"The Sulfur Dance" Around Arenes and Heteroarenes - the Reversible Nature of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitutions.

We disclose the features of a category of reversible nucleophilic aromatic substitutions in view of their significance and generality in dynamic aromatic chemistry. Exchange of sulfur components surrounding arenes and heteroarenes may occur at 25 °C, in a process that one may call a "sulfur dance". These SN Ar systems present their own features, apart from common reversible reactions utilized in dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC). By varying conditions, covalent dynamics may operate to provide libraries of thiaarenes with some selectivity, or conversion of a hexa(thio)benzene asterisk into another one. The reversible nature of SN Ar is confirmed by three methods: a convergence of the products distribution in reversible SN Ar systems, a related product redistribution between two per(thio)benzenes by using a thiolate promoter, and from kinetic/thermodynamic data. A four-component dynamic covalent system further illustrates the thermodynamically-driven formation of a thiacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine by sulfur component exchanges. This work stimulates the implementation of reversible SN Ar in aromatic chemistry and in DCC.

C3-Alkylation of furfural derivatives by continuous flow homogeneous catalysis.

The C3-functionalization of furfural using homogeneous ruthenium catalysts requires the preinstallation of an ortho-directing imine group, as well as high temperatures, which did not allow scaling up, at least under batch conditions. In order to design a safer process, we set out to develop a continuous flow process specifically for the C3-alkylation of furfural (Murai reaction). The transposition of a batch process to a continuous flow process is often costly in terms of time and reagents. Therefore, we chose to proceed in two steps: the reaction conditions were first optimized using a laboratory-built pulsed-flow system to save reagents. The optimized conditions in this pulsed-flow mode were then successfully transferred to a continuous flow reactor. In addition, the versatility of this continuous flow device allowed both steps of the reaction to be carried out, namely the formation of the imine directing group and the C3-functionalization with some vinylsilanes and norbonene.

Hydroxychloroquine for Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) does not respond well to immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive treatment. Chronic activation of microglia has been implicated in the pathophysiology of PPMS. The antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) reduces the activity of human microglia and has neuroprotective effects in vitro. METHODS: We conducted a single-arm, phase II futility trial of 200 mg oral HCQ twice daily for 18 months. In an effort to investigate disability worsening in the absence of overt focal inflammation, we excluded participants with contrast enhancing lesions on a screening magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The primary end point was ≥20% worsening on the timed 25-foot walk measured between 6 and 18 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Based on original trial data, 40% of the cohort were expected to worsen. We used a Simon 2-stage design to compare a null hypothesis of 40% of the cohort worsening against the one-sided alternative of 20%. Using a 5% type 1 error rate and 80% power, HCQ treatment would be deemed successful if fewer than 10 of 35 participants experienced clinically significant worsening. The study met its primary end point, as only 8 of 35 participants worsened between 6 and 18 months. HCQ was overall well-tolerated, with adverse events in 82% and serious adverse events in 12% of participants. All serious adverse events were unlikely related to HCQ use. INTERPRETATION: HCQ treatment was associated with reduced disability worsening in people with PPMS. HCQ is a promising treatment candidate in PPMS and should be investigated further in randomized controlled clinical trials. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:940-948.

Persulfurated Benzene-Cored Asterisks with π-Extended ThioNaphthyl Arms: Synthesis, Structural, Photophysical and Covalent Dynamic Properties.

The synthesis of regioisomeric asterisks (5) and (6) incorporating a benzene core with six 1-naphthylthio or six 2-naphthylthio arms are reported in search for new materials with optoelectronic properties. The consequences on the extension of a π system surrounding a persulfurated benzene core provide a new avenue to study the structural, photophysical, and chemical properties of such family of all-organic phosphors. It also diverts the persulfuration mechanism after two radical cyclizations for making a [5]dithiohelicene by-product (7) and favors dynamic sulfur component exchange reactions surrounding the core. These exchanges convert asterisks (5) and (6), non-phosphorescent at 20 °C to the highly phosphorescent (4) (ϕ ∼100 %, solid state at 20 °C). For asterisks (5) and (6), the absence of the typical phosphorescence of the per(phenylthio)benzene core in the solid state at 20 °C and the presence of a weak naphthalene-based phosphorescence at 77 K is attributed to an energy transfer from the triplet state of the persulfurated benzene core to the outer naphthalene moieties, resulting in an antenna system.

Unbalanced 2D Chiral Crystallization of Pentahelicene Propellers and Their Planarization into Nanographenes.

The chiral self-assembly of trispentahelicene propellers on a gold surface has been investigated in ultrahigh vacuum by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The trispentahelicene propellers aggregate into mirror domains with an enantiomeric ratio of 2 : 1. Thermally induced cyclodehydrogenation leads to planarization into nanographenes, which self-assemble into closed-packed layers with two different azimuths. Further treatment induces in part dimerization and trimerization by intermolecular cyclodehydrogenation.

Stereoselective Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Extremely Distorted Chiral Nanographenes Embedding Hextuple Helicenes.

We report a molecular design and concept using π-system elongation and steric effects from helicenes surrounding a triphenylene core toward stable chiral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with a maximal π-distortion to tackle their aromaticity, supramolecular and molecular properties. The selective syntheses, and the structural, conformational and chiroptical properties of two diastereomeric large multi-helicenes of formula C90 H48 having a triphenylene core and embedding three [5]helicene units on their inner edges and three [7]helicene units at their periphery are reported based on diastereoselective and, when applicable, enantiospecific Yamamoto-type cyclotrimerizations of racemic or enantiopure 9,10-dibromo[7]helicene. Both molecules have an extremely distorted triphenylene core, and one of them exhibits the largest torsion angle recorded so far for a benzene ring (twist=36.9°).

Delaying Anticancer Drug Delivery by Self-Assembly and Branching Effects of Minimalist Dendron-Drug Conjugates.

Self-assembly of a covalently-bound lipophilic drug to a dendronic scaffold for making organic nanoparticles is reported as a proof of concept in nanovectorization. A minimalist structural approach with a small PEG-dendron conjugated to paclitaxel (PTX), incorporating safe succinic and gallic acids, is efficient to provide the expected anticancer bioactivity, but also significantly retards and targets intracellular delivery of PTX in 2D and 3D lung cancer cell cultures. A branching effect of dendrons is crucial, when compared to linear PTX conjugates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) studies indicate the formation of stable, low-disperse nanoparticles at 10-5 m in H2 0, which could also be responsible for the biological effects. An ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS method was used for the determination of intracellular PTX concentration over time, along with the survival rates of cancer cells. Similarly, cell survival assays were successfully correlated to a 3D cell culture with spheroids for mimicking tumors, when treated with PTX conjugates. Our work opens the way to a full evaluation program required for new chemical entities.

Chiral Nanographene Propeller Embedding Six Enantiomerically Stable [5]Helicene Units.

A one-step synthesis of a nanographene propeller with a D3-symmetry was obtained starting from 7,8-dibromo[5]helicene by Yamamoto nickel(0) couplings. It afforded a chiral polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) embedding six enantiomerically stable [5]helicene units. This dense accumulation of helical strain resulted in a distorted geometry, but stable stereochemistry. The conformational, structural, chiroptical, and photophysical properties of the molecule are reported.

Turn-on phosphorescence by metal coordination to a multivalent terpyridine ligand: a new paradigm for luminescent sensors.

A hexathiobenzene molecule carrying six terpyridine (tpy) units at the periphery has been designed to couple the aggregation induced phosphorescence, displayed by the core in the solid state, to the metal binding properties of the tpy units. Upon Mg(2+) complexation in THF solution, phosphorescence of the hexathiobenzene core is turned on. Metal ion coordination yields the formation of a supramolecular polymer which hinders intramolecular rotations and motions of the core chromophore, thus favoring radiative deactivation of the luminescent excited state. Upon excitation of the [Mg(tpy)2](2+) units of the polymeric structure, sensitization of the core phosphorescence takes place with >90% efficiency. The light-harvesting polymeric antenna can be disassembled upon fluoride ion addition, thereby switching off luminescence and offering a new tool for fluoride ion sensing. This unique system can, thus, serve as cation or anion sensor.

Synthesis, characterization, and metal ion coordination of a multichromophoric highly luminescent polysulfurated pyrene.

We have designed a new multichromophoric system based on a tetra(phenylthio)pyrene core appended with four terpyridine units. The system behaves as a molecular antenna that collects light with the peripheral units and funnels the energy to the very highly luminescent core. The addition of metals ions to the investigated system can not only switch the direction of the intramolecular energy transfer, but also control the formation of three-dimensional nanoscopic objects in a dual function.

How do multivalent glycodendrimers benefit from sulfur chemistry?

Sulfur-containing glycodendrimers have steadily emerged over a few decades and this review describes the first survey of this field. Although the contribution of sulfur chemistry to glycodendrimers could be seen at the moment as a development of various linking strategies, there is more than synthesis because the presence of sulfur itself modulates unique photophysical and electrochemical properties. This fact has long been recognized in materials science, for instance. Emphasis on the numerous advantages of sulfur in glycosylated dendrimers is thus put forward in this review. The synergy between sulfur, dendrimers, and carbohydrate chemistry conveys novel synthetic avenues, properties, and applications toward innovative perspectives in chemistry, glycobiology, materials science and nanoscience, with a particular significance for biosensors.

The marine polyketide myriaporone 3/4 stalls translation by targeting the elongation phase.

Myriaporone 3/4, a cytotoxic polyketide, has been reported as an inhibitor of eukaryotic protein synthesis. However, the mechanism by which it inhibits translation was unknown. Here we show that myriaporone 3/4 stalls protein synthesis in the elongation phase by inducing phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2. The phosphorylation results from direct binding of myriaporone 3/4 to eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase. Our study also shows that myriaporone 3/4 in the nanomolar range inhibits in vitro tube formation by endothelial cells without being cytotoxic. In general, myriaporone 3/4 was at least 300 times less toxic to primary cells than to tumor cells.

Clinical course, imaging, and pathological features of 45 adult and pediatric cases of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease.

BACKGROUND: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a recently described neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease. OBJECTIVE: To better understand the clinical spectrum, risk factors and outcomes in MOGAD. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all subjects harboring anti-MOG antibodies identified in major academic hospitals across the province of Quebec. RESULTS: We identified 45 MOGAD cases. The minimal estimated point-prevalence was 0.52/100 000 in Quebec. Median age at presentation was 32 years (range 1-71) with equal sex ratio. Most frequent ethnic groups were Caucasians and Asians. The most frequent clinical manifestations at onset were optic neuritis (ON), affecting 56% of adults, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), affecting 33% of children. First MRI was abnormal in 84% of cases. Most CSF samples showed pleocytosis without oligoclonal bands. Two brain biopsies revealed lipid-laden macrophages and reactive astrocytes. Despite steroids, only 38% had fully recovered at 4 weeks after onset. Half of pediatric and two thirds of adult-onset MOGAD subjects experienced relapses. At last follow-up, 69% showed residual deficits, which were moderate to severe in 17% of adults. CONCLUSION: MOGAD has heterogeneous disease course, and it is not a benign disease for a substantial proportion of adults. Best disease-modifying therapies remain to be determined.

Measurement of long-range interatomic distances by solid-state tritium-NMR spectroscopy.

For the structural determination of a ligand bound to an amorphous macromolecular system, solid-state NMR can be used to provide interatomic distances. It is shown here that selective labeling in discrete locations with tritium enables accurate measurement of long-range distances owing to the high gyromagnetic ratio of this nucleus, without structural modification of the molecule. This approach gives access to the largest NMR distance ever measured between two nuclei (14.4 A). (3)H MAS NMR appears to be a promising tool for structural applications in the biological and material sciences.

Highly Emissive Water-Soluble Polysulfurated Pyrene-Based Chromophores as Dual Mode Sensors of Metal Ions.

Pyrene-based materials have gained considerable attention as stimuli-responsive chemical sensors. We designed a polysulfurated arene system based on a tetra(phenylthio)pyrene core decorated with four carboxylic acid units. Three different regioisomers, ortho, meta and para were studied in organic and aqueous solution. These systems are soluble in water at pH≥8 due to the deprotonation of carboxylic acids. The addition of metal ions cannot only quench the fluorescence of the central pyrene core, but also control the formation of three-dimensional nanoscopic objects in a dual mode function. Several divalent metal ions were tested and compared. Addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) disassembles the non-emissive supramolecular system and restores the initial fluorescence of the pyrene core.

A turn-on phosphorescent sensor of Pb2+ in water by the formation of a coordination polymer.

Hexakis(phenylthio)benzene compounds carrying six carboxylic acid groups at their periphery combine aggregation-induced phosphorescence, water-solubility and metal-binding properties: the para-isomer is a selective and sensitive turn-on phosphorescent sensor of Pb2+ ions in water.

Myriaporone 3/4 structure--activity relationship studies define a pharmacophore targeting eukaryotic protein synthesis.

Myriaporones are naturally occurring compounds which structurally resemble the southern hemisphere of the tedanolide family of macrolide antitumor agents. Despite the fact that myriaporone 3/4 represents only a portion of tedanolide, it nonetheless retains much of its biological activity. We show here that like tedanolide, myriaporone 3/4 inhibits protein synthesis and proliferation of mammalian cells with low nanomolar potencies but displays no prokaryotic growth inhibitory effect. Moreover, myriaporone 3/4 displays a very rapid, reversible and p21-independent activity to block S phase progression in mammalian cells. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the C18-C19 epoxide and the C14 hydroxymethyl group (tedanolide numbering) of myriaporone 3/4 are required for cell cycle inhibition. These constitute previously unidentified and/or novel pharmacophores for myriaporone 3/4. Our results show that the important biological activities associated with the structurally complex tedanolides are present and can be harnessed in the chemically much simpler myriaporones. This greatly increases the value of the latter as investigative tools for biochemical research as well as for development of potential therapeutics.

Species-dependent binding of tocainide analogues to albumin: affinity chromatography and circular dichroism study.

A series of novel tocainide analogues were characterized for their HSA and RSA binding, by using high-performance liquid affinity chromatography (HPLAC) and circular dichroism (CD). In this HPLAC study, HSA and RSA were covalently immobilized to the silica matrix of HPLC columns, with a procedure that maintained unaltered the binding properties of the proteins. The tocainide analogues were ranked for their affinity to HSA and RSA on the basis of their bound fractions measured by the two albumin-based columns. This technique was also applied to characterize the high affinity binding sites of these tocainide analogues to the protein. For this purpose displacement experiments were carried out by means of increasing concentrations in the mobile phase of competitors known to bind selectively to the main binding sites of HSA. The results obtained with the immobilized proteins were confirmed by investigating the same drug-protein systems in solution by circular dichroism. The comparison of the data collected with both methodologies highlighted the dramatic effect of small differences in the amino acidic sequences of the two proteins. In fact, despite their similar primary and secondary structures, a small difference in the amino acidic sequence leads to significant differences in their three-dimensional structure reflecting their different binding capacity and their stereoselectivity. Therefore, this study confirms how it is crucial to consider the significant differences among the animal models when performing pharmacokinetic studies. It is also clear that the knowledge of serum carrier binding parameters at an early stage of drug discovery represents a great advantage that may help to save time and efforts.

Gold nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in aqueous biocompatible solutions: assessment of safety and biological identity for nanomedicine applications.

Due to excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability, and promising optical properties, gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are the focus of research and applications in nanomedicine. Au-NPs prepared by laser ablation in aqueous biocompatible solutions present an essentially novel object that is unique in avoiding any residual toxic contaminant. This paper is conceived as the next step in development of laser-ablated Au-NPs for future in vivo applications. The aim of the study was to assess the safety, uptake, and biological behavior of laser-synthesized Au-NPs prepared in water or polymer solutions in human cell lines. Our results showed that laser ablation allows the obtaining of stable and monodisperse Au-NPs in water, polyethylene glycol, and dextran solutions. The three types of Au-NPs were internalized in human cell lines, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. Biocompatibility and safety of Au-NPs were demonstrated by analyzing cell survival and cell morphology. Furthermore, incubation of the three Au-NPs in serum-containing culture medium modified their physicochemical characteristics, such as the size and the charge. The composition of the protein corona adsorbed on Au-NPs was investigated by mass spectrometry. Regarding composition of complement C3 proteins and apolipoproteins, Au-NPs prepared in dextran solution appeared as a promising drug carrier. Altogether, our results revealed the safety of laser-ablated Au-NPs in human cell lines and support their use for theranostic applications.