Capillary electrophoretic detection in apolipoprotein E genotyping

We describe the application of capillary electrophoresis to detect DNA fragments, obtained after amplifying a part of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Compared to conventional agarose slab gel electrophoresis (AGE), CE appears the method of choice with regard to resolution and sensitivity, to detect DNA fragments in the range of 20-100 base pairs. Especially discrimination between apoE2/E2 and apoE2/E3 genotypes is more reliable with CE than with AGE, this being of great clinical value in the diagnosis of familiary dysbetalipoproteinemia.     

Random walks on inhomogeneous lattices

For lattices with two kinds of points (black and white), distributed according to a translation-invariant joint probability distribution, we study statistical properties of the sequence of consecutive colors encountered by a random walker moving through the lattice. The probability distribution for the single steps of the walk is considered to be independent of the colors of the points. Several exact results are presented which are valid in any number of dimensions and for arbitrary probability distributions for the coloring of the points and the steps of the walk. They are used to derive a few general properties of random walks on lattices containing traps.Presented at the Symposium on Random Walks, Gaithersburg, MD, June 1982.     

A preliminary 3D model for cytochrome P450 2D6 constructed by homology model building

Summary A homology model building study of cytochrome P450 2D6 has been carried out based on the crystal structure of cytochrome P450 101. The primary sequences of P450 101 and P450 2D6 were aligned by making use of an automated alignment procedure. This alignment was adjusted manually by matching -helices (C, D, G, I, J, K and L) and -sheets (3/4) of P450 101 that are proposed to be conserved in membrane-bound P450s (Ouzounis and Melvin [Eur. J. Biochem., 198 (1991) 307]) to the corresponding regions in the primary amino acid sequence of P450 2D6. Furthermore, -helices B, B and F were found to be conserved in P450 2D6. No significant homology between the remaining regions of P450 101 and P450 2D6 could be found and these regions were therefore deleted. A 3D model of P450 2D6 was constructed by copying the coordinates of the residues from the crystal structure of P450 101 to the corresponding residues in P450 2D6. The regions without a significant homology with P450 101 were not incorporated into the model. After energy-minimization of the resulting 3D model of P450 2D6, possible active site residues were identified by fitting the substrates debrisoquine and dextrometorphan into the proposed active site. Both substrates could be positioned into a planar pocket near the heme region formed by residues Val³⁷⁰, Pro³⁷¹, Leu³⁷², Trp³¹⁶, and part of the oxygen binding site of P450 2D6. Furthermore, the carboxylate group of either Asp¹⁰⁰ or Asp³⁰¹ was identified as a possible candidate for the proposed interaction with basic nitrogen atom(s) of the substrates. These findings are in accordance with a recently published predictive model for substrates of P450 2D6 [Koymans et al., Chem. Res. Toxicol., 5 (1992) 211].     

Practical and quality-control aspects of multi-element analysis with quadrupole ICP–MS with special attention to urine and whole blood

Two screening methods were developed for rapid analysis of a great number of urine and blood samples within the framework of an exposure check of the population after a firework explosion. A total of 56 elements was measured including major elements. Sample preparation consisted of simple dilution. Extensive quality controls were applied including element addition and the use of certified reference materials. Relevant results at levels similar to those found in the literature were obtained for Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl, and Pb in urine and for the same elements except Ni, Sn, Sb, and Ba in blood. However, quadrupole ICP–MS has limitations, mainly related to spectral interferences, for the analysis of urine and blood, and these cause higher detection limits. The general aspects discussed in the paper give it wider applicability than just for analysis of blood and urine—it can for example be used in environmental analysis.     

Ethers as ligands. Part VI. Transition metal(II) complexes with 18-crown-6

Summary Seven new coordination compounds are reported with the cyclicpolyether 18-crown-6 as the ligand,viz. [Mg(18-crown-6) (H₂O)₂](SbCl₆)₂, [M(18-crown-6)(MeNO₆)₂](SbCl₆)₂ with M is Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺, [M(18-crown-6)(MeNO₂)](SbCl₆)₂ with M is Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺, and [M(18-crown-6)](SbCl₆)₂ with M is Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺.     

HPLC–MS determination of the oxidation products of the reaction between α- and β-pinene and OH radicals

Biogenic non-methane hydrocarbons such as isoprene, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene, are emitted by forests in very large quantities. To evaluate the role of alpha- and beta-pinene and their contribution to the global production of trace gases and especially aerosol precursors, a study of the oxidation mechanism of alpha- and beta-pinene with hydroxyl radicals must be conducted.The degradation products of both monoterpenes with hydroxyl radicals were identified and quantified in a fast-flow reactor. The products were collected on a liquid-nitrogen trap coated with a 2,4-DNPH solution to which two internal standards (benzaldehyde-2,4-DNPH and tolualdehyde-2,4-DNPH) had been added. The collection method was based on the in situ conversion of aldehyde and/or ketone compounds to their 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives. The derivatives were analyzed by HPLC-MS using APCI(-). TIC chromatograms and mass spectral data for the various oxidation products are presented.For alpha-pinene, pinonaldehyde is the most important degradation product, with smaller amounts of acetone, formaldehyde, campholenealdehyde, and acetaldehyde. For beta-pinene, nopinone and formaldehyde are the most abundant products, of almost equal importance, whereas acetone and acetaldehyde are minor compounds.     

Spektrophotometrische Bestimmung von Chrom(III) mit Pyridin-2,6-dicarbons?ure

Zusammenfassung Die Störungen der spektrophotometrischen Bestimmung von Cr^III mit Pyridin-2,6-dicarbonsäure nach Hartkamp wurden in einer chemischen Weise beseitigt. Die Bestimmung von Cr^III in Anwesenheit der ungefähr 200fachen Menge Cu, Ni, Al, Mn, Zn oder Fe^III, und der 100fachen Menge Co konnte mit befriedigender Genauigkeit durchgeführt werden.

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Summary The interferences in the spectrophotometric determination of chromium(III) with pyridine-2,6-dicarbonic acid according to Hartkamp have been eliminated in a chemical way. Satisfactory results have been obtained in the determination of Cr^III in presence of a 200-fold excess of Cu, Ni, Al, Mn, Zn, or Fe^III and a 100-fold excess of Co.

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Die Autoren danken Frau A. Gijben-Daalder und Herrn G. Feenstra für die genaue Durchführung vieler Experimente.     

A new tandem route to angular tetraquinanes. Synthesis of the Waihoensene ring system

[formula: see text] This paper describes a new tandem reaction sequence leading to angularly fused polyquinanes from squaric acid-derived bicyclo[6.3.0]-undecadienediones. Such compounds undergo a dual Michael addition. The enolate form in the first intermolecular addition undergoes the second intramolecular transannular addition to give the angular polyquinanes. A particularly interesting example is a catalytic transformation of cis-13-methylyricyclo[10.3.0.0]pentadeca-4(5),12(13)-diene-3 ,14-dione to (3R*,3aS*,5aR*,9aR*,11aR*)-3-methyl-1,2,3,5,5a,6 ,7,10,11,11a-decahydro-4H- pentaleno[6a,1-c]indene-2,10-dione, a compound having the tetracyclic ring system found in the natural product waihoensene. The mechanism and synthetic scope of these reactions are discussed.     

Validation studies and proficiency testing

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) entered the European food market in 1996. Current legislation demands the labeling of food products if they contain <1% GMO, as assessed for each ingredient of the product. To create confidence in the testing methods and to complement enforcement requirements, there is an urgent need for internationally validated methods, which could serve as reference methods. To date, several methods have been submitted to validation trials at an international level; approaches now exist that can be used in different circumstances and for different food matrixes. Moreover, the requirement for the formal validation of methods is clearly accepted; several national and international bodies are active in organizing studies. Further validation studies, especially on the quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods, need to be performed to cover the rising demand for new extraction methods and other background matrixes, as well as for novel GMO constructs.