H8-BINOL-Derived Chiral η6-Benzene Ligands: New Opportunities for the Ruthenium-Catalyzed Asymmetric C-H Activation.

Given the tremendous success of (p-cymene)RuII-catalyzed C-H activation over the past 20 years, the community has long been aware that the development of chiral η6-benzene (Ben) ligands should be a potent strategy for achieving the attractive but incredibly underdeveloped ruthenium(II)-catalyzed asymmetric C-H activation. However, it has rarely been achieved due to the severe difficulty in developing proper chiral Ben ligands. In particular, designing chiral Ben ligands by connecting a benzene fragment to a chiral framework including benzene rings remained an unsolved challenge until this effort. Here we present a novel class of axially chiral Ben ligands derived from readily available (S)-5,5',6,6',7,7',8,8'-octahydro-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol ((S)-H8-BINOL) in 4-8 steps. Notably, when coordinated with ruthenium, such chiral Ben ligand containing three benzene rings only forms one of the three possible isomeric BenRuII complexes. The related chiral BenRuII catalysts could effectively catalyze the asymmetric C-H activation of N-sulfonyl ketimines with alkynes, affording a range of chiral spirocyclic sultams in up to 99 % yield with up to >99 % ee. These catalysts are expected to find broad applications in future.

Characterization of dental dust particles and their pathogenicity to respiratory system: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: Dental professionals are exposed to large amounts of dust particles during routine treatment and denture processing. This article provides a narrative review to investigate the most prevalent dust-related respiratory diseases among dental professionals and to discuss the effects of dental dust on human respiratory health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase for articles published between 1990 and 2022. Any articles on the occupational respiratory health effects of dental dust were included. RESULTS: The characterization and toxicity evaluation of dental dust show a correlation between dust exposure and respiratory system injury, and the possible pathogenic mechanism of dust is to cause lung injury and abnormal repair processes. The combination use of personal protective equipment and particle removal devices can effectively reduce the adverse health effects of dust exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Dental dust should be considered an additional occupational hazard in dental practice. However, clinical data and scientific evidence on this topic are still scarce. Further research is required to quantify dust in the dental work environment and clarify its pathogenicity and potential toxicological pathways. Nonetheless, the prevention of dust exposure should become a consensus among dental practitioners. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This review provides dental practitioners with a comprehensive understanding and preventive advice on respiratory health problems associated with dust exposure.

Chiral Arene Ligand as Stereocontroller for Asymmetric C-H Activation.

Development of chiral ligands is the most fundamental task in metal-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis. In the last 60 years, various kinds of ligands have been sophisticatedly developed. However, it remains a long-standing challenge to develop practically useful chiral η6 -arene ligands, thereby seriously hampering the asymmetric synthesis promoted by arene-metal catalysts. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a class of readily tunable, C2 -symmetric chiral arene ligands derived from [2.2]paracyclophane. Its ruthenium(II) complexes have been prepared and successfully applied in the enantioselective C-H activation to afford a series of axially chiral isoquinolones (up to 99 % yield and 96 % ee). This study not only lays chemists' longstanding doubts about whether it is possible to use chiral arene ligands to stereocontrol ruthenium(II)-catalyzed asymmetric C-H activation, but also opens up a new avenue to achieve asymmetric C-H activation.

A multiscale simulation framework for the manufacturing facility and supply chain of autologous cell therapies.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Autologous cell therapy (AuCT) is an emerging therapeutic treatment that is undergoing transformation from laboratory- to industry-scale manufacturing with recent regulatory approvals. Various challenges facing the complex AuCT manufacturing and supply chain process hinder the scale out and broader application of this highly potent treatment. METHODS: We present a multiscale logistics simulation framework, AuCT-Sim, that integrates novel supply chain system modeling algorithms, methods, and tools. AuCT-Sim includes a single facility model and a system-wide network model. Unique challenges of the AuCT industry are analyzed and addressed in AuCT-Sim. Decision-supporting tools can be developed based on this framework to explore "what-if" manufacturing and supply chain scenarios of importance to various cell therapy stakeholder groups. RESULTS: Two case studies demonstrate the decision-supporting capability of AuCT-Sim where one investigates the optimal reagent base stocking level, and the other one simulates a reagent supply disruption event. These case studies serve as guidelines for designing computational experiments with AuCT-Sim to solve specific problems in AuCT manufacturing and supply chain. DISCUSSION: This simulation framework will be useful in understanding the impact of possible manufacturing and supply chain strategies, policies, regulations, and standards informing strategies to increase patient access to AuCT.

Plumbagin Restrains Hepatocellular Carcinoma Angiogenesis by Stromal Cell-Derived Factor (SDF-1)/CXCR4-CXCR7 Axis.

BACKGROUND Anti-angiogenic therapy has recently emerged as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS We assessed cellular proliferation, invasion, and activation of growth factors (VEGF and IL-8) with SDF-1 induced in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721, and this progression was limited by plumbagin (PL). The human umbilical vein endothelial cell line HUVEC was co-cultured with SDF-1-induced SMMC-7721, and the expressions of CXCR7, CXCR4, and PI3K/Akt pathways after PL treatment were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS The treatment of the hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721 with SDF-1 resulted in enhanced secretion of the angiogenic factors, IL-8 and VEGF, and shows that these stimulatory effects are abolished by PL. The study further demonstrated that PL not only abolishes SDF-1-induced formation of endothelial tubes, but also inhibits expression of CXCR4 and CXCR7, and partially prevents activation of angiogenic signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS The effect of PL on the SDF-1-CXCR4/CXCR7 axis has become an attractive target for inhibiting angiogenesis in hepatoma cells. Our results provide more evidence for the clinical application of PL as part of traditional Chinese medicine in modern cancer treatment.

A novel functionally graded bilayer membrane with excellent barrier function and in vivo osteogenesis promotion for guided bone regeneration.

Introduction: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) technology has been widely used as a reliable method to address alveolar bone defects. To improve the clinical effects of GBR approach, there have been attempts to develop barrier membranes with enhanced regenerative properties. However, modifying the material and structure of GBR membranes to integrate physicochemical properties and biological activity remains challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a novel functionally graded bilayer membrane (FGBM) with a gradient structure and composition, and to evaluate its osteogenesis promotion effect for GBR. Methods: By combining the phase inversion method and electrospinning method, functionally graded bilayer membranes (FGBM) with gradient structure and composition of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and gelatin were fabricated in this study. The physicochemical and biological properties of the prepared FGBM, including structural and morphological characterization, mechanical properties, in vitro biodegradation, cell behaviors, and in vivo osteogenic bioactivity, were comprehensively evaluated. Results: The findings demonstrated the successful fabrication of PLGA/nHA/gelatin FGBM with an asymmetric structure, exhibiting enhanced hydrophilic, mechanical, and degradation properties. The incorporation of gelatin not only improved the biological integration, but also enhanced the binding affinity between electrospun fiber layer and phase inversion layer. The FGBM with a 30% nHA mass fraction and a PLGA/gelatin mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited excellent barrier function and osteogenic bioactivities in vitro and in vivo. Discussion: This work demonstrated the potential of PLGA/nHA/gelatin FGBM in bone regeneration and provided valuable insight for the development of barrier membrane.

Capacity planning in a decentralized autologous cell therapy manufacturing network for low-cost resilience.

The goals for increased patient access and fast fulfillment have motivated considerable interest in autologous cell therapy manufacturing networks having multiple and geographically distributed manufacturing facilities. However, the cost of safety manufacturing capacity to mitigate supplier disruption risk-a significant risk in the emerging cell manufacturing industry-would be lower if manufacturing is centralized. In this paper, we analyze a decentralized network that has as its objective to minimize the cost of network resilience for mitigating supplier disruption by making use of the fact that bioreactors for autologous therapy manufacturing are small enough to be relocatable. We model this problem as a Markov decision process and develop efficient algorithms that are based on real-time demand data to minimize safety manufacturing capacity and determine how relocatable capacity should be distributed while satisfying resilience constraints. In case studies, based in part on data collected from a Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy manufacturing facility at the University of Pennsylvania, we compare decentralized network models with different heuristic algorithms. Results indicate that transshipment in a decentralized network can result in a significant reduction of required safety capacity, reducing the cost of network resilience.

Construction of a novel immune-related prognostic-predicting model of gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common primary stomach tumor of the central nervous system with a poor prognosis. In this study, 274 differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) were identified among six cell subpopulations in GSE112302 single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of GC. Those DEIRGs were able to divide GC patients into three distinct subtypes with different overall survivals and tumor microenvironment. By univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses, eight immune-related genes, including CTGF, CXCL3, CXCR4, NRP1, OAS1, SP1, STC1 and TAP1, were identified as GC prognostic signatures. Accordingly, a risk score model for predicting GC prognosis was constructed in TCGA-GC training cohort and validated in the external GSE66229 dataset. Moreover, a nomogram for predicting the survival of GC patients was also established based on independent prognostic factors (age, grade, cancer status and risk score) identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. In addition, Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) analysis indicated that the prognostic immune signatures may regulate GC via inflammation and cell proliferation related pathways, such as DNA replication, complement and coagulation cascades, focal adhesion and TGF-ß signaling pathway.

Evoking C2+ production from electrochemical CO2 reduction by the steric confinement effect of ordered porous Cu2O.

Selective conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to multi-carbon products (CO2-to-C2+) at high current densities is in essential demand for the practical application of the resultant valuable products, yet it remains challenging to conduct due to the lack of efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, three-dimensional ordered porous cuprous oxide cuboctahedra (3DOP Cu2O-CO) were designed and synthesized by a molecular fence-assisted hard templating approach. Capitalizing on the merits of interconnected and uniformly distributed pore channels, 3DOP Cu2O-CO exhibited outstanding electrochemical CO2-to-C2+ conversion, achieving faradaic efficiency and partial current density for C2+ products of up to 81.7% and -0.89 A cm-2, respectively, with an optimal formation rate of 2.92 mmol h-1 cm-2 under an applied current density of -1.2 A cm-2. In situ spectroscopy and simulation results demonstrated that the ordered pores of 3DOP Cu2O-CO can effectively confine and accumulate sufficient *CO adsorption during electrochemical CO2 reduction, which facilitates efficient dimerization for the formation of C2+ products. Furthermore, the 3DOP structure induces a higher local pH value, which not only enhances the C-C coupling reaction, but also suppresses competing H2 evolution.

Mesoporous PdBi nanocages for enhanced electrocatalytic performances by all-direction accessibility and steric site activation.

An effective yet simple approach was developed to synthesize mesoporous PdBi nanocages for electrochemical applications. This technique relies on the subtle utilization of the hydrolysis of a metal salt to generate precipitate cores in situ as templates for navigating the growth of mesoporous shells with the assistance of polymeric micelles. The mesoporous PdBi nanocages are then obtained by excavating vulnerable cores and regulating the crystals of mesoporous metallic skeletons. The resultant mesoporous PdBi nanocages exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance toward the ethanol oxidation reaction with a mass activity of 3.56 A mg-1_Pd, specific activity of 17.82 mA cm-2 and faradaic efficiency of up to 55.69% for C1 products.

Electrochemical diselenylation of indolizines via intermolecular C-Se formation with 2-methylpyridines, α-bromoketones and diselenides.

An efficient electrochemical system for the construction of diselenytlated indolizines from available pyridines, ketones and diselenides under undivided electrolytic conditions was developed. No external oxidants and transition-metal catalysts are needed for achieving this three-component tandem reaction realizing C-C, C-N and C-Se bond formations.

Plumbagin ameliorates liver fibrosis via a ROS-mediated NF-кB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate plumbagin (PL) on liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo and to explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to establish a rat liver fibrosis model, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated from the rat liver, and fibrosis-related indicators were detected. RESULTS: The results revealed that PL significantly prevented CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, as evidenced by the attenuation of histopathological changes, the decrease of MDA and the increase of SOD and GSH-P X . In addition, PL downregulated the mRNA levels of NOX4 and procollagen I; the protein expression levels of NOX4 and p-IκB; and the transcriptional activity of NF-κB in liver fibrosis rats. Moreover, PL significantly decreased ROS expression, protein expression of α-SMA and collagen III, and activation of NF-κB and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in IL-1ß-stimulated HSCs in vitro. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that PL can mitigate liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, which may be related to the ROS-mediated NF-кB signaling pathway.

Transition-metal-free regioselective C-H halogenation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines: sodium chlorite/bromite as the halogen source.

A facile transition-metal-free regioselective halogenation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using sodium chlorite/bromite as the halogen source is presented. The reaction has provided an efficient method for the formation of C-Cl or C-Br bonds to synthesize 3-chloro or 3-bromo-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines which were then efficiently transformed into imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine core π-systems by Suzuki-Miyaura reactions.

Sonochemical synthesis and properties of two new nanostructured silver(I) coordination polymers.

Two new Ag(I) coordination polymers (CPs), namely, Ag(L)(Htp) (1) and [Ag(L)]·(Htp)·2H2O (2) were synthesized from the long flexible ligand of 1,6-bis(2-methylbenzimidazolyl)hexane (L), terephthalic acid (H2tp) and different silver(I) salts using hydrothermal and sonochemical methods, These CPs were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, scanning electron microscopy, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. 1 features a uninodal 3-connected 2D hcb layered structure, while 2 exhibits an infinite 1D linear chain and ultimately extended into 3D supramolecular framework via O-H⋯O and Ag⋯O interactions. In addition, the effect of various sonication concentrations of the initial reagents, ultrasonic time and power of ultrasound irradiation on the size and morphology of nanostructured 1 and 2 were evaluated. Nano-sized 1 and 2 exhibit relatively high performance as UV light driven photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue.

Plumbagin restrains hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis by suppressing the migration and invasion of tumor-derived vascular endothelial cells.

Tumor occurrence and development are very complicated processes. In addition to the roles of exogenous carcinogenic factors, the body's internal factors also play important roles. These factors include the host response to the tumor and the tumor effect on the host. In particular, the proliferation, migration and activation of endothelial cells are involved in tumor angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer. In this study, we investigate whether plumbagin can abrogate angiogenesis-mediated tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and, if so, through which molecular mechanisms. We observed that in co-cultures of the human endothelial cell line EA.hy926 and the human hepatoma cell line SMMC-7721 and Hep3B, the hepatoma cells induced migration, invasion, tube formation and viability of the EA.hy926 cells in vitro, and these processes were inhibited by plumbagin. Real-Time PCR, Western Blot and Immunofluorescence staining showed that plumbagin treatment suppressed expression of angiogenesis pathways (PI3K-Akt, VEGF/KDR and Angiopoietins/Tie2) and angiogenic factors (VEGF, CTGF, ET-1, bFGF),which is associated with tumor angiogenesis in cancer cells and xenograft tumor tissues. Furthermore, plumbagin was also found to significantly reduce tumor growth in an orthotopic HCC mouse model and to inhibit tumor-induced angiogenesis in HCC patient xenografts. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that plumbagin might be a promising anti-angiogenic drug with significant antitumor activity in HCC.

Effects of fermentable dietary fiber supplementation on oxidative and inflammatory status in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and malnutrition are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients. High dietary intake in soluble fiber can decrease the elevated level of serum c-reactive protein in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of dietary water-soluble fiber on oxidative and inflammatory status in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, we examined the effects of supplementation of dietary fiber on oxidative and inflammatory status in hemodialysis patients. 124 hemodialysis patients were randomly selected and given either 10 g/d, 20 g/d of fiber or placebo for 6 weeks. Anthropometric indices and 24 h diet recall intake was assessed. The CRP, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL were measured before and after of the intervention. The malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), Cu-Zn superoxidase dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) high-sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of intervention, in 10 g and 20 g/d of fiber supplement groups, TC and LDL level and TC:LDL ratio were significantly decreased, T-AOC was significantly increased, MDA level was significantly deceased, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and CRP level were significantly deceased. TG, HDL, SOD and GSH-Px had no change before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary fermentable fiber supplementation improved lipid profile and oxidative status, decreased systemic inflammatory state of hemodialysis patients. Thus, it may decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.