"PROTAC" modified dihydroquinolizinones (DHQs) that cause degradation of PAPD-5 and inhibition of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus, in vitro

Dihydroquinolizinones (DHQs) that inhibit cellular polyadenylating polymerases 5 and 7 (PAPD5 & 7), such as RG7834, have been shown to inhibit both hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro and in vivo. In this report, we describe RG7834-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), such as compound 12b, (6S)-9-((1-((2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-21-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22-azapentacosan-25-yl)oxy)-6-isopropyl-10-methoxy-2-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. The PROTAC DHQs described here inhibited an HAV reporter virus in vitro with an IC50 of 277 nM. Although the PROTAC DHQs were also inhibitory to HBV, their activities were substantially less potent against HBV in vitro, being in the 10 to 20 µM range, based on the reduction of HBsAg and HBV mRNA levels. Importantly, unlike RG7834, the incubation of cells in vitro with PROTAC DHQ 12b resulted in the degradation of PAPD5, as expected for a PROTAC compound, but curiously not PAPD7. PAPD5 polypeptide degradation was prevented when a proteasome inhibitor, epoxomicin, was used, indicating that proteasome mediated proteolysis was associated with the observed activities of 12b. Taken together, these data show that 12b is the first example of a PROTAC that suppresses both HAV and HBV that is based on a small molecule warhead. The possibility that it has mechanisms that differ from its parent compound, RG7834, and has clinical value, is discussed.

microbeMASST: a taxonomically informed mass spectrometry search tool for microbial metabolomics data

microbeMASST, a taxonomically informed mass spectrometry (MS) search tool, tackles limited microbial metabolite annotation in untargeted metabolomics experiments. Leveraging a curated database of >60,000 microbial monocultures, users can search known and unknown MS/MS spectra and link them to their respective microbial producers via MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Identification of microbe-derived metabolites and relative producers without a priori knowledge will vastly enhance the understanding of microorganisms' role in ecology and human health.

Identification of novel tetrahydroquinoxaline derived phenyl ureas as modulators of the hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid assembly

A key step of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is the selective packaging of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) by core protein (Cp) dimers, forming a nucleocapsid where the reverse transcriptional viral DNA replication takes place. One approach in the development of new anti-HBV drugs is to disrupt the assembly of HBV nucleocapsids by misdirecting Cp dimers to assemble morphologically normal capsids devoid of pgRNA. In this study, we built upon our previous discovery of benzamide-derived HBV capsid assembly modulators by exploring fused bicyclic scaffolds with an exocyclic amide that is β, γ to the fused ring, and identified 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline derived phenyl ureas as a novel scaffold. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that a favorable hydrophobic substitution can be tolerated at the 2-position of the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline core, and the resulting compound 88 demonstrated comparable or improved antiviral potencies in mouse and human hepatocyte-derived HBV-replicating cell lines compared to our previously reported benzamide compound, 38017 (8). In addition, a novel bis-urea series based on 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoxaline was also found to inhibit HBV DNA replication with sub-micromolar EC50 values. The mode of action of these compounds is consistent with specific inhibition of pgRNA encapsidation into nucleocapsids in hepatocytes.

A Taxonomically-informed Mass Spectrometry Search Tool for Microbial Metabolomics Data

MicrobeMASST, a taxonomically-informed mass spectrometry (MS) search tool, tackles limited microbial metabolite annotation in untargeted metabolomics experiments. Leveraging a curated database of >60,000 microbial monocultures, users can search known and unknown MS/MS spectra and link them to their respective microbial producers via MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Identification of microbial-derived metabolites and relative producers, without a priori knowledge, will vastly enhance the understanding of microorganisms' role in ecology and human health.

The Inhibitory Effect of Plant Extracts on Growth of the Foodborne Pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen responsible for about 1600 illnesses each year in the United States (US) and about 2500 confirmed invasive human cases in European Union (EU) countries. Several technologies and antimicrobials are applied to control the presence of L. monocytogenes in food. Among these, the use of natural antimicrobials is preferred by consumers. This is due to their ability to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens but not prompt negative safety concerns. Among natural antimicrobials, plant extracts are used to inactivate L. monocytogenes. However, there is a large amount of these types of extracts, and their active compounds remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes of about 800 plant extracts derived from plants native to different countries worldwide. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to verify how the plant extracts affected L. monocytogenes at the microscopic level. Results showed that 12 of the plant extracts had inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes. Future applications of this study could include the use of these plant extracts as new preservatives to reduce the risk of growth of pathogens and contamination in the food industry from L. monocytogenes.

Galtonosides A-E: Antiproliferative and Antiplasmodial Cholestane Glycosides from Galtonia regalis

An extract of Galtonia regalis from the Natural Products Discovery Institute showed moderate antiplasmodial activity, with an IC50 value less than 1.25 μg/mL. The two known cholestane glycosides 1 and 2 and the five new cholestane glycosides galtonosides A-E (3-7) were isolated after bioassay-directed fractionation. The structures of the new compounds were determined by interpretation of their NMR and mass spectra. Among these compounds, galtonoside B (4) displayed the most potent antiplasmodial activity, with an IC50 value of 0.214 μM against the drug-resistant Dd2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum.

Antiplasmodial Chromanes and Chromenes from the Monotypic Plant Species Koeberlinia spinosa

Nine new compounds containing either a chromane or chromene ring moiety were isolated from the monotypic plant Koeberlinia spinosa. Compounds 1-4 are chromanes with all possible E and Z isomers of the isoprenoid side chain, with compound 5 a methylated derivative of 1. Compounds 6 and 7 were assigned as diastereomeric cyclized derivatives of 2 and were probably artifacts formed during the extraction or the isolation processes. Compounds 8 and 9 were characterized as new chromenes. Structure elucidation of 1-9 was conducted via 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data interpretation, and absolute configurations were determined by ECD spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 2, 5, 6, and 7 had weak antiplasmodial activity, while none of the compounds exhibited antiproliferative activity. The isolation, structure elucidation, and biological evaluation of these compounds are presented.

Cytotoxic oplopane sesquiterpenoids from Arnoglossum atriplicifolium

Pale Indian plantain (Arnoglossum atriplicifolium (L.) H. Rob.) is a plant with traditional medicinal usage among the Cherokee Native American tribe for treating cancer. Two oplopane sesquiterpenoids were isolated from an extract of A. atriplicifolium from Western North Carolina. The compounds were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation using an MCF-7 breast tumour cell line assay. The known compound (1S,6R,7R,8R)-1-acetoxy-6,7-diangeloxy-8,10-epoxy-2-oxo-oplopa-3,14Z,11,12-dien-13-al (1) had an EC50 value of 9.0 μM against MCF-7 cells, while the new compound (1S,3R,6R,7R,8R,11S)-1-acetoxy-6,7-diangeloxy-8,10,11,13-bisepoxyoplopan-2-one (2) had an EC50 value of 96 μM. The compounds were characterised by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and by comparison with literature values in the case for 1. Based on NOESY analysis, a correction of the relative configuration for 1 is presented. The presence of these compounds may help to explain the folk remedy usage of this plant as an anticancer agent.

The medicinal chemistry of genus Aralia

The genus Aralia contains many plants used medicinally in Asia and the Americas. Although many members of this genus are used medicinally, the vast majority of this genus has not been explored chemically. The species of Aralia that have been explored chemically have yielded compounds of several classes, including triterpenoid saponins, sterols, diterpenoids, and acetylenic lipids. Many of the biologically active components found in genus Aralia have been evaluated for their potential as lead compounds for drug discovery. This review will explore the medicinal chemistry of compounds reported from genus Aralia, and future prospects for this genus will be considered.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Actaea racemosa (black cohosh, Ranunculaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Microsatellite markers were developed in Actaea racemosa to analyze population genetic structure, compare genetic diversity across the species' range, and provide a genetic context for studies of phytochemical variation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of seven polymorphic loci were screened in 60 individuals from 12 localities. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to six, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.133 to 0.900. Most of the loci tested cross-amplified in A. pachypoda, A. podocarpa, and A. rubra, indicating the utility of these markers for the genus.

CONCLUSIONS

These new loci will provide tools for population genetics studies, including the characterization of genetic variation in A. racemosa and other eastern North American species of Actaea.

Quassinoid inhibition of AP-1 function does not correlate with cytotoxicity or protein synthesis inhibition

Several quassinoids were identified in a high-throughput screening assay as inhibitors of the transcription factor AP-1. Further biological characterization revealed that while their effect was not specific to AP-1, protein synthesis inhibition and cell growth assays were inconsistent with a mechanism of simple protein synthesis inhibition. Numerous plant extracts from the plant family Simaroubaceae were also identified in the same screen; bioassay-guided fractionation of one extract (Ailanthus triphylla) yielded two known quassinoids, ailanthinone (3) and glaucarubinone (4), which were also identified in the pure compound screening procedure.

Bioactive isomalabaricane triterpenoids from Rhabdastrella globostellata that stabilize the binding of DNA polymerase beta to DNA

Four isomalabaricane triterpenoids were isolated from an extract of the sponge Rhabdastrella globostellata that was active in an assay measuring stabilization of the binding of DNA with DNA polymerase beta. The known compounds stelliferin riboside (1) and 3-epi-29-acetoxystelliferin E (2) were shown to induce 29% and 23% binding, respectively, at 28 microg/mL, while the new compound stellettin J (3) induced 5% binding at 28 microg/mL. The new compound stellettin K (4) had no activity in the binding assay. The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. These compounds displayed varying levels of activity toward the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line, revealing structure-based effects on both the level of cytotoxicity and DNA-polymerase beta binding. This is the first report of natural products with the ability to promote stabilization of the DNA-polymerase beta covalent binary complex.

Iron release from corroded iron pipes in drinking water distribution systems: effect of dissolved oxygen

Iron release from corroded iron pipes is the principal cause of "colored water" problems in drinking water distribution systems. The corrosion scales present in corroded iron pipes restrict the flow of water, and can also deteriorate the water quality. This research was focused on understanding the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO), a key water quality parameter, on iron release from the old corroded iron pipes. Corrosion scales from 70-year-old galvanized iron pipe were characterized as porous deposits of Fe(III) phases (goethite (alpha-FeOOH), magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)), and maghemite (alpha-Fe(2)O(3))) with a shell-like, dense layer near the top of the scales. High concentrations of readily soluble Fe(II) content was present inside the scales. Iron release from these corroded pipes was investigated for both flow and stagnant water conditions. Our studies confirmed that iron was released to bulk water primarily in the ferrous form. When DO was present in water, higher amounts of iron release was observed during stagnation in comparison to flowing water conditions. Additionally, it was found that increasing the DO concentration in water during stagnation reduced the amount of iron release. Our studies substantiate that increasing the concentration of oxidants in water and maintaining flowing conditions can reduce the amount of iron release from corroded iron pipes. Based on our studies, it is proposed that iron is released from corroded iron pipes by dissolution of corrosion scales, and that the microstructure and composition of corrosion scales are important parameters that can influence the amount of iron released from such systems.

Brominated sesquiterpenes from the red alga Laurencia obtusa

Four new sesquiterpenes, (8R)-8-bromo-10-epi-beta-snyderol (1), (8S)-8-bromo-beta-snyderol (2), 5-bromo-3-(3'-hydroxy-3'-methylpent-4'-enylidene)-2,4,4-trimethylcyclohexanone (3), and the epoxide 4, have been isolated from the chloroform-methanol extract of Laurencia obtusa, together with the three known compounds alpha-snyderol (5), alpha-snyderol acetate (6), and stigmasterol. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated through spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 showed antimalarial activity, with IC(50) values of 2700 and 4000 ng/mL against the D6 and W2 clones of Plasmodium falciparum, respectively.

Physico-chemical characteristics of corrosion scales in old iron pipes

Corrosion scales play an important role in modifying water quality in drinking water distribution systems. The corrosion scales from old iron/steel pipes were analyzed for their structure and composition. Scales were studied both before and after drying. and goethite, magnetite and lepidocrocite were identified as the primary constituents of the dried samples. High concentrations of readily soluble ferrous phases were detected in wet-scale samples. The corrosion scales had a shell-like, enveloping layer, covering porous deposits of iron oxide phases. Our studies were able to identify important differences between corrosion scales found in two different water distribution systems. Further studies are needed to establish the role of corrosion scales in the mechanism of iron release from corroded pipes.

Do health professionals' attitudes interfere with the treatment of depression?

Might the attitudes of health care professionals help to explain why most persons with a depressive disorder do not receive adequate care? To assess this question, the authors surveyed the faculty and staff of a midwestern university. One hundred percent of the social workers who responded found psychotherapy or counseling to be extremely or quite effective in treating persons with a major depressive episode, compared to 55% of the psychologists and 31% of the psychiatrists. For medication, the corresponding figures were 88% of psychiatrists, 64% of psychologists, and 46% of social workers. Many respondents noted problems with interprofessional communication, while most psychiatrists felt that individuals treated by two or more professionals for their depression usually receive poorer care. If future studies indicate that nonmedical therapists who view antidepressants as relatively ineffective are less likely to refer depressed clients for medication evaluation, these findings might help to explain why many depressed individuals who could benefit from medication do not receive it. Concerns about interprofessional communication, as well as psychiatrists' beliefs about the quality of care received by persons treated by more than one professional, might also explain why joint treatment occurs less often than would be desirable. The authors discuss some of the implications that these findings may have for the education of health care professionals.

Managed care and recovery: opportunities and challenges for psychiatric nursing

The current crisis in mental health services is related to the "bottom line" focus of managed care. This trend as well as the consumer-led recovery movement challenge psychiatric nurses in both educational and clinical settings to carefully examine their knowledge, skills, and attitudes and to develop new partnerships with consumers in nontraditional settings to promote quality. The development of consumer-run peer support services serves as a model of consumer/professional partnerships.

Quality indicators for primary mental health within managed care: a public health focus

Primary mental health is an orientation to care that addresses mental health needs of consumers on point of first contact with caregivers. Core values, and principles drawn from a public health perspective serve as the foundation for indicators of quality within managed primary mental health. A model, illustrating the key components for quality indicators, includes stakeholder groups (consumers, families, providers, and payers), quality concerns (access, appropriateness, outcomes, and prevention), and the spectrum of clinical processes (assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and support). Responsibility for monitoring quality is vested in these stakeholder groups. To enable them to fulfill their responsibilities, indicators are proposed in the form of checklists. The checklists assist stakeholders in evaluating the plans and services offered by managed care entities.

The client with substance abuse/mental illness: mandate for collaboration

Persons who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and mental illness present a significant challenge to mental health professionals in all phases of treatment. The authors explore some of the factors that contribute to the confusion surrounding the care of these persons, including the prevalence and complexity of the problem; current understanding of the effect of drug-induced neurophysiological changes on the central nervous system and the cognitive function/dysfunction of persons with a major mental illness; the difficulties presented by parallel treatment systems for mental illness and chemical addiction; and the need for a shift to interdisciplinary education to integrate services into the practice setting.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation for lung cancer patients at high risk for development of cerebral metastasis: results of a prospective randomized trial conducted by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group

Beginning in February 1984, 187 evaluable patients with adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma of the lung clinically confined to the chest were randomized to receive either conventionally fractionated thoracic irradiation alone or thoracic irradiation with concurrent, prophylactic cranial irradiation. The study population included 161 patients treated for medically or surgically inoperable primary cancers, and 26 patients undergoing adjuvant postoperative mediastinal irradiation following attempted curative resection of primary cancers found to have metastasized to hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes. Elective brain irradiation was not effective in preventing the clinical appearance of brain metastases, although the time to develop brain metastases appears to have been delayed. Eighteen of 94 patients (19%) randomized to chest irradiation alone have developed brain metastases as opposed to 8/93 patients (9%) randomized to receive prophylactic cranial irradiation (p = .10). No survival difference was observed between the treatment arms. Among the 26 patients undergoing prior resection of all gross intrathoracic disease, brain metastases were observed in 3/12 patients (25%) receiving adjuvant chest irradiation alone, compared to none of 14 receiving prophylactic cranial irradiation (p = .06). In the absence of fully reliable therapy for the primary disease, and without effective systemic therapy preventing dissemination to other, extrathoracic sites, prophylactic cranial irradiation for inoperable non-small cell lung cancer cannot be justified in routine clinical practice. Further investigation in the adjuvant, postoperative setting may be warranted.

Psychiatric nursing phenomena and the construct of family boundaries

Nursing theorists and practitioners are working to define the roles and functions of nurses more precisely in order to provide a clearer understanding of the nursing contribution to the multidisciplinary team. One method of achieving this goal is to identify and classify phenomena of interest using a nursing perspective. In this article, the multidisciplinary construct of family boundaries is explored as a phenomena of interest to psychiatric nurses. Kim's (1987) theoretical frame-work and a classification system derived by Coler and Vincent (1987) are applied to the construct and illustrated through use of a case study. Interventions relevant to type of family system boundaries are described.

Tumor sterilization following high-dose pre-operative irradiation for advanced cancer of the larynx or pyriform sinus

Twenty-two patients with advanced laryngeal cancer and 5 with advanced pyriform sinus cancer were given 51 Gy (5,100 rad) followed by surgical resection. In 10 (45%) of patients with laryngeal cancer, no tumor was found at the primary site pathologically; 15 (68%) had negative neck specimens. All of those with pyriform sinus cancer had positive specimens. Eighteen patients with laryngeal cancer are free of disease. In contrast, only 1 with pyriform sinus cancer is free of disease; 1 has had a local recurrence and 3 have had metastases. The data suggest that 51 Gy (5,100 rad) are insufficient to sterilize pyriform sinus cancer; higher doses together with adjuvant chemotherapy are needed.

Decrease in neostriatal blood flow after D-amphetamine administration or electrical stimulation of the substantia nigra

Local blood flow was measured in the caudate nuclei and, in some cases, other areas of rat and monkey brain by the hydrogen clearance technique. Resting values for caudate blood flow in the rat were similar to those reported elsewhere, i.e., 69 +/- 4 ml/min/100 g in the caudate. Administering D-amphetamine sulfate (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) to rats reduced caudate flow by a maximum of about 33% after 30 min; this effect could be blocked by pretreatment with haloperidol (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.), a drug that blocks dopamine receptors. D-Amphetamine sulfate (1.5 mg/kg) also reduced caudate but not cortical blood flow in unanesthetized monkeys. Electrical stimulation of the pars compacta of the substantia nigra reduced ipsilateral caudate flow by about 25% without affecting flow in the contralateral caudate. This effect varied with the frequency and intensity of stimulation. These studies suggest that the intraparenchymal release of brain dopamine may modify intraparenchymal (local) blood flow.