Portable SERS-Based POCT Kit for Ultrafast and Sensitive Determining Paraquat in Human Gastric Juice and Urine

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning poses a significant public health concern. Unfortunately, point-of-care testing (POCT) of PQ in biofluids remains challenging. This study developed a portable kit that enables swift and reliable identification and quantification of PQ in human urine and gastric juice. The approach employed the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, leveraging gold-silver core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) as the substrate. The kit comprised a portable Raman spectrometer and three sealed tubes containing Au@Ag NPs colloid, KI solution, and MgSO4 solution. A discernible correlation was observed between signal intensity and the logarithmic concentration, spanning from 5 to 500 μg/L in urine and 10 μg/L to 1 mg/L in gastric juice. The detection limits, calculated from the characteristic peak at 1648 cm -1, were 1.36 and 4.05 μg/L in human urine and gastric juice, respectively. Notably, this POCT kit obviated the need for pretreatment procedures, and the detection process was accomplished within 1 min, yielding satisfactory recoveries. This expeditious time frame is crucial for clinical diagnosis and rescue operations. Compared to conventional methods, this kit demonstrated real-time determinations in nonlaboratory settings. The simplicity and practicality of this POCT assay suggest its significant potential as an innovative alternative for poisoning detection applications.

Electrochemical Ni-Catalyzed Decarboxylative C(sp3 )-N Cross-Electrophile Coupling

A new electrochemical transformation is presented that enables chemists to couple simple alkyl carboxylic acid derivatives with an electrophilic amine reagent to construct C(sp3 )-N bond. The success of this reaction hinges on the merging of cooperative electrochemical reduction with nickel catalysis. The chemistry exhibits a high degree of practicality, showcasing its wide applicability with 1°, 2°, 3° carboxylic acids and remarkable compatibility with diverse functional groups, even in the realm of late-stage functionalization. Furthermore, extensive mechanistic studies have unveiled the engagement of alkyl radicals and iminyl radicals; and elucidated the multifaceted roles played by i Pr2 O, Ni catalyst, and electricity.

Point-of-Use SERS Approach for Efficient Determination and Removal of Phthalic Acid Esters Based on a Metal-Organic Framework-Coated Melamine Sponge

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, and their real-time monitoring and removal remain challenging. Herein, a point-of-use (POU) device integrating adsorption, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and removal strategy was developed and realized ultrafast on-site determination of PAEs and cleanup of them from water. A piece of flexible melamine sponge (MS) was coated with gold nanostars (AuNSs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), thus obtaining SERS activity and adsorption capacity. Based on this multifunctional AuNSs@MOFs/MS composite, clear trends were observed between SERS signal intensity and concentration of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The method detection limits of DEHP and DBP were calculated to be 0.75 × 10-7 and 0.67 × 10-7 M in water, respectively, proving good sensitivity. Furthermore, this POU device exhibited satisfactory adsorption capacity (∼82.3 g/g for DBP and ∼90.0 g/g for DEHP), high adsorption efficiency (equilibrium in 100 s), and good regeneration capability (removal efficiency >70% after 5 cycles). The applicability of this device was verified by its good determination and removal performance in real environmental water matrices. The whole process could be completed within 5 min. This approach provides a new POU alternative for real-time monitoring and removal of PAEs in water.

Enantioselective Alkylation of Amino Acid Derivatives with ­Unactivated Olefins via C–N Bond Cleavage

We reported a nickel-catalyzed enantioconvergent deaminative alkylation of α-amino acid derivatives with unactivated olefins, providing an efficient and convenient access to a range of α-enantioenriched amides. This method represents the first example of enantioselective deaminative functionalization with racemic amine precursors and features in mild conditions and broad substrate scope. New sterically encumbered bis(oxazoline) ligand was developed to improve both reactivity and enantioselectivity, which is key to the success of this reaction.

Duality of Interactions Between TGF-β and TNF-α During Tumor Formation

The tumor microenvironment is essential for the formation and development of tumors. Cytokines in the microenvironment may affect the growth, metastasis and prognosis of tumors, and play different roles in different stages of tumors, of which transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are critical. The two have synergistic and antagonistic effect on tumor regulation. The inhibition of TGF-β can promote the formation rate of tumor, while TGF-β can promote the malignancy of tumor. TNF-α was initially determined to be a natural immune serum mediator that can induce tumor hemorrhagic necrosis, it has a wide range of biological activities and can be used clinically as a target to immune diseases as well as tumors. However, there are few reports on the interaction between the two in the tumor microenvironment. This paper combs the biological effect of the two in different aspects of different tumors. We summarized the changes and clinical medication rules of the two in different tissue cells, hoping to provide a new idea for the clinical application of the two cytokines.

Enantioselective Deaminative Alkylation of Amino Acid Derivatives with Unactivated Olefins

Herein, we report the first Ni-catalyzed enantioselective deaminative alkylation of amino acid and peptide derivatives with unactivated olefins. Key for success was the discovery of a new sterically encumbered bis(oxazoline) ligand backbone, thus offering a de novo technology for accessing enantioenriched sp³-sp³ linkages via sp³ C-N functionalization. Our protocol is distinguished by its broad scope and generality across a wide number of counterparts, even in the context of late-stage functionalization. In addition, an enantioselective deaminative remote hydroalkylation reaction of unactivated internal olefins is within reach, thus providing a useful entry point for forging enantioenriched sp³-sp³ centers at remote sp³ C-H sites.

EF24 exerts cytotoxicity against NSCLC via inducing ROS accumulation

Background

The role of Diphenyldifluoroketone (EF24), a synthetic analogue of curcumin with noteworthy antitumor potential, remains unclear in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, the inhibitory effect of EF24 on NSCLC and its mechanism were studied.

Methods

Cytotoxicity was measured by MTT assay, colony formation assay and xenograft model. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were quantified by flow cytometer. Protein level was detected by western blot assay. Mitochondria and autophagosomes were observed using transmission electron microscope and confocal microscopy.

Results

In-vitro, EF24 significantly induced proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, mitochondrial fission and autophagy of NSCLC cell lines. These cytotoxic effects were significantly attenuated by two reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, indicating its anti-cancer effects largely depend on ROS accumulation. In-vivo, EF24 inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, no pathological changes of heart, lung, spleen, kidney and liver of mice were observed. Collectively, EF24 induced ROS accumulation, in turn activates cell apoptosis, and then exerts its cytotoxicity on NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

The results showed that EF24 exerted cytotoxicity against NSCLC via ROS accumulation. Thus, EF24 might serve as a potential anti-cancer agent for the treatment of NSCLC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02240-z.

Fractionated Irradiation Enhances Invasion and Migration by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Stemness-Like Properties in A549 Cells

OBJECTIVE

Radioresistance-induced locoregional recurrence remains a major cause of low survival rates. However, the mechanism of treatment failure in these lung cancer patients has not been determined. In the current study, we tried to explore the potential molecular mechanism.

METHODS

The fractionated irradiations were continued until the total concentration reached 80 Gy, and we established radioresistant subclones derived from A549 lines (designated as A549/R). The MTT assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and soft agar colony formation assay were employed to detect the proliferation, migration, invasion, and clonogenicity of the cells, respectively. Western blot and Fluorescence Activating Cell Sorter (FACS) indicated the expression of the markers.

RESULTS

A549/R cells proliferated more slowly than the parental A549 cells. A significant acceleration in cell migration and invasion was revealed in A549/R cells compared with A549 cells. The expression levels of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, claudin-1, and Snail) increased, while epithelial markers (E-cadherin and β-catenin) decreased in A549/R cells. Meanwhile, the expression levels of stemness markers (Oct4, Notch1, and CD133) increased in A549/R cells, and A549/R cells showed more sphere-forming activity compared with A549 cells.

CONCLUSION

Fractionated irradiation could promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhance the migration, invasion, and stemness-like properties in A549 cells, elucidating the possible radioresistance mechanisms of the cancer cells.

Electrochemical Decarboxylative N-Alkylation of Heterocycles

An operationally simple method to employ nonactivated carboxylic acids as alkylating agents in the N-alkylation of heterocycles is reported through an electrochemically driven anodic decarboxylative process. A wide substrate scope across a range of heterocycles is demonstrated along with a series of applications that significantly reduce the step count required to access such medicinally relevant structures.

Copper mediated C(sp2)-H amination and hydroxylation of phosphinamides

Copper mediated C(sp2)-H amination and hydroxylation of arylphosphinic acid are accomplished by adopting phosphinamide as the directing group. This method is distinguished by its wide substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, thus allowing for the rapid preparation of organophosphorus compounds in organic synthesis.

Hindered dialkyl ether synthesis with electrogenerated carbocations

Hindered ethers are of high value for various applications; however, they remain an underexplored area of chemical space because they are difficult to synthesize via conventional reactions^1,2. Such motifs are highly coveted in medicinal chemistry, because extensive substitution about the ether bond prevents unwanted metabolic processes that can lead to rapid degradation in vivo. Here we report a simple route towards the synthesis of hindered ethers, in which electrochemical oxidation is used to liberate high-energy carbocations from simple carboxylic acids. These reactive carbocation intermediates, which are generated with low electrochemical potentials, capture an alcohol donor under non-acidic conditions; this enables the formation of a range of ethers (more than 80 have been prepared here) that would otherwise be difficult to access. The carbocations can also be intercepted by simple nucleophiles, leading to the formation of hindered alcohols and even alkyl fluorides. This method was evaluated for its ability to circumvent the synthetic bottlenecks encountered in the preparation of 12 chemical scaffolds, leading to higher yields of the required products, in addition to substantial reductions in the number of steps and the amount of labour required to prepare them. The use of molecular probes and the results of kinetic studies support the proposed mechanism and the role of additives under the conditions examined. The reaction manifold that we report here demonstrates the power of electrochemistry to access highly reactive intermediates under mild conditions and, in turn, the substantial improvements in efficiency that can be achieved with these otherwise-inaccessible intermediates.

Curcumin exerts cytotoxicity dependent on reactive oxygen species accumulation in non-small-cell lung cancer cells

AIM

Curcumin induces cytotoxic cell death in several human cancer cells. Here, we have investigated the effects of curcumin on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with an aim to identify underlying mechanisms of its cytotoxic effect.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The effects of various concentrations of curcumin on the NSCLC cell lines A549 and SPC-A1 were evaluated by MTT assay, colony-forming assay and flow cytometry. Additionally, protein expression associated with different signaling pathways was assessed using western blotting.

RESULTS

Curcumin exhibited cytotoxicity against NSCLC, evident from the inhibition of cell proliferation, G2/M arrest, DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial apoptosis. The anticancer effect was related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and could be reversed by ROS scavengers, catalase and N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Curcumin decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential and induced ROS production, thereby activating the DNA damage/repair pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that curcumin could be an effective therapeutic candidate for NSCLC.

Cu-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Borylation

A simple method for the conversion of carboxylic acids to boronic esters via redox-active esters (RAEs) is reported using copper catalysis. The scope of this transformation is broad, and compared with the known protocols available, it represents the most inexpensive, rapid, and operationally simple option. In addition to a full exploration of the scope, a kinetic study was performed to elucidate substrate and reagent concentration dependences.

Estimation of Lung Volume in Normal Population Using MSCT

OBJECTIVES

To estimate lung volume in normal population by a combination of multi-slice spiral CT and Pulmo software.

METHODS

Scans of the lung were performed on 45 normal individuals using Emotion 16-slice spiral CT and Pulmo software. A measurement instrument of work station was used to measure the vertical diameter of left and right lungs, the maximum anteroposterior and transverse diameters at the layers of apex pulmonis 1 cm below, arcus aortae, subcarinal and diaphragmatic dome, and the lung volume. Regression analysis was performed on normal lung volume and each measured parameter by SPSS 20.0 and an optimal model was selected.

RESULTS

The goodness of fit between the best curvilinear equations of the normal bilateral lung volumes was 0.981. The goodness of fit between the curvilinear equations of the normal bilateral lung volume and the product of the vertical diameter and the maximum transverse diameter of diaphragmatic dome were 0.977 and 0.972, respectively. Fifteen cases were selected to make a retrospective test on the 3 models. No significant difference was found between the estimated and measured with Pulmo software lung volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

The normal lung volume before injury can be estimated by the curvilinear equations established in this study. The percentage of lung compression can be measured based on the volume of compressed lung, which can provide a reference for the identification of lung compression degree.

[5-HT(2A) receptor/protein kinase C pathway in mediating long-term facilitation of carotid sinus nerve discharge in chronic intermittent hypoxia rats]

Objective: To explore the role of 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway in mediating long-term facilitation (LTF) of carotid sinus nerve (CSN) discharge in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) rats. Methods: With number table, 24 adult SD rats were randomly divided into saline control group (group A, n=6), 5-HT(2A)R antagonist (ketanserin) group (group B, n=6), PKC inhibitor (PKC θ-pseudosubstrate) group (group C, n=6) and combined ketanserin with PKC θ-pseudosubstrate group (group D, n=6). All rats were placed into the animal chambers for CIH treatment, 8 h per day (from 9: 00 to 17: 00) for 4 consecutive weeks. 28 days later, 5 min × 3 times of stimulation with acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) were given, after that, stable CSN discharge activities were recorded and compared before and after intravenous injection of saline (group A), ketanserin (group B), PKC θ-pseudosubstrate (group C) or ketanserin + PKC θ-pseudosubstrate (group D), respectively. Results: There were no significant difference in the baseline (before AIH stimulation) average peak amplitude of CSN discharge among the four groups (P>0.05). In group A, the amplitude of CSN discharge at 30 min and 60 min after AIH were (5.01 ± 0.53) μV and (4.95 ± 0.34) μV respectively, which were significantly higher than that before AIH (P<0.01). The results implied that the CSN LTF could be induced by AIH in CIH pre-treatment rats. In group B, the amplitude of CSN discharge at 30 min and 60 min after AIH were (3.79 ± 0.42) μV and (3.73 ± 0.46) μV, respectively, which were still significantly higher than that before AIH (P<0.01), showing that carotid sinus nerve LTF couldn't be completely blocked by 5-HT(2A)R antagonist in rats. After injection of PKC θ-pseudosubstrate or ketanserin + PKC θ-pseudosubstrate in group C or D, there were no significant differences in CSN discharge amplitude before and after AIH (P>0.01), suggesting that inhibition of PKC alone or 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway could completely block the LTF of CSN. Conclusion: 5-HT(2A)R/PKC pathway was involved in mediating long-term facilitation of carotid sinus nerve discharge in CIH rats.

C-H Functionalization of Amines via Alkene-Derived Nucleophiles through Cooperative Action of Chiral and Achiral Lewis Acid Catalysts: Applications in Enantioselective Synthesis

Catalytic transformations of α-amino C-H bonds to afford valuable enantiomerically enriched α-substituted amines, entities that are prevalent in pharmaceuticals and bioactive natural products, have been developed. Typically, such processes are carried out under oxidative conditions and require precious metal-based catalysts. Here, we disclose a strategy for an enantioselective union of N-alkylamines and α,β-unsaturated compounds, performed under redox-neutral conditions, and promoted through concerted action of seemingly competitive Lewis acids, B(C₆F₅)₃, and a chiral Mg-PyBOX complex. Thus, a wide variety of β-amino carbonyl compounds may be synthesized, with complete atom economy, through stereoselective reaction of an in situ-generated enantiomerically enriched Mg-enolate and an appropriate electrophile.

Epidermal growth factor receptor in glioblastoma

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are commonly occurring in glioblastoma. Enhanced activation of EGFR can occur through a variety of different mechanisms, both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent. Numerous evidence has suggested that EGFR is overexpressed in most of primary glioblastomas and some of the secondary glioblastomas and is characteristic of more aggressive glioblastoma phenotypes. Additionally, recent studies have revealed that wild-type EGFR, and to a greater extent hyper-activating EGFR mutants induced a substantial upregulation of Fyn expression. Furthermore, it was determined that Fyn expression is upregulated across a panel of patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) relative to normal progenitor controls. Moreover, researchers are continuously involved in elucidation of novel mechanism linking EGFR EGFR-expressing glioblastoma. The present review highlights current aspects of EGFR receptor in glioblastoma and concludes that the concept of EGFR signaling and related receptors and associated factors is evolving, however, it needs detailed evaluation for future clinical applications in cancer patients.

Copper-Mediated Late-Stage Functionalization of Heterocycle-Containing Molecules

One long-standing issue in directed C-H functionalization is that either nitrogen or sulfur atoms present in heterocyclic substrates may bind preferentially to a transition-metal catalyst rather than to the desired directing group. This competitive binding has largely hindered the application of C-H functionalization in late-stage heterocycle drug discovery. Reported here is the use of an oxazoline-based directing group capable of overriding the poisoning effect of a wide range of heterocycle substrates. The potential use of this directing group in pharmaceutical drug discovery is illustrated by diversification of Telmisartan (an antagonist for the angiotensin II receptor) through copper-mediated C-H amination, hydroxylation, thiolation, arylation, and trifluoromethylation.

Identification of monodentate oxazoline as a ligand for copper-promoted ortho-C-H hydroxylation and amination

The use of a weakly coordinating monodentate directing group for copper mediated ortho-hydroxylation and amination reactions allows for the identification of an external oxazoline ligand as a promoter.

Evaluation of nano-magnetic fluid on malignant glioma cells

The temperature variation rule of nano-magnetic fluid in the specific magnetic field and the effect on the treatment of malignant glioma were examined. The temperature variation of nano-magnetic fluid in the specific magnetic field was investigated by heating in vitro, and cell morphology was observed through optical microscopy and electron microscopy. MTT detection also was used to detect the effect of Fe₃O₄ nanometer magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) on the proliferation of human U251 glioma cell line. The Fe₃O₄ nano MFH experiment was used to detect the inhibition rate of the tumor volume in nude mice with tumors. The results of the experiment showed that the heating ability of magnetic fluid was positively correlated with its concentration at the same intensity of the magnetic field. The results also indicated the prominent inhibitory effect of nanometer MFH on the proliferation of glioma cells, which was a dose-dependent relationship with nanometer magnetic fluid concentration. The hyperthermia experiment of nude mice with tumors displayed a significant inhibiting effect of Fe₃O₄ nanometer magnetic fluid in glioma volume. These results explain that iron (II, III) oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanometer MFH can inhibit the proliferation of U251 glioma cells, and has an obvious inhibitory effect on glioma volume, which plays a certain role in the treatment of brain glioma.

Exosomal communication in glioma - a review

Cancer research has revealed the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the influence of the surrounding stromal cells present in the microenvironment on CSCs is still poorly understood. The latest studies on gliomas suggested that the microenvironment of human gliomas contains both glioma stem cells (GSCs) and glioma associated (GA)-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs; (GA-MSCs). Also, studies have suggested that nano- sized vesicles, termed exosomes, have been recently observed to contribute towards intercellular communication within the tumor niche. The present review article will highlight the current view of exosomal communication in gliomas.

Helicobacter pylori infection associated with type 2 diabetic nephropathy in patients with dyspeptic symptoms

AIMS

The aim of this conventional case-control study was to investigate the prevalence and relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN).

METHODS

A total of 241 type 2 DM patients and 69 non-diabetic subjects with dyspeptic symptoms were enrolled in the study. Gastroduodenal lesions were observed by gastrointestinal endoscopy and the presence of H. pylori was identified by rapid urease test and serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori. According to the urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE), patients were classified into diabetes mellitus group (DM group, with UAE <30 mg/24h); diabetic nephropathy group 1 (DN group 1, with UAE 30 mg/24 h to <300 mg/24 h); and diabetic nephropathy group 2 (DN group 2 ≥ 300 mg/24 h). The 69 non-diabetic subjects were used as control group. The serum levels of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-8 were determined using ELISA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of H. pylori infection in DN group 1 and DN group 2 was 45/72 (62.5%) and 34/53 (64.15%), respectively, which was significantly higher than in control [28/65 (43.1%)] and DM groups [42.9% (27/63)]. No significant differences of H. pylori prevalence were detected between DN groups as well as DM and control groups. Interestingly, in both DN groups, higher levels of IL-8, TNF-α and urinary albumin excretion rate were found in H. pylori positive subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic nephropathy patients are more susceptible to H. pylori infection. Our data support an association between H. pylori infection and diabetic nephropathy.

Correction to "Remote Meta-C-H Activation Using a Pyridine-Based Template: Achieving Site-Selectivity via the Recognition of Distance and Geometry"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.5b00312.].

Remote Meta-C-H Activation Using a Pyridine-Based Template: Achieving Site-Selectivity via the Recognition of Distance and Geometry

The pyridyl group has been extensively employed to direct transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation reactions in the past half-century. The typical cyclic transition states involved in these cyclometalation processes have only enabled the activation of ortho-C-H bonds. Here, we report that pyridine is adapted to direct meta-C-H activation of benzyl and phenyl ethyl alcohols through engineering the distance and geometry of a directing template. This template takes advantage of a stronger σ-coordinating pyridine to recruit Pd catalysts to the desired site for functionalization. The U-shaped structure accommodates the otherwise highly strained cyclophane-like transition state. This development illustrates the potential of achieving site selectivity in C-H activation via the recognition of distal and geometric relationship between existing functional groups and multiple C-H bonds in organic molecules.

Cu(II)-Mediated C(sp(2))-H Hydroxylation

A Cu(II)-mediated ortho-C-H hydroxylation using a removable directing group has been developed. The reaction exhibits considerable functional group tolerance. The use of O2 as an oxidant is crucial for the reactivity. Water is also found to significantly improve this reaction.

Cu(II)-catalyzed coupling of aromatic C-H bonds with malonates

A new Cu(II)-catalyzed oxidative coupling of arenes with malonates has been developed using an amide-oxazoline directing group. The reaction proceeds via C(sp(2))-H activation and malonate coupling, followed by intramolecular oxidative N-C bond formation. A variety of arenes bearing different substituents are shown to be compatible with this reaction.

Cu(OAc)2-catalyzed coupling of aromatic C-H bonds with arylboron reagents

Cu-catalyzed coupling of aryl C-H bonds with arylboron reagents was accomplished using a readily removable directing group, which provides a useful method for the synthesis of biaryl compounds. The distinct transmetalation step in this Cu-catalyzed C-H coupling with aryl borons provides unique evidence for the formation of an aryl cupperate intermediate.

Cu(II)-mediated ortho C-H alkynylation of (hetero)arenes with terminal alkynes

Cu(II)-promoted ortho alkynylation of arenes and heteroarenes with terminal alkynes has been developed to prepare aryl alkynes. A variety of arenes and terminal alkynes bearing different substituents are compatible with this reaction, thus providing an alternative disconnection to Sonogashira coupling.

Exceedingly fast copper(II)-promoted ortho C-H trifluoromethylation of arenes using TMSCF₃

The direct ortho-trifluoromethylation of arenes, including heteroarenes, with TMSCF3 has been accomplished by a copper(II)-promoted C-H activation reaction which completes within 30 minutes. Mechanistic investigations are consistent with the involvement of C-H activation, rather than a simple electrophilic aromatic substitution (SE Ar), as the key step.

Association between the G870A polymorphism of Cyclin D1 gene and glioma risk

Previous studies have shown the association of the Cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A polymorphism with glioma risk, but the findings are inconsistent and inconclusive. To shed some light on the findings across individual studies and acquire a quantitative assessment of this association, we conducted a meta-analysis of all published case-control studies thus far. Four independent studies with a total of 690 cases and 1,014 controls were identified after a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Wanfang databases. The strength of the association between the CCND1 G870A polymorphism and glioma risk was estimated by the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 %CIs). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity was also performed. Overall, a statistically significant association was found between the CCND1 G870A polymorphism and glioma risk in three genetic models (ORA vs. G = 1.178, 95 %CI 1.025-1.354, P OR = 0.021; ORAA vs. GG = 1.328, 95 %CI 1.007-1.750, P OR = 0.045; ORAA + AG vs. GG = 1.253, 95 %CI 1.006-1.516, P OR = 0.044). In subgroup analysis, the pooled ORs suggested that the CCND1 G870A polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of glioma in Caucasians under the heterozygote and dominant genetic models (ORAG vs. GG = 1.329, 95 %CI 1.001-1.766, P OR = 0.049; ORAA + AG vs. GG = 1.332, 95 %CI 1.019-1.740, P OR = 0.036). The meta-analysis suggests that the CCND1 G870A polymorphism is a risk factor for the development of glioma.

MiR-324-5p inhibits proliferation of glioma by target regulation of GLI1

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of the miR-324-5p on the glioma cells proliferation via the targeted regulation of the glioma-associated oncogene 1.

METHODS

The luciferase reporter gene was used to test whether the glioma-associated oncogene 1 was the target of the miR-324-5p microRNA. The glioma-associated oncogene 1 expression was detected by Western blot. The proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The glioma-associated oncogene 1 is a target of the miR-324-5p. An over-expressed miR-324-5p could reduce the cell survival rate and increase the G1/G0 phase rate in the glioma cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

The miR-324-5p can inhibit proliferation of the glioma cells via the targeted regulation of the glioma-associated oncogene 1.

Ru(II)-catalyzed ortho-C-H amination of arenes and heteroarenes at room temperature

The Ru(II)-catalyzed ortho-C-H amination directed by a weakly coordinating amide auxiliary with O-benzoyl hydroxylamines at room temperature has been achieved. This reaction is compatible with heterocycles including pyrazole, thiophene, benzothiophene, furan, benzofuran, and indole.

Dysregulated expression of Slug, vimentin, and E-cadherin correlates with poor clinical outcome in patients with basal-like breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Among the different types of breast cancer, basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) has an extremely poor prognosis due to its high rate of recurrence and metastasis. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between the expression of Slug, E-cadherin, and vimentin, and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with BLBC. We further inferred from these findings whether Slug leads to a poor prognosis in patients with BLBC through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was performed for 441 patients with breast cancer to determine the expression levels of Slug, E-cadherin, and vimentin. The correlation between protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with BLBC was evaluated, and these patients were followed up to determine survival rate.

RESULTS

High Slug and low E-cadherin expression in BLBC patients closely correlated with histological grade, lymph node metastasis, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymphatic vessel metastasis. Survival analysis revealed that the poor prognosis of BLBC is associated with TNM stage, high Slug and vimentin expression, and low E-cadherin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

High Slug expression is closely correlated with poor prognosis in patients with BLBC. We speculate that this may be attributed to the involvement of Slug in the EMT of BLBC.