Multi-MSIProcessor: Data Visualizing and Analysis Software for Spatial Metabolomics Research.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has emerged as a revolutionary analytical strategy in biomedical research for molecular visualization. By linking the characterization of functional metabolites with tissue architecture, it is now possible to reveal unknown biological functions of tissues. However, due to the complexity and high dimensionality of MSI data, mining bioinformatics-related peaks from batch MSI data sets and achieving complete spatially resolved metabolomics analysis remain a great challenge. Here, we propose novel MSI data processing software, Multi-MSIProcessor (MMP), which integrates the data read-in, MSI visualization, processed data preservation, and biomarker discovery functions. The MMP focuses on the AFADESI-MSI data platform but also supports mzXML and imzmL data input formats for compatibility with data generated by other MSI platforms such as MALDI/SIMS-MSI. MMP enables deep mining of batch MSI data and has flexible adaptability with the source code opened that welcomes new functions and personalized analysis strategies. Using multiple clinical biosamples with complex heterogeneity, we demonstrated that MMP can rapidly establish complete MSI analysis workflows, assess batch sample data quality, screen and annotate differential MS peaks, and obtain abnormal metabolic pathways. MMP provides a novel platform for spatial metabolomics analysis of multiple samples that could meet the diverse analysis requirements of scholars.

Gold-Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions of Thioalkynes with Quinoline N-Oxides: A DFT Study.

Mechanistic investigation of the gold-catalyzed oxidative reactions of thioalkynes with quinoline N-oxides was performed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For the oxidative rearrangement of thioalkynes with quinoline N-oxide to yield the same products, the Cß-oxidation of thioalkynes was predicted to be competitive with Cα-oxidation, with the Cß-oxidative process slightly more favorable. However, for the oxidative alkenylation of propargyl aryl thioethers with quinoline N-oxides, the Cß-oxidation of thioether by quinoline N-oxide generated the product 3-hydroxy-1-alkylidene phenylthiopropan-2-one. Moreover, the ring opening of the four-membered sulfonium intermediate was achieved by the nucleophilic attack of quinoline N-oxide rather than a water molecule.

Developing NIR xanthene-chalcone fluorophores with large Stokes shifts for fluorescence imaging.

A series of novel near-infrared (NIR) xanthene-chalcone fluorophores were constructed through a modular synthesis with the electron-donating xanthene moiety and the electron-withdrawing chalcone moiety. These fluorophores are convenient for fluorescence imaging in living cells, benefiting from their NIR emissions (650-710 nm), large Stokes shifts (>100 nm), moderate quantum yields and low cytotoxicity. The substituted hydroxyl group of the xanthene-chalcone fluorophore HCA-E facilitates the development of multifunctional fluorescent probes. As an example, a highly sensitive and selective probe N-HCA-E for glutathione (GSH) detection was developed based on the fluorophore HCA-E. A 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl (4-Ns) group was introduced to cage the hydroxyl group of HCA-E, which was used as a selective recognition site for the thiol of GSH and an effective fluorescence quencher. Probe N-HCA-E revealed NIR "turn-on" fluorescence (709 nm) for endogenous and exogenous GSH detection in lysosomes with a large Stokes shift (129 nm) and high anti-interference ability.

Mechanistic Insights Into the Rhodium-Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation/Directing Group Migration and [3+2] Annulation: A DFT Study.

The mechanism of the rhodium-catalyzed C-H alkenylation/directing group migration and [3+2] annulation of N-aminocarbonylindoles with 1,3-diynes has been investigated with DFT calculations. On the basis of mechanistic studies, we mainly focus on the regioselectivity of 1,3-diyne inserting into the Rh-C bond and the N-aminocarbonyl directing group migration involved in the reactions. Our theoretical study uncovers that the directing group migration undergoes a stepwise ß-N elimination and isocyanate reinsertion process. As studied in this work, this finding is also applicable to other relevant reactions. Additionally, the role of Na+ versus Cs+ involved in the [3+2] cyclization reaction is also probed.

Mechanistic Investigation into the Regio-Controllable Hydroallylations of Alkynes with Allylborons under Pd-Based Synergetic Catalyses.

Density functional theory calculations were employed to investigate the Pd-catalyzed regio-selective hydroallylations of alkynes with allylborons: cooperation of Cu(OAc)2 and dppe resulting in 1,4-dienes while combination of AdCO2H and PCy3 leading to 1,5-dienes. A unified rationalization mechanism called "Lewis-acid-base-interaction promoted deprotonation/3,3-rearrangement" was proposed. Compared with the commonly reported metathesis pathway to only afford the metal-allyl intermediate, in the newly established mechanism, an additional Brønsted acid (as an initiator of the Pd0 oxidative addition) is generated by the interaction of the allylboron (Lewis acid) B atom with the nBuOH (Lewis base) O atom, and subsequent 3,3-rearrangement ensures the thermodynamic feasibility of the reaction. In addition, it was found that excess Cu(OAc)2 plays two potential roles in the oxidative addition/alkyne insertion: (i) the participation of one AcO- of Cu(OAc)2 ensures a large orbital overlap between the migrating H and Pd atoms, facilitating the formal AcO-H cleavage and (ii) the extra (OAc)2Cu···O(carboxyl) σ-coordination indirectly contributes to the (Me)C≡C(Ph) insertion into the Pd-H bond. Further analysis showed that the origin of the regioselectivity is closely related to the employed phosphorus ligand. These revealed results, which have been overlooked in the previous documents, would aid the development of new related catalytic reactions.

Botulinum Toxins for the Treatment of Raynaud Phenomenon: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Botulinum toxin (Btx) therapy has emerged as a potential treatment for patients with Raynaud phenomenon (RP) in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Btx treatment for RP. METHODS: Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception up to August 2022. Studies that reported Btx use for the treatment of RP were included. A meta-analysis was conducted for the Shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) score and visual analog scale pain score using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Thirteen full-text studies were included. The pooled standard mean changes for the visual analog scale pain score and QuickDASH score were -3.82 (95% confidence interval, -6.62 to -1.02) and 0.83 (95% confidence interval, -1.47 to -0.19), respectively. The 2 most common complications were injection site pain and intrinsic hand weakness. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of Btx treatment on RP is promising based on current evidence. Nevertheless, more studies and randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the current results.

Distinctive Mechanistic Scenarios and Substituent Effects of Gold(I) versus Copper(I) Catalysis for Hydroacylation of Terminal Alkynes with Glyoxal Derivatives.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been conducted to study the mechanisms, substituent effects, and the role of bases in Au- and Cu-catalyzed hydroacylation of terminal alkyne with glyoxal derivatives. The two reactions, despite being catalyzed by the same group of transition metals, follow distinctive reaction mechanisms. Through the detailed DFT calculations, insights into the mechanisms are obtained, and the substituent effects and the role of the bases are understood.

Computational Study Revealing the Mechanistic Origin of Distinct Performances of P(O)-H/OH Compounds in Palladium-Catalyzed Hydrophosphorylation of Terminal Alkynes: Switchable Mechanisms and Potential Side Reactions.

Pd-catalyzed hydrophosphorylation of alkynes with P(O)-H compounds provided atom-economical and oxidant-free access to alkenylphosphoryl compounds. Nevertheless, the applicable P(O)-H substrates were limited to those without a hydroxyl group except H2P(O)OH. It is also puzzling that Ph2P(O)OH could co-catalyze the reaction to improve Markovnikov selectivity. Herein, a computational study was conducted to elucidate the mechanistic origin of the phenomena described above. It was found that switchable mechanisms influenced by the acidity of substrates and co-catalysts operate in hydrophosphorylation. In addition, potential side reactions caused by the protonation of PdII-alkenyl intermediates with P(O)-OH species were revealed. The regeneration of an active Pd(0) catalyst from the resulting Pd(II) complexes is remarkably slower than the hydrophosphonylation, while the downstream reactions, if possible, would lead to phosphorus 2-pyrone. Further analysis indicated that the side reactions could be suppressed by utilizing bulky substrates or ligands or by decreasing the concentration of P(O)-OH species. The presented switchable mechanisms and side reactions shed light on the co-transformations of P(O)-H and P-OH compounds in the Pd-catalyzed hydrophosphorylation of alkynes, clarify the origin of the distinct performances of P(O)-H/OH compounds, and provide theoretical clues for expanding the applicable substrate scope of hydrophosphorylation and synthesizing cyclic alkenylphosphoryl compounds.

Insights into α-Alkynylation and α-Allenylation of Aldehydes under the Synergisitic Catalysis of Gold/Amine: A DFT Study.

A mechanistic investigation of α-alkynylation and α-allenylation of aldehydes under the synergistic catalysis of AuCl/amine was performed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For such a reaction that delivers two products, this study reveals that the reaction undergoes such a mechanistic mode: reactants → alkynyl product → allenyl product, implying that the allenyl product cannot be obtained directly from reactants. The product ratio obtained experimentally was rationalized based on the computed results that both products can reversibly interconvert with AuCl as the catalyst and with N-containing Lewis bases as additives such as 4,5-diazafluorenone. For the relative stability of alkynyl versus allenyl compounds, unsaturated substituents are found to favor the allenyl compounds.

Noncovalent Interaction- and Steric Effect-Controlled Regiodivergent Selectivity in Dimeric Manganese-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of Internal Alkynes: A Computational Study.

Selective hydroarylation of internal alkynes catalyzed by a dimeric manganese complex provides a powerful strategy for the construction of multisubstituted alkenes. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental studies were carried out to explore the mechanism and origin of regiodivergent hydroarylation of internal alkynes reported by our group. The results demonstrate that this reaction first proceeds via a bimetallic mechanism to generate the active catalyst that subsequently undergoes a monometallic mechanism to run the three-stage catalytic cycle: alkyne migratory insertion, protonation, and active catalyst regeneration. Alkyne migratory insertion is considered as the regioselectivity-determining step. Energy decomposition analyses on insertion transition states suggest that the interaction between the substrate and catalyst is mainly responsible for the observed exclusive γ-selectivity of 1a, while the deformation of these two sections induced by the sterically hindered phenyl group and aryl group accounts for the complete ß-position arylation of 1e. The decrease of γ-selectivity with the regulation of a tertiary alcohol motif in 1a originates from the reduced noncovalent interaction. The computational results provide important insights into the origin of regiodivergent selectivities and useful information for further designing and adjusting the strategy in Mn-catalyzed alkyne hydroarylation.

Management of Cutaneous Angiosarcoma: an Update Review.

OPINION STATEMENT: Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare and invasive malignant tumor. For localized cAS patients, wide-margin excision was recommended. Due to the latent local invasion characteristic of cAS, we suggest preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy to nearly all patients. Recently, there is growing interest in using neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy as part of a combination therapy regimen, which may allow some patients to undergo potentially less disabling surgery. For metastatic cAS patients with unresectable tumors and who refuse surgery, radical radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy may be an option. Paclitaxel was recognized as the first-line treatment. For tumors resistant to taxanes, emerging medications such as targeted agents and immunotherapy are also under investigation.

Ligand-Controlled Regiodivergent Cyanoboration of Internal Allenes by Copper Catalysis.

The first copper-catalyzed regiodivergent cyanoboration of internal allenes with B2 pin2 (bis(pinacolato)diboron) and NCTS (N-cyano-N-phenyl-p-toluenesulfonamide) derivatives is reported. The ß,γ- and α,ß-cyanoborylated products were synthesized with high regio- and stereo-selectivity. Computational studies revealed that nucleophilic addition of allylcopper or related intermediates on cyanation reagent is the regio- and stereo-determining step, while transmetalation with B2 pin2 is the rate-determining step. The nucleophilic addition step proceeds via inner-sphere mechanism in the CuI /P(o-tol)3 and CuI /Xantphos (P(o-tol)3 =tris(o-methylphenyl)phosphine, Xantphos=4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene) catalytic systems and via outer-sphere mechanism in the CuII /Xantphos catalytic system, respectively.

Electronic Spin Moment As a Catalytic Descriptor for Fe Single-Atom Catalysts Supported on C2N.

The electrocatalytic activity of transition-metal-based compounds is strongly related to the spin states. However, the underlying relationship connecting spin to catalytic activity remains unclear. Herein, we carried out density functional theory calculations on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyzed by Fe single-atom supported on C2N (C2N-Fe) to shed light on this relationship. It is found that the change of electronic spin moments of Fe and O2 due to molecular-catalyst adsorption scales with the amount of electron transfer from Fe to O2, which promotes the catalytic activity of C2N-Fe for driving ORR. The nearly linear relationship between the catalytic activity and spin moment variation suggests electronic spin moment as a promising catalytic descriptor for Fe single-atom based catalysts. Following the revealed relationship, the ORR barrier on C2N-Fe was tuned to be as low as 0.10 eV through judicious manipulation of spin states. These findings thus provide important insights into the relationship between catalytic activity and spin, leading to new strategies for designing transition metal single-atom catalysts.

Double-Regiodetermining-Stages Mechanistic Model Explaining the Regioselectivity of Pd-Catalyzed Hydroaminocarbonylation of Alkenes with Carbon Monoxide and Ammonium Chloride.

Pd-catalyzed hydroaminocarbonylation (HAC) of alkenes with CO and NH4Cl enables atom-economic and regiodivergent synthesis of primary amides, but the origin of regioselectivity was incorrectly interpreted in previous computational studies. A density functional theory study was performed herein to investigate the mechanism. Different from the previous proposals, both alkene insertion and aminolysis were found to be potential regioselectivity-determining stages. In the alkene insertion stage, 2,1-insertion is generally faster than 1,2-insertion irrespective of neutral or cationic pathways for both P(tBu)3 and xantphos. Such selectivity results from the unconventional proton-like hydrogen of the Pd-H bond in alkene insertion transition states. For less bulky alkenes, aminolysis with P(tBu)3 shows low selectivity, while linear selectivity dominates in this stage with xantphos due to a stronger repulsion between xantphos and branched acyl ligands. It was further revealed that the less-mentioned CO concentration and solvents also influence the regioselectivity by adjusting the relative feasibilities of CO-involved steps and NH3 release from ammonium chloride, respectively. The presented double-regiodetermining-stages mechanistic model associated with the effects of ligands, CO concentration, and solvents well reproduced the experimental selectivity to prove its validity and illuminated new perspectives for the regioselectivity control of HAC reactions.

Design of an efficient photocatalyst: a type II heterojunction for enhanced hydrogen production driven by visible light.

Solar hydrogen production, which is an eco-friendly method to obtain energy, is still far away from wide commercialization due to the lack of an efficient catalyst. Effective calculations can reduce trial and error costs and provide mechanistic explanations while exploring efficient catalysts. Herein, a type II heterojunction Mg-containing-porphyrin/g-C3N4 is proven to be an efficient photocatalyst by using a combination of DFT and many-body Green's function theory. Our results show that the heterojunction can significantly enhance the absorption of visible light and realize the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes after excitation. Subsequently, water absorbing on the excited surface decomposes into H+ and OH- easily, and then produces H2 and O2 with reduced free energy. Our investigation and explanation can provide theoretical support for designing photonic devices based on porphyrin and g-C3N4, and deepen the understanding of how H2O splits into H2.

How size, edge shape, functional groups and embeddedness influence the electronic structure and partial optical properties of graphene nanoribbons.

The armchair and zigzag edge shape makes graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) exhibit interest in different applications. However, the relationship between influencing factors and properties is not clear. Herein, the many-body Green's function theory and the TDDFT method are used to investigate the effect of size, edge shape and functional groups on the electronic and optical properties of GNRs and h-BN-embedded GNRs. We find that ZGNRs have a smaller band gap and absorption edge than AGNRs having the same size and functional groups. The relationship between S1 and T1 is mainly determined by the size and edge shape of GNRs, while the redox ability of water splitting mainly relies on the kind of the functional group. When h-BN is embedded in GNRs, the edge shape of GNRs and the contact part between two substances control the direction of electron transfer in both the ground state and the excited state. These results can provide theoretical support for further improvements and applications of GNRs.

Bioinformatics analysis of common key genes and pathways of intracranial, abdominal, and thoracic aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysm is a severe and fatal disease. This study aims to comprehensively identify the highly conservative co-expression modules and hub genes in the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and intracranial aneurysm (ICA) and facilitate the discovery of pathogenesis for aneurysm. METHODS: GSE57691, GSE122897, and GSE5180 microarray datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We selected highly conservative modules using weighted gene co­expression network analysis before performing the Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway and Reactome enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the miRNA-hub genes network were constructed. Furtherly, we validated the preservation of hub genes in three other datasets. RESULTS: Two modules with 193 genes and 159 genes were identified as well preserved in AAA, TAA, and ICA. The enrichment analysis identified that these genes were involved in several biological processes such as positive regulation of cytosolic calcium ion concentration, hemostasis, and regulation of secretion by cells. Ten highly connected PPI networks were constructed, and 55 hub genes were identified. In the miRNA-hub genes network, CCR7 was the most connected gene, followed by TNF and CXCR4. The most connected miRNAs were hsa-mir-26b-5p and hsa-mir-335-5p. The hub gene module was proved to be preserved in all three datasets. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted and validated two highly conservative co-expression modules and miRNA-hub genes network in three kinds of aneurysms, which may promote understanding of the aneurysm and provide potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers of aneurysm.

Distinct Roles of Ag(I) and Cu(II) as Cocatalysts in Achieving Positional-Selective C-H Alkenylation of Isoxazoles: A Theoretical Investigation.

For C-H alkenylation of aryl-substituted diarylisoxazoles, one mode is N-directed C-H alkenylation and the other is C-H alkenylation in the isoxazole ring. In this study, selective C-H alkenylations of 3,5-diarylisoxazoles have been investigated theoretically with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. With Cp*RhIII as the catalyst, the N-directed C-H alkenylation is preferred as a result of the stronger interaction energy caused by the nitrogen-directing effect. With Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst and Ag2CO3 as the cocatalyst, their combination switches the regioselectivity to the C-H alkenylation in the isoxazole ring. The strong structural distortion involved in the competing N-directed olefin insertion transition state was found to suppress N-directed C-H alkenylation. With Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst and Cu(OTf)2 as the cocatalyst, the N-directed C-H alkenylation becomes preferred due to the strong coordination of the nitrogen atom to the copper center. In particular, the structural and mechanistic information involved in the above two heterodimetallic Pd/Ag and Pd/Cu catalytic systems will help toward understanding and designing novel relevant heterodimetallic-catalyzed reactions.

Mechanism and Origin of Chemoselectivity of Ru-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Secondary Alcohols to ß-Disubstituted Ketones.

Ru-catalyzed cross-coupling of secondary alcohols with only byproducts H2 and H2O provides a green synthetic strategy to prepare ß-disubstituted ketones. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed with the coupling of 1-phenylethanol and cyclohexanol as a model reaction to gain deeper mechanistic insights herein. The mechanistic details of the main reaction and the key steps of possible side reactions were clarified, and the obtained results are consistent with reported selectivity. Hydrogenation of α,ß-unsaturated ketones and dehydrogenation of ruthenium hydride intermediate are direct chemoselectivity-determining stages. The hydrogenation via 1,4-addition generates more stable intermediates, being favored over that via 1,2-addition, and thus avoids the formation of alkene products. The conjugation and π-π stacking effects of phenyl and the weak electronic effect of alkyls explain the dominance of specific ketone products in the hydrogenation stage. Hydrogenation of ketone products is kinetically operative but not exergonic enough to stop the irreversible dihydrogen release in an open reaction system, and thus alcohol products are absent. Furthermore, water evaporation in aldol condensation is found to be a double-edged sword, as it can accelerate the hydrogenation stage to prevent α,ß-unsaturated ketones from being the main products but decrease the selectivity therein from thermodynamics overall.

Mechanism and Origin of Ligand-Controlled Chemo- and Regioselectivities in Palladium-Catalyzed Methoxycarbonylation of Alkynes.

Pd-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkynes provided a redox-neutral method to selectively access branched/linear α,ß-unsaturated monoesters and 1,4-dicarboxylic acid diesters. Herein, a systematic computational study was performed to elucidate the mechanism and origin of ligand-controlled chemo- and regioselectivities. It is found that the catalytic cycle, including hydrometallation, carbon monoxide insertion, and methanolysis, is more likely than that involving palladium alkoxycarbonyl intermediates. Both hydrometallation and methanolysis stages are important to determine the chemo- and regioselectivities. Hydrometallation proceeds via anti-Markovnikov-selective migratory insertion or Markovnikov-selective ligand-participated electrophilic addition. A flexible bidentate phosphine ligand slows down migratory insertion due to the stronger trans effect of the CO ligand but accelerates the ligand-participated electrophilic addition by adopting better orbital orientations. On the other hand, a ligand-participated mechanism and an unrevealed mechanism involving ketene intermediates can promote methanolysis, whereas ligands with large bite angles or bulky substituents are detrimental to methanolysis. On the basis of these mechanistic foundations, the influence of the flexibility, basicity, bite angle, and steric hindrance of ligands on chemo- and regioselectivities was clarified. The present study provided more universal and deeper mechanistic insights into Pd-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation reactions and shed light on the superior regulation performance of the bifunctional pyridyl-containing phosphine ligands.