Preparation and Size Control of Efficient and Safe Nanopesticides by Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates-Assisted Method.

Efficient and safe nanopesticides play an important role in pest control due to enhancing target efficiency and reducing undesirable side effects, which has become a hot spot in pesticide formulation research. However, the preparation methods of nanopesticides are facing critical challenges including low productivity, uneven particle size and batch differences. Here, we successfully developed a novel, versatile and tunable strategy for preparing buprofezin nanoparticles with tunable size via anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template-assisted method, which exhibited better reproducibility and homogeneity comparing with the traditional method. The storage stability of nanoparticles at different temperatures was evaluated, and the release properties were also determined to evaluate the performance of nanoparticles. Moreover, the present method is further demonstrated to be easily applicable for insoluble drugs and be extended for the study of the physicochemical properties of drug particles with different sizes.

Synthesis and evaluation of multi-target-directed ligands with BACE-1 inhibitory and Nrf2 agonist activities as potential agents against Alzheimer's disease.

Cumulative evidence suggests that ß-amyloid and oxidative stress are closely related with each other and play key roles in the process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multitarget regulation of both pathways might represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, a series of selenium-containing compounds based on ebselen and verubecestat were designed and synthesized. Biological evaluation showed that 13f exhibited good BACE-1 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.06 µΜ) and potent GPx-like activity (ν0 = 183.0 µM min-1). Aß production experiment indicated that 13f could reduce the secretion of Aß1-40 in HEK APPswe 293T cells. Moreover, 13f exerted a cytoprotective effect against the H2O2 or 6-OHDA caused cell damage via alleviation of intracellular ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca2+ overload and cell apoptosis. The mechanism studies indicated that 13f exhibited cytoprotective effect by activating the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway and stimulating downstream anti-oxidant protein including HO-1, NQO1, TrxR1, GCLC, and GCLM. In addition, 13f significantly reduced the production of NO and IL-6 induced by LPS in BV2 cells, which confirmed its anti-inflammatory activity as a Nrf2 activator. The BBB permeation assay predicted that 13f was able to cross the BBB. In summary, 13f might be a promising multi-target-directed ligand for the treatment of AD.

Chemoprotective antimalarials identified through quantitative high-throughput screening of Plasmodium blood and liver stage parasites.

The spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to most first-line antimalarials creates an imperative to enrich the drug discovery pipeline, preferably with curative compounds that can also act prophylactically. We report a phenotypic quantitative high-throughput screen (qHTS), based on concentration-response curves, which was designed to identify compounds active against Plasmodium liver and asexual blood stage parasites. Our qHTS screened over 450,000 compounds, tested across a range of 5 to 11 concentrations, for activity against Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stages. Active compounds were then filtered for unique structures and drug-like properties and subsequently screened in a P. berghei liver stage assay to identify novel dual-active antiplasmodial chemotypes. Hits from thiadiazine and pyrimidine azepine chemotypes were subsequently prioritized for resistance selection studies, yielding distinct mutations in P. falciparum cytochrome b, a validated antimalarial drug target. The thiadiazine chemotype was subjected to an initial medicinal chemistry campaign, yielding a metabolically stable analog with sub-micromolar potency. Our qHTS methodology and resulting dataset provides a large-scale resource to investigate Plasmodium liver and asexual blood stage parasite biology and inform further research to develop novel chemotypes as causal prophylactic antimalarials.

Effects of Dazomet Fumigation on Soil Phosphorus and the Composition of phoD-Harboring Microbial Communities.

The soil phosphorus (P) cycle and P transformation are largely driven by the soil bacterial microbial community. However, little is known about the effects of dazomet (DZ) soil fumigation on soil P and soil microbial communities associated with P transformation. This research investigated P released from three farm soils as a result of DZ fumigation and changes in enzyme activity, gene abundance, and the encoding alkaline phosphatase PhoD microbial community. After DZ fumigation, we observed a briefly significant increase in the available P and the active P fractionation. The soil ALP activity, 16s rRNA abundance, and the phoD gene decreased significantly after DZ fumigation. The abundance and diversity of phoD-harboring microbes also decreased shortly after fumigation, increased significantly 14-28 days later, and then decreased again toward the end of the experimental period of 86 days. The shared OTUs between treatments became fewer with increasing time after fumigation. The changes in available P and the active P fractionation after DZ fumigation were significantly correlated with the abundance of the dominant phoD-harboring microbes. DZ fumigation promoted P mineralization in these farm soils and changed the composition of phoD-harboring microbial communities, which will benefit crops able to absorb and use P.

Preclinical characterization of AMPA receptor potentiator TAK-137 as a therapeutic drug for schizophrenia.

The downregulation of the glutamate system may be involved in positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Through enhanced glutamate signaling, the activation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor, an ionotropic glutamate receptor, could be a new therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia. TAK-137 is a novel AMPA receptor potentiator with minimal agonistic activity; in this study, we used rodents and nonhuman primates to assess its potential as a drug for schizophrenia. At 10 mg kg-1 p.o., TAK-137 partially inhibited methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats, and at 3, 10, and 30 mg kg-1 p.o., TAK-137 partially inhibited MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion in mice, suggesting weak effects on the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. At 0.1 and 0.3 mg kg-1 p.o., TAK-137 significantly ameliorated MK-801-induced deficits in the social interaction of rats, demonstrating potential improvement of impaired social functioning, which is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. The effects of TAK-137 were evaluated on multiple cognitive domains-attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. TAK-137 enhanced attention in the five-choice serial reaction time task in rats at 0.2 mg kg-1 p.o., and improved working memory both in rats and monkeys: 0.2 and 0.6 mg kg-1 p.o. ameliorated MK-801-induced deficits in the radial arm maze test in rats, and 0.1 mg kg-1 p.o. improved the performance of ketamine-treated monkeys in the delayed matching-to-sample task. At 0.1 and 1 mg kg-1 p.o., TAK-137 improved the cognitive flexibility of subchronic phencyclidine-treated rats in the reversal learning test. Thus, TAK-137-type AMPA receptor potentiators with low intrinsic activity may offer new therapies for schizophrenia.

Synthesis, crystal structure and biological evaluation of some novel 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazines.

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are of particular interest and significant importance for the discovery of potent bioactive agents in pharmaceutical industry. The present study reports the synthesis of a library of new conjugated heterocycles including 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo-[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazoles (4a-g and 5a-e) and 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo-[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazines (6a-h), by cyclocondensation reaction of 4-amino-5-(pyridin-4-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol 3 with various substituted aromatic acids and phenacyl bromides, respectively. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and in case of 4c by X-ray crystallographic analysis. Newly synthesized triazolothiadiazoles and thiadiazines were screened for acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterases and alkaline phosphatase inhibition. Almost all of the compounds showed good to excellent activities against acetylcholinesterase more than the reference drugs. Compound 5d exhibited IC50 value 0.77 ± 0.08 µM against acetylcholinesterase and 4a showed IC50 9.57 ± 1.42 µM against butyrylcholinesterase. Among all the tested compounds, 4a also proved as excellent inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase with IC50 0.92 ± 0.03 µM. These heteroaromatic hybrid structures were also tested for their anticancer activity against lung carcinoma (H157) and kidney fibroblast (BHK-21) cell lines and leishmanias. Variable cell growth inhibitory activities were obtained and many compounds exhibit potent %inhibition.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of 3-(2-aminoheterocycle)-4-benzyloxyphenylbenzamide derivatives as BACE-1 inhibitors.

Three series of 3-(2-aminoheterocycle)-4-benzyloxyphenylbenzamide derivatives, 2-aminooxazoles, 2-aminothiazoles, and 2-amino-6H-1,3,4-thiadizines were designed, synthesized and evaluated as ß-secretase (BACE-1) inhibitors. Preliminary structure-activity relationships revealed that the existence of a 2-amino-6H-1,3,4-thiadizine moiety and α-naphthyl group were favorable for BACE-1 inhibition. Among the synthesized compounds, 5e exhibited the most potent BACE-1 inhibitory activity, with an IC50 value of 9.9 µΜ and it exhibited high brain uptake potential in Madin-Darby anine kidney cell lines (MDCK) and a Madin-Darby canine kidney-multidrug resistance 1 (MDCK-MDR1) model.

[Influence of new 1,3,4-thiadiazines on platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo].

The influence of new original 1,3,4-thiadiazines on the human platelet aggregation in vitro was studied. All substances inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by both ADP and arachidonic acid. 1,3,4-Thiadiazines L-19, H-30 and L-37 were the most effective inhibitors. Effect of the intravenous injection of L-19 in various doses on platelet aggregation and some parameters of plasmatic hemostasis were studied ex vivo.

Synthesis of 3-((2,4-dichlorophenoxy)methyl)-1,2,4-triazolo(thiadiazoles and thiadiazines) as anti-inflammatory and molluscicidal agents.

A series of fused and non fused 1,2,4-triazoles with (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) moiety are prepared utilizing 3-((2,4-dichlorophenoxy)methyl)-4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiol (3). The latter on reaction with carboxylic acids, ethylchloroformate, ethylcyanoacetate and sodium nitrite gives five membered fused triazole derivatives 4a-d, 5, 6, 7 and 10, respectively. The six membered heterocycles 11, 12 and 14 are prepared by cyclization of compound 3 with phenacyl bromide, chloroacetic acid and alpha-bromoketone respectively. Most of the newly synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory and molluscicidal activities. The compounds 4b, 4d, 11 and 14 showed potent anti-inflammatory activities in dose dependent manner while compounds 3, 4b, 8 and 10 exhibited promising molluscicidal activities.

Novel anti-angiogenic compounds for application in tumor therapy - COP9 signalosome-associated kinases as possible targets.

Preclinical studies revealed that curcumin, the yellow curry pigment, emodin, a compound derived from grapes, and taurolidine, derived from a biogenic amino acid, and some of their structural homologs possess anti-angiogenic and cancer chemopreventive properties. Whereas curcumin and emodin can act via inhibition of COP9 signalosome-associated kinases, taurolidine blocks protein biosynthesis.

Discovery of 1,1-dioxo-1,2,6-thiadiazine-5-carboxamide derivatives as cannabinoid-like molecules with agonist and antagonist activity.

A series of new 2-substituted 1,1-dioxo-1,2,6-thiadiazine-5-carboxylate derivatives have been prepared from monosubstituted sulfamides in order to obtain N-substituted 1,1-dioxo-1,2,6-thiadiazine-5-carboxamides as novel cannabinoid derivatives, analogues of Rimonabant (SR141716A). Their potential functional activity on cannabinoid receptors has been evaluated in vitro and in vivo in mice, showing that two compounds (37 and 39) behave as cannabinoid agonists in vitro. Their potency is lower than that of the reference compound, WIN 55,212-2, but their efficacy is similar to that of this cannabinoid agonist, although no in vivo activity is observed. Another derivative (38) behaves as a cannabinoid antagonist both in vitro and in vivo, being its efficacy and potency similar to that of the well-known antagonist SR141716A.

Synthesis and anthelmintic activity of 3,6-disubstituted-7H-s-triazolo(3,4-b)(1,3,4)thiadiazines.

A series of 3,6-disubstituted-7H-s-triazolo(3,4-b)(1,3,4)thiadiazines was synthesized by the condensation of the appropriate 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto (1,2,4) triazoles with substituted phenacyl bromides in alcoholic medium. These compounds have been studied for their in vivo anthelmintic activity in albino mice. A number of compounds showed promising activity when given by the oral route.

Studies on nitrophenylfuran derivatives part Xii. synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antiviral activities of some nitrophenylfurfurylidene-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazines.

Synthesis of four 1-aryl-3-[5-(p-nitrophenyl)-2-furyl]-2-propen-1-ones starting from substituted acetophenones and p-nitrophenylfurfuraldehyde is described. These propenones were then converted into corresponding dibromo derivatives which on dehydrobromination afforded alpha-bromopropenones rather than acetylenic ketones. Condensation of these dibromopropanones with 4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazoles yielded a new class of nitrophenylfurfurylidene-1,2,4-triazolothiadiazines. The structures of nitrophenylfurfurylidene-1,2,4-triazolothiadiazines were established on the basis of analytical, IR, NMR and mass spectral studies. The formation of 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazines rather than 1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazepines in the above condensation was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis of one of them. A possible mechanism is proposed to account for the formation of nitrophenylfurfurylidene-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazines. Some of the newly synthesized triazolothiadiazines were screened for their antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Benzyl derivatives of 2,1,3-benzo- and benzothieno[3,2-a]thiadiazine 2,2-dioxides: first phosphodiesterase 7 inhibitors.

The synthesis of a new family of benzyl derivatives of 2,1,3-benzo- and benzothieno[3,2-a]thiadiazine 2,2-dioxides was achieved. The biological data revealed the first heterocyclic family of compounds with PDE 7 inhibitory properties appearing to be a new objective for the treatment of T-cell-dependent disorders. The IC(50) values or percent inhibition values of the compounds against PDE 7 were calculated by testing them against human recombinant PDE 7 expressed in S. cerevisiae. In this expression system the only cyclic nucleotide hydrolyzing activity present in cell extracts corresponded to human PDE 7. Isoenzyme selectivity PDE 7 versus PDE 4 and PDE 3 was also measured. Considering simultaneously inhibition of the three different isoenzymes, monobenzyl derivatives 15 and 23 showed interesting PDE 7 potency (around 10 microM); although not statistically significant, a trend toward selectivity with respect to PDE 3 and PDE 4 was obtained. Benzothiadiazine 16, although less potent at PDE 7 (IC(50) = 25 microM), also showed a trend of selectivity toward PDE 3 and PDE 4. These compounds are considered the best leads for further optimization.

Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of 1,1,3-trioxo-2H,4H-thieno[3,4-e][1,2,4]thiadiazines (TTDs): a new family of HIV-1 specific non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

The anti-HIV activity of a novel series of 1,1,3-trioxo-2H,4H-thieno[3,4-e][1,2,4]thiadiazines (TTDs) has been described. The compounds were synthesized via Curtius rearrangement of appropriate sulfamoylcarboxy azides which, in turn, were prepared from known starting materials. Several 4-substituted-2-benzyl-derivatives were found to selectively inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 [HIV-1 (IIIB)] replication in MT-4 and CEM cells. These TTDs were also effective against other strains of HIV-1 (RF, HE, MN, NDK), including those that are resistant to AZT, but not against HIV-2 (ROD) or simian immunodeficiency virus [SIV(MAC251)] at subtoxic concentrations. Some of the test compounds exhibited antiviral activity against L100I RT mutant virus, but significantly lost antiviral activity against K103N, V106A, E138K, Y181C and Y188H RT mutant viruses. Compounds 6d, 6f and 6g were inhibitory to HIV-1 RT at concentrations that rank between 16.4 and 59.8 microM (nevirapine: IC50 = 4.5 microM against HIV-1 RT). Inhibition of HIV-1 RT by compound 6g was purely non-competitive with respect to the natural substrate (dGTP), which is in agreement with the nature of inhibition shown by other NNRTIs such as nevirapine and delarvidine. A structure-activity relationship was established for the anti-HIV activity of these heterocyclic compounds. TTDs represent a new chemical class of non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).