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Synthesis of new synthons for organofluorine compounds from halothane containing sulfur functional groups.

To develop new synthons for the syntheses of organofluorine compounds, the treatment of Halothane, 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, (1) with 4-methylbenzenethiol (2) in the presence of sodium hydride gave 1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 4-methylphenyl sulfide (3), which was oxidized with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) to the corresponding sulfoxide (4) and sulfone (5). Reaction of 3 and 5 with allyltributyltin in the presence of 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) gave 1-(trifluoromethyl)-3-butenyl compounds (9, 11). Sulfoxide 4 was decomposed in this condition. The treatment of 3 with allyltrimethylsilane in the presence of Lewis acids gave 1-(trifluoromethyl)-3-butenyl compounds (9) in good yield. This result suggests that 4-methylphenylthio substituent stabilizes the alpha-carbocation effectively, though the trifluoromethyl group destabilizes it strongly. Aromatic compounds similarly reacted with 3 in the presence of titanium(IV) chloride to give 2-aryl-1,1,1-trifluoro-2-(4-methylphenylthio)ethanes. Thus, sulfur compounds derived from Halothane were found to be useful new synthons for organofluorine compounds.

Halothane↗

Investigations into the metabolism and mode of action of the colon carcinogens 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and azoxymethane.

Colon cancer can be induced reliably in rodents with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and azoxymethane (AOM). Our studies deal with the mode of action of these compounds and their organotropism. A partial summary of our previous work on the metabolism of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and its inhibition by disulfiram, carbon disulfide and other thiono-sulfur compounds is presented. On-going studies with AOM-14C indicate that in male F-344 rats, this carcinogen is rapidly metabolized to 14CO2 (37%, 48 hours), and to methylazoxymethanol-14C (MAM) (0.6--1%), which, along with other metabolites, appears in the urine. Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital or chyrsene increased exhaled 14CO2 to 53% and 65%, respectively. Pretreatment with disulfiram or CS2 causes a complete, although transient, inhibition of exhaled 14CO2, decreases urinary MAM, and increases significantly the levels of unmetabolized AOM in the exhaled air and in urine. Thus, phenobarbital and chrysene appear to stimulate, while disulfiram and CS2 appear to inhibit, the metabolism of AOM. In vitro hydroxylation of AOM to MAM was demonstrated with rat liver homogenates and microsomal fractions. A hypothetical scheme for the endogenous formation of AOM is presented.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) sulfone monooxygenase, an enzyme involved in DBT desulfurization, from Rhodococcus erythropolis D-1.

Dibenzothiophene (DBT), a model of organic sulfur compound in petroleum, is microbially desulfurized to 2-hydroxybiphenyl by Rhodococcus erythropolis D-1. Three desulfurization (Dsz) enzymes--DszC, A, and B--and flavin reductase are involved in sulfur-specific DBT desulfurization. In this study, DszA was purified, characterized, and crystallized from R. erythropolis D-1. DszA, DBT sulfone monooxygenase, is the second enzyme in microbial DBT desulfurization metabolism and catalyzes the conversion of DBT sulfone to 2'-hydroxybiphenyl 2-sulfinic acid in the presence of flavin reductase with cleavage of the carbon-sulfur bond in the DBT skeleton. Using anion-exchange column chromatography, the four enzyme fractions responsible for DBT desulfurization were separated, and DszA was then purified to homogeneity. Polygonal crystals of DszA were observed within a week. DszA was found to have a molecular mass of 97 kDa and to consist of two subunits with identical masses of 50 kDa. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified DszA completely coincided with the deduced amino acid sequence for dszA of R. erythropolis IGTS8 except for a methionine residue at the latter N-terminal. The optimal temperature and pH for DszA activity were 35 degrees C and about 7.5. The activity of the enzyme was inhibited by Mn2+, Ni2+, 2,2'-bipyridine, and 8-quinolinol, suggesting that a metal might be involved in its activity. DszA acted on not only DBT sulfone but also on dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxathiin 6-oxide and dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxathiin 6,6-dioxide. Dihydroxybiphenyl was formed from the latter two substrates.

Journal Article↗

An obligately photosynthetic bacterial anaerobe from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent.

The abundance of life on Earth is almost entirely due to biological photosynthesis, which depends on light energy. The source of light in natural habitats has heretofore been thought to be the sun, thus restricting photosynthesis to solar photic environments on the surface of the Earth. If photosynthesis could take place in geothermally illuminated environments, it would increase the diversity of photosynthetic habitats both on Earth and on other worlds that have been proposed to possibly harbor life. Green sulfur bacteria are anaerobes that require light for growth by the oxidation of sulfur compounds to reduce CO2 to organic carbon, and are capable of photosynthetic growth at extremely low light intensities. We describe the isolation and cultivation of a previously unknown green sulfur bacterial species from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent, where the only source of light is geothermal radiation that includes wavelengths absorbed by photosynthetic pigments of this organism.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Early evaluation of potential worker exposure problems associated with the Claus-type sulfur recovery process.

Early evaluation of process plants, such as the Claus-type SRU (sulfur recovery unit), in the design stage not only minimizes worker exposure to toxic chemicals and noise, but also reduces costs for retrofit engineering controls. The Claus-type SRU converts the hydrogen sulfide in refinery acid gas into elemental sulfur. In the process, the SRU handles toxic gases containing high concentrations of H2S, SO2, and other sulfur compounds. These gases can be emitted into the worker's breathing zone during start-ups, shutdowns, routine operations, emergencies, and turnarounds. This paper describes the Claus-type sulfur recovery process, the potential sources of worker exposure to toxic chemicals and noise, and the engineering controls that should be adopted at the plant design stage to minimize the risks of worker exposure. Engineering controls include improved pump seals and a choice of sample configurations based on the physical form and concentration of H2S in the process lines.

Equipment Design↗

Production and elimination of sulfur-containing gases in the rat colon.

Highly toxic sulfur-containing gases have been pathogenetically implicated in ulcerative colitis. Utilizing a rat model, we studied the production and elimination of sulfur-containing gases within the unperturbed colon. The major sulfur-containing gases were hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol, and dimethyl sulfide with cecal accumulation rates of 2.6, 0.096, and 0.046 microliter/min, respectively. The dependence of H2S production on dietary components was demonstrated via a sixfold reduction with fasting and a fivefold increase with carrageenan (a nonabsorbable, sulfur compound) feeding. Zinc acetate reduced cecal H2S by fivefold, indicating the importance of H2S binding by divalent cations. During passage from the cecum to the rectum, > 90% of the sulfur gases were absorbed or metabolized. An H2 35S turnover of 97%/min was observed in the isolated cecum. Thus mucosal exposure is > 10 times the measured accumulation rate. Cecal mucosal tissue very rapidly metabolized H2S and methanethiol via a nonmethylating reaction.

Animals↗

Structured fluids as microreactors for flavor formation by the Maillard reaction.

Thermal reactions of cysteine/furfural and cysteine/ribose mixtures were studied in model systems to gain more insight into the influence of structured fluids such as L(2) microemulsions and cubic phases on the generation of aroma compounds. Formation of 2-furfurylthiol from cysteine/furfural was particularly efficient in L(2) microemulsions and cubic phases compared to aqueous systems. The reaction led to the formation of two new sulfur compounds, which were identified as 2-(2-furyl)thiazolidine and, tentatively, N-(2-mercaptovinyl)-2-(2-furyl)thiazolidine. Similarly, generation of 2-furfurylthiol and 2-methyl-3-furanthiol from cysteine/ribose mixtures was strongly enhanced in structured fluids. The cubic phase was shown to be even more efficient in flavor generation than the L(2) microemulsion. It was denoted "cubic catalyst" or "cubic selective microreactor". The obtained results are interpreted in terms of a surface and curvature control of the reactions defined by the structural properties of the formed surfactant associates.

Cysteine↗

Determination of riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide and flavin-adenine dinucleotide in wine and other beverages by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

A new direct HPLC method with fluorescence detection has been developed for the routine analysis of riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide and flavin-adenine dinucleotide, in wines and other beverages. These compounds are the main agents responsible for the "taste of light" that some white wines and other beverages develop when they are exposed to the light, due to the formation of sulfur compounds that produce an anion/garlic odor. A Hewlett-Packard 1100 gradient liquid chromatograph with 1046A fluorescence detector was used. To improve the selectivity, each compound was monitored to fit the best lambda excitation/lambda emission (265/525 nm). A 500 nm cut-off filter was used. The column was a Hypersil C18 ODS, 200 x 2.1 mm, 5 microns particle size. The volume injected was 20 microliters. A constant flow-rate of 0.6 ml/min was used with two solvents: solvent A, 0.05 M buffer NaH2PO4 at pH = 3.0 with H3PO4 and solvent B, acetonitrile. The precision, linearity and sensitivity of this method have been established.

Beverages↗

Survey of archaeal diversity reveals an abundance of halophilic Archaea in a low-salt, sulfide- and sulfur-rich spring.

The archaeal community in a sulfide- and sulfur-rich spring with a stream water salinity of 0.7 to 1.0% in southwestern Oklahoma was studied by cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Two clone libraries were constructed from sediments obtained at the hydrocarbon-exposed source of the spring and the microbial mats underlying the water flowing from the spring source. Analysis of 113 clones from the source library and 65 clones from the mat library revealed that the majority of clones belonged to the kingdom Euryarchaeota, while Crenarchaeota represented less than 10% of clones. Euryarchaeotal clones belonged to the orders Methanomicrobiales, Methanosarcinales, and Halobacteriales, as well as several previously described lineages with no pure-culture representatives. Those within the Halobacteriales represented 36% of the mat library and 4% of the source library. All cultivated members of this order are obligately aerobic halophiles. The majority of halobacterial clones encountered were not affiliated with any of the currently described genera of the family Halobacteriaceae. Measurement of the salinity at various locations at the spring, as well as along vertical gradients, revealed that soils adjacent to spring mats have a much higher salinity (NaCl concentrations as high as 32%) and a lower moisture content than the spring water, presumably due to evaporation. By use of a high-salt-plus-antibiotic medium, several halobacterial isolates were obtained from the microbial mats. Analysis of 16S rRNA genes indicated that all the isolates were members of the genus Haloferax. All isolates obtained grew at a wide range of salt concentrations, ranging from 6% to saturation, and all were able to reduce elemental sulfur to sulfide. We reason that the unexpected abundance of halophilic Archaea in such a low-salt, highly reduced environment could be explained by their relatively low salt requirement, which could be satisfied in specific locations of the shallow spring via evaporation, and their ability to grow under the prevalent anaerobic conditions in the spring, utilizing zero-valent sulfur compounds as electron acceptors. This study demonstrates that members of the Halobacteriales are not restricted to their typical high-salt habitats, and we propose a role for the Halobacteriales in sulfur reduction in natural ecosystems.

Archaea↗

Effects of high pressure treatment on volatile profile during ripening of ewe milk cheese.

The effect of high-pressure treatment on the volatile profile of ewe milk cheeses was investigated. Cheeses were submitted to 200, 300, 400 and 500 MPa at 2 stages of ripening (after 1 and 15 d of manufacturing) and volatile compounds were assayed at 15 and 60 d of ripening. High-pressure treatment altered the balance of volatile profile of cheeses, limiting the formation of acids, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and sulfur compounds and enhancing the formation of 2,3-butanedione. In general, cheeses pressurized at 15 d of ripening were more similar to untreated cheeses than those treated at 1 d. Cheeses treated at 300 MPa after 1 d of manufacturing were characterized by higher levels of free amino acids, ethanol, ethyl esters, and branched-chain aldehydes, whereas cheeses treated at 500 MPa after 1 d of manufacturing had lower microbial populations, showed the highest abundance of 2,3-butanedione, pyruvaldehyde, and methyl ketones, and the lowest abundance of alcohols.

Animals↗

[Co-expression of Rhodococcus sp. DS-3 dszABC and dszD gene with incompatible plasmids in Escherichia coli].

Biological dusulfurizaion of petroleum feedstocks and products may offer an attractive alternative to reduce sulfur oxide emissions that cause serious environmental pollution. Dibenzothiophene (DBT), a model of organic sulfur compound in petroleum, can be microbially desulfurized without degradation of the organic structure by 4S pathway. Three desulfurization enzymes (DszA, DszB and DszC) and flavin reductase (DszD) are involved in sulfur-specific DBT desulfurization. DszA and DszC are FMNH2-dependent monoxygenases, FMNH2 is provided from the freely diffusible FMNH2 pool in the cell, and is replenished by DszD. So, co-expression of the desulfurization enzymes and flavin reductase can enhance the rate of sulfur removal. In the present work two incompatible plasmids: pBADD and paN2 were constructed. The paN2 allows Escherichia coli to liberate the sulfur of DBT and DBTs and pBADD produces a flavin reductase. They were co-expressed in Escherichia coli B121 (DE3). The soluble products of DszA, DszB, DszC and DszD accounted for 7.6%, 3.5%, 3.1% and 18% of the total proteins in co-expressed system. The desulfurization rate of lysate of E. coli BL21- pBADD + paN2 is 12.03 micromol/(h x mg) Dsz protein and about 5.4-fold of that of E. coli BL2-paN2. Experiment were also conducted using resting cell with the 0.6 wt% DBT in n-hexadecane as model diesel oil. After 24 hours reaction, 0.42 mmol/L (about 84%) DBT was converted to 2-HBP by E. coli BL21- pBADD + paN2, however, there was only 0.08 mmol/L (about 16%) DBT was desulfurized by E. coli BL2-paN2. The maximum desulfurization rate of E.coli BL21-pBADD + paN2 is about 67 micromol/h. The result shows that DszD enhances the rate of 2-HBP production when co-expressed in vivo with the desulfurization enzymes.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Role of Polysulfides in Reduction of Elemental Sulfur by the Hyperthermophilic Archaebacterium Pyrococcus furiosus.

Polysulfides formed through the breakdown of elemental sulfur or other sulfur compounds were found to be reduced to H(2)S by the hyperthermophilic archaebacterium Pyrococcus furiosus during growth. Metabolism of polysulfides by the organism was dissimilatory, as no incorporation of S-labeled elemental sulfur was detected. However, [S]cysteine and [S]methionine were incorporated into cellular protein. Contact between the organism and elemental sulfur is not necessary for metabolism. The sulfide generated from metabolic reduction of polysulfides dissociates to a strong nucleophile, HS, which in turn opens up the S(8) elemental sulfur ring. In addition to H(2)S, P. furiosus cultures produced methyl mercaptan in a growth-associated fashion.

Journal Article↗

Volatile compounds in the skin and pulp of Queen Anne's pocket melon.

The quantitative distribution of volatile compounds in the skin and pulp of Queen Anne's pocket melon [Cucumis melo var. dudaim (L.) Naudin] has been investigated. Volatile compounds were extracted by liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME) using chloroform and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Sixty volatiles, including 20 esters, 15 alcohols, 7 lactones, 7 aldehydes and ketones, 6 sulfur compounds, and 5 C(6) compounds, have been identified. Among them, 38 were reported for the first time in pocket melon, 10 of them have been, however, labeled "tentatively identified". The results showed that the levels of volatiles in skin were significantly higher than those observed in pulp. Eugenol, the major constituent in skin (15.3%), thioether esters, and lactones were thought to contribute significantly to the unique aroma of the pocket melon. Finally, the distribution of lactones was also found to be different in skin and pulp according to their carbon chain length.

Alcohols↗

Megacities and atmospheric pollution.

About half of the world's population now lives in urban areas because of the opportunity for a better quality of life. Many of these urban centers are expanding rapidly, leading to the growth of megacities, which are defined as metropolitan areas with populations exceeding 10 million inhabitants. These concentrations of people and activity are exerting increasing stress on the natural environment, with impacts at urban, regional and global levels. In recent decades, air pollution has become one of the most important problems of megacities. Initially, the main air pollutants of concern were sulfur compounds, which were generated mostly by burning coal. Today, photochemical smog--induced primarily from traffic, but also from industrial activities, power generation, and solvents--has become the main source of concern for air quality, while sulfur is still a major problem in many cities of the developing world. Air pollution has serious impacts on public health, causes urban and regional haze, and has the potential to contribute significantly to climate change. Yet, with appropriate planning, megacities can efficiently address their air quality problems through measures such as application of new emission control technologies and development of mass transit systems. This review is focused on nine urban centers, chosen as case studies to assess air quality from distinct perspectives: from cities in the industrialized nations to cities in the developing world. While each city--its problems, resources, and outlook--is unique, the need for a holistic approach to the complex environmental problems is the same. There is no single strategy in reducing air pollution in megacities; a mix of policy measures will be needed to improve air quality. Experience shows that strong political will coupled with public dialog is essential to effectively implement the regulations required to address air quality problems.

Air↗

Microbial diversity in uranium mine waste heaps.

Two different uranium mine waste heaps near Ronneburg, Thuringia, Germany, which contain the remains of the activity of the former uranium-mining Soviet-East German company Wismut AG, were analyzed for the occurrence of lithotrophic and chemoorganotropic leach bacteria. A total of 162 ore samples were taken up to a depth of 5 m. Cell counts of ferrous iron-, sulfur-, sulfur compound-, ammonia-, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were determined quantitatively by the most-probable-number technique. Sulfate-, nitrate-, ferric iron-, and manganese-reducing bacteria were also detected. In addition, the metabolic activity of sulfur- and iron-oxidizing bacteria was measured by microcalorimetry. Generally, all microorganisms mentioned above were detectable in the heaps. Aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms thrived up to a depth of 1.5 to 2 m. Up to 99% of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans cells, the dominant leaching bacteria, occurred to this depth. Their numbers correlated with the microbial activity measurements. Samples below 1.5 to 2 m exhibited reduced oxygen concentrations and reduced cell counts for all microorganisms.

Journal Article↗

Multi-functional sorbents for the simultaneous removal of sulfur and lead compounds from hot flue gases.

A multi-functional sorbent is developed for the simultaneous removal of PbCl(2) vapor and sulfur dioxide from the combustion gases. The sorbent is tested in a bench-scale reactor at the temperature of 700 degrees C, using simulated flue gas (SFG) containing controlled amounts of PbCl(2) and SO(2) compounds. The removal characteristics of PbCl(2) and SO(2), individually and in combination, are investigated. The results show that the mechanism of capture by the sorbent is not a simple physical adsorption process but seems to involve a chemical reaction between the Ca-based sorbent and the contaminants from the simulated flue gas. The porous product layer in the case of individual SO(2) sorption is in a molten state at the reaction temperature. In contrast, the combined sorption of lead and sulfur compounds generates a flower-shaped polycrystalline product layer.

Adsorption↗

Comparison of volatile compounds isolated from the skin and flesh of four potato cultivars after baking.

Four potato cultivars, Cara, Nadine, Fianna, and Marfona, were selected. Potatoes were baked in their skins prior to separating the skin and flesh and preparing extracts of the volatile flavor compounds using a modified Likens--Nickerson apparatus. The concentrated extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry. Volatiles were identified and classified according to their origin, that is, lipid, sugar degradation and/or Maillard reaction not involving sulfur amino acids, sulfur compounds, methoxypyrazines, and other compounds. Quantitative and qualitative differences were observed between isolates from flesh and skins and among cultivars grown at different sites. Strongest isolates from skin were obtained for Nadine. For flesh, Cara gave isolates approximately 10-fold more concentrated than the other three cultivars. For skin, sugar degradation and/or the Maillard reaction was by far the most important source in all cultivars except Nadine, for which 62% of the volatiles were accounted for by the sesquiterpene solavetivone. Lipid and sugar degradation and/or the Maillard reaction were the main origins of volatiles in flesh. Calculated aroma values for a selection of the key potato volatiles identified reinforce the effects of cultivar and growing site on baked potato flavor.

Cooking↗

Molecular and functional analyses of the metC gene of Lactococcus lactis, encoding cystathionine beta-lyase.

The enzymatic degradation of amino acids in cheese is believed to generate aroma compounds and therefore to be essential for flavor development. Cystathionine beta-lyase (CBL) can convert cystathionine to homocysteine but is also able to catalyze an alpha, gamma elimination. With methionine as a substrate, it produces volatile sulfur compounds which are important for flavor formation in Gouda cheese. The metC gene, which encodes CBL, was cloned from the Lactococcus lactis model strain MG1363 and from strain B78, isolated from a cheese starter culture and known to have a high capacity to produce volatile compounds. The metC gene was found to be cotranscribed with a downstream cysK gene, which encodes a putative cysteine synthase. The MetC proteins of both strains were overproduced in strain MG1363 with the NICE (nisin-controlled expression) system, resulting in a >25-fold increase in cystathionine lyase activity. A disruption of the metC gene was achieved in strain MG1363. Determination of enzymatic activities in the overproducing and knockout strains revealed that MetC is essential for the degradation of cystathionine but that at least one lyase other than CBL contributes to methionine degradation via alpha, gamma elimination to form volatile aroma compounds.

Amino Acid Sequence↗