Design and synthesis of chiral DOTA-based MRI contrast agents with remarkable relaxivities.

Due to the adverse effects of de-metallation in past concerning FDA-approved gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs), researchers have been focusing on developing safer and more efficient alternatives that could avoid toxicity caused by free gadolinium ions. Herein, two chiral GBCAs, Gd-LS with sulfonate groups and Gd-T with hydroxyl groups, are reported as potential candidates for magnetic reasonance imaging (MRI). The r1 relaxivities of TSAP, SAP isomers of Gd-LS and SAP isomer of Gd-T at 1.4 T, 37 °C in water are 7.4 mM-1s-1, 14.5 mM-1s-1 and 5.2 mM-1s-1, respectively. Results show that the hydrophilic functional groups introduced to the chiral macrocyclic scaffold of Gd-T and Gd-LS both give constructive influences on the second-sphere relaxivity and enhance the overall r1 value. Both cases indicate that the design of GBCAs should also focus on the optimal window in Solomon-Bloembergen-Morgan (SBM) theory and the effects caused by the second-sphere and outer-sphere relaxivity.

Cu-Catalyzed Cross-Electrophilic Coupling of α-Diazoesters with O-Benzoyl Hydroxylamines for the Synthesis of Unnatural N-Alkyl α-Amino Acid Derivatives.

We describe a Cu-catalyzed cross-electrophilic coupling reaction for synthesizing α-amino acid derivatives from α-diazoesters with O-benzoyl hydroxylamines with Cu(OAc)2 as the catalyst and polymethylhydrosilane (PMHS) as the hydride reagent. Excellent functional group compatibilities were demonstrated. With ethyl 2-diazo-3-oxobutanoate as the precursor, a Cu-acetoacetate complex has been characterized by ESI-MS analysis. Results from the radical trap experiments are consistent with the intermediacy of nitrogen-centered radicals. This strategy offers a simple and inexpensive synthesis of α-amino acid derivatives.

Transition Metal-Catalyzed Regioselective Direct C-H Amidation: Interplay between Inner- and Outer-Sphere Pathways for Nitrene Cross-Coupling Reactions.

Catalytic C-N bond cross-coupling reactions have been a subject of fundamental importance in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry because amides and amines are ubiquitous motifs in natural products, functional materials, and pharmaceuticals. Since the pioneering works of Breslow and Mansuy on the metalloporphyrin-catalyzed direct hydrocarbon amidation using sulfonyliminoiodinane reagents, substantial development has been achieved toward practical and selective amination protocols. Notably, Du Bois's group developed the dirhodium(II,II) carboxylate catalytic system for direct C(sp3)-H amidations via Rh-sulfonyl nitrene intermediates. Yet, this protocol suffers from competitive alkene aziridination and is limited to electron-rich tertiary and ethereal C-H bonds; analogous direct amidation of arenes remained ineffective.This Account discusses our early effort to explore cyclopalladated complexes for ortho-selective C(aryl)-H amidations. While Buchwald-Hartwig amination cannot be directly applied to arenes, effective amidation of the 2-arylpyridines occurred when an external oxidant such as K2S2O8 was employed. Preliminary studies suggested that the amidation may proceed through reactive Pd-nitrene intermediates. Aiming to develop more diversified amidation protocols, we employed nosyloxycarbamates as nitrene precursors for the Pd-catalyzed ortho-amidation of N-pivalanilides. Likewise, we developed the ortho-selective amidation of benzoic acids to produce anthranilic acids, which are versatile precursors for many medicinally valuable heterocycles. In an attempt to expand the C(aryl)-N coupling reactions to amines, we studied the d6 piano-stool Cp*Rh(III) systems [Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl]. Our work established a sound reaction platform based on the electrophilic aminating reagents including N-chloroamines, hydroxyamides, and N-carboxyhydrazides for effective C(aryl)-N bond formation in aryl-metal complexes.Building upon the metal-nitrene reaction platform, we moved forward to examine γ-lactam synthesis by intramolecular carbonyl nitrene C(sp3)-H insertion. Noted that carbonyl nitrenes are prone to undergo Curtius-type rearrangement to form isocyanate; we found that the π-basic Ru(II) center effectively decomposes dioxazolones to afford the carbonyl nitrene for regioselective γ-C(sp3)-H insertion. With chiral diphenylethylenediamines (dpen) as ligands bearing electron-withdrawing arylsulfonyl substituents, the [(p-cymene)Ru(dpen)] complex catalyzed the decomposition of the dioxazolones to afford chiral γ-lactams by formal carbonyl nitrene C(sp3)-H insertion. Enantioselective nitrene insertion to allylic and propargylic C(sp3)-H bonds was also achieved with remarkable tolerance to the C═C and C≡C bonds. Notably, the selectivity of the [(p-cymene)Ru] system switched to C(aryl)-H bonds to give dihydroquinolinones when l-proline was employed as ligand. Recently, we aimed to address the regiocontrolled amidation of unactivated methylene C-H bonds using NiH catalyst. While tertiary and benzyl C-H bonds can be differentiated by their bond dissociation energies and steric properties, methylene groups making up the hydrocarbon skeleton display similar electronic and steric properties. In this context, we exploited the five-membered nickelacycle formation to terminate the NiH-mediated chain-walk isomerization, and the nickelacycle reacted with dioxazolones to furnish the C(sp3)-N bond at the γ-methylene position.This Account summarizes our contribution to the development of C-N bond cross-coupling reactions via C-H activation. By exploiting the inner-sphere and outer-sphere reaction pathways, we successfully developed regioselective protocols that target C(sp3)-H and C(aryl)-H bonds. The mechanistic underpinning of the selectivity of different C-H bonds and related studies on the affiliated catalytic systems will be discussed.

Computer Navigation-Aided Excision of Proximal Femoral Osteochondroma: Surgical Technique.

Purpose: Symptomatic osteochondroma of the proximal femur necessitates a surgical excision. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel technique of computer navigation-aided excision for osteochondromata of the proximal femur. Outcomes of this technique are also presented. Methods: A total of 13 patients underwent computer navigation-aided excision of osteochondromata of the proximal femur from February 2012 to August 2016 in our institution. They were enrolled in this study. OrthoMap 3D (Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, NJ, USA), a commercially available navigation software system, was used to merge computed tomography images of the proximal femur with an osteochondromata with the image of a normal proximal femur. Using the normal proximal femur as a template, intended resection margins for the proximal femur with osteochondromata were planned and then executed using intraoperative navigation guidance. Patients were followed up clinically and radiographically. The physical and mental health of patients was assessed with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results: Eight patients had isolated exostoses. Five patients had tumors associated with multiple hereditary exostoses. For tumors projecting posteriorly or posteromedially, a posterolateral approach was used. For tumors projecting anteriorly or medially, an anterior approach was used. Prophylactic fixation was performed in four patients who required an anterior approach. The mean duration of the surgery was 189 minutes. There were no intraoperative fractures or postoperative complications. A secondary procedure was not needed for any case. The mean MSTS score at a mean follow-up of 17 months was 28.6 (maximum MSTS score: 30). Conclusions: This is the first study to report a novel application of computer navigation for aiding the excision of osteochondromata of the proximal femur. It demonstrated favorable postoperative functional scores with a low rate of complications. The applicability, safety, and efficacy of this technique were demonstrated. It is particularly useful for resections involving large tumors that can obscure anatomical landmarks and for patients with associated proximal femoral deformity.

NiH-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov hydroamidation of unactivated alkenes with 1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones for the direct synthesis of N-alkyl amides.

The addition of a nitrogen-based functional group to alkenes via a direct catalytic method is an attractive way of synthesizing value-added amides. The regioselective hydroamidation of unactivated alkenes is considered one of the easiest ways to achieve this goal. Herein, we report the NiH-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov intermolecular hydroamidation of unactivated alkenes enabled by using 2,9-dibutylphenathroline (diBuphen) as the ligand. This protocol provides a platform for the direct synthesis of over 90 structurally diverse N-alkyl amides using dioxazolones, which can be easily derived from abundant carboxylic acid feedstocks. This method succeeds for both terminal and internal unactivated alkenes and some natural products. Mechanistic studies including DFT calculations reveal an initial reversible insertion/elimination of the [NiH] to the alkene, followed by the irreversible amidation to furnish the N-alkyl amides. By crossover experiments and deuterium labeling studies, the observed anti-Markovnikov regioselectivities are suggested to be controlled by the sterical environment of the coupling reaction.

Acceptability and feasibility of a community-based strength, balance, and Tai Chi rehabilitation program in improving physical function and balance of patients after total knee arthroplasty: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The rate of falls in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is high and related to lower limb muscle weakness and poor balance control. However, since routine post-TKA rehabilitation is uncommon, it is paramount to explore alternative strategies to enhance balance and physical functioning in post-TKA patients. As Tai Chi is a proven strategy for improving balance in older people, the proposed study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week community-based post-TKA multimodal Tai Chi program and to collect preliminary data with respect to the efficacy of such a program in improving balance and physical functioning in post-TKA patients as compared to usual postoperative care. METHODS: A single-blinded 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial will recruit 52 community-dwelling post-TKA patients (aged > 60 years) in Hong Kong. In addition, 26 untreated asymptomatic controls will be recruited for comparison purposes. The TKA patients will be randomized into either a 12-week multimodal Tai Chi rehabilitation group or a postoperative usual care group (26 each). Participants will perform the outcome assessments at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks after TKA, while asymptomatic controls will have the same assessments at baseline, 12, and 52 weeks after baseline. The rate of recruitment, retention, and attrition, as well as adherence to the intervention, will be measured and used to determine the feasibility of the study and whether a full-scale effectiveness trial is warranted. Further, qualitative interviews will be conducted to explore the acceptability and possible barriers to the implementation of the intervention. Primary and secondary outcomes including both patient-reported surveys and performance-based tests will be compared within and between groups. DISCUSSION: The study will determine the feasibility and acceptability/potential efficacy of community-based rehabilitation for post-TKA patients and assess whether the intervention has the potential to be assessed in a future fully powered effectiveness trial. The findings will also be used to refine the study design and guide the conduction of a future definitive randomized controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03615638. Registered on 30 May 2018. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03565380.

2,2-difluorovinyl benzoates for diverse synthesis of gem-difluoroenol ethers by Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.

gem-Difluoroalkene is a bioisostere of carbonyl group for improving bioavailability of drug candidates. Herein we develop structurally diverse 2,2-difluorovinyl benzoates (BzO-DFs) as versatile building blocks for modular synthesis of gem-difluoroenol ethers (44 examples) and gem-difluoroalkenes (2 examples) by Ni-catalyzed cross coupling reactions. Diverse BzO-DFs derivatives bearing sensitive functional groups (e.g., C = C, TMS, strained carbocycles) are readily prepared from their bromodifluoroacetates and bromodifluoroketones precursors using metallic zinc as reductant. With Ni(COD)2 and dppf [1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene] as catalyst, reactions of BzO-DFs with arylboronic acids and arylmagnesium/alkylzinc reagents afforded the desired gem-difluoroenol ethers and gem-difluoroalkenes in good yields. The Ni-catalyzed coupling reactions features highly regioselective C(vinyl)-O(benzoate) bond activation of the BzO-DFs. Results from control experiments and DFT calculations are consistent with a mechanism involving initial oxidative addition of the BzO-DFs by the Ni(0) complex. By virtue of diversity of the BzO-DFs and excellent functional group tolerance, this method is amenable to late-stage functionalization of multifunctionalized bioactive molecules.

Photoredox Decarboxylative C(sp3)-N Coupling of α-Diazoacetates with Alkyl N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters for Diversified Synthesis of Functionalized N-Alkyl Hydrazones.

Herein we report a metal-free photocatalytic coupling reaction for the synthesis of structurally and functionally diverse N-alkyl hydrazones from α-diazoacetates and N-alkyl hydroxyphthalimide esters. By employing Rose Bengal as a photocatalyst with yellow LEDs irradiation, over 60 N-alkyl hydrazones were synthesized. Fluorescence quenching analysis and deuterium incorporation experiments reveal that Hantzsch ester serves as both an electron donor and proton source for the reaction. This strategy offers a simple retrosynthetic disconnection for conventionally inaccessible C(sp3)-rich N-alkyl hydrazones.

Collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases antagonize proteinase-activated receptor-2 activation, providing insights into extracellular matrix turnover.

The collagenase subfamily of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have important roles in the remodeling of collagenous matrices. The proteinase-activated receptor (PAR) family has a unique mechanism of activation requiring proteolysis of an extracellular domain forming a neo-N terminus that acts as a tethered ligand, a process that has been associated with the development of arthritis. Canonical PAR2 activation typically occurs via a serine proteinase at Arg36-Ser37, but other proteinases can cleave PARs downstream of the tethered ligand and "disarm" the receptor. To identify additional cleavage sites within PAR2, we synthesized a 42-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the extracellular region. We observed that all three soluble MMP collagenases, MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13, cleave PAR2 and discovered a novel cleavage site (Ser37-Leu38). Metalloproteinases from resorbing bovine nasal cartilage and recombinant human collagenases could cleave a quenched fluorescent peptide mimicking the canonical PAR2 activation region, and kinetic constants were determined. In PAR2-overexpressing SW1353 chondrocytes, we demonstrated that the activator peptide SLIGKV-NH2 induces rapid calcium flux, inflammatory gene expression (including MMP1 and MMP13), and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase. The corresponding MMP cleavage-derived peptide (LIGKVD-NH2) exhibited no canonical activation; however, we observed phosphorylation of ERK, providing evidence of biased agonism. Importantly, we demonstrated that preincubation with active MMP-1 reduced downstream PAR2 activation by a canonical activator, matriptase, but not SLIGKV-NH2 These results support a role for collagenases as proteinases capable of disarming PAR2, revealing a mechanism that suppresses PAR2-mediated inflammatory responses.

Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Enantioselective γ-Lactams Formation by Intramolecular C-H Amidation of 1,4,2-Dioxazol-5-ones.

We report the Ru-catalyzed enantioselective annulation of 1,4,2-dioxazol-5-ones to furnish γ-lactams in up to 97% yield and 98% ee via intramolecular carbonylnitrene C-H insertion. By employing chiral diphenylethylene diamine (dpen) as ligands bearing electron-withdrawing arylsulfonyl substituents, the reactions occur with remarkable chemo- and enantioselectivities; the competing Curtius-type rearrangement was largely suppressed. Enantioselective nitrene insertion to allylic/propargylic C-H bonds was also achieved with remarkable tolerance to the C═C and C≡C bonds.

[RhIII(Cp*)]-catalyzed arylfluorination of α-diazoketoesters for facile synthesis of α-aryl-α-fluoroketoesters.

Here we describe the Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed cascade arylfluorination reactions of α-diazoketoesters with arylboronic acids and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide for one-pot C(sp3)-C(aryl) and C(sp3)-F bond formation. The arylfluorination reaction can be accomplished with remarkable chemo- and regioselectivity. Our mechanistic investigation showed that the Rh-catalyzed arylfluorination of diazoacetates occurred by (1) transmetalation of arylboronic acids to form an arylrhodium(iii) complex, (2) coupling of diazomalonates with the arylrhodium(iii) complex to form carbene-rhodium, (3) migratory carbene insertion to form a diketonato-rhodium(iii) complex - probably via rearrangement of the putative σ-alkylrhodium(iii) complex, and (4) electrophilic fluorination of the diketonato-rhodium to form the α-aryl-α-fluoromalonates.

Cytokine-induced cysteine- serine-rich nuclear protein-1 (CSRNP1) selectively contributes to MMP1 expression in human chondrocytes.

Irreversible cartilage collagen breakdown by the collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1 and MMP-13 represents a key event in pathologies associated with tissue destruction such as arthritis. Inflammation is closely associated with such pathology and occurs in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis making it highly relevant to the prevailing tissue damage that characterises these diseases. The inflammation-induced activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor is an important regulator of both MMP1 and MMP13 genes with interplay between signalling pathways contributing to their expression. Here, we have examined the regulation of MMP1 expression, and using in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses we have demonstrated that cFos bound to the AP-1 cis element within the proximal MMP1 promoter only when the gene was transcriptionally silent as previously observed for MMP13. Subsequent small interfering RNA-mediated silencing confirmed however, that cFos significantly contributes to MMP1 expression. In contrast, silencing of ATF3 (a prime MMP13 modulator) did not affect MMP1 expression whilst silencing of the Wnt-associated regulator cysteine- serine-rich nuclear protein-1 (CSRNP1) resulted in substantial repression of MMP1 but not MMP13. Furthermore, following an early transient peak in expression of CSRNP1 at the mRNA and protein levels similar to that seen for cFOS, CSRNP1 expression subsequently persisted unlike cFOS. Finally, DNA binding assays indicated that the binding of CSRNP1 to the AP-1 consensus-like sequences within the proximal promoter regions of MMP1 and MMP13 was preferentially selective for MMP1 whilst activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) binding was exclusive to MMP13. These data further extend our understanding of the previously reported differential regulation of these MMP genes, and strongly indicate that although cFos modulates the expression of MMP1/13, downstream factors such as CSRNP1 and ATF3 ultimately serve as transcriptional regulators in the context of an inflammatory stimulus for these potent collagenolytic MMPs.

Cytokine-induced MMP13 Expression in Human Chondrocytes Is Dependent on Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF3) Regulation.

Irreversible breakdown of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) by the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) represents a key event in osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Although inflammation is most commonly associated with inflammatory joint diseases, it also occurs in OA and is thus relevant to the prevalent tissue destruction. Here, inflammation generates a cFOS AP-1 early response that indirectly affects MMP13 gene expression. To ascertain a more direct effect on prolonged MMP13 production we examined the potential molecular events occurring between the rapid, transient expression of cFOS and the subsequent MMP13 induction. Importantly, we show MMP13 mRNA expression is mirrored by nascent hnRNA transcription. Employing ChIP assays, cFOS recruitment to the MMP13 promoter occurs at an early stage prior to gene transcription and that recruitment of transcriptional initiation markers also correlated with MMP13 expression. Moreover, protein synthesis inhibition following early FOS expression resulted in a significant decrease in MMP13 expression thus indicating a role for different regulatory factors modulating expression of the gene. Subsequent mRNA transcriptome analyses highlighted several genes induced soon after FOS that could contribute to MMP13 expression. Specific small interfering RNA-mediated silencing highlighted that ATF3 was as highly selective for MMP13 as cFOS. Moreover, ATF3 expression was AP-1(cFOS/cJUN)-dependent and expression levels were maintained after the early transient cFOS response. Furthermore, ATF3 bound the proximal MMP13 AP-1 motif in stimulated chondrocytes at time points that no longer supported binding of FOS Consequently, these findings support roles for both cFOS (indirect) and ATF3 (direct) in effecting MMP13 transcription in human chondrocytes.

Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylboronic acids with azo compounds for synthesis of arylhydrazides.

A [Cp*Rh(iii)]-catalyzed electrophilic amination of arylboronic acids with diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD) was developed, and arylhydrazides were produced in excellent yields and selectivity. The analogous amination with the arylazocarboxylates afforded the corresponding N,N-diarylhydrazides. The electrophilic amination of arylboronic acids with azocarboxylates proceeds readily under mild conditions with excellent functional group tolerance. Up to 99% yields were obtained. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that prior formation of an arylrhodium(iii) intermediate for the azo coupling reaction can be ruled out.

A signature motif mediating selective interactions of BCL11A with the NR2E/F subfamily of orphan nuclear receptors.

Despite their physiological importance, selective interactions between nuclear receptors (NRs) and their cofactors are poorly understood. Here, we describe a novel signature motif (F/YSXXLXXL/Y) in the developmental regulator BCL11A that facilitates its selective interaction with members of the NR2E/F subfamily. Two copies of this motif (named here as RID1 and RID2) permit BCL11A to bind COUP-TFs (NR2F1;NR2F2;NR2F6) and Tailless/TLX (NR2E1), whereas RID1, but not RID2, binds PNR (NR2E3). We confirmed the existence of endogenous BCL11A/TLX complexes in mouse cortex tissue. No interactions of RID1 and RID2 with 20 other ligand-binding domains from different NR subtypes were observed. We show that RID1 and RID2 are required for BCL11A-mediated repression of endogenous γ-globin gene and the regulatory non-coding transcript Bgl3, and we identify COUP-TFII binding sites within the Bgl3 locus. In addition to their importance for BCL11A function, we show that F/YSXXLXXL/Y motifs are conserved in other NR cofactors. A single FSXXLXXL motif in the NR-binding SET domain protein NSD1 facilitates its interactions with the NR2E/F subfamily. However, the NSD1 motif incorporates features of both LXXLL and FSXXLXXL motifs, giving it a distinct NR-binding pattern in contrast to other cofactors. In summary, our results provide new insights into the selectivity of NR/cofactor complex formation.