2D 1H and 13C NMR conformational studies of thienopyridines and carboline biarylic compounds

In this paper, we report on conformational studies of biarylic compounds, as prepared through the well-known aza-Wittig methodology. The conformational studies were mainly realized by bidimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and NOESY experiments. The conformational behavior showed that these biarylic compounds display an orthogonal symmetry and adopt a characteristic arrangement around the pivotal bond. Molecular modeling calculations were performed to support structure conformations.

Rapid detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by the direct thin-layer agar method

We evaluated thin-layer agar (TLA) for the detection of resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) as a direct method in patients at risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Quadrant TLA plates contain 7H10 Middlebrook growth control, para-nitrobenzoic acid, INH and RMP. Detection of RMP and INH resistance by TLA was compared to that in indirect conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) and conventional culture media. Median time for growth was respectively 22, 10 and 7.6 days for Löwenstein-Jensen, TLA and the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube. TLA sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for RMP and INH resistance were 100%. Time to resistance detection was respectively 11 and 11.5 days for RMP and INH. TLA showed a rapid turnaround time and performance comparable to conventional DST methods.

Induction of hypothermic conditions associated with increased micronuclei formation in sigma-1 receptor knockout mice after administration of the antipsychotic compound E-5842

The antipsychotic sigma-1 (sigma(1)) receptor ligand E-5842 has been shown to increase micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MNPCE) frequency in mouse bone marrow secondary to compound-induced hypothermia. Interaction with sigma(1) receptor has been considered a plausible contributing factor for E-5842-induced hypothermia, raising concern for a possible class effect of sigma receptor ligands in the mouse micronucleus (MN) test. We assessed the potential of E-5842 (200 mg/kg, oral) to produce hypothermic conditions associated with increased micronuclei formation in sigma(1) receptor knockout (sigma(1)R-KO) and wild type (WT) mice. After administration, animal's rectal temperature was recorded and peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were obtained (48 hr) and assessed for induction of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRET) and MNPCE, respectively. E-5842 administration produced marked hypothermia both in sigma(1)R-KO and WT mice. Maximum decreases from preadministration temperature were 12.2 and 13.5 degrees C in sigma(1)R-KO and WT mice, respectively. Temperature returned to normal approximately 32 hr after administration. Bone marrow examination revealed a statistical significant increase (P < 0.05) in MNPCE frequency both in sigma(1)R-KO and WT animals. Examination of peripheral blood samples showed a slight, although nonstatistical significant, increase in MNRET frequency in sigma(1)R-KO mice. No similar effect was observed among WT animals. The results obtained after E-5842 administration to sigma(1)R-KO mice indicate that induction of hypothermic conditions associated with increased MNPCE formation is not mediated by compound interaction with sigma(1) receptor, ruling out concern for a possible class effect of similar high affinity sigma(1) receptor ligands in the mouse MN test.

Formation of micronucleated erythrocytes in mouse bone-marrow under conditions of hypothermia is not associated with stimulation of erythropoiesis

Conditions of marked and long-lasting hypothermia have been shown to increase the formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte (MNPCE) in mouse bone-marrow. Stimulation of erythropoiesis as a consequence of anoxic conditions associated with decreased body temperature has been suggested as a possible mechanism for hypothermia-induced micronucleus formation. We examined whether chemically induced hypothermic conditions that produced increased MNPCE formation were associated with stimulation of erythropoiesis by measuring erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations in blood. Marked and long-lasting hypothermia was induced in male mice by oral administration of the antipsychotic compounds E-5842 (200 mg/kg) or chlorpromazine (100 mg/kg). Maximum decreases from the basal temperature, achieved 8 h after treatment, were 14.8 and 12.8 degrees C, respectively. A statistically significant increase in bone-marrow MNPCE frequency was observed 48 h after administration of E-5842 (p<0.01) or chlorpromazine (p<0.05). Mice made anaemic by retro-orbital bleeding (0.5 ml), which acted as positive control for stimulation of erythropoiesis, showed no relevant variation in mean rectal temperature and a slight non-statistically significant increase in MNPCE frequency after 48 h. Blood samples for determination of EPO levels were obtained 4 (bleed-control animals only), 8, 16 and 24 h after treatment. In spite of the induced hypothermia, no significant variation in EPO blood levels was observed after administration of E-5842 or chlorpromazine. Bleed-induced anaemic mice showed a clear increase in EPO blood levels at all sampled time points, differences from baseline values being statistically significant (p<0.001) at the 8-h samplings and beyond. These results indicate that induction of MNPCE secondary to chemically induced hypothermia is not mediated by stimulation of erythropoiesis.

Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of the natural neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin (TTX) in a battery of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays

The genotoxic potential of the natural neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin (TTX) was evaluated in a battery of in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity assays. These comprised a bacterial reverse-mutation assay (Ames test), an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome-aberration assay, an in vivo mouse bone-marrow micronucleus assay and an in vivo rat-liver UDS assay. Maximum test concentrations in in vitro assays were determined by the TTX limit of solubility in the formulation vehicle (0.02% acetic acid solution). In the Ames test, TTX was tested at concentrations of up to 200 microg/plate. In the chromosome-aberration assay human lymphocytes were exposed to TTX at concentrations of up to 50 microg/ml for 3 and 20 h in the absence of S9, and for 3h in the presence of S9. For the in vivo assays, maximum tested dose levels were determined by the acute lethal toxicity of TTX after subcutaneous administration. In the mouse micronucleus assay TTX dose levels of 2, 4 and 8 microg/kg were administered to male and female animals, and bone-marrow samples taken 24 and 48 h (high-dose animals only) after administration. In the UDS assay, male rats were given TTX on two occasions with a 14-h interval at dose levels of 2.4 and 8 microg/kg, the last dose being administered 2h before liver perfusion and hepatocyte culturing. Relevant vehicle and positive control cultures and animals were included in all assays. TTX was clearly shown to lack in vitro or in vivo genotoxic activity in the assays conducted in this study. The results suggest that administration of TTX as a therapeutic analgesic agent would not pose a genotoxic risk to patients.

Effects of carbapenem exposure on the risk for digestive tract carriage of intensive care unit-endemic carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in critically ill patients

To determine the epidemiology and risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA) digestive tract colonization, weekly rectal and pharyngeal swabs were obtained in two serial incidence surveys (266 patients). Forty-two (16%) patients were CR-PA colonized (12 [29%] on admission and 30 [71%] in intensive care units). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed extensive clonal diversity, although one specific clone (type B) was isolated from 11 patients. The presence of similar genotypes of CR-PA colonizing 30% of the CR-PA-colonized patients suggests the occurrence of cross-colonization; in addition, 10 pairs of carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa (CS-PA) and subsequent CR-PA strains isolated from the same patients were found to be clonally identical and were considered to have been endogenously acquired (33%). All endogenously acquired CR-PA strains were isolated after exposure to a carbapenem, and 80% showed a phenotype of imipenem resistance (IR pattern) alone, while 67% of the CR-PA strains acquired by cross-transmission exhibited a multiresistant (MR) phenotype, with previous carbapenem exposure in 44%. Logistic regression analysis identified severity of acute illness (odds ratio [OR], 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 1.1), prior carbapenem use (OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 35.3), and prior use of fluoroquinolones (OR, 11.0; 95% CI, 1.7 to 67.9) as independent risk factors for CR-PA digestive tract colonization. Overall, the local epidemiology of CR-PA digestive tract colonization was characterized by polyclonal endemicity with phenotype patterns of IR and MR divided evenly between patients. Restricting the use of particular agents, such as carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, should be considered advisable to minimize the problem of this antibiotic resistance. However, the possible risk for development of collateral unexpected bacterial resistance patterns should be accurately monitored.

Bloodstream cells phenotypically identical to human mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells circulate in large amounts under the influence of acute large skin damage: new evidence for their use in regenerative medicine

OBJECTIVES

Recent work has shown that human bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, little is known about their presence in peripheral blood. Since these cells are potentially responsible for tissue repair after injury, their number should be increased during these situations. To demonstrate their number during these situations, we measured MSCs in the peripheral blood of healthy donors and burn patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 15 acute burn patients and 15 healthy donors. We performed flow cytometric analysis, using a large monoclonal antibody panel: CD44, CD45, CD14, DR, CD34, CD19, CD13, CD29, CD105, CD1a, CD90, CD38, CD25. MSC phenotype was considered positive for CD44, CD13, CD29, CD90, and CD105, and negative for the other monoclonals. The testing was performed on day 3 after injury. We correlated the results with the age, sex, and size and type of burns.

RESULTS

Cells expressing the MSC phenotype were detected in the peripheral blood of both groups. Noteworthy, compared with samples from healthy donors (0.0078 +/- 0.0044), blood obtained from burn patients showed a higher MSC percentage (0.1643 +/- 0.115; P < .001). The percentage of MSCs correlated with the size and severity of the burn. Increased values were also observed among younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MSCs have an important role in regenerative processes of human tissues. We found cells phenotypically identical to MSCs circulating in physiological number in normal subjects, but in significantly higher amounts during acute large burns. Therefore, they may represent a previously unrecognized circulatory component to the process of skin regeneration.

Assessment of the genotoxic potential of the antipsychotic sigma receptor ligand E-5842

The genotoxic potential of E-5842, a sigma ligand compound being developed as an antipsychotic drug, was evaluated by means of an extensive battery of in vitro and in vivo assays. Negative results were obtained in an Ames test (up to 5000 μg/plate), a mouse lymphoma assay (up to 535.1 μg/ml (-S9) and 891.8 μg/ml (+S9)), an in vivo rat hepatocyte micronucleus assay (up to 100 mg/kg/day on 2 days), and a two-dose mouse micronucleus assay (up to 40 mg/kg/day on 2 days). In a single-dose mouse bone-marrow micronucleus assay (up to 400 mg/kg; 24, 48 and 72 h sampling) a slight and non-statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) was observed 48 h after administration of a 200 mg/kg dose, in the absence of bone-marrow toxicity. This minor increase in MNPCE frequency was considered of questionable biological relevance, because it was observed under conditions of marked animal toxicity including mortality. In addition, it occurred in association with a strong hypothermic effect produced by administration of E-5842. A clear increase in the frequency of structural chromosomal aberrations was observed in human lymphocytes at concentrations ≥350.6 and 1685.4 μg/ml in the presence and absence of S9, respectively. Mitotic accumulation was observed at those concentrations at which clastogenic effects were observed, a condition that may have masked toxicity. Concentrations lacking clastogenic effects in this chromosome aberration assay (300.7 and 173.2 μg/ml in the presence and absence of S9, respectively) were well in excess of maximum human plasma concentrations attained in clinical studies at the maximum tolerated dose (19.1 ng/ml). A weight-of-evidence analysis, taking into consideration the results obtained in the different in vitro and in vivo assays and the conditions of clinical use, suggest that E-5842 would not pose a genotoxic risk under clinical conditions.

(1)H, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies of highly polyhalogenated derivatives of costunolide lactone

The costunolide lactone, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Zaluzania triiloba species, reacted with several dihalocarbene sources produced by trihaloform-NaOH under successive phase transfer reactions yielding mono-, bis- and tris-dihalocyclopropane adducts. The structures, as well as the configurational assignments of the different derivatives, were established by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and assisted by X-ray crystallographic and molecular modelling studies. The specific shielding of protons in the neighbourhood of different halogens on the cyclopropane moieties was correlated to the pseudocontact interactions.

Acute health problems among subjects involved in the cleanup operation following the Prestige oil spill in Asturias and Cantabria (Spain)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate exposure conditions and acute health effects in subjects participating in the Prestige oil spill cleanup activities and the association between these and the nature of the work and use of protection devices in the regions of Asturias and Cantabria (Spain). The sample comprised 400 subjects in each region, selected from a random sampling of all persons involved in cleanup activities, stratified by type of worker and number of working days. Data were obtained via a structured questionnaire and included information on specific tasks, number of working days, use of protective materials, and acute health effects. These effects were classified into two broad groups: injuries and toxic effects. Data analysis was performed using complex survey methods. Significant differences between groups were evaluated using Pearson's chi(2) test. Unconditional logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Bird cleaners accounted for the highest prevalence of injuries (19% presented with lesions). Working more than 20 days in highly polluted areas was associated with increased risk of injury in all workers. Occurrence of toxic effects was higher among seamen, possibly due to higher exposure to fuel oil and its components. Toxic effects were more frequent among those working longer than 20 days in highly polluted areas, performing three or more different cleaning activities, having skin contact with fuel oil on head/neck or upper limbs, and eating while in contact with fuel or perceiving disturbing odors. No severe disorders were identified among individuals who performed these tasks. However, potential health impact should be considered when organizing cleanup activities in similar environmental disasters.

Induction of micronuclei in mouse bone-marrow erythrocytes in association with hypothermia after administration of the sigma receptor ligand E-5842

Oral administration of E-5842, a new sigma1 receptor ligand being developed as an antipsychotic drug, to male mice at single doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg produced marked and sustained decreases in rectal temperature. Both the intensity and the duration of the hypothermic effect increased with dose. Maximum decreases from the mean pre-administration temperature (36.2 degrees C) ranged from 7.5 to 12.9 degrees C for animals receiving 50 and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively. Examination of bone-marrow smears obtained 24, 48 and 72 h after administration revealed a slight but statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) at the 48 h sampling for animals receiving the 200 mg/kg dose. These animals showed decreases from pre-administration temperature of approximately 12 degrees C, with recovery being observed 24 h after administration. When the hypothermic effect of E-5842 administration was avoided by housing treated animals under conditions of increased environmental temperature (30 degrees C) for 24 h, MNPCE frequency reverted to vehicle control values. Further, in E-5842-treated animals with an increased MNPCE frequency there was a shift in the distribution of the relative areas of micronuclei in MNPCE towards higher values. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001) in the number of relatively large micronuclei (micronucleus diameter > or = 1/4 cytoplasm diameter) similar to that produced by administration of the mitotic spindle inhibitor colchicine (1 mg/kg), suggesting disturbance of mitotic apparatus as the possible underlying mechanism. The results suggest that the slight increase in MNPCE frequency observed 48 h after administration of a 200 mg/kg dose of E-5842 is due to a hypothermic effect and not to a direct effect of E-5842 on DNA.

Developmental toxicity studies of the quinolone antibacterial agent irloxacin in rats and rabbits

Embryotoxicity studies on irloxacin (6-fluorine-7-(pyrrol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid, CAS-91524-15-1), a new fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent, were performed in rats and rabbits. Oral administration of irloxacin during the fetal period of organogenesis to pregnant rats and rabbits at dose levels of up to 1000 and 350 mg/kg/d, respectively, elicited no evidence of teratogenicity. During the first days of treatment, transient stasis in body weight increase was observed in rat dams receiving doses of 350 or 1000 mg/kg/d, and reduced food consumption was observed in those receiving 1000 mg/kg/d. Necropsy on day 20 of gestation showed dosage related increase in liver and kidney weights in all rat treated groups. Rabbit dams receiving 350 mg/kg/d showed during the first days of treatment decrease in body weight, and decreased food consumption and faecal output. Also, four females receiving 350 mg/kg/d aborted between days 18 and 20 of gestation. Rat fetuses in the 350 and 1000 mg/kg/d showed decreased body weight, and a decrease in placental weights was observed in the 1000 mg/kg/d group. No retardations or malformations were observed in rat or rabbit fetuses at any tested dose level. For maternal and embryo-fetal effects 100 and 150 mg/kg/d can be considered as the no-effect-level (NOEL) for rats and rabbits, respectively.

1H,13C 2D NMR and X-ray studies of the products of the reaction between dibenzylidencyclohexanone and 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl uracil

The reaction of the 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl uracil with the dibenzylidencyclohexanone (1), provided three adducts whose structures result from nucleophilic attack yielding the monoadduct 3 and two isomeric bisadducts (4 and 5) in moderate yields (50-60%). The structures obtained in this study were elucidated with 2D high resolution NMR experiments, variable temperature NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. In compound 3, the tricyclic skeleton is essentially planar and the cyclohexane ring addopts an envelope conformation. The structures 4 and 5 correspond to two isomeric spiro compounds.

Early amniocentesis with the filtration technique: neonatal outcome in 123 singleton pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate results of a prospective study of pregnancies in which early amniocentesis with the filtration technique was performed at 10-13 weeks' gestation (mean 12.3 weeks' gestation).

METHODS

123 singleton pregnancies in which early amniocentesis with the modified filtration technique was performed at 10-13 weeks' gestation (mean 12.3 weeks' gestation). The amniotic fluid was aspirated into the syringe and reinjected through the filter.

RESULTS

All the procedures were performed successfully by a single needle insertion. Neither dry taps nor filtration failures occurred. The mean time of amniocentesis was 4.02 min (95% confidence interval, 3 min and 36 s to 4 min and 18 s). The karyotyping success rate was 99.2%. Temporary amniotic fluid leakage occurred in three women (2.4%). There were 110 (89.4%) live births. Two cases of stillbirth occurred at week 38 and week 40. Two unintended losses occurred within three weeks after sampling (1.62%). Another additional unintended fetal death was notified at the 20-week screening ultrasonography. The total fetal-loss rate was 10.6%. In one case, talipes equinovarus was detected at the 20-week screening ultrasound study.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed to determine the risk of amniotic leakage and its relation to duration of the procedure in patients undergoing early amnifiltration.

2D 1H and 13C NMR evidences of the [2 + 2] autodimerization of 2-benzyl-5-benzylidene cyclopentanone yielding two different diphenyl, dispiro cyclobutane derivatives

The ene-ene [2 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-benzyl-5-benzylidenecyclopentanone proceeds smoothly and spontaneously in benzene-d6 or deuteriochloroform solution to give two different diphenyl dispiro [4.1.4.1] dodecan-4,11-diones. Detailed 1H and 13C 2DNMR spectroscopy (COSY, HMQC, HMBC) were performed in order to prove the existence in solution of two cyclobutane derivatives, one a previously described photodimer obtained by the UV irradiation of crystals of 2-benzyl-5-benzylidenecyclopentanone.

Behavior of adenine in Na-montmorillonite exposed to gamma radiation: implications to chemical evolution studies

Adenine is an important compound in biological systems, such as genetic and energy utilization processes. Adenine is readily formed in prebiotic conditions. Its synthesis and stability in environmental conditions are of paramount importance in chemical evolution processes. Clay minerals might have played an important role in the early Earth. Clays are known to have a high affinity for organic compounds, and they may provide protection to adsorbed molecules against high-energy radiation. The purpose of this work is to testthese assumptions. We study the stability of adenine under irradiation, in aqueous solution and also adsorbed in a clay mineral. The recovery of adenine after a gamma irradiation was higher in the system containing clay in relation to a system without clay. Results show that adenine is readily adsorbed in the clay, and that the clay act as surface protector toward the degradation of adenine by the radiation.

Toluidine blue-O staining of prion protein deposits

Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by an abnormal form of prion protein (PrP(sc)). In this study, we developed a sensitive histochemical detection of PrP(sc) deposits in a Gertsmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) patient using toluidine blue-O staining, a specific reagent to stain mucins and mucopolysaccharides. Detection of prion deposits correlated with immunohistochemistry using anti-prion antibodies. Control assays were performed using amyloid-beta (Abeta) plaques from Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Our results demonstrated that toluidine blue-O staining allowed to recognize 69.1+/-2.6% of the total plaques recognized by the anti-prion antibody. Furthermore, in the 15 studied brain regions from the GSS patient, toluidine blue-O revealed the same recognition pattern as anti-prion labeling. Toluidine blue-O stained specifically the prion deposits but not the Abeta plaques in AD brains. The specificity of the technique was confirmed in a Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease brain. This method opens several possibilities for postmortem diagnoses. Our results also suggest the relevance of specific post-translational modifications of PrP(sc), identified by toluidine blue-O, that might participate in the transformation of PrP(c) to PrP(sc).

Four-week oral toxicity studies of the new quinolone antibacterial agent cetefloxacin tosylate in rats and marmoset monkeys

Four-week oral toxicity studies with cetefloxacin tosylate ((-)-7[3-(R)-amino-2-(S)-methyl-1-azetidinyl]-1-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid tosylate, CAS 141725-88-4 (base), E-4868.Ts) a new quinolone antibacterial agent, were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats and marmoset monkeys at doses of 100, 450, 2000 mg/kg/d and 25, 50, 125, 300 mg/kg/d, respectively. In rats, due to its toxicity the high dose was decreased to 1000 mg/kg/d after 3 days of treatment. Mortality was recorded among high dose rats receiving 2000 or 1000 mg/kg/d. Rats receiving dosages of 450 or 2000/1000 mg/kg/d showed less activated mandibular lymph nodes, cortical lymphocyte depletion of mandibular and/or mesenteric lymph nodes, atrophy of the white pulp of the spleen, cortical atrophy of thymus and thymic apoptosis. Enlarged caeca, increased water consumption and variations in plasma electrolyte levels were observed in animals receiving these dosages and in male rats receiving 100 mg/kg/d. Low neutrophil counts were observed in rats receiving dosages of 100 or 450 mg/kg/d, and increased alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase plasma levels and slightly decreased plasma protein levels in females receiving 450 or 2000/1000 mg/kg/d. Marmosets receiving dosages of 50 mg/kg/d and above displayed several clinical signs which included emesis, diarrhoea, ptosis, occasional episodes of under- and overactivity, and excessive scratching activity. Skin reddening was observed during the first week of treatment in marmosets receiving 300 mg/kg/d. On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that the non-toxic doses of E-4868. Ts after 4-week oral administration in rats and marmoset monkeys were 100 and 25 mg/kg/d, respectively.

Unusual lipid composition of a Bacillus sp. isolated from Lake Pomorie in Bulgaria

The lipid composition of a Bacillus sp., isolated from Lake Pomorie in Bulgaria, was unusual and consisted of 26 different fatty acids between C12 and C26, with anteiso C15-C17 saturated fatty acids predominating. The furan fatty acid, 10,13-epoxy-11-methyloctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid, was also identified, a new finding for this genus. The hydrocarbons consisted of 30 different monounsaturated hydrocarbons, between C25 and C30, with the iso-iso, iso-anteiso, anteiso-anteiso, iso-normal, and anteiso-normal methyl branching for odd-numbered chains, and the iso-iso, iso-anteiso, iso-normal, and anteiso-normal methyl branching for even-numbered chains. The double bond positions in these hydrocarbons were determined by dimethyl disulfide derivatization followed by GC-MS, and the double-bond cis configuration was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Some previously unknown hydrocarbons in bacteria, such as (Z)-3,21-dimethyl-9-tricosene, (Z)-3,21-dimethyl-10-tricosene, (Z)-2,24-dimethyl-11-pentacosene, and (Z)-2,25-dimethyl-13-hexacosene were identified. Sterols were detected and were based on the sitosterol nucleus.