Visible-Light-Promoted Catalyst-Free Oxyarylation and Hydroarylation of Alkenes with Carbon Dioxide Radical Anion.

Visible-light-mediated oxyarylation and hydroarylation of alkenes with aryl halides using formate salts as the reductant and hydrogen source under ambient conditions were developed. These protocols represent rare catalyst-free examples of the realization of such transformations. Using styrenes as substrates, oxyarylation could occur smoothly. Whereas, hydroarylation proceeds employing electron deficient alkenes. Moreover, dehalogenation proceeds successfully in the absence of alkenes. We expected that this method could provide a valuable strategy for the functionalization of aryl halides.

A pre-conception cohort study of fertility and its related factors among couples with the intention of conception / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To describe fertility and explore factors associated with it among pre-conception couples of childbearing age. Methods: Based on the pre-conceptional offspring trajectory study of the School of Public Health of Fudan University, couples of childbearing age who participated in the pre-conception physical examination in Shanghai Jiading District from 2016 to 2021 were recruited and followed up. Couples' time to pregnancy (TTP) was analyzed and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the factors associated with TTP. Kaplan-Meier was used to calculate each menstrual cycle's cumulative pregnancy rate. Results: A total of 1 095 preconception couples were included in the analysis, the M(Q1,Q3)of TTP was 4.33 (2.41, 9.78) menstrual cycles. Age of women (FR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.85-0.95, P<0.001), women who were overweight or obese before pregnancy (FR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.24-0.55, P<0.001), women who were exposed to second-hand smoking (FR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.44-0.92, P=0.016), women whose home or office had been renovated in the past 2 years and had a particular smell (FR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.26-0.81, P=0.008) were risk factors for impaired fertility. Regular menstrual cycles (FR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.16-2.31, P=0.005), females who often drank tea/coffee (FR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.11-2.17, P=0.011) and males who took folic acid before conception (FR=2.35, 95%CI: 1.38-4.23, P=0.002) were associated with better fertility. The cumulative pregnancy rate of 3, 6, and 12 menstrual cycles was 37.6%, 64.4%, and 78.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Older couples, overweight or obesity before pregnancy, irregular menstruation, exposure to secondhand smoke and decoration pollutants in females are associated with impaired fertility. Frequent tea/coffee drinking before pregnancy in females and taking folic acid before pregnancy in males are associated with shortened conception time.

Visible light-promoted synthesis of ureas and formamides from amines and CO2.

A divergent visible-light-induced Ph3P-promoted method for the synthesis of ureas and formamides from amines and CO2 is reported. Without external additions, a range of ureas could be directly accessed under ambient temperature and pressure. Using triisopropylsilanethiol as the hydrogen source, formamides could be produced.

Effect of short hairpin RNA lentivirus-mediated silencing of pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 on proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the effect of short hairpin RNA(shRNA)-mediated pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PALAG2) silencing on the malignant behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its mechanism. Methods Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression level of PLAGL2 in liver cancer tissues and adjacent tissues. Hepatoma cells MHCC97-L were cultured in vitro, the lentiviral vector plasmid PLAGL2-shRNA and control NC-shRNA were constructed, transfected into MHCC97-L cells, and stable transfected strains were selected with puromycin. CCK-8 and Transwell chamber assay detected the proliferation activity and the number of migration and invasion of MHCC97-L cells after silencing PLAGL2. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins. The PI3K/ Akt signaling pathway activator was used to treat MHCC97-L cells to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Results The expression of PLAGL2 was significantly increased in liver cancer tissue (P < 0. 05). Transfection of 9 strains of MHCC97-L cells with PLAGL2-shRNA could significantly reduce the expression level of PLAGL2, and the ability of proliferation, migration, and invasion of MHCC97-L cells was also weakened (P<0. 05), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, and p-Akt were inhibited (P<0. 05), PI3K/ Akt activator could obviously reverse the above phenomenon. Conclusion shRNA lentiviral vector pathway can effectively silence the expression of PLAGL2 gene in hepatocarcinoma cells. Silencing of PLAGL2 can significantly inhibit the malignant behavior of proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatocarcinoma cells, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K / Akt signaling pathway activation.

Atractylenolide III alleviates sepsis-mediated lung injury via inhibition of FoxO1 and VNN1 protein.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of atractylenolide (Atr) III on sepsis-induced lung damage. METHODS: We constructed a mouse sepsis model through cecal ligation and puncture. These mice were allocated to the normal, sepsis, sepsis + Atr III-L (2 mg/kg), as well as Atr III-H (8 mg/kg) group. Lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis were accessed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's staining. We used terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry for detecting sepsis-induced lung cell apoptosis. The contents of the inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Atr III-H did not only reduce sepsis-induced lung injury and apoptosis level, but also curbed the secretion of inflammatory factors. Atr III-H substantially ameliorated lung function and raised Bcl-2 expression. Atr III-H eased the pulmonary fibrosis damage and Bax, caspase-3, Vanin-1 (VNN1), as well as Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FoxO1) expression. CONCLUSIONS: Atr III alleviates sepsis-mediated lung injury via inhibition of FoxO1 and VNN1 protein.

Carbonylative coupling of simple alkanes and alkenes enabled by organic photoredox catalysis.

A visible-light-driven direct carbonylative coupling of simple alkanes and alkenes via the combination of a hydrogen atom transfer process and photoredox catalysis has been demonstrated. Employing the N-alkoxyazinium salt as the oxidant and the precursor of an oxygen radical, a variety of α,ß-unsaturated ketones could be obtained in a metal-free fashion.

Theoretical research on cage-like furazan-based energetic compounds and its derivatives.

In this manuscript, we reported the design and prediction of two furazan-based cage-like molecules and their derivatives using density function theory (DFT). The heat formation and detonation properties were calculated using Hess's law and Kamlet-Jacobs equations with the B3PW91 method. The molecular stability and geometry were analyzed using the M06-2X method, and molecular crystal structures were predicted based on Monte Carlo simulation, while chemical reactive sites were judged using the PBE0 method based on Fukui function. The theoretical calculation result proved that the designed molecules exhibit ideal symmetric cage-like geometry and show superior physicochemical and detonation properties. Compared with traditional energetic materials, the designed molecules display more positive solid heat formation and lower sensitivity. The designed molecules could be considered promising high energy density material candidates with potential synthesis and application value. Two designed molecules display superior detonation performance and ideal completely symmetric cage-like geometry, which were proved theoretically as a promising HEDM candidate. A series of derivatives also exhibited excellent crystal density and physicochemical properties, while with more stable structure.

Visible-Light-Mediated Divergent Silylfunctionalization of Alkenes.

1,2-Silylfunctionalization of alkenes is an efficient way to construct highly functionalized silicon-containing compounds. However, examples of 1,2-silylfunctionalization of alkenes using readily available hydrosilanes are limited. Herein, we present a visible-light-mediated divergent 1,2-silylfunctionalization of alkenes using hydrosilane under ambient conditions. A series of ß-alkoxy, ß-alkylthio, ß-hydroxy, and ß-indolyl silanes was obtained in good to excellent yields. Moreover, vinylsilanes were successfully prepared in the absence of an additional nucleophile.

Photoinduced Oxidative Alkoxycarbonylation of Alkenes with Alkyl Formates.

A photoinduced oxidative alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes initiated by intermolecular addition of alkoxycarbonyl radicals has been demonstrated. Employing alkyl formates as alkoxycarbonyl radical sources, a range of α,ß-unsaturated esters were obtained with good regioselectivity and E selectivity under ambient conditions.

Atractylenolide III alleviates sepsis-mediated lung injury via inhibition of FoxO1 and VNN1 protein

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the influence of atractylenolide (Atr) III on sepsis-induced lung damage. Methods: We constructed a mouse sepsis model through cecal ligation and puncture. These mice were allocated to the normal, sepsis, sepsis + Atr III-L (2 mg/kg), as well as Atr III-H (8 mg/kg) group. Lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis were accessed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's staining. We used terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry for detecting sepsis-induced lung cell apoptosis. The contents of the inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Atr III-H did not only reduce sepsis-induced lung injury and apoptosis level, but also curbed the secretion of inflammatory factors. Atr III-H substantially ameliorated lung function and raised Bcl-2 expression. Atr III-H eased the pulmonary fibrosis damage and Bax, caspase-3, Vanin-1 (VNN1), as well as Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FoxO1) expression. Conclusions: Atr III alleviates sepsis-mediated lung injury via inhibition of FoxO1 and VNN1 protein.

Theoretical studies on oxadiazole-based layer stacking nitrogen-rich high-performance insensitive energetic materials.

A series of energetic compounds derived from substituted oxadiazole molecules which were theoretically proved to have π-π stacking crystal structure using NIC method and QTAIM theory were designed and investigated theoretically as novel high-performance insensitive energetic materials. The heats of formation (HOFs) and detonation parameters were predicted based on Kamlet-Jacobs equations and Born-Haber cycle. All energetic compounds and derivatives were calculated at DFT-B3PW91/6-31G++(d,p) level and exhibited ideal oxygen balance (OB%) (- 19.50~15.68), positive heats of formation (424.0~957.4 kJ/mol), and pleasant crystal density (1.707~1.901 g/cm3). The predicted results revealed that detonation performances of some designed molecules are equal to traditional energetic materials while they are more stable and insensitive that can be considered to have potential synthesis and application value. Graphical abstract BRIEFS Three energetic molecules that proved may have a π-π stacking crystal structure and its derivatives were designed and investigated theoretical as novel high-performance insensitive energetic materials. The most of compounds exhibited positive solid phase heat of formation, idea oxygen balance and structural stability.

Photoredox-Catalyzed α-C(sp3)-H Activation of Unprotected Secondary Amines: Facile Access to 1,4-Dicarbonyl Compounds.

A photoredox-catalyzed α-C(sp3)-H activation approach of unprotected secondary amines is reported. Such transformations provide facile access to various 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds using readily available amines and α,ß-unsaturated compounds as feedstocks under air conditions. The substrate scope of this method is broad, and a wide array of functional groups are tolerated.

Theoretical investigation of nitrogen-rich high-energy-density materials based on furazan substituted s-triazine.

A series of furazan substituted s-triazine derivatives were designed and investigated theoretically as potential nitrogen-rich high-energy-density materials in this work. Density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to predict the heats of formation (HOFs) and compounds structure was optimized at B3PW91/6-31G++ (d,p) level. The explosive detonation parameters were calculated based on Kamlet-Jacobs equations and Born-Haber cycle. The presence of the -NO2 and - NH2 groups in the same structure were found to be helpful in improving structural stability through intramolecular weak interactions. Most of the designed compounds were characterized by high HOFs (solid-phase heat of information 71.01-518.20 kJ/mol) and crystal density values (1.74-1.90 g/cm3). In the analysis of frontier molecular orbital that some designed compounds chemical activity similar with TATB, but show better detonation performance. The predicted results reveal that some designed nitrogen-rich compounds outperform traditional energetic materials and may be considered as potential candidates for high-energy materials. Graphical Abstract BRIEFS A series of furazan substituted s-triazine derivatives were designed and investigated theoretically as potential nitrogen-rich high-energy-density materials and most of the compounds exhibit high solid phase heat of information and fascinating detonation properties.

Phylogenetic analysis of Echinococcus granulosus genotypes based on the GenBank database / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the sequences of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (Cox1) gene of various Echinococcus granulosus genotypes that are currently recorded in the GenBank database, so as to investigate the genetic variation and differentiation of the E. granulosus genotypes across the world. Methods The sequences of the Cox1 gene of various E. granulosus genotypes that are currently recorded in the GenBank database were collected, and the same sequences of the Cox1 gene identified from a region were excluded. The mutation sites among the Cox1 gene sequences were identified and a phylogenetic tree was created based on the Cox1 gene. Results Transversion mutation was the predominant type of mutation in the Cox1 gene of E. granulosus. The same Cox1 gene sequence was found in E. granulosus G1, G6 and G7 genotypes isolated from various geographical locations across the world, with the corresponding GenBank accession numbers of KY766891, MH300971 and MH301007, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that E. granulosus G10 genotype had a remarkable geographical aggregation. Conclusions E. granulosus G1, G6 and G7 genotypes have primitive Cox1 gene sequences. There is a geographical aggregation of the E. granulosus G10 genotype in the phylogenetic tree, which has a tendency towards reproductive isolation.

Study on the levels and risk factors of Vitamin D from preconception to pregnancy / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To investigate the levels of serum Vitamin D(VD) from preconception to pregnancy in Jiading district of Shanghai, and explore the risk factors of VD concentration deficiency in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Methods A total of 94 women who planned to have antenatal care and delivery in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Jiading district of Shanghai from September 2016 to December 2018 were recruited as the study participants. Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) was used to examine the concentration of women’s serum VD from preconception to pregnancy. A total of 282 serum samples were detected. Results The prevalence of VD deficiency among 94 women from preconception to pregnancy were 40.4%,57.4% and 48.9% respectively. Results of the mixed linear model showed that women who had dyed or permed hair within the past 1 year had significantly lower serum VD levels during pregnancy (P<0.05), and women who often drank milk and ate deep-sea fish during pregnancy had higher VD levels during pregnancy (P<0.05). Conclusions VD deficiency was common among women in Jiading district of Shanghai, and it should be emphasized to supplement VD before and during pregnancy.

Present situation and progress of comprehensive treatments for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Alveolar echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonosis that severely damages human health. Currently, radical surgical resection is the first choice for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. For the advanced hepatic echinococcosis patients with refractory radical resection, the palliative surgery combined with chemotherapy, liver transplantation, drug therapy, and radiofrequency microwave ablation may provide comprehensive tools. This article reviews the current situation and progress of comprehensive treatments for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

Present situation and progress of comprehensive treatments for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Alveolar echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonosis that severely damages human health. Currently, radical surgical resection is the first choice for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. For the advanced hepatic echinococcosis patients with refractory radical resection, the palliative surgery combined with chemotherapy, liver transplantation, drug therapy, and radiofrequency microwave ablation may provide comprehensive tools. This article reviews the current situation and progress of comprehensive treatments for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.

Dual-Targeted Microbubbles Specific to Integrin αVß3 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 for Ultrasonography Evaluation of Tumor Angiogenesis.

Aggressive tumors are characterized by angiogenesis that promotes the migration and dissemination of tumor cells. Our aim was to develop a dual-targeted microbubble system for non-invasive evaluation of tumor angiogenesis in ultrasound. Avidinylated microbubbles were conjugated with biotinylated arginylglycylaspartic acid and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) antibodies. Subcutaneous MHCC-97H liver carcinoma models were established. Non-targeted, αvß3-targeted, VEGFR2-targeted and dual-targeted microbubbles was intravenously injected in series while acquiring ultrasound images of the tumor. The microbubbles were destroyed by a high-mechanical-index pulse 4 min after the injection. Peak intensity (PI) before and after the destructive pulse was recorded to compare contrast enhancement by different microbubbles. The targeting rates of the integrin-targeted, VEGFR2-targeted and dual-targeted groups were 95.02%, 96.04% and 94.23%, respectively, with no significant differences. Tumors in all groups were significantly enhanced. The time-intensity curve indicated no significant differences in arrival time, PI, area under the curve, amplitude and mean transit time. The difference in ultrasound signal intensity before and after the destructive pulse (⊿PI) for all targeted microbubble groups was significantly greater than that for the non-targeted microbubble group (all p values < 0.05), and the difference for the dual-targeted microbubble group was significantly greater than those of both mono-targeted groups (p <0.05).

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of focal gallbladder adenomyomatosis and gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Focal gallbladder adenomyomatosis (ADM) is a common disease that mimics gallbladder cancer (GBC) on ultrasonography. OBJECTIVE: Here we aim to assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating ADM from GBC. METHODS: Forty-one histopathologically proven focal ADMs and 34 GBCs (≤T2 stage) were enrolled in the study. Lesion location, blood flow signals, contrast pattern and appearance on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) were compared respectively. RESULTS: Lesions were detected in fundus, body, neck at the rates of 61.0% (25/41), 26.8% (11/41) and 12.2% (5/41), respectively, in ADM patients, in comparison to 29.4% (10/34), 32.4% (11/34) and 38.2% (13/34), respectively, in GBC patients (p = 0.009). Blood flow signals were detected in 19.5% (8/41) of cases in ADMs, compared to 58.8% (20/34) in GBCs (p = 0.001). On CEUS, iso-enhancement, hypo-enhancement, intramural anechoic space and intactness of GB wall were detected in 41.5% (17/41), 39.0% (16/41), 56.1% (23/41) and 80.5% (33/41) cases of ADMs, in contrast to 17.6% (6/34), 20.6% (7/34), 20.6% (7/34) and 17.6% (6/34) of GBCs (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). The prior Youden's index were 0.81 based on intactness of GB wall on CEUS. CONCLUSION: Combined with CEUS helps improve the differential diagnosis accuracy of focal gallbladder ADMs.

Protective effects of spirulina on hippocampal injury in exercise-fatigue mice and its mechanism / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the roles of BDNF/TrkB neurotrophic signaling in hippocampal injury for fatigue rats induced by incremental load exercise and the protective effects and mechanism of spirulina supplement.@*METHODS@#Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (NC), normal plus spirulina group(NS), exercise model group (EM), exercise plus spirulina group (ES), and positive control group (PC), 12 rats in each group.Group EM, Group ES and Group PC were applied by treadmill running with high-intensity increasing for three weeks, and Group NC had not any intervention measures.Group ES and Group NS were treated with spirulina at a dose of 300 mg/kg.bw.by intragastric administration.Group PC was gavaged at the same volume of ginseng extract of 1.92 g/kg for three weeks.The expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase recptor (TrkB), phospho-tyrosine kinase recptor (p-TrkB) were tested by Western blot and immunohistochemical method, and micromorphology changes of hippocampal CA1 were observed by light microscope at the end of the experiment.The general situations of rats such as body weights were recorded during the experiment.@*RESULTS@#Compared with Group NC, Group EM showed significantly decrease in body weight and hippocampal CA1 neurons of the group loosely arrayed and disarrayed and some neurons were shrinked, and even some neurons disappeared.The expressions of BDNF, TrkB and p-TrkB in group EM were increased significantly(<0.01).Compared with Group EM, body weight of Group ES was increased significantly, and the above mentioned injuries of neurons were improved significantly:the number of neurons and nissl bodies were significantly increased and the neurons arrayed regularly and its morphology was more complete.The expressions of BDNF, TrkB and p-TrkB in the group were increased significantly(<0.05 or <0.01).And there was no difference between Group ES and Group PC.@*CONCLUSIONS@#BDNF/TrkB neurotrophic signal pathway could be involved in the repair process of hippocampal nervous damage caused by incremental load exercise for fatigue rats.Spirulina supplement had a protective effect on the damaged nervous through increasing the expressions of BDNF, TrkB and p-TrkB.