Synthesis of Succinonitrile Derivatives by Homocoupling from Cyanohydrin Derivatives with a Low-Valent Titanium Reagent.

A method is described for synthesizing succinonitrile derivatives bearing alkyl or aryl substituents from cyanohydrin derivatives using low-valent titanium. The active species in this reaction is proposed to be a resonance hybrid of the TiIV nitrile enolate and TiIII alkyl radical.

Solid-State Analysis of Alpha-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes Using Low-Frequency Raman Spectroscopy.

A rapid and nondestructive analytical technique is critical for the analysis of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes in solid dosage forms. This study proposed a newly developed low-frequency Raman spectroscopy as a candidate technique for the analysis of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. In this study, we selected a typical series of five crystalline cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and reported the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy for analyzing these inclusion complexes. Some inclusion complexes clearly differed from the raw materials in conventional Raman spectra. In another case, though specific differences were not observed between inclusion complexes and raw materials in conventional Raman spectra, clear differences were observed in low-frequency Raman spectra. Moreover, no characteristic differences between inclusion complexes consisting of different guest molecules were observed in conventional Raman spectra. The characteristic differences were observed only in low-frequency Raman spectra. Therefore, low-frequency Raman spectroscopy is a useful technique for solid-state analysis of crystalline inclusion complexes.

Four Novel Pharmaceutical Cocrystals of Oxyresveratrol, Including a 2 : 3 Cocrystal with Betaine.

Cocrystal engineering can alter the physicochemical properties of a drug and generate a superior drug candidate for formulation design. Oxyresveratrol (ORV) exhibits a poor solubility in aqueous environments, thereby resulting in a poor bioavailability. Extensive cocrystal screening of ORV with 67 cocrystal formers (coformers) bearing various functional groups was therefore conducted using grinding, liquid-assisted grinding, solvent evaporation, and slurry methods. Six cocrystals (ORV with betaine (BTN), L-proline (PRL), isonicotinamide, nicotinamide, urea, and ethyl maltol) were found, including four novel cocrystals. Powder X-ray diffraction, low frequency Raman spectroscopy, and thermal analysis revealed unique crystal forms in all obtained samples. Conventional Raman and infrared data differentiated the cocrystals by the presence or absence of a hydrogen bond interacting with the aromatic ring of ORV. The crystal structures were then elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Two new cocrystals consisting of ORV : BTN (2 : 3) and ORV : PRL : H2O (1 : 2 : 1) were identified, and their crystal structures were solved. We report novel cocrystalline solids of ORV with improved aqueous solubilities and the unique cage-like crystal structures.

Syntheses of Polycyclic Tetrahydrofurans by Cascade Reactions Consisting of Five-Membered Ring Selective Prins Cyclization and Friedel-Crafts Cyclization.

A novel cascade reaction consisting of a five-membered ring selective Prins cyclization and a subsequent Friedel-Crafts cyclization is reported. Treatment of homocinnamyl alcohols and aromatic aldehydes with BF3·OEt2 in CH2Cl2 afforded hydrocyclopentafurans. Also hydrocyclopentafurans underwent the same cascade reaction after its furan ring cleavage upon treatment with BF3·OEt2 at room temperature. Various combinations of hydropentafurans and aromatic aldehydes or indole aldehydes permitted divergent synthesis of diquinane-furans stuck in aromatic rings.

Growth Inhibition of an Opportunistic Yeast Pathogen Trichosporon asahii by Staphylococcus epidermidis.

In the co-culture of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Trichosporon asahii, a fungal pathogen, it was observed that live S. epidermidis inhibited the growth of T. asahii. Soluble active anti-T. asahii substances were speculated to be produced by S. epidermidis in culture medium. Using 1H- and 13C-NMR spectra and electron ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-negative-FAB-MS), we separated the active molecule and identified it as lactic acid. Commercially available L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid inhibited the growth of T. asahii. These results show that metabolites from bacterial populations are involved in the interactions of pathogenic fungi. The use of antibacterial agents to treat primary diseases could lead to the disruption of normal microbial communities and could cause opportunistic infections such as trichosporonosis.

Regioselective ß-silylation of porphyrins via iridium-catalyzed C-H bond activation.

An efficient approach to meso-unsubstituted ß-silylporphyrins was developed through highly regioselective Ir-catalyzed C-H activation, in the presence of HSiMe(OSiMe3)2 as the Si source, from meso-unsubstituted porphyrins. Further transformations of the silyl group, such as oxidation, halogenation, and cross-coupling reactions, could be achieved under mild conditions, demonstrating the synthetic utility of ß-silylporphyrins as a multipurpose synthon for fabricating porphyrin derivatives.

A simple convenient synthesis of L-[4-13C]glutamine.

L-[4-(13)C]Glutamine was synthesized from sodium [2-(13)C]acetate in 12 steps and 18% overall yield. A Wittig reaction of (R)-benzyl 4-formyl-2,2-dimethyloxazolidine-3-carboxylate and ethyl 2-(triphenylphosphoranylidene)[2-(13)C]acetate prepared from D-serine and sodium [2-(13)C]acetate, respectively, gave (4S)-4-(2-ethoxycarbonyl[2-(13)C]vinyl)-2,2-dimethyloxazolidine-3-carboxylic acid α,ß-isopropylidene group, oxidation of the resulting hydroxyl group to a carboxyl group and transamidation of the ester moiety gave L-N-Cbz-[4-(13)C]glutamine (Cbz = benzyloxycarbonyl). Finally, removal of the Cbz group gave L-[4-(13)C]glutamine. L-[4-(13)C]Glutamine can be prepared in fewer steps and higher yield by this method compared with previously reported methods.

In vitro activities of azole antifungal agents against Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris.

The Gram-positive bacterium Propionibacterium acnes is the causative agent of acne vulgaris. Antibiotics such as tetracycline and macrolide derivatives are used to treat this skin disease; however, the isolation frequency of antibiotic-resistant P. acnes has been increasing. The anti-P. acnes activity of imidazole antifungal agents was reported more than 20 years ago, and since then, new azole antifungal agents have been marketed. Thus, this study determined the in vitro activities of azole antifungal agents against P. acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris. Of the five agents tested, miconazole, ketoconazole, and itraconazole showed concentration-dependent anti-P. acnes activity, including against antibiotic-resistant isolates. Time-kill assay also showed the time-dependent activity of the drugs. Fluconazole and voriconazole showed no anti-P. acnes activity.

Total Synthesis of (±)-Marsupellins A and B via Acetoxymarsupellone Using an Intramolecular Reductive Cyclization of Epoxycyanohydrin Derivative with Cp2TiI.

The first total synthesis of C3- and C9-oxidized ent-longipinane-type sesquiterpenoids containing acetoxymarsupellone, marsupellins A and B, has been accomplished. This unique core common to C3- and C9-oxidized ent-longipinane-type sesquiterpenoids was constructed via a new intramolecular reductive cyclization reaction of an epoxycyanohydrin derivative using Cp2TiI.

Minocycline Inhibits Candida albicans Budded-to-Hyphal-Form Transition and Biofilm Formation.

Candida albicans frequently causes bloodstream infections; its budded-to-hyphalform transition (BHT) and biofilm formation are major contributors to virulence. During an analysis of antibacterial compounds that inhibit C. albicans BHT, we found that the tetracycline derivative minocycline inhibited BHT and subsequent biofilm formation. Minocycline decreased expression of hypha-specific genes HWP1 and ECE1, and adhesion factor gene ALS3 of C. albicans. In addition, minocycline decreased cell surface hydrophobicity and the extracellular ß-glucan level in biofilms. Minocycline has been widely used for catheter antibiotic lock therapy to prevent bacterial infection; this compound may also be prophylactically effective against Candida infection.

Synthesis of Methylenebicyclo[3.2.1]octanol by a Sm(II)-Induced 1,2-Rearrangement Reaction with Ring Expansion of Methylenebicyclo[4.2.0]octanone.

Direct conversion of methylenebicyclo[4.2.0]octanone to methylenebicyclo[3.2.1]octanol by a Sm(II)-induced 1,2-rearrangement with ring expansion of the methylenecyclobutane is described. Three conditions were optimized to allow the adaptation of this approach to various substrates. A rearrangement mechanism is proposed involving the generation of a ketyl radical and cyclopentanation by ketyl-olefin cyclization, followed by radical fragmentation and subsequent protonation.

(13)C-phenylalanine breath test correlates with liver fibrosis in postoperative biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND: Values derived from the (13)C-phenylalanine breath test (PBT) may serve as an index for liver fibrosis and clinically predictive readings for liver diseases in adults. In the present study the PBT was conducted in postoperative biliary atresia (BA) children to evaluate phenylalanine metabolism in the liver, and the results based on biochemical data, especially the index on liver fibrosis, were compared with PBT findings. METHODS: Hepatofunctional evaluations were conducted in 10 postoperative BA children with moderate (group B; n = 4) and severe (group A; n = 6) liver dysfunction, and the PBT results were compared with those of 13 normal healthy children (group C). Subjects were orally given single-bolus (13)C-phenylalanine at 3.5 mg/kg (maximum dosing: 100 mg) in the morning. Time-related exhaled gas was periodically collected until 120 min after dosing. The (13)CO(2) levels were monitored with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry before and after administration, and the (13)C excretion rate, (13)C cumulative excretion and time of maximum (13)C excretion rate were monitored accordingly. RESULTS: Total bile acid, hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen 7S, total bilirubin or albumin and the PBT findings were significantly correlated. The PBT findings in group A were significantly lower those of group B, indicating that phenylalanine metabolism was markedly attenuated in the former. CONCLUSION: The PBT values correlated well with liver fibrosis in postoperative BA children. Because PBT is a non-invasive approach, results from this method may serve as a useful and reliable index for post-surgical monitoring of children operated on for liver fibrosis.

Effects of tetrahydrobiopterin and phenylalanine on in vivo human phenylalanine hydroxylase by phenylalanine breath test.

BH(4) administration results in the reduction of blood phenylalanine level in patients with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4))-responsive phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency. The mechanism underlying BH(4) response remains unknown. Here, we studied the effects of BH(4) and phenylalanine on in vivo PAH activity of normal controls using the phenylalanine breath test (PBT) by converting l-[1-(13)C] phenylalanine to (13)CO(2). Phenylalanine oxidation rates were expressed as Delta(13)C ((13)CO(2)/(12+13)CO(2), per thousand) and cumulative recovery rates over 120min (CRR(120), %; total amount of (13)CO(2)/the administered dose of (13)C-phenylalanine). Under physiological conditions of blood phenylalanine, BH(4) administration reduced the Delta(13)C peak from 40.8 per thousand to 21.6 per thousand and CRR(120) from 16.9% to 10.2%. Under high blood phenylalanine conditions, administration of BH(4) increased the Delta(13)C peak from 30.7 per thousand to 46.0 per thousand, while the CRR(120) was similar between phenylalanine (19.9%) and phenylalanine+BH(4) (21.1%) groups. Corrected Delta(13)C and CRR(120) were calculated against serum phenylalanine levels to remove the effects of phenylalanine loading. After BH(4) administration, the corrected Delta(13)C peak increased from 82.7 per thousand to 112.6 per thousand, while the corrected CRR(120) was similar (47.6% and 45.6%). These results indicate that phenylalanine worked as a regulator of in vivo PAH by serving as both a substrate and an activator for the enzyme. Excessive dosages of BH(4) inhibited PAH under normal phenylalanine conditions and activated PAH under conditions of high phenylalanine. The regulation system is therefore designed to maintain phenylalanine levels in the human body. Appropriate BH(4) supplementation must be reviewed in patients with BH(4)-responsive PAH deficiency.

Fluorescent compounds from the cultured mycobiont of Amygdalaria panaeola.

New fluorescent compounds, named panaefluorolines D-H, were isolated from the cultured mycobiont of a lichen, Amygdalaria panaeola. The structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data, especially 2D-NMR. The relative configuration of panaefluoroline D was determined by means of X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Solid-supported Robinson annulation under microwave irradiation.

Robinson annulation on alumina occurred efficiently on heating with microwave irradiation.

In vivo studies of phenylalanine hydroxylase by phenylalanine breath test: diagnosis of tetrahydrobiopterin-responsive phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency.

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-responsive phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency is characterized by reduction of blood phenylalanine level after a BH4-loading test. Most cases of BH4-responsive PAH deficiency include mild phenylketonuria (PKU) or mild hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA), but not all patients with mild PKU respond to BH4. We performed the phenylalanine breath test as reliable method to determine the BH4 responsiveness. Phenylalanine breath test quantitatively measures the conversion of L-[1-13C] phenylalanine to 13CO2 and is a noninvasive and rapid test. Twenty Japanese patients with HPA were examined with a dose of 10 mg/kg of 13C-phenylalanine with or without a dose of 10 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1) of BH4 for 3 d. The phenylalanine breath test [cumulative recovery rate (CRR)] could distinguish control subjects (15.4 +/- 1.5%); heterozygotes (10.3 +/- 1.0%); and mild HPA (2.74%), mild PKU (1.13 +/- 0.14%), and classical PKU patients (0.29 +/- 0.14%). The genotypes in mild PKU cases were compound heterozygotes with mild (L52S, R241C, R408Q) and severe mutations, whereas a mild HPA case was homozygote of R241C. CRR correlated inversely with pretreatment phenylalanine levels, indicating the gene dosage effects on PKU. BH4 loading increased CRR from 1.13 +/- 0.14 to 2.95 +/- 1.14% (2.6-fold) in mild PKU and from 2.74 to 7.22% (2.6-fold) in mild HPA. A CRR of 5 to 6% reflected maintenance of appropriate serum phenylalanine level. The phenylalanine breath test is useful for the diagnosis of BH4-responsive PAH deficiency and determination of the optimal dosage of BH4 without increasing blood phenylalanine level.