Berberis vulgaris L. extract supplementation exerts regulatory effects on the lifespan and healthspan of Drosophila through its antioxidant activity depending on the sex.

Worldwide the aging population continues to increase, so the concept of healthy longevity medicine has become increasingly significant in modern society. Berberis vulgaris L. fruits serve as a functional food supplement with a high concentration of bioactive compounds, which offer numerous health-promoting benefits. The goal of this study was to investigate the geroprotective effect of Berberis vulgaris L. extract. Here we show that extract of Berberis vulgaris L. can, depending on concentrate, increases lifespan up to 6%, promote healthspan (stress resistance up to 35%, locomotor activity up to 25%, integrity of the intestinal barrier up to 12%, metabolic rate up to 5%) of Drosophila melanogaster (in vitro) and exhibits antioxidant (using red blood cell tests) and antiglycation activity (using glycation of bovine serum albumin) (in vitro). In addition to this, the extract does not exhibit cytotoxic properties in vitro, unlike the well-known polyphenolic compound quercetin. qRT-PCR has revealed the involvement of metabolic, heat shock response and lipid metabolism genes in the observed effects.

Halogen Bond-Assisted Supramolecular Dimerization of Pyridinium-Fused 1,2,4-Selenadiazoles via Four-Center Se2N2 Chalcogen Bonding.

The synthesis and structural characterization of α-haloalkyl-substituted pyridinium-fused 1,2,4-selenadiazoles with various counterions is reported herein, demonstrating a strategy for directed supramolecular dimerization in the solid state. The compounds were obtained through a recently discovered 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between nitriles and bifunctional 2-pyridylselenyl reagents, and their structures were confirmed by the X-ray crystallography. α-Haloalkyl-substituted pyridinium-fused 1,2,4-selenadiazoles exclusively formed supramolecular dimers via four-center Se···N chalcogen bonding, supported by additional halogen bonding involving α-haloalkyl substituents. The introduction of halogens at the α-position of the substituent R in the selenadiazole core proved effective in promoting supramolecular dimerization, which was unaffected by variation of counterions. Additionally, the impact of cocrystallization with a classical halogen bond donor C6F3I3 on the supramolecular assembly was investigated. Non-covalent interactions were studied using density functional theory calculations and topological analysis of the electron density distribution, which indicated that all ChB, XB and HB interactions are purely non-covalent and attractive in nature. This study underscores the potential of halogen and chalcogen bonding in directing the self-assembly of functional supramolecular materials employing 1,2,4-selenadiazoles derived from recently discovered cycloaddition between nitriles and bifunctional 2-pyridylselenyl reagents.

Amino Derivatives of Diaryl Pyrimidines and Azolopyrimidines as Protective Agents against LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury.

The problem of lung damage originating from excessive inflammation and cytokine release during various types of infections remains relevant and stimulates the search for highly effective and safe drugs. The biological activity of the latter may be associated with the regulation of hyperactivation of certain immune cells and enzymes. Here, we propose the design and synthesis of amino derivatives of 4,6- and 5,7-diaryl substituted pyrimidines and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as promising double-acting pharmacophores inhibiting IL-6 and NO. The anti-inflammatory activity of 14 target compounds was studied on isolated primary murine macrophages after LPS stimulation. Seven compounds were identified to inhibit the synthesis of nitric oxide and interleukin 6 at a concentration of 100 µM. The most active compounds are micromolar inhibitors of IL-6 secretion and NO synthesis, showing a minimal impact on innate immunity, unlike the reference drug dexamethasone, along with acceptable cytotoxicity. Evaluation in an animal model of acute lung injury proved the protective activity of compound 6e, which was supported by biochemical, cytological and morphological markers.

The reallocation effects of COVID-19: Evidence from venture capital investments around the world.

We examine possible reallocation effects generated by the COVID-19 outbreak by analyzing the patterns of venture capital (VC) investments around the globe. Using transaction-level data and exploiting the staggered nature of the spread of the virus, we document a shift in VC portfolios towards firms developing technologies relevant to an environment of social distancing and health pandemic concerns. A difference-in-differences analysis estimates significant increases in invested amount and number of deals in such areas. We show heterogenous effects related to the experience of VC investors, as well as their size and organizational form.

Towards Anion Recognition and Precipitation with Water-Soluble 1,2,4-Selenodiazolium Salts: Combined Structural and Theoretical Study.

The synthesis and structural characterization of a series of supramolecular complexes of bicyclic cationic pyridine-fused 1,2,4-selenodiazoles with various anions is reported. The binding of trifluoroacetate, tetrachloroaurate, tetraphenylborate, perrhenate, and pertechnetate anions in the solid state is regarded. All the anions interact with selenodiazolium cations exclusively via a pair of "chelating" Se⋯O and H⋯O non-covalent interactions, which make them an attractive, novel, non-classical supramolecular recognition unit or a synthon. Trifluoroacetate salts were conveniently generated via novel oxidation reaction of 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide with bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo)benzene in the presence of corresponding nitriles. Isolation and structural characterization of transient 2-pyridylselenyl trifluoroacetate was achieved. X-ray analysis has demonstrated that the latter forms dimers in the solid state featuring very short and strong Se⋯O and Se⋯N ChB contacts. 1,2,4-Selenodiazolium trifluoroacetates or halides show good solubility in water. In contrast, (AuCl4)-, (ReO4)-, or (TcO4)- derivatives immediately precipitate from aqueous solutions. Structural features of these supramolecular complexes in the solid state are discussed. The nature and energies of the non-covalent interactions in novel assembles were studied by the theoretical methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that regards perrhenate and pertechnetate as acceptors in ChB interactions. The results presented here will be useful for further developments in anion recognition and precipitation involving cationic 1,2,4-selenodiazoles.

Exploring Supramolecular Assembly Space of Cationic 1,2,4-Selenodiazoles: Effect of the Substituent at the Carbon Atom and Anions.

Chalcogenodiazoles have been intensively studied in recent years in the context of their supramolecular chemistry. In contrast, the newly discovered cationic 1,2,4-selenodiazole supramolecular building blocks, which can be obtained via coupling between 2-pyridylselenyl halides and nitriles, are virtually unexplored. A significant advantage of the latter is their facile structural tunability via the variation of nitriles, which could allow a fine tuning of their self-assembly in the solid state. Here, we explore the influence of the substituent (which derives from the nitrile) and counterions on the supramolecular assembly of cationic 1,2,4-selenodiazoles via chalcogen bonding.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Unsymmetrical Monoterpenylhetaryl Disulfides.

New unsymmetrical monoterpenylhetaryl disulfides based on heterocyclic disulfides and monoterpene thiols were synthesized for the first time in 48-88% yields. Hydrolysis of disulfides with fragments of methyl esters of 2-mercaptonicotinic acid was carried out in 73-95% yields. The obtained compounds were evaluated for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal activity, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity.

Facile Access to 2-Selenoxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-4-quinazolinone Scaffolds and Corresponding Diselenides via Cyclization between Methyl Anthranilate and Isoselenocyanates: Synthesis and Structural Features.

A practical method for the synthesis of 2-selenoxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-4-quinazolinone was reported. The latter compounds were found to undergo facile oxidation with H2O2 into corresponding diselenides. Novel organoselenium derivatives were characterized by the 1H, 77Se, and 13C NMR spectroscopies, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, IR, elemental analyses (C, H, N), and X-ray diffraction analysis for several of them. Novel heterocycles exhibited multiple remarkable chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions in the solid state, which were studied theoretically.

Towards multi-target antidiabetic agents: Discovery of biphenyl-benzimidazole conjugates as AMPK activators.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder requiring polypharmacology approaches for effective treatment. Combinatorial library of fifteen new tricyclic benzimidazole derivatives have been designed and synthesized to combine fragments commonly found in allosteric AMPK activators and AT1 receptor antagonists. It was found that 2'-cyanobiphenyl serves as the pharmacophore of AMPK-activating activity, which also increases with the expansion of the external hydrogenated cycle. Also, pronounced antiplatelet activity is characteristic of the studied compounds. One of derivatives was identified as a potent inhibitor of the formation of advanced protein glycation end-products with reactive dicarbonyl scavenging activity. Two submicromolar AMPK activators 2b and 3b prevents inflammatory activation of murine macrophages. Along with good water solubility and synthetic availability, these results render biphenyl derivatives of fused benzimidazoles as a valuable starting point for the development of AMPK activators with multi-target antidiabetic activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-substituted 2-oxindole derivatives as new glycogen synthase kinase 3ß inhibitors.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) is a widely investigated molecular target for numerous diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. Inhibition of GSK-3ß activity has become an attractive approach for treatment of diabetes and cancer. We report the discovery of novel GSK-3ß inhibitors of 3-arylidene-2-oxindole scaffold with promising activity. The most potent compound 3a inhibits GSK-3ß with IC50 4.19 nM. In a cell-based assay 3a shows no significant leucocyte toxicity at 10 µM and is moderately cytotoxic against A549 cells. Compound 3a demonstrated high antidiabetic efficacy in obese streptozotocin-treated rats improving glucose tolerance at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight thus representing an interesting lead for further optimization.

Novel (2-amino-4-arylimidazolyl)propanoic acids and pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles via the domino reactions of 2-amino-4-arylimidazoles with carbonyl and methylene active compounds.

The unexpectedly uncatalyzed reaction between 2-amino-4-arylimidazoles, aromatic aldehydes and Meldrum's acid has selectively led to the corresponding Knoevenagel-Michael adducts containing a free amino group in the imidazole fragment. The adducts derived from Meldrum's acid have been smoothly converted into 1,7-diaryl-3-amino-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazol-5-ones and 3-(2-amino-4-aryl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-3-arylpropanoic acids. The interaction of 2-amino-4-arylimidazoles with aromatic aldehydes or isatins and acyclic methylene active compounds has led to the formation of pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazole-6-carbonitriles, pyrrolo[1,2-с]imidazole-6-carboxylates and spiro[indoline-3,7'-pyrrolo[1,2-c]imidazoles], which can be considered as the analogues of both 3,3'-spirooxindole and 2-aminoimidazole marine sponge alkaloids.

Mortality prediction in patients with dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: To build a predictive model for patients with dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury (AKI-D) after cardiac surgery with the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), according to disease severity. METHODS: A single-centre, retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the demographic and clinical parameters (including the specific factor, CPB duration) for risk of poor outcome in patients requiring RRT after cardiac surgery with CPB. A new model was built for mortality prediction in these patients on the basis of the identified risk factors and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. RESULTS: The newly developed model showed good discriminatory ability for predicting death in patients with AKI-D after cardiac surgery with CPB. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the score was 0.892 (95% confidence interval, 0.852-0.925). We also determined the criterion for the choice of RRT modality by applying this model. On applying the new model in intermittent haemodialysis patients, a score of ≤3.2 was found safe for selecting the RRT modality. CONCLUSIONS: The new scoring system was valid and accurate in predicting death for AKI-D patients after open-heart surgery. This system and value for choice of RRT were determined for guidance only, to facilitate decision-making in difficult situations.

Synthesis and antiglycation activity of 3-phenacyl substituted thiazolium salts, new analogs of Alagebrium.

After preliminary ab initio calculations, 3-phenacyl substituted thiazolium salts, analogs of Alagebrium, were synthesized and investigated in vitro as glycation reaction inhibitors. The most part of investigations focused on the potential of the title compounds to attenuate the formation of fluorescent AGEs as well on their ability to disrupt the cross-linking formation among glycated proteins. Additionally, the capability of thiazolium salts to deglycate in the reaction of early glycation products with nitroblue tetrazolium was determined. Cytotoxicological properties of the title compounds were evaluated using LDH and MTT assays. The leader compound (3-[2-(biphenyl-4-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1,3-thiazol-3-ium bromide) in a 50 mg/kg dose (p.o. 14 days) was further tested within an in vivo carbonyl stress model (rats, methylglyoxal 86.25 mg/kg/d, i.p., 14 days). As a result, the leader-molecule revealed a high effectiveness against all three examined mechanisms of glycation reaction inhibition in in vitro tests and was able to suppress capacity of methylglyoxal to form AGEs in vivo.

3-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-1,3-selenazolo[2,3-b][1,3]benzo-thia-zol-4-ium hydrogen sulfate.

The title compound, C16H12NOSSe(+)·HSO4 (-), was obtained from a mixture of 3-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)[1,3]selenazolo[2,3-b][1,3]benzo-thia-zol-4-ium chloride and potassium hydrogen sulfate. In the cation, the benzene ring is twisted by 71.62 (7)° from the tricycle mean plane. In the crystal, O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the anions into chains along [100]. The anions in adjacent chains are linked via weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The crystal packing exhibits short inter-molecular contacts between the chalcogen unit and the O atoms: Se⋯O(anion) 2.713 (3), Se⋯O(cation) 2.987 (3) and S⋯O(anion) 2.958 (3) Å.

Dichloridobis(pyridine-2-seleno-lato-κ(2) N,Se)tin(IV).

The title compound, [SnCl2(C5H4NSe)2], is the product of a reaction of 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide with tin tetra-chloride. The mol-ecule is located about a twofold rotation axis. The coordination environment of the Sn(IV) atom is a distorted octa-hedron, with two bidentate 2-pyridine-seleno-late ligands inclined to each other at an angle of 83.96 (7)°. The two Sn-Cl and two Sn-N bonds are in cis configurations, while the two Sn-Se bonds of 2.5917 (3) Šare in a trans configuration, with an Se-Sn-Se angle of 157.988 (15)°. In the crystal, π-π inter-actions between the pyridine rings [centroid-to-centroid distance of 3.758 (3) Å] and weak inter-molecular C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the c axis.

The synthesis of low molecular weight pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-7-one scaffold.

A facile method for the synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-7-ones is developed that applies an acid-promoted intramolecular cyclization of 2-pyrrolecarboxylic acid amidoacetals as key step. The synthesis is easily scaled up to 1.5 mol quantity with no yield decrease. The alkylation/arylation reaction of the pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-7-ones proceeds regioselectively giving N6-substituted derivatives.

Dichloridobis(pyridine-2-thiol-ato-κ²N,S)tin(IV): a new polymorph.

The title compound, [SnCl2(C5H4NS)2], is the product of reaction of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide with tin tetra-chloride. The Sn(IV) atom adopts a distorted octa-hedral geometry, with the two bidentate pyridine-2-thiol-ate ligands forming two planar four-membered chelate rings. The two Sn-Cl, two Sn-N and two Sn-S bonds are in cis, cis and trans configurations, respectively. The crystal grown from acetonitrile represents a new monoclinic polymorph in space group C2/c with the mol-ecule having twofold rotational symmetry, the Sn(IV) atom lying on the twofold axis. The mol-ecular structure of the monoclinic polymorph is very close to that of the triclinic polymorph studied previously in space group P-1, the mol-ecule occupying a general position [Masaki & Matsunami (1976 ▶). Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 49, 3274-3279; Masaki et al. (1978 ▶). Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 51, 3298-3301]. Apparently, the formation of the two polymorphs is determined by the different systems of inter-molecular inter-actions. In the crystal of the monoclinic polymorph, mol-ecules are bound into ribbons along the c axis by C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, whereas in the crystal of the triclinic polymorph, mol-ecules form chains along the a axis by attractive S⋯S inter-actions. The crystal studied was a pseudo-merohedral twin; the refined BASF value is 0.221 (1).

[Bis(pyridin-2-yl) selenide-κ(2)N,N']tetra-chloridotin(IV).

The title compound, [SnCl(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2)Se)], was obtained by the reaction of 2,2'-dipyridyl diselenide with tin tetra-chloride. The Sn(IV) ion is coordinated by two N atoms [Sn-N = 2.266 (2) and 2.274 (2) Å] from the bis-(2-pyrid-yl)selenide ligand and four chloride anions [Sn-Cl = 2.3717 (6)-2.3939 (6) Å] in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The central six-membered chelate ring has a boat conformation with the Se and Sn atoms deviating by 0.692 (3) and 0.855 (3) Å, respectively, from the mean plane through the remaining four ring atoms. The pyridine rings are inclined to each other by a dihedral angle of 49.62 (8)°. The crystal packing exhibits short inter-molecular Se⋯Cl contacts [3.5417 (7) and 3.5648 (7) Å], weak C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking inter-actions between the pyridine rings with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.683 (3) Å.

1-Methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzimidazole-2-selone.

The title compound C(8)H(8)N(2)Se, is the product of the reaction of 2-chloro-1-methyl-benzimidazole with sodium hydro-selenide. The mol-ecule is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.041 Å) owing to the presence of the long chain of conjugated bonds (Se=C-NMe-C=C-C=C-C=C-NH). The C=Se bond length [1.838 (2) Å] corresponds well to those found in the close analogs and indicates its pronounced double-bond character. In the crystal, mol-ecules form helicoidal chains along the b axis by means of N-H⋯Se hydrogen bonds.