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The incorporation of –SF5 group onto model amino acids has been achieved using commercially available synthons substituted with this group. This work investigates the influence of the –SF5 group on a variety of common synthetic transformations utilized in fields of bioconjugation and drug development, namely, amide coupling, reductive amination, diazo-coupling, and CuAAC “click” reactions. The influence of the novel substituent on the success of these common transformations is presented, and alternative approaches for those which proved unsatisfactory are proposed herein.

Oxidative stress is associated with several diseases, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, commonly found in the elderly. The attenuation of oxidative status is one of the alternatives for neuroprotection and anti-aging. Auricularia polytricha (AP), an edible mushroom, contains many therapeutic properties, including antioxidant properties. Herein, we report the effects of AP extracts on antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activities. The neuroprotective effect of AP extracts against glutamate-induced HT-22 neuronal damage was determined by evaluating the cytotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and expression of antioxidant enzyme genes. Lifespan and healthspan assays were performed to examine the effects of AP extracts from Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that ethanolic extract (APE) attenuated glutamate-induced HT-22 cytotoxicity and increased the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes. Moreover, APE promoted in the longevity and health of the C. elegans. Chemical analysis of the extracts revealed that APE contains the highest quantity of flavonoids and a reasonable percentage of phenols. The lipophilic compounds in APE were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing that APE mainly contains linoleic acid. Interestingly, linoleic acid suppressed neuronal toxicity and ROS accumulation from glutamate induction. These results indicate that AP could be an exciting natural source that may potentially serves as neuroprotective and anti-aging agents.

The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria has increased the need for novel antibiotics to help overcome what may be considered the greatest threat to modern medicine. Here we report the synthesis of fifteen novel 3,5-diaryl-1H- pyrazoles obtained via one-pot cyclic oxidation of a chalcone and hydrazine-monohydrate. The synthesised pyrazoles were then screened against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to determine their antibacterial potential. The results show that compound 7p is bacteriostatic at MIC 8 µg/mL. The compound is non-toxic against healthy mammalian cells, 3T3-L1 at the highest test concentration 50 µg/mL. Furthermore, compound 7p significantly affected bacterial morphogenesis before cell lysis in Bacillus subtilis when treated above the MIC concentration. From the results, a promising lead compound was identified for future development.

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been reported to have neurotoxic properties that may increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by inducing neuroinflammation. Auricularia polytricha (AP) is an edible mushroom with several medicinal properties. Herein, the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of AP extracts against BPA-induced inflammation of BV2 microglial cells were investigated. Hexane (APH) and ethanol (APE) extracts of AP inhibited BPA-induced neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia by reducing microglial activation and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These anti-inflammatory effects were regulated by the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, APH and APE exhibited antioxidative effects by increasing the activity of the SOD-1 enzyme and restoring the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BPA-induced BV2 cells. Moreover, the conditioned medium prepared using BPA-induced BV2 cells demonstrated that the presence of APH or APE could attenuate ROS production in HT-22 cells. Further, ergosterol was isolated from APE and also showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. In conclusion, AP extracts and ergosterol attenuated neuroinflammation against BPA induction in BV2 microglial cells through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Amine-borane complexes have been extensively studied as hydrogen storage materials. Herein, we report a new amine-borane system featuring a reversible dehydrogenation and regeneration at room temperature. In addition to high purity H2 , the reaction between ethylenediamine bisborane (EDAB) and ethylenediamine (ED) leads to unique boron-carbon-nitrogen 5-membered rings in the dehydrogenation product where one boron is tricoordinated by three nitrogen atoms. Owing to the unique cyclic structure, the dehydrogenation product can be efficiently converted back to EDAB by NaBH4 and H2 O at room temperature. This finding could lead to the discovery of new amine boranes with potential usage as hydrogen storage materials.

Current therapeutic options for obesity often require pharmacological intervention with dietary restrictions. Obesity is associated with underlying inflammation due to increased tissue macrophage infiltration, and recent evidence shows that inflammation can drive obesity, creating a feed forward mechanism. Therefore, targeting obesity-induced macrophage infiltration may be an effective way of treating obesity. Here, we developed cargo-less liposomes (UTS-001) using 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DOPC (synthetic phosphatidylcholine) as a single-agent to manage weight gain and related glucose disorders due to high fat diet (HFD) consumption in mice. UTS-001 displayed potent immunomodulatory properties, including reducing resident macrophage number in both fat and liver, downregulating liver markers involved in gluconeogenesis, and increasing marker involved in thermogenesis. As a result, UTS-001 significantly enhanced systemic glucose tolerance in vivo and insulin-stimulated cellular glucose uptake in vitro, as well as reducing fat accumulation upon ad libitum HFD consumption in mice. UTS-001 targets tissue residence macrophages to suppress tissue inflammation during HFD-induced obesity, resulting in improved weight control and glucose metabolism. Thus, UTS-001 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for body weight management and glycaemic control.

Background and aim Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now become the world pandemic. There is a race to develop suitable drugs and vaccines for the disease. The anti-HIV protease drugs are currently repurposed for the potential treatment of COVID-19. The drugs were primarily screened against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. With an urgent need for safe and effective drugs to treat the virus, we have explored natural products isolated from edible and medicinal mushrooms that have been reported to possess anti-HIV protease. Experimental procedures We have examined 36 compounds for their potential to be SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors using molecular docking study. Moreover, drug-likeness properties including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity were evaluated by in silico ADMET analysis. Results Our AutoDock study showed that 25 of 36 candidate compounds have the potential to inhibit the main viral protease based on their binding affinity against the enzyme’s active site when compared to the standard drugs. Interestingly, ADMET analysis and toxicity prediction revealed that 6 out of 25 compounds are the best drug-like property candidates, including colossolactone VIII, colossolactone E, colossolactone G, ergosterol, heliantriol F and velutin. Conclusion Our study highlights the potential of existing mushroom-derived natural compounds for further investigation and possibly can be used to fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Taxonomy (classification by evise) Disease, Infectious Disease, Respiratory System Disease, Covid-19, Traditional Medicine, Traditional Herbal Medicine, Phamaceutical Analysis., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • 25 compounds from mushroom exhibited good binding affinities against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease using molecular docking. • ADMET analysis revealed the drug likeliness, toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of studied compounds. • Ergosterol, heliantriol F, velutin, colossolactone VIII, E and G are promising SAR-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to modern medicine. Drugs that were once routinely used to treat infections are being rendered ineffective, increasing the demand for novel antibiotics with low potential for resistance. Here we report the synthesis of 18 novel cationic tetrahydroisoquinoline-triazole compounds. Five of the developed molecules were active against S. aureus at a low MIC of 2-4 μg/mL. Hit compound 4b was also found to eliminate M. tuberculosis H37Rv at MIC of 6 μg/mL. This potent molecule was found to eliminate S. aureus effectively, with no resistance observed after thirty days of sequential passaging. These results identified compound 4b and its analogues as potential candidates for further drug development that could help tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance.

The bacterial cell division protein FtsZ is conserved in most bacteria and essential for viability. There have been concerted efforts in developing inhibitors that target FtsZ as potential antibiotics. Key to this is an in-depth understanding of FtsZ structure at the molecular level across diverse bacterial species to ensure inhibitors have high affinity for the FtsZ target in a variety of clinically relevant pathogens. In this study, we show that FtsZ structures differ in three ways: (1) the H7 helix curvature; (2) the dimensions of the interdomain cleft; and (3) the opening/closing mechanism of the interdomain cleft, whereas no differences were observed in the dimensions of the nucleotide-binding pocket and T7 loop. Molecular dynamics simulation may suggest that there are two possible mechanisms for the process of opening and closing of the interdomain cleft on FtsZ structures. This discovery highlights significant differences between FtsZ structures at the molecular level and this knowledge is vital in assisting the design of potent FtsZ inhibitors.

© 2019 American Chemical Society. The disturbing increase in the number of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to multiple, or sometimes all, current antibiotics highlights the desperate need to pursue the discovery and development of novel classes of antibacterials. The wealth of knowledge available about the bacterial cell division machinery has aided target-driven approaches to identify new inhibitor compounds. The main division target being pursued is the highly conserved and essential protein FtsZ. Despite very active research on FtsZ inhibitors for several years, this protein is not yet targeted by any commercial antibiotic. Here, we discuss the suitability of FtsZ as an antibacterial target for drug development and review progress achieved in this area. We use hindsight to highlight the gaps that have slowed progress in FtsZ inhibitor development and to suggest guidelines for concluding that FtsZ is actually the target of these molecules, a key missing link in several studies. In moving forward, a multidisciplinary, communicative, and collaborative process, with sharing of research expertise, is critical if we are to succeed.

A library of novel tricyclic amides has been synthesised via the Ritter reaction from β-caryophyllene 1 and its monoepoxy derivative 4. The compounds were assessed for antiproliferative activities against the aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Of the synthesised compounds, eight were active. 3c and 6b were the most potent and inhibited proliferation with IC(50) of 9.7 and 8.2 μM, respectively. Mechanistic studies revealed differences in their antiproliferative actions. 6b inhibited cell cycle progression and induced predominantly apoptotic cell death. In contrast, 3c did not affect cell cycle kinetics and favoured necrotic over apoptotic pathways. Screening against mammalian cells (VERO cells) indicates that 3c and 6b were more active towards MDA-MB-231 cells than noncancerous cells. Facile synthesis and biological results suggest that these caryophyllene derived amides are viable lead compounds for further development.

Carbon dioxide chemistry is an area of continuing growth in recent times, due to socioeconomic and environmental reasons. Several methods have now been reported for obtaining N-methylation on primary and secondary amines directly from CO2. We have translated in two microfluidic setups (Slug Flow [SF] and Tube-in-Tube [TiT]) a ruthenium (Ru)-catalyzed process previously reported using a pressure vessel. Here, we demonstrate how the SF approach is more efficient but requires more input to reach a steady state, while the TiT system is less efficient but more tuneable.We have tested these processes on three model amines and two radiopharmaceutical precursors that are routinely used in 11C chemistry. The microfluidic processes tested are also potentially more efficient than the pressure vessel counterpart, in terms of amount of Ru catalyst needed (1% vs. 10%) and projected reaction completion time.

© 2016, Springer-Verlag Wien. Abstract: The bridging Ritter reactions are considered to be efficient synthetic methods rapidly providing access to alkaloid-like compounds in a few steps from inexpensive starting materials. In this manuscript, we report the synthesis of benzo[c]azepine derivatives bearing either amide or hydroxyl groups via the bridging Ritter reactions. These compounds are diastereoisomers of a known AChE inhibitor. All the structures were fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. NMR spectral analysis of diastereoisomers has allowed for the relative stereochemistry of the AChE inhibitor to be established. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

© 2018 The Author(s). Background: Streblus asper is a well-known plant native to Southeast Asia. Different parts of the plant have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. However, there is very little scientific evidence reporting its therapeutic benefits for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aimed to evaluate antibacterial, antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, and neuroprotective properties of S. asper leaf extracts with the primary objective of enhancing therapeutic applications and facilitating activity-guided isolation of the active chemical constituents. Methods: The leaves of S. asper were extracted in ethanol and subsequently fractionated into neutral, acid and base fractions. The phytochemical constituents of each fraction were analyzed using GC-MS. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using a broth microdilution method. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced toxicity was tested on hippocampal neuronal HT22 cell line by evaluating the cell viability using MTT assay. The AChE inhibitory activity was screened by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautographic method. Results: The partition of the S. asper ethanolic leaf extract yielded the highest mass of phytochemical constitutions in the neutral fraction and the lowest in the basic fraction. Amongst the three fractions, the acidic fraction showed the strongest antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. The antioxidant activities of three fractions were found in the order of acidic > basic > neutral, whereas the decreasing order of neuroprotective activity was neutral > basic > acidic. TLC bioautography revealed one component in the neutral fraction exhibited anti-AChE activity. While in the acid fraction, two components showed inhibitory activity against AChE. GC-MS analysis of three fractions showed the presence of major phytochemical constituents including terpenoids, steroids, phenolics, fatty acids, and lipidic plant hormone. Conclusions: Our findings have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of three fractions extracted from S. asper leaves as a promising natural source for neuroprotective agents with additional actions of antibacterials and antioxidants, along with AChE inhibitors that will benefit in the development of new natural compounds in therapies against AD.

© 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry. An efficient surface modification for upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is reported via supramolecular host-guest self-assembly. Cucurbit[7]uril (CB) can provide a hydrophilic surface and cavities for most biomolecules. High biological efficiency, activity and versatility of the approach enable UCNPs to be significantly applied in bio-imaging, early disease detection, and bio-sensing.

© 2017 CPS and SIMM All rights reserved. Organosulfur compounds derived from Allium vegetables have long been recognized for various therapeutic effects, including anticancer activity. Allicin, one of the main biologically active components of garlic, shows promise as an anticancer agent; however, instability makes it unsuitable for clinical application. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stabilized allicin derivatives on human breast cancer cells in vitro. In this study, a total of 22 stabilized thiosulfinate derivatives were synthesized and screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against drug-sensitive (MCF-7) and multidrug-resistant (MCF-7/Dx) human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cells. Assays for cell death, apoptosis, cell cycle progression and mitochondrial bioenergetic function were performed. Seven compounds (4b, 7b, 8b, 13b, 14b, 15b and 18b) showed greater antiproliferative activity against MCF-7/Dx cells than allicin. These compounds were also selective towards multidrug-resistant (MDR) cells, a consequence attributed to collateral sensitivity. Among them, 13b exhibited the greatest anticancer activity in both MCF-7/Dx and MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of 18.54±0.24 and 46.50±1.98 μmol/L, respectively. 13b altered cellular morphology and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Additionally, 13b dose-dependently induced apoptosis, and inhibited cellular mitochondrial respiration in cells at rest and under stress. MDR presents a significant obstacle to the successful treatment of cancer clinically. These results demonstrate that thiosulfinate derivatives have potential as novel anticancer agents and may offer new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chemoresistant cancers.

The importance of the sulfur-fluorine bond is starting to increase in modern medicinal chemistry literature. This is due to a better understanding of the stability and reactivity of this moiety depending on the various oxidation states of sulfur. Furthermore, several commercial reagents used for mild and selective fluorination of organic molecules are based on the known reactivity of S-F groups. In this review, we will show how these examples are translating into the 18F field, both for use as stable tags in finished radiopharmaceuticals and as mildly reactive fluoride-relay intermediates. Finally, we also discuss current opportunities where examples of non-radioactive S-F applications/chemistry may be translated into future 18F radiochemistry applications.

Our previous study reported multi-drug resistance (MDR) reversing properties of synthetic stemofoline derivatives (STFD), OH-A1, NH-B6 and NH-D6 on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpressing leukaemic cells (K562/Adr); however, the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we further investigated whether the STFD reverse MDR through either the inhibition of P-gp function or expression in K562/Adr cells, or both. The P-gp functional studies showed that the STFD increased the accumulation of calcein-AM, rhodamine 123 and [(14) C]-doxorubicin in K562/Adr cells, while the effects have not been seen in their parental sensitive cancer cell line (K562). Further, the STFD did not alter the P-gp expression as determined by Western blotting. This study concludes that the STFD reverse MDR via the inhibition of P-gp function. The efficacy of the STFD to inhibit P-gp function followed the order: NH-B6 > OH-A1 > NH-D6. These compounds could be introduced as candidate molecules for treating cancers exhibiting P-gp-mediated MDR.

A novel single-step microwave-assisted process has been developed to synthesize spherical β-Ni(OH)2 superstructures without using any templates. Structure characterizations show that the spherical β-Ni(OH)2 composed of twisted nanosheets was obtained. The electrochemical properties of the as-prepared materials were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry technology in 2 M KOH solution. Due to the unique morphology, the prepared β-Ni(OH)2 electrode displays a high specific capacitance of 2147 F g−1 at a discharge current of 1 A g−1 and outstanding cycling stability (99.5% capacitance retained after 2000 cycles), suggesting its potential application as an efficient electrode material for high-performance electrochemical capacitors.

RATIONALE Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) is the active ingredient of 'Urine Luck', a commercially available in vitro adulterating agent used to conceal the presence of drugs in a urine specimen. The exposure of codeine and its major glucuronide metabolite codeine-6-glucuronide (C6G) to PCC was investigated to determine whether PCC is an effective masking agent for these opiate compounds. METHODS Following the addition of PCC to both spiked and authentic codeine and C6G-positive urine specimens, the samples were monitored using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Stable reaction products were identified and characterized using high-resolution MS analysis and, where possible, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. RESULTS It was determined that PCC effectively oxidizes codeine and C6G, thus altering the original codeine-to-C6G ratio in the urine specimen. Four reaction products were identified for codeine: codeinone, 14-hydroxycodeinone, 6-O-methylcodeine and 8-hydroxy-7,8-dihydrocodeinone. Similarly, three reaction products were identified for C6G: codeinone, codeine and a lactone of C6G (tentative assignment). CONCLUSIONS Besides addressing the complications added to interpretation, more investigation is warranted to further determine their potential for use as markers for monitoring the presence of codeine and C6G in urine specimens adulterated with PCC.

An effective method for synthesising alkaloid-like compounds containing the 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-ene core structure was successfully carried out in a stereoselective manner via the bridged-Ritter reactions. Important optically active 6-alkyl(aryl)amido-4-alkyl(aryl)-2,2,6-trimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non- 3-enes (imino amides) and 4-alkyl(aryl)-2,2,6-trimethyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nona- 3,6-dienes (imino alkenes) were obtained in one step from (-)-β-pinene and the respective nitriles in the presence of concentrated H2SO 4. The relative compositions of these products were controlled by varying the reaction conditions. Kinetic studies were conducted to enable a mechanistic understanding of the reaction pathways. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2014 Springer-Verlag Wien.

© 2016 Elsevier Ltd A small, diverse library of novel alkaloid-like compounds was synthesised using the bridged Ritter reaction with (−)-β-pinene and subsequent scaffold derivatisation. Structural diversity was achieved by varying the nitrile used in the reaction and thus provided an understanding of the influence nitriles have on the reaction outcome; it was determined that more nucleophilic nitriles, gave higher yields. Steric factors also determined the selectivity of scaffold types produced, with larger groups producing predominantly alkene products. X-ray crystallography and attempts to derivatise the imines obtained from the bridged Ritter reaction, highlighted the way the imino nitrogen reacted either not at all or in a stereospecific mannor, due to crowding by adjacent substituents. As the compounds contain either the 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane or 3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-ene core architecture, they will also be explored for their biological properties, due to the prevalence of bioactive alkaloids containing these core structures.

© 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry. Tricyclic alkaloid-like compounds were synthesised in a few steps, via the bridging Ritter reaction. The compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against the MCF-7 and the aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The anti-cancer activities of 2c were found to be selective towards the aggressive and more challenging to treat triple negative (MDA-MB-231) cell line while exhibiting no antiproliferative activities towards the MCF-7 cells at the highest concentration tested (50 μM). The IC50 of compound 2c was determined to be 7.9 μM for the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Furthermore, 2c arrested cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Besides in-house anti-cancer screening, compound 3 was selected for anti-cancer screening by the National Cancer Institute and was found to have broad anti-cancer activity with selectivity against particular leukaemia, colon, melanoma, and breast cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicities of compounds 2c and 3 were also tested against noncancerous mammalian cells (VERO cell line), and found to be selective towards cancerous cells. The facile synthetic route, unique chemical structures and the biological data make these alkaloid-like compounds worthwhile lead compounds for further anti-cancer drug development.

Thirty-two new stemofoline analogues were prepared from didehydrostemofoline for studies as AChE inhibitors. C-3 Side-chain modified amino, carbamate, triazole and oxazole stemofoline derivatives were prepared. In general the amine derivatives were found to be stronger inhibitors of AChE than their alcohol analogues that we previously reported. Compounds 5 and 26, with small C-3 side-chain substituents, were two of the most active inhibitors. Preliminary molecular docking studies suggested that these compounds may inhibit AChE by binding horizontally along the passage of the active-site gorge and block access to acetylcholine. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxidation of (11Z)-1′,2′-didehydrostemofoline with DIB/TBHP/Mg(OAc)2·4H2O resulted in oxidative cleavage of the C-11-C-12 double bond instead of the desired allylic oxidation of the 1-butenyl side chain. Stemofoline gave a similar result. The oxidation of more simple terminal alkenes was regioselective and gave vinyl ketones while allyl and benzyl ethers gave acrylate and benzoate esters, respectively. Allyl and benzyl ethers could be chemoselectively oxidized in the presence of a terminal alkene or benzyl group. Oxidation of an internal alkene was poorly regioselective, in contrast to the oxidation of 1-substituted cyclohexenes. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new stemofoline alkaloid, (2'S)-hydroxy-(11S,12R)-dihydrostemofoline (3), new stemofurans M-R (8-13), and known compounds stemofoline (1), (2'S)-hydroxystemofoline (2), stemofuran E (4), stemofuran F (5), stemofuran J (6), and stilbostemin F (7) have been isolated from the root extracts of Stemona aphylla. The structures and relative configurations of these new compounds have been determined by spectroscopic data interpretation and from semisynthetic studies. These natural and semisynthetic alkaloids were tested for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities and were found to be 10-20 times less active than 1',2'-didehydrostemofoline itself. Stemofurans 4, 6, 8, 11, and 13 were tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Three of these showed antibacterial activities against MRSA with MIC values of 15.6 μg/mL.

The isolation of two new Stemona alkaloids, 1-hydroxyprotostemonine and stemocurtisine N-oxide, and a new benzofuran, stemofuran L, from the root extracts of Stemona curtisii is reported. The major known alkaloids from this plant extract, stemocurtisine, stemocurtisinol, and oxyprotostemonine, were also isolated along with oxystemokerrine N-oxide. The nonalkaloid components of this extract included a new benzofuran derivative, stemofuran L, the known stemofurans F, J, and K, dihydro-γ-tocopherol, and stigmasterol. Stemocurtisine and stemocurtisinol were converted to their respective N-oxides by oxidation. Stemocurtisine was converted to a tetracyclic derivative by oxidative cleavage of the γ-butyrolactone ring, while stemocurtisinol gave a novel lactam derivative by oxidative cleavage of the C-4 side chain under basic conditions. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of some known and new alkaloids and their derivatives are also reported. All were 10-20 times less active as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors than the pyrrolo[1,2-a]azepine Stemona alkaloids stemofoline and 1',2'-didehydrostemofoline. None of the stemofuran compounds showed significant antibacterial or antifungal activities.

Novel laudanosine dimers in which two laudanosine units are linked at C-2′ via a two or three-carbon linker (alkane, alkene or alkyne) have been prepared using palladium-catalysed cross-coupling reactions (Mizoroki-Heck and Sonagashira reactions). In one example, a second three-carbon linker between the two isoquinoline N-atoms was also present leading to a novel macrocyclic ring system. Crown Copyright © 2008.

The synthesis of some novel 3′-spirocyclic-oxindole compounds, based on the spiro[indole-3,5′-isoxazolidin]-2(1H)-one, the 2′H-spiro[indole-3,6′-[1,3]oxazinane]-2,2′(1H)-dione and the 2′H-spiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolo[1,2-c][1,3′]oxazine]-1′,2(1H)-dione heterocyclic structures, is described. These compounds were prepared from methyl α-(2-nitrophenyl)acrylate via [1,3]-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with two acyclic nitrones and one cyclic nitrone followed by reduction of the cycloadducts and then treatment with triphosgene. Two of these compounds showed significant cytostatic activity on three cancer cell lines with GI50 values of 2.6-4.1 μM on the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Crown Copyright © 2007.

Six new stemofoline alkaloids, (2'R)-hydroxystemofoline (5), (3'R)-stemofolenol (6), (3'S)-stemofolenol (7), 1',2'-didehydrostemofoline-N-oxide (8), the first C(19) stemofoline alkaloid, methylstemofoline (9), and the first glycosidated Stemona alkaloid, stemofolinoside (10), and three known alkaloids, (2'S)-hydroxystemofoline (2), (11Z)-1',2'-didehydrostemofoline (3), and (11E)-1',2'-didehydrostemofoline (4), have been isolated from a root extract of an unidentified Stemona species. The structure and relative configuration of these new alkaloids have been determined by spectral data interpretation and from semisynthetic studies.

This report is an overview of our research on phytochemical, synthetic and biological studies of the Stemona and Stichoneuron species of plants.

© 2015 Bentham Science Publishers. Microparticles (MPs) are released from most eukaryotic cells after the vesiculation of the plasma membrane and serve as vectors of long and short-range signaling. MPs derived from multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer cells carry molecular components of the donor cell such as nucleic acids and proteins, and can alter the activity of drug-sensitive recipient cells through the transfer of their cargo. Given the substantial role of MPs in the acquisition and dissemination of MDR, we propose that the inhibition of MP release provides a novel therapeutic approach. This study characterises the effect of a panel of molecules known to act on MP-biosynthetic pathways. We demonstrate a differential effect by these molecules on MP inhibition that appear dependent on the release of intracellular calcium stores following activation with the calcium ionophore A23187. Calpain inhibitor, PD-150606; a selective inhibitor of Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), Y-27632; and the vitamin B5 derivative pantethine, inhibited MP release only upon prior activation with A23187. Calpain inhibitor II showed significant inhibition in the absence of cell activation, whereas the vitamin B5 derivatives cystamine dihydrochloride and cysteamine hydrochloride showed no effect on MP inhibition under either condition. In contrast the classical pharmacological inhibitor of MDR, the calcium channel blocker Verapamil, showed an increase in MP formation on resting cells. These results suggest a potential role for calcium in the mechanism of action for PD-150606, Y-27632 and pantethine. These molecules, together with calpain inhibitor II have shown promise as modulators of MP release and warrant consideration as potential candidates for the development of an alternative therapeutic strategy for the prevention of MP-mediated MDR in cancer.

A mesoporous flake-like manganese-cobalt composite oxide (MnCo2O4) is synthesized successfully through the hydrothermal method. The crystalline phase and morphology of the materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller methods. The flake-like MnCo2O4 is evaluated as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Owing to its mesoporous nature, it exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1066 mA h g(-1), good rate capability, and superior cycling stability. As an electrode material for supercapacitors, the flake-like MnCo2O4 also demonstrates a high supercapacitance of 1487 F g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1), and an exceptional cycling performance over 2000 charge/discharge cycles.

Dialcohol host 2,7-dimethyltricyclo[4.3.1.03,8]undecane-syn-2,syn-7-diol 1 can form either ellipsoidal clathrate or helical tubulate inclusion compounds where only dispersion forces operate between the hosts and guests. The former (tetragonal space group I41/acd), built from two interpenetrating sublattices containing both diol enantiomers, encloses the guests in rugby ball-shaped cavities. The latter (trigonal space group P3121 or P3221), containing only one diol enantiomer, traps the guests within parallel tubes. Which inclusion type is produced is determined by the guest size and shape and, hence, control is possible over these structures. At room temperature, cyclohexane gives the tetragonal structure, but fluorocyclohexane yields the trigonal structure. Chloroform produces both pseudopolymorphs: the tetragonal form at higher and the trigonal form at lower temperatures. Powder and single-crystal structural X-ray data are reported for these clathrate compounds.

Crystallization of 2,7-dimethyltricyclo[4.3.1.13,8]undecane-syn-2,syn-7-diol 2 from acetonitrile or dichloromethane yields the compounds (2)4· (guest) in space group I41/acd which are further examples of the ellipsoidal clathrate structure. Both enantiomers of 2 are linked through (O-H)4 cycles of hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional sublattice. Two inversion related sublattices interpenetrate thereby generating a superlattice with guest-occupied voids situated between the two individual sublattices. The two X-ray structures are compared and contrasted with that of Powell's (hydroquinone)3· (SO2) clathrate compound.

The synthesis of four of the diastereoisomers of 2-acetyl-5-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutyl)thiazole and two of the diastereoisomers of 2-acetyl-5-(1,2,3,4,5-pentahydroxypentyl)thiazole and 2-acetyl-4-(1,2,3,4,5-pentahydroxypentyl)thiazole are reported. These syntheses involve the condensation of 5- or 4-metallated 2-(1,1-dimethoxyethyl)thiazoles with 2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-erythrono-1,4-lactone or 5-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-2,3-O-isopropylidene-D-ribonolactone followed by reductive ring-opening of the resulting lactols. The stereochemistries and structures of some key compounds have been determined by single crystal X-ray structural analysis.