Monitoring photodynamic therapy of localized infections by bioluminescence imaging of genetically engineered bacteria

The increasing occurrence of multi-antibiotic resistant microbes has led to the search for alternative methods of killing pathogens and treating infections. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the combination of non-toxic dyes and harmless visible light to produce reactive oxygen species that can kill mammalian and microbial cells. Although the photodynamic inactivation of bacteria has been known for over a hundred years, its use to treat infections has not been much developed. This may be partly due to the difficulty of monitoring the effectiveness of PDT in animal models of infection. In order to facilitate this monitoring process, we have developed a procedure that uses bioluminescent genetically engineered bacteria and a light sensitive imaging system to allow real-time visualization of infections. When these bacteria are treated with PDT in vitro, the loss of luminescence parallels the loss of colony-forming ability. We have developed several models of infections in wounds and soft-tissue abscesses in mice that can be followed by bioluminescence imaging. The size and intensity of the infection can be sequentially monitored in a non-invasive fashion in individual mice in real-time. When photosensitizers are introduced into the infected tissue followed by illumination with red light, a light-dose dependent loss of luminescence is seen. If the bacterium is invasive, the loss of luminescence correlates with increased survival of the mice, whilst animals in control groups die of sepsis within five days. Healing of the PDT treated wounds is not impaired and may actually be improved. This approach can allow many animal models of localized infections to be accurately monitored for efficacy of treatment by PDT.     

An initial assessment of the use of gradient elution in microemulsion and micellar liquid chromatography

Novel microemulsion and micellar HPLC separations have been achieved using gradient elution and columns packed with reverse phase material. Initial attempts at gradient microemulsion liquid chromatography proved impossible on use of a microemulsion successfully used in capillary electrophoresis. Optimisation of the microemulsion composition allowed the generation of stable microemulsions to achieve separations in HPLC. The novel use of organic-solvent micellar chromatography in gradient elution mode was shown to give efficient separations. A range of efficient separations of pharmaceuticals and related impurities were obtained. Acidic, basic, and neutral solutes were resolved covering a wide range of water solubilities and polarities. Elution times were in the order of 4-15 minutes. Separations were briefly compared to those accomplished with a micellar HPLC system. It is proposed that gradient elution in both microemulsion and micellar HPLC can be regarded as a highly successful means of achieving resolution of complex mixtures and should be considered for routine analysis and further investigation.     

The influence of alpha1-acid glycoprotein on collagenase-3 activity in early rheumatoid arthritis

The concentration and glycosylation of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) alter significantly during inflammation. A definitive physiological role for AGP remains elusive and is the subject of extensive investigation. This study investigated the influence of AGP on the activity of collagenase-3, an important mediator of cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. AGP was isolated from normal and rheumatoid plasma. Fucosylation was determined by high pH anion-exchange chromatography; sialylation was assessed following enzymatic digest. Rheumatoid AGP displayed elevated fucosylation and sialylation compared with normal. The influence of each sample on collagenase-3 activity was measured fluorometrically. AGP influenced collagenase-3 catalysis and collagen binding, with catalytic activity correlating with fucosylation. Rheumatoid AGP exhibited less efficient inhibition than normal plasma AGP. It is hypothesized that AGP within rheumatoid synovial fluid may be inadequate to prevent excessive cartilage destruction and hence may exacerbate the disease process.     

Structure, modelling and dynamic behaviour of aza- and azaoxamacrocyclic ligands derived from (R,R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane

Investigations into the conformational behaviour of macrocyclic ligands 5 and 6 derived from (R,R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane have been undertaken using molecular modelling, single crystal X-ray diffraction and variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. These have revealed that the lowest energy conformers in both cases do not possess the expected C2-element of symmetry, which can only be accessed at higher temperatures. Instead both molecules exist as C1-conformers at room temperature and in the solid state. In solution a range of dynamic exchange processes is observed which result, in part from the inherent strain in these fused bicyclic systems. An unexpected but characteristic feature of the C1-symmetric conformers is highlighted by the presence of a signal at unexpectedly low field in their 1H NMR spectra due to the interaction of two of the sulfonyl oxygen atoms with one of the bridgehead hydrogen atoms.     

A calix(4)arene pyridine derivative and its monomeric component: structural and thermodynamic aspects of their complexation with metal cations

The interaction of a calix(4)arene derivative, namely 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetra[2-(4-pyridyl)methoxy]calix(4)arene, 1a, and its monomeric component, p-tert-butylphenoxy-4-pyridine, 1b, with metal cations has been investigated in acetonitrile and methanol. (1)H NMR measurements carried out in CD(3)CN show the primary role played by the pyridyl nitrogens in their complexation with metal cations. Conductance measurements demonstrated that for all cations (except mercury) the composition of the metal ion complexes of 1a is 1:1 (ligand:metal cation). However, 1a hosts two mercury cations per unit of ligand. For the monomer 1b, complexes of 2:1 (ligand:metal cation) stoichiometries are formed with the exception of Pb(2+) (1:1 composition). The thermodynamics of complexation of these systems are reported in acetonitrile. Data in methanol are limited to stability constant values for mercury(II) and these ligands. This paper demonstrates for the first time that thermodynamic data for the complexation of the monomeric component of the ligand and metal cations contribute significantly to the interpretation of systems involving cation-calixarene interactions in solution.     

Preparation of 8-(arylsulfanyl)adenines with diazonium salts under mild, aerobic conditions

8-(Arylsulfanyl)adenines 11 were prepared in up to 75% yield by reacting the 8-thionoadenine 6 (acetic acid 3-(6-amino-8-thioxo-7,8-dihydropurin-9-yl)propyl ester) with benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborates in DMSO. Benzenediazonium ions carrying an electron-withdrawing substituent gave the highest yields. The reaction proceeded smoothly at room temperature without any base and could be performed under air atmosphere. The extremely mild conditions are compatible with a wide range of functional groups.     

Polyethers derived from bisphenols and highly fluorinated aromatics

A series of fluorinated aromatic polyethers was synthesized via aromatic nucleophilic substitution of highly fluorinated aromatics (1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene, hexafluorobenzene, and decafluorobiphenyl) with bisphenol AF or bisphenol A. Polymerization with 1,2,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene was not observed, and polymerization of hexafluorobenzene with bisphenol proceeded only if the potassium carbonate–bisphenol ratio was carefully controlled. The polymer condensed from decafluorobiphenyl and bisphenol AF was prepared in 77% yield with an inherent viscosity of 1.01 dL/g. The polymer prepared from the condensation of decafluorobiphenyl with bisphenol A was obtained in 48% yield with an inherent viscosity of 0.28 dL/g. These polymers were very soluble in common organic solvents, formed clear, colorless films, and were thermally stable (> 450°C by TGA). The fully fluorinated polymer exhibited low water uptake (0.3%) and dielectric constant (2.17). © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Steam distillation with resin extraction for isolation and concentration of organic compounds from aqueous samples

Steam distillation is combined with solid-phase resin extraction using a simple apparatus and interface. A concentration factor of at least 100 is obtained. The method is effective for the isolation and concentration of organic compounds from complex aqueous samples ar μg l^?1 levels. Factors affecting the recovery of model compounds are studied; it is shown that the recovery of many compounds is improved markedly by disconnecting the condenser. Under proper conditions, compounds with boiling points in excess of 400°C are recovered quantitatively in only 24 mill.     

Photo-oxidation of metal carbynes

Photo-oxidation of the metal carbyne complexes (η-C⁵H₅)L₁L₂MCR (MMo, W; L₁, L₂CO, P(OMe)₃; R ≡ phenyl, cyclopropyl) generates radical that are extremely reactive. Depending on the reaction conditions, either the oxidized species exhibit the ligand exchange and atom abstraction processes typical of metal radicals, or the carbyne ligands undergo a series of highly unusual rearrangement to yield organic products. For the cyclopropyl carbynes (η⁵-C₅H₅)[P(OMe)₃](CO)MC(c-C₃H₅), photo-oxidation in the absence of added ligands results in the formation of cyclopentenone. When substituents are present on the cyclopropyl ring, single regioisomers or stereoisomers of the resulting cyclopentenones are produced.