Zirconium-Catalyzed Synthesis of 6-(Trifluoromethyl)-2H-pyran-2-ones via C-C Bond Cleavage

A strategy for the annulation reaction of alkynones with ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxobutanoate through C-C bond cleavage is described. The zirconium-catalyzed transformation provides access to a wide range of structurally diverse 6-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-pyran-2-ones in moderate to good yields, utilizing Na2CO3 as a base. Further transformations into trifluoromethylated arene derivatives have been demonstrated as well. Furthermore, plausible reaction pathways are proposed by conducting various control experiments and isolating a β-diketone intermediate (X-ray) containing an intramolecular hydrogen bond.

One-Pot Assembly of 2-Trifluoromethyl Benzothiazole and Benzoselenazole via Copper-Mediated Three-Component Cascade Reaction

A domino one-pot synthesis of 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzothiazole via copper-mediated three-component cascade reaction starting from the easily accessible starting materials such as o-iodoanilines, methyl trifluoropyruvate, and elemental sulfur is reported. The present strategy displayed a comprehensive substrate scope and good functional group tolerance and enabled access to a variety of substituted 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzothiazoles. A 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzoselenazole has also been synthesized utilizing this reaction methodology.

Copper Loading-Controlled Selective Synthesis of 2,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl) and Monotrifluoromethyl-Substituted Oxazoles

A general domino annulation reaction of sulfonylmethyl isocyanide with trifluoroacetic anhydride in the presence of copper chloride as an additive is developed. The reaction affords 2,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)oxazoles in modest to good yields under mild conditions. A wide variety of sulfonylmethyl isocyanide and perfluorocarboxylic anhydride substrates are amenable to this transformation. Under a higher copper salt loading conditions, the reaction led to the formation of monotrifluoromethyl-substituted oxazole product.

Synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles via condensation of diamines or amino(thio)phenols with CF3CN

A new and efficient method is developed for the synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles in good to excellent yields by the condensation of diamines or amino(thio)phenols with in situ generated CF₃CN. Additionally, the synthetic utility of the 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazole and benzoxazole products is demonstrated via gram scale synthesis. The mechanistic study suggests that the reaction proceeds via the nucleophilic addition of trifluoroacetonitrile to the amino group of the diamine derivatives to form an imidamide intermediate, followed by intramolecular cyclization.

Modular Access to 2-(Trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines and Their Benzo Analogues through a Copper(I)-Catalyzed Radical Annulation

A mechanistically distinctive copper-catalyzed radical annulation to valuable 2-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines and their benzo analogues has been described for the first time. Notably, the newly developed complementary process allows the synthesis of 4- or 6-substituted target molecular entities as a single product, which was previously challenging to access by existing methods. The utility of this process is further demonstrated by the facile construction of four different ring systems, a gram-scale synthesis, and the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecules.

Synthesis of 4-trifluoromethyl pyridazines via annulation of pyridinium ylides with trifluoroacetyl diazoester

A base promoted annulation of pyridinium ylides with trifluoroacetyl diazoester has been reported. Highly functionalized 4-trifluoromethyl pyridazines were synthesized in good yields without the use of any heavy metal catalysts. The developed methodology was compatible with a variety of important functional groups. Mechanistic studies revealed that trifluoroacetylated hydrazone was an active intermediate of this three-component annulation. Synthetic versatility of the method via aminolysis and condensation toward amide- and pyridazino[4,5-c]pyridazine-derivatives has been showcased.

2,2,2-Trifluoroacetaldehyde O-(Aryl)oxime: A Precursor of Trifluoroacetonitrile

The preparation of 2,2,2-trifluoroacetaldehyde O-(aryl)oxime, a previously inaccessible precursor of trifluoroacetonitrile, via reaction of hydroxylamine and trifluoroacetaldehyde hydrate is reported. This precursor released CF₃CN in quantitative yield under mildly basic conditions. The precursor was successfully used in the synthesis of trifluoromethylated oxadiazoles. The facile, cost-effective, scalable, and recyclable procedure makes these trifluoroacetonitrile precursors generally applicable.

Synthesis of 2,3-Bis(trifluoromethylseleno) Indoles through an Oxidative Copper-Mediated Domino Reaction

An oxidative copper-mediated double trifluoromethylselenolation of terminal 2-alkynylanilines using [(bpy)CuSeCF₃]₂ is reported, providing a moderately efficient and convenient approach to 2,3-bis(trifluoromethylseleno)indoles. Mechanistic studies show that a cascade sequence of oxidation, trifluoromethylselenolation, 5-endo-dig cyclization, and elimination is involved in this transformation.

Synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl thiazoles via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates with CF3CN

A [3 + 2] cycloaddition of pyridinium 1,4-zwitterionic thiolates with CF3CN for the synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl 4,5-disubstituted thiazoles is reported.

Regioselective synthesis of 3-trifluoromethyl 1,2,4-triazoles via photocycloaddition of sydnone with CF3CN

A photocycloaddition of sydnone with CF3CN for the regioselective synthesis of 3-trifluoromethyl 1,2,4-triazoles is reported.

Aerobic copper-mediated domino process for the synthesis of 3-(trifluoromethylseleno)indoles

An aerobic copper-mediated domino reaction for the synthesis of 3-(trifluoromethylseleno)indoles from trifluoromethylselenolation of N-Ts 2-alkynylaniline with [(bpy)CuSeCF3]2 is reported. This reaction proceeds through a sequential oxidation, alkyne coordination, and deprotonation...

Copper-mediated three-component synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl benzimidazoles

A copper-mediated three-component reaction of o-iodoanilines, anilines, and ethyl trifluoropyruvate is reported. The transformation allows diverse scopes on both o-iodoanilines and anilines delivering various 2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole products in moderate to good...

Synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl chromenes via double carbonyl–ene reaction

A synthesis of 2-trifluoromethyl chromenes through double carbonyl–ene reaction of o-isopropenylphenols with trifluoroacetic anhydride is reported.

Impact of nodular calcification on the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)

Background

Calcified plaque is thought to adversely impact clinical outcomes but the impact of nodular calcification after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.

Purpose

This study sought to explore the impact of nodular calcification on the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes.

Methods

Five-hundred culprit plaque with calcification were analysed from 495 ACS patients in whom PCI was performed. Plaques were divided into nodular calcification group (n=238) and non-nodular calcification group (n=262). Calcification is defined as an area with low back-scattering signal and a sharp border. Nodular calcification was defined as a protruding mass with an irregular surface, high backscattering, and signal attenuation on optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Patients with nodular calcification were older (p<0.001) and had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.006) compared to patients with non-nodular calcification. Lesion length (31 (25.2, 38.5) vs. 29 (22.8, 34.1), p<0.001) was longer in plaques with nodular calcification. A higher prevalence of superficial calcium (p<0.001) was observed in plaques with nodular calcification compared with non-nodular calcification group. Minimum stent area (MSA) (5.0 (3.9, 6.3) vs. 5.4 (4.2, 6.7), p=0.011) and stent expansion (70 (62.7, 81.8) vs. 75 (65.2, 86.6), p=0.004) were significantly smaller in the nodular calcification group than in the non-nodular calcification group. Independent predictors of nodular calcification were age (p<0.001) lesion length (p=0.002) and calcium depth (p<0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the presence of nodular calcification is associated with unfavourable outcomes with smaller minimum stent area and higher incidence of stent under expansion in patients with ACS treated with primary PCI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Frequency and predictors of thin-cap fibroatheroma progression: a comprehensive and dynamic in-vivo OCT study

Purpose

To assess the evolution of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and to explore predictors for its progression by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

We enrolled ACS patients with non-culprit TCFA at baseline and corresponding OCT images at follow-up of 9 to 15 months. Clinical, angiographic and OCT data were collected and analyzed according to established methods. TCFA was defined as a lipid plaque with maximum lipid arc >90° and fibrous cap thickness <65μm. Considering the resolution of OCT, the regression of TCFA was defined as an increase of fibrous cap thickness >10μm. Inversely, TCFA progression was defined as a decrease, constant or ≤10μm increase of fibrous cap thickness.

Results

41 patients with 55 non-culprit TCFAs were taken into final analysis. 17 patients (41.5%) had patient-level progression and 22 TCFAs (40.0%) progressed at plaque-level with a median follow-up duration of 371 days. 11 (20.0%) of the 55 TCFAs happened subclinical rupture at follow-up, including 10 with the formation a new layer and 1 without the detection of the new layer. Besides, another patient suffered re-myocardial infarction because of the rupture of TCFA induced acute thrombosis and lumen occlusion during follow-up. The baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar between the two cohorts. The progression group had a significantly higher prevalence of macrophage infiltration and vasa vasorum at baseline than the non-progression group (Figure 1). Multivariate analysis identified macrophage infiltration (odds ratio [OR]: 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 27.91; p=0.049]) as the independent predictor of TCFA progression. When it came to the evolution of lesion morphology and lipid components, the progression cohort had a higher percent change of lumen stenosis and lipid length (Figure 2).

Conclusions

About 40% of non-culprit TCFAs in ACS patients progressed in fibrous cap thickness at a median interval of 1 year. Macrophage infiltration was the independent predictor of non-culprit TCFA progression. The progression of fibrous cap thickness was usually accompanied with an aggressive evolution of other lesion characteristics.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): the National Key R&D Program of China Baseline OCT characteristicsPercent change of lesion morphology

Prevalence, predictors, and clinical prognosis of macrophage infiltrates in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction caused by plaque erosion as assessed by OCT

Background

Autopsy series showed that one of most common plaque phenotypes underlying coronary thrombi was plaque erosion. Identification of erosion may permit a less invasive management. Chronic inflammation is a common process in atherosclerosis. The severity of plaque inflammation can be assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) defined macrophages density. The impact of macrophage infiltrates (MØI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients caused by plaque erosion was still unknown.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate plaque morphology and clinical prognosis associated with MØI as assessed by optical coherence tomography in STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion.

Methods

From October 2014 to December 2017, 1561 STEMI with OCT imaging before percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. Finally, 312 STEMI patients caused by plaque erosion were split into two group according to the presence of MØI in culprit eroded plaques.

Results

163 (52.2%) STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with MØI, whereas 149 (47.8%) patients had no evidence of MØI. MØI were more frequency appeared in older patients (p=0.015). The severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions were higher in patients with MØI characterized by more aggressive and vulnerable features. Patients with MØI had worse long-term prognosis, compared with patient without MØI, mainly driven by a higher rate of target lesion revascularization (p=0.046), especially in STEMI patients presented plaque erosion with intensive antiplatelet therapy (p=0.035).

Conclusions

In the present study, we demonstrated that macrophage infiltrates at the site of erode plaques were associated with severity and vulnerability of culprit lesions. The long-term prognosis in patients with MØI were poorer especially in patients without stent implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Study flow chartPredictors of plaque erosion with MØI

Gender-specific difference of clinical and plaque characteristics in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive artery (MINOCA): insights from optical coherence tomography

Background

To date, sparse data are available with regard to gender differences in coronary plaque morphology and composition as underlying mechanism of MINOCA.

Purpose

To assess the differences in coronary plaque morphology in culprit lesion between women and men with MINOCA using intravascular optical coherence tomography.

Methods

Totally, 7404 consecutives acute myocardial infarction patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography between 2016 and 2019 were screened. MINOCA were identified in 292 patients (mean age: 72.6% male, 54.1% with ST-segment elevation). Optical coherence tomography was performed in 190 patients (men, n=142).

Results

Women with MINOCA were older (62.5±10.6 vs. 54.0±11.5, P<0.001) and more over 55 years (75.3% vs. 43.6%, P<0.001). Although women with MINOCA more frequently presented with NSTEMI (56.8% vs. 41.7%, P=0.025) and prior coronary artery disease (CAD) (33.3% vs. 6.3%, P<0.001), they were less likely smoker (27.2% vs. 58.8%, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in incidence of plaque rupture, erosion and calcified nodule between men and women. However, women were more likely to have thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (39.6% vs. 22.5%, P=0.025).

Conclusion

Women with MINOCA were older, more frequently presented with NSTEMI and less smoking compared to men. Besides, more TCFA were observed in women.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Clinical and OCT plaque profilesProportion of clinical and OCT profiles

Silver-Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of Highly Substituted 2-Trifluoromethyl Pyrroles

An efficient and regioselective synthesis of highly substituted 2-trifluoromethyl pyrrole derivatives via silver-catalyzed cyclization of vinyl azides with ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxobutanoate is reported. Various α-(heteo)aryl, alkyl, β-aryl, as well as α,β-disubstituted vinyl azides, participate in this transformation. The reaction mechanism likely involves the addition of in situ generated 2H-azirine to the diketone species, followed by intramolecular addition, N-C¹ cleavage, and elimination.

Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of 5-Aryl-6-(Trifluoromethyl)-2,3-Dihydropyrazolo[1,2-a]Pyrazol-1(5H)-One

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of 5-aryl-6-(trifluoromethyl)-2,3-dihydropyrazolo[1,2-a]pyrazol-1(5H)-one derivatives through a copper-catalyzed [3+2]-cycloaddition of azomethine imines with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne (generated in situ from dehydrobromination of 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene under base conditions) is developed. The advantages of this transformation are the broad substrate scope and the good functional group compatibility. The subsequent oxidation and nucleophilic substitution/aromatization provide a new approach to 4-trifluoromethylated pyrazol-1-yl propanoic acids.

Copper-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-substituted benzofused heterocycles

A method for copper-catalyzed synthesis of 2-trifluoroethyl-substituted benzofurans and indoles from the reaction of salicylaldehyde/2-aminobenzaldehyde p-tosylhydrazones with 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene has been developed.

[(bpy)CuSCF3]: A Practical and Efficient Reagent for the Construction of C–SCF3 Bonds

In this account, we summarize recent work on the direct introduction of the SCF3 group by using [(bpy)CuSCF3] as trifluoromethylthiolating reagent. A number of efficient and convenient strategies have been disclosed for the synthesis of trifluoromethylthiolated compounds, including trifluoromethylthiolation of aryl, alkenyl, and alkyl halides, and arylboronic acids. These reactions afford various trifluoromethyl sulfides in good yields.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of [(bpy)CuSCF3]

3 Trifluoromethylthiolation of Aryl Halides

4 Trifluoromethylthiolation of Alkenyl Halides

5 Trifluoromethylthiolation of Alkyl Halides

6 Miscellaneous

7 Conclusion

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of trifluoromethylated bis(indolyl)arylmethanes from 2-arylindoles and 2,2,2-trifluoroacetohydrazide

A copper-catalyzed synthesis of trifluoromethylated bis(indolyl)arylmethanes via reaction of 2-arylindoles with 2,2,2-trifluoroacetohydrazide was developed.

Synthesis of polysubstituted 5-trifluoromethyl isoxazoles via denitrogenative cyclization of vinyl azides with trifluoroacetic anhydride

A general method for the synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl)isoxazoles by denitrogenative cyclization of vinyl azides with trifluoroacetic anhydride has been developed.

Synthesis of pertrifluoromethyl pyridazine derivatives via a tandem reaction of aryldiazonium salts with hexafluoroacetylacetone

A method for the synthesis of pertrifluoromethyl pyridazine derivatives by the condensation of arenediazonium salts with hexafluoroacetylacetone has been developed.

Base-Mediated Tunable Synthesis of 2-Trifluoromethylated Furans and Dihydrofuranols: Extraordinary Stable in Sulfuric Acid

2-Trifluoromethylated furans and dihydrofuranols were tunably synthesized from the cyclization of β-ketonitriles with 3-bromo-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone mediated by bases. In addition, dehydration of dihydrofuranol compounds with concentrated sulfuric acid gave another 2-(trifluoromethyl)furans isomer. The developed methodology exhibits an excellent functional group tolerance for both aromatic and aliphatic β-ketonitriles.

Study of SU-8 photoresist cross-linking process by atomic force acoustic microscopy

In this paper, a method is presented to detect the different phases of epoxy cross-linking process and the subsurface structures of SU-8 thin films by atomic force acoustic microscopy (AFAM). The AFAM imaging of SU-8 thin films was investigated under different exposure and bake conditions. Optimized conditions were obtained for the cross-linking of SU-8 thin film at the exposure does of eight laser pulses with the laser fluence 10 mJ cm^-2 per pulse and the post exposure bake (PEB) time at 90 s. The subsurface structures of undeveloped SU-8 thin films were visible in the AFAM images. This method provides an effective and low-cost way for the determination of different phases of epoxy cross-linking process in nanostructured compounds, for the non-destructive testing of subsurface defects, and for the evaluation of the quality of patterned structures.

Perfluorocarboxylic Anhydrides Triggered Cyclization: Access to 4-Perfluoroalkylpyridines

A double nucleophilic addition-cyclization-elimination cascade is developed, that allows various 2,6-diaryl-4-perfluoroalkylpyridines to be synthesized in one step from easily available enamides and perfluorocarboxylic anhydrides. The procedure is also operationally simple and scalable and provides access to the facial construction of 4-fluoroalkylpyridines, which are of great interest in medicinal chemistry.

Synthesis of 3-(tri/difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-ones via the cyclization of hydrazinecarboxamides with tri/difluoroacetic anhydride

An efficient method for the synthesis of structurally diverse 4-aryl-3-(tri/difluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-ones through the cyclization of hydrazinecarboxamides with tri/difluoroacetic anhydride is presented. The method is simple and environmentally benign, providing tri/difluoromethylated 1,2,4-triazol-5(4H)-ones in moderate-to-good yields. A mechanism is proposed to proceed via a tandem reaction of tri/difluoroacetylation, nucleophilic addition and water elimination. Some of these compounds exhibit promising insecticidal activities.

One-Pot Construction of 1-Phenylchromeno[3,4- b]pyrrol-4(3 H)-one: Application to Total Synthesis of Ningalin B and a Pyrrolocoumarin-Based Electrochromic Switch

An efficient construction of 1-phenylchromeno[3,4- b]pyrrol-4(3 H)-one via coupling of 1-styrylpyrrolidine and 4-chloro-3-nitrocoumarin as a key step is reported. This reaction is further applied to the total synthesis of the natural product ningalin B in five linear steps with an overall yield of 41.5% and a pyrrolocoumarin-based electrochromic switch.

Copper-catalyzed chemoselective synthesis of 4-trifluoromethyl pyrazoles

A series of 4-trifluoromethyl pyrazoles have been prepared via the copper-catalyzed cycloaddition of 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with a variety of N-arylsydnone derivatives under mild conditions. This new protocol under optimized reaction conditions [Cu(OTf)₂/phen, DBU, CH₃CN, 35 °C] afforded 4-trifluoromethyl pyrazoles in moderate to excellent yields with excellent regioselectivity.

A copper-catalyzed chemoselective synthesis of 4-trifluoromethyl pyrazoles via cycloaddition of 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with N-arylsydnones has been developed.

Syntheses of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene)/(2,2-difluoroethyl)-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and their fungicidal activities

A Knoevenagel-type reaction of 1,3-diketone substrates with trifluoroacetic/difluoroacetic anhydride for the synthesis of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene)/(2,2-difluoroethyl)-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed.

Elemental sulfur-promoted one-pot synthesis of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoxazoles and their derivatives

An elemental sulfur promoted one-pot synthesis of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)benzoxazole derivatives from the reaction of o-aminophenols, thiols, and anilines with 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene is reported.

Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl selenoethers and their insecticidal activities

A simple and efficient protocol for the copper-catalyzed synthesis of aryl or alkyl 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl selenoethers has been developed. This reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of CuI/phen as the catalyst, with elemental selenium, 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-iodoethane, and NaBH4 as reagents in DMF with a broad scope of functionalized (hetero)aryl or alkyl halides. Different functional groups were tolerated and moderate to excellent yields of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl selenoethers were obtained. Some of the synthesized compounds exhibited promising insecticidal activities.

A GWAS-supported variant interacting with diabetes predicts risk of atherothrombotic stroke in Han Chinese population

BACKGROUND

A recent genome-wide association study has identified that rs4376531 variant conferred risk of atherothrombotic stroke (AS) in a Japanese population. This study was to explore the association in Han Chinese population.

METHODS

A total of 1036 cases and 643 healthy controls were enrolled. We genotyped rs4376531 variant with SNPscan. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of genetic variation with risk of AS. Interaction analysis was examined by SNPStats web tool.

RESULTS

After adjusting for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes and smoking, compared with CC genotype, we observed that GC and GG/GC genotypes were associated with a significantly decreased risk of AS (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.99 and OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.98, respectively). The decreased risk was more obvious among subgroups with high BMI (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.45-0.88), no hypertension (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.46-0.94), diabetes (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.17-0.64), and smoking (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.44-0.95) in the dominant model (GG/GC vs CC). Interaction analysis also revealed that compared with non-diabetic patients with CC genotype, diabetic patients with CC genotype had a 4.48-fold (OR = 4.48; 95% CI = 2.98-6.72) increased risk of AS.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that GC and GG/GC of rs4376531 contributed to a decreased risk of AS while CC genotype, interacting with diabetes, increased the stroke risk in Han Chinese population.

Genetic variants in ALDH2 predict risk of ischemic stroke in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Genome-wide association studies discovered a novel correlation between chromosome 12q24 and ischemic stroke in European populations. This study aimed to determine whether two genetic variants (rs10744777 and rs886205) on chromosome 12q24 can modify the risk of ischemic stroke in Chinese population.

METHODS

We recruited 1195 patients with ischemic stroke and 642 healthy Chinese individuals. The rs10744777 and rs886205 polymorphisms in aldehyde dehydrogenase2 (ALDH2) was genotyped and compared using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The genotype of rs10744777 (CT/TT) was associated with risk of ischemic stroke in males (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.15-3.42, P = 0.013). In contrast, no significant correlation was found in females. Haplotype analysis indicated that haplotype "TA" was associated with increased ischemic stroke risk (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.10-3.12, P = 0.042). Further subtype analysis demonstrated that the rs10744777 (CT/TT) genotype was strongly associated with large artery atherosclerosis subtype in males (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.30-3.95, P = 0.004). After three months follow-up, we found a poorer functional outcome of ischemic stroke associated with the rs886205 GA genotype (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.03-3.00, P = 0.057) in males.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic polymorphisms in ALDH2 modified ischemic stroke risk and outcome in Chinese males, but not in females.

Synthesis of Aryl Trifluoromethyl Ketones

Trifluoromethyl ketones have recently been attracting considerable attention because they represent powerful synthetic building blocks with potential pharmaceutical applications. This short review provides an overview of recent development in the synthesis of aryl trifluoromethyl ketones with novel reagents.

1 Introduction

2 Various Methods for the Synthesis of Aryl Trifluoromethyl Ketones­

2.1 Oxidation of Trifluoromethyl Alcohols

2.2 Nucleophilic Trifluoromethylation Reactions

2.3 Electrophilic-Type Reactions

2.4 Recently Developed Direct Trifluoroacetylation

3 Conclusions

Elevated Galectin-9 Suppresses Th1 Effector Function and Induces Apoptosis of Activated CD4+ T Cells in Osteoarthritis

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is a critical regulatory molecule found on activated Th1 cells, exhausted CD8⁺ T cells, and resting monocytes/macrophages. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is an identified ligand for Tim-3. Interaction between Tim-3 and Gal-9 is thought to inhibit Th1 responses. The regulation and function of Tim-3 and Gal-9 in osteoarthritis (OA) have not been intensively investigated. We found that in peripheral blood, CD4⁺ T cells, but not CD8⁺ T cells or CD14⁺ monocytes, from OA patients presented significantly elevated Tim-3 and Gal-9 expression compared to those from healthy controls (HC). The CD4⁺ T cells from OA did not present altered Th1, Th2, and Th17 composition in the peripheral blood, but secreted less Th1 cytokine interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) after activation. Further investigation demonstrated that Gal-9 induced high levels of apoptosis in activated CD4⁺ T cells from OA patients. Inhibition of Gal-9 resulted in significantly higher IL-2 and IFN-γ expression that was directly correlated with the number of non-apoptotic cells. In the synovial fluid, both secreted Gal-9 and surface Gal-9 levels were significantly higher in less-severe grade 2 OA patients than in more-severe grade 4 OA patients. Surface Tim-3 was also higher in synovial fluid CD8⁺ T cells and CD14⁺ monocytes from grade 2 OA patients and lower in grade 4 OA patients. Together, these results suggested that Tim-3 and Gal-9 could downregulate T cell inflammation in OA, and could be utilized as a novel therapeutic strategy.