Quantitative 1H-NMR analysis reveals steric and electronic effects on the substrate specificity of benzoate dioxygenase in Ralstonia eutropha B9.

The cis-dihydroxylation of arenes by Rieske dearomatizing dioxygenases (RDDs) represents a powerful tool for the production of chiral precursors in organic synthesis. Here, the substrate specificity of the RDD benzoate dioxygenase (BZDO) in Ralstonia eutropha B9 whole cells was explored using quantitative 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (q1H-NMR). The specific activity, specific carbon uptake, and regioselectivity of the dihydroxylation reaction were evaluated in resting cell cultures for a panel of 17 monosubstituted benzoates. Two new substrates of this dioxygenase system were identified (2-methyl- and 3-methoxybenzoic acid) and the corresponding cis-diol metabolites were characterized. Higher activities were observed for benzoates with smaller substituents, predominantly at the 3-position. Elevated activities were also observed in substrates bearing greater partial charge at the C-2 position of the benzoate ring. The regioselectivity of the reaction was directly measured using q1H-NMR and found to have positive correlation with increasing substituent size. These results widen the pool of cis-diol metabolites available for synthetic applications and offer a window into the substrate traits that govern specificity for BZDO.

Aseptic Viral Meningitis Secondary to Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Genital Infection.

Aseptic viral meningitis is the most common cause of meningitis in the United States. Most cases of herpes simplex virus meningitis are caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), with HSV-1 primarily causing viral encephalitis. In this report, we present a case of aseptic meningitis generated by the HSV-2 in an immunosuppressed 35-year-old female with a recent diagnosis of genital herpes that was left untreated due to reported side effects of medication.

A Case of Blunt Trauma-induced ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Sustained During a Prison Brawl.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious and time-sensitive condition. MIs are typically seen in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and are caused by the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque due to factors contributing to plaque instability. However, this case illustrates that plaque rupture can also be caused by blunt trauma to the chest. Considering MI as a possible result of chest trauma may decrease time from presentation to diagnosis and treatment and, therefore, improve outcomes in similar cases, particularly when patients presents unusually or with very few risk factors for MI.