Rapid radiosynthesis of [11C] and [14C]azelaic,suberic, and sebacic acids for in vivo mechanistic studies of systemic acquired resistance in plants

A recent report that the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, azelaic acid (1,9‐nonanedioic acid) but not related acids, suberic acid (1,8‐octanedioic acid) or sebacic (1,10‐decanedioic acid) acid induces systemic acquired resistance to invading pathogens in plants stimulated the development of a rapid method for labeling these dicarboxylic acids with ¹¹C and ¹⁴C for in vivo mechanistic studies in whole plants. ¹¹C‐labeling was performed by reaction of ammonium [¹¹C]cyanide with the corresponding bromonitrile precursor followed by hydrolysis with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Total synthesis time was 60 min. Median decay‐corrected radiochemical yield for [¹¹C]azelaic acid was 40% relative to trapped [¹¹C]cyanide, and specific activity was 15 GBq/µmol. Yields for [¹¹C]suberic and sebacic acids were similar. The ¹⁴C‐labeled version of azelaic acid was prepared from potassium [¹⁴C]cyanide in 45% overall radiochemical yield. Radiolabeling procedures were verified using ¹³C‐labeling coupled with ¹³C‐NMR and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The ¹¹C and ¹⁴C‐labeled azelaic acid and related dicarboxylic acids are expected to be of value in understanding the mode‐of‐action, transport, and fate of this putative signaling molecule in plants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Poor sleep quality as a risk factor for lapse following a cannabis quit attempt

Treatments for cannabis dependence are associated with high rates of lapse/relapse, underscoring the importance of identifying malleable risk factors that are associated with quit failure. Whereas research has demonstrated that poor sleep quality following cannabis discontinuation is related to subsequent use, there has yet to be an examination of whether poor sleep quality prior to a quit attempt results in a similar pattern of lapse. The present study addressed this gap by examining the role of pre-quit sleep quality on early lapse to cannabis use following a self-guided quit attempt, among 55 cannabis dependent military veterans. Results indicated that participants who experienced poor pre-quit sleep quality had greater risk for lapse within the first 2 days (out of 7) following their quit attempt. Findings are discussed in terms of improving treatments for individuals who report poor sleep quality prior to a cannabis quit attempt.