Enantioselective Mannich Reaction between Cyclic N-Sulfonyl Ketimines and Isatin-Derived Ketimines.

An enantioselective Mannich reaction with cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimines as the nucleophiles was developed. In the presence of 5 mol % chiral thiourea catalyst C11, the asymmetric Mannich reaction between cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimines and isatin-derived ketimines was achieved in high yields and good-to-excellent enantioselectivities (84-99% yields with 75-99.8% ee). This methodology provided an effective route to construct chiral 3-amino-2-oxindoles containing a cyclic N-sulfonyl ketimine scaffold. The initial biological evaluation of the products in cell-based assays demonstrated that some compounds have excellent antiproliferative activity against human osteosarcoma cells.

Identification of DDX5 as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Osteosarcoma Using Thiazolone Probes.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare malignant tumor that has predominantly affected children and adolescents in the past 50 years. The genomes of OS tumors exhibit a high degree of complexity, which leads to the great challenge of target identification for anti-OS. To date, no efficient therapeutic target for the treatment of OS has been validated in clinical practice. In our previous drug hunting for the treatment of OS by phenotypic screening, we found that thiazolone derivate (R)-8i was an effective and selective inhibitor against OS in MNNG/HOS cells and in vivo. However, the mechanism of action and specific molecular targets of (R)-8i remain unclear. In this study, we design and synthesize the photo-cross-linking probes based on the lead compound (R)-8i and identify DDX5 as a potential target protein using an activity-based protein profiling strategy. Further experiments including Western blot, shRNA knockdown experiments, cell colony formation, wound healing assays, and cellular thermal shift assays support that (R)-8i binds to DDX5 and induces its degradation, which affect cell proliferation and migration through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. The research shows that DDX5 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of OS.

Photosensitizer-loaded hydrogels: A new antibacterial dressing.

Bacterial wound infection has emerged as a pivotal threat to human health worldwide, and the situation has worsened owing to the gradual increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria caused by the improper use of antibiotics. To reduce the use of antibiotics and avoid the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers are increasingly paying attention to  photodynamic therapy, which uses light to produce reactive oxygen species to kill bacteria. Treating bacteria-infected wounds by photodynamic therapy requires fixing the photosensitizer (PS) at the wound site and maintaining a certain level of wound humidity. Hydrogels are materials with a high water content and are well suited for fixing PSs at wound sites for antibacterial photodynamic therapy. Therefore, hydrogels are often loaded with PSs for treating bacteria-infected wounds via antibacterial photodynamic therapy. In this review, we systematically summarised the antibacterial mechanisms and applications of PS-loaded hydrogels for treating bacteria-infected wounds via photodynamic therapy. In addition, the recent  studies and the research status progresses of novel antibacterial hydrogels are discussed. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of PS-loaded hydrogels are reviewed.

A comparison of the postoperative outcomes between intraoperative leak testing and no intraoperative leak testing for gastric cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL) is a serious complication of gastric cancer surgery. Although perioperative management has made considerable progress, anastomotic leakage (AL) cannot always be avoided. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether intraoperative leak testing (IOLT) can reduce the incidence of PAL and other postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials to assess the application of IOLT in gastric cancer surgery. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer surgery. Studies comparing the postoperative outcomes of IOLT and no intraoperative leak testing (NIOLT) were included. Quality assessment, heterogeneity, risk of bias, and the level of evidence of the included studies were evaluated. PAL, anastomotic-related complications, 30-day mortality, and reoperation rates were compared between the IOLT and NIOLT group. RESULTS: Our literature search returned 721 results, from which six trials (a total of 1,666 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was low. The primary outcome was PAL. IOLT reduced the incidence of PAL [2.09% vs 6.68%; (RR = 0.31, 95% Cl 0.19-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Anastomotic-related complications, which included bleeding, leakage, and stricture, were significantly higher in the NIOLT group than in the IOLT group [3.24% VS 10.85%; RR = 0.30, 95% Cl 0.18-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Moreover, IOLT was associated with lower reoperation rates [0.94% vs 6.83%; RR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.43, P = 0.0002]. CONCLUSION: Considering the observed lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL), anastomotic-related complications, and reoperation rates, IOLT appears to be a promising option for gastric cancer surgery. It warrants further study before potential inclusion in future clinical guidelines.

Visible-Light-Promoted α-C(sp3)-H Amination of Ethers with Azoles and Amides.

A visible-light-induced highly efficient C(sp3)-H amination of ethers with amides and azoles has been presented under mild conditions via a nitrogen- and carbon-centered radical coupling process. This protocol successfully utilizes 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DDQ) and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) as cocatalysts to deliver the aminated products of ethers under aerobic conditions. Notably, the developed reaction features the corresponding products in good yields (up to 93%) with a wide substrate scope. The mechanistic study indicates that C-N bond formation proceeds via a direct radical cross-coupling process. Preliminary biological activity analysis indicates that the resulting products have good and selective inhibitory activity on osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines and are promising for use as hits for drug discovery.

Discovery of potent thiazolidin-4-one sulfone derivatives for inhibition of proliferation of osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo.

Chemotherapy combining with surgical treatment has been the main strategy for osteosarcoma treatment in clinical. Due to unclear pathogenesis and unidentified drug targets, significant progress has not been made in the development of targeted drugs for osteosarcoma during the past 50 years. Our previous discovery reported compound R-8i with a high potency for the treatment of osteosarcoma by phenotypic screening. However, both the metabolic stability and bioavailability of R-8i are poor (T1/2 = 5.36 min, mouse liver microsome; and bioavailability in vivo F = 52.1 %, intraperitoneal administration) which limits it use for further drug development. Here, we described an extensive structure-activity relationship study of thiazolidine-4-one sulfone inhibitors from R-8i, which led to the discovery of compound 68. Compound 68 had a potent cellular activity with an IC50 value of 0.217 µM, much higher half-life (T1/2 = 73.8 min, mouse liver microsome) and an excellent pharmacokinetic profile (in vivo bioavailability F = 115 %, intraperitoneal administration). Compound 68 also showed good antitumor effects and low toxicity in a xenograft model (44.6 % inhibition osteosarcoma growth in BALB/c mice). These results suggest that compound 68 is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Danshensu inhibits SARS-CoV-2 by targeting its main protease as a specific covalent inhibitor and discovery of bifunctional compounds eliciting antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a serious threat to human. Since there are still no effective treatment options against the new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to devote a continuous endeavor for more targeted drugs and the preparation for the next pandemic. Salvia miltiorrhiza and its active ingredients possess wide antiviral activities, including against SARS-CoV-2. Danshensu, as one of the most important active ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza, has been reported to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2)-overexpressed HEK-293T cells and Vero-E6 cells. However, there is a paucity of information regarding its detailed target and mechanism against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we present Danshensu as a covalent inhibitor of 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) against SARS-CoV-2 by the time-dependent inhibition assay (TDI) and mass spectrometry analysis. Further molecular docking, site-directed mutagenesis, circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectra revealed that Danshensu covalently binds to C145 of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, meanwhile forming the hydrogen bonds with S144, H163 and E166 in the S1 site. Structure-based optimization of Danshensu led to the discovery of the promising compounds with good inhibitory activity and microsomal stability in vitro. Due to Danshensu inhibiting lung inflammation in the mouse model, we found that Danshensu derivatives also showed better anti-inflammatory activity than Danshensu in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Thus, our study provides not only the clue of the efficacy of Salvia miltiorrhiza against SARS-CoV-2, but also a detailed mechanistic insight into the covalent mode of action of Danshensu for design of covalent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, highlighting its potential as a bifunctional molecule with antivirus and anti-inflammation.

Analysis of the incidence of falls and related factors in elderly patients based on comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Objective: To investigate the incidence of falls in elderly aged 65 years and above among outpatients and inpatients, and to analyze its related factors and identify prevention strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 451 patients aged 65 years and above who received comprehensive geriatric assessment in outpatients and inpatients from the Department of Geriatrics in the Second Xiangya Hospital from March 2021 to March 2022. According to whether there had been at least one fall in the past year, the patients were divided into a fall group and a non-fall group. Data were collected from the We-Chat applet of comprehensive geriatric assessment. A t test and chi-square test were performed to compare the difference between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was then conducted to identify factors associated with falls. Results: (1) The incidence of falls among the outpatient and inpatient was 28.8%. (2) The rate of light, moderate, and heavy dependence on daily living ability and decreased mobile balance ability were higher in the fall group than those in the non-fall group. The average calf circumference in the fall group was significantly lower than that in the non-fall group. (3) The prevalence of diabetes and eye diseases in the fall group was significantly higher than that in the non-fall group. (4) The percentage of insomnia and suspicious insomnia cases in the fall group was higher than that in the non-fall group. The mean scores for dysphagia, frailty, and incontinence were higher and the mean malnutrition score was lower in the fall group than in the non-fall group. (5) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that frailty, insomnia, and malnutrition were independent influencing factors of fall (OR = 1.955, 1.652, 10.719, P = 0.044, 0.041, 0.025, respectively). Conclusions: The incidence of falls among outpatients and inpatients aged 65 years and above is high. Frailty, insomnia, and malnutrition are the main factors influencing falls in these patients.

Regioselectively Electrochemical Synthesis of N2-Selective C-H Amination of Ethers with N-Tosyl 1,2,3-Triazole via Triazole Radical Cation.

A regioselective electrochemical C-H amination method to synthesize N2-substituted 1,2,3-triazole using easily accessible ethers has been developed. Various substituents, including heterocycles, have a good tolerance, and 24 examples were obtained in moderate to good yields. Control experiments and DFT calculation investigations demonstrate that the electrochemical synthesis undergoes a N-tosyl 1,2,3-triazole radical cation process promoted by the single-electron transfer of the lone pair electrons of the aromatic N-heterocycle, and the desulfonation is responsible for the high N2-regioselectivity.

Two Cases of Laparoscopic Resection of Siewert Type II Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction Using a Transhiatal Approach and Complicated by Hemopericardium.

BACKGROUND Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is located at the boundary of the distal esophagus and gastric cardia, and surgical resection is currently performed using open or laparoscopic methods. This report presents 2 cases of laparoscopic resection of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction using a transhiatal approach, complicated by hemopericardium. CASE REPORT We present 2 patients diagnosed with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction cancer. A 67-year-old man had intermittent dull pain in the epigastrium without apparent cause for 10 months. A 69-year-old man had persistent dull pain in the middle and upper abdomen for more than 3 months and acid reflux after eating. Gastroscopy with pathological examination confirmed the diagnoses. The patients underwent laparoscopic transhiatal total gastrectomy according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines 2018 (5th edition). Pathological analysis classified the cancers as T3N1M0 and T2N0M0, respectively. The patients' cases were complicated with hemopericardium 18 h and 23 h after surgery, respectively. The shared clinical symptoms of the patients included tachycardia and low blood pressure. Cardiovascular color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were used to identify the hemopericardium. Following emergent ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and drainage, the vital signs of the patients improved. Both patients recovered well, and no other complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Hemopericardium is a life-threatening complication for patients with esophageal-gastric junction cancer who undergo transhiatal laparoscopic surgery. Quick detection and intervention for postoperative hemopericardium following laparoscopic transhiatal total gastrectomy are important. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and drainage is effective for the treatment of postoperative hemopericardium.

Enantioselective Construction of C3-Multifunctionalization α-Hydroxy-ß-amino Pyridines via α-Pyridyl Diazoacetate, Water, and Imines for Drug Hunting.

An asymmetric catalytic approach for the construction of C3-multifunctionalization α-hydroxy-ß-amino pyridines has been reported. The products can be accessed by the modulation of two chiral catalysts independently in high yield and with good enantioselectivity. The method features mild reaction conditions and an excellent functional group tolerance. Biological activity analysis shows that the resulting products have a selective antiosteosarcoma activity on 143B cells.

One-pot synthesis of multi-substituted conjugated dienones by trapping allene carbocations with active ylides.

A Rh(II)/boron reagent co-catalyzed unprecedent transformation was established for the rapid construction of multi-substituted conjugated dienones under mild conditions by trapping allene carbocations with oxonium ylides from simple starting points in yields up to 85%. Two CC double bonds, one C-C and one C-O single bond were built in this one-pot reaction. The diversity-oriented strategy was also established to synthesize alkyne ether and dihydrofuran derivatives by a substrate-depended fashion.

Base-Induced Highly Regioselective Synthesis of N2-Substituted 1,2,3-Triazoles under Mild Conditions in Air.

We developed a highly regioselective base-induced synthesis of N2-substituted 1,2,3-triazoles from N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and alkyl bromides/alkyl iodides at room temperature. We propose an SN2-like mechanistic pathway to explain the high N2-regioselectivity. The protocol features a broad substrate scope and generates products in good to excellent yields (72-90%).

Novel 2-phenyl-3-(Pyridin-2-yl) thiazolidin-4-one derivatives as potent inhibitors for proliferation of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Due to unknown pathogenesis and unidentified drug target, no drug for the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS) has been launched to the market. Herein, thiazolidinone 1a was discovered as a hit compound by phenotypic screening with an in-house patrimonial collection of structural diversity. The following SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) study affords the final water-soluble lead compound (R)-8i as a potential inhibitor for the proliferation of OS cells by the modulation of solubility of the compounds with remarkable cellular potency (IC50 = 21.9 nM for MNNG/HOS cells) and in vivo efficacy (52.9% inhibition OS growth in mice), as well as pharmacokinetic properties. (R)-8i also significantly suppresses OS cell migration in vitro and showed to be well-tolerated. Our preliminary investigation shows that the effects of (R)-8i are not dependent on p53 and myoferlin (MYOF). These results suggest that (R)-8i might be a potential drug candidate for OS treatment.

Determinants of Urinary Incontinence and Subtypes Among the Elderly in Nursing Homes.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common problem among older adults. This study investigated the prevalence of UI in nursing home residents aged ≥75 years in China and examined potential risk factors associated with UI and its subtypes. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews using a general questionnaire, the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form, and the Barthel Index. A total of 551 participants aged ≥75 years residing in Changsha city were enrolled from June to December 2018. The UI prevalence rate among nursing home residents aged ≥75 years was 24.3%. The most frequent subtype was mixed (M) UI (38.1%), followed by urge (U) UI (35.1%), stress (S) UI (11.9%), and other types (14.9%). In terms of severity, 57.5% had moderate UI, while 35.1% had mild and 7.5% had severe UI. Constipation, immobility, wheelchair use, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and pelvic or spinal surgery were significant risk factors for UI. Participants with a history of surgery had higher risks of SUI (odds ratio [OR] = 4.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.55-15.30) and UUI (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.05-3.71), those who were immobile or used a wheelchair had higher rates of MUI (OR = 11.07, 95% CI: 4.19-29.28; OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.16-9.78) and other UI types (OR = 7.89, 95% CI: 1.99-31.30; OR = 14.90, 95% CI: 4.88-45.50), those with CVD had a higher rate of UUI (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.17-4.34), and those with diabetes had a higher risk of UUI (OR = 2.250, 95% CI: 1.14-4.44). Use of oral antithrombotic agents increased UUI risk (OR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.10-11.85) whereas sedative hypnotic drug use was associated with a higher risk of MUI (OR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.25-10.45). Each UI subtype has distinct risk factors, and elderly residents of nursing homes with a history of CVD and pelvic or spinal surgery who experience constipation should be closely monitored. Reducing time spent in bed and engaging in active rehabilitation including walking and muscle strengthening may aid in UI prevention and treatment.

FeTPPCl/FeCl3 Co-Catalyzed One-Pot Green Synthesis of α-Diaryl-ß-alkynol Derivatives via Propargylic Carbocation Chemistry.

A green and highly efficient one-pot method for α-diaryl-ß-alkynol derivatives in water at room temperature was developed using the cocatalysis of a Lewis acid and meso-tetraphenylporphyrin iron(III) chloride (FeTPPCl). The unprecedented transformation was promoted by a modulation of the charge properties of propargylic carbocation chemistry and the use of an in situ-generated oxonium ylide as a matching nucleophile. The reaction was performed in water at room temperature with a highly step-economic manipulation in good to excellent yields and with a broad substrate scope. Water also acts as the third reactant for the one-pot transformation. Notably, the FeTPPCl catalyst can be directly reused four times with a slight discount in yields.

Dual Functional Pd-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction by Umpolung Chemistry of the Oxygen Atom in Electrophiles.

A Pd-catalyzed multicomponent reaction was developed by trapping oxomium ylide with nitrosobenzene via Pd-promoted umpolung chemistry. The Pd catalyst plays two important roles: diazo compound decomposed catalyst and Lewis acid for the activation of nitrosobenzene. This strategy provides some insight into a new way for discovery of multicomponent methodology to construct complex molecules. The developed method also provides rapid access to a series of O-(2-oxy) hydroxylamine derivatives, which exhibit good anticancer activity in osteosarcoma cells.

NAD(P)-dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like protein and neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 serve as novel markers for early detection of gastric cancer identified using quantitative proteomics.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to identify novel GC biomarkers by integrating isobaric tags of relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) for aberrantly expressed proteins in GC patients. METHODS: Using stable isotope tags, we labeled an initial discovery group comprising four paired gastric cancer and adjacent gastric tissue samples, and subjected them to LC-ESI-MS/MS. We used a validation set comprising 129 paired gastric cancer and adjacent gastric tissues from patients and benign healthy controls to validate the candidate targets. RESULTS: We identified two proteins, NAD(P)-dependent steroid dehydrogenase-like (NSDHL) and neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1 (NCEH1), that were significantly overexpressed in GC tissues. The sensitivity and specificity of NSDHL were 80.6% and 74.4%, respectively, in GC compared with a sensitivity of 25.6% in adjacent tissues and 24% in benign healthy controls. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for NSDHL was 0.810 for GC detection. Overexpression of NSDHL in GC was significantly correlated with local tumor invasion. The sensitivity and specificity of NCEH1 were 77.5% and 73.6%, respectively, in GC compared with a sensitivity of 26.4% in adjacent tissues and 20% in benign controls. The AUC for NSDHL was 0.792. Overexpression of NCEH1 was significantly associated with tumor histological classification and local invasion. Moreover, a combined analysis of NSDHL and NCEH1 achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 83%, respectively, and the AUC was 0.872. The combined analysis of NSDHL and NCEH1 was significantly correlated with histological grade and TNM Ⅱ-Ⅳ staging. CONCLUSIONS: iTRAQ-labeled quantitative proteomics represents a powerful method to identify novel cancer biomarkers. The present study identified NSDHL and NCEH1 as useful biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.

TAK­242 exerts a neuroprotective effect via suppression of the TLR4/MyD88/TRIF/NF­κB signaling pathway in a neonatal hypoxic­ischemic encephalopathy rat model.

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the main causes of death and nervous system damage in neonates. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the Toll­like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist TAK­242 on HIE. The Rice­Vannucci method was used for ligation of the left common carotid artery, followed by hypoxic treatment for 2.5 h to establish a neonatal HIE rat model. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with 7.5 ml/kg TAK­242 after hypoxia­ischemia. It was demonstrated that TAK­242 significantly reduced the infarct volume and cerebral edema content of neonatal rats after HIE, alleviating neuronal damage and neurobehavioral function deficits. Furthermore, TAK­242 decreased the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TIR­domain­containing adapter­inducing interferon­ß (TRIF), NF­κB, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF­α) and interleukin­1ß in the hippocampus. The present results suggested that TAK­242 may exert a neuroprotective effect after HIE by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/TRIF/NF­κB signaling pathway, and reducing the release of downstream inflammatory cytokines.

Diabetes distress, happiness, and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with different therapies.

This study aimed to investigate diabetes distress, happiness, and its associated factors of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated by different therapies, and to analyze the related impact factors. A total of 1512 patients with T2DM were randomly selected from 18 tertiary hospitals in Hunan province from January 2016 to April 2016 who has been treated with oral antidiabetics monotherapy, insulin monotherapy, and combination therapy. Use the general information questionnaire, WHO-5 (the World Health Organization 5 well-being index) and PAID (the problem areas in diabetes scale) to collect the data. There are 846 (55.95%) patients that have serious emotional disorders, and the diabetes related distress in insulin treatment group was higher than that in combination treatment group (P < .05). Happiness of T2DM patients in combination therapy was higher than oral antidiabetic drug monotherapy and insulin monotherapy (P < .05). There was a negative correlation between diabetic suffering and happiness in patients with different treatments (R ranged from -0.335 to -0.436, P < .001). Age and happiness experience could explain 14.8% of the variance. Acute and chronic complications, controlled blood glucose level, lifestyle, therapies, and school education can explain 18.3% variance. Under different therapies, the suffering and happiness of T2DM patients differed from each other. The suffering and happiness of T2DM were related to different therapies, age, complications, glycaemic control, lifestyle, school education, and so on.