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Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is considered to be a distinct clinical entity from psoriasis vulgaris (PV), with different clinical and histological manifestations. The pathogenesis of GPP has not been thoroughly elucidated, especially in those patients lacking interleukin (IL)36RN. In present study, we performed RNA sequence analysis on skin lesions from 10 GPP patients (4 with and 6 without IL36RN mutation) and 10 PV patients without IL36RN mutation. Compared with PV, significantly overexpressed genes in GPP patients were enriched in IL‐17 signalling pathway (MMP1, MMP3, DEFB4A and DEFB4B, etc.) and associated with neutrophil infiltration (MMP1, MMP3, ANXA and SERPINB, etc.). GPP with IL36RN mutations evidenced WNT11 upregulation and IL36RN downregulation in comparison to those GPP without IL36RN mutations. The expression of IL‐17A/IL‐36 in skin or serum and the origin of IL‐17A in skin were also investigated. IL‐17A expression in skin was significantly higher in GPP than PV patients, whereas, there were no differences in skin IL‐36α/IL‐36γ/IL‐36RA or serum IL‐17A/IL‐36α/IL‐36γ between GPP than PV. Besides, double immunofluorescence staining of MPO/IL‐17A or CD3/IL‐17A further confirmed that the majority of IL‐17A in GPP skin was derived from neutrophils, but not T cells. These data emphasized the role of neutrophil‐derived IL‐17A in the pathogenesis of GPP with or without IL36RN mutations. Targeting neutrophil‐derived IL‐17A might be a promising treatment for GPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) have been widely used in health care education to simultaneously assess knowledge, skill and attitude. Due to the high cost of running an OSCE, its application in professional psychology is still limited. To solve this problem, virtual standardised patient (VSP) implementations in creating psychology OSCEs can be a cost‐effective method for administering a psychology OSCE regularly. This study aimed to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the VSP version of the Intake OSCE (VSP‐Intake OSCE) in measuring psychologists' psychological assessment competencies (PACs) from entry to early practice. The initial development of the VSP‐Intake OSCE contains a VSP station and a follow‐up written station to measure PACs when conducting an intake assessment. To administer the VSP station, we built a new VSP system that allows psychologists to interact with a VSP verbally. A sample of 36 participants, including 27 graduate students and nine psychologists, were recruited to examine the psychometric properties of the VSP‐Intake OSCE. As a newly developed instrument, the VSP‐Intake OSCE revealed good inter‐rater reliability and construct validity. We believe using VSP implementations to develop psychology OSCEs will be essential in promoting OSCE applications in professional psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The draining of brain interstitial fluid (ISF) to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the subsequent draining of CSF to meningeal lymphatics is well‐known. Nonetheless, its role in the development of glioma is a remarkable finding that has to be extensively understood. The glymphatic system (GS) collects CSF from the subarachnoid space and brain ISF through aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) water channels. The glial limiting membrane and the perivascular astrocyte‐end‐feet membrane both have elevated levels of AQP4. CSF is thought to drain through the nerve sheaths of the olfactory and other cranial nerves as well as spinal meningeal lymphatics via dorsal or basal lymphatic vessels. Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) exist below the skull in the dorsal and basal regions. In this view, MLVs offer a pathway to drain macromolecules and traffic immunological cells from the CNS into cervical lymph nodes (CLNs), and thus can be used as a candidate curing strategy against glioma and other associated complications, such as neuro‐inflammation. Taken together, the lymphatic drainage system could provide a route or approach for drug targeting of glioma and other neurological conditions. Nevertheless, its pathophysiological role in glioma remains elusive, which needs extensive research. The current review aims to explore the lymphatic drainage system, its role in glioma progression, and possible therapeutic techniques that target MLVs in the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abnormal urine composition is a key reason for kidney stone formation, but little is known about the roles of small metabolites in the urine during kidney stone formation. Here, we found urine glycine in patients with kidney calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone was significantly lower than that in healthy people via 1H NMR spectra detection, and investigated the role and underlying mechanism of glycine in the regulation of CaOx stone formation. Our results showed that glycine could significantly attenuate ethylene glycol‐induced CaOx crystal depositions in rat kidney via decreasing urine oxalate and increasing urine citrate. Mechanism studies revealed that glycine could decrease urine oxalate through downregulating Slc26a6 expression, whereas increase urine citrate via inhibiting Nadc1 expression. Moreover, glycine decreased the protein expression of both Slc26a6 and Nadc1 via increasing the expression of miRNA‐411‐3p, which directly bound to the 3′‐untranslated regions of Slc26a6 and Nadc1 messenger RNAs, in vitro and in vivo. Together, our results revealed a novel role of glycine in the regulation of kidney CaOx crystal formation and provided a potential target for the treatment of kidney CaOx stone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Return of crop straw and its biochar to the agricultural field decreases pressure on phosphorus (P) resources and reduces leaching and P runoff. We conducted a 5‐year field trial from 2013 to 2017 to study the capability of maize straw and its biochar to retain soil P, which was quantified by investigating the distribution of P fractions in the soil profile (0–100 cm) and soil aggregates of different grain sizes. The impact of soil treatments with nitrogen‐phosphorus‐potassium (NPK) fertiliser alone or combined with biochar or maize straw were examined. We found that maize straw and its biochar increased soil aggregate stability, which showed an increase in mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, and aggregates with diameter > 250 μm. Maize straw and its biochar promoted both inorganic (dicalcium phosphate dehydrate [Ca2‐P], octocalcium phosphate [Ca8‐P], aluminium phosphate [Al‐P], iron phosphate [Fe‐P], hydroxyapatite [Ca10‐P], and occluded phosphate [O‐P]) and organic (labile organic phosphorus, LOP, and moderately labile organic phosphorus, MLOP) P accumulation and stabilization in soil aggregates, especially in small macroaggregates of 250–2000 μm. Total phosphorus (TP), Ca8‐P, Fe‐P, LOP, MLOP, moderately resistant organic phosphorus (MROP) and highly resistant organic phosphorus (HROP) were enhanced by maize straw and its biochar, whereas Ca2‐P and O‐P were decreased in the 0–20‐cm topsoil. We measured decreased TP, Fe‐P, O‐P and Ca10‐P in the 40–100‐cm soil layer following maize straw and biochar deposition, whereas higher Ca2‐P, Al‐P, MROP and HROP were obtained in maize straw‐supplemented soil relative to NPK fertiliser treatment in the 20–100‐cm soil layer. Thus, maize straw and its biochar can be used to effectively improve soil structure to support P retention and biochar has the potential to reduce P leaching from the soil profile. Highlights: Maize straw and its biochar effectively improved soil structure to support P retentionInorganic and organic P fractions mainly accumulated in the small macroaggregate fractionBiochar has the potential to reduce P leaching in the soil profile [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has a good prognosis and a long survival time, surgery is the common treatment including total thyroidectomy (TT) and unilateral lobectomy (LT), but recent studies showed that TT does not show an advantage over LT for PTMC in preventing cancer recurrence and reducing mortality. Given this, the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) has become one of the important factors that physicians must consider when making treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to compare the HRQoL of patients between undergoing TT and LT. Methods: From October 2019 to December 2019, 69 PTMC patients were enrolled in our study, including 34 in the LT group and 35 in the TT group, respectively. We used three questionnaires which included the 36‐item short‐form health survey (SF‐36), thyroid cancer‐specific quality of life (THYCA‐QOL), and Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form (FoP‐Q‐SF) for each patient to evaluate their scores of HRQoL. Results: According to the SF‐36, the scores of the domain for the role limitation due to physical problems, emotional problems, and social function (RP, RE, and SF) as well as Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) showed a significant negative linear association between the LT group and TT group: RP (coefficient [coef]: −33.953 [confidence interval (CI) −51.187 to −16.720], p < 0.001, RE (coef: −21.633 [CI −39.500 to −3.766], p = 0.018), SF (coef: −10.169 [CI −19.586 to −0.752], p = 0.035)and PCS (coef: −10.571 [CI −17.768 to −3.373], p = 0.005), MCS (coef: −10.694 [CI −19.465 to −1.923], p = 0.018). The THYCA‐QOL showed that the scores of the TT group were higher than that of the LT group in the problem of scar (coef: 16.245 [CI 1.697 to 30.794], p = 0.029 according to the multivariate analysis), suggesting a higher level of complaint in the TT group. There was no statistically significant difference in the scores of FoP‐Q‐SF between the two groups. Conclusions: In patients with PTMC, LT offers an advantage over TT in terms of HRQoL, which supports the role of LT as an alternative strategy to TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic granulomatous fungal infection caused by melanised or brown‐pigmented fungi. It can lead to chronic persistent infections and may cause incapacity for labour in some severe clinical forms. The optimal therapy for CBM is still uncertain. Here, we reported the case of a 66‐year‐old male who has had red plaque and recurrent keratinised protrusions on his right forearm for 20 years. He was treated orally with terbinafine, itraconazole and isotretinoin. He also received carbon dioxide(CO2) laser to eradicate the keratinised protrusions and promote the penetration of photosensitiser. After the CO2 laser, 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic therapy (ALA‐PDT) was adopted immediately to inhibiting the growth of fungi in subcutaneous tissue. The patient received an important improvement with a plaque and crust reduction after 4 months. For such recalcitrant case of chromoblastomycosis, the use of retinoid, CO2 laser combined with ALA‐PDT may be a new adjuvant therapy. We further reviewed the cases of chromoblastomycosis treated with laser, photodynamic therapy or retinoic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave electronics have evolved from bulky waveguide and vacuum tube‐based format to smaller and lighter board‐based electronics, and then to the highly miniaturized, chip‐based solid‐state form. Spurred by the advent of high‐performance flexible inorganic single‐crystalline semiconductors, a new opportunity of technology evolution from rigid microwave electronics to flexible and/or stretchable microwave electronics has emerged. The new forms of microwave electronics are expected to provide novel functions to be achieved with advanced materials, device, and system design considerations and innovative fabrication methods. Over the last years, some microwave components, modules, and systems with operation frequency greater than or equal to 1 GHz in the flexible/stretchable form factors are demonstrated. These demonstrations have alluded to the prospects of the new stage of microwave electronics evolution. Herein, a comprehensive review of the microwave/flexible microwave electronics that are demonstrated up to date is provided. An introduction to the need of flexible/stretchable microwave electronics emphasizes the motivation and potential influences of this new growing field. This review also highlights important developments in transistors, diodes, various passives, antennas, circuits, and system demonstrations, all in flexible or stretchable forms. Finally, an outlook for specific technical gaps at both the fundamental and applications levels is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wrinkle formation is the most visible characteristic of facial aging. Radiofrequency (RF) technology is currently utilized to reduce facial wrinkles and contribute to skin rejuvenation. Objective: To analyze the efficacy and safety of a noninvasive, home‐based RF device applied for facial rejuvenation in Chinese people. Methods: A single‐center, open‐label, intraindividual controlled trial was performed on subjects who received an 8‐week treatment of the RF device. A total of 22 female individuals aged 25–60 years with Fitzpatrick skin type III–IV were enrolled. Efficacy of treatment was subjectively evaluated using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification Scale (FWCS) assessed by physician or overall satisfaction of subject with a 10‐point VAS, and objectively using the skin ultrasound examination as well as the 3D skin analysis system. Adverse event was recorded at each visit. Results: In comparison with the baseline, evaluator‐assessed FWCS scores showed significant improvement at 4 weeks (p < 0.005) and 8 weeks (p < 0.005) after treatment. All subjects reported different degrees of improvement in facial wrinkles after 8 weeks of treatment. The results of skin ultrasound examination revealed significant increase of the dermal thickness at week 8 (p < 0.05) as compared to the baseline. In addition, a significant decrease in the proportion and density of perioral wrinkles evaluated by the 3D skin analysis system was observed from baseline to week 4. The treatment was well‐tolerated, and no serious adverse event was observed. Conclusion: This noninvasive, home‐based RF device was effective in improving skin texture and elasticity with a safe and well‐tolerated treating procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time prediction of clinical trial accrual can support logistical planning, ensuring that studies meet but do not exceed sample size targets. We describe a novel, simulation-based prediction method that is founded on a realistic model for the underlying processes of recruitment. The model reflects key features of enrollment such as the staggered initiation of new centers, heterogeneity in enrollment capacity, and declining accrual within centers. The model's first stage assumes that centers join the trial (ie, initiate accrual) according to an inhomogeneous Poisson process in discrete time. The second part assumes that each center's enrollment pattern reflects an early plateau followed by a slow decline, with a burst at the end of the trial following the announcement of an imminent closing date. By summing up achieved and projected enrollment, one can predict accrual as a function of time and, thereby, the time when the trial will achieve a planned enrollment target. We applied our method retrospectively to two real-world trials: NSABP B-38 and REMATCH (Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure). In both studies, the proposed method produced prediction intervals for time to completion that were more accurate than those from conventional predictions that assume a constant rate of enrollment, estimated either from the entire trial to date or over a recent time window. The advantage is substantial in the early stages of NSABP B-38. We conclude that a method based on a realistic accrual model offers improved accuracy in the prediction of enrollment landmarks, especially at the early stages of large trials that involve many centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differentiated phenotype of renal tubular epithelial cell exerts significant effect on crystal adherence. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been shown to be critical for the regulation of cell transdifferentiation in many physiological and pathological conditions; however, little is known about its role in kidney stone formation. In the current study, we found that temporarily high oxalate concentration significantly decreased PPARγ expression, induced Madin Darby Canine Kidney cell dedifferentiation, and prompted subsequent calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal adhesion in vitro. Furthermore, cell redifferentiation after the removal of the high oxalate concentration, along with a decreasing affinity to crystals, was an endogenic PPARγ‐dependent process. In addition, the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, which can depress total‐PPARγ expression and activity, enhanced cell dedifferentiation induced by high oxalate concentration and inhibited cell redifferentiation after removal of the high oxalate concentration. These effects were partially reversed by the PPARγ agonist 15d‐PGJ2. Similar results were observed in animals that suffered from temporary hyperoxaluria followed by a recovery period. The active crystal‐clearing process occurs through the transphenotypical morphology of renal tubular epithelial cells, reflecting cell transdifferentiation during the recovery period. However, GW9662 delayed cell redifferentiation and increased the secondary temporary crystalluria‐induced crystal retention. This detrimental effect was partially reversed by 15d‐PGJ2. Taken together, our results revealed that endogenic PPARγ activity plays a vital regulatory role in crystal clearance, subsequent crystal adherence, and CaOx stone formation via manipulating the transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells. The differentiated phenotype of renal tubular epithelial cell exerts significant effect on crystal adherence. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been shown to be critical for the regulation of cell transdifferentiation in many physiological and pathological conditions. In the current study, our results revealed that endogenic PPARγ activity plays a vital regulatory role in crystal clearance, subsequent crystal adherence, and calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation via manipulating the transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Malignant glioma is one of the most challenging central nervous system diseases to treat and has high rates of recurrence and mortality. Current therapies often fail to control tumor progression or improve patient survival. Marinobufagenin (MBG) is an endogenous mammalian cardiotonic steroid involved in sodium pump inhibition. Currently, various studies have indicated the potential of MBG in cancer treatments; however, the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. The functions of MBG were examined using colony formation, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays in glioma cells. A mitochondrial membrane potential assay was performed to determine the mitochondrial transmembrane potential change, and cytochrome c release from mitochondria was assayed by fluorescence microscopy. An immunofluorescence assay was performed, and the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB in glioma cells was confirmed by confocal microscopy. Western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to detect the protein and gene expression levels, respectively. In addition, transfection experiment of ATP1A1‐siRNA was further carried out to confirm the role of sodium pump α1 subunit in the anticancer effect of MBG in human glioma. The apoptosis‐promoting and anti‐inflammatory effects of MBG were further investigated, and the sodium pump α1 subunit and the ERK signaling pathway were found to be involved in the anticancer effect of MBG. The in vivo anticancer efficacy of MBG was also tested in xenografts in nude mice. Thus, therapies targeting the ERK signaling‐mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways regulated by MBG might represent potential treatments for human glioma, and this study could accelerate the finding of newer therapeutic approaches for malignant glioma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising climatic concerns force the conventional power system to minimise the gas emissions. Microgrid integrating with renewable energy plays a key role in utilising power systems in a more environment friendly way. Compared with single renewable energy system, the microgrid with multi‐energy systems is more attractive in practice. The schedule problem is considered to schedule wind power, combined heating and power generation (CHP), battery, and power grid in order to satisfy the electricity load and heat loads in the microgrid with the minimal cost in real time. Owing to the stochastic nature of wind power generation, it is a challenge to solve the multi‐energy scheduling problem when using the obtained real‐time information. In this study, the joint scheduling of the microgrid with multi‐energy systems is formulated as a rolling horizon Markov decision process (MDP). Moreover, then the rollout algorithm is applied to solve the problem in order to deal with the large state and decision space of MDP, which is caused by the increase of the number of CHPs. The feasible base policy needed in the rollout algorithm is constructed using a greedy algorithm. Numerical results demonstrate that the algorithm can achieve the requirement of real‐time scheduling effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of an X‐band flexible band‐filter on ultra‐thin liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate is investigated. The 50 µm‐thick LCP substrate is adopted to enhance the flexibility of circuits. For the purpose of fabrication by the conventional printed circuit board process, copper‐clad laminate with 18 µm thickness is selected. Excellent microwave transmission characterisation is demonstrated by measuring the microstrip line at flat and bending conditions. An X‐band interdigital bandpass filter based on a half‐wavelength microstrip line resonator is designed and fabricated for purpose of demonstration. The measured results at the flat condition show that the insertion loss is 2.1 dB at centre frequency of 9.4 GHz and the return loss is better than 20 dB at the designed band. The performance at the bending condition shows that the bending effect causes little deterioration to the performance at a different bending radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and broadly applicable rhodium‐catalyzed direct ortho‐arylation of anilines with aryl iodides relying on readily available aminophosphines as traceless directing groups is reported. Its scope and functional group compatibility were both found to be quite broad as a large variety of both aminophosphines and (hetero)aryl iodides, including complex ones, could be utilized. The ortho‐arylated anilines could be obtained in high average yields, without any competing diarylation and with full regioselectivity, which constitutes a major step forward compared to other processes. The reaction is moreover not limited to aryl iodides, as an aryl bromide and a triflate could be successfully used, and could be extended to diarylation. Mechanistic studies revealed the key and unique role of the aminophosphine, acting not only as a substrate but also as a ligand for the rhodium catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geminal bis(boronates) are versatile synthetic building blocks in organic chemistry. The fact that they predominantly serve as nucleophiles in the previous reports, however, has restrained their synthetic potential. Herein we disclose the ambiphilic reactivity of α‐halogenated geminal bis(boronates), of which the first catalytic utilization was accomplished by merging a formal Heck cross‐coupling with a highly diastereoselective allylboration of aldehydes or imines, providing a new avenue for rapid assembly of polyfunctionalized boron‐containing compounds. We demonstrated that this cascade reaction is highly efficient and compatible with various functional groups, and a wide range of heterocycles. In contrast to a classical Pd(0/II) scenario, mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations have provided strong evidence for a catalytic cycle involving Pd(I)/diboryl carbon radical intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geminal bis(boronates) are versatile synthetic building blocks in organic chemistry. The fact that they predominantly serve as nucleophiles in the previous reports, however, has restrained their synthetic potential. Herein we disclose the ambiphilic reactivity of α‐halogenated geminal bis(boronates), of which the first catalytic utilization was accomplished by merging a formal Heck cross‐coupling with a highly diastereoselective allylboration of aldehydes or imines, providing a new avenue for rapid assembly of polyfunctionalized boron‐containing compounds. We demonstrated that this cascade reaction is highly efficient and compatible with various functional groups, and a wide range of heterocycles. In contrast to a classical Pd(0/II) scenario, mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations have provided strong evidence for a catalytic cycle involving Pd(I)/diboryl carbon radical intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) contains various bioactive metabolites represented by flavonoids, which are quite different among production regions. However, the underlying regulation mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry remains unclear.Presently, we compared the bioactivity of black wolfberry from five production regions. Multi‐omics were performed to construct the regulation network associated with the fruit bioactivity. The detailed regulation mechanisms were identified using genetic and molecular methods.Typically, Qinghai (QH) fruit exhibited higher antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The higher medicinal activity of QH fruit was closely associated with the accumulation of eight flavonoids, especially Kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside (K3R) and Quercetin‐3‐O‐rutinoside (rutin). Flavonoid biosynthesis was found to be more active in QH fruit, and the upregulation of LrFLS, LrCHS, LrF3H and LrCYP75B1 caused the accumulation of K3R and rutin, leading to high medicinal bioactivities of black wolfberry. Importantly, transcription factor LrMYB94 was found to regulate LrFLS, LrCHS and LrF3H, while LrWRKY32 directly triggered LrCYP75B1 expression. Moreover, LrMYB94 interacted with LrWRKY32 to promote LrWRKY32‐regulated LrCYP75B1 expression and rutin synthesis in black wolfberry. Transgenic black wolfberry overexpressing LrMYB94/LrWRKY32 contained higher levels of K3R and rutin, and exhibited high medicinal bioactivities. Importantly, the LrMYB94/LrWRKY32‐regulated flavonoid biosynthesis was light‐responsive, showing the importance of light intensity for the medicinal quality of black wolfberry.Overall, our results elucidated the regulation mechanisms of K3R and rutin synthesis, providing the basis for the genetic breeding of high‐quality black wolfberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has long been consumed as a medicinal or functional food in East Asia. It is available as dried white ginseng (WG) and steamed red ginseng (RG), which might differ in ginsenoside profiles. We compared ginsenoside types of RG and WG using UPLC‐MS/MS and evaluated how they biologically affected heart of healthy rats by recording electrocardiography, measuring biochemical indicators, analyzing cardiac tissue slides, and Ca2+ signaling pathways. About 25 and 29 ginsenosides were detected in WG and RG, respectively, and the total ginsenoside content of RG contained was nearly 1.8 times higher than that of WG. Among them, ginsenoside Rg4, ginsenoside Rg6, ginsenoside Rh4, ginsenoside Rk1, ginsenoside Rg5, and protopanaxadiol were detected only in RG, while 20(R)‐ginsenoside Rg2 was detected only in WG. Male SD rats treated by intraperitoneal injection of WG or RG extracts were similar to the control in terms of electrocardiography and heart histology, indicating that both may not significantly affect the rats' myocardial function. However, WG and RG may induce mild cardiac injury resulting in increased cardiac collagen and creatine kinase levels. In addition, upregulated p‐CaMKII and PPARδ and downregulated SERCA2a for WG and RG treatments were further associated with increased cardiac contractility. In general, RG had less effect on the heart of healthy rats than WG, which may be due to RG having a high proportion of low‐polar ginsenosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Temozolomide (TMZ) is one of the most commonly used clinical drugs for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, but its drug sensitivity needs to be improved. Gamabufotalin (CS‐6), the primary component of the traditional Chinese medicine "ChanSu," was shown to have strong anti‐cancer activity. However, more efforts should be directed towards reducing its toxicity or effective treatment doses. Methods: Target fishing experiment, Western blotting, PCR, confocal immunofluorescence and molecular cloning techniques were performed to search for possible downstream signalling pathways. In addition, GBM xenografts were used to further determine the potential molecular mechanisms of the synergistic effects of CS‐6 and TMZ in vivo. Results: Mechanistic research revealed a negative feedback loop between ATP1A3 and AQP4 through which CS‐6 inhibited GBM growth and mediated the synergistic treatment effect of CS‐6 and TMZ. In addition, by mutating potential amino acid residues of ATP1A3, which were predicted by modelling and docking to interact with CS‐6, we demonstrated that abrogating hydrogen bonding of the amino acid Thr794 interferes with the activation of ATP1A3 by CS‐6 and that the Thr794Ala mutation directly affects the synergistic treatment efficacy of CS‐6 and TMZ. Conclusions: As the main potential target of CS‐6, ATP1A3 activation critically depends on the hydrogen bonding of Thr794 with CS‐6. The combination of CS‐6 and TMZ could significantly reduce the therapeutic doses and promote the anti‐cancer efficacy of CS‐6/TMZ monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boronate rearrangements, such as the Matteson and Petasis reactions, are valuable metal‐free reactions for the transfer of the carbo group on boron to intramolecular electrophilic sites. However, only highly reactive electrophiles are suitable, and ketones are too inactive for those boronate rearrangements due to the high energy barriers. We disclose here the 1,3‐boronate rearrangement to ketones, for which a high energy barrier (44.9 kcal/mol) is prohibitory for thermal reactions in the ground state. The reaction is enabled by the key keto‐enol‐boronate bidentate complex formation in situ, which absorbs visible light to reach the excited state for the chemoselective 1,3‐boronate rearrangement to ketones. Experimental and computational investigations exclude free radical intermediates from organoboronates. The aryl, alkenyl, and alkyl boronic acids react with various 1,3‐diketones driven by visible light irradiation to construct structurally diverse β‐keto tertiary alcohols under metal‐free conditions. The reaction demonstrates substrate diversity with 58 examples, yields up to 98 %, and it is suitable for gram‐scale synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boronate rearrangements, such as the Matteson and Petasis reactions, are valuable metal‐free reactions for the transfer of the carbo group on boron to intramolecular electrophilic sites. However, only highly reactive electrophiles are suitable, and ketones are too inactive for those boronate rearrangements due to the high energy barriers. We disclose here the 1,3‐boronate rearrangement to ketones, for which a high energy barrier (44.9 kcal/mol) is prohibitory for thermal reactions in the ground state. The reaction is enabled by the key keto‐enol‐boronate bidentate complex formation in situ, which absorbs visible light to reach the excited state for the chemoselective 1,3‐boronate rearrangement to ketones. Experimental and computational investigations exclude free radical intermediates from organoboronates. The aryl, alkenyl, and alkyl boronic acids react with various 1,3‐diketones driven by visible light irradiation to construct structurally diverse β‐keto tertiary alcohols under metal‐free conditions. The reaction demonstrates substrate diversity with 58 examples, yields up to 98 %, and it is suitable for gram‐scale synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dianhong Black Tea, a fermented tea containing various bioactive ingredients, has been found to have a significant role in alleviating alcoholic liver injury (ALI). One of its main unique components, Dianhong Black Tea volatile substances (DBTVS), may have potential anti‐ALI effects. However, its effects and underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of DBTVS as an anti‐ALI agent using alcohol‐fed rats. We assessed the effect of DBTVS on ALI by analyzing serum transaminase and lipid levels, as well as conducting hematoxylin–eosin and oil red O staining. Additionally, GC‐MS was used to detect the components of DBTVS, while transcriptome, proteomics analysis, Western blot, and molecular docking were employed to uncover the underlying mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that DBTVS significantly reduced serum ALT and AST levels and improved lipid metabolism disorders. Moreover, we identified 14 components in DBTVS, with five of them exhibiting strong binding affinity with key proteins. These findings suggested that DBTVS could be a promising agent for the prevention and treatment of ALI. Its potential therapeutic effects may be attributed to its ability to regulate lipid metabolism through the PPAR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pd‐catalyzed spiroannulation of bromophenylnaphthalenols with acetylenes to achieve asymmetric dearomatization is a powerful way to construct chiral spiro‐compounds. DFT calculations with the M06 functional have been performed to reveal the mechanism and enantioselectivity of this reaction. After reversible oxidative addition of aryl bromide to Pd(0), acetylene insertion into the Pd−C(aryl) bond is considered to be the rate‐ and enantioselectivity determining step. Subsequent deprotonation and reductive elimination then give the spiroannulation product. The overlay and noncovalent interaction analysis of the critical transition states were used to reveal the origin of the enantioselectivity for this reaction. We found that the axial chirality of the naphthol moiety affects the relative free energies of the corresponding transition states, whereas the enantioselectivity is controlled by the steric repulsion between the naphthol moiety and the ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical study of the mechanism and regioselectivity of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to 3‐methylene indolone has been performed by density functional theory at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. The results indicate that the concerted pathway is more favorable than the stepwise pathway. Investigation of the regioselectivity of this reaction shows that the main product is predicted to be 3,5‐substituted isoxazoline derivatives, which is consistent with experimental observations. The substituent effect of nitrile oxides on the reactivity and regioselectivity were also investigated. The opposite regioselectivity was observed for nitrile oxides with electron‐donating groups (methyl and phenyl) compared with electron‐withdrawing groups (CN and CO2Me). Distortion–interaction energy analysis shows that the reactivity of 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to 3‐methylene indolone is controlled by both the distortion and interaction energies. Natural population analysis indicates that the carbon atom of the 1,3‐dipole prefers to bond to the terminal carbon atom of the exocyclic double bond of 3‐methylene indolone, forming the 3,5‐substituted isoxazoline product. Frontier molecular orbital analysis shows that the regioselectivity is controlled by the orbital interaction between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the nitrile oxide and the highest occupied molecular orbital of 3‐methylene indolone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision making is a critical component of a new drug development process. Based on results from an early clinical trial such as a proof of concept trial, the sponsor can decide whether to continue, stop, or defer the development of the drug. To simplify and harmonize the decision‐making process, decision criteria have been proposed in the literature. One of them is to exam the location of a confidence bar relative to the target value and lower reference value of the treatment effect. In this research, we modify an existing approach by moving some of the "stop" decision to "consider" decision so that the chance of directly terminating the development of a potentially valuable drug can be reduced. As Bayesian analysis has certain flexibilities and can borrow historical information through an inferential prior, we apply the Bayesian analysis to the trial planning and decision making. Via a design prior, we can also calculate the probabilities of various decision outcomes in relationship with the sample size and the other parameters to help the study design. An example and a series of computations are used to illustrate the applications, assess the operating characteristics, and compare the performances of different approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed dearomatization reaction of alkyl pyridinium have been intensively studied using the density functional theory (DFT) method. The chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity were both analyzed based on the established mechanisms. The computational results showed that the chemoselective C4‐addition occurred before the C2‐addition, which is mainly because the C4 atom was more reactive according to the local reactivity analysis. The stereoselectivity was also investigated, and the C−C bond formation step was identified as the stereoselectivity‐determining step. The C−H⋅⋅⋅F and O−H⋅⋅⋅N interactions are identified as the main factors that govern the stereoselectivity by NCI analysis, and the preferred product was the RS‐configuration. This theoretical investigation would provide a case for understanding and predicting the selectivity of the organocatalytic dearomatization reactions of alkyl pyridinium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featuring the simultaneous generation of a library of compounds from a certain intermediate, divergent synthesis has found increasing applications in the construction of natural products and potential medicines. Inspired by this approach, presented herein is a general strategy to introduce functionality, in a divergent manner, into covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This modular protocol includes two stages of covalent assembly, through which functional COFs can be constructed by a three‐step transformation of a key platform molecule, such as 4,7‐dibromo‐2‐chloro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole (DBCBI). Constructed herein are four types of chiral COFs (CCOFs) from DBCBI by nucleophilic substitution, Suzuki coupling, and imine formation. The unique array of eight isoframework CCOFs allowed investigation of their catalytic performance and structure–activity relationship in an asymmetric amination reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featuring the simultaneous generation of a library of compounds from a certain intermediate, divergent synthesis has found increasing applications in the construction of natural products and potential medicines. Inspired by this approach, presented herein is a general strategy to introduce functionality, in a divergent manner, into covalent organic frameworks (COFs). This modular protocol includes two stages of covalent assembly, through which functional COFs can be constructed by a three‐step transformation of a key platform molecule, such as 4,7‐dibromo‐2‐chloro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole (DBCBI). Constructed herein are four types of chiral COFs (CCOFs) from DBCBI by nucleophilic substitution, Suzuki coupling, and imine formation. The unique array of eight isoframework CCOFs allowed investigation of their catalytic performance and structure–activity relationship in an asymmetric amination reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoalantolactone (IATL), a sesquiterpene lactone compound, possesses many pharmacological and biological activities, but its role in glioblastoma (GBM) treatment is still unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antiglioma effects of IATL and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In the current study, the biological functions of IATL were examined by MTT, cell migration, colony formation, and cell apoptosis assays. Confocal immunofluorescence techniques, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and pull‐down assays were used to explore the precise underlying molecular mechanisms. To examine IATL activity and the molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits glioma growth in vivo, we used a xenograft tumor mouse model. Furthermore, Western blotting was used to confirm the changes in protein expression after IATL treatment. According to the results, IATL inhibited IKKβ phosphorylation, thus inhibiting both the binding of NF‐κB to the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) promoter and the recruitment of p300 and eventually inhibiting COX‐2 expression. In addition, IATL induced glioma cell apoptosis by promoting the conversion of F‐actin to G‐actin, which in turn activates the cytochrome c (Cyt c) and caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathways. In the animal experiments, IATL reduced the size and weight of glioma tumors in xenograft mice and inhibited the expression of COX‐2 and phosphorylated NF‐κB p65 in the transplanted tumors. In conclusion, the current study indicated that IATL inhibited the expression of COX‐2 through the NF‐κB signaling pathway and induced the apoptosis of glioma cells by increasing actin transformation. These results suggested that IATL could be greatly effective in GBM treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylation of easily available alkenes with CO2 is highly important to afford value‐added carboxylic acids. Although dicarboxylation of activated alkenes, especially 1,3‐dienes, has been widely investigated, the challenging dicarboxylation of unactivated 1,n‐dienes (n>3) with CO2 remains unexplored. Herein, we report the first dicarboxylation of unactivated skipped dienes with CO2 via electrochemistry, affording valuable dicarboxylic acids. Control experiments and DFT calculations support the single electron transfer (SET) reduction of CO2 to its radical anion, which is followed by sluggish radical addition to unactivated alkenes, SET reduction of unstabilized alkyl radicals to carbanions and nucleophilic attack on CO2 to give desired products. This reaction features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, facile derivations of products and promising application in polymer chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylation of easily available alkenes with CO2 is highly important to afford value‐added carboxylic acids. Although dicarboxylation of activated alkenes, especially 1,3‐dienes, has been widely investigated, the challenging dicarboxylation of unactivated 1,n‐dienes (n>3) with CO2 remains unexplored. Herein, we report the first dicarboxylation of unactivated skipped dienes with CO2 via electrochemistry, affording valuable dicarboxylic acids. Control experiments and DFT calculations support the single electron transfer (SET) reduction of CO2 to its radical anion, which is followed by sluggish radical addition to unactivated alkenes, SET reduction of unstabilized alkyl radicals to carbanions and nucleophilic attack on CO2 to give desired products. This reaction features mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, facile derivations of products and promising application in polymer chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchial specimens from patients with well-controlled asthma who had more intact airway epithelium were used for comparison with specimens from patients with severe asthma. Severe asthma: PP4 expression in the denuded epithelium of patients with severe asthma was very low. Loss of PP4 contributes to diesel exhaust particles-induced epithelial barrier integrity disruption and alarmins release. [Extracted from the article]

Density functional theory calculations were used to reveal the mechanistic pathway of benzyne formation from a Kobayashi precursor, for which two methods were employed: (1) direct geometry optimization in solvent; (2) single-point energy calculations in solvent on the basis of the gas-phase-optimized geometries. The first method suggested that the overall process involved fluoride ion attack to afford a pentacoordinate silicon ate complex, aryl-Si bond cleavage, and consequent irreversible triflate dissociation to produce the benzyne intermediate. The rate-determining step was found to be the addition of the fluoride ion to the trimethylsilyl group. However, this step was missing in the second method. Moreover, the mechanism and reactivity of this transformation were also studied by natural population charge analysis and the Hammett model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND As a by-product of the oil industry, corn germ meal is mainly applied as a high-protein ingredient in animal feeds, without any application of the specific functional properties of corn germ protein ( CGP). Factors influencing the gelation properties of CGP in relation to its dynamic rheology are still unclear owing to limited information. RESULTS CGP concentrate was recovered by the isoelectric precipitation method, and factors affecting its gelation properties were investigated using a rheometer. A weak gel formed at natural pH with 0.3 mol L−1 NaCl, and the minimum gel-forming concentration was observed at 150 g kg−1. Higher CGP protein concentrations induced stiffer gels, and linear relationships were found between protein concentration and gel stiffness ( G′) as well as between protein concentration and gel viscosity ( G″). Lower heating and cooling rate promoted the formation of stiffer gels. CGP gelation was both NaCl- and pH-dependent. Sodium tripolyphosphate significantly increased gel stiffness with increasing concentration. No difference in gel elasticity (tan δ) was observed with the inclusion of various concentrations of sodium tripolyphosphate or sodium polyphosphate. CONCLUSION Heating and cooling rate, NaCl, protein concentration, pH and phosphates all impact the gel-forming ability of CGP concentrate. Desired gel properties can be obtained through adjustment of these factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aorta of mid‐gestational mouse embryos, a specialized endothelial subpopulation termed hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) develops into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), through a conserved process of endothelial‐to‐hematopoietic transition (EHT). EHT is tightly controlled by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Nevertheless, the molecular regulators restraining this process remain poorly understood. Here, it is uncovered that, one of the previously identified HEC signature genes, Nupr1, negatively regulates the EHT process. Nupr1 deletion in endothelial cells results in increased HSPC generation in the aorta‐gonad‐mesonephros region. Furthermore, single‐cell transcriptomics combined with serial functional assays reveals that loss of Nupr1 promotes the EHT process by promoting the specification of hematopoiesis‐primed functional HECs and strengthening their subsequent hematopoietic differentiation potential toward HSPCs. This study further finds that the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), is significantly upregulated in Nupr1‐deficient HECs, and the use of a specific TNF‐α neutralizing antibody partially reduces excessive HSPC generation in the explant cultures from Nupr1‐deficient embryos. This study identifies a novel negative regulator of EHT and the findings indicate that Nupr1 is a new potential target for future hematopoietic stem cell regeneration research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aldehydes installation by radical formylation constitutes an attractive synthetic strategy. However, the generation of formyl radicals for organic synthesis applications remains unknown. Herein we report the first formyl radical generation from α‐chloro N‐methoxyphthalimides, which selectively synthesize aldehydes by alkene hydroformylation under mild photoredox conditions. The aldehydes can be installed on acrylates, acrylamides, vinyl sulfones, vinyl ketones, and complex steroids by radical hydroformylation in excellent chemoselectivity and regioselectivity. The concerted hydrochloride elimination for the formyl radical generation from α‐chloro methoxy radicals is established by experimental and computational approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aldehydes installation by radical formylation constitutes an attractive synthetic strategy. However, the generation of formyl radicals for organic synthesis applications remains unknown. Herein we report the first formyl radical generation from α‐chloro N‐methoxyphthalimides, which selectively synthesize aldehydes by alkene hydroformylation under mild photoredox conditions. The aldehydes can be installed on acrylates, acrylamides, vinyl sulfones, vinyl ketones, and complex steroids by radical hydroformylation in excellent chemoselectivity and regioselectivity. The concerted hydrochloride elimination for the formyl radical generation from α‐chloro methoxy radicals is established by experimental and computational approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silanes are important in chemistry and material science. The self‐redistribution of HSiCl3 is an industrial process to prepare SiH4, which is widely used in electronics and automobile industries. However, selective silane cross‐redistribution to prepare advanced silanes is challenging. We now report an enthalpy‐driven silane cross‐redistribution to access bis‐silanes that contain two different types of Si−H bonds in the same molecule. Compared with entropy‐driven reactions, the enthalpy‐driven reaction shows high regioselectivity, broad substrate scope (62 examples) and high atom economy. Our combined experimental and computational study indicates that the reaction proceeds through a Ni0‐NiII‐NiIV catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silanes are important in chemistry and material science. The self‐redistribution of HSiCl3 is an industrial process to prepare SiH4, which is widely used in electronics and automobile industries. However, selective silane cross‐redistribution to prepare advanced silanes is challenging. We now report an enthalpy‐driven silane cross‐redistribution to access bis‐silanes that contain two different types of Si−H bonds in the same molecule. Compared with entropy‐driven reactions, the enthalpy‐driven reaction shows high regioselectivity, broad substrate scope (62 examples) and high atom economy. Our combined experimental and computational study indicates that the reaction proceeds through a Ni0‐NiII‐NiIV catalytic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silaspiranes have attracted particular attention due to their chiral spiro‐silicon center, which serves as an ideal carbon isostere and can endow spiro‐analogs with distinct properties. Distinct from previously reported cyclization or cycloaddition strategies to form 5/5‐silaspiranes, we report herein the asymmetric dual ring expansion of spirosilabicyclobutanes with alkynes to synthesize axially chiral spirosilabicyclohexenes bearing a novel 6/6‐silaspirane framework. DFT (density functional theory) calculations provide the deep insight into the origin of the high enantioselectivity controlled by the sterically demanding binaphthyl phosphoramidite ligand. Preliminary studies of chiroptical properties indicate that one of the spirosilabicyclohexene analogs exhibit fluorescence emission, Cotton effects and CPL (circularly polarized luminescence) activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silaspiranes have attracted particular attention due to their chiral spiro‐silicon center, which serves as an ideal carbon isostere and can endow spiro‐analogs with distinct properties. Distinct from previously reported cyclization or cycloaddition strategies to form 5/5‐silaspiranes, we report herein the asymmetric dual ring expansion of spirosilabicyclobutanes with alkynes to synthesize axially chiral spirosilabicyclohexenes bearing a novel 6/6‐silaspirane framework. DFT (density functional theory) calculations provide the deep insight into the origin of the high enantioselectivity controlled by the sterically demanding binaphthyl phosphoramidite ligand. Preliminary studies of chiroptical properties indicate that one of the spirosilabicyclohexene analogs exhibit fluorescence emission, Cotton effects and CPL (circularly polarized luminescence) activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both aryne 1,4‐disubstitution and 1,2,4‐trifunctionalization were accomplished from tertiary amines bearing a penta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐yl moiety. These transformations could directly incorporate a C−N and a C−C bond para to each other on an aryne intermediate via a sequential nucleophilic addition and [5,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement. When arynes bearing 3‐tethered electrophiles were employed, a cascade regioselective nucleophilic addition, intramolecular cyclization, and remote diastereoselective [5,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement process was observed. Our density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that hydrogen‐bonding interactions between two C−H hydrogens on the penta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐yl chain and the oxygen anion generated upon N‐nucleophilic annulation reaction in the [5,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement step is responsible for the remote diastereoselective control in this reaction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both aryne 1,4‐disubstitution and 1,2,4‐trifunctionalization were accomplished from tertiary amines bearing a penta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐yl moiety. These transformations could directly incorporate a C−N and a C−C bond para to each other on an aryne intermediate via a sequential nucleophilic addition and [5,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement. When arynes bearing 3‐tethered electrophiles were employed, a cascade regioselective nucleophilic addition, intramolecular cyclization, and remote diastereoselective [5,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement process was observed. Our density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that hydrogen‐bonding interactions between two C−H hydrogens on the penta‐2,4‐dien‐1‐yl chain and the oxygen anion generated upon N‐nucleophilic annulation reaction in the [5,5]‐sigmatropic rearrangement step is responsible for the remote diastereoselective control in this reaction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C‐Acyl glycosides are versatile intermediates to natural products and medicinally relevant entities. Conventional cross‐coupling strategies to secure these molecules often relied on two‐component manifolds in which a glycosyl precursor is coupled with an acyl donor (pre‐synthesized or generated in situ) under transition metal or dual catalysis to forge a C−C bond. Here, we disclose a three‐component Ni‐catalyzed reductive regime that facilitates the chemoselective union of glycosyl halides, organoiodides and commercially available isobutyl chloroformate as a CO surrogate. The method tolerates multiple functionalities and the resulting products are obtained in high diastereoselectivities. Theoretical calculations provide a mechanistic rationale for the unexpectedly high chemoselectivity of sequential cross‐electrophile couplings. This approach enables the expeditious assembly of difficult‐to‐synthesize C‐acyl glycosides, as well as late‐stage keto‐glycosylation of oligopeptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C‐Acyl glycosides are versatile intermediates to natural products and medicinally relevant entities. Conventional cross‐coupling strategies to secure these molecules often relied on two‐component manifolds in which a glycosyl precursor is coupled with an acyl donor (pre‐synthesized or generated in situ) under transition metal or dual catalysis to forge a C−C bond. Here, we disclose a three‐component Ni‐catalyzed reductive regime that facilitates the chemoselective union of glycosyl halides, organoiodides and commercially available isobutyl chloroformate as a CO surrogate. The method tolerates multiple functionalities and the resulting products are obtained in high diastereoselectivities. Theoretical calculations provide a mechanistic rationale for the unexpectedly high chemoselectivity of sequential cross‐electrophile couplings. This approach enables the expeditious assembly of difficult‐to‐synthesize C‐acyl glycosides, as well as late‐stage keto‐glycosylation of oligopeptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Michael addition reactions are performed with excellent enantioselectivities in the presence of a cinchona-based chiral primary amine and L-camphoric acid as an effective catalyst system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new flavan shows significant antiinflammatory activities and inhibits the superoxide anion generation by fMLP/CB-induced human neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A catalytic 1,2‐oxyhalogenation method that converts non‐conjugated internal alkynes into tetrasubstituted alkenes with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity is described. Mechanistically, the reaction involves a PdII/PdIV catalytic cycle that begins with a directed oxypalladation step. The origin of regioselectivity is the preference for formation of a six‐membered palladacycle intermediate, which is facilitated by an N,N‐bidentate 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)isopropyl (PIP) amide directing group. Selectivity for C(alkenyl)−X versus −N (X=halide) reductive elimination from the PdIV center depends on the identity of the halide anion; bromide and iodide engage in C(alkenyl)−X formation, while intramolecular C(alkenyl)−N reductive elimination occurs with chloride to furnish a lactam product. DFT calculations shed light on the origins of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A catalytic 1,2‐oxyhalogenation method that converts non‐conjugated internal alkynes into tetrasubstituted alkenes with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity is described. Mechanistically, the reaction involves a PdII/PdIV catalytic cycle that begins with a directed oxypalladation step. The origin of regioselectivity is the preference for formation of a six‐membered palladacycle intermediate, which is facilitated by an N,N‐bidentate 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)isopropyl (PIP) amide directing group. Selectivity for C(alkenyl)−X versus −N (X=halide) reductive elimination from the PdIV center depends on the identity of the halide anion; bromide and iodide engage in C(alkenyl)−X formation, while intramolecular C(alkenyl)−N reductive elimination occurs with chloride to furnish a lactam product. DFT calculations shed light on the origins of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]