards the Kohn–Sham complete basis set (KS CBS) limit are demonstrated for the first time. The performance of the VPT2 scheme implemented using density functional theory (DFT-BLYP and DFT-B3LYP) in combination with two Pople basis sets (6-311++G** and 6-311++G(3df,2pd)), the polarization-consistent basis sets pc-n, aug-pc-n, and pcseg-n (n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4), and the correlation-consistent basis sets cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ (X = D, T, Q, 5, 6) was tested.

The BLYP-calculated harmonic frequencies were found to be markedly closer than the B3LYP-calculated harmonic frequencies to the experimentally derived values, while the calculated anharmonic frequencies consistently underestimated the observed wavenumbers. The different basis set families gave very similar estimated values for the CBS parameters. The anharmonic frequencies calculated with B3LYP/aug-pc-3 were consistently significantly higher than those obtained with the pc-3 basis set; applying the aug-pcseg-n basis set family alleviated this problem. Utilization of B3LYP/aug-pcseg-n basis sets instead of B3LYP/aug-cc-pVXZ, which is computationally less expensive, is suggested for medium-sized molecules. Harmonic BLYP/pc-2 calculations produced fairly accurate ethylene frequencies.

Graphical Abstract

Theoretical and experimental NMR studies on muscimol from fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria)

In this article we report results of combined theoretical and experimental NMR studies on muscimol, the bioactive alkaloid from fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria). The assignment of (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of muscimol in DMSO-d6 was supported by additional two-dimensional heteronuclear correlated spectra (2D NMR) and gauge independent atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR calculations using density functional theory (DFT). The effect of solvent in theoretical calculations was included via polarized continuum model (PCM) and the hybrid three-parameter B3LYP density functional in combination with 6-311++G(3df,2pd) basis set enabled calculation of reliable structures of non-ionized (neutral) molecule and its NH and zwitterionic forms in the gas phase, chloroform, DMSO and water. GIAO NMR calculations, using equilibrium and rovibrationally averaged geometry, at B3LYP/6-31G* and B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ-J levels of theory provided muscimol nuclear magnetic shieldings. The theoretical proton and carbon chemical shifts were critically compared with experimental NMR spectra measured in DMSO. Our results provide useful information on its structure in solution. We believe that such data could improve the understanding of basic features of muscimol at atomistic level and provide another tool in studies related to GABA analogs.

Calculation of Raman parameters of real-size zigzag (n, 0) single-walled carbon nanotubes using finite-size models

Structural and selected Raman features of real-size single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were studied using finite-size pristine SWCNT models at the DFT level.

NOD2/CARD15 mutations and the risk of reoperation in patients with Crohns disease

INTRODUCTION

Three NOD2/CARD15 gene variants (3020insC, R702W, G908R) have been identified as genetic risk factors for Crohns disease patients. However the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance for clinical practice remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between these variants, the risk of reoperation and disease phenotype.

METHODS

In 76 Crohns disease patients (41 female, 35 male) with a minimum 5 year follow-up, three polymorphisms of the NOD2/CARD15 gene (R702W, G908R, 3020insC) were tested. Detailed clinical and medical history including surgical procedures and reoperations were obtained by reviewing the medical charts and completed prospectively. Association between the need for reoperation, disease phenotypes and gene variants were analyzed.

RESULTS

24 patients (32%) showed at least one NOD2/CARD15 mutation. 25 patients (33%) required reoperation, 51 (67%) represented the control group. The expected trend that patients with NOD2/CARD15 variants have a higher frequency of reoperations was not confirmed to a level of statistical significance (p=0.2688). Two of the four patients (50%) with the 3020insC variant required further surgery. We did not confirm any association between NOD2/CARD15 mutations and age at diagnosis (p=0.4356), behavior (p=0.6610), or localization (p=0.4747) according to the Montreal classification.

CONCLUSION

NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms did not significantly affect the reoperation rate. Homozygosity for the 3020insC variant in the NOD2/CARD15 gene is associated with a high risk of reoperation. NOD2/CARD15 gene variants are not significantly associated with specific disease phenotypes.

3He NMR studies on helium-pyrrole, helium-indole, and helium-carbazole systems: a new tool for following chemistry of heterocyclic compounds

The (3)He nuclear magnetic shieldings were calculated for free helium atom and He-pyrrole, He-indole, and He-carbazole complexes. Several levels of theory, including Hartree-Fock (HF), Second-order Møller-Plesset Perturbation Theory (MP2), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) (VSXC, M062X, APFD, BHandHLYP, and mPW1PW91), combined with polarization-consistent pcS-2 and aug-pcS-2 basis sets were employed. Gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculated (3)He nuclear magnetic shieldings reproduced accurately previously reported theoretical values for helium gas. (3)He nuclear magnetic shieldings and energy changes as result of single helium atom approaching to the five-membered ring of pyrrole, indole, and carbazole were tested. It was observed that (3)He NMR parameters of single helium atom, calculated at various levels of theory (HF, MP2, and DFT) are sensitive to the presence of heteroatomic rings. The helium atom was insensitive to the studied molecules at distances above 5 Å. Our results, obtained with BHandHLYP method, predicted fairly accurately the He-pyrrole plane separation of 3.15 Å (close to 3.24 Å, calculated by MP2) and yielded a sizable (3)He NMR chemical shift (about -1.5 ppm). The changes of calculated nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS) with the distance above the rings showed a very similar pattern to helium-3 NMR chemical shift. The ring currents above the five-membered rings were seen by helium magnetic probe to about 5 Å above the ring planes verified by the calculated NICS index.

Experimental and theoretical NMR studies of interaction between phenylalanine derivative and egg yolk lecithin

The interaction of phenylalanine diamide (Ac-Phe-NHMe) with egg yolk lecithin (EYL) in chloroform was studied by (1)H and (13)C NMR. Six complexes EYL-Ac-Phe-NHMe, stabilized by N-H···O or/and C-H···O hydrogen bonds, were optimized at M06-2X/6-31G(d,p) level. The assignment of EYL and Ac-Phe-NHMe NMR signals was supported using GIAO (gauge including atomic orbital) NMR calculations at VSXC and B3LYP level of theory combined with STO-3Gmag basis set. Results of our study indicate that the interaction of peptides with lecithin occurs mainly in the polar 'head' of the lecithin. Additionally, the most probable lecithin site of H-bond interaction with Ac-Phe-NHMe is the negatively charged oxygen in phosphate group that acts as proton acceptor.

Halogen effect on structure and 13C NMR chemical shift of 3,6-disubstituted-N-alkyl carbazoles

Structures of selected 3,6-dihalogeno-N-alkyl carbazole derivatives were calculated at the B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2pd) level of theory, and their (13) C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) isotropic shieldings were predicted using density functional theory (DFT). The model compounds contained 9H, N-methyl and N-ethyl derivatives. The relativistic effect of Br and I atoms on nuclear shieldings was modeled using the spin-orbit zeroth-order regular approximation (ZORA) method. Significant heavy atom shielding effects for the carbon atom directly bonded with Br and I were observed (~-10 and ~-30 ppm while the other carbon shifts were practically unaffected). The decreasing electronegativity of the halogen substituent (F, Cl, Br, and I) was reflected in both nonrelativistic and relativistic NMR results as decreased values of chemical shifts of carbon atoms attached to halogen (C3 and C6) leading to a strong sensitivity to halogen atom type at 3 and 6 positions of the carbazole ring. The predicted NMR data correctly reproduce the available experimental data for unsubstituted N-alkylcarbazoles.

Modeling 21Ne NMR parameters for carbon nanosystems

The potential of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique in probing the structure of porous systems including carbon nanostructures filled with inert gases is analysed theoretically using accurate calculations of neon ((21) Ne) nuclear magnetic shieldings. The CBS estimates of (21) Ne NMR parameters were performed for single atom, its dimer and neon interacting with acetylene, ethylene and 1,3-cyclopentadiene. Several levels of theory including restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF), Møller-Plesset perturbation theory to the second order (MP2), density functional theory (DFT) with van Voorhis and Scuseria's t-dependent gradient-corrected correlation functional (VSXC), coupled cluster with single and doubles excitations (CCSD), with single, doubles and triples included in a perturbative way (CCSD(T)) and single, doubles and tripes excitations (CCSDT) combined with polarization-consistent aug-pcS-n series of basis sets were employed. The impact of neon confinement inside selected fullerene cages used as an NMR probe was studied at the RHF/pcS-2 level of theory. A sensitivity of neon probe to the proximity of multiple CC bonds in C2 H2 , C2 H4 , C5 H6 and inside C28 , C30 , C32 , C34 and C60 fullerenes was predicted from (21) Ne NMR parameters' changes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

3He NMR: from free gas to its encapsulation in fullerene

The (3)He nuclear magnetic shieldings were calculated for single helium atom, its dimer, simple models of fullerene cages (He@Cn), and single wall carbon nanotubes. The performances of several levels of theory (HF, MP2, DFT-VSXC, CCSD, CCSD(T), and CCSDT) were tested. Two sets of polarization-consistent basis sets were used (pcS-n and aug-pcS-n), and an estimate of (3)He nuclear magnetic shieldings in the complete basis set limit using a two-parameter fit was established. Theoretical (3)He results reproduced accurately previously reported theoretical values for helium gas, dimer, and helium probe inside several fullerene cages. Excellent agreement with experimental values was achieved. (3)He nuclear magnetic shieldings of single helium atom approaching various points of benzene ring were tested, and an impact of (3)He confinement within fullerene cages of different size on the (3)He chemical shift was determined.

Estimation of isotropic nuclear magnetic shieldings in the CCSD(T) and MP2 complete basis set limit using affordable correlation calculations

A linear correlation between isotropic nuclear magnetic shielding constants for seven model molecules (CH2 O, H2 O, HF, F2 , HCN, SiH4 and H2 S) calculated with 37 methods (34 density functionals, RHF, MP2 and CCSD(T)), with affordable pcS-2 basis set and corresponding complete basis set results, estimated from calculations with the family of polarization-consistent pcS-n basis sets is reported. This dependence was also supported by inspection of profiles of deviation between CBS estimated nuclear shieldings and shieldings obtained with the significantly smaller basis sets pcS-2 and aug-cc-pVTZ-J for the selected set of 37 calculation methods. It was possible to formulate a practical approach of estimating the values of isotropic nuclear magnetic shielding constants at the CCSD(T)/CBS and MP2/CBS levels from affordable CCSD(T)/pcS-2, MP2/pcS-2 and DFT/CBS calculations with pcS-n basis sets. The proposed method leads to a fairly accurate estimation of nuclear magnetic shieldings and considerable saving of computational efforts.

[Specificities of the diagnostics and therapy of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency]

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency develops steadily; however, the initial reduction in secretion is practically not diagnosable. More advanced stages, which usually replicate morphological changes, can be determined with tests which asses the exocrine pancreatic capacity. Substantial damage of the pancreas and replacement of viable parenchyma with connective tissue is accompanied by the occurrence of steatorrhoea. This corresponds to a reduction in exocrine pancreatic secretion below 10% of physiological secretion. Exocrine pancreatic secretion tests are still not sufficiently sensitive for diagnosing early stages of pancreas defects and thus are not suitable for diagnostics. Furthermore, detecting reduced exocrine secretion does not provide any information about the aetiology of the disease, e.g. inflammation/tumor. The most precise test is a costly examination, including a stimulation of the gland with enterohormones; however, breath tests are usually recommended for the assessment of exocrine insufficiency therapy. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency therapy consists of administering drugs containing pancreatin (amylase, lipase, and peptidase) to patients diagnosed with steatorrhoea, manifest pancreatic insufficiency. As standard, capsules containing microparticles of 1-2mm are recommended. They have a protective coating that prevents inactivation in the microparticles of the contained enzymes by gastric hydrochloric acid. The drug should be administered during each meal, i.e. several times a day. The most common mistake during pancreatic enzyme therapy is under dosage. The following rule applies to patients with digestive insufficiency: 40,000-50,000 UNT of lipase are to be administered during "main meals" and 25,000 UNT of lipase during morning or afternoon snacks. The drug should be taken during the meal; insufficient treatment and dosage are associated with insufficient digestion and absorption ofa number of substances and also with pancreatic malabsorption.

DFT calculations of structures, (13)C NMR chemical shifts, and Raman RBM mode of simple models of small-diameter zigzag (4,0) carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes

Linearly conjugated benzene rings (acenes), belt-shaped molecules (cyclic acenes), and models of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with one carboxylic group at the open end were fully optimized at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory. These models were selected to obtain some insight into the nuclear isotropic changes resulting from systematically increasing the basic building units of open-tip-monocarboxylated SWCNTs. In addition, the position of radial breathing mode (RBM), empirically correlated with the SWCNT diameter, was directly related with the radius of model cyclic acene rings. A regular convergence of selected structural, NMR, and Raman parameters with the molecular system size increase was observed, and a simple two-parameter mathematical formula enabled their estimation in infinity. The predicted (13) C NMR chemical shifts of carbon atoms close to the substituted rim of carboxylated models of zigzag (4,0) SWCNTs differed significantly from the pristine nanotubes.

DFT studies of COOH tip-functionalized zigzag and armchair single wall carbon nanotubes

Structure and energy calculations of pristine and COOH-modified model single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different length were performed at B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory. From 1 to 9 COOH groups were added at the end of the nanotube. The differences in structure and energetics of partially and fully functionalized SWCNTs at one end of the nanotube are observed. Up to nine COOH groups could be added at one end of (9,0) zigzag SWCNT in case of full functionalization. However, for (5,5) armchair SWCNT, the full functionalization was impossible due to steric crowding and rim deformation. The dependence of substituent attachment energy on the number of substituents at the carbon nanotube rim was observed.

Figure

DFT calculation of structures and NMR chemical shifts of simple models of small diameter zigzag single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)

Linearly conjugated benzene rings (acenes), belt-shape molecules (cyclic acenes) and model single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were fully optimized at the unrestricted level of density functional theory (UB3LYP/6-31G*). The models of SWCNTs were selected to get some insight into the potential changes of NMR chemical shift upon systematic increase of the molecular size. The theoretical NMR chemical shifts were calculated at the B3LYP/pcS-2 level of theory using benzene as reference. In addition, the change of radial breathing mode (RBM), empirically correlated with SWCNT diameter, was directly related with the radius of cyclic acenes. Both geometrical and NMR parameters were extrapolated to infinity upon increase in the studied systems size using a simple two-parameter mathematical formula. Very good agreement between calculated and available experimental CC bond lengths of acenes was observed (RMS of 0.0173 Å). The saturation of changes in CC bond lengths and (1)H and (13)C NMR parameters for linear and cyclic acenes, starting from 7-8 conjugated benzene rings, was observed. The (13)C NMR parameters of individual carbon atoms from the middle of ultra-thin (4,0) SWCNT formed from 10 conjugated cyclic acenes differ by about 130 ppm from the corresponding open end carbon nuclei.