Synthesis, Characterization, DFT, and In Silico Investigation of Two Newly Synthesized β-Diketone Derivatives as Potent COX-2 Inhibitors

Despite extensive genetic and biochemical characterization, the molecular genetic basis underlying the biosynthesis of β-diketones remains largely unexplored. β-Diketones and their complexes find broad applications as biologically active compounds. In this study, in silico molecular docking results revealed that two β-diketone derivatives, namely 2-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)hydrazono)-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione and 5,5-dimethyl-2-(2-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)hydrazono)cyclohexane-1,3-dione, exhibit anti-COX-2 activities. However, recent docking results indicated that the relative anti-COX-2 activity of these two studied β-diketones was influenced by the employed docking programs. For improved design of COX-2 inhibitors from β-diketones, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, Hirshfeld surface analysis, energy framework, and ADMET studies. The goal was to understand the interaction mechanisms and evaluate the inhibitory characteristics. The results indicate that 5,5-dimethyl-2-(2-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)hydrazono)cyclohexane-1,3-dione shows greater anti-COX-2 activity compared to 2-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)hydrazono)-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione.

Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT, Hirshfeld surface analysis, energy framework, docking and molecular dynamic simulations of (E)-4-(4-methylbenzyl)-6-styrylpyridazin-3(2H)-one as anticancer agent

In this work, a novel crystal, (E)-4-(4-methylbenzyl)-6-styrylpyridazin-3(2H)-one (E-BSP) was synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde and (E)-6-(4-methoxystyryl)-4,5-dihydropyridazin-3(2H)-one. The molecular structure of E-BSP was confirmed by using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, UV-vis, ESI-MS, TGA/DTA thermal analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The DFT/B3LYP methods with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set were used to determine the vibrational modes over the optimized structure. Potential energy distribution (PED) and the VEDA 4 software were used to establish the theoretical mode assignments. The same approach was used to compute the energies of frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO-LUMO), global reactivity descriptors, and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP). Additionally, experimental and computed UV spectral parameters were determined in methanol and the obtained outputs were supported by FMO analysis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analyses of the E-BSP against six proteins obtained from different cancer pathways were carried out. The proteins include; epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Estrogen receptor (ERα), Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Progesterone receptor (PR) (Breast cancer), Human cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) (Colorectal cancer), and Survivin (Squamous cell carcinoma/Non-small cell lung cancer). The results of the analyses showed that the compound had less binding energies ranging between -6.30 to -9.09 kcal/mol and formed stable complexes at the substrate-binding site of the proteins after the 50 ns MD simulation. Therefore, E-BSP was considered a potential inhibitor of different cancer pathways and should be used for the treatment of cancer after experimental validation and clinical trial.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and a molecular modeling approach to identify effective antiviral hydrazide derivative against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2

In the fall of 2019, a new type of coronavirus took place in Wuhan city, China, and rapidly spread across the world and urges the scientific community to develop antiviral therapeutic agents. In our effort we have synthesized a new hydrazide derivative, (E)-N'-(1-(4-bromophenyl)ethylidene)-2-(6-methoxynaphthalen-2-yl)propanehydrazide for this purpose because of its potential inhibitory proprieties. The asymmetric unit of the title molecule consists of two independent molecules differing noticeably in conformation. In the crystal, the independent molecules are linked by N-H···O and C-H···O hydrogen bonds and C-H···π(ring) interactions into helical chains extending along the b-axis direction. The chains are further joined by additional C-H···π(ring) interactions into the full 3-D structure. To obtain a structure-activity relationship, the DFT-NBO analysis is performed to study the intrinsic electronic properties of the title compound. Molecular modeling studies were also conducted to examine the binding affinity of the compound for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease enzyme and to determine intermolecular binding interactions. The compound revealed a stable binding mode at the enzyme active pocket with a binding energy value of -8.1 kcal/mol. Further, stable dynamics were revealed for the enzyme-compound complex and reported highly favorable binding energies. The net MMGBSA binding energy of the complex is -37.41 kcal/mol while the net MMPBSA binding energy is -40.5 kcal/mol. Overall, the compound disclosed the strongest bond of ing the main protease enzyme and might be a good lead for further structural optimization.

Synthesis, crystal structure investigation and computational approach to discover potential hydrazide derivatives as a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme

This study reports the synthesis of two new hydrazide derivatives, namely, (E)-N'-(4- bromobenzylidene)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanehydrazide (4a) and (E)-N'-benzylidene-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanehydrazide (4b), respectively. The compounds were synthesized by the reaction of benzaldehyde with Ibuprofen acid hydrazide. Their structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. To try to do a more detailed investigation, computational studies including Hirshfeld surface analyses, energy frameworks, density functional theory (DFT) optimizations, frontier orbital analyses, molecular electrostatic potential analyses, and natural bond orbital analyses of the studied compounds are performed. Moreover, molecular docking and dynamics simulations of complexes of the compounds with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme were performed to determine the anti-inflammatory potential of the compounds. These analyses predicted the compounds to show maximum chemical interactions and be dynamically stable during simulation time. Furthermore, estimation of binding free energies confirmed the high binding affinity of the compounds for the COX-2 enzyme.

Regiodivergent Synthesis of Methylene and Methyl Ring-Fused Isoquinolinones: Base-Promoted Isomerization of N-Allyl Amides

Methylene and methyl tricyclic isoquinolinones were selectively prepared using a palladium(II)-catalyzed aerobic aza-Wacker reaction, followed by a base- and temperature-controlled Heck reaction catalyzed by palladium(0). Exo- to endo-double-bond migration in isoquinolinones was achieved with 93-99% yields by treatment of the Heck products with Cs₂CO₃ in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 150 °C. A probable mechanism for Cs₂CO₃-promoted olefin isomerization was proposed and examined using D-isotope labeling experiments. Finally, yuanamide, a 13-methyl-8-oxoprotoberberine alkaloid, was synthesized using the palladium-catalyzed aza-Wacker/Heck/migration sequence.

Novel 3-chloro-6-nitro-1H-indazole derivatives as promising antileishmanial candidates: synthesis, biological activity, and molecular modelling studies

An efficient pathway was disclosed for the synthesis of 3-chloro-6-nitro-1H-indazole derivatives by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition on dipolarophile compounds 2 and 3. Faced the problem of separation of two regioisomers, a click chemistry method has allowed us to obtain regioisomers of triazole-1,4 with good yields from 82 to 90% were employed. Also, the antileishmanial biological potency of the compounds was achieved using an MTT assay that reported compound 13 as a promising growth inhibitor of Leishmania major. Molecular docking demonstrated highly stable binding with the Leishmania trypanothione reductase enzyme and produced a network of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed for TryR-13 complex to understand its structural and intermolecular affinity stability in a biological environment. The studied complex remained in good equilibrium with a structure deviation of ∼1-3 Å. MM/GBSA binding free energies illustrated the high stability of TryR-13 complex. The studied compounds are promising leads for structural optimisation to enhance the antileishmanial activity.

Severe myocardial bridge presenting as paroxysmal atrioventricular block

Chest pain complicated with electrocardiographic changes is not an uncommon scenario in emergency departments, which should be examined cautiously. We describe a 51-years-old man with a myocardial bridge of coronary artery presenting with simultaneous Mobitz type I atrioventricular block on electrocardiography. Echocardiography excluded valvular abnormality and systolic/diastolic dysfunction. Coronary angiography confirmed the diagnosis of a myocardial bridge at the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery, involving the most dominant septal perforator branch with marked systolic compression. The patient underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and was followed up uneventfully at the outpatient department with medical treatment of diltiazem and clopidogrel. The present case is being reported to highlight that clinicians should be alert to such a congenital abnormality as a potential cause of repeated myocardial infarction and conduction abnormality.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Nitrile-Addition/N-Arylation Ring-Closure Cascade: Synthesis of 5,11-Dihydro-6H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-6-ones as Potent Topoisomerase-I Inhibitors

In this paper, we present a copper(I)-catalyzed nitrile-addition/N-arylation ring-closure cascade for the synthesis of 5,11-dihydro-6H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-6-ones from 2-(2-bromophenyl)-N-(2-cyanophenyl)acetamides. Using CuBr and t-BuONa in dimethylformamide (DMF) as the optimal reaction conditions, the cascade reaction gave the target products, in high yields, with a good substrate scope. Application of the cascade reaction was demonstrated on the concise total syntheses of alkaloid isocryptolepine. Further optimization of the products from the cascade reaction led to 3-chloro-5,12-bis[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-5,12-dihydro-6H-[1,3]dioxolo[4',5':5,6]indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-6-one (2k), which exhibited the characteristic DNA topoisomerase-I inhibitory mechanism of action with potent in vitro anticancer activity. Compound 2k actively inhibited ARC-111- and SN-38-resistant HCT-116 cells and showed in vivo activity in mice bearing human HCT-116 and SJCRH30 xenografts. The interaction of 2k with the Top-DNA cleavable complex was revealed by docking simulations to guide the future optimization of 5,11-dihydro-6H-indolo[3,2-c]quinolin-6-ones as topoisomerase-I inhibitors.

Palladium-Catalyzed Stereoselective Aza-Wacker-Heck Cyclization: One-Pot Stepwise Strategy toward Tetracyclic Fused Heterocycles

Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular tandem cyclization reactions were conducted for the synthesis of densely cis/cis-fused aza-tetracyclic structures. The process involved a palladium(II)-catalyzed aerobic aza-Wacker reaction, followed by a palladium(0)-catalyzed Heck reaction. The effects of the solvent and benzene substitution pattern on the one-pot, two-step cascade reaction were studied systematically, and a probable mechanism was proposed. Strained pentahydrobenzo[f]cyclopenta[hi]indolizin-6-one and racemic γ-lycorane can also be synthesized rapidly using this palladium-catalyzed aza-Wacker-Heck cyclization reaction.

Insights into the crystal structure of two newly synthesized quinoxalines derivatives as potent inhibitor for c-Jun N-terminal kinases

Two new compounds namely, ethyl (2E)-3-(dimethylamino)-2-(3-methoxyquinoxalin-2-yl)propen-2-enoate (II) and ethyl 2-(3-oxo-4-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-yl)-3-phenylpropanoate (III) have been synthesized from ethyl 2-(oxo-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-yl) acetate (I). The compounds were characterized using NMR (¹H and ¹³C), Fourier transform infrared and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The quinoxaline portion of II is almost planar with the substituent containing the dimethylamino and carboxyethyl groups rotated well out of its mean plane. In the crystal, C-H···O and C-H···N hydrogen bonds as well as C-H···π(ring) interactions form chains having a U-shaped cross-section and running along the c-axis direction. Two sets of pair-wise C-H···O hydrogen bonds connect the chains into corrugated sheets. In III, the three substituents on the dihydroquinoxaline moiety are rotated well out of its mean plane. Three sets of C-H···O hydrogen bonds as well as C-H···π(ring) and π-π-stacking interactions form layers approximately parallel to [001]. These are associated along the c-axis direction by additional C-H···π(ring) interactions. Additionally, the Hirshfeld surface analyses showed that the H···H contact is the most important interaction for both II and III. In addition to this, molecular docking and dynamics studies were carried for these two compounds with the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1) molecule.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis, spectroscopy, crystal structure, TGA/DTA study, DFT and molecular docking investigations of (E)-4-(4-methylbenzyl)-6-styrylpyridazin-3(2H)-one

In this study, we present the synthesis of novel pyridazin-3(2H)-one derivative namely (E)-4-(4-methylbenzyl)-6-styrylpyridazin-3(2H)-one (MBSP). The chemical structure of MBSP was characterized using spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV-Vis, ESI-MS, and finally, the structure was confirmed by single X-ray diffraction studies. The DFT calculation was performed to compare the gas-phase geometry of the title compound to the solid-phase structure of the title compound. Furthermore, a comparative study between theoretical UV-Vis, IR, ¹H- and ¹³C NMR spectra of the studied compound and experimental ones have been carried out. The thermal behavior and stability of the compound were analyzed by using TGA and DTA techniques which revealed that the compound is thermostable up to its melting point. Finally, the in silico docking and ADME studies are performed to investigate whether MBSP is a potential therapeutic for COVID-19.

Unexpected synthesis of novel 2-pyrone derivatives: crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational studies

Here we report synthesis of three new compounds namely, 1-acetyl-1H-benzimidazolo-2(3H)-one (I), N-(5-acetyl-6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-pyran-4-yl)-N-(2-acetamidophenyl)acetamide (II) and N-(2-acetamidophenyl)-N-2-oxo-2H-pyran-4-yl)acetamide (III) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds I and II crystallize in the monoclinic space groups P21/n, and P21/c, respectively, while III crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. The theoretical parameters of I-III have been calculated through density functional theory (DFT) by using the hybrid functional B3LYP and basis set 6-311++G**. These theoretical parameters have been compared with the experimental ones obtained by XRD. The significant intermolecular interactions arising in crystal packing are rationalized by means of the Hirshfeld surface analysis method. The major intermolecular contacts in the Hirshfeld surfaces of I-III are from H…H contacts. In addition, binding modes of I-III within Tyrosine-protein kinase JAK2 were investigated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Crystal structure, computational study and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ethyl (2S,3R)-3-(3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-hy-droxy-3-phenyl-propano-ate

The mean planes of the phenyl and triazole rings are nearly perpendicular to one another as a result of the intra­molecular C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π(ring) inter­actions. In the crystal, layers parallel to (101) are generated by O—H⋯N, N—H⋯O and N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The layers are connected by inversion-related pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₃H₁₆N₄O₃, the mean planes of the phenyl and triazole rings are nearly perpendicular to one another as a result of the intra­molecular C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π(ring) inter­actions. In the crystal, layers parallel to (101) are generated by O—H⋯N, N—H⋯O and N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds. The layers are connected by inversion-related pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The experimental mol­ecular structure is close to the gas-phase geometry-optimized structure calculated by DFT methods. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important inter­action involving hydrogen in the title compound is the H⋯H contact. The contribution of the H⋯O, H⋯N, and H⋯H contacts are 13.6, 16.1, and 54.6%, respectively.

Crystal structure, DFT study and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 1-nonyl-2,3-di-hydro-1H-indole-2,3-dione

In the title mol-ecule, C17H23NO2, the di-hydro-indole portion is planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0157 Å) and the nonyl substituent is in an 'extended' conformation. In the crystal, the nonyl chains inter-calate and the di-hydro-indole-dione units are associated through C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form micellar blocks. Based on the Hirshfeld surface analysis, the most important inter-molecular inter-action is the H⋯H inter-action.

Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-(1-decyl-2-oxo-indolin-3-yl-idene)propanedi-nitrile

In the title mol-ecule, C₂₁H₂₅N₃O, the 1-decyl substituents are in an extended conformation and inter-calate in the crystal packing to form hydro-phobic bands. The packing is further organized by π-π-stacking inter-actions between pyrrole and phenyl rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.6178 (11) Å] and a C=O⋯π(pyrrole) inter-action [3.447 (2) Å]. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the H⋯N/N⋯H inter-actions make the highest contribution (17.4%) to the crystal packing.

Attempted suicide by poisoning of self-prepared arsenic trioxide solution

Introduction:

Arsenic is a traditional poison that has a history extending back to ancient times.

Case presentation:

A 43-year-old male presented to our Emergency Department 50 min after ingestion of 300 mL self-prepared arsenic trioxide solution (砒霜). He produced the solution from heating xionghuang (雄黃), an arsenic sulfide mineral (As4S4) which is a Chinese herb, for academic purposes a few years ago.

Discussion:

Supportive care including fluid replacement and decontamination with gastric lavage and chelation therapy with intravenous dimercaptopropanesulphonate sodium was given to patient. Spot urine arsenic to creatinine ratio significantly decreased from 343,124 nmol/mmol (day 3) to 7116 nmol/mmol (day 5). He had an uneventful course without any neurological deficit.

Conclusions:

Treatment of acute arsenic poisoning includes supportive care, decontamination, and chelation therapy. DMPS is an antidote for arsenic poisoning and its use should be directed by clinical status and urinary arsenic excretion.

Synthesis, Experimental and Density Functional Theory (DFT) Studies on Solubility of Camptothecin Derivatives

Two camptothecin derivatives, 10-cyclohexyl-7-methyl-20(S)-camptothecin and 7-methyl-10-morpholino-20(S)-camptothecin, were synthesized and their differences in solubility were investigated using four chosen solvent systems. Based on our results, 10-cyclohexyl-7-methyl-20(S)-camptothecin exhibited higher solubilities than 7-methyl-10-morpholino-20(S)-camptothecin in polar aprotic solvents. However, these two camptothecin derivatives did not exhibit apparent differences in solubility between 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/95% normal saline co-solvent system and 5% dimethylacetamide (DMAC)/95% normal saline co-solvent system. To rationalize their differences in solubility, we also tried to perform a DFT-B3LYP study to investigate their interaction with one water molecule.

Crystal structure, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-6-nitro-1H-indazole

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H11N3O3, consists of two independent mol-ecules having very similar conformations in which the indazole moieties are planar. The independent mol-ecules are distinguished by small differences in the rotational orientations of the nitro groups. In the crystal, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form zigzag chains along the b-axis direction. Additional C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the chains into layers parallel to (10). These are connected by slipped π-stacking and C-H⋯π(ring) inter-actions.

A systematic study of the effects of thionation in naphthalene dimide derivatives to tune their nonlinear optical properties

In the present study, the number and position of sulfur atoms on naphthalene diimide (NDI) is systematically investigated to tune its nonlinear optical (NLO) response properties. Our DFT calculations for third-order polarizability (γ) show that the thionation significantly influences the nonlinear optical property of NDI as it is seen among its several designed derivatives (NDI-1 to NDI-10). The smallest and the largest γ_zzzz amplitudes are 503.49 × 10^-36 and 1299.5 × 10^-36 esu for NDI-1 (having tetraone group) and NDI-10 (having tetrathione group), respectively. The increase in γ_zzzz amplitude for NDI-10 is 796 × 10^-36 esu, which is ∼150% from the γ_zzzz amplitude of NDI-1. A comparison of the γ_zzzz amplitudes of our designed derivatives are made with para-nitroaniline i.e. a prototype NLO molecule. The γ_zzzz amplitude of pNA is found to be 42.64 × 10^-36 esu at the same B3LYP/DZVP2 level of theory. Using two-level model, the origin of larger γ_zzzz amplitudes is traced in lower transition energy of NDI-10. Furthermore, the calculation of vertical ionization potentials (VIPs) shows that the thionation does not affect the stability of designed derivatives, where a slight difference of 0.06 eV is seen between the VIPs of NDI-1 (6.63 eV) and NDI-10 (6.57 eV). Thus, a systematic comparison of the third-order polarizability and other electro-optical properties of our designed derivatives shows that our derivative systems possess good potential for their practical realization in the field of optical and NLO materials.

Metabolic Acidosis Complicating Ingestion of Disinfectant Floor Cleaner Containing Butoxyethanol

Butoxyethanol intoxication has seldom been reported. We describe a case of ingestion of butoxyethanol-containing cleaner resulting in high anion gap metabolic acidosis, which resolved after treatment with ethanol and haemodialysis. The presentations and treatments of previous cases are highlighted. Discussion is centred on the toxicological pathway of butoxyethanol and the role of alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor.

Comparison of Mortality among Severe Trauma Patients Treated in a Trauma Centre versus a Non-Trauma Centre

Introduction

In Taiwan, patients with major trauma are often sent to the closest non-trauma centre for initial resuscitation and transferred to distant trauma centres subsequently. This study aimed to evaluate the in-hospital mortality of severe trauma patients treated in a trauma centre versus in a non-trauma centre.

Methods

This prospective observational study reviewed 223 patients with major trauma (defined as Injury Severity Scale [ISS] score >15) who visited either a Level I trauma centre or a non-trauma centre from April 2013 to March 2014. Data of clinical status, trauma mechanisms, laboratory and radiology, interventions, and mortality/survival were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess effects of initial hospital treatment on mortality.

Results

A total of 158 major trauma patients were taken to the trauma centre hospital, and 65 patients were taken to the non-trauma centre. Age > 70 years (odds ratio [OR] 6.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 38.62, compared to age ≤40 years), Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] 3-8 (OR 19.00, 95% CI 2.30-157.01, compared to GCS 13-15), GCS 9-12 (OR 28.88, 95% CI 4.40-189.86, compared to GCS 13-15), ISS score >25 (OR 6.95, 95% CI 1.27-38.08) and taken to non-trauma centre initially (OR 30.90, 95% CI 5.00-191.27) were significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Initial treatment of patients with major trauma in a non-trauma centre was associated with increased mortality compared to initial treatment in a trauma centre.

Bleeding Pelvic Fractures: Updates and Controversies in Acute Phase Management

Background

The management of patients with haemodynamic instability related to pelvic fractures is a major challenge with high mortality and morbidity. The treatment priorities have long been a source of debate. Many advocate emergent external fixation (EX-FIX) as the first line of treatment, whereas another school favours the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE). Decision-making within the ‘Golden Hour’ in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to patients' ultimate outcome. Our aim was to evaluate the current management pathways in our centre and to review the latest literature.

Methods

We present a 2-year case series (from January 2005 to December 2006) of patients with pelvic ring disruption and haemodynamic instability. Data were collected regarding patients' demographics, fracture patterns according to the Young & Burgess classification, concomitant intra-abdominal injuries, treatment pathway and the response to treatment.

Results

There were 7 patients identified. Five were males and 2 were females, with a mean age of 42 years. Fracture types included 3 lateral compression, 1 anteroposterior compression, 2 vertical shear, and 1 combined mechanism. Four patients had significant intraperitoneal haemorrhage identified by Focused Assessment by Sonography for Trauma (FAST). They all needed laporotomy and pelvic packing, initially or subsequently. EX-FIXs were offered to 6 patients as the primary intervention, and 4 of them subsequently required diagnosis with angiography followed by therapeutic embolisation to restore haemodynamic stability. Only 1 patient underwent a second angiographic study to control the arterial bleeding. Two patients died of severe intra-abdominal injuries within 24 hours after admission.

Conclusion

In patients with pelvic fractures and hypotension, EX-FIX is currently the first line of treatment, with variable efficacy. On the other hand, the high successful embolisation rate and reasonable safety profile of TAE in our patients have been impressive. The latter offers a much better alternative to surgical intervention in selected patients. However, precautions should be taken including proper pelvic stabilisation by non-invasive devices, creation of a safe environment in the angiography suite, and early multidisciplinary decision in the ED.

The Use of Glucagon and other Antidotes in a Case of Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose

We report a case of metoprolol and nifedipine overdose complicated by hypotension which responded to intravenous boluses of calcium chloride and glucagon. The blood pressure was subsequently stabilised by continuous glucagon infusion with the aid of an insulin-dextrose drip. The discussion is focused on the role of antidotes and catecholamine inotropes in the management of beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker poisoning.

Work-Related Crushing Injuries with Amputations of Digits, Hands and Forearms

Objective

To review work-related crushing injuries leading to amputation of digits, hands and forearms, by focusing on patients' demographics, and clinical outcomes.

Design

Retrospective descriptive study.

Setting

Regional hospital, Hong Kong.

Patients

Patients with work-related crushing injuries causing amputation of digits, hands or forearms admitted to hospital for treatment from January 2003 to August 2005.

Methods

Patients' age, sex, past medical history, occupations, context of injuries including injuring objects and levels of amputation were studied. During a 9-month follow up period, patients' need for urgent operation, length of hospital stay, duration of sick leave and change of occupational status were analysed.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were studied. The age distribution ranged from 19 to 81 years, with 50% being less than 40 years of age. Most patients (93%) were healthy adult before the injury. Industries frequently involved were construction (24%), manufacturing (17%) and transportation (14%). Machineries and metallic tools were the most common injuring objects. Eighty-four percent of the amputation injuries involved the finger(s), and 13% the thumb. Most patients (91%) required urgent operation. The mean length of hospital stay was 4 days. The mean duration of sick leave was 152 days. The estimated wage loss was around HK$145,000 per accident. Only 42% of the patients could fully resume working without job restriction.

Conclusion

Traumatic amputation as a severe work-related injury is common in Hong Kong. It frequently affects the young and healthy workforce, resulting in devastating physical and psychological disabilities. The clinical, social and economical significances are enormous and far-reaching.

Protecting-Group-Free Synthesis of 1-Phenylisoquinolin-4-ols: Thermal Cyclization of Methyl 2-[(Diphenylmethylidene)amino]acetates

A protecting-group-free synthetic approach to 1-phenylisoquinolin-4-ols was developed by the intramolecular thermal cyclization of methyl 2-[(diphenylmethylidene)amino]acetates. R¹ and R² substituents were found to affect the required reaction temperatures, time, and yields of the cyclized products. The reactivity of the Schiff bases increased upon introduction of α-benzoyl and α-ester groups (R²). The cyclization yield also depended on the position of the R¹ substituents on the phenyl groups.

Dramatic band gap reduction incurred by dopant coordination rearrangement in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO2

A dramatic band gap narrowing of 1.61 eV has been observed in Co-doped nanocrystals of CeO₂ (ceria), as a result of thermal annealing, without changing the ceria crystal structure and the Co concentration. As demonstrated by x-ray absorption fine structures, thermal annealing incurs an oxygen coordination rearrangement around Co atoms from an octahedral coordination to a square-planar coordination. First principle calculation using density functional theory reveals two stable oxygen coordination types surrounding Co, consistent with the experimental observation. The band gap values calculated for the two stable coordination types differ dramatically, reproducing the experimentally observed band gap narrowing. These prominent effects due to local structure rearrangement around dopant atoms can lead to unprecedented methods for band gap engineering in doped nanocrystal oxides.

Effects of lipid form and source on digestibility of fat and fatty acids in growing pigs

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of source (corn DDGS, rice bran, or soybean) or form of oil (extracted or intact) on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and true total tract digestibility (TTTD) of acid-hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE) and fatty acids. The study determined and compared the ATTD or TTTD of AEE and fatty acids in extracted corn oil, rice oil, and soybean oil with intact oil in corn DDGS, full-fat rice bran, and full-fat soybean. Seventy-eight barrows (initial BW = 47.2 ± 3.9 kg; Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were allotted to 1 of 13 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 barrows in each dietary treatment. The 13 experimental diets included 1 cornstarch-soybean meal basal diet (AEE, 0.56%) and 3 diets containing 6% extracted oils (corn oil, rice oil, and soybean oil) and 9 diets supplemented with 3 levels of corn DDGS (17%, 34%, and 51%), full-fat rice bran (14%, 28%, and 42%), and full-fat soybean (12%, 24%, and 36%). These diets provided about 2%, 4%, and 6% intact oil, respectively. The barrows were housed in individual metabolism crates and were fed the assigned test diets at 4% of initial BW per day. A 5-d total collection of feces followed a 7-d diet adaptation period. The ATTD of AEE were calculated for each diet. The endogenous flow of AEE associated with each ingredient and values for TTTD were calculated using regression methods. The ATTD of AEE were greater ( < 0.05) for extracted oil than for intact oil. Compared to extracted oil, intact oil had lower ( < 0.01) ATTD of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), and linolenic acid (C18:3). However, a source by form interaction ( < 0.01) was observed for ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3. The ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3 in extracted corn and rice oil were greater compared with intact corn DDGS and rice oil ( < 0.05), while there was no significant difference for the ATTD of C18:0, C18:2, and C18:3 between extracted soybean oil and intact oil in full-fat soybean. In conclusion, lipids that are extracted have a greater digestibility compared with intact lipids, and this is especially true regarding saturated fatty acids. The ATTD of AEE in 2 forms of rice oil (intact oil and extracted oil) was less than the values in corn oil and soybean oil. The TTTD of AEE in corn DDGS and full-fat soybeans were greater than in full-fat rice bran.

Social Cooperation and Disharmony in Communities Mediated through Common Pool Resource Exploitation

It was theorized that when a society exploits a shared resource, the system can undergo extreme phase transition from full cooperation in abiding by a social agreement, to full defection from it. This was shown to happen in an integrated society with complex social relationships. However, real-world agents tend to segregate into communities whose interactions contain features of the associated community structure. We found that such social segregation softens the abrupt extreme transition through the emergence of multiple intermediate phases composed of communities of cooperators and defectors. Phase transitions thus now occur through these intermediate phases which avert the instantaneous collapse of social cooperation within a society. While this is beneficial to society, it nonetheless costs society in two ways. First, the return to full cooperation from full defection at the phase transition is no longer immediate. Community linkages have rendered greater societal inertia such that the switch back is now typically stepwise rather than a single change. Second, there is a drastic increase in social disharmony within the society due to the greater tension in the relationship between segregated communities of defectors and cooperators. Intriguingly, these results on multiple phases with its associated phenomenon of social disharmony are found to characterize the level of cooperation within a society of Balinese farmers who exploit water for rice production.

Concentrations of minerals in pig feed ingredients commonly used in China

Mineral concentrations were determined in 13 different feed ingredients commonly used in swine diets. Ingredients included corn and 4 corn co-products: corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, corn germ meal, and corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Wheat, wheat bran, and wheat shorts were also included, and 5 oilseed meals including soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, cottonseed meal, and peanut meal were used as well. Corn grain contained 88.7% dry matter (DM) and 0.46% K (DM basis). Greater concentrations of DM, ash, Ca, P, nonphytate P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were observed in corn gluten feed, corn DDGS, and corn germ meal compared with corn grain (P < 0.05). In general, minerals in corn DDGS were approximately three times greater than in corn grain and about 90% of the total P in corn DDGS was in the nonphytate bound form. Corn gluten meal had the least concentrations (P < 0.05) of most minerals, but the greatest (P < 0.05) concentrations of Fe (373.55 mg/kg, DM basis), Cu (11.88 mg/kg, DM basis), and Se (0.92 mg/kg, DM basis). On a DM-basis, concentrations of DM, Ca, P, phytate bound P, and Fe in wheat grain were 88.2%, 0.10%, 0.34%, 0.16%, and 53.48 mg/kg, respectively. Wheat bran contained more (P < 0.05) K, Mg, Cl, Fe, Zn, and Mn compared with wheat and wheat shorts. On a DM-basis, 2.72% K was observed in soybean meal, which was more (P < 0.05) than in the other oilseed meals. However, rapeseed meal had the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration of ash (9.37%), Ca (1.01%), P (1.05%), and Fe (526.49 mg/kg) among the oilseed meals, but only 16.2% of the total P in rapeseed meal was non-phytate P. In contrast, more than 50% of the P in soybean meal and peanut meal was non-phytate P. The least (P < 0.05) concentration of Cu (6.73 mg/kg, DM basis) was observed in rapeseed meal and the greatest (P < 0.05) concentration (32.75 mg/kg) was analyzed in sunflower meal. Concentrations of most minerals in soybean meal, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, cottonseed meal, and peanut meal varied considerably compared with published values. In conclusion, the concentration of minerals in 13 commonly used feed ingredients were analyzed and results indicated considerable variation among and within feed ingredients for most minerals, which for some minerals may be a result of differences in minerals in the soil in which the ingredients were grown, but processing likely also contributes to differences among ingredients.

Energy content and amino acid digestibility of flaxseed expellers fed to growing pigs

This study was conducted to determine the DE and ME as well as the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of CP and AA in flaxseed expellers fed to growing pigs. In Exp. 1, the DE and ME were determined using 66 crossbred growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 54.2 ± 2.3 kg BW) fed 1 of 11 diets in a completely randomized design. The diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 10 experimental diets containing 29.16% flaxseed expellers supplemented at the expense of corn and soybean meal. In Exp. 2, 11 growing pigs (35.5 ± 3.4 kg), fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum, were assigned to 6 × 11 Youden square design with 6 periods and 11 diets. The diets included a N-free diet based on cornstarch and sucrose and 10 test diets containing 40% flaxseed expellers as the sole source of AA. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was used as an indigestible marker. There was considerable variation in the chemical composition among the 10 flaxseed expellers. The CV were greater than 10% for ether extract (EE), NDF, ADF, crude fiber, and Ca and ranged from 7 to 12% for the AA. On a DM basis, the DE and ME ranged from 2,786 to 3,730 and from 2,588 to 3,530 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent total tract digestibility of GE ranged from 59.91 to 75.83% (mean = 70.92%). Ether extract, GE, and NDF were the best predictors to determine DE and ME. The best prediction equations were DE = -3,231 + (1.58 × GE) - (25.79 × % NDF) ( = 0.90) or DE = 4,189 + (56.78 × % EE) - (30.59 × % NDF) ( = 0.85) and ME = -2,968 + (1.47 × GE) - (24.82 × % NDF) ( = 0.85) or ME = 3,931 + (53.77 × % EE) - (29.31 × % NDF) ( = 0.82), respectively. In Exp. 2, there were significant differences in the AID and SID of CP and all AA with the exception of Phe ( < 0.05). The AID and SID of CP averaged 70.16 and 78.04%, respectively. For the indispensable AA, the AID and SID of Thr were the least, with average values of 70.70 and 76.68%, respectively. The digestibility of Arg and Met were the greatest, averaging over 88 and 91% for AID and SID, respectively. The AID and SID of Lys ranged from 66.10 to 81.82% (mean = 74.14%) and from 70.90 to 85.41% (mean = 78.13%), respectively. These results indicate that there is significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID and AID of CP and AA among the selected flaxseed expellers. The DE and ME of flaxseed expellers are primarily related to their EE and NDF concentrations.

The Nutritive Values in Different Varieties of Corn Planted in One Location Fed to Growing Pigs over Three Consecutive Years

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of variety and planting year on the nutritive values of corn fed to growing pigs. Four corn varieties examined in this experiment were planted in the same village located in Longhua County, Heibei Province, China, in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. During each year, corn was hand-harvested in early October and sun dried to about 14% moisture content. Three batches of twenty-four barrows (33.27±4.30, 31.88±2.93, 34.21±3.81 kg body wight [BW] in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively) were used and allotted to a complete block design with 4 diets and 6 replicate pigs per diet. Pigs were individually placed in metabolic crates. The four experimental diets were formulated by mixing each variety of corn and vitamins and minerals, respectively. A five-day collection period followed a seven-day diet acclimation period. The results indicated that variety of corn significantly influenced the available energy content (digestible energy [DE] on dry matter basis, p<0.05; metabolizable energy (ME) on dry matter basis, p<0.05, respectively), and the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of organic matter (p<0.01), dry matter (p<0.05), gross energy (p<0.05), neutral detergent fiber (p<0.01), acid detergent fiber and ether extract (p<0.05). The planting year also significantly influenced the available energy contents (DE on dry matter basis, p<0.05; ME on dry matter basis, p<0.01, respectively) and the ATTD of neutral detergent fiber (p<0.01), acid detergent fiber (p<0.01), crude protein (p<0.01), and ether extract (p<0.01). No interaction was observed between the variety and planting year in DE and ME contents in corn. In conclusion, the variety and planting year significantly influenced the available energy and nutrient digestibility of corn fed to growing pigs.

Unconventional interplay between heterovalent dopant elements: Switch-and-modulator band-gap engineering in (Y, Co)-Codoped CeO2 nanocrystals

We report the experimental observation and theoretical explanation of an unconventional interplay between divalent Co and trivalent Y dopants, both of which incur oxygen vacancies in the CeO₂ host that has predominantly tetravalent Ce cations. The Co dopant atoms were experimentally found to act as a switch that turns on the dormant effect of Y-modulated band-gap reduction. As revealed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations with structures verified by synchrotron-radiation x-ray measurements, a Co 3d band that hybridizes with Ce 4f band was lowered due to reduced O 2p repulsion arising from oxygen vacancies incurred by Y doping and therefore gave rise to the observed band-gap narrowing effect. Such switch-and-modulator scheme for band-gap engineering in nanocrystal materials can lead to important applications in environmental protection and solar energy harvesting technologies.

A Comparison of the Lewis Basicity of Diamidocarbenes and Diaminocarbenes

In this study, density functional theory calculations, using the M06-2X functional, were performed to investigate the efficiencies of various carbenes in inducing hydrogen abstraction in BH3 through the formation of a Lewis acid–base pair with BH3. The density functional theory results indicate that diamidocarbenes are more efficient in reducing the B–H bond energy of BH3 than diaminocarbenes. Natural bond orbital and combined charge and bond energy analyses were performed to investigate the Lewis acid–base pair formed by BH3 and the title carbenes.

Alterations in white matter micro-integrity of the superior longitudinal fasciculus and anterior thalamic radiation of young adult patients with depression

BACKGROUND

This study surveyed the characteristics of white matter (WM) micro-integrity in patients who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) without co-morbidities.

METHOD

A total of 44 patients with MDD and 27 normal controls were enrolled in our study. Diffusion tensor imaging images of patients and controls were pre-processed and analysed to estimate differences in WM micro-integrity between patients and controls by performing comparisons of the values obtained from fractional anisotropy (FA). FA outputs of patients and controls were compared by a non-parametric permutation-based method with global brain volume, age and gender as covariates. In addition, the between-group differences of radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) were assessed to explain the alterations in FA values. Correlations between clinical variables (such as depression severity, anxiety severity, illness duration) and FA values were also estimated in each group and across both groups.

RESULTS

The patients with MDD had significantly lower FA values than the controls, for the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR). The reductions in FA values occurred in combination with elevated RD values in the bilateral SLF and decreased AD values in the bilateral ATR. FA values were negatively correlated with depression severity in the SLF and with illness duration in the right SLF and ATR.

CONCLUSIONS

MDD patients had significant alterations in the WM micro-integrity of the left SLF and the right ATR.

Conduction control at ferroic domain walls via external stimuli

Intriguing functionalities at nano-sized domain walls have recently spawned a new paradigm for developing novel nanoelectronics due to versatile characteristics. In this study, we explore a new scenario to modulate the local conduction of ferroic domain walls. Three controlling parameters, i.e., external electrical field, magnetic field and light, are introduced to the 90° domain walls (90° DWs) of BiFeO₃. Electrical modulation is realized by electrical transport, where the mobility of 90° DWs can be altered by gating voltage. We further use the ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic coupling to reveal the inherent magnetism at the DWs. With an established magnetic nature, magnetotransport has been conducted to introduce magnetic controlling parameter, where a giant positive magnetoresistance change can be observed up to 200%. In addition, light modulated conduction, a core factor for multifunctional applications, is successfully demonstrated (current enhancement by a factor of 2 with 11 W white lamp). These results offer new insights to discover the tunability of domain wall nanoelectronics.

Establishing the thermal threshold of the tropical mussel Perna viridis in the face of global warming

With increasing recognition that maximum oxygen demand is the unifying limit in tolerance, the first line of thermal sensitivity is, as a corollary, due to capacity limitations at a high level of organisational complexity before individual, molecular or membrane functions become disturbed. In this study the tropical mussel Perna viridis were subjected to temperature change of 0.4 °C per hour from ambient to 8-36 °C. By comparing thermal mortality against biochemical indices (hsp70, gluthathione), physiological indices (glycogen, FRAP, NRRT) and behavioural indices (clearance rate), a hierarchy of thermal tolerance was therein elucidated, ranging from systemic to cellular to molecular levels. Generally, while biochemical indices indicated a stress signal much earlier than the more integrated behavioural indices, failure of the latter (indicating a tolerance limit and transition to pejus state) occurred much earlier than the other indices tending towards thermal extremities at both ends of the thermal spectrum.

Test of genuine multipartite nonlocality without inequalities

In this Letter we propose a set of conditions on the joint probabilities as a test of genuine multipartite nonlocality without inequality. Our test is failed by all nonsignaling local models in which even nonlocal correlations among some observables (not all) are allowed as long as these correlations respect the nonsignaling principle. A pass of our test by a state therefore indicates that this state cannot be simulated by any nonsignaling local models; i.e., the state exhibits genuine multipartite nonlocality. It turns out that all entangled symmetric n-qubit (n≥3) states pass our test and therefore are n-way nonlocal. Also we construct two Bell-type inequalities from our proposed test whose violations indicate genuine multipartite nonlocal correlations.