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Actinorhizal nodules are structurally different from legume nodules and show a greater similarity to lateral roots. Because of the important role of auxins in lateral root and nodule formation, auxin profiles were examined in roots and nodules of the actinorhizal species Datisca glomerata and the model legume Medicago truncatula. The auxin response in roots and nodules of both species was analyzed in transgenic root systems expressing a beta-glucuronidase gene under control of the synthetic auxin-responsive promoter DR5. The effects of two different auxin on root development were compared for both species. The auxin present in nodules at the highest levels was phenylacetic acid (PAA). No differences were found between the concentrations of active auxins of roots vs. nodules, while levels of the auxin conjugate indole-3-acetic acid-alanine were increased in nodules compared to roots of both species. Because auxins typically act in concert with cytokinins, cytokinins were also quantified. Concentrations of cis -zeatin and some glycosylated cytokinins were dramatically increased in nodules compared to roots of D. glomerata , but not of M. truncatula. The ratio of active auxins to cytokinins remained similar in nodules compared to roots in both species. The auxin response, as shown by the activation of the DR5 promoter, seemed significantly reduced in nodules compared to roots of both species, suggesting the accumulation of auxins in cell types that do not express the signal transduction pathway leading to DR5 activation. Effects on root development were analyzed for the synthetic auxin naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and PAA, the dominant auxin in nodules. Both auxins had similar effects, except that the sensitivity of roots to PAA was lower than to NAA. However, while the effects of both auxins on primary root growth were similar for both species, effects on root branching were different: both auxins had the classical positive effect on root branching in M. truncatula , but a negative effect in D. glomerata. Such a negative effect of exogenous auxin on root branching has previously been found for a cucurbit that forms lateral root primordia in the meristem of the parental root; however, root branching in D. glomerata does not follow that pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FeMoSe nanosheets were prepared and used as recyclable synergistic catalyst. • Pyrrolo[1,2- a ]quinoxalines was synthesized via solvent-free one-pot strategy. • Greener synthesis was achieved. FeMoSe nanocatalyst was synthesized using solvothermal approach from readily available precursors, namely Mo(CO) 6 , FeSO 4 and Se, and characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. The FeMoSe material offered high catalytic activity in the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2- a ]quinoxalines via solvent-free one-pot strategy starting from 2-nitroanilines. Compared to previous works, the significant advantages of our protocols are: (i) solvent-free simple, direct synthesis; (ii) using phenylacetic acids as both Brønsted acid catalysts and reactants; (iii) no requirement of any external oxidants or reductants; and (iv) recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for cyclization. To our best knowledge, synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2- a ]quinoxalines using such a synergistic bimetallic system was not previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of acute and chronic infections. Usually a commensal on the host body, P. aeruginosa is capable of transforming into a virulent pathogen upon sensing favorable changes in the host immune system or stress cues. P. aeruginosa infections are hard to eradicate, because this pathogen has developed strong resistance to most conventional antibiotics; in addition, in chronic infections it commonly forms a biofilm matrix, which provides bacterial cells a protected environment to withstand various stresses including antibiotics. Given its importance as a human pathogen and its notorious antimicrobial tolerance, P. aeruginosa has been the subject of intensive investigations internationally. Research progress over the last two decades has unveiled a range of chemical communication systems in this pathogen. These diversified chemical communication systems endow P. aeruginosa a superb ability and remarkable flexibility to coordinate and modulate accordingly the transcriptional expression of various sets of genes associated with virulence and other physiologic activities in response to environmental changes. A fair understanding of the chemical signaling mechanisms with which P. aeruginosa governs virulence gene expression may hold the key to developing alternative therapeutic interventions that control and prevent bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the preceding research, stevia has been typically cloned in vitro using two media, on which the shoots were formed (3-6 weeks), and on the other they were rooted (3-5 weeks). This study aimed at finding the possibility for rapid stevia propagation from large nodal explants using the MS basal medium [Murashige and Skoog 1962], with low auxin concentrations (0.5, 1 and 2 mg.dm-3). The plants were obtained as soon as after three weeks. The best results were obtained from media with various concentrations of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the highest concentration of phenylacetic acid (PAA). Plants were formed by 83.9-86.0% of explants, they had high weight (234-253 mg), two shoots measuring 2.07-2.37 cm and 5.8-8.3 roots measuring 1.00-1.24 cm. Mean plant weight was the lowest on media with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (185-192 mg). Both explant buds formed single shoots, but their development was typically uneven. The differences in the length and weight of shoots were the lowest on media with IAA and at lower PAA concentrations. Plants from the media with IAA and the control medium were distinguished by higher number of nodes. The percentage share of shoots in the total plant weight was the highest on media with PAA (62.1-62.7%), and the lowest at higher concentrations of α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (47.9 and 48.9%). Parts of explants immersed in media developed callus, and the highest amounts of this tissue were found in the media with NAA. 92.3% of plants survived the acclimatization. The applied procedure may be used for rapid in vitro cloning of selected stevia genotypes. The use of one medium enables reduction of seedling production costs. Moreover, cyclical cloning and extending the production scale is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HO-PAA) is produced by intestinal microbiota from L-tyrosine. High concentrations in human fecal water have been associated with cytotoxicity, urging us to test HO-PAA's effects on human colonocytes. We compared these effects with those of phenylacetic acid (PAA), phenol and acetaldehyde, also issued from amino acids fermentation. HT-29 Glc−/+ human colonocytes were exposed for 24 h to metabolites at concentrations between 350 and 1000 μM for HO-PAA and PAA, 250-1500 μM for phenol and 25-500 μM for acetaldehyde. We evaluated metabolites'cytotoxicity with 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and DNA quantification assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production with H2DCF-DA, and DNA damage with the comet assay. We measured cell oxygen consumption and mitochondrial complexes activity by polarography. Although HO-PAA displayed no cytotoxic effect on colonocytes, it decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and oxygen consumption. This was paralleled by an increase in ROS production and DNA alteration. Cells pretreatment with N -acetylcysteine, a ROS scavenger, decreased genotoxic effects of HO-PAA, indicating implication of oxidative stress in HO-PAA's genotoxicity. PAA and phenol did not reproduce these effects, but were cytotoxic towards colonocytes. Last, acetaldehyde displayed no effect in terms of cytotoxicity and mitochondrial metabolic activity, but increased DNA damage. Several bacterial metabolites produced from amino acids displayed deleterious effects on human colonocytes, in terms of genotoxicity (HO-PAA and acetaldehyde) or cytotoxicity (PAA and phenol). This study helps understanding the consequences of intestinal microbiota's metabolic activity on the host since amino acids fermentation can lead to the formation of compounds toxic towards colonic epithelial cells. • HO-PAA increases oxidative stress and causes DNA damage to colonocytes. • HO-PAA decreases colonocyte oxygen consumption by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I. • PAA and phenol are cytotoxic towards colonocytes. • Acetaldeyde, although not cytotoxic, is genotoxic towards colonocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Pd-catalyzed direct Csp2-H alkynylation using low catalyst loading (1 mol%). • Broad substrate scope, easy scalability and further transformation. • The kinetic studies show that the Pd(OAc) 2 in combination of the pyridine provides a highly robust and effective catalyst. The palladium-catalyzed alkynylation of phenylacetic acid derivatives using 4-CF 3 C 6 F 4 NH 2 as the auxiliary is described. The reaction efficiency can be greatly promoted by pyridine ligand, which enables the reaction to proceed at a catalyst loading as low as 1 mol%. Various functional groups are tolerated under the reaction conditions. The kinetic studies show that the rate of the reaction is first order in phenylacetamide and the Pd(OAc) 2 in combination of the pyridine ligand provides a highly robust and effective catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deuterium‐labeled compounds find wide applications in kinetic studies, and within the pharmaceutical industry. An easily removable pyrimidine‐based auxiliary has been employed for the meta‐C−H deuteration of arenes. The scope of this Pd‐catalyzed deuteration using commercially available [D1]‐ and [D4]‐acetic acid has been demonstrated by its application in phenylacetic acid and phenylmethanesulfonate derivatives. A detailed mechanistic study led us to explore the reversibility of the non‐rate determining C−H activation step. The present study of meta‐deuterium incorporation illustrates the template morphology in terms of selectivity. The applicability of this method has been demonstrated by the selective deuterium incorporation into various pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) is one of the most treacherous pathogens among those causing hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). A. baumannii possesses an adaptable physiology, seen not only in its antibiotic resistance and virulence phenotypes but also in its metabolic versatility. In this study, we observed that A. baumannii undergoes global transcriptional changes in response to human pleural fluid (PF), a key host-derived environmental signal. Differential gene expression analyses combined with experimental approaches revealed changes in A. baumannii metabolism, affecting cytotoxicity, persistence, bacterial killing, and chemotaxis. Over 1,220 genes representing 55% of the differentially expressed transcriptomic data corresponded to metabolic processes, including the upregulation of glutamate, short chain fatty acid, and styrene metabolism. We observed an upregulation by 1.83- and 2.61-fold of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex subunits E3 and E2, respectively. We also found that pyruvate (PYR), in conjunction with PF, triggers an A. baumannii pathogenic behavior that adversely impacts human epithelial cell viability. Interestingly, PF also amplified A. baumannii cytotoxicity against murine macrophages, suggesting an immune evasion strategy implemented by A. baumannii. Moreover, we uncovered opposing metabolic strategies dependent on the degree of pathogenicity of the strains, where less pathogenic strains demonstrated greater utilization of PYR to promote persister formation in the presence of PF. Additionally, our transcriptomic analysis and growth studies of A. baumannii suggest the existence of an alternative phenylalanine (PA) catabolic route independent of the phenylacetic acid pathway, which converts PA to phenylpyruvate (PP) and shuttles intermediates into styrene metabolism. This alternative route promoted a neutrophil-evasive state, as PF-induced degradation of PP significantly reduced overall human neutrophil chemotaxis in ex vivo chemotactic assays. Taken together, these data highlight A. baumannii pathoadaptabililty in response to host signals and provide further insight into the role of bacterial metabolism in virulence traits, antibiotic persistence strategies, and host innate immune evasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Metagenomic libraries are a novel and powerful approach to seek for pathways involved in xenobiotic degradation, since this technique abolishes the need for cultivating microorganisms that otherwise would be overlooked if they cannot grow on standard laboratory media and conditions. In this paper, we describe the expression, purification and characterization of a novel metagenomic thioesterase which was described to be involved in phenylacetic acid degradation (A. Sánchez-Reyes, R. Batista-García, G. Valdés-García E. Ortiz, L. Perezgasga, A. Zárate-Romero, N. Pastor, J. L. Folch-Mallol, A Family 13 thioesterase isolated from an activated sludge metagenome: insights into aromatic compounds metabolism, Proteins 85 (2017) 1222–1237). According to similarity and phylogenetic analyses, the enzyme seems to belong to an Actinobacterium. Nevertheless, after a process of denaturation and refolding, the protein expressed in E. coli was obtained in an active form. New data concerning the substrate preferences for this enzyme are presented which suggest that this thioesterase could be involved in breaking the ester bond in the CoA-linear acyl derivatives of the phenylacetic acetic pathway. Highlights • Activated sludge from a water treatment plant as a source of activities to study xenobiotic compound degradation. • Characterization of substrate affinity for linear and Acyl-CoA derivatives by a metagenomic thioesterase purified from E.coli. • Actinobacterium protein expressed in E. coli and purified by solubilization of inclusion bodies and re-folding. • Metagenomic thioesterase involved in aromatic degradation pathways could be useful for bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most amino acids contain chiral centres and exist as both D‐enantiomer and L‐enantiomer. The optically pure enantiomer is often more valuable than the racemate. Enzymatic resolution provides an effective strategy to obtain optically pure amino acids but often results in large amounts of unwanted isomer. In this study, optically pure L‐glufosinate (L‐PPT) was obtained by coupling amidase‐mediated hydrolysis of N‐phenylacetyl‐D,L‐glufosinate with racemization of N‐phenylacetyl‐D‐glufosinate (NPDG), which exclusively exhibits effective herbicidal properties compared with its D‐enantiomer. To improve the yield of L‐PPT, the racemization reaction conditions were optimized, and through single‐factor experiments, the optimal reaction temperature, reaction time, and mole ratio of phenylacetic acid to NPDG were determined to be 150°C, 30 minutes, and 1.5, respectively. The response surface methodology was applied to further optimize the racemization conditions, and the final yield of L‐PPT reached 96.13% with optimum reaction temperature of 154°C, reaction time of 23 minutes, and phenylacetic acid/NPDG mole ratio of 1.7, respectively. Moreover, adding a small amount of acetic anhydride further raised the yield of L‐PPT to 97.02%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Zn(II) complex with the formula {[ZnL2(dibe)2]·2H2O}n (synthesized using a carboxylic acid ligand, L = phenylacetic acid, dibe = 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy)) is synthesized at room temperature, characterized and its DNA binding, cleavage, anticancer properties are studied by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The interaction of the complex with fish sperm DNA (FS-DNA) is monitored, which reveals that the complex has the ability to bind to FS-DNA. The complex is further studied for the gel electrophoresis assay with supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA. In addition, anticancer activities of the metal complex investigated through MTT in vitro assays, indicate that the complex shows good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry and apoptosis experiments show that the complex induces apoptosis of HeLa cells, which demonstrates that the complex exhibits a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluconobacter oxydans can be used as a whole-cell biocatalyst in many industrial processes focused on production of carbonyl and carboxylic compounds by oxidation of respective alcohols. However, high biocatalyst production costs limit its widespread industrial application. Therefore, the influence of Gluconobacter oxydans cultivation conditions on cell growth and the activity in biooxidation of 2-phenylethanol to phenylacetaldehyde and phenylacetic acid was investigated using batch and fed-batch cultivation cultures. The maximum total activity (given by the product of specific activity of cells and biomass concentration) was obtained by batch cultivation in a medium containing 25 g/L glycerol, at pH 4.5 and 20% oxygen saturation. In a fed-batch culture the best biomass growth was obtained with the feeding medium containing 125 g/L glycerol at a flow rate of 0.02 L/h per 0.5 L of starting culture volume. Although the final biomass concentration was around two times higher, the specific biotransformation activity of cells was only around 20% compared to the biocatalyst prepared by batch culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fifteen 2,3-DPA derivatives were designed and synthesized via Perkin reaction. • (Z)-2,3-DPA derivative (1l′) was reported for the first time as a major product. • Mushroom tyrosinase and B16F10 cells were used for in vitro studies. • 1c significantly decreased the activity of mushroom and cellular tyrosinase. • In docking studies, 1c strongly binds to tyrosinase than kojic acid. During our continued search for strong skin whitening agents over the past ten years, we have investigated the efficacies of many tyrosinase inhibitors containing a common (E)-β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl scaffold, which we found to be essential for the effective inhibition of mushroom and mammalian tyrosinases. In this study, we explored the tyrosinase inhibitory effects of 2,3-diphenylacrylic acid (2,3-DPA) derivatives, which also possess the (E)-β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl motif. We synthesized fourteen (E)-2,3-DPA derivatives 1a – 1n and one (Z)-2,3-DPA-derivative 1l′ using a Perkin reaction with phenylacetic acid and appropriate substituted benzaldehydes. In our mushroom tyrosinase assay, 1c showed higher tyrosinase inhibitory activity (76.43 ± 3.53%, IC 50 = 20.04 ± 1.91 µM) with than the other 2,3-DPA derivatives or kojic acid (21.56 ± 2.93%, IC 50 = 30.64 ± 1.27 μM). Our mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory results were supported by our docking study, which showed compound 1c (−7.2 kcal/mole) exhibited stronger binding affinity for mushroom tyrosinase than kojic acid (−5.7 kcal/mole). In B16F10 melanoma cells (a murine cell-line), 1c showed no cytotoxic effect up to a concentration of 25 μM and exhibited greater tyrosinase inhibitory activity (68.83%) than kojic acid (49.39%). In these cells, arbutin (a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor used as the positive control) only inhibited tyrosinase by 42.67% even at a concentration of 400 μM. Furthermore, at 25 µM, 1c reduced melanin contents in B16F10 melanoma cells by 24.3% more than kojic acid (62.77% vs. 38.52%). These results indicate 1c is a promising candidate treatment for pigmentation-related diseases and potential skin whitening agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triphenylacetic acid underwent unusual decarbonylation when allowed to react with a series of halides of group 4–6 metals in their highest oxidation state, in dichloromethane at ambient temperature. Thus, the reaction of CPh3COOH with MoCl5, in 1 : 1 molar ratio, afforded the trityl salt [CPh3][MoOCl4], 1, in 79% yield, while the 1 : 2 reaction of CPh3COOH with NbF5 afforded [CPh3][NbF6], 2, in 70% yield, NbOF3 being the metal co-product. CPh3COOH reacted with NbCl5, TiF4 and WOCl4 to give mixtures of compounds, however the cation [CPh3]+ was NMR identified in each case. [CPh3][NbCl6], 3, was isolated from NbCl5 and CPh3COCl, prior to being generated from CPh3COOH and PCl5. The reaction of CPh3COOH with TiCl4 was non-selective, and the salt [CPh3][Ti2Cl8(μ-κ2-O2CCPh3)], 4, was obtained in 18% yield. The decarbonylation reactions of CMePh2COCl and CMe2PhCOCl by means of NbCl5 led to the indanes 5a–b, which were isolated in 79–97% yields after hydrolysis of the mixtures and subsequent alumina filtration of the organic phases. The reactions of CH(Ph)2COOH with NbCl5 and WCl6 afforded NbCl4(OOCCHPh2), 6, and CHPh2COCl, respectively, as the prevalent species. CPh2(CH2CH2Br)COOH did not undergo CO release when allowed to interact with WCl6, instead selective intramolecular condensation to C(Ph)2C(=O)OCH2CH2, 7, occurred. MeC≡CCOOH underwent hydrochlorination by WCl6 to give MeC(Cl)=CHCOOH, 8, in 72% yield. All the products were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the solid state structures of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 were elucidated by X-ray diffraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity of Ag-Ag 2 S nanoparticles supported on environmentally benign cellulose matrix has been discussed. The nanoparticles carry out controlled oxidation of benzylic alcohols to aldehydes at room temperature. Same nanoparticles also carry out oxidative decarboxylation of phenylacetic acid and decarboxylation of mandelic acid derivatives to corresponding aldehydes under comparatively milder conditions. Stability and recyclability of the catalyst has been studied. The advantages of the catalyst developed in this work over other previous reports include room temperature or comparatively low temperature reaction, shorter reaction times, no requirement of stoichiometric oxidant or ligands, use of green solvents, functional group tolerance, and recyclability. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Cellulose supported Ag-Ag 2 S nanoparticles synthesized and characterized. • Prepared nanoparticles oxidize benzylic alcohols to aldehydes at room temperature. • It also decarboxylate phenylacetic acids to aldehydes. • Catalyst retains its activity even after five times of recycling. • Mostly green solvents like water and acetonitrile is used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • RSDOM with Se treated in soil (RSDOM Se) shows stronger inhibition on S. sclerotiorum growth. • RSDOM Se causes serious damage on cell membrane and reduced virulence of S. sclerotiorum. • Se treated in soil causes composition change in RSDOM. • Increase of seven organic acid in RSDOM improves inhibition on S. sclerotiorum growth. Abstract Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) is a soil-borne pathogen with broad host range. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a vital role in regulating microbial activity in soil. Exogenous selenium (Se) inhibits plant pathogen growth and enhances the capacity of plants to resist disease. DOM from rape straw with Se treated in soil (RSDOM Se) was extracted, and the inhibitory effect on S. sclerotiorum growth was investigated. RSDOM Se inhibited S. sclerotiorum growth, which not only caused severe damage to S. sclerotiorum hyphae but also enhanced soluble protein leakage, thereby improving the growth inhibition ratio by 20.9%. As the action in intercellular, RSDOM Se led to a significant increase in oxalic acid and decrease in CWDE (cell wall-degrading enzyme, which helps pathogens to invade plants) activities, downregulation of Bi1 (BAX inhibitor-1, required for S. sclerotiorum virulence), Ggt1 (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, regulates the ROS antioxidant system), CWDE2 and CWDE10 gene expression levels, compared with non-Se treated RSDOM (RSDOM N). Eight metabolites upregulated in RSDOM Se were identified by GC-TOF-MS, and among these metabolites, fumaric acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, mucic acid, saccharic acid, succunic acid and phenylacetic acid showed significant inhibition on S. sclerotiorum growth. These findings provide valuable insight into a new approach for developing eco-friendly fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coordination polymers, namely {[Cu(oba)(bpb)0.5](DMF)2}n [1, H2oba = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid), bpb = 1,4-di(pyridin-4-yl)benzene] and {[Zn7(TPA)6(F)4(H2O)6](NO3)4(DMF)3}n (2, Htpa = 4-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenylacetic acid, DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide) have been successfully constructed under solvothermal conditions. The in vitro anti-cancer activities of compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated on cancer cells in this study. The CCK-8 assay indicated both compounds 1 and 2 have excellent anti-cancer ability, but the activity of compound 1 is much stronger than compound 2. And the Annexin V-FITC/PI assay revealed that compounds exert anti-cancer effect via inducing cells apoptosis. Then, the further ROS assay revealed that the compound could induce human gastric cancer cells AGS apoptosis by up-regulating the ROS related genes and increasing the generation of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new iron‐organic framework, VNU‐22 {[Fe3(BTC)(BPDC)2]·11.97H2O}, constructed from BTC3–, BPDC2– pillars and infinite [Fe3(CO2)7]∞ rod SBU, was obtained. The VNU‐22 was utilized as a heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridines via cascade reactions from acetophenones and phenylacetic acids with ammonium acetate as a nitrogen source. This transformation is new. The VNU‐22 was more active in the cascade reactions than many homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. The framework catalyst was recovered and reutilized without an appreciable decline in its performance. To our best knowledge, this synthetic pathway to 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridines was not previously reported, and would attract interests from the chemical industry. Iron‐based Metal‐organic framework (VNU‐22) was utilized as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridines via cascade reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was done to show the changes in the liver following diclofenac treatment and to study the hepatoprotective effects of Vitamin E and C in diclofenac treated rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups each six rats. Group-1: Control rats (n = 6), Group-2: Rats (n = 6) treated with diclofenac at dose of 50 mg/kg IM for 7 days, Group-3: Rats (n = 6) treated with Vitamin C at dose of 200 mg/kg orally followed by diclofenac at 50 mg/kg IM 2 h later for 7 days, and Group 4: Rats (n = 6) treated with Vitamin E at dose of 200 IU/kg orally followed by diclofenac at 50 mg/kg IM 2 h later for 7 days. Later it was analyzed with standard biomarkers, and it was histologically interpreted. Results: the results showed that there was an rapid increase in the levels of liver function test in diclofenac treated group, which was significantly decreased after pretreatment with vitamin E than vitamin c. The liver acinus showed centriacinar necrosis of hepatocytes after 7 days of diclofenac treatment, which was prevented by administration of Vitamin E and C. Discussion: Drug-induced liver injury possesses a major clinical problem and has become a leading cause of acute liver failure and transplantation. Overstressed liver compromises its detoxification role which may expose it to a variety of diseases and disorders. Diclofenac sodium is a phenylacetic acid derivative, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, dental pain, spondyloarthritis, acute migraine, gout attacks, and pain management in gall and renal stones. Although the exact mechanism by with diclofenac injuries liver is not understood, some studies explain the toxicity by affecting cytochrome P 450 leading to the production of active metabolites. Conclusion: hepatoprotective effects of Vitamin E were better compared to Vitamin C following treatment with NSAID. Hence, it may be necessary to administer Vitamin E in patients treated with diclofenac. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated a novel functionalized polymeric film derived from 4-mercaptophenylacetic acid (MPAA). The polymerization was carried out through cyclic voltammetry (CV). Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and morphological analyses were used for characterization. Only acidic medium provided an efficient electrode modification as the electrochemical and morphological profiles obtained from treatment in alkaline solution resembles the unmodified electrode. The electrostatic repulsion between the carboxylate anions in the polymer and ferricyanide probe was verified by the current decrease in CV profiles and by the resistance of charge transfer increase through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a complete and homogeneous coverage with a splinter-like morphology. The polymer presents stability under storage conditions until 35 days with no lixiviation during washing steps or loss of activity. The FT-IR measurements confirm the presence of the carboxyl group in the polymer suggesting a polymerization through the sulfur atom, which led to a mechanism proposal. The immobilization of enzyme tyrosinase over this platform and the detection of tyramine were performed successfully. 50 U of the enzyme for 18 h at pH 7.2 was the optimum parameters leading to a limit of detection and limit of quantification of 3.16 μmol L and 10.52 μmol L, respectively. With Kmapp of 62.11 μmol L and a recovery rate of 110.84% in a wine sample, the novel, stable, functionalized material formed over a low-cost electrode is suitable for further electrochemical applications exploiting the chemical reaction of carboxyl groups for biosensor purposing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • New chiral amines having chiral morpholine and pyrrolidine moieties were prepared. • These chiral amines formed copper (II) complexes in situ to catalyze Henry reaction. • Asymmetric Henry reaction furnished corresponding β-nitro alcohol in good yields. • Coupling of aromatic aldehyde with nitromethane achieved good enantioselectivity. • The stereochemical preference can be explained via a proposed transition state. Abstract In this study, several chiral diamine (35, 36, 37 and 39), triamine (24 and 25), diaminol (38, 42 and 43) and triaminol ligands (29 and 30) having chiral morpholine and pyrrolidine moieties conjugated constitutes, were prepared from commercially available (S)-2-amino-2-phenylacetic acid and (S)-proline. These ligands were complexed with copper (II) salt in situ and applied to asymmetric Henry reaction. Asymmetric addition of various structurally divergent aldehydes and nitromethane in the presence of 5 mol% of chiral ligand with CuCl 2 furnished corresponding β-nitro alcohol in good yields (up to 55–79%) with good enantioselectivity (up to 89%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymmetric synthesis of a Rho kinase/norepinephrine transport inhibitor, netarsudil, the active component in the recently FDA-approved product Rhopressa™, is described herein. This concise six-step synthetic route utilizes the 2,4-dimethylbenzoate ester of a phenylacetic acid as the backbone of the β-amino acid's framework. A chiral enolate of the Evans auxiliary, (R)-4-benzyloxazolidin-2-one, is used to direct the formation of the (S)-stereocenter by incorporating the N-Boc-protected ß-amino methyl arm with high diastereoselectivity (96:4 dr) using N-Boc-1-aminomethylbenzotriazole as the electrophile. Uniquely, 2,2,2-trichloro-1,1-dimethylethyl chloroformate is used as a non-racemizing activating agent for the coupling reaction between the chiral (S)-N-Boc-protected 2,4-dimethylbenzoyloxymethyl phenyl propanoic acid and 6-aminoisoquinoline to provide N-Boc-protected netarsudil in good yield and excellent enantiomeric purity (63%, 98% ee). Final acidic deprotection and recrystallization provides netarsudil (>99% ee), an ophthalmic agent used for the treatment of patients with openangle glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known for inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Diclofenac and its analogs, having phenylacetic acid moiety, are important NSAIDs. In this review article, various methodologies developed after 90 s for the synthesis of various analogs/derivatives of diclofenac sodium have been discussed and summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant hormone biology is an ever-evolving field and as such, novel avenues of research must always be sought. Technological and theoretical advancement can also allow for previously dismissed research to yield equally interesting insights into processes now that they are better understood. The auxin phenylacetic acid (PAA) is an excellent example of this. PAA is a plant auxin that also possesses substantial antimicrobial activity. It has a broad distribution and has been studied in bacteria, fungi, algae and land plants. Research on this compound in plants was prominent in the 1980s, where its bioactivity and broad distribution were frequently examined. Unfortunately, due to the strong interest in the quintessential auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), research on PAA quickly petered out. Recently, several groups have resumed investigations on this hormone in plants, yet, little is known about PAA biology and its physiological role is unclear. PAA biosynthesis from the amino acid Phe invites direct comparisons with previously studied IAA biosynthesis pathways, and recent work has shown that PAA metabolism and signaling appears to be similar to that of IAA. However, given the large gap between previous work and recent investigations, a historical review of this auxin is required to renew our understanding of PAA. Here, previous work on PAA is reassessed in light of recent research in plants and serves as a synthesis of current knowledge on PAA biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Odour active compounds in traditional balsamic and balsamic vinegars of Modena were elucidated. • Lower values for sweet category in balsamic vinegars. • Lower values for miscellaneous and chemical categories in traditional balsamic ones. • Both types of vinegars were differentiated according to olfactometric data. Abstract Odour-active compounds in three traditional balsamic vinegars from Modena (TB) and seven balsamic vinegars from Modena (PGI) were determined by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) using frequency of detection methodology (modified frequency, MF, %). The main odour compounds (mean MF > 60%) were 2,3-butanedione (75%), acetic acid (70%), furan-2-carbaldehyde (62%), 1-(furan-2-yl)ethanone (62%), 2-methylpropanoic acid (66%), butanoic acid (78%), 3-methylbutanoic acid (83%), 2-phenylethyl acetate (65%), 2-hydroxy-3-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one (61%), 2-phenylethan-1-ol (84%), 3-hydroxy-2-methylpyran-4-one (60%), (5-formylfuran-2-yl)methyl acetate (68%), 2-phenylacetic acid (69%) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (86%). All odour impact compounds were grouped into 7 categories according to their aromatic character: cheesy-butter-lactic, sweet, flower, empyreumatic, fruity, chemical and miscellaneous. Balsamic vinegars from Modena showed lower values for the sweet category whereas for the miscellaneous and chemical categories they exhibited higher values than those found in traditional balsamic vinegars from Modena. A principal component analysis showed that both types of vinegars from Modena could be clearly differentiated based on olfactometric data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Efficient iridium-catalyzed decarboxylative annulation reactions between 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids and alkyne derivatives has been achieved. [IrCp*Cl 2 ] 2 with a (CH 3 OC 6 H 4) 3 P ligand, AgSbF 6 and Cu(OAc) 2 additives was the most efficient catalytic system for this transformation. This reaction is suitable for a broad range of alkynes and 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids and a variety of indenone derivatives were obtained in medium to high yields. This work provides an efficient approach for the construction of indenones by iridium–catalyzed decarboxylative annulation. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Decarboxylative annulation reaction of 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids and alkynes was catalyzed by iridium. • This reaction is suitable for a broad range of alkynes and 2-oxo-2-phenylacetic acids. • This reaction is an effective catalytic method to synthesize indenones by the one-step reaction. • A variety of indenones were obtained by the reaction in medium to high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective procedure for the synthesis of α-hydroxyphenylacetic acid with cyclodextrin (CD) catalysts was developed. The phase-transfer catalyst types, catalyst loadings, reaction times, reaction temperatures, and substrate molar ratios were investigated to optimize the reaction conditions. In addition, the factors that affect the reaction were studied, and the relationship between benzaldehyde and β -cyclodextrin (β -CD) was analyzed through 2D-ROESY. The equilibrium constant when β -CD was used as the catalyst was calculated. The results indicated that β -CD is the optimal catalyst for the reported reaction (yield: 69.08%). Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the reported reaction was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens infects plants and introduces the transferred-DNA (T-DNA) region of the Ti-plasmid into nuclear DNA of host plants to induce the formation of tumors (crown galls). The T-DNA region carries iaaM and iaaH genes for synthesis of the plant hormone auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). It has been demonstrated that the iaaM gene encodes a tryptophan 2-monooxygenase which catalyzes the conversion of tryptophan to indole-3-acetamide (IAM), and the iaaH gene encodes an amidase for subsequent conversion of IAM to IAA. In this article, we demonstrate that A. tumefaciens enhances the production of both IAA and phenylacetic acid (PAA), another auxin which does not show polar transport characteristics, in the formation of crown galls. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy, we found that the endogenous levels of phenylacetamide (PAM) and PAA metabolites, as well as IAM and IAA metabolites, are remarkably increased in crown galls formed on the stem of tomato plants, implying that two distinct auxins are simultaneously synthesized via the IaaM-IaaH pathway. Moreover, we found that the induction of the iaaM gene dramatically elevated the levels of PAM, PAA and its metabolites, along with IAM, IAA and its metabolites, in Arabidopsis and barley. From these results, we conclude that A. tumefaciens enhances biosynthesis of two distinct auxins in the formation of crown galls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) for 6-APA production and separation were tested. • Significant effect of the phosphate content on enzyme partitioning was observed. • ATPS providing efficient separation of the products and soluble enzyme was identified. • Suitable ATPS consists of PEG 4000 (15%), phosphates (10%), water (75%), pH8. • Concept of an integrated microfluidic reactor-separator is proposed. Abstract Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) were screened for the production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA) catalyzed by penicillin acylase, followed by the extractive separation of 6-APA from the reaction mixture. The key point of this study was to find an ATPS exhibiting a large difference in the partition coefficients of the biocatalyst and reaction products. Several ATPSs based on polyethylene glycol (PEG)/phosphate, PEG/citrate, and PEG/dextran were tested. We found that an ATPS consisting of 15 wt% of PEG 4000, 10 wt% of phosphates, 75 wt% of water (pH value 8.0 after dissolution) provided optimal separation of 6-APA from the enzyme. While the 6-APA was mainly found in the top PEG phase, the free enzyme favored the bottom salt-rich phase. This ATPS also fulfils other important requirements: (i) high buffering capacity, reducing an undesirable pH decrease due to the dissociation of phenylacetic acid (the side product of the reaction), (ii) a relatively low cost of the ATPS components, (iii) the possibility of electrophoretic transport of fine droplets as well as the reaction products for both the acceleration of phase separation and the enhancement of 6-APA concentration in the product stream. Extraction experiments in microcapillary and batch systems showed that the transport of 6-APA formed in the salt-rich phase to the corresponding PEG phase could occur within 30 s. The experimental results described form a base of knowledge for the development of continuously operating integrated microfluidic reactors-separators driven by an electric field for the efficient production of 6-APA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One‐pot multiple peptide ligation is a key technology to improve the efficiency of chemical protein synthesis. One‐pot repetitive peptide ligation requires a cycle of three steps: peptide ligation, removal of a protecting group, and inactivation of the deprotection reagent. However, previous strategies are not sufficient because of harsh deprotection conditions, slow deprotection rates, and difficulty in quenching the deprotection reagent. To address these issues, we developed a rapid, efficient deprotection and subsequent quenching strategy using an allyloxycarbonyl group to protect the N‐terminal cysteine residue. 4‐Mercaptophenylacetic acid (MPAA), a thiol additive for native chemical ligation, functioned not only as a scavenger for π‐allyl palladium complexes, but also as a quencher of palladium(0) complexes. By utilizing the multifunctionality of MPAA, we carried out a one‐pot five‐segment ligation to afford histone H2AX (142 amino acids), which was isolated in 59 % yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Cupriavidus sp. strain ST-14 can utilize (hydroxy)phenylalkanoic acids. • Diverse metabolic pathways are characterized in strain ST-14. • Strain ST-14 harbors various oxygenases of metabolic significance. • Couple of metabolic pathways are reported for the first time in strain ST-14. Abstract Cupriavidus sp. strain ST-14 isolated from municipal waste-contaminated soil had previously been described to harbour catabolic potential of assimilating 2- and 4-nitrobenzoic acids. Apart from the mononitrobenzoic acids, strain ST-14 was observed to be capable of utilizing various phenylalkanoic acids singly, as sole carbon and energy sources. The results of chromatographic and spectrometric analyses in combination with oxygen uptake and enzyme activity studies, revealed the assimilation of phenylacetic acid via phenylacetyl CoA and 3-phenylpropionic acid via β-oxidation pathway with the formation of benzoic acid and catechol as metabolic intermediates. Additionally, all the isomers of monohydroxyphenylacetic acids were metabolized by the action of substrate-specific monooxygenases to furnish homogentisic acid, which was then assimilated via classical homogentisate metabolic pathway. On the other hand, 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid were metabolized via the formation of 3-(2,3-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, respectively, ultimately leading to the TCA cycle intermediates. The present study illustrates a broad degradative potential of strain ST-14, harbouring diverse catabolic machineries of biotechnological importance, elucidating couple of pathways, reported for the first time in the assimilation of hydroxyphenylalkanoic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel oil-degrading strain Enterobacter kobei DH7 was isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil samples from the industrial park in Taolin Town, Lianyungang, China. The whole genome of the strain was sequenced and analyzed to reveal its genomic potential. The oil degradation and growth conditions including nitrogen, and phosphorus sources, degradation cycle, biological dosing, pH, and oil concentration were optimized to exploit its commercial application. The genome of the DH7 strain contains 4,705,032 bp with GC content of 54.95% and 4653 genes. The genome analysis revealed that there are several metabolic pathways and enzyme-encoding genes related to oil degradation in the DH7 genome, such as the paa gene cluster which is involved in the phenylacetic acid degradation pathway, and complete degradation pathways for fatty acid and benzoate, genes related to chlorinated alkanes and olefins degradation pathway including adhP , frmA , and adhE, etc. The strain DH7 under the optimized conditions has demonstrated a maximum degradation efficiency of 84.6% after 14 days of treatment using synthetic oil, which comparatively displays a higher oil degradation efficiency than any Enterobacter species known to date. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first-ever genomic studies related to the oil degradation potential of any Enterobacter species. As Enterobacter kobei DH7 has demonstrated significant oil degradation potential, it is one of the good candidates for application in the bioremediation of oil-contaminated environments. [Display omitted] • Novel oil-degrading strain Enterobacter kobei DH7 was isolated in this study • The DH7 genome exhibits multiple metabolic pathways related to oil degradation • E. kobei DH7 displayed the highest (84.6%) oil degradation efficiency in the genus • The strain represents a good candidate for its application in the bioremediation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Endosymbiont Bacillus tequilensis was identified in Haematococcus lacustris cells. • Optimal interaction enhanced growth and astaxanthin content in H. lacustris. • The fatty acid content of H. lacustris improved 1.99-fold under optimized conditions. • Interaction upregulated amino acid and nucleotide metabolism in H. lacustris. • Bacillus tequilensis was observed to delay pigment degradation in H. lacustris. This study identified an endosymbiotic bacterium, Bacillus tequilensis , residing within the cells of the microalga Haematococcus lacustris through 16S rRNA analysis. To confirm the optimal interactive conditions between H. lacustris and B. tequilensis , the effects of different ratios of cells using H. lacustris of different growth stages were examined. Under optimized conditions, the cell density, dry weight, chlorophyll content, and astaxanthin content of H. lacustris increased significantly, and the fatty acid content improved 1.99-fold. Microscopy demonstrated the presence of bacteria within the H. lacustris cells. The interaction upregulated amino acid and nucleotide metabolism in H. lacustris. Interestingly, muramic and phenylacetic acids were found exclusively in H. lacustris cells in the presence of B. tequilensis. Furthermore, B. tequilensis delayed pigment degradation in H. lacustris. This study reveals the impact of the endosymbiont B. tequilensis on the metabolism of H. lacustris and offers new perspectives on the symbiotic relationship between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel method for detecting trace phenylacetic acid herbicides was developed. • A double-chain cationic surfactant (DDAB) was used for enrichment in MEKC. • An effective enrichment method is achieved with affinity micelles sweeping. • The SEFs ranged from 85 to 97 compared with typical injection. A novel online two-step pressure injection-assisted stacking preconcentration method, which involves sweeping and affinity micelles in micellar electrokinetic chromatography was developed to simultaneously measure various organic anions. The micellar solution was a mixed solution that contained 0.3 mM didodecyldimethylammonium bromide and 20 mM borax. After the micellar solution was injected for 60 s, the tested analytes prepared in 20 mM borax were introduced into the capillary for 150 s. The key experimental factors that influenced the separation and sensitivity were investigated and optimized, including the concentration and injection time of the micellar solution, the concentration of borax in the sample solution, the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate and borax in the background electrolyte (BGE), the content of acetonitrile in the BGE and the injection time of the sample solution. Compared with typical injection methods, this method achieved sensitivity enhancement factors ranging from 85 to 97 under optimized conditions. Good linearity for matrix-matched calibration was established for all analytes with R2 values of 0.9986–0.9996. The intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 6) precisions of the method were less than 2.85% when expressed as relative standard deviations. When the method was applied to analyze rice and dried ginger samples, analyte recoveries ranged from 85.81% to 106.59%. Through sweeping and affinity micelles, stacking preconcentration method was successfully employed to analyze trace amounts of fenoprop and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in rice and dried ginger samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening currently is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Unfortunately, no practical cure has been available up to now. This makes the control of HLB as early as possible very important to be conducted. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the application of salicylic acid (SA) and Phenylacetic acid (PAA) on one-year-old seedlings of different citrus species ( Citrus reticulata , C. sinensis , C. aurantifolii ) growing on C. volkameriana and C. aurantium by soil drench methods. Factorial analysis of variance showed the percent change in " Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" titer and disease severity on a different combination of citrus species growing on the two rootstocks treated with inducers and Oxytetracycline (OTC) were significantly different compared to the untreated plants. SA alone or in combination with OTC provided excellent (P-value < 0.05) control of HLB based on all parameters. The interaction between both factors (Rootstocks x Citrus species) significantly influenced the Ct value (P-value = 0.0001). " Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" titer in plants treated with OTC was reduced significantly with a range of -18.75 up to -78.42. Overall, the highest reduction was observed in the application of OTC on sweet orange growing on C. volkameriana (-78.42), while the lowest reduction was observed in the same cultivar which was treated with a combination of SA and OTC (-3.36). Induction of pathogenesis-related ( PR ) genes, i.e., PR1 , PR2 , and PR15 , biosynthesis of Jasmonic acid and ethylene which are also important pathways to defense activity were also significantly increased in treated plants compared to untreated plants. This study suggests that the application of inducer alone is acceptable for HLB management. We proposed the application of SA and PAA as a soil drench on the citrus seedlings as promising, easy, and environmentally safe for HLB disease control on citrus seedlings., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Phenylacetic acid (PAA) was evaluated for its capability to promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance in tobacco (Nicotianum tabacum L cv. Xanthi) against the bacterial soft rot pathogen Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (PCC). Exogenous application of PAA influenced root formation, the activities of defence-related enzymes and the expression of defence and growth-related genes. Increased formation of lateral roots can be observed in tobacco treated with higher PAA concentrations. The highest elicitation of induced systemic resistance (ISR) was found in plants treated with 0.5 mM PAA, where the phytotoxic effect was minimal. The activities of the defence enzymes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD) and polyphnenoloxidase (PPO) were modulated upon treatment with different PAA concentrations. Reverse transcription–PCR analyses showed that 0.5 mM PAA modulated the expression of the growth-related genes NtEXP2 and NtEXP6 , and the defence-related genes Coi1 , NPR1 , PR - 1a and PR - 1b. These results showed that different concentrations of PAA can elicit different responses and effects on tobacco growth and resistance. This study presents the important role of PAA not only on plant growth but also for plant immunity against phytopathogens. Phenylacetic acid (PAA) was found to elicit induced systemic resistance (ISR) of tobacco against the bacterial soft rot pathogen, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (PCC). The exogenous application of PAA induced the expression of defense-related genes and enzymes, and promoted lateral root formation in tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Hyperinduction of nitrilase by inducer feeding approach. • Nitrilase mediated biotransformation of 4-hydroxyphenylacetonitrile. • Bioprocess development for 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid synthesis. • Fed batch synthesis at 500 ml scale. Abstract The whole cell arylacetonitrilase of Alcaligenes faecalis MTCC 12629 was employed to develop a bioprocess for the synthesis of 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPAA) from 4-hydroxyphenylacetonitrile (4-HPAN). Isobutyronitrile emerged as the most appropriate inducer with a 1.2-fold enhanced nitrilase production in inducer feeding approach. A. faecalis MTCC 12629 nitrilase preferably hydrolyzed 4-HPAN, 4-aminoyphenylacetonitrile, mandelonitrile and phenylacetonitrile to their corresponding acids. Thermostability profile revealed the stability of nitrilase at 40, 45 and 50°C with the half-life of 45 h, 36 h and 13 h, respectively. Michaelis constant (K m) and reaction velocity (V max) of nitrilase were calculated as 20 mM and 2 U/mg dcw, respectively. This nitrilase exhibited complete conversion of 4-HPAN to 4-HPAA at 45°C in 50 mM K 2 HPO 4 /KH 2 PO 4 buffer (pH 7.0) in 30 min. A fed batch process designed at 500 ml with five feedings of substrate resulted in 150 mM product formation using 18 U/ml whole cells nitrilase (16 mg/ml dcw) at 45°C. This is the first report on the production of 4-HPAA through nitrilase mediated pathway with the volumetric and catalytic productivity of 23 g/l and 4.13 g/g dcw/h, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Glucotoxicity (high levels of glucose) is a major cause in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Evidences indicate that (-)-epicatechin (EC) and colonic metabolites derived from flavonoid intake could possess antidiabetic effects, but the mechanisms for their preventive activities related to glucose homeostasis and insulin signalling in the kidney remain largely unknown. This work is aimed to investigate the effect of EC and main colonic phenolic acids derived from flavonoid intake, i.e. 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic-acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic-acid (DHPAA) and 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic-acid, on insulin signalling, and glucose production and uptake in renal tubular proximal NRK-52E cells treated with high glucose. Pre-treatment with EC or DHPAA prevented the decreased tyrosine-phosphorylated and total levels of IR caused by high glucose. EC and DHPAA pre-treatment also avoided the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and AMPK, and the elevation of PEPCK levels induced by high glucose. Additionally, EC and DHPAA pre-treatment alleviated the altered glucose uptake and production caused by high glucose, although this protective effect was abrogated when AKT and AMPK were inhibited. These results suggest EC and DHPAA prevent or delay a potential dysfunction of NRK-52E cells treated with high glucose through the attenuation of the insulin signalling blockade and the modulation of glucose homeostasis via AKT and AMPK. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • EC and DHPAA avert the insulin signalling blockage induced by a high dose of glucose in NRK-52E cells. • EC and DHPAA prevent the inhibition of AMPK caused by glucotoxicity in NRK-52E cells. • EC and DHPAA protect NRK-52E cells against the enhanced levels of PEPCK caused by glucotoxicity. • EC and DHPAA protect NRK-52E functionality by modulating glucose production and uptake via AKT and AMPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic crystal of 2-aminopyridinium diphenylacetate diphenylaetic acid with dimensions 22 × 13 × 11 mm 3 was grown by slow cooling technique. The structural confirmation has been done using single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system with noncentrosymmetric space group P2 1 . The C-H-O, N-H-O type of packing for the title compound has been reported. Optical transmittance shows a wide transparency in the visible region with lower cutoff wavelength at 349 nm. The four independent tensor coefficients of dielectric permittivity were found to be ε 11  = 12.16, ε 22  = 10.68, ε 33  = 11.90 and ε 13  = −4.24 from the dielectric measurements. The thermal stability of the 2APD compound was found to be 128˚C assessed by TG-DTA analyses. The particle size SHG of the 2APD reveals that it is a phase-matchable NLO crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosynthesis of benzylpenicillin in filamentous fungi (e.g. Penicillium chrysogenum - renamed as Penicillium rubens- and Aspergillus nidulans ) depends on the addition of CoA-activated forms of phenylacetic acid to isopenicillin N. Phenylacetic acid is also detoxified by means of the homogentisate pathway, which begins with the hydroxylation of phenylacetic acid to 2-hydroxyphenylacetate in a reaction catalysed by the pahA -encoded phenylacetate hydroxylase. This catabolic step has been tested in three different penicillin-producing strains of P. rubens ( P. notatum , P. chrysogenum NRRL 1951 and P. chrysogenum Wisconsin 54–1255) in the presence of sucrose and lactose as non-repressing carbon sources. P. chrysogenum Wisconsin 54–1255 was able to accumulate 2-hydroxyphenylacetate at late culture times. Analysis of the P. rubens genome showed the presence of several PahA homologs, but only Pc16g01770 was transcribed under penicillin production conditions. Gene knock-down experiments indicated that the protein encoded by Pc16g01770 seems to have residual activity in phenylacetic acid degradation, this catabolic activity having no effect on benzylpenicillin biosynthesis. Proteome-wide analysis of the Wisconsin 54–1255 strain in response to phenylacetic acid revealed that this molecule has a positive effect on some proteins directly related to the benzylpenicillin biosynthetic pathway, the synthesis of amino acid precursors and other important metabolic processes. Significance The adaptive response of Penicillium rubens to benzylpenicillin production conditions remains to be fully elucidated. This article provides important information about the molecular mechanisms interconnected with phenylacetate (benzylpenicillin side chain precursor) utilization and penicillin biosynthesis, and will contribute to the understanding of the complex physiology and adaptation mechanisms triggered by P. rubens ( P. chrysogenum Wisconsin 54–1255) under benzylpenicillin production conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]