University of Graz

About: University of Graz is a education organization based out in Graz, Steiermark, Austria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 17934 authors who have published 37489 publications receiving 1110980 citations. The organization is also known as: Carolo Franciscea Graecensis & Karl Franzens Universität.

Novel 12-Deoxy-16-hydroxyphorbol Diesters Isolated from the Seed Oil of Jatropha curcas

Abstract: Six unstable intramolecular diterpene esters were isolated from the seed oil of Jatropha curcas. Five of these, Jatropha factors C2−C6 (3−7), are new natural products, and the structure of the known Jatropha factor C1 (2) has been revised. All compounds possess the same diterpene moiety, namely, 12-deoxy-16-hydroxyphorbol (1). The dicarboxylic acid moieties of 2−5 contain a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane unit, and those of 6 and 7 a cyclobutane unit, which is described for the first time within this compound class. Compounds 4 and 5 are C-8‘ epimers. The structures of 2−7 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and give an insight into the biogenesis of the characterized substances.

Role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Clinical Guideline.

Abstract: 1 ESGE/EASL recommend that, as the primary diagnostic modality for PSC, magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) should be preferred over endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Moderate quality evidence, strong recommendation. 2 ESGE/EASL suggest that ERCP can be considered if MRC plus liver biopsy is equivocal or contraindicated in patients with persisting clinical suspicion of PSC. The risks of ERCP have to be weighed against the potential benefit with regard to surveillance and treatment recommendations. Low quality evidence, weak recommendation. 6 ESGE/EASL suggest that, in patients with an established diagnosis of PSC, MRC should be considered before therapeutic ERCP. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 7 ESGE/EASL suggest performing endoscopic treatment with concomitant ductal sampling (brush cytology, endobiliary biopsies) of suspected significant strictures identified at MRC in PSC patients who present with symptoms likely to improve following endoscopic treatment. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 9 ESGE/EASL recommend weighing the anticipated benefits of biliary papillotomy/sphincterotomy against its risks on a case-by-case basis. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. Biliary papillotomy/sphincterotomy should be considered especially after difficult cannulation. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 16 ESGE/EASL suggest routine administration of prophylactic antibiotics before ERCP in patients with PSC. Strong recommendation, low quality evidence. 17 EASL/ESGE recommend that cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) should be suspected in any patient with worsening cholestasis, weight loss, raised serum CA19-9, and/or new or progressive dominant stricture, particularly with an associated enhancing mass lesion. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 19 ESGE/EASL recommend ductal sampling (brush cytology, endobiliary biopsies) as part of the initial investigation for the diagnosis and staging of suspected CCA in patients with PSC. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence.

Permian metamorphic event in the Alps

Abstract: In addition to the well-known Variscan and Alpine orogenic cycles, a Permian thermal event occurred in the European Alps. The geodynamic background of this event is not well understood. Here we suggest that the event is a reflection of lithospheric thinning accompanied by magmatic underplating causing partial melting of the lower crust and low-pressure–high-temperature metamorphism. The event was terminated by Early Triassic opening of the Meliata ocean and was followed by sag-stage subsidence during slow lithospheric cooling. This last stage of the evolution allowed the onset of the Mesozoic marine evolution with the orogen-wide formation of Triassic carbonate platforms well known from the Dolomites and the Northern Calcareous Alps. The combined evidence for magmatism, metamorphism, and late subsidence identifies the Permian event of the Alps as an excellent example of underplating events suggested as a cause for low-pressure–high-temperature terrains worldwide.

The non-peptide tachykinin antagonist, CP-96,345, is a potent inhibitor of neurogenic inflammation.

Abstract: 1. Release of the tachykinin, substance P, from the peripheral terminals of polymodal afferent C-fibres is thought to be largely responsible for the vasodilatation and plasma protein extravasation described as neurogenic inflammation. The effects of CP-96,345, a non-peptide antagonist at the substance P (NK1) receptor, on these vascular reactions were investigated in the rat. 2. Intravenously (i.v.) injected CP-96,345 (0.4-3.0 mumol kg-1) prevented the drop in blood pressure, a measure of the peripheral vasodilatation, evoked by substance P and neurokinin A in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but did not affect that elicited by the non-tachykinin peptides calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. 3. Plasma protein extravasation evoked by i.a. infusion of substance P, antidromic stimulation of the saphenous or the vagus nerve, and stimulation of cutaneous afferent nerves with mustard oil, were each significantly inhibited by CP-96,345 (3.0-9.0 mumol kg-1, i.v.). Furthermore, CP-96,345 was orally active in blocking mustard oil-induced plasma extravasation with an ED50 of 10 mumol kg-1. 4. The inhibition of substance P-induced vasodilatation and of neurogenic plasma extravasation by CP-96,345 was stereospecific as the inactive isomer CP-96,344 (2R, 3R enantiomer of CP-96,345) had no effect. 5. Thus CP-96,345 is a specific, highly potent, long-acting and orally active inhibitor of tachykinin-mediated neurogenic inflammation.