Multimodality Imaging of Aortic Valve Calcification and Function in a Murine Model of Calcific Aortic Valve Disease and Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevailing disease with increasing occurrence and no known medical therapy. Dcbld2-/- mice have a high prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), spontaneous aortic valve calcification, and aortic stenosis (AS). 18F-NaF PET/CT can detect the aortic valve calcification process in humans. However, its feasibility in preclinical models of CAVD remains to be determined. Here, we sought to validate 18F-NaF PET/CT for tracking murine aortic valve calcification and leveraged it to examine the development of calcification with aging and its interdependence with BAV and AS in Dcbld2-/- mice. Methods: Dcbld2-/- mice at 3-4 mo, 10-16 mo, and 18-24 mo underwent echocardiography, 18F-NaF PET/CT (n = 34, or autoradiography (n = 45)), and tissue analysis. A subset of mice underwent both PET/CT and autoradiography (n = 12). The aortic valve signal was quantified as SUVmax on PET/CT and as percentage injected dose per square centimeter on autoradiography. The valve tissue sections were analyzed by microscopy to identify tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves. Results: The aortic valve 18F-NaF signal on PET/CT was significantly higher at 18-24 mo (P < 0.0001) and 10-16 mo (P < 0.05) than at 3-4 mo. Additionally, at 18-24 mo BAV had a higher 18F-NaF signal than tricuspid aortic valves (P < 0.05). These findings were confirmed by autoradiography, with BAV having significantly higher 18F-NaF uptake in each age group. A significant correlation between PET and autoradiography data (Pearson r = 0.79, P < 0.01) established the accuracy of PET quantification. The rate of calcification with aging was significantly faster for BAV (P < 0.05). Transaortic valve flow velocity was significantly higher in animals with BAV at all ages. Finally, there was a significant correlation between transaortic valve flow velocity and aortic valve calcification by both PET/CT (r = 0.55, P < 0.001) and autoradiography (r = 0.45, P < 0.01). Conclusion: 18F-NaF PET/CT links valvular calcification to BAV and aging in Dcbld2-/- mice and suggests that AS may promote calcification. In addition to addressing the pathobiology of valvular calcification, 18F-NaF PET/CT may be a valuable tool for evaluation of emerging therapeutic interventions in CAVD.

Preclinical evaluation of a brain penetrant PARP PET imaging probe in rat glioblastoma and nonhuman primates.

PURPOSE: Currently, there are multiple active clinical trials involving poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in the treatment of glioblastoma. The noninvasive quantification of baseline PARP expression using positron emission tomography (PET) may provide prognostic information and lead to more precise treatment. Due to the lack of brain-penetrant PARP imaging agents, the reliable and accurate in vivo quantification of PARP in the brain remains elusive. Herein, we report the synthesis of a brain-penetrant PARP PET tracer, (R)-2-(2-methyl-1-(methyl-11C)pyrrolidin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide ([11C]PyBic), and its preclinical evaluations in a syngeneic RG2 rat glioblastoma model and healthy nonhuman primates. METHODS: We synthesized [11C]PyBic using veliparib as the labeling precursor, performed dynamic PET scans on RG2 tumor-bearing rats and calculated the distribution volume ratio (DVR) using simplified reference region method 2 (SRTM2) with the contralateral nontumor brain region as the reference region. We performed biodistribution studies, western blot, and immunostaining studies to validate the in vivo PET quantification results. We characterized the brain kinetics and binding specificity of [11C]PyBic in nonhuman primates on FOCUS220 scanner and calculated the volume of distribution (VT), nondisplaceable volume of distribution (VND), and nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) in selected brain regions. RESULTS: [11C]PyBic was synthesized efficiently in one step, with greater than 97% radiochemical and chemical purity and molar activity of 148 ± 85 MBq/nmol (n = 6). [11C]PyBic demonstrated PARP-specific binding in RG2 tumors, with 74% of tracer binding in tumors blocked by preinjected veliparib (i.v., 5 mg/kg). The in vivo PET imaging results were corroborated by ex vivo biodistribution, PARP1 immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting data. Furthermore, brain penetration of [11C]PyBic was confirmed by quantitative monkey brain PET, which showed high specific uptake (BPND > 3) and low nonspecific uptake (VND < 3 mL/cm3) in the monkey brain. CONCLUSION: [11C]PyBic is the first brain-penetrant PARP PET tracer validated in a rat glioblastoma model and healthy nonhuman primates. The brain kinetics of [11C]PyBic are suitable for noninvasive quantification of available PARP binding in the brain, which posits [11C]PyBic to have broad applications in oncology and neuroimaging.

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Vessel Wall Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Imaging aortic MMP activity, especially using positron emission tomography to access high sensitivity, quantitative data, could potentially improve AAA risk stratification. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation in murine AAA and human aortic tissue of a first-in-class MMP-targeted positron emission tomography radioligand, 64Cu-RYM2. METHODS: The broad spectrum MMP inhibitor, RYM2 was synthetized, and its potency as an MMP inhibitor was evaluated by a competitive inhibition assay. Toxicology studies were performed. Tracer biodistribution was evaluated in a murine model of AAA induced by angiotensin II infusion in Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. 64Cu-RYM2 binding to normal and aneurysmal human aortic tissues was assessed by autoradiography. RESULTS: RYM2 functioned as an MMP inhibitor with nanomolar affinities. Toxicology studies showed no adverse reaction in mice. Upon radiolabeling with Cu-64, the resulting tracer was stable in murine and human blood in vitro. Biodistribution and metabolite analysis in mice showed rapid renal clearance and acceptable in vivo stability. In vivo positron emission tomography/computed tomography in a murine model of AAA showed a specific aortic signal, which correlated with ex vivo measured MMP activity and Cd68 gene expression. 64Cu-RYM2 specifically bound to normal and aneurysmal human aortic tissues in correlation with MMP activity. CONCLUSIONS: 64Cu-RYM2 is a first-in-class MMP-targeted positron emission tomography tracer with favorable stability, biodistribution, performance in preclinical AAA, and importantly, specific binding to human tissues. These data set the stage for 64Cu-RYM2-based translational imaging studies of vessel wall MMP activity, and indirectly, inflammation, in AAA.

Synthesis of a boron-containing amidoxime reagent and its application to synthesize functionalized oxadiazole and quinazolinone derivatives.

Herein, we report the design, synthesis and application of a borylated amidoxime reagent for the direct synthesis of functionalized oxadiazole and quinazolinone derivatives. This reagent exhibits broad synthetic utility to obtain a variety of biologically relevant drug-like molecules. It can be easily prepared at large scale from relatively inexpensive reagents, and can undergo facile transformations to obtain target compounds. The developed amidoxime reagent was synthesized from 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzonitrile and hydroxyl amine hydrochloride using N,N-diisopropylethylamine as a base in ethanol under reflux conditions. Overall advantages include a metal-free route to boronated oxadiazoles, quinazolinone derivatives, and restriction of the multistep sequences. Importantly, the boron-rich pharmacophore derived compounds were obtained through an efficient and inexpensive strategy.

Facile synthesis of graphitic carbon-nitride supported antimony-doped tin oxide nanocomposite and its application for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds.

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles with an average size of ~ 6 nm were prepared by co-precipitation and subsequent heat treatment. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN)/ATO hybrid nanocomposite was designed by the combination of thermally synthesized g-CN and ATO nanoparticles by ultrasonication. The materials were characterized using N2 adsorption/desorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A mixture of five volatile organic compounds (VOCs, chloroform, benzene, toluene, xylene and styrene) was used to compare the adsorption capacity of the samples. The adsorption capacity of ATO nanoparticles was improved by the addition of g-CN. Experimental data showed that, among the five VOCs, chloroform was the least adsorbed, regardless of the samples. The g-CN/ATO showed nearly three times greater adsorption capacity for the VOC mixture than pure ATO. The unchanged efficiency of VOC adsorption during cyclic use demonstrated the completely reversible adsorption and desorption behavior of the nanocomposite at room conditions. This economically and environmentally friendly material can be a practical solution for outdoor and indoor VOC removal.

Pd-Boron-Catalyzed One Carbon Isomerization of Olefins: Water Assisted Process at Room Temperature.

A palladium-boronate/borane-system -catalyzed isomerization of olefins has been uncovered. An efficient catalytic combination of [Pd(OAc)2]3-boronate-PCy3-enabled olefin isomerization at 80 °C has been investigated. Addition of water to the reaction showed a remarkable improvement and the isomerization occurred at ambient temperature. These catalytic systems function efficiently for the isomerization of functionalized as well as unfunctionalized olefins. The catalytic conditions demonstrate the involvement of both nonhydride and metal-hydride medium and can be switchable with water as an additive.

Generation of Hydrogen from Water: A Pd-Catalyzed Reduction of Water Using Diboron Reagent at Ambient Conditions.

Production of hydrogen from renewable sources, particularly from water, is an intensive area of research, which has far-reaching relevance in hydrogen economy. A homogeneous catalytic method is presented for producing clean hydrogen gas from water, in a reaction of water with a diboron compound as the reductant, under ambient reaction conditions. The Pd-catalytic system is stable in water and displays excellent recyclability. Hydroxy analogues such as alcohols are compatible with the Pd/B2Pin2 system and generate hydrogen gas efficiently. The B2Pin2-H2O system, in the presence of palladium, is an excellent catalytic system for selective hydrogenation of olefins.

Pd-Catalyzed Hydroborylation of Alkynes: A Ligand Controlled Regioselectivity Switch for the Synthesis of α- or ß-Vinylboronates.

A ligand controlled selective hydroborylation of alkynes to α- or ß-vinylboronates has been developed using a Pd catalyst. The high α-selectivity displayed by this reaction can be switched to furnish ß-vinylboronates by altering the ligand from a trialkylphosphine to N-heterocyclic carbene. A variety of terminal alkynes are shown to furnish the corresponding α- or ß-vinylboronates in good to excellent selectivity and yield. The mechanistic studies suggest that the solvent is the proton source and bromobenzene functions as an important additive in driving this reaction forward.

50 nm sized spherical TiO2 nanocrystals for highly efficient mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.

Single crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with spherical morphology are successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction under basic conditions. TiO2 NPs, selectively controlled to the sizes of 30, 40, 50, and 65 nm, are then applied to a mesoporous photoelectrode of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells. In particular, a spherical TiO2 NP of 50 nm size (NP50) offers the highest photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.19%, with JSC of 21.58 mA cm(-2), VOC of 1049 mV, and FF of 0.759 while the enhancement of PCE mainly arises from the increase of VOC and FF. Furthermore, the fabricated photovoltaic devices exhibit reproducible PCE values and very little hysteresis in their J-V curves. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurement and pulsed light-induced transient measurement of the photocurrent indicate that the device employing NP50 exhibits the longest electron lifetime although the electron injection from perovskite to TiO2 is less efficient than the devices with smaller TiO2 NPs. The extended electron lifetime is attributed to the suppression of electron recombination due to optimized mesopores generated by the spherical NP50.

Regioselective synthesis of vinyl halides, vinyl sulfones, and alkynes: a tandem intermolecular nucleophilic and electrophilic vinylation of tosylhydrazones.

A diazo species is trapped in an intermolecular fashion by two independent ion species in tandem at the carbene center to install an electrophile and a nucleophile on the same carbon. This metal-free concept, which is unprecedented, has been illustrated by regioselective synthesis of a variety of vinyl halides, vinyl sulfones, and alkyne derivatives.

Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of hydrazones: regioselective synthesis of highly branched dienes.

The regioselective formation of highly branched dienes is a challenging task. Design and exploration of alternative working models to achieve such a regioselectivity to accomplish highly branched dienes is considered to be a historical advancement of Heck reaction to construct branched dienes. On the basis of the utility of carbene transfer reactions, in the reaction of hydrazones with Pd(II) under oxidative conditions, we envisioned obtaining a Pd-bis-carbene complex with α-hydrogens, which can lead to branched dienes. Herein, we report a novel Pd-catalyzed selective coupling reaction of hydrazones in the presence of t-BuOLi and benzoquinone to form the corresponding branched dienes. The utility of the Pd catalyst for the cross-coupling reactions for synthesizing branched conjugated dienes is rare. The reaction is very versatile and compatible with a variety of functional groups and is useful in synthesizing heterocyclic molecules. We anticipate that this Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction will open new avenues for synthesizing useful compounds.

Palladium catalyzed coupling of tosylhydrazones with aryl and heteroaryl halides in the absence of external ligands: synthesis of substituted olefins.

Palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of hydrazones with aryl halides in the absence of external ligand is reported. The versatility of this coupling reaction is demonstrated in showcasing the selectivity of coupling reaction in the presence of hydroxyl and amine functional groups. This method allows synthesizing a variety of heterocyclic compounds, which are difficult to access from other traditional methods and are not synthesized by employing similar coupling reactions. Application of the present methodology is validated in tandem reaction of ketones to the corresponding substituted olefins in a single pot experiment.