Core-Shell-Type All-Inorganic Heterometallic Nanoclusters: Record High-Nuclearity Cobalt Polyoxoniobates for Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Only rarely have polyoxometalates been found to form core-shell nanoclusters. Here, we succeeded in isolating a series of rare giant and all-inorganic core-shell cobalt polyoxoniobates (Co-PONbs) with diverse shapes, nuclearities and original topologies, including 50-nuclearity {Co12 Nb38 O132 }, 54-nuclearity {Co20 Nb34 O128 }, 62-nuclearity {Co26 Nb36 O140 } and 87-nuclearity {Co33 Nb54 O188 }. They are the largest Co-PONbs and also the polyoxometalates containing the greatest number of Co ions and the largest cobalt clusters known thus far. These molecular Co-PONbs have intriguing and atomically precise core-shell architectures comprising unique cobalt oxide cores and niobate oxide shells. In particular, the encapsulated cobalt oxide cores with different nuclearities have identical compositions, structures and mixed-valence Co3+ /Co2+ states as the different sized Co-O moieties of the bulk cubic-spinel Co3 O4 , suggesting that they can serve as various molecular models of the cubic-spinel Co3 O4 . The successful construction of the series of the Co-PONbs reveals a feasible and versatile synthetic method for making rare core-shell heterometallic PONbs. Further, these new-type core-shell bimetal species are promising cluster molecular catalysts for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction.

[Novel role of intracellular ATP in obesity pathology].

ATP is an important energy source for cells. Traditionally, intracellular ATP levels are believed to be relatively stable and will not rise consistently in the physiological conditions. However, new studies suggest that ATP levels may rise in multiple tissues under the condition of energy surplus contributing to the metabolic disorders in obesity. However, the molecular mechanism of ATP elevation remains unknown in obesity except the increase in energy supply. Based on our experimental results and the findings reported in the literature, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which ATP levels are regulated in cells by multiple factors, including superoxide ions, mitochondrial flash, antioxidants, anti-apoptotic molecule Bcl-xL, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and metformin. Contribution of these factors to the alteration of ATP set-point will be discussed together with their impact on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. With a focus on the energy surplus in obesity, we explore the mechanism of insulin resistance induced by ATP elevation and provide an answer to the contradiction between the new experimental results and the traditional viewpoint of intracellular ATP. We propose that elevation of intracellular ATP may lead to metabolic disorder in obesity through activation of a feedback mechanism that inhibits mitochondrial function.

Secondary metabolites from the Chinese liverwort Cephaloziella kiaeri.

Sixteen new clerodane diterpenoids, cephaloziellins A-P (1-16), and two known analogues (17 and 18) were isolated from an EtOH extract of the Chinese liverwort Cephaloziella kiaeri. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated from extensive spectroscopic data (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR), and the structures of 5, 9, and 15 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The absolute configurations of all new compounds were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra.

[SIRT1 knockout impairs the differentiation of adipocyte in C57BL/6J mice and its underlying mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role and mechanism of SIRT1 (Sirtuin1) in the differentiation of adipocyte. METHODS: SIRT1(-/-) mice with C57BL/6J gene background were generated and litter-mate wild-type (WT) mice were used as controls. Body weight and fat content were detected and their epididymal fat pads were collected at 28 weeks old of age. The tip part of epididymal fat tissue was incubated in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing both BODIPY 558/568 (5 µmol/L in PBS) for adipocytes and isolectin Alexa Fluor 488 (40 µg/ml in PBS) for endothelial cells overnight. The stained cells were then visualized under confocal microscope.Reconstruction of 3D data sets was accomplished with image processing software Imaris.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein level of endothelial cell marker CD31.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for fixed epididymal fat tissue. Mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells were prepared from 13-14 days embryos of SIRT1(-/-) or WT mice and differentiated into adipocytes. Then oil-red O staining was performed. RESULTS: Compared with wild-type controls, both body weight (WT 42.1 g ± 1.6 g vs SIRT1(-/-) 25.4 g ± 1.0 g, P < 0.05) and epididymal fat mass (WT 13.4 g ± 1.0 g vs SIRT1(-/-) 7.8 g ± 0.5 g, P < 0.05) were much smaller in the SIRT1(-/-) mice. HE staining of fat tissue exhibited a significant reduction in adipocyte size and extracellular matrix in SIRT1(-/-) mice.However, the adipogenesis ability of MEF cells was significantly enhanced in vitro in SIRT1(-/-) MEF cells.Further study found that the density of vascular network decreased by 50% in the tip portion of epididymal fat pads of SIRT1(-/-) mice (capillary density:WT 2.92% ± 0.03% vs SIRT1(-/-) 1.34% ± 0.02%, P < 0.05). CD31, a cellular marker of decreased angiogenesis, decreased significantly in epididymal fat pads of SIRT1(-/-) mice. CONCLUSION: SIRT1 knockout impairs adipocyte differentiation in SIRT1(-/-) mice with C57BL/6J gene background through reduced angiogenesis but not adipogenesis.

[Altitudinal variation pattern in Daphniphyllum macropodum leaf traits and influencing environmental factors in Mao'er Mountain, China]. / çŒ«å„¿å±±äº¤è®©æœ¨å¶æ€§çŠ¶æµ·æ‹”å˜å¼‚æ ¼å±€åŠå ¶çŽ¯å¢ƒå½±å“å› å­.

Analyzing the pattern of altitudinal variation in the leaf traits and their networks of a particular tree species of similar age and its influencing factors could contribute to understanding the impacts of environmental factors on leaf traits and excluding the interference of genetic factors. We investigated the stomatal, structural, chemical, and vein traits of Daphniphyllum macropodum leaves in middle-aged forests, following the altitudinal gradient (1100, 1500, and 1900 m) on Mao'er Mountain. The objectives of this study were to reveal patterns in leaf trait and leaf trait networks variation, the life strategy of the tree species, and the major environmental factors affecting the altitudinal variations. The results showed that leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, phosphorus content, C:N, C:P, vein density, and vein diameter varied significantly across altitudes. Mean annual temperature and total radiation explained 42.1% and 16.2% of leaf-trait variation, respectively. They served as key environmental factors driving the altitudinal variation in leaf traits. Mean annual temperature exhibited the greatest influence on leaf area (R2=0.73), and total radiation exerted the most prominent effect on leaf thickness (R2=0.72). Both relationships were significantly positive. D. macropodum exhibited low leaf nitrogen and phosphorus at the low altitude of 1100 m, and the overall and local trait networks were loose, adopting a conservative resource strategy. At the medium altitude of 1500 m, leaf nutrient contents were relatively high. The overall network of leaf traits was tightly connected and local network was loose. By enhancing the dependency among leaf traits, and improving phosphorus utilization efficiency, D. macropodum could cope with competition in deciduous forests and adopt resource acquisition strategies. Further, at the highest altitude of 1900 m, D. macropodum had relatively large leaf thickness, chlorophyll content, and leaf dry matter content, but relatively small leaf area. The local network connections were tight while the overall network looseness, indicating a resource conserving strategy. The trade-off relationship between C:P and leaf phosphorus content was closely related to phosphorus use efficiency, and its variation was an important indicator for identifying life strategies of D. macropodum in different altitudes.

Cadmium-containing windmill-like heteropolyoxoniobate macrocycle with high yield for catalyzing Knoevenagel condensation.

A rare cadmium-containing windmill-like heteropolyoxoniobate macrocycle has been successfully synthesized with stable 1-D cyclic cluster aggregates. The compound exhibited promising basic catalytic ability for Knoevenagel condensation with a high yield under mild reaction conditions and high cycling stability. The theoretical calculation showed that the promising basic catalytic ability is due to the dense and stronger basic sites of the surface terminal O atoms.

Why do anti-inflammatory therapies fail to improve insulin sensitivity?

Chronic inflammation occurs in obese conditions in both humans and animals. It also contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) through insulin resistance, a status in which the body loses its ability to respond to insulin. Inflammation impairs insulin signaling through the functional inhibition of IRS-1 and PPARγ. Insulin sensitizers (such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) inhibit inflammation while improving insulin sensitivity. Therefore, anti-inflammatory agents have been suggested as a treatment strategy for insulin resistance. This strategy has been tested in laboratory studies and clinical trials for more than 10 years; however, no significant progress has been made in any of the model systems. This status has led us to re-evaluate the biological significance of chronic inflammation in obesity. Recent studies have consistently asserted that obesity-associated inflammation helps to maintain insulin sensitivity. Inflammation stimulates local adipose tissue remodeling and promotes systemic energy expenditure. We propose that these beneficial activities of inflammation provide an underlying mechanism for the failure of anti-inflammatory therapy in the treatment of insulin resistance. Current literature will be reviewed in this article to present evidence that supports this viewpoint.

A new species of Nidirana (Anura, Ranidae) from northern Guangxi, China.

A new species of music frog, Nidiranaguibeiensis sp. nov., is described from northern Guangxi, China. Based on two mtDNA fragments analyzed, phylogenetic trees reveal that N.guibeiensis sp. nov. is most closely related to N.leishanensis. However, the new species can be identified by conspicuous diagnostic morphological characteristics as well as bioacoustics. In contrast to the known Nidirana species, the advertisement calls of the new species can be divided into three types, calls with one, two, and three notes. In addition, the new species has nest construction behavior, which is inconsistent with N.leishanensis. Nidiranaguibeiensis sp. nov. occurs in paddy fields or still pools at 300-1300 m a.s.l.

[Effects of early insulin therapy on sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 pathway and lipid accumulation in liver of type 2 diabetic rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of early insulin therapy on sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) pathway and lipid accumulation in liver of type 2 diabetic rats (DM). METHODS: A high-fat diet plus a low-dose of streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to create a type 2 diabetic animal model. Then the rats were divided into 3 groups: normal control (NC), DM (untreated diabetic rats) and INS (a 3-week treatment of NPH insulin initiated from day 3 of STZ injection). Insulin was delivered daily by a 3-week subcutaneous injection (6 - 8 U/day). Liver homogenate was prepared. The protein levels of ER stress marker immunoglobulin binding protein (Bip), oxygen-regulated protein 150 (ORP150), insulin-induced gene 1 (Insig1), SREBP1 and nuclear SREBP1 (nSREBP1) were assayed by Western blot. Adipose tissue mass was measured. RESULTS: In the DM group, ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress marker Bip and ORP150 were up-regulated (0.67 ± 0.02 vs 0.43 ± 0.01 for Bip; 1.11 ± 0.04 vs 1.83 ± 0.03 for ORP150, P < 0.05 for both) and Insig1 decreased (0.25 ± 0.02 vs 0.80 ± 0.07, P < 0.05). And the expressions of SREBP1 and nSREBP1 were elevated (1.03 ± 0.14 vs 0.41 ± 0.01 for SREBP1; 3.63 ± 0.77 vs 0.96 ± 0.20 for nSREBP1, P < 0.05 for both) in comparison with the normal control rats. In the INS group, all aforementioned changes became attenuated or reversed (0.41 ± 0.04 vs 0.67 ± 0.02 for Bip; 1.83 ± 0.03 vs 1.11 ± 0.04 for ORP150; 0.43 ± 0.02 vs 0.25 ± 0.02 for Insig1; 0.46 ± 0.01 vs 1.03 ± 0.14 for SREBP1; 1.65 ± 0.18 vs 3.63 ± 0.77 for nSREBP1, P < 0.05 for all). Furthermore, adipose tissue mass increased (22.4 g ± 3.6 g vs 12.0 g ± 2.6 g, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The early insulin therapy induces a fat redistribution from liver to adipose tissue. The mechanism is probably through a reduction of ER stress and a down-regulated pathway of SREBP1 in liver of diabetic rats.

Effects of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory environments on the macrophage mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial response to inflammation is crucial in the metabolic adaptation to infection. This study aimed to explore the mitochondrial response under inflammatory and anti-inflammatory environments, with a focus on the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Expression levels of key TCA cycle enzymes and the autophagy-related protein light chain 3b (LC3b) were determined in raw 264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and metformin (Met). Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed using flow cytometry. Moreover, 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS and Met to assess the mitochondrial response in vivo. Upon LPS stimulation, the expression of key TCA enzymes, including citrate synthase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2, and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, whereas the levels of LC3b and ROS increased. However, treatment with Met inhibited the reduction of LPS-induced enzyme levels as well as the elevation of LC3b and ROS levels. In conclusion, the mitochondrial TCA cycle is affected by the inflammatory environment, and the LPS-induced effects can be reversed by Met treatment.

[Tree architecture variation of plant communities along altitude and impact factors in Maoer Mountain, Guangxi, China]. / çŒ«å„¿å±±ä¸åŒæµ·æ‹”æ¤ç‰©ç¾¤è½æ ‘æœ¨æž„åž‹å·®å¼‚åŠå ¶å½±å“å› å­.

Three typical plant communities (evergreen broad-leaved forest at low-altitude 1100 m, evergreen and deciduous mixed broad-leaved forest at mid-altitude 1500 m, and evergreen conife-rous and broad-leaved mixed forest at high-altitude 1900 m) in Maoer Mountain, Guangxi, China were surveyed along an altitude gradient. We measured the tree layer plant architecture and environmental factors, to analyze the variation of plant architecture traits among the three communities and its influencing factors. The results showed that the tree layer canopy area, basal diameter at 45 cm height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and leaf convergence increased with increasing altitude, whereas tree height, branch height, and canopy thickness first increased and then decreased. Horizontal branches occurred more often in communities at lower altitude , less frequent at high altitude, and the least frequent in middle altitude communities. Correlations among tree layer plant architecture traits were stronger in the mid-altitude community than that in the other altitude communities. Results from the redundancy analysis showed that soil organic matter and total solar radiation were the main factors driving the variation of plant architecture traits in the tree layers, accounting for 39.6% and 23.9% of the total variation, respectively. Soil organic matter had a greater positive impact on canopy area and branch height, whereas total solar radiation was more influential on the DBH and 45 cm basal diameter. In conclusion, tree layer architecture of communities along the altitude gradient in Maoer Mountain was divergent, with soil organic matter and total solar radiation as the main driving forces.

[Three-dimensional spatial measurement versus conventional CT planning in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the advantages of spatial measurement of anatomical parameters in a 3D model in surgical planning for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). METHODS: From February, 2016 to October, 2017, 37 patients diagnosed with T1 renal mass underwent LPN based on 3D reconstruction after enhanced CT scanning using the Uromedix-3D system (group A), and another 38 patients received LPN with conventional CT planning (group B). The anatomical parameters were measured in the reconstructed 3D model and the demographic data, surgical outcome and postoperative data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In group A, the average time for 3D model reconstruction was (29.3∓9.7) min; the length, width and depth of the renal defect in 3D model were 3.2∓1.1 cm, 2.6∓0.9 cm and 1.7∓0.7 cm, respectively; The distance of the tumor from the collecting system was 3.8∓2.2 mm; The mean R.E.N.A.L score of the patients was 7∓1.5, and 3 patients had accessory renal artery and 2 had early branching of the renal artery. LPNs were completed via the retroperitoneal approach in all the 75 patients without conversion to open or total nephrectomy. Group A and group B showed significant differences in warm ischemic time (26.7∓6.4 vs 31.9∓7.0 min), tumor-excision time (8.4∓2.6 vs 10.4∓2.8 min), renal defect suture time (18.3∓3.9 vs 21.5∓3.4 min), 24-h volume of retroperitoneal drainage (88.6∓40.2 vs 134.3∓58.3 mL) and 48-h volume of retroperitoneal drainage (127.9∓54.5 vs 198.1∓86.3 mL), but not in the demographic data, operation time, intraoperative blood loss or postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: 3D reconstruction of the renal masses can be completed efficiently and accurately using this system. Compared with conventional CT-based measurement, 3D spatial measurement of the anatomical structures helps to increase the precision in the performance of LPN and reduce the warm ischemia time.

[Synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of coordination compounds of rare earth with p-tert-butyl-calix[8] arene].

Fourteen solid coordination compounds of rare earth(Sm3+, Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+ and Ln3+ (La3+, Gd3+ and Y3+)-doped Tb3+ with p-tert-butyl-calix[8] arene (LH8) have been synthesized and characterized. Elemental analysis, rare erth complexometry, 1H NMR spectra and TG-DTA have been studied. The results suggest that the complexes have the composition of [RE2 (LH2)(DMSO)5]DMSO, [RE2 (LH2) (DMF)5] 2DMF, [LnTb (LH2) (DMSO)5] DMSO and [LnTb (LH2) (DMF)5] 2DMF respectively. Fluorescence spectrum suggests that the Tb3+ complexes have characteristic luminescence, and its fluorescence intensity is enhanced after doping with La3+, Gd3+ and Y3+. The influence of the doping ions and two neutral ligands (DMSO and DMF) has also been discussed. In addition, the fluorescence lifetime of some complexes has been investigated.

Phytotoxic cis-clerodane diterpenoids from the Chinese liverwort Scapania stephanii.

Five cis-clerodane diterpenoids, stephanialides A-E, along with seven known cis-clerodanes, scaparvins A-C, parvitexins B and C, 3-chloro-4-hydroxy-parvitexin A, and scapanialide B, were isolated from the Chinese liverwort Scapania stephanii. Their structures were established unequivocally on the basis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of stephanialide A was determined by analysis of CD data using the octant rule. Phytotoxic activity evaluation showed that this type of diterpenoids can significantly inhibit root elongation of the seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana, Lepidium sativum and Brassica pekinensis.

Exchange of a nuclear corepressor between NF-kappaB and CREB mediates inhibition of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase transcription by NF-kappaB.

BACKGROUND: NF-kappaB p65 was shown to inhibit transcription of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), a rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis in the liver. To understand the mechanism of action of NF-kappaB p65, we investigated the nuclear receptor corepressor in the regulation of PEPCK transcription. METHODS: Rat H4IIE cells, human hepatoma HepG2 cells and human embryo kidney (HEK) 293 cells were used in this study. The transcriptional activity of a rat PEPCK gene promoter (-490/+100) was analyzed in HepG2 cells, a HepG2 super suppressor IkBalpha (ssIkBalpha) stable cell line, and HEK 293 cells. The effects of p65 and ssIkBalpha on a rat PEPCK gene promoter were observed using the PEPCK luciferase reporter system. The interaction of the cAMP-response- element-binding (CREB) protein, histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and silencing mediator for retinoic and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) with the PEPCK gene promoter were investigated using the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. p65 cotransfection and RNAi-mediated gene knockdown were used to determine the corepressor involved in the inhibition of PEPCK by NF-kappaB p65 and the transcriptional regulation of CREB by NF-kappaB p65. RESULTS: NF-kappaB p65 inhibited PEPCK expression and the inhibition was blocked by ssIkBalpha. The inhibitory effect of p65 was completely blocked in a HepG2 stable cell line in which ssIkBalpha was expressed. HDAC3 or SMRT knockdown led to a significant up-regulation of PEPCK reporter activity in the presence of p65 cotransfection. In the ChIP assay the interaction of HDAC3 and SMRT with the PEPCK gene promoter was induced by p65 activation, but the CREB signal was reduced. Transcriptional activity of CREB was inhibited by NF-kappaB p65 cotransfection. The inhibitory effect of NF-kappaB p65 was blocked by HDAC3 RNAi or SMRT RNAi. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the inhibition of PEPCK by NF-kappaB p65 was dependent on HDAC3 and SMRT, which form a nuclear corepressor complex for transcriptional inhibition. The transcription factors NF-kappaB p65 and CREB share the same corepressor HDAC3-SMRT, and the corepressor exchange leads to inhibition of PEPCK gene transcription by NF-kappaB p65.

Aggregation of sodium 1-(n-alkyl)naphthalene-4-sulfonates in aqueous solution: micellization and microenvironment characteristics.

In aqueous solution, the micellization and microenvironment characteristics of the micelle assemblies of three anionic surfactants, sodium 1-(n-alkyl)naphthalene-4-sulfonates (SANS), have been investigated by steady-state fluorescence and time-resolved fluorescence decay techniques using pyrene, Ru(bpy)3(2+), and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene as fluorescence probes. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc's), effective carbon atom numbers (neff's), hydrophilic-lipophilic balances (HLBs), mean micelle aggregation numbers, micropolarities, and microviscosities of these surfactant micelles have been determined. The logarithmic cmc of the alkylnaphthalene sulfonates decreases linearly with an increase in the neff. The logarithmic aggregation number of the alkylnaphthalene sulfonates increases linearly with an increase in the neff. However, in contrast to the alkylsufonates and the alkylbenzene sulfonates, the aggregation for these alkylnaphthalene sulfonate molecules is less sensitive to the increase in the neff. The micropolarity of these alkylnaphthalene sulfonate micelles is less sensitive to the increase in the alkyl chain length and is lower than that of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The microviscosity of these alkylnaphthalene sulfonate micelles increases with an increase in the alkyl chain length and is lower than those of nonionic surfactants and zwitterionic surfactants. These results suggest that naphthyl rings have a notable effect on the micellization of SANS.

Reaction modes and mechanism in indolizine photooxygenation reactions.

Photooxygenations of 1,2-, 1,3-, and 2,3-di- and 1,2,3-trisubstituted indolizines 1a-1f under different reaction conditions in methanol and acetonitrile have been investigated to establish the general reaction pattern and mechanism in indolizine photooxygenation in view of the influence of the ring substituents and substitution pattern. Photooxygenations of 1-acyl-2-phenylindolizines 1a and 1b and 1,3-dibenzoyl-2-phenylindolizine (1d) are self-sensitized, while those of 1-(p-nitrobenzoyl)-2-phenylindolizine (1c) and 2-phenyl-3-(p-chlorobenzoyl)indolizine (1e) need to be sensitized by rose bengal (RB) or methylene blue (MB). These reactions proceed via a singlet oxygen mechanism yet follow different pathways in methanol and in acetonitrile, with peroxidic zwitterion D (in methanol) and dioxetane E across the indolizine C2-C3 bond (in acetonitrile) as the intervening intermediates. Methanol trapping of the peroxidic zwitterion results in C3-N bond cleavage and pyrrole ring opening to give the corresponding (E)- and (Z)-3-(2-pyridinyl)-3-benzoylpropenoic acid methyl esters (2 and 3) and 4-(2-pyridinyl)-3-phenyl-5-aryl-5-hydroxyfuran-2-one (4) as products in methanol, while O-O bond homolysis of the dioxetane furnishes 3-(2-pyridinyl)-3-benzoyl-2-phenyloxirane-2-carboxaldehyde (6) and 1-(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)-2-phenylethanedione (5) as products in acetonitrile. 3-Benzoyl-1-indolizinecarboxylic acid methyl ester (1f) is unreactive toward singlet oxygen; however, it could be photooxygenated under electron transfer conditions with 9,10-dicyanoanthracene (DCA) as a sensitizer. This reaction takes place by the combination of the indolizine cation radical with the superoxide anion radical (or molecular oxygen) to give the pyridine ring oxidized methyl 3-benzoyl-5-methoxy-8-hydroxy-1-indolizinecarboxylate (9f), dimethyl 2-(2-pyridinyl)fumarate (8f), and dimethyl 2-(2-pyridinyl)maleate (7f) as products.