Echocardiographic findings and pregnancy outcomes for fetuses with complete closure of the ductus arteriosus.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the echocardiographic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes for fetuses with premature complete closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for eight cases of premature ductus arteriosus closure diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography in the Hunan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from July 2019 to August 2022, and the characteristics of fetal echocardiography and pregnancy outcomes of the eight cases were analyzed and summarized. RESULTS: In all cases, the intima of the ductus arteriosus was thickened and occluded, the ductus arteriosus could be seen with slightly hyperechogenic, and no blood flow signal was found in the ductus arteriosus by Doppler ultrasonography. The right heart was enlarged in seven cases, and the whole heart was enlarged in one case. Tricuspid valve regurgitation was observed to different degrees, of which seven cases were severe and one case was moderate. The pulmonary arteries of eight patients had varying degrees of widening. All eight cases were delivered by cesarean section, and one newborn died after follow-up. The prognosis of the other newborns was good. CONCLUSION: The parameters of prenatal echocardiography are helpful for the prognosis of fetuses with premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Early prenatal detection, close observation, and clinical guidance can be used to select the right time of delivery.

Integration of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to construct liver hepatocellular carcinoma stem cell signatures to explore their impact on patient prognosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a prevalent form of primary liver cancer. Research has demonstrated the contribution of tumor stem cells in facilitating tumor recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Despite this, there remains a lack of established cancer stem cells (CSCs)-associated genes signatures for effectively predicting the prognosis and guiding the treatment strategies for patients diagnosed with LIHC. METHODS: The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA transcriptome data were obtained based on public datasets and computerized firstly using CytoTRACE package and One Class Linear Regression (OCLR) algorithm to evaluate stemness level, respectively. Then, we explored the association of stemness indicators (CytoTRACE score and stemness index, mRNAsi) with survival outcomes and clinical characteristics by combining clinical information and survival analyses. Subsequently, weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Cox were applied to assess mRNAsi-related genes in bulk LIHC data and construct a prognostic model for LIHC patients. Single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) analysis were employed for immune infiltration assessment. Finally, the potential immunotherapeutic response was predicted by the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), and the tumor mutation burden (TMB). Additionally, pRRophetic package was applied to evaluate the sensitivity of high and low-risk groups to common chemotherapeutic drugs. RESULTS: A total of four genes (including STIP1, H2AFZ, BRIX1, and TUBB) associated with stemness score (CytoTRACE score and mRNAsi) were identified and constructed a risk model that could predict prognosis in LIHC patients. It was observed that high stemness cells occurred predominantly in the late stages of LIHC and that poor overall survival in LIHC patients was also associated with high mRNAsi scores. In addition, pathway analysis confirmed the biological uniqueness of the two risk groups. Personalized treatment predictions suggest that patients with a low risk benefited more from immunotherapy, while those with a high risk group may be conducive to chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSION: The current study developed a novel prognostic risk signature with genes related to CSCs, which provides novel ideas for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of LIHC.

Case report: Robust response to sintilimab in advanced distal cholangiocarcinoma with PD-L1 expression and DNA damage repair.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly heterogeneous tumor that occurs in the bile duct epithelium; adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare pathological subtype of CCA. The clinical treatment of patients with metastatic distal CCA poses significant challenges. We report a 53-year-old female diagnosed with a stage III adenosquamous carcinomas of distal CCA. Metastasis occurred 4 months postoperatively and she was diagnosed with stage IV disease. The patient was treated with Gemcitabine + Oxaliplatin (GEMOX) and Capecitabine + Oxaliplatin (CAPEOX), followed by sintilimab monotherapy. After two cycles of treatment, the patient achieved partial response (PR) and the lesion continued to shrink. After 37 months of follow-up, the patient's liver metastasis had almost completely disappeared, and complete response (CR) was achieved. Moreover, she had more than 46 months of disease progression-free survival (PFS). Immunohistochemical testing showed high expression of PD-L1, and next-generation sequencing revealed the presence of mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway genes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the successful treatment of metastatic distal adenosquamous CCA with sintilimab alone. Remarkably, patients of CCA with high PD-L1 expression and DDR pathway gene mutations may benefit from sintilimab treatment.

The RAS-signaling-pathway-mutation-related prognosis in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from South China children's leukemia group.

The next-generation sequencing technologies application discovers novel genetic alterations frequently in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). RAS signaling pathway mutations at the time of relapse ALL frequently appear as small subclones at the time of onset, which are considered as the drivers in ALL relapse. Whether subclones alterations in the RAS signaling pathway should be considered for risk group stratification of ALL treatment is not decided yet. In this work, we investigate the RAS signaling pathway mutation spectrum and the related prognosis in pediatric ALL. We employed an NGS panel comprising 220 genes. NGS results were collected from 202 pediatric ALL patients. 155 patients (76.7%) harbored at least one mutation. The incidences of RAS signaling pathway mutations are different significantly between T-ALL and B-ALL. In B-ALL, the RAS pathway is mostly involved, and NRAS (17.6%), KRAS (22.7%), and PTPN11 (7.7%) were the three most frequently mutated genes. Co-occurring mutations of CREBBP and NRAS, FLT3, or PTPN11 (p = 0.002, p = 0.009, and p = 0.003, respectively) were found in this cohort. The 3-year RFS rates for the RAS signaling pathway mutation-positive and negative cases was 76.5 % versus 89.7 % (p = 0.012). Four cases relapsed in the lately 3 years were RAS signaling pathway mutation-positive. RAS signaling pathway mutation is an important biomarker for poorer relapse-free survival in pediatric B-ALL patients despite good early MRD levels.

miRNA-383-5p Regulated Migration and Invasion of Tumor Cells by Inhibiting NCKAP1 Expression in Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second deadliest disease in Asia, so it is crucial to find its promising therapeutic targets. The expression profile data of miR383-5p in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. The expression levels of miR383-5p in the collected clinical tissue samples and peripheral blood samples were examined by qPCR, and the relationship between its expression and the clinical data of patients was evaluated. MiR383-5p was overexpressed in the AGS cells, and cell biology assays, such as Transwell, were performed to detect the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and other cell biology abilities of miR383-5p. Target prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to find and validate the target genes of miR383-5p. The expression and activity of MMP and related proteins after overexpression of miR383-5p and NCKAP1 were detected by WB and gelatin zymography assay. The expression of miR383-5p was down-regulated in GC tissues, and its low expression was associated with lymph node metastasis. Restoration of miR383-5p expression in GC cells can inhibit the invasion and migration abilities of GC cells. MiR383-5p negatively regulated NCKAP1 through direct interaction with the 3'UTR sequence of NCKAP1. The overexpression of NCKAP1 can improve the migration and invasion abilities of GC cells, whereas overexpression of miR383-5p can inhibit growth of the aforementioned abilities of GC cells induced by NCKAP1 overexpression. The overexpression of NCKAP1 can increase the expression level and activity of MMP2, while the overexpression of miR383-5p can inhibit the increase of MMP2 expression level and activity in GC cells induced by NCKAP1 overexpression. NCKAP1 is a target gene of miR383-5p, and miR383-5p could be a valuable therapeutic target for stomach adenocarcinoma.

Mouse auditory cortex sub-fields receive neuronal projections from MGB subdivisions independently.

Mouse auditory cortex is composed of six sub-fields: primary auditory field (AI), secondary auditory field (AII), anterior auditory field (AAF), insular auditory field (IAF), ultrasonic field (UF) and dorsoposterior field (DP). Previous studies have examined thalamo-cortical connections in the mice auditory system and learned that AI, AAF, and IAF receive inputs from the ventral division of the medial geniculate body (MGB). However, the functional and thalamo-cortical connections between nonprimary auditory cortex (AII, UF, and DP) is unclear. In this study, we examined the locations of neurons projecting to these three cortical sub-fields in the MGB, and addressed the question whether these cortical sub-fields receive inputs from different subsets of MGB neurons or common. To examine the distributions of projecting neurons in the MGB, retrograde tracers were injected into the AII, UF, DP, after identifying these areas by the method of Optical Imaging. Our results indicated that neuron cells which in ventral part of dorsal MGB (MGd) and that of ventral MGB (MGv) projecting to UF and AII with less overlap. And DP only received neuron projecting from MGd. Interestingly, these three cortical areas received input from distinct part of MGd and MGv in an independent manner. Based on our foundings these three auditory cortical sub-fields in mice may independently process auditory information.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward leukemia in the general population and among family members of patients with leukemia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Patients with leukemia rely on social and family support. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward leukemia among family members of patients with leukemia and the general population in southeast China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2022 in southeast China (Anhui Province). The KAP scores and demographic data were assessed by questionnaire and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression and structural equation modeling. Results: A total of 760 valid questionnaires were collected, including 117 (15.39%) answered by family members of patients with leukemia. The mean knowledge (8.30 ± 2.79 vs. 8.72 ± 2.56, P = 0.103), attitude (52.17 ± 5.52 vs. 52.27 ± 5.53, P = 0.862), and practice (8.06 ± 2.00 vs. 8.18 ± 2.05, P = 0.547) scores were comparable among family members and the general population. Higher knowledge scores [OR = 1.18 (1.10, 1.27), P < 0.001] and higher attitude scores [OR = 1.05 (1.02, 1.09), P = 0.002] were independently associated with better practice scores. Being a family member of a patient with leukemia had no significant effect on the KAP scores. Conclusion: The participants demonstrated satisfactory knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practices toward leukemia, suggesting that access to information about leukemia to the general public might be sufficient in China. Health education might effectively improve knowledge, which could translate into improved attitude and practice.

A Systematic Review of Interventions for Demoralization in Patients with Chronic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Demoralization, a significant mental health concern in patients with chronic diseases, can have a large impact on physical symptom burden and quality of life. The present review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for demoralization among patients with chronic diseases. METHOD: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched. Research on providing interventions to patients with chronic diseases that included quantitative data on demoralization was then systematically reviewed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included, most of which considered demoralization as a secondary outcome. Interventions included evidence-based meaning-centered psychotherapy, dignity therapy, psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy, and others. Ten studies used randomized controlled designs. Six of these investigated evidence-based meaning-centered therapy, and four investigated dignity therapy, showing the best empirical support for these intervention types. Most studies showed significant impacts on demoralization in patients with chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides insights into potential psychological interventions for reducing demoralization in patients with chronic diseases. Randomized controlled designs and adequately powered samples, with demoralization as the primary outcome, are needed to more clearly evaluate its effectiveness.

Autophagy-driven regulation of cisplatin response in human cancers: Exploring molecular and cell death dynamics.

Despite the challenges posed by drug resistance and side effects, chemotherapy remains a pivotal strategy in cancer treatment. A key issue in this context is macroautophagy (commonly known as autophagy), a dysregulated cell death mechanism often observed during chemotherapy. Autophagy plays a cytoprotective role by maintaining cellular homeostasis and recycling organelles, and emerging evidence points to its significant role in promoting cancer progression. Cisplatin, a DNA-intercalating agent known for inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest, often encounters resistance in chemotherapy treatments. Recent studies have shown that autophagy can contribute to cisplatin resistance or insensitivity in tumor cells through various mechanisms. This resistance can be mediated by protective autophagy, which suppresses apoptosis. Additionally, autophagy-related changes in tumor cell metastasis, particularly the induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), can also lead to cisplatin resistance. Nevertheless, pharmacological strategies targeting the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis offer promising avenues to enhance cisplatin sensitivity in cancer therapy. Notably, numerous non-coding RNAs have been identified as regulators of autophagy in the context of cisplatin chemotherapy. Thus, therapeutic targeting of autophagy or its associated pathways holds potential for restoring cisplatin sensitivity, highlighting an important direction for future clinical research.

Identifying hub genes of sepsis-associated and hepatic encephalopathies based on bioinformatic analysis-focus on the two common encephalopathies of septic cirrhotic patients in ICU.

BACKGROUND: In the ICU ward, septic cirrhotic patients are susceptible to suffering from sepsis-associated encephalopathy and/or hepatic encephalopathy, which are two common neurological complications in such patients. However, the mutual pathogenesis between sepsis-associated and hepatic encephalopathies remains unclear. We aimed to identify the mutual hub genes, explore effective diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the two common encephalopathies and provide novel, promising insights into the clinical management of such septic cirrhotic patients. METHODS: The precious human post-mortem cerebral tissues were deprived of the GSE135838, GSE57193, and GSE41919 datasets, downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Furthermore, we identified differentially expressed genes and screened hub genes with weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The hub genes were then subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway functional enrichment analyses, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed. Receiver operating characteristic curves and correlation analyses were set up for the hub genes. Finally, we explored principal and common signaling pathways by using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the association between the hub genes and immune cell subtype distribution by using CIBERSORT algorithm. RESULTS: We identified seven hub genes-GPR4, SOCS3, BAG3, ZFP36, CDKN1A, ADAMTS9, and GADD45B-by using differentially expressed gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis method. The AUCs of these genes were all greater than 0.7 in the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results demonstrated that mutual signaling pathways were mainly enriched in hypoxia and inflammatory response. CIBERSORT indicated that these seven hub genes were closely related to innate and adaptive immune cells. CONCLUSIONS: We identified seven hub genes with promising diagnostic value and therapeutic targets in septic cirrhotic patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy and/or hepatic encephalopathy. Hypoxia, inflammatory, and immunoreaction responses may share the common downstream pathways of the two common encephalopathies, for which earlier recognition and timely intervention are crucial for management of such septic cirrhotic patients in ICU.

Theory and experiment: The synthesis and drug application of "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescent probes for copper and biothiols detection.

Abnormal copper ions (Cu2+) and biothiols have potential impacts on environmental pollution and human health, so the detection of these substances with high selectivity and sensitivity has become an important research topic. In this study, we designed and synthesized two fluorescent probes (L1 and L2) based on naphthalene and anthracene derivatives that could specifically detect Cu2+ and biothiols. Owing to the paramagnetic effect of Cu2+, the strong fluorescent intensity was quenched after the addition of Cu2+. When biothiols were added to the solution (L-Cu2+), the fluorescence intensity was significantly enhanced and recovered. So, the interaction process was accompanied with "ON-OFF-ON" phenomenon in fluorescent intensity. Two complexes (L-Cu2+) showed low limit of detection for biothiols (Cys was 3.4 ×10-5 M and GSH was 2.0 ×10-5 M) and weak cytotoxicity (< 150 µg/mL). Theoretical investigation analysis revealed that the intramolecular hydrogen bond existed in the structure of probes and the roles of molecular frontier orbitals in molecular interplay. In addition, two probes also showed good applicability in actual drug Atomolan. The GSH content in the tested Atomolan reached over 99.9% of the labeling which was accord with the percentage of pharmacopoeia. Therefore, two probes have the real application value in the detection of Cu2+, biothiols and drug efficacy in various environments.

Central venous pressure combined with renal venous impedance index in predicting the acute kidney injury after thoracic and abdominal (non-cardiac) surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the 21st century, 13% of patients undergoing open abdominal surgery, 25% of patients undergoing heart surgery, and 57% of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are affected by acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: This prospective observational study included patients admitted directly to the ICU between June 2021 and December 2021. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were enrolled after thoracic and abdominal (non-cardiac) surgery; 36 patients (44.4%) were diagnosed with AKI occurred within 7 days after surgery. Six-hour postoperative central venous pressure(CVP) was a risk factor for AKI in thoracic and abdominal (non-cardiac) postoperative patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.418; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.106-1.819; P = 0.006). Six-hour postoperative vein impedance index(VII) and CVP were significantly positively correlated (P = 0.031). The combination of 6-h postoperative VII with CVP (VII ≥0.34, CVP ≥7.5 mmHg) showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.787, In the subgroup analysis of patients with 6-h postoperative CVP <7.5 mmHg, there was a significant statistical difference in 6-h postoperative VII between the groups and those without AKI (P = 0.048). At 6-h postoperative CVP <7.5 mmHg, VII of ≥0.44 had a predictive value for AKI after thoracic and abdominal (non-cardiac) surgery, with an AUC of 0.669, a sensitivity of 41.2%, and a specificity of 94.4%. CONCLUSION: Six-hour postoperative CVP combined with VII can better predict the occurrence of AKI occurred within 7 days after thoracic and abdominal (non-cardiac) surgery but cannot predict the severity of AKI.

Decarboxylative Radical Sulfilimination via Photoredox, Copper, and Brønsted Base Catalysis.

Sulfilimines, the aza-variants of sulfoxides, are key structural motifs in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals; and sulfilimine synthesis is therefore important in organic chemistry. However, methods for radical sulfilimination remain elusive, and as a result, the structural diversity of currently available sulfilimines is limited. Herein, we report the first protocol for decarboxylative radical sulfilimination reactions between sulfenamides and N-hydroxyphthalimide esters of primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl carboxylic acids, which were achieved via a combination of photoredox, copper, and Brønsted base catalysis. This novel protocol provided a wide variety of sulfilimines, in addition to serving as an efficient route for the synthesis of S-alkyl/S-aryl homocysteine sulfilimines and S-(4-methylphenyl) homocysteine sulfoximine. Moreover, it could be used for late-stage introduction of a sulfilimine group into structurally complex molecules, thereby avoiding the need to preserve labile organosulfur moieties through multistep synthetic sequences. A mechanism involving photocatalytic substrate transformation and copper-mediated C(sp3 )-S bond formation is proposed.

Adult localized Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disease of Langerhans cells with unknown pathogenesis. An increasing number of clinicians recognize that LCH has a wide clinical spectrum and a highly varied course. Adults rarely develop LCH. Here, we report a case of adult localized LCH. CASE SUMMARY: A 32-year-old woman presented with plaques and ulcers on the vulva and crissum, accompanied by pain that persisted for more than one year. Physical examination revealed a red-infiltrating plaque with ulcerations and exudates in the vulva and crissum. Pathological examination revealed a diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes, and histiocytoid cells in the superficial dermis. Proliferative histiocytoid cells showed mild atypia, partly with kidney-shaped nuclei. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the histiocytoid cells were positive for S100 protein and CD1 and weakly positive for CD68 (20% +), with a Ki-67 index of 30%. Laboratory tests did not reveal any other systemic damage. The patient was diagnosed with adult localized LCH and was prescribed oral prednisone (20 mg) once daily. The skin lesions gradually improved and are still being followed-up. CONCLUSION: Adult localized LCH is rare and must be differentiated from other common conditions.

N-Trifluoromethylselenophthalimide, an Electrophilic Trifluoromethylselenolation Reagent and Its Application for the Synthesis of 4-Trifluoromethylselenolated Isoxazoles.

A new electrophilic trifluoromethylselenolation reagent, N-trifluoromethylselenophthalimide (Phth-SeCF3), was developed. A strategy for the synthesis of 4-trifluoromethylselenolated isoxazoles through electrophilic trifluoromethylselenolation cyclization has been established by using Phth-SeCF3 as an electrophilic reagent. Moreover, this protocol has the features of broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and high yields.

Renal hemodynamic evaluation protocol based on the pathophysiological mechanism of acute kidney injury: Critical Care UltraSound Guided-A(KI)BCDE.

The multiple etiological characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) have brought great challenges to its clinical diagnosis and treatment. Renal injury in critically ill patients always indicates hemodynamic injury. The Critical Care UltraSound Guided (CCUSG)-A(KI)BCDE protocol developed by the Chinese Critical Ultrasound Study Group (CCUSG), respectively, includes A(KI) diagnosis and risk assessment and uses B-mode ultrasound, Color doppler ultrasound, spectral Doppler ultrasound, and contrast Enhanced ultrasound to obtain the hemodynamic characteristics of the kidney so that the pathophysiological mechanism of the occurrence and progression of AKI can be captured and the prognosis of AKI can be predicted combined with other clinical information; therefore, the corresponding intervention and treatment strategies can be formulated to achieve targeted, protocolized, and individualized therapy.

The Role of Remnant Cholesterol Beyond Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Arterial Stiffness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Previous evidence has demonstrated that elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was associated with atherosclerosis. However, there is scarce population-based evidence for the role of remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) in arterial stiffness, an imaging marker for subclinical atherosclerosis. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of remnant-C with arterial stiffness beyond LDL-C in a check-up population. Methods: The study included consecutive subjects who visited the Murakami Memorial Hospital for health check-ups between 2004 and 2012. The calculation of remnant-C occurred as total cholesterol minus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) minus LDL-C. The brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) >1400 cm/sec was defined as arterial stiffness or baPWV abnormality. The independent correlation of remnant-C level to arterial stiffness was evaluated using adjusted regression models. Results: A total of 909 participants were included (mean age 51.1 ± 9.6 years, male sex 64.9%). In multivariate linear regression analyses, remnant-C remained an independent predictor of the baPWV predictor [ß: 94.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 42.19-147.33, P < 0.001] after adjusting for confounders. After multivariable adjustment, including LDL-C, the highest remnant-C quartile odd ratio (OR) (95% CI) was 2.79 (1.27-6.09) for baPWV abnormality compared to the lowest quartile. Furthermore, each 10-mg/dL increase in remnant-C correlated with a 28% increased risk for baPWV abnormality (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.57). Moreover, the correlation between remnant-C and baPWV abnormality was still significant in the participant subgroup with optimal levels of LDL-C. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that remnant-C levels correlated to arterial stiffness with the dependence of LDL-C and other cardiovascular risk factors in a check-up population.

Palladium-catalyzed stereoselective construction of chiral allenes bearing nonadjacent axial and two central chirality.

It is challenging to enantioselectively construct molecules bearing multiple nonadjacent stereocenters, in contrast to those bearing a single stereocenter or adjacent stereocenters. Herein, we report an enantio- and diastereoselective synthesis of substituted chiral allenes with nonadjacent axial and two central chiral centers through a combination of retro-oxa-Michael addition and palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allenylic alkylation. This methodology exhibits good functional-group compatibility, and the corresponding allenylic alkylated compounds, including flavonoid frameworks, are obtained with good yields and diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities (all >95% ee). Furthermore, the scalability of the current synthetic protocol was proven by performing a gram-scale reaction.

Enrichment Strategies for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction in Acidic Electrolytes.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) has been recognized as an appealing route to remarkably accelerate the carbon-neutral cycle and reduce carbon emissions. Notwithstanding great catalytic activity that has been acquired in neutral and alkaline conditions, the carbonates generated from the inevitable reaction of the input CO2 with the hydroxide severely lower carbon utilization and energy efficiency. By contrast, CO2 RR in an acidic condition can effectively circumvent the carbonate issues; however, the activity and selectivity of CO2 RR in acidic electrolytes will be decreased significantly due to the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Enriching the CO2 and the key intermediates around the catalyst surface can promote the reaction rate and enhance the product selectivity, providing a promising way to boost the performance of CO2 RR. In this review, the catalytic mechanism and key technique challenges of CO2 RR are first introduced. Then, the critical progress of enrichment strategies for promoting the CO2 RR in the acidic electrolyte is summarized with three aspects: catalyst design, electrolyte regulation, and electrolyzer optimization. Finally, some insights and perspectives for further development of enrichment strategies in acidic CO2 RR are expounded.