Design, synthesis and evaluation of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel potent CDK7 inhibitors

The targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has become a highly desirable therapeutic approach in the field of oncology due to its dual role in regulating essential biological processes, encompassing cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. We have previously identified a highly selective thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine-based CDK7 inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal model. In this study, we sought to optimize the thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine core to discover a novel series of CDK7 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Through extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, compound 20 has emerged as the lead candidate due to its potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and remarkable efficacy on MDA-MB-453 cells, a representative triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line. Furthermore, 20 has demonstrated favorable oral bioavailability and exhibited highly desirable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, making it a promising lead candidate for further structural optimization.

CuI/Oxalamide-Catalyzed Coupling Reaction of (Hetero)aryl Halides with Sodium Nitrite

The N,N'-bis(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)oxalamide (BTMO) was found to be an effective ligand for Cu-catalyzed ipso-nitration of (hetero)aryl halides (Br, I), making the coupling reaction with sodium nitrite proceed smoothly at 100-120 °C with 1-5 mol % CuI and BTMO. Electron-rich substrates were the best coupling partners to give the desired coupling products in good to excellent yields at 100 °C. Electron-neutral substrates required heating at 120 °C to get complete conversion, while rather low conversions were observed in the case of electron-poor (hetero)aryl bromides.

Design and Synthesis of Novel Macrocyclic Derivatives as Potent and Selective Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 7 Inhibitors

The duality of function (cell cycle regulation and gene transcription) of cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) makes it an attractive oncology target and the discovery of CDK7 inhibitors has been a long-term pursuit by academia and pharmaceutical companies. However, achieving selective leading compounds is still difficult owing to the similarities among the ATP binding pocket. Herein, we detail the design and synthesis of a series of macrocyclic derivatives with pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine core structure as potent and selective CDK7 inhibitors. The diverse manners of macrocyclization led to distinguished selectivity profiles of the CDK family. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation explained the binding difference between 15- and 16-membered macrocyclic compounds. Further optimization generated compound 37 exhibiting good CDK7 inhibitory activity and high selectivity over other CDKs. This work clearly demonstrated macrocyclization is a versatile method to finely tune the selectivity profile of small molecules and MD simulation can be a valuable tool in prioritizing designs of the macrocycle.

Discovery of novel macrocyclic derivatives as potent and selective cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitors

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a member of CDK family of kinases (CDKs) that regulate the cell cycle. Its inopportune or over-activation leads to uncontrolled cell cycle progression and drives numerous types of cancers, especially ovarian, uterine, gastric cancer, as well as those associated with amplified CCNE1 gene. However, developing selective lead compound as CDK2 inhibitors remains challenging owing to similarities in the ATP pockets among different CDKs. Herein, we described the optimization of compound 1, a novel macrocyclic inhibitor targeting CDK2/5/7/9, aiming to discover more selective and metabolically stable lead compound as CDK2 inhibitor. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed for compound 1 and 9 to gain insights into the improved selectivity against CDK5. Further optimization efforts led to compound 22, exhibiting excellent CDK2 inhibitory activity, good selectivity over other CDKs and potent cellular effects. Based on these characterizations, we propose that compound 22 holds great promise as a potential lead candidate for drug development.

Biosynthesis of the highly oxygenated tetracyclic core skeleton of Taxol

Taxol is a widely-applied anticancer drug that inhibits microtubule dynamics in actively replicating cells. Although a minimum 19-step biosynthetic pathway has been proposed and 16 enzymes likely involved have been characterized, stepwise biosynthetic reactions from the well-characterized di-oxygenated taxoids to Taxol tetracyclic core skeleton are yet to be elucidated. Here, we uncover the biosynthetic pathways for a few tri-oxygenated taxoids via confirming the critical reaction order of the second and third hydroxylation steps, unearth a taxoid 9α-hydroxylase catalyzing the fourth hydroxylation, and identify CYP725A55 catalyzing the oxetane ester formation via a cascade oxidation-concerted acyl rearrangement mechanism. After identifying a acetyltransferase catalyzing the formation of C7-OAc, the pathway producing the highly-oxygenated 1β-dehydroxybaccatin VI with the Taxol tetracyclic core skeleton is elucidated and its complete biosynthesis from taxa-4(20),11(12)-diene-5α-ol is achieved in an engineered yeast. These systematic studies lay the foundation for the complete elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway of Taxol.

Effects of coal-fired power plants on soil microbial diversity and community structures

Long-term deposition of atmospheric pollutants emitted from coal combustion and their effects on the eco-environment have been extensively studied around coal-fired power plants. However, the effects of coal-fired power plants on soil microbial communities have received little attention through atmospheric pollutant deposition and coal-stacking. Here, we collected the samples of power plant soils (PS), coal-stacking soils (CSS) and agricultural soils (AS) around three coal-fired power plants and background control soils (BG) in Huainan, a typical mineral resource-based city in East China, and investigated the microbial diversity and community structures through a high-throughput sequencing technique. Coal-stacking significantly increased (p < 0.05) the contents of total carbon, total nitrogen, total sulfur and Mo in the soils, whereas the deposition of atmospheric pollutants enhanced the levels of V, Cu, Zn and Pb. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Thaumarchaeota, Thermoplasmata, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant taxa in all soils. The bacterial community showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among PS, CSS, AS and BG, whereas archaeal and fungal communities showed significant differences (p < 0.01) according to soil samples around three coal-fired power plants. The predominant environmental variables affecting soil bacterial, archaeal and fungal communities were Mo-TN-TS, Cu-V-Mo, and organic matter (OM)-Mo, respectively. Certain soil microbial genera were closely related to multiple key factors associated with stacking coal and heavy metal deposition from power plants. This study provided useful insight into better understanding of the relationships between soil microbial communities and long-term disturbances from coal-fired power plants.

Copper-Catalyzed α-Arylation of Nitroalkanes with (Hetero)aryl Bromides/Iodides

α-Aryl substituted nitroalkanes are valuable synthetic building blocks that can be easily converted into α-aryl substituted aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, as well as amines. Herein, an efficient Cu/oxalamide-catalyzed coupling between nitroalkanes and (hetero)aryl halides (Br, I) was developed to direct access highly diverse α-aryl substituted nitroalkanes. Compared with the current state of art, this protocol is more environmentally friendly and practical for synthetic chemists. This approach is characterized by a broad substrate scope on both nitroalkane part (primary nitroalkanes and nitromethane) and sp2 halide part ((hetero)aryl bromides/iodides and alkenyl bromides/iodides). The excellent functional group tolerance was observed, which would enable real world synthetic applications. More importantly, TON of current transformation reached to 3640, when some aryl iodides were used as coupling partners. This represents currently the highest catalyst turnover for transition-metal catalyzed α-arylation of nitroalkanes. Furthermore, the successful application in late-stage modification of complex molecules and synthesis of a known retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonist exemplified its synthetic potential.

A novel transcriptomic signature associated with lymphovascular invasion predicts clinical outcomes, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic response in lung adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Since TNM staging has limitations for predicting post-operative outcomes and relapse, more effective prediction tools need to be researched and developed. Lymphovascular invasion, LVI, as a histopathological feature, has been widely shown to have a correlation with poor prognosis and early recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, LVI assessment is limited by subjective bias, and therefore its efficacy in practical clinical application needs further clarification. The aim of this study was to formulate a new signature based on LVI-related genes to predict prognosis and recurrence in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Clinicopathological information, gene sequencing data and whole slide images (WSIs) of LUAD patients were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. LVI statue were evaluated by professional pathologists, and then the differentially expressed genes (LVI DEGs) associated with LVI were screened. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Step Cox regression models were used to construct LVI-associated risk scores (LVRS), including PAQR4, ARGHEF6, CKS1B, CFTR and SEC14L4. The validity of the LVRS score was evaluated on multiple external datasets and our JSSZL cohort dataset. Using LVRS scores and clinical information, nomogram were constructed for use by clinicians. In addition, we further explored the relationship between LVRS score and clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, tumor mutational load, and immunotherapy response, and confirmed the expression of key genes in LVRS score in lung adenocarcinoma tissues using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques.

RESULTS

Based on the LVRS, patients could be classified into high-LVRS and low-LVRS groups. It was found that OS and PFS were significantly worse in the high-LVRS group than in the low-LVRS group (p < 0.001). By ROC curve analysis, it could be found that the nomogram combining LVRS and clinical information could accurately predict the prognosis of LUAD patients with the area under the curve of 1,3,5-year survival rate could reach 0.754, 0.741 and 0.735. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis showed that LVRS was an independent prognostic factor. At the same time, there were significant differences in the mutation profiles and immune microenvironment between the high-LVRS and low-LVRS groups, with the high-LVRS group having a significantly higher mutation rate than the low-LVRS group and exhibiting immunological "cold" features. By the experimental results, higher expression levels of PAQR4 and CKS1B were found in LUAD tissues, while lower expression levels of ARGHEF6, CFTR and SEC14L4 were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The LVRS established in this study serves as a valid tool to predict the prognosis and recurrence status of lung adenocarcinoma patients and has a predictive effect on the response to postoperative treatment. The establishment of LVRS may offer some theoretical support to clinical treatment strategies for patients with lung adenocarcinoma following surgical intervention.

Removal and emission characteristics of hazardous trace elements in total and graded particulate matters: A case study of a typical ultra-low emission coal-fired power plant

Particulate matters (PMs) and hazardous trace elements (HTEs) emitted from coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) have raised serious environmental and human issues. Herein, total PMs and graded PMs including PM<1, PM1-2.5 and PM2.5-10 at the inlet/outlet of air pollution control devices (APCDs) were collected from a representative ultra-low emission (ULE) CFPP in China. The removal efficiencies of total PMs by selective catalytic reduction (SCR), electrostatic precipitator (ESP), wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) and wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) were 0.40 %, 99.9 %, 38.1 % and 85.3 %, respectively. PM2.5-10 was robustly removed by WFGD, while PM<1 and PM1-2.5 were readily removed by WESP. The removal efficiencies of As, Cd, Cr and Pb in total PMs by APCDs followed an order: ESP > WESP > WFGD > SCR. SCR significantly decreased Se concentration by 42.8 %, contrasting to the removal of As, Cd, Cr and Pb (10.8-20.8 %). As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Se concentrations in graded PMs at the outlets of ESP, WFGD and WESP decreased with particle size increasing. All As, Cd, Cr, and Pb contents in PM<1, PM1-2.5 and PM2.5-10 at WFGD outlet increased, surpassing their analogues at ESP and WESP outlets. However, the concentration of Se declined in PM<1 at WFGD outlet. The atmospheric emission factors (EFs) of As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Se in the studied ULE CFPP were respectively 7.32, 1.27, 6.05, 122.5 and 6.42 mg/t, in line with Monte Carlo simulations. This study would not only provide a basis for emission control of PMs and HTEs in CFPPs, but also promote the improvement of respective environmental policy.

Discovery and optimization of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as highly selective inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 7

Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has emerged as a highly sought-after therapeutic strategy in oncology due to its duality of function in regulating biological processes, including cell cycle progression and transcriptional control. Herein, we describe the design, optimization and characterization of a series of thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent CDK7 inhibitors. The involvement of thiophene as core structure plays critical role in leading to the remarkable selectivity and incorporation of a fluorine atom into the piperidine ring enhances metabolic stability. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) study generated compound 36 as lead compound with potent inhibitory activity against CDK7 and good kinome selectivity in vitro. Compound 36 demonstrated strong efficacy against a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line-derived xenograft (CDX) mouse model upon oral administration at 5 mg/kg once daily. Therefore, it exhibits immense potential as a lead candidate for further exploration in the development of cancer therapy.

Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of α-Substituted Cyanoacetates Enabled by Chiral Amide Ligands

The (S)-nobin-embodied picolinamide and L-hydroxyproline-derived amide are effective ligands for Cu-catalyzed enantioselective coupling reaction of (hetero)aryl iodides with α-alkyl substituted cyanoacetates. This arylation reaction gave α-(heteroaryl)-α-alkyl cyanoacetates in good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95 % ee). A variety of functionalized (hetero)aryl and alkyl groups could be introduced to the quaternary center and therefore provided a valuable tool for preparing enantioenriched compounds with an all-carbon quaternary center tethered with convertible functional groups. The size of both α-alkyl and ester groups was proven as the key factor for asymmetric induction.

Subzero saline chilling with or without prechilling in icy water improved chilling efficiency and meat tenderness of broiler carcasses

Freshly slaughtered carcasses need to be chilled to improve product quality, meat safety, and processing efficiency. This research investigated the effect of subzero saline chilling (SSC) on broiler carcasses with or without prechilling in icy water. Water immersion chilling at 0.5°C (WIC) or SSC at 4% NaCl/-2.41°C (SSC) was a major chilling step. For the combination of pre- and postchilling, the warm water immersion chilling (WWIC) at 10°C was used as prechilling and the WIC as postchilling (WWIC-WIC), and WIC was used as prechilling and the SSC as postchilling (WIC-SSC). The internal temperature of breast fillets was monitored during chilling. Carcasses in a prechiller were transported to a postchiller when their internal temperature reached 15°C. Chilling was completed when the carcass temperature reached 4.4°C or below, and breast fillets were harvested at 3-h postmortem to measure the pH and sarcomere length. Color (L*, a*, and b*) values were evaluated on both breast skin and skinless breast surfaces. Meat tenderness was evaluated using the breast fillets after overnight storage and cooking to an internal temperature of 76°C. The carcasses in the SSC and WIC-SSC showed shorter chilling times (85-91 min) than those (100-144 min) of WIC and WWIC-WIC. A higher chilling yield was observed for the carcasses in WIC-SSC, and a lower cooking yield was seen for the carcasses in WWIC-WIC than other chilling methods (P < 0.05). The breast fillets of broilers in the SSC and WIC-SSC showed lower shear forces and longer sarcomere length than the WIC and WWIC-WIC. No difference was found for L* and a* values, while lower b* value was observed in the SSC than the other chilling methods (P < 0.05). Based on these results, chilling of broiler carcasses in the SSC (4% NaCl/-2.41°C) with or without prechilling in WIC at 0.5°C significantly improved chilling efficiency and meat tenderness, with minor color changes on carcasses.

CRISPR/Cas9 Disruption of MYB134 and MYB115 in Transgenic Poplar Leads to Differential Reduction of Proanthocyanidin Synthesis in Roots and Leaves

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are common specialized metabolites and particularly abundant in trees and woody plants. In poplar (Populus spp.), PA biosynthesis is stress-induced and regulated by two previously studied transcription factors MYB115 and MYB134. To determine the relative contribution of these regulators to PA biosynthesis, we created single- and double-knockout (KO) mutants for both genes in transgenic poplars using CRISPR/Cas9. Knocking out either MYB134 or MYB115 showed reduced PA accumulation and downregulated flavonoid genes in leaves, but MYB134 disruption had the greatest impact and reduced PAs to 30% of controls. In roots, by contrast, only the MYB134/MYB115 double-KOs showed a significant change in PA concentration. The loss of PAs paralleled the lower expression of PA biosynthesis genes and concentrations of flavan-3-ol PA precursors catechin and epicatechin. Interestingly, salicinoids were also affected in double-KOs, with distinct patterns in roots and shoots. We conclude that the regulatory pathways for PA biosynthesis differ in poplar leaves and roots. The residual PA content in the double-KO plants indicates that other transcription factors must also be involved in control of the PA pathway.

Cu/Oxalic Diamide-Catalyzed Coupling of Terminal Alkynes with Aryl Halides

N¹-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-N²-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)oxalamide (DMPPO) was revealed to be a more effective ligand for copper-catalyzed coupling reaction of (hetero)aryl halides with 1-alkynes than previously reported ones. Only 3 mol % CuCl and DMPPO are required to make the coupling complete at 100 °C (for bromides) and 80 °C (for iodides). Both (hetero)aryl and alkyl substituted 1-alkynes worked well under these conditions, leading to the formation of internal alkynes in great diversity.

Ligand-Promoted Rosenmund–von Braun Reaction

Two picolinamide ligands were found to have significant accelerating effect to classical Rosenmund–von Braun reaction, making the coupling of (hetero)aryl bromides with CuCN occur at 100–120 °C with good to excellent yields in most cases. A large number of functional groups and heterocycles were tolerated under these conditions, thereby providing a convenient and reliable approach for diverse synthesis of aryl nitriles.

[Trueness of 4 three-dimensional facial scanners: an in vitro study]

Objective: To investigate the trueness of 4 three-dimensional (3D) facial scanners and to evaluate the applicability of their clinical use. Methods: An art head model was used as the scanning object, and it was scanned by Handyscan 3D scanner in an enclosed environment with a fixed light source to obtain the reference digital model. Three fixed 3D facial scanners (A: 3dMDface; B: Facego Pro; C: RDS Facescan) and a portable hand-held 3D facial scanner (D: Revopoint POP 2) were used to scan the art head model 10 times, and 10 models of each scan group were obtained. The face of the reference model was divided into 16 regions according to anatomy and muscle distributions in the Geomagic Wrap software with saved boundary curves of whole face and each region. The test models were also divided into 16 regions through the curves above after registered with the reference model through "Best fit" function. The root-mean-square error (RMS) of the complete test models and their segmented regions compared with the reference model and its corresponding regions were calculated by 3D comparison function. The smaller the RMS, the higher the accuracy. One-way ANOVA and SNK post-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: RMS of complete test models scanned by A, B, C, D scanners were (0.295±0.005), (0.216±0.053), (0.059±0.012) and (0.103±0.026) mm (F=123.81, P<0.001), respectively. There was significant difference between any two groups (P<0.05). For each facial region, the group D had the best trueness in nasal region, lip region, left orbital region and right orbital region [RMS were (0.079±0.032), (0.061±0.019), (0.058±0.021), (0.081±0.032) mm, respectively], while the group C had the best trueness in frontal region, left buccal region, right buccal region, left zygomatic region, right zygomatic region, left parotideomasseteric region, right parotideomasseteric region, left temporofacial region, right temporofacial region, mental region, left infraorbital region and right infraorbital region [RMS were (0.039±0.011), (0.034±0.007), (0.033±0.007), (0.066±0.023), (0.038±0.022), (0.070±0.030), (0.067±0.024), (0.063±0.029), (0.045±0.023), (0.063±0.006), (0.039±0.010), (0.046±0.008) mm, respectively]. Conclusions: On the basis of art head model scanning, although the overall average deviation between the scanning model and the reference models obtained by the four kinds of 3D facial scanners were small, the portable handheld 3D facial scanner (D) has better accuracy than the fixed 3D facial scanners (A, B, C) in the orbital area, nasal area, lip area and areas with rich features.

Impact of ultra-low emission retrofitting on partitioning and emission behavior of chromium in a Chinese coal-fired power plant

Due to its low vapor pressure, chromium (Cr) mostly emitted as fly ash particles (especially PM_2.5) into environment in coal-fired power plants (CFPPs). The ultra-low emission (ULE) control technologies used in current CFPPs may be beneficial to reducing both the regular pollutants and hazardous trace elements (e.g., Cr), but the insight into the removal efficiency of Cr by different upgrading air pollution cleaning devices (APCDs) and the environmental stability of the Cr-bearing wastes produced from those APCDs in the ULE CFPPs has rarely reported. This study investigated and compared the distribution and emission characteristics of Cr in a Chinese CFPP before and after ULE, and the leaching behavior of Cr after ULE retrofitting in combustion byproducts was also revealed. The results showed that Cr was primarily captured in bottom and fly ashes (80.85%), followed by gypsum (0.02%) and sludge from wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) (4.52 × 10^-4%), with only 3.02 × 10^-8% emitted into the atmosphere. Additional WESP had a large removal efficiency of Cr with the value of 92.04%, and the overall Cr removal efficiency of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) equipment, electrostatic precipitator (ESP), wet flue gas desulphurization (WFGD) system, and WESP equipped after ULE retrofitting was 99.99%. Notably, although the mass percentage of Cr in WESP sludge was negligible, the concentration of Cr in WESP sludge was 324.04 mg/kg. The leaching concentrations of Cr in combustion byproducts were in the descending order: fly ash > WESP sludge > bottom ash > gypsum. The atmospheric emission factor of Cr in the studied power plant was 1.08 mg/t coal, which was significantly lower than those of the CFPPs before ULE retrofitting. Therefore, the ULE retrofitting for CFPP was beneficial to reduce Cr emissions. More attention should be paid to the subsequent processing problem of solid combustion byproducts, especially the WESP sludge.

The molecular, immune features, and risk score construction of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm patients

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a common pancreatic precancerous lesion, with increasing incidence in recent years. However, the mechanisms of IPMN progression into invasive cancer remain unclear. The mRNA expression data of IPMN/PAAD patients were extracted from the TCGA and GEO databases. First, based on GSE19650, we analyzed the molecular alterations, tumor stemness, immune landscape, and transcriptional regulation of IPMN progression. The results indicated that gene expression changed dramatically, specifically at the intraductal papillary-mucinous adenoma (IPMA) stage. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GSEA) pathway analyses showed that glycoprotein-related, cell cycle, and P53 pathways displayed the most significant changes during progression. With IPMN progression, tumor stemness increased continuously, and KRAS, ERBB3, RUNX1, and ELF3 are essential driver genes affecting tumor stemness. Motif analysis suggested that KLF4 may be a specific transcription factor that regulates gene expression in the IPMA stage, while MYB and MYBL1 control gene expression in the IPMC and invasive stages, respectively. Then, GSE19650 and GSE71729 transcriptome data were combined to perform the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and Cox regression analysis to develop an 11-gene prediction model (KCNK1, FHL2, LAMC2, CDCA7, GPX3, C7, VIP, HBA1, BTG2, MT1E, and LYVE1) to predict the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. The reliability of the model was validated in the GSE71729 and TCGA databases. Finally, 11 additional IPMN patients treated in our hospital were included, and the immune microenvironment changes during IPMN progression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC results suggest that Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and macrophages may be key in the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironment of IPMN progression. Our study deepens our understanding of IPMN progression, especially the changes in the immune microenvironment. The findings of this work may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for IPMN.

Divergent Total Syntheses of Napelline-Type C20-Diterpenoid Alkaloids: (-)-Napelline, (+)-Dehydronapelline, (-)-Songorine, (-)-Songoramine, (-)-Acoapetaldine D, and (-)-Liangshanone

The napelline-type alkaloids possess an azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane moiety and an ent-kaurane-type tetracyclic skeleton (6/6/6/5) along with varied oxidation patterns embedded in the compact hexacyclic framework. Herein, we disclose a divergent entry to napelline-type alkaloids that hinges on convergent assembly of the ent-kaurane core using a diastereoselective intermolecular Cu-mediated conjugate addition and subsequent intramolecular Michael addition reaction as well as rapid construction of the azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane motif via an intramolecular Mannich cyclization. The power of this strategy has been demonstrated through efficient asymmetric total syntheses of eight napelline-type alkaloids, including (-)-napelline, (-)-12-epi-napelline, (+)-dehydronapelline, (+)-12-epi-dehydronapelline, (-)-songorine, (-)-songoramine, (-)-acoapetaldine D, and (-)-liangshanone.

Airborne microbial community structure and potential pathogen identification across the PM size fractions and seasons in the urban atmosphere

As a vital component of airborne bioaerosols, bacteria and fungi seriously endanger human health as pathogens and allergens. However, comprehensive effects of environmental variables on airborne microbial community structures remain poorly understood across the PM sizes and seasons. We collected atmospheric PM_1.0, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀ samples in Hefei, a typical rapidly-developing city in East China, across three seasons, and performed a comprehensive analysis of airborne microbial community structures using qPCR and high-throughput sequencing. Overall the bacterial and fungal abundances in PM_1.0 were one to two orders of magnitude higher than those in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ across seasons, but their α-diversity tended to increase from PM_1.0 to PM₁₀. The bacterial gene abundances showed a strong positive correlation (P < 0.05) with atmospheric SO₂ and NO₂ concentrations and air quality index. The bacterial gene abundances were significantly higher (P = 0.001) than fungi, and the bacterial diversity showed stronger seasonality. The PM sizes influenced distribution patterns for airborne microbial communities within the same season. Source-tracking analysis indicated that soils, plants, human and animal feces represented important sources of airborne bacteria with a total relative abundance of more than 60% in summer, but total abundance from the unidentified sources surpassed in fall and winter. Total 10 potential bacterial and 12 potential fungal pathogens were identified at the species level with the highest relative abundances in summer, and their abundances increased with the PM sizes. Together, our results indicated that a complex set of environmental factors, including water-soluble ions in PM, changes in air pollutant levels and meteorological conditions, and shifts in the relative importance of available microbial sources, acted to control the seasonal compositions of microbial communities in the urban atmosphere.

[The opportunities and challenges of gynecologic cancer in precision medicine]

In recent years, the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancer have entered a new era with the development of precision medicine. The diagnosis and treatment modes for ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer are constantly adjusted. The application of molecular targeted drugs and the progress of surgical concepts and technology have greatly improved the survival of patients with ovarian cancer. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have become a new hot spot in the treatment of cervical cancer. More clinical research data have been accumulated on the comparison of laparoscopic and open radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer. The surgical management of endometrial cancer has been improved, and molecular diagnostics are increasingly used to guide the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer. Meanwhile, it's necessary to realize the limitations and challenges of precision medicine in gynecologic cancer.

Intraventricular pressure gradient: a promising tool to predict the post-infarction chronic congestive heart failure in rats

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF), the main reason for morbidity and mortality, is considered a serious consequence of myocardial infarction (MI). The use of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) as a chief indicator of CHF becomes limited because of the possible impairment of cardiac function and induced aortic valve damage during its recording. Echocardiography is the gold standard approach to diagnose structural myocardial dysfunction. However, its ability to predict chronic CHF following MI is still limited. Recently, intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) was presented as a non-invasive, highly sensitive preload-independent diastolic function parameter to assess cardiac function, especially during cardiomyopathy. However, there have not been any investigations demonstrating the feasibility of IVPG in the evaluation of post-infarction chronic CHF.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the utility of IVPG to assess the heart function in a rat model with chronic CHF following MI with evaluating its capacity to predict these changes.

Methods

Fifty male rats were included. MI was induced via ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) at the level of the atrioventricular junction (MI animals, n = 35). Sham animals were subjected to the same left thoracotomy procedure without LAD ligation (Sham animals, n = 15). Transthoracic conventional echocardiography and colour M-mode echocardiography (CMME) for IVPG were performed in all animals 6 months post-surgery. The next day, animals were anesthetized, ventilated, and euthanized after the recording of hemodynamics. The heart weight, and lung and liver wet-to-dry weight ratios were recorded. J-tree cluster-analysis was performed based on ten echocardiographic variables indicative of CHF.

Results

Based on the cluster analysis, animals were joined into two clusters; CHF+ (n = 22) and named MI/HF+, and CHF- (n = 28) that was joined from sham (n = 15), and MI/HF- (n = 13). MI/HF+ presented the most severe anatomical and echocardiographic changes indicative of CHF with significant reduction of all IVPG indices and impairment of the hemodynamics. The IVPG indices were significantly (P&lt; 0.0001) correlated with the anatomical and echocardiographic findings, LVDP, LVEDP, HR, -dP/dtmin, and Tau. Meanwhile, LVSP was only significantly correlated with apical IVPG (R = 0.677, P = 0.022). dP/dtmax was significantly correlated with total IVPG, basal IVPG, and apical IVPG (R = 0.797, P = 0.017, R = 0.724, P = 0.003, and R = 0.652, P = 0.026 ; respectively). Moreover, total, basal, mid-to-apical, mid-, and apical IVPG were significant (P&lt; 0.0001) predictors of chronic CHF following MI.

Conclusion

Compared to the structural, and functional indices of conventional echocardiography, IVPG derived from CMME could provide a substantial non-invasive tool to diagnose and predict CHF after long-term MI.

Male urethral diverticulum squamous cell carcinoma containing a calculus: a rare entity

Male urethral diverticula with calculi have a low incidence. It is extremely rare when the diverticulum accompanied with carcinoma. We report a case of diverticulum of the male urethra containing giant calculi which developed into squamous cell carcinoma. The patient initially presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and a hard, painless perineal mass. We believe that the process of diagnosis and treatment is of great significance in clinical practice.

[A comparative study of the retroperitoneal cavity established by the modified Hasson in urology]

Objective: To examine the safety and complications of two methods of establishing retroperitoneal cavity in urology. Methods: Totally 83 patients undergoing retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery in Department of Urology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2020 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 47 males and 36 females, aged (48.3±11.3) years (range: 35 to 71 years). Forty-three cases in Hasson group(the first Trocar channel was selected at the junction of the 12^th rib and the posterior axillary line or lumbar triangle), 40 cases in modified Hasson group(the first Trocar channel is selected at 1.5 cm above the iliac crest on the mid-axillary line). The t test, χ² test, and Fisher exact test were used to compare the surgical safety indicators and complications of the two groups of patients. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, waist length, and height (P>0.05). The comparison of safety indicators, included the time from skin incision to establishment of the retroperitoneal cavity and the amount of bleeding from the cavity were statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Compared to that in Hasson group, the time from skin incision to establishment of the abdominal cavity in modified Hasson group was shorter ((8.56±2.64) minutes vs. (5.32±1.36) minutes, t=6.949, P<0.01), the blood loss of establishment was less ((15.32±6.09) ml vs. (9.85±3.55) ml, t=4.951, P<0.01). In terms of complication indicators, the incidence of Trocar hernia and the number of subcutaneous emphysema in modified Hasson group were lower than that in Hasson group (20.9% (9/43) vs. 2.5% (1/40), P=0.015, 18.6% (8/43) vs. 2.5% (1/40), P=0.030). Conclusions: The modified Hasson group is a safe method of establishing retroperitoneal cavity. The technique is simple and fast. It provides urologists with a more effective and easy-to-implement option with fewer complications.

90-Gene Expression Profiling for Tissue Origin Diagnosis of Cancer of Unknown Primary

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP), in which metastatic diseases exist without an identifiable primary location, accounts for about 3-5% of all cancer diagnoses. Successful diagnosis and treatment of such patients are difficult. This study aimed to assess the expression characteristics of 90 genes as a method of identifying the primary site from CUP samples. We validated a 90-gene expression assay and explored its potential diagnostic utility in 44 patients at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital. For each specimen, the expression of 90 tumor-specific genes in malignant tumors was analyzed, and similarity scores were obtained. The types of malignant tumors predicted were compared with the reference diagnosis to calculate the accuracy. In addition, we verified the consistency of the expression profiles of the 90 genes in CUP secondary malignancies and metastatic malignancies in The Cancer Genome Atlas. We also reported a detailed description of the next-generation coding sequences for CUP patients. For each clinical medical specimen collected, the type of malignant tumor predicted and analyzed by the 90-gene expression assay was compared with its reference diagnosis, and the overall accuracy was 95.4%. In addition, the 90-gene expression profile generally accurately classified CUP into the cluster of its primary tumor. Sequencing of the exome transcriptome containing 556 high-frequency gene mutation oncogenes was not significantly related to the 90 genes analysis. Our results demonstrate that the expression characteristics of these 90 genes can be used as a powerful tool to accurately identify the primary sites of CUP. In the future, the inclusion of the 90-gene expression assay in pathological diagnosis will help oncologists use precise treatments, thereby improving the care and outcomes of CUP patients.

[Analysis of the clinical features and prognostic influencing factors of toxic epidermal necrolysis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and prognostic influencing factors of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2008 to March 2019, a total of 46 TEN patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital. The gender, age, and hospital admission diagnosis of the 46 patients, the category of department admitted of patients complicated with sepsis, death ratio of the sepsis patients with or without treatment history in intensive care unit (ICU)/department of burns and wound repair, and the cause of death of the deceased patients were recorded. Depending on whether complicated with sepsis, the patients were divided into sepsis group (32 cases) and non-sepsis group (14 cases). According to whether died or not, the patients were divided into death group (9 cases) and survival group (37 cases). The specific conditions of suspected pathogenic agents and combined underlying diseases, the abnormality of transaminase/bilirubin, creatinine, and platelet count in blood on admission, and the detection of pathogenic microorganisms and drug resistance during the course of disease of patients were recorded in both sepsis group and non-sepsis group. The gender, age, lesion area, severity of illness score for TEN (SCORTEN) system score, combined underlying diseases on admission, and blood microbial culture positivity, hormone use, and gamma globulin use during the course of disease of patients between sepsis group and non-sepsis group, death group and survival group were compared respectively. Data were statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, and Mann-Whitney U test. The factors with statistically significant differences between sepsis group and non-sepsis group, death group and survival group were selected for binary multivariate logistic regression analysis, so as to screen the independent risk factors affecting sepsis and death in TEN patients. Results: Of the 46 TEN patients, 30 were male and 16 were female, aged from 8 months to 92.0 years, with 11 cases (23.91%) of epidermolysis bullosa, 9 cases (19.57%) of exfoliative dermatitis, 9 cases (19.57%) of TEN, 7 cases (15.22%) of epidermolysis bullosa, 6 cases (13.04%) of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and 4 cases (8.70%) of severe drug rash for hospital admission diagnosis. The patients complicated with sepsis were admitted to 11 departments, and the death ratio of patients with treatment history in ICU/department of burns and wound repair was similar to that of patients without such department treatment history (P>0.05). All the deceased patients were complicated with sepsis, which was also the main cause of death. On admission, the suspected pathogenic agents of patients in sepsis group were mainly allopurinol (8 cases) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (4 cases), while those in non-sepsis group were allopurinol (3 cases) and psychotropic drugs (3 cases). Patients in sepsis group combined as many as 10 underlying diseases, while those in non-sepsis group combined only 4 underlying diseases. The proportions of patients with increased creatinine (χ²=13.349, P<0.01) and decreased platelet count (P<0.01) in sepsis group were significantly higher than those in non-sepsis group, while the transaminase/bilirubin abnormality was similar to that in non-sepsis group (P>0.05). A wide variety of pathogens were detected in the blood, respiratory tract secretions, and skin secretions of 21 patients in sepsis group, and 14 patients were infected with drug-resistant bacteria; among the 9 strains cultured from the blood samples, 8 were drug-resistant bacteria and 6 were Gram-positive bacteria. In non-sepsis group, pathogens were detected in blood, respiratory tract secretions, and skin secretions of 8 patients, with fewer species, and 6 patients were infected with drug-resistant bacteria. The gender, age, lesion area, blood microbial culture positivity, hormone use, and gamma globulin use of patients in sepsis group were similar to those in non-sepsis group (P>0.05). The proportion of patients combined with underlying diseases (χ²=4.493, P<0.05) and the proportion of patients with SCORTEN system score of 4-6 points (P<0.01) of patients in sepsis group were significantly higher than those in non-sepsis group. The gender, combined underlying diseases, lesion area, blood microbial culture positivity, hormone use, and gamma globulin use of patients were similar between survival group and death group (P>0.05). The proportion of patients with age≥60 years and the proportion of patients with SCORTEN system score of 4-6 points of patients in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group (χ²=4.412, 11.627, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SCORTEN system score was an independent risk factor affecting sepsis and death in TEN patients (odds ratio=3.025, 2.757, 95% confidence interval=1.352-6.769, 1.244-6.110, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: The diagnosis of TEN is difficult on admission. Male population is susceptible to TEN, and allopurinol is the common pathogenic agent. The proportion of patients combined with underlying diseases is high in TEN patients complicated with sepsis, with mainly drug-resistant bacteria and mostly Gram-positive bacteria in blood-borne infections. The deceased patients are older than the survived, and the main cause of death is sepsis. The SCORTEN system score is an independent risk factor affecting sepsis and death in TEN patients.

Recent advances in the synthesis of ent-kaurane diterpenoids

Covering: 2015 to 2020The ent-kaurane diterpenoids are integral parts of tetracyclic natural products that are widely distributed in terrestrial plants. These compounds have been found to possess interesting bioactivities, ranging from antitumor, antifungal and antibacterial to anti-inflammatory activities. Structurally, the different tetracyclic moieties of ent-kauranes can be seen as the results of intramolecular cyclizations, oxidations, C-C bond cleavages, degradation, or rearrangements, starting from their parent skeleton. During the past decade, great efforts have been made to develop novel strategies for synthesizing these natural products. The purpose of this review is to describe the recent advances in the total synthesis of ent-kaurane diterpenoids covering the period from 2015 to date.

[Incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak after transanal total mesorectal excision in China: a retrospective analysis based on national database]

Objective: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was a very hot topic in the first few years since its appearance, but now more introspections and controversies on this procedure have emerged. One of the reasons why the Norwegian Ministry of Health stopped taTME was the high incidence of postoperative anastomotic leak. In current study, the incidence and risk factors of anastomotic leak after taTME were analyzed based on the data registered in the Chinese taTME Registry Collaborative (CTRC). Methods: A case-control study was carried out. Between November 15, 2017 and December 31, 2020, clinical data of 1668 patients undergoing taTME procedure registered in the CTRC database from 43 domestic centers were collected retrospectively. After excluding 98 cases without anastomosis and 109 cases without complete postoperative complication data, 1461 patients were finally enrolled for analysis. There were 1036 males (70.9%) and 425 females (29.1%) with mean age of (58.2±15.6) years and mean body mass index of (23.6±3.8) kg/m(2). Anastomotic leak was diagnosed and classified according to the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISREC) criteria. The risk factors associated with postoperative anastomotic leak cases were analyzed. The impact of the cumulative number of taTME surgeries in a single center on the incidence of anastomotic leak was evaluated. As for those centers with the number of taTME surgery ≥ 40 cases, incidence of anastomic leak between 20 cases of taTME surgery in the early and later phases was compared. Results: Of 1461 patients undergoing taTME, 103(7.0%) developed anastomotic leak, including 71 (68.9%) males and 32 (31.1%) females with mean age of (59.0±13.9) years and mean body mass index of (24.5±5.7) kg/m(2). The mean distance between anastomosis site and anal verge was (2.6±1.4) cm. Thirty-nine cases (37.9%) were classified as ISREC grade A, 30 cases (29.1%) as grade B and 34 cases (33.0%) as grade C. Anastomotic leak occurred in 89 cases (7.0%,89/1263) in the laparoscopic taTME group and 14 cases (7.1%, 14/198) in the pure taTME group. Multivariate analysis showed that hand-sewn anastomosis (P=0.004) and the absence of defunctioning stoma (P=0.013) were independently associated with anastomotic leak after taTME. In the 16 centers (37.2%) which performed ≥ 30 taTME surgeries with cumulative number of 1317 taTME surgeries, 86 cases developed anastomotic leak (6.5%, 86/1317). And in the 27 centers which performed less than 30 taTME surgeries with cumulative number of 144 taTME surgeries, 17 cases developed anastomotic leak (11.8%, 17/144). There was significant difference between two kinds of center (χ(2)=5.513, P=0.019). Thirteen centers performed ≥ 40 taTME surgeries. In the early phase (the first 20 cases in each center), 29 cases (11.2%, 29/260) developed anastomotic leak, and in the later phase, 12 cases (4.6%, 12/260) developed anastomotic leak. The difference between the early phase and the later phase was statistically significant (χ(2)=7.652, P=0.006). Conclusion: The incidence of anastomotic leak after taTME may be reduced by using stapler and defunctioning stoma, or by accumulating experience.

Case Report: Extragonadal Yolk Sac Tumors Originating From the Endometrium and the Broad Ligament: A Case Series and Literature Review

Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) of the endometrium and the broad ligament are very rare, with only 29 cases and one case of each other reported before in the English literature. Due to lack of standard guidelines, the treatment strategies of these diseases are controversial. Here, we share two cases of YSTs originating from the endometrium and the broad ligament respectively and review related literature. A 35-year-old woman was diagnosed with endometrial YST in our center and underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy with BEP (bleomycin, cisplatin and etoposide) regimen for six courses. After follow-up for 21 months, there is still no evidence of relapse. Another 36-year-old woman was admitted to our department with YST of the broad ligament. She was treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy with BEP regimen and was lost to follow-up after completing therapy. The case of endometrial YST we shared was similar to cases reported before, while the case with YST of the broad ligament we shared was the second case reported worldwide. Both of these two cases were treated with surgery combined with chemotherapy with BEP regimen.

Long Non-coding RNA RUNDC3A-AS1 Promotes Lung Metastasis of Thyroid Cancer via Targeting the miR-182-5p/ADAM9

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as influential indicators in variety of malignancies. Among which, LncRNA RUNDC3A-AS1 is reported to upregulate in thyroid cancer. However, the expression pattern and the pathological function of lncRNA RUNDC3A-AS1 in thyroid cancer is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression levels of lncRNA RUNDC3A-AS1 in the thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines via RT-qPCR analysis. The effects of RUNDC3A-AS1 on thyroid cancer cell metastasis were detected by transwell chamber assay, scratch assay in vitro and lung metastasis model in vivo. The results indicated that RUNDC3A-AS1 was highly expressed in the thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. Functionally, knockdown of RUNDC3A-AS1 could repress the migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells in vitro, and inhibit thyroid cancer metastasis to lung in vivo. Mechanistically, RUNDC3A-AS1 served as an inhibitor of miR-182-5p in tumor tissues and cell lines. RUNDC3A-AS1 inhibited the expression of miR-182-5p to increase the expression level of ADAM9, thus further aggravating the malignancy of thyroid cancer. Therefore, the RUNDC3A-AS1/miR-182-5p/ADAM9 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of thyroid cancer metastasis.

Poplar MYB117 promotes anthocyanin synthesis and enhances flavonoid B-ring hydroxylation by up-regulating the flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase gene

Flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols, are widespread plant secondary metabolites and important for plant adaptation to diverse abiotic and biotic stresses. Flavonoids can be variously hydroxylated and decorated; their biological activity is partly dependent on the degree of hydroxylation of the B-ring. Flavonoid biosynthesis is regulated by MYB transcription factors, which have been identified and characterized in a diversity of plants. Here we characterize a new MYB activator, MYB117, in hybrid poplar (Populus tremula×tremuloides). When overexpressed in transgenic poplar plants, MYB117 enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in all tissues. Transcriptome analysis of MYB117-overexpressing poplars confirmed the up-regulation of flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, as well as two flavonoid 3',5'-hydroxylase (F3'5'H) genes. We also identified up-regulated cytochrome b5 genes, required for full activity of F3'5'H . Phytochemical analysis demonstrated a corresponding increase in B-ring hydroxylation of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols in these transgenics. Similarly, overexpression of F3'5'H1 directly in hybrid poplar also resulted in increased B-ring hydroxylation, but without affecting overall flavonoid content. However, the overexpression of the cytochrome b5 gene in F3'5'H1-overexpressing plants did not further increase B-ring hydroxylation. Our data indicate that MYB117 regulates the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in poplar, but also enhances B-ring hydroxylation by up-regulating F3'5'H1.

Role of diesel exhaust particles in the induction of allergic asthma to low doses of soybean

INTRODUCTION

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP) increases the risk of asthma and asthma exacerbation. However, the exact mechanisms inducing asthma to low doses of allergens remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to analyse the immunomodulatory effect of the inhalation of DEP in a mouse model exposed to non-asthmagenic doses of soybean hull extract (SHE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

BALB/c ByJ mice were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Two groups received nasal instillations of saline and the other two groups received 3 mg ml-1 SHE during 5 days per week for 3 weeks. One group in each pair also received 150 μg of DEP in the same instillations 3 days per week. SHE-specific IgE levels, oxidative stress, leukocyte pattern and optical projection tomography (OPT) imaging studies were assessed.

RESULTS

Inhalation of SHE and/or DEP increased levels of H2O2 in BAL, while coexposure to SHE and DEP increased SHE-specific IgE levels in serum. Inhalation of SHE alone increased eosinophils, B cells, total and resident monocytes and decreased levels of NK cells, while inhalation of DEP increased neutrophils and decreased total monocytes. Regarding dendritic cells (DC), the inhalation of SHE and/or DEP increased the total population, while the inhalation of SHE alone increased Th2-related DCs (CD11b + Ly6C-) and decreased tolerogenic DCs (CD11b-Ly6C-). However, coexposure to SHE and DEP increased oxidative stress-sensitive DCs (CD11b-Ly6C+) and decreased Th1-related DCs (CD11b + Ly6C+). As regards macrophages, inhalation of SHE and DEP decreased total and alveolar populations. DEP deposition in lung tissue did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Coexposure to DEP activates the asthmatic response to low doses of soy by triggering the immune response and oxidative stress.

Twenty-year changes in mortality rates and underlying causes of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

Objectives: Despite recent advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), few population-based studies have assessed the mortality rates and the underlying causes of death (UCDs) among patients with RA and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). This study evaluated the trends in mortality rates, demographic characteristics, and UCDs among patients with RA-ILD.Method: Using data from death certificates (1999-2018) from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Multiple Cause of Death files, we explored the trends in mortality rates and UCD for patients with RA and RA-ILD. Moreover, we examined the crude and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for such patients.Results: Among patients with RA or RA-ILD, ASMR variation decreased over 20 years. The ASMR ratio of RA-ILD to RA decreased by 5.84%. The ASMR for RA and RA-ILD stratified by gender or age group also decreased. The change in the ASMR ratio of RA-ILD to RA trended downwards in women and upwards in men. Arthropathies and ILD were the most frequent UCDs for RA-ILD, while arthropathies and ischaemic heart disease were the most frequent UCDs for RA.Conclusions: Although RA and RA-ILD presented a downward trend in mortality, RA combined with ILD may reduce life expectancy. Specifically, the mortality rate for patients with RA-ILD remained relatively stable during the study period when ILD was the UCD, suggesting the need for active prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of RA-ILD.

Assembly of α-(Hetero)aryl Nitriles via Copper-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions with (Hetero)aryl Chlorides and Bromides

α-(Hetero)aryl nitriles are important structural motifs for pharmaceutical design. The known methods for direct synthesis of these compounds via coupling with (hetero)aryl halides suffer from narrow reaction scope. Herein, we report that the combination of copper salts and oxalic diamides enables the coupling of a variety of (hetero)aryl halides (Cl, Br) and ethyl cyanoacetate under mild conditions, affording α-(hetero)arylacetonitriles via one-pot decarboxylation. Additionally, the CuBr/oxalic diamide catalyzed coupling of (hetero)aryl bromides with α-alkyl-substituted ethyl cyanoacetates proceeds smoothly at 60 °C, leading to the formation of α-alkyl (hetero)arylacetonitriles after decarboxylation. The method features a general substrate scope and is compatible with various functionalities and heteroaryls.

Shear stress-induced MMP1 and PDE2A expressions in coronary atherosclerosis

AIM

Biomechanical stress plays an essential role in coronary atherosclerosis (CAS), however, inter-relations between mechanical conditions and gene expressions remain unclear.

METHODS

We constructed finite element model of CAS to map human wall shear stress (WSS). Biopsy aortic tissue samples were obtained from 3 CAS patients. Gene expression pattern in CAS was analyzed by GEO datasets. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot confirmed protein expression and localization.

RESULTS

Peak WSS was significantly increased in the vessel stenosis of CAS at 0.25 s (mean 55.1 Pa). Analyses results of GSE76275 showed matrix metalloproteinases1 (MMP1) and phosphodiesterase-2A (PDE2A) up-regulation in endothelial shear responsiveness, which was further validated and localized in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and other cells by double immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting assay demonstrated up-regulation of MMP1 and PDE2A expression dependent on the WSS.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP1 and PDE2A up-regulations rely on increased WSS in development and risk of CAS, suggesting that their elevation may be potential target for diagnosis and treatment (Fig. 3, Ref. 28).

In Pursuit of Synthetic Efficiency: Convergent Approaches

The field of total synthesis has reached a stage in which emphasis has been increasingly focused on synthetic efficiency rather than merely achieving the synthesis of a target molecule. The pursuit of synthetic efficiency, typically represented by step count and overall yield, is a rich source of inspiration and motivation for synthetic chemists to invent innovative strategies and methods. Among them, convergent strategy has been well recognized as an effective approach to improve efficiency. This strategy generally involves coupling of fragments with similar complexity to furnish the target molecule via subsequent cyclization or late-stage functionalization. Thus, methodologies that enable effective connection of fragments are critical to devising a convergent plan. In our laboratory, convergent strategy has served as a long-standing principle for pursuing efficient synthesis during the course of planning and implementing synthetic projects. In this Account, we summarize our endeavors in the convergent synthesis of natural products over the last ten years. We show how we identify reasonable bond disconnections and employ enabling synthetic methodologies to maximize convergency, leading to the efficient syntheses of over two-dozen highly complex molecules from eight disparate families.In detail, we categorize our work into three parts based on the diverse reaction types for fragment assembly. First, we demonstrate the application of a powerful single-electron reducing agent, SmI₂, in a late-stage cyclization step, forging the polycyclic skeletons of structurally fascinating Galbulimima alkaloids and Leucosceptrum sesterterpenoids. Next, we showcase how three different types of cycloaddition reactions can simultaneously construct two challenging C-C bonds in a single step, providing concise entries to three distinct families, namely, spiroquinazoline alkaloids, gracilamine, and kaurane diterpenoids. In the third part, we describe convergent assembly of ent-kaurane diterpenoids, gelsedine-type alkaloids, and several drug molecules via employing some bifunctional synthons. To access highly oxidized ent-kaurane diterpenoids, we introduce the hallmark bicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring system at an early stage, and then execute coupling and cyclization by means of a Hoppe's homoaldol reaction and a Mukaiyama-Michael-type addition, respectively. Furthermore, we showcase how the orchestrated combination of an asymmetric Michael addition, a tandem oxidation-aldol reaction and a pinacol rearrangement can dramatically improve the efficiency in synthesizing gelsedine-type alkaloids, with nary a protecting group. Finally, to address the supply issue of several drugs, including anti-influenza drug zanamivir and antitumor agent Et-743, we exploit scalable and practical approaches to provide advantages over current routes in terms of cost, ease of execution, and efficiency.

Effects of ET-1 and TNF-α levels on the cardiac function and prognosis in rats with chronic heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of ET-1 and TNF-α levels on cardiac function and prognosis in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF), to provide reference for clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 SD rats were randomly divided into healthy group (n=60) and heart failure group (n=60). Rats from heart failure group were made into CHF models by an intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin. According to the average serum levels of ET-1 and TNF-α, 30 rats with higher level were enrolled in high expression subgroup, while 30 rats with lower level were enrolled in low expression subgroup. The sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the ET-1 and TNF-α in rats from healthy group and heart failure group. Doppler echocardiography was used to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate, and aortic diameter. After the death of heart failure rats, the total heart mass and left ventricle mass were measured and compared with those of the healthy rats. The serum levels of ET-1 and TNF-α were monitored to explore the influence of ET-1 and TNF-α levels on the prognosis of rats from study group.

RESULTS

The total heart mass and left ventricle mass of the heart failure group were higher than those of healthy group (p<0.05). The total heart mass and left ventricle mass of the low expression subgroup were lower than those of high expression subgroup (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The serum levels of ET-1 and TNF-α are higher than those in healthy rats. CHF rats with higher serum levels of ET-1 and TNF-α have a worse heart function and survival. Serum levels of ET-1 and TNF-α can be used as predictors of cardiac function and prognosis in CHF rats, providing references for clinical practice.

Microtubule organization defects in Arabidopsis thaliana

Microtubules (MT) are critical cytoskeletal filaments that have several functions in cell morphogenesis, cell division, vesicle transport and cytoplasmic separation in the spatiotemporal regulation of eukaryotic cells. Formation of MT requires the co-interaction of MT nucleation and α-β-tubulins, as well as MT-associated proteins (MAP). Many key MAP contributing to MT nucleation and elongation are essential for MT nucleation and regulation of MT dynamics, and are conserved in the plant kingdom. Therefore, the deletion or decrease of γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC) components and related MAP, such as the augmin complex, NEDD1, MZT1, EB1, MAP65, etc., in Arabidopsis thaliana results in MT organizational defects in the spindle and phragmoplast MT, as well as in chromosome defects. In addition, similar defects in MT organization and chromosome structure have been observed in plants under abiotic stress conditions, such as under high UV-B radiation. The MT can sense the signal from UV-B radiation, resulting in abnormal MT arrangement. Further studies are required to determine whether the abnormal chromosomes induced by UV-B radiation can be attributed to the involvement of abnormal MT arrays in chromosome migration after DNA damage.