EVIDENCE FOR HIGH ENERGY STORAGE INTERMEDIATES IN BIOLUMINESCENCE

Abstract— The bioluminescent enzyme from Photobacterium fischeri is normally activated in vifro by reaction with FMNH₂ and O₂. in the presence of a long-chain aldehyde. Emission from enzyme intermediates in this reaction continues for several seconds, and if the mixture is frozen just after initiation of the reaction, this presumptive emission may be delayed until the system is warmed again. Light is then emitted in a fashion analogous to thermo-luminescent emission, with a maximum intensity at — 10°C. The experiments described here show that the total amount of light which is emitted under these conditions no longer depends so much upon aldehyde, a relatively high quantum yield being obtained both with and without aldehyde.
It is further shown that bioluminescence may be activated by light, populating it is believed, the same state which is responsible for the emission in the case of the FMNH₂-induced emission. The light-induced reaction does not depend on flavin in the enzyme preparations, nor does the activation spectrum resemble that of a flavoprotein. Activation may be carried out in the solid state at temperatures down to at least — 100°C, and so does not involve the diffusion of large molecules. It is proposed that energy storage takes place by charge separation, and that the excited state from which emission takes place is associated with charge recombination.     

PURE SINGLET OXYGEN CYTOTOXICITY FOR BACTERIA

We have modified the separated-surface-sensitizer singlet oxygen generating system previously described (Midden and Wang, 1983) for the efficient exposure to pure singlet oxygen of bacteria collected on membrane filters. Physical separation of the photosensitizer and the bacteria eliminates the possibility of direct interaction between bacteria and photoexcited sensitizers that could lead to Type I (non-singlet oxygen) photooxidation processes. This system was used to examine the bacterial cytotoxicity of singlet oxygen. The role of singlet oxygen was confirmed by measuring the decrease in cytotoxicity as the distance between the singlet oxygen source and the bacteria was increased. The gas phase half-life of the intermediate responsible for cell killing, determined from this distance dependence analysis (24 ± 6 ms), is the same as that calculated from literature data for the gas phase half-life of singlet oxygen (53 ± 37 ms). Killing of various strains of Salmonella lyphimurium and Escherichia coli was compared at the same dose of singlet oxygen. Bacteria were killed by singlet oxygen at levels several orders of magnitude lower than those effective in killing by H₂O₂. Altered DNA repair capacities (uvrB, recA, xth, nth , pKM101) did not affect survival. Incomplete cell wall lipopolysaccharide formation decreased survival following singlet oxygen exposure. Overproduction of the singlet oxygen quencher histidine increased survival, as did accumulation of the dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine). No evidence for mutagenicity of exogenous singlet oxygen exposure was obtained in a variety of S. typhimurium strains killed to 35% survival.     

Topical application of a novel, water-soluble gamma-tocopherol derivative prevents UV-induced skin damage in mice

We investigated whether the topical application of a novel, water-soluble gamma-tocopherol (gamma-Toc) derivative, gamma-tocopherol-N,N-dimethylglycinate hydrochloride (gamma-TDMG), could protect against UV-induced skin damage in hairless mice. Topical pre- or post-application of a 5% (93 mM) gamma-TDMG solution in water/propylene glycol/ethanol (2:1:2) significantly prevented sunburn cell formation, lipid peroxidation and edema/inflammation that were induced by exposure to a single dose of UV irradiation of 5 kJ/m2 (290-380 nm, maximum 312 nm). This effect was greater than that seen with two alpha-Toc derivatives, alpha-tocopherol acetate (alpha-TA) and alpha-tocopherol-N,N-dimethylglycinate (alpha-TDMG). When a 5% solution of gamma-TDMG was applied to mouse skin for 1 h, cutaneous gamma-Toc increased by 25-fold after 24 h; levels of cutaneous alpha-Toc increased by only two- and eight-fold in alpha-TDMG and alpha-TA treated skins, respectively. These findings indicated that gamma-TDMG immediately converted to gamma-Toc in the skin and suggest that ability of gamma-TDMG to protect the skin from the damaging effects of irradiation was due to its conversion to gamma-Toc. When a 5% solution of gamma-Toc was applied to mouse skin for 1 h, cutaneous gamma-Toc rapidly increased by 25-fold, but fell to baseline levels by 24 h. In contrast, the concentration of gamma-Toc in skin that was treated with gamma-TDMG similarly increased, but these high levels were maintained after 24 h. These results suggest that gamma-TDMG may be a more effective source of gamma-Toc in skin. Thus, the topical application of gamma-TDMG may be efficacious for the prevention of UV-B-induced skin damage.     

UV erythema reducing capacity of mizolastine compared to acetylsalicylic acid or both combined in comparison to indomethacin.

UV light exerts hazardous effects such as induction of skin cancer and premature skin aging. In this study we evaluated an assumptive anti-inflammatory effect of the nonsedative histamine H1-receptor antagonist, mizolastine, on UV-induced acute sunburn reaction. Therefore, a clinical, randomized, double-blind, four-arm, crossover study was conducted in healthy young female volunteers (skin type II) comparing the UV sensitivity under mizolastine, acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA), indomethacin or a mizolastine/ASA combination. Moreover, HaCaT keratinocytes were incubated with mizolastine under various UV treatment modalities in vitro to study its effect on the release of inflammatory cytokines, i.e. interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). All three drugs were effective in suppressing the UVB-, UVA- and combined UVA/UVB-erythema. However, the strongest effects were observed using the combined treatment with both 250 mg ASA and 10 mg mizolastine. An inhibitory effect in vitro of 10 nM mizolastine upon UV-induced cytokine release from HaCaT keratinocytes was observed for IL-1 alpha at 24 h after 10 J/cm2 UVA1, for IL-6 at 48 h after 10 J/cm2 UVA1 and 30 mJ/cm2 UVB, and also for TNF-alpha at 4 h after 10 J/cm2 UVA, 10 J/cm2 UVA1 and 30 mJ/cm2 UVB, respectively. The combination of mizolastine and ASA can be strongly recommended as a protective measure against UV erythema development with a lower unwanted side effect profile than that of the hitherto treatment modality, i.e. indomethacin.     

甲烷水蒸气重整与甲烷无氧芳构化反应耦合提高Mo/MCM-49催化剂稳定性

甲烷无氧芳构化(MDA)和甲烷水蒸气重整(MSR)的耦合反应可以大幅度提高甲烷无氧芳构化反应的稳定性.单独的甲烷无氧芳构化反应失活较快,甲烷转化率从0.5 h的14.5%很快下降至15 h的3.5%.而采用联合MSR/MDA反应体系,甲烷的转化率从12.5 h的11.5%非常缓慢地下降至60 h后的6.5%.MSR反应原位生成的CO和H2能降低反应中生成的CHr物种数量,减少催化剂上积炭的牛成,进而延长反应时间.MSR反应过程中高比例H2的生成更能有效地减少与B酸相关的积炭的生成,从而更好地抑制反应的失活.     

PHOTODESTRUCTION OF PHAEOMELANIN

Abstract. Phaeomelanin readily decomposes by the action of UV light and oxygen. This finding may explain many of the abnormal reactions of the skin of redheads and blondes to sunlight, including their high susceptibility to skin cancer. In aqueous solution, phaeomelanin displays an EPR signal rich in hyperfine splitting, consistent with structural information.  

SUMMARY

Phaeomelanin readily, decomposes by the action of UV light and oxygen. This finding may explain many of the abnormal reactions of the skin of redheads and blondes to sunlight, including their high susceptibility to skin cancer. We have yet to identify any of the fragmentation products. Chromatographic analysis of the photolysate indicates at least 17 different compounds. Work on the reactions of phaeomelanin with superoxide, and the identification, synthesis, and physiological evaluation of these photoproducts as etiological factors in sunburn and carcinogenesis is in progress. In aqueous solutions, phaeomelanin displays an air stable EPR signal rich in hyperfine splitting. Complete analysis of this signal will provide a better understanding of the structure of the pigment.     

DISTRIBUTION OF TEMOPORFIN, A NEW PHOTOSENSITIZER FOR THE PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY OF CANCER, IN A MURINE TUMOR MODEL

Abstract— The biodistribution of temoporfin (tetra[ m -hydroxyphenyl]chlorin, m -THPC), a recently developed photosensitizer, was investigated in BALB/c mice. The drug was administered intravenously (0.35-0.75 μmol/kg) to tumor-free mice or to mice implanted with the Colo 26 colorectal carcinoma. Blood and tissue samples were collected for up to 96 h post-dose. Drug concentrations were determined by HPLC coupled to photometric detection at 423 nm. Concentrations in blood and liver fell relatively rapidly such that blood concentrations at later time points were below the limit of detection. Tumor concentrations rose at first and then remained constant from 24 h. Temoporfin concentrations in some tissues, notably heart and skeletal muscle, declined only slowly when compared to blood. The tumor: tissue ratios for those organs that showed a more rapid decline in temoporfin concentrations were higher at later times, whereas in tissues such as muscle the ratio remained relatively constant. The organs with the highest tumor: tissue ratios were small intestine (8.6), liver (6.9) and skeletal muscle (5.0).     

The contribution of calpains in the down-regulation of Mdm2 and p53 proteolysis in reconstructed human epidermis in response to solar irradiation

The p53 protein accumulates in human skin cells in vitro and in vivo when UV-irradiated. The transient stability of p53 requires a decrease in the activity of the ubiquitin ligase murine double minute 2 (Mdm2). Solar light irradiation (52.5, 105 and 405 mJ/cm2) of reconstructed human epidermis caused cutaneous damage. Specifically, UV-B induced the formation of sunburn cells and at first, an increase in the accumulation of p53 protein. Unexpectedly, 24 h after irradiation, a specific proteolytic cleavage of p53 resulted in the formation of a 40 kDa fragment. Both the accumulation of p53 and the proteolytic cleavage increased, commensurate with the UV dose. In contrast to p53, the level of expression of Mdm2 decreased drastically with the UV dose. It is important to note that calpastatin (20 microM), a specific inhibitor of calpains, decreased the formation of sunburn cells, inhibited the cleavage of p53 and induced an accumulation of Mdm2. The apoptotic process is strongly repressed. This demonstrates for the first time that calpains can participate in the down-regulation of Mdm2 in the epidermis very rapidly after UV irradiation, and that they contribute to a specific cleavage of p53 protein. All of these processes may be involved in the apoptotic response of the skin to UV stimulation.     

Attitudes,Beliefs, and Measures Taken by Parents to Protect Their Children from the Sun in Guangzhou City,China

Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, suntan, skin photoaging, and even skin cancer. Skin photoaging conflicts with the human pursuit of a young and beautiful appearance. Some research data indicate that the incidence of skin cancer in the Chinese has been increasing, although it remains lower than in whites. To estimate the prevalence of sun protection used on Chinese children aged 3–13 years and identify its predictors, a population‐based cross‐sectional questionnaire was given to 3684 parents/guardians of children in Guangzhou, China, of which 3083 questionnaires were returned. Of those returned, 35.5% of parents/guardians reported regularly using sun protection on their children and the primary reason cited was to prevent sunburn. Hats and handheld umbrellas were the most frequently used measures; sunscreen was less common, and when used, 48.8% of parents/guardians still reapplied sunscreen on their children every 2.0–3.0 h. Parental age, parents using sun protection measures themselves when outdoors, and the child's sex were factors associated with regular use of sun protection on children. These results suggest that sun protection campaigns targeted toward parents and children need to be conducted in Guangzhou, or throughout China, to strengthen awareness about sun protection and address any inadequate protocols of sun protection.     

Caspase-3 activation and DNA damage in pig skin organ culture after solar irradiation

In the present study, a convenient and easy-to-handle skin organ culture was developed from domestic pig ears using polycarbonate Transwell culture inserts in 12-well plate. This alternative model was then tested for its suitability in analyzing the short-term effects of a single solar radiation dose (from 55 to 275 kJ.m(-2)). Differentiation of the pig skin was maintained for up to 48 h in culture, and its morphology was similar to that of fresh human skin. Solar irradiation induced a significant release of the cytosolic enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and extracellular signal-related kinase 2 protein in the culture medium 24 h after exposure. These photocytotoxic effects were associated with the formation of sunburn cells, thymine dimers and DNA strand breaks in both the epidermis and dermis. Interestingly, cell death was dose dependent and associated with p53 protein upregulation and strong caspase-3 activation in the basal epidermis. None of these cellular responses was observed in non-irradiated skin. Finally, topical application of a broad-spectrum UVB + A sunfilter formulation afforded efficient photoprotection in irradiated explants. Thus, the ex vivo pig ear skin culture may be a useful tool in the assessment of solar radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis, and for evaluating the efficacy of sunscreen formulations.     

Catalysis of a peptidic micellar assembly covalently immobilized within mesoporous silica channels: importance of amphiphilic spatial design

A mesostructured silica/organic composite 1-MS, constructed from a rodlike micelle of amino acid amphiphile 1 that has a condensable head group and that can be used as a template, was found to be able to catalyze the acetalization of cyclohexanone, in ethanol at 25 degrees C (50% in 12 h), whereas no reaction took place with unfunctionalized mesoporous silica. In sharp contrast, hydrolytic removal of the C16 alkyl tail of immobilized 1 resulted in the complete disappearance of the catalytic activity, which suggests the importance of a hydrophobic inner domain for the admission of cyclohexanone. Unsupported peptide amphiphile 2, under identical conditions to those above, was inefficient for acetalization regardless of the absence (2% in 24 h) or presence of mesoporous silica (7% in 24 h). Reference composite 2-MS, which is a noncovalently immobilized peptidic micelle, was virtually inactive (1% in 24 h). These observations indicate the importance of covalent immobilization of the peptidic rod micelle for catalysis. Mesostructured silicate 3-MS hybridized with a nonpeptidic, ammonium ion amphiphile (3) showed a certain catalytic activity, but the yield (12% in 24 h) of the acetal was much lower than that achieved by using 1-MS as the catalyst. Amorphous silica with immobilized 1 on its surface was much less active than 1-MS for acetalization (5% in 24 h).     

侧基为苯胺四聚体的聚丙烯酰胺的合成和表征

以异溴丁酸羟乙酯为引发剂、溴化亚铜和2,2′-联吡啶为催化剂和配体,引发丙烯酸琥珀酰胺酯(NAS)进行原子转移自由基聚合,得到的聚丙烯酸琥珀酰胺酯(PNAS)的分子量可以通过配比和转化率预测.进一步与单端氨基苯胺四聚体(TA)在50℃下反应,得到的聚合物用1H-NMR和FT-IR的测试,结果表明,当TA/NAS的摩尔比为3∶1时,PNAS上的琥珀酰胺酯可以完全被取代,从而得到侧链为苯胺四聚体的导电高分子.聚合物的结构和分子量以及分布用核磁共振氢谱、FT-IR和GPC进行表征;电化学性质用循环伏安法进行了测试.     

Lipase-Catalyzed Transesterification of Rapeseed Oil for Biodiesel Production with tert-Butanol

Biodiesel is a fatty acid alkyl ester that can be derived from any vegetable oil or animal fat via the process of transesterification. It is a renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic fuel. In this paper, we have evaluated the efficacy of a transesterification process for rapeseed oil with methanol in the presence of an enzyme and tert-butanol, which is added to ameliorate the negative effects associated with excess methanol. The application of Novozym 435 was determined to catalyze the transesterification process, and a conversion of 76.1% was achieved under selected conditions (reaction temperature 40 °C, methanol/oil molar ratio 3:1, 5% (w/w) Novozym 435 based on the oil weight, water content 1% (w/w), and reaction time of 24h). It has also been determined that rapeseed oil can be converted to fatty acid methyl ester using this system, and the results of this study contribute to the body of basic data relevant to the development of continuous enzymatic processes.     

Cyclization reaction of peptide fragment ions during multistage collisionally activated decomposition: An inducement to lose internal amino-acid residues

During characterization of some peptides (linear precursors of the cyclic peptides showing potential to be anticancer drugs) in an ion trap, it was noted that many internal amino acid residues could be lost from singly charged b ions. The phenomenon was not obvious at the first stage of collisionally activated decomposition (CAD), but was apparent at multiple stages of CAD. The unique fragmentation consisting of multiple steps is induced by a cyclization reaction of b ions, the mechanism of which has been probed by experiments of N-acetylation, MS(n), rearranged-ion design, and activation-time adjustment. The fragmentation of synthetic cyclic peptides demonstrates that a cyclic peptide intermediate (CPI) formed by b ion cyclization exhibits the same fragmentation pattern as a protonated cyclic peptide. Although no rules for the cyclization reaction were discerned in the experiments of peptide modification, the fragmentations of a number of b ions indicate that the "Pro and Asn/Gln effects" can influence ring openings of CPIs. In addition, large-scale losses of internal residues from different positions of a-type ions have been observed when pure helium was used as collision gas. The fragmentation is initiated by a cyclization reaction forming an a-type ion CPI. This CPI with a fixed-charge structure cannot be influenced by the "Pro effect", causing a selective ring opening at the amide bond Pro-Xxx rather than Xxx-Pro. With the knowledge of the unique fragmentations leading to internal residue losses, the misidentification of fragments and sequences of peptides may be avoided.     

ZSM-5分子筛催化剂稳定性的研究

为观察C₄烯烃转化制丙烯过程中影响催化剂稳定性的因素，对经历不同反应时间（即新鲜、反应48h、反应650h、反应650h后再生和再生后再进行反应48h）的系列ZSM-5分子筛催化剂进行了表征。结果表明，经历长期反应后，催化剂微孔体积和BJH吸附累积孔体积明显降低；再生后，孔体积可以恢复到新鲜催化剂的初始值。与此同时，NH₃-TPD酸量不仅降低，而且再生后也不能得到恢复。与高温水蒸气处理的催化剂相比较，²7Al MAS NMR表征结果说明，积炭因素对催化剂孔体积的影响可通过再生消除，而分子筛骨架铝丢失和分子筛晶胞参数的降低对催化剂酸量的持续减少起主要作用。长期在高温水蒸气条件下运行后，催化剂酸量可维持在一定水平，使催化剂长期稳定运行成为可能。     

肿瘤酸度响应性聚(L-赖氨酸)-阿霉素键合药的制备与表征

用丁二酸酐(SA)和顺式乌头酸酐(CA)分别对阿霉素(DOX)进行修饰, 得到非酸响应的SA-DOX(SAD)和酸响应的CA-DOX(CAD). 通过SAD或CAD、端羧基化的聚乙二醇单甲醚(mPEG-COOH)与聚(L-赖氨酸)(PLL)的缩合反应, 制得非酸响应的PLL-g-mPEG/SAD和酸响应的PLL-g-mPEG/CAD键合药. 通过核磁共振氢谱和红外光谱表征键合药的化学结构, 并通过紫外-可见分光光度计测定药物键合量. 动态激光光散射研究结果表明, 两亲性的PLL-DOX键合药可以在pH=7.4的磷酸缓冲溶液中自组装形成稳定的纳米微粒. 体外释放实验及噻唑蓝检测结果表明, PLL-g-mPEG/SAD在实验pH范围和时间段内只释放出少量DOX, 不具有酸响应特性, 且对HeLa细胞增殖抑制作用较小. 而PLL-g-mPEG/CAD在生理条件(pH=7.4)下相对稳定, 在弱酸性条件(pH=5.3, 6.8)下, CAD中酸响应的酰胺键能快速水解并释放出DOX, 表现出较强的HeLa细胞增殖抑制效果.     

INTRAVENOUS vs INTRAPERITONEAL SENSITIZER: IMPLICATIONS FOR INTRAPERITONEAL PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a potential treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis. However, little data is available regarding the relative distribution of sensitizer to tumor and intra-abdominal organs, optimal route of sensitizer administration, and maximal tolerated light dose. Tumor and normal tissue sensitizer levels were measured by tissue extraction 3, 24, 48 and 72 h after 10 mg/kg of Photofrin II was given intraperitoneally (IP) or intravenously (IV) in a mouse peritoneal tumor model, and the maximal tolerated PDT light dose determined. Equivalent tumor sensitizer levels were obtained regardless of the route of sensitizer administration. Route of administration, however, did affect the kinetics of tumor sensitizer elimination, with the half-time for elimination (T1/2) 113.6 h for IP drug and 60.6 h for IV drug. Route of administration also affected sensitizer levels in several intra-abdominal organs, resulting in somewhat higher tumor to liver and kidney levels at 24 and 72 h after IP sensitizer administration. Despite these tissue distribution differences, route of sensitizer administration did not significantly affect PDT toxicity or mortality when mice were treated with 630 nm light. The maximum tolerated light dose was 1.04 J/cm2. These parameters will prove helpful in designing large scale animal trials assessing the efficacy and safety of intra-abdominal PDT.     

A PHOTOCHEMICAL MID-ULTRAVIOLET DOSIMETER FOR PRACTICAL USE AS A SUNBURN DOSIMETER

Abstract— A mid-UV dosimeter has been developed based on the irreversible photochemical conversion of 3'-[ p -(dimethylamino)-phenyl] spiro-[fluorene–9,4'-oxazolidine]–2',5'-dione (1) to p -dimethylamino-N-fluoren-9-ylidine aniline ( 2 ), carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Formulations of 1 in a polycarbonate film matrix are colorless, thermally stable, and undergo photolysis only when exposed to wavelengths of less than 350 nm. The red photoproduct 2 is both thermally and photochemically stable under dosimeter use conditions. The depth of red color developed depends solely on the degree of exposure to mid-UV radiation. In outdoor studies color intensity steadily developed during an initial 2 h of exposure to noontime Miami June sunshine. Color comparators representing consecutive 15–20 min exposure increments of this sunshine were readily distinguishable from each other by visual inspection. The comparators could be visually matched to colors generated by the dosimeter film formulation, and covered the exposure range of interest for avoidance of sunburn. This photochemical mid-UV dosimeter is seen to fulfill all the requirements of a practical sunburn dosimeter.     

The cycloaddition of the 1,3-butadiene radical cation with acrolein and methyl vinyl ketone

The 1,3-butadiene radical cation reacts with acrolein and methyl vinyl ketone to produce ‘stable’ adducts. The nature of the reaction and the structures of the adducts were investigated by collisional activation decomposition (CAD) combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and also by Fourier transform mass spectrometry. The CAD spectra of gas-phase adducts were compared with those of suitable model compounds. On that basis, it was determined that the 1,3-butadiene radical cation undergoes a cycloaddition with these α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The butadiene radical cation serves as the ‘ene’, and the acrolein and methyl vinyl ketone react as dienes, forming cycloadducts having 2-ethenyl-2,3-dihydropyran radical cation structures.