H-Ala-Ala-Pro-pNA . HCl

We report the self-assembly of a new family of hydrophobic, bis(pyridyl) PtII complexes featuring an extended oligophenyleneethynylene-derived π-surface appended with six long (dodecyloxy (2)) or short (methoxy (3)) side groups. Complex 2, containing dodecyloxy chains, forms fibrous assemblies with a slipped arrangement of the monomer units (dPt⋅⋅⋅Pt ≈14 Å) in both nonpolar solvents and the solid state. Dispersion-corrected PM6 calculations suggest that this organization is driven by cooperative π-π, C-H⋅⋅⋅Cl and π-Pt interactions, which is supported by EXAFS and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis. In contrast, nearly parallel π-stacks (dPt⋅⋅⋅Pt ≈4.4 Å) stabilized by multiple π-π and C-H⋅⋅⋅Cl contacts are obtained in the crystalline state for 3 lacking long side chains, as shown by X-ray analysis and PM6 calculations. Our results reveal not only the key role of alkyl chain length in controlling self-assembly modes but also show the relevance of Pt-bound chlorine ligands as new supramolecular synthons.

Some ß-glucans can be easily extracted from Basidiomycete mushrooms but commonly used extraction procedures are not satisfactory. A simultaneous method for acid extraction and deproteinization in the case of Pleurotus ostreatus was developed using response surface methodology. The optimized extraction conditions proposed here (30°C, 3.8% HCl, 300min, stirring) allow for the simultaneous extraction and deproteinization of polysaccharides. Additionally, the acid extraction yield was 7 times greater than that of hot water extraction. The combined enzymatic digestion with lyticase, ß-glucanase, exo-1,3-ß-d-glucanase, and ß-glucosidase results elucidated that an extract containing ß-1,3-ß-1,6-ß-1,4-glucan. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results showed that the two glucan fractions obtained do not contain linked proteins. The weight average molecular weight of the first fraction (Mw=1137kDa) was 60 times higher than that of the second fraction (Mw=19kDa).

INTRODUCTION: Since Ritalin (methylphenidate immediate-release or MPH IR) was first marketed in 1955, it has been a mainstay of treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Areas covered: The postulated mechanism of action, adverse events and efficacy of MPH are examined. MPH formulations that are currently on the market in the United States and those that will soon be available are considered. Various products are examined by comparing onset of effect and duration of action. Expert opinion: MPH has a well-known efficacy and safety profile. The development of extended-release (MPH-ER) was a significant advance in ADHD treatment. Recent products offer convenience in terms of dosing and timing of drug administration to improve symptom control, but efficacy is similar among all MPH-ER products. One formulation may be more appropriate for an individual patient, but no product offers significant advantages over all others. Since MPH is only effective in about 80% of patients, identifying factors that predict drug response is an active area of research.

Mass spectrometry-based methods offer an alternative means of determining allergens in foods. Whilst targeted methods are likely to offer the most robust approach for detection and quantification, little is known about how food processing may affect the behaviour of peptide targets. A systematic study has been undertaken to investigate the effects of thermal processing (boiling, roasting, frying) on the behaviour of a suite of peanut peptide targets representing the major clinically-relevant allergens. Initially the effect of thermal processing on protein extractability was investigated and a mass spectrometry-compatible buffer identified comprising 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.8 containing 50 mM dithiothreitol and 0.04% (w/v) acid labile detergent which was able to extract 45-100% of protein from raw, boiled, roasted and fried peanuts using sonication at 60 °C. Eight peptide targets were identified including two peptides from each cupin allergen, Ara h1 and Ara h3 and four peptides from the prolamin superfamily allergens Ara h2, 6 and 7.