Ni-Catalyzed Enantioselective Intramolecular Mizoroki-Heck Reaction for the Synthesis of Phenanthridinone Derivatives.

A Ni-catalyzed enantioselective intramolecular Mizoroki-Heck reaction has been developed to transform symmetrical 1,4-cyclohexadienes with attached aryl halides into phenanthridinone analogues containing quaternary stereocenters. Herein, we report important advances in reaction optimization enabling control of unwanted proto-dehalogenation and alkene reduction side products. Moreover, this approach provides direct access to six-membered ring heterocyclic systems bearing all-carbon quaternary stereocenters, which have been much more challenging to form enantioselectively with nickel-catalyzed Heck reactions. A wide range of substrates were demonstrated to work in good to excellent yields. Good enantioselectivity was demonstrated using a new synthesized chiral iQuinox-type bidentate ligand (L27). The sustainability, low price of nickel catalysts, and significantly faster reaction rate (1 h) versus that of a recently reported palladium-catalyzed reaction (20 h) make this process an attractive alternative.

Digoxin-specific antibody fragments for the treatment of suspected Nerium oleander toxicosis in a cat.

CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented for lethargy and gastrointestinal signs after possible exposure to Nerium oleander leaves. The cat developed a ventricular arrhythmia that responded positively to the administration of digoxin-specific antibody fragments. Underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was also diagnosed after the development of congestive heart failure. Humane euthanasia was elected owing to a lack of significant response to continued therapy. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments in a cat. Nerium oleander toxicosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and digoxin-specific antibody fragments have been used effectively in humans and animals. The development of cardiac necrosis may have contributed to worsening arrhythmias and highlights the importance of early intervention. The use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments for suspected N oleander toxicosis in a cat resulted in a rapid response and appeared to be well tolerated.

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum and anaphylactic shock associated with Hymenoptera envenomation in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical presentation of a dog with spontaneous hemoperitoneum associated with anaphylactic shock from Hymenoptera envenomation. CASE SUMMARY: An 8-year-old female neutered Beagle presented as an emergency for acute onset of collapse, hematemesis, and hematochezia. The dog was tachycardic, tachypneic, and hypotensive. Initial assessment revealed a hemoperitoneum with documentation of a nonclotting sanguineous peritoneal effusion with PCV 81% and total protein concentration 65 g/L (6.5 g/dL). No obvious masses were appreciated ultrasonographically during original presentation and cytology of the peritoneal effusion was unremarkable. Peripheral PCV was 67% and total plasma protein concentration was 72 g/L (7.2 g/dL). A bee stinger was located in the right upper lip after presentation and was postulated to be the inciting trigger for the abdominal hemorrhage and shock. The patient was medically stabilized and ultimately made an uneventful recovery. Abdominal ultrasound performed 3 days after discharge revealed a single 0.85 cm hyperechoic liver nodule. Follow-up evaluation at 6 and 18 months after presentation documented a normal physical examination, unremarkable thoracic radiographs, and no change in the original hyperechoic liver nodule. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This report details an unusual clinical presentation of anaphylactic shock due to Hymenoptera envenomation in a dog. To the authors' knowledge, spontaneous hemoperitoneum associated with anaphylaxis and bee envenomation has not been documented in the veterinary literature.