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Alkene carbonylation, in which hydrogenation plays pivotal roles, is one of the most efficient method for the production of oxygenated chemicals like aldehydes, amides, and esters, among others. In this work, using in situ produced hydrogen via a water–gas shift (WGS) reaction, selective ethylene carbonylation to 3-pentanone was achieved instead of hydroformylation to propionaldehyde with gaseous H2 on a defective ceria-supported Rh catalyst. The interface of Rh/CeO2, which consists of oxygen vacancies and positively charged Rh, activates water, CO, and ethylene and the subsequent reactions, including the WGS reaction and ethylene carbonylation. The lean hydrogen circumstance created by the WGS reaction suppresses the hydrogenation of the propionyl group and promotes its ethylation to 3-pentanone. A redox pathway was proposed for the WGS reaction based on the in situ FTIR results, and the origin of hydrogen for ethylene carbonylation is water, as confirmed by a mass spectrometry (MS) study using d2-water as one of the reactants. This work provides a promising method for heavier ketone synthesis.

A “support reduction strategy” is reported to construct spatially adjacent, highly dispersed Pt and CeO2 sites in the (Pt/4nmCeO2)/SiO2 pyramid-type catalyst. Pt species are selectively trapped in the surface reductive sites on 4 nm CeO2 nano-islands.

Severe cases of COVID-19 pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Release of interleukin (IL)-33, an epithelial-derived alarmin, and IL-33/ST2 pathway activation are linked with ARDS development in other viral infections. IL-22, a cytokine that modulates innate immunity through multiple regenerative and protective mechanisms in lung epithelial cells, is reduced in patients with ARDS. This study aimed to evaluate safety and efficacy of astegolimab, a human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits the IL-33 receptor, ST2, or efmarodocokin alfa, a human IL-22 fusion protein that activates IL-22 signaling, for treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia.Phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (COVID-astegolimab-IL).Hospitals.Hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.Patients were randomized to receive IV astegolimab, efmarodocokin alfa, or placebo, plus standard of care. The primary endpoint was time to recovery, defined as time to a score of 1 or 2 on a 7-category ordinal scale by day 28.The study randomized 396 patients. Median time to recovery was 11 days (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01 d; p = 0.93) and 10 days (HR, 1.15 d; p = 0.38) for astegolimab and efmarodocokin alfa, respectively, versus 10 days for placebo. Key secondary endpoints (improved recovery, mortality, or prevention of worsening) showed no treatment benefits. No new safety signals were observed and adverse events were similar across treatment arms. Biomarkers demonstrated that both drugs were pharmacologically active.Treatment with astegolimab or efmarodocokin alfa did not improve time to recovery in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

As clean energy, methane has huge reserves and great development potential in the future. Copper zeolites are efficient in the oxidation of methane to methanol. Water has been confirmed as a source of oxygen to regenerate the copper-zeolite active sites to enable selective anaerobic oxidation of methane to methanol. In this work, we report that the methanol yield increased from 36 μmol/g (Cu-MOR1) to 92 μmol/g (Cu-MOR1-water) as a result of water enhancing the activity of copper ion-exchange mordenite catalyst. We show for the first time that water could convert inactive copper species into active copper species during catalyst activation. A combination of the XPS, FTIR, and NMR results indicates that water dissociates and then converts ZCuIIZ into ZCuII(OH) (where Z indicates framework O (Ofw) bonded to one isolated Al in a framework T-site, i.e., 1Al) and simultaneously produces a Brönsted acid site during catalyst activation. This finding can be used to tune the state of copper species and design highly active copper-zeolite catalysts for methane oxidation to methanol.

Integrated carbon capture and utilization (ICCU) presents an ideal solution to address anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions from industry and energy sectors, facilitating CO 2 capture and subsequent utilization through conversion into high-value chemicals, as opposed to current release into the atmosphere. Herein, we report the synergistic coupling of porous CaO, as a sorbent for CO 2 capture, and Ni doped CeO 2 nanorods, as catalytic sites for CO 2 reduction. It is found that ceria is shown to possess the capacity for CO 2 utilization, however, critically it only results in the generation of CO due to the weak CO-ceria bonding. The addition of Ni active sites gives rise to CH 4 being the predominant product, via the strong interaction between Ni species and CO, which facilitates further reduction. Through tuning Ni loadings, we have evaluated the role of catalytic active site size, with a Ni loading of only 0.5 wt% providing optimal performance through the formation of sub-nanometer sized clusters. This near-atomic active site dispersion gives rise to CH 4 productivity and selectivity of 1540 mmol g −1 Ni and 85.8%, respectively, with this optimal combination of catalyst and sorbent demonstrating high stability over 10 cycles of ICCU process. These observations in parallel with the synergistic coupling of earth-abundant, low-cost materials (CaO and Ni) will have broad implications on the design and implementation of high efficiency, cost-effective ICCU materials and processes.

Synthesizing amines via the hydroaminomethylation (HAM) reaction of olefins, a multicomponent reaction, has been regarded as one of the most attractive methods compared with the traditional methods considering the atom economy and environmental friendliness. However, the use of homogeneous catalysts, complex ligands containing diphosphine or nitrogen, and base or acid additives has severely hampered the utilization of these methods. Herein, an efficient heterogeneous Ru/TiO2-catalyzed HAM reaction of olefins is developed without any additives. Various amines, including secondary and tertiary amines, can be successfully obtained from olefins including aromatic and aliphatic olefins. Systematic studies demonstrate the lower electron density of Ruδ+ and the higher number of acid sites of Ru/TiO2, leading to the high HAM reaction activity of olefins. Most importantly, nitrobenzene derivatives can also be transformed to the corresponding products over Ru/TiO2 in excellent yields.

In the past two decades, on account of the energy and environmental crisis brought by the decline in fossil resources, price volatility, and climate change, the high-value utilization of biomass fe...

Hydroalkoxycarbonylation of olefins has been considered to be one of the most attractive methods to synthesize esters. Controlling the regioselectivities of linear esters (L) and branched esters (B) is a challenging project for researchers working in this reaction. Although most of the attention has been paid to control the regioselectivity through ligand design in homogeneous catalytic systems, study in the area is still limited. Herein, Ru-clusters/CeO2 is employed as a heterogeneous catalyst for the hydromethoxycarbonylation of styrene without any additives. After optimization of the reaction conditions, the conversion of styrene is > 99% with 83% and 12% regioselectivity of linear and branched ester, respectively. By using different supports (CeO2 (nanoparticle), CeO2-rod, and CeO2-cube), three catalysts including Ru-clusters/CeO2, Ru/CeO2-rod, and Ru/CeO2-cube are prepared and applied in the reaction. Structural characterizations demonstrate that the L/B ratio is related to the Ru size of supported Ru catalysts. Further Raman characterization and NH3-TPD demonstrate that the metal-support interaction and the concentration of oxygen vacancy of the catalyst have a great influence on the Ru size. The mechanism and kinetic analysis for this reaction are also investigated in this work.

This study aimed to investigate the irisin levels in elderly patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and overweight and obesity, to investigate the possible association between irisin levels and anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and also to assess the irisin levels associated with a risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and overweight and obesity. A nested case-control study was conducted, with hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and overweight and obesity being set as the case group; 71 elderly patients from the cohort were enrolled in each case group, and 71 healthy elderly from the cohort were included in the control group. The anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured in all elderly, and irisin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The irisin levels were significantly lower in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and overweight and obesity than in controls (p

A mesoscale convective system (MCS) occurred on the Mei-Yu front in the Jiang-Huai River Basin of China on 7–8 July 2007, which caused extreme rainfall. The MCS formed in an environment of moderate convective available potential energy, high precipitable water, and an almost unidirectional southwesterly low-level jet. The favorable environment for MCS initiation and development featured a low-level convergence between northeasterly wind north of the Mei-Yu front and warm-moist southwesterly airflow. The evaporative cooling generated cold outflow which continuously promoted new convection at the leading edge of the MCS. WRF model simulations reproduced the observed back-building initiation and upscale organization. The flow-parallel MCS was affected by the low-level jet, vertical wind shear, and near-surface cold outflow in a stable nocturnal planetary boundary layer. Stratiform precipitation was reinforced by the downstream propagation of cumulonimbus and advection of ice-phase hydrometeors by the mid-upper level wind. The quasi-stationarity was a product of subtle dynamical balance between the near-surface cold outflow and the background low-level southerly flow. Sensitivity experiments addressed the role of near-surface outflow and diurnal forcing in MCS organization.

Background Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Despite cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the colorectal cancer treatment, resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin restricts its clinical efficacy. It is important to explore the potential mechanisms and take strategies to sensitize colorectal cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Methods Differences of TRIM32 and miR-519d expression between colorectal cancer cells and human normal colon epithelial cells were evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin against colorectal cancer cells was tested by CCK-8 assay. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to validate the association between miR-519d and TRIM32. Results Significant increase of TRIM32 expression in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines was observed. TRIM32 negatively regulated the cisplatin sensitivity in colorectal cancer cells. Mechanically, overexpression of TRIM32 was induced by decrease of miR-519d. Exogenous miR-519d can inhibit the expression of TRIM32 and thus promoted the cisplatin-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Conclusion Overexpression of TRIM32 was induced by the absence of miR-519d in colorectal cancer. MiR-519d can be used as a sensitizer during the cisplatin-based chemotherapy of colorectal cancer.

CO2-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (CO2-ODHP) provides a promising route for propylene production. Sufficient propane conversion and propylene selectivity remain a great challenge due to the difficulty in activating inert propane and CO2 simultaneously. Herein, a Sn doped CeO2 supported Pt (Pt/Sn-CeO2) catalyst in CO2-ODHP reaction is reported. Sn doping appears to kill two birds with one stone for propane and CO2 activation. On the one side, it increases the electron density of Pt species via PtSn alloy formation, promoting propane adsorption and C−H bond cleavage. On the other side, it enhances oxygen vacancy concentrations of CeO2 support, facilitating CO2 dissociation. A higher propylene selectivity (63.9 % vs 22.3 %) was obtained on 0.1 wt % Pt/1.0 wt % Sn-CeO2 than that on 0.1 wt % Pt/CeO2 with a comparable propane conversion (15.1 % vs 14.3 %) at 550 °C after 240 min on stream. This work provides a reference for designing efficient catalysts.

BackgroundThe interleukin-22 cytokine (IL-22) has demonstrated efficacy in preclinical colitis models with non-immunosuppressive mechanism of action. Efmarodocokin alfa (UTTR1147A) is a fusion protein agonist that links IL-22 to the crystallisable fragment (Fc) of human IgG4for improved pharmacokinetic characteristics, but with a mutation to minimise Fc effector functions.MethodsThis randomised, phase 1b study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repeat intravenous dosing of efmarodocokin alfa in healthy volunteers (HVs; n=32) and patients with ulcerative colitis (n=24) at 30–90 µg/kg doses given once every 2 weeks or monthly (every 4 weeks) for 12 weeks (6:2 active:placebo per cohort).ResultsThe most common adverse events (AEs) were on-target, reversible, dermatological effects (dry skin, erythema and pruritus). Dose-limiting non-serious dermatological AEs (severe dry skin, erythema, exfoliation and discomfort) were seen at 90 μg/kg once every 2 weeks (HVs, n=2; patients, n=1). Pharmacokinetics were generally dose-proportional across the dose levels, but patients demonstrated lower drug exposures relative to HVs at the same dose. IL-22 serum biomarkers and IL-22-responsive genes in colon biopsies were induced with active treatment, and microbiota composition changed consistent with a reversal in baseline dysbiosis. As a phase 1b study, efficacy endpoints were exploratory only. Clinical response was observed in 7/18 active-treated and 1/6 placebo-treated patients; clinical remission was observed in 5/18 active-treated and 0/6 placebo-treated patients.ConclusionEfmarodocokin alfa had an adequate safety and pharmacokinetic profile in HVs and patients. Biomarker data confirmed IL-22R pathway activation in the colonic epithelium. Results support further investigation of this non-immunosuppressive potential inflammatory bowel disease therapeutic.Trial registration numberNCT02749630.

The aim of the work described here was to compare intra-oral and transcutaneous ultrasonography (US) scanning and to determine the normal values of buccal mucosa thickness and echogenicity. A total of 190 volunteers underwent US examination of the buccal mucosa. The thickness of the buccal epithelial layer was recorded in 19 subjects via both intra-oral and transcutaneous methods. Overall, 171 healthy adults were examined through intra-oral US. Buccal epithelial layer measurement was unreliable via the transcutaneous method (p = 0.001). The mean time required for visualizing the buccal mucosa was 75 and 171s with intra-oral and transcutaneous US, respectively (p0.001). The thickness of the buccal epithelial layers significantly differed with age and sex (p0.001), and was positively correlated with height, weight and body surface area. Intra-oral US was proposed as a conventional method for examination of the buccal mucosa. Normal buccal epithelial thickness in adults is associated with age, sex, height, weight and body surface area.

Understanding of surface active sites (SAS) of CeO2 is crucial to its catalytic applications. In the present study, we have employed capping experiments, DFT calculations, and spectroscopic characterization to study pristine CeO2 catalyst. We find that multiple SAS coexist on the CeO2 surface: oxygen vacancies as redox sites and the coordinately unsaturated Ce cations near the oxygen vacancies and the neighboring oxygen ions as Lewis acid–base sites. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), pyridine, and benzoic acid are utilized to cap the redox sites, Lewis acid sites, and base sites, respectively. Selective capping on the redox site does not have much effect on the acid–base catalysis, and vice versa, indicating the distinct surface proximity and independent catalysis of these SAS. We draw attention to a relationship between the well-known redox sites and the surface Lewis acid and Lewis base pairs on CeO2 surface, which are responsible for driving various heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

1,4-dioxane, commonly used as a solvent stabilizer and industrial solvent, is an environmental contaminant and probable carcinogen. In this study, we explored the concept of using metal oxides to activate H2O2 catalytically at neutral pH in the dark for 1,4-dioxane degradation. Based on batch kinetics measurements, materials that displayed the most suitable characteristics (high 1,4-dioxane degradation activity and high H2O2 consumption efficiency) were ZrO2, WOx/ZrO2, and CuO. In contrast, materials like TiO2, WO3, and aluminosilicate zeolite Y exhibited both low 1,4-dioxane degradation and H2O2 consumption activities. Other materials (e.g., Fe2O3 and CeO2) consumed H2O2 rapidly, however 1,4-dioxane degradation was negligible. The supported metal oxide WOx/ZrO2 was the most active for 1,4-dioxane degradation and had higher H2O2 consumption efficiency compared to ZrO2. In situ acetonitrile poisoning and FTIR spectroscopy results indicate different surface acid sites for 1,4-dioxane and H2O2 adsorption and reaction. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements indicate that H2O2 forms hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) in the presence of CuO, and unusually, forms superoxide/peroxyl radicals (˙O2−) in the presence of WOx/ZrO2. The identified material properties suggest metal oxides/H2O2 as a potential advanced oxidation process in the treatment of 1,4-dioxane and other recalcitrant organic compounds.

The distance between catalytic sites (Ni) and sorbents (CaO) on the performance of integrated CO2 capture and utilization (ICCU) process is crucial important because the sorbents demonstrate a dramatic volume increase during carbonation reaction (1st stage of ICCU) and sequentially cover the catalytic sites and retard the CO2 conversion (2nd stage of ICCU). Herein, we synthesized various Ni/CaO-based dual functional materials (DFMs) with different distances between active sites and sorbents to provide different volume spaces for the growth of CaCO3 during the carbonation reaction. It is found that both 1%NiCaO and 10%NiCaO synthesized by a one-pot method exhibited a low CO2 conversion (38% and 45%, respectively) and CH4 selectivity (58% and 69%, respectively) as the distance between catalytic sites and sorbents was so close that the Ni active sites were covered by the formed CaCO3 during carbonation reaction. With the increase of the distance by physical mixing method, the CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity of 1%Ni/CeO2-CaO-phy were largely increased to 62% and 84%, respectively at 550 °C and atmospheric pressure when captured CO2 from 15% CO2/N2. This is attributed to the fact that the Ni active sites were still well dispersed on the surface of CeO2 nanorods instead of being covered by the newly formed CaCO3.

BackgroundIt is well known that neoadjuvant radiotherapy could reduce local recurrence followed by surgical resection. However, evidence about oncologic efficacy of radiotherapy and survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant radiotherapy is still lacking.MethodsThis retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study identified patients with pathologically confirmed rectal cancer and receiving surgery with curative intent from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 through 2014. Overall survival was compared using the stratified log-rank test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used for identifying risk factor and developing prediction nomogram.ResultsA total of 22,008 (11,004 for each group) propensity-matched patients were identified. In the context of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection, there was no significant difference in terms of overall survival between surgery alone group and neoadjuvant radiotherapy and surgery group, whether for stage I (log-rank test p = 0.467), stage II (log-rank test p = 0.310), or stage III (p = 0.994). In case of receiving a prior combination therapy of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and surgery, the following adjuvant chemotherapy could significantly improve overall survival for patients with stage I (log-rank test p <0.001), stage II (log-rank test p = 0.038), and stage III (log-rank test p = 0.014). Nomogram integrating clinicopathologic factors was developed to predict survival benefit associated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Calibration and ROC curves validated promising performance for the nomogram.ConclusionPatients with rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy yield acceptable outcomes and are more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy in terms of overall survival. These data would be evidential for advocating consistency in guideline adherence to the use of adjuvant chemotherapy after neoadjuvant radiotherapy.

Objective. Hypercholesterolemia- (HC-) induced endothelial dysfunction is the first step of atherogenesis, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been reported to attenuate atherosclerosis formation; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study was designed to determine whether myeloperoxidase (MPO) mediates HC-induced endothelial dysfunction and the role of the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) in attenuating endothelial dysfunction. Methods. Male Wistar rats were fed with normal or high cholesterol diets for 8 weeks. HC rats were randomized to receive dapsone (DDS, the MPO inhibitor) during the last 6 days or PIO for the remaining 4 weeks. Vascular endothelial function was determined by comparing vasorelaxation to ACh, an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, and SNP, an endothelium-independent vasodilator in vascular rings in vitro. The vascular MPO activity, NOx content, and cGMP level were measured by the MPO activity assay kit, NO assay kit, and cGMP RIA kit. Results. Compared with rats fed with normal diet, endothelium-dependent vasodilation, NOx content, and cGMP level were decreased, and MPO activity was increased in thoracic aortas of rats fed with HC diet. There was a negative correlation between vascular endothelial function, NOx content or cGMP level, and MPO activity. PIO obviously reduced the MPO activity, increased NOx content and cGMP level, and improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation function in HC rats, which was essentially the same as that seen with DDS. And, there was a negative correlation between vascular endothelial function, NOx content or cGMP level, and MPO activity in the HC group and the PIO intervention group. Conclusion. MPO might provoke vascular endothelial dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rats by reducing the NO biological activity and impairing the NO/cGMP/cGK signaling pathway. PIO might inhibit vascular MPO activity and increase NO bioavailability with the net result of reversing endothelial dysfunction.

Defect chemistries of metal-doped CeO2 catalysts have attracted extensive scientific interests in heterogeneous catalysis. Here, we report the structure–activity relationship of CeO2 catalysts doped by Pr. The Pr-doped CeO2 solid solution catalysts were prepared by a coprecipitation method and evaluated in Prins condensation–hydrolysis of isobutene with formalin to 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol. Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopies were used to characterize the defect sites of the catalysts. Pr creates two kinds of defects in Pr-doped CeO2: oxygen vacancy and lattice distortion (Pr3+O8-type complex, which was confirmed by the Raman and XPS spectra), whose concentrations depend on the Pr doping amount. The relationship between defect properties (type and concentration) and their catalytic consequence is established. The catalytic performance significantly depends on the oxygen vacancy concentration in Pr-doped CeO2 catalysts. This study also shows that a Pr3+O8-type complex has little effect on the catalytic p...

Herein, a strategy is developed for efficient production of l,3-propanediol via the hydrolysis of 1,3-dioxane by the in situ transformation of the co-product formaldehyde (HCHO) in the presence of Eu(OH)3. The reversible hydrolysis reaction is promoted to yield 98% conversion and 99% 1,3-propanediol selectivity. Furthermore, HCHO is converted to formic acid (HCOOH) which could act as an acidic catalyst in the hydrolysis of 1,3-dioxane. The combination of FT-IR and control experiments demonstrates that HCOOH is generated via the hydrolysis of formate species which formed on the surface of Eu(OH)3.

Herein, we reported the tuning of dominant products in the photocatalytic hydrogen transfer reaction over Pt/Nb2O5 photocatalysts, using a support-induced modification strategy. In the photocatalytic conversion of phenylacetylene with ethanol as a probe reaction, the dominant product was styrene over Pt/2D Nb2O5 nanoplates; in contrast, H2 was the main product over the Pt/bulk Nb2O5. Compared to the metallic Pt species over bulk Nb2O5, the positively charged Pt (Ptδ+) species over 2D Nb2O5 nanoplates contributed to the reduction of phenylacetylene, which was revealed by CO adsorbed Fourier transform infrared spectra. Furthermore, the present Ptδ+ species were due to the formation of Ptδ+–O–Nb structure via oxygen transfer of 2D Nb2O5 nanoplates, which was verified by the results of X-ray photoelectron spectra and H2 temperature-programmed reduction. This work sheds light on the design and application of Nb-based catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of organics in photocatalysis.

Enrichment of bio-based platform compound ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) from extremely diluted raw medium is pivotal for the full utilization of ABE and selective conversion of them into value-added chemicals. Vapor permeation process through mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) demonstrates an energy-efficient solution to this challenge. Here, MMMs, by doping two-dimensional ZIF-L nanosheets with porous skeletons into an oleophilic matrix (poly-R-siloxane), were produced to synchronously enrich ABE from the simulated fermentation broth (total ABE of 3.0 wt% or lower, and composition of A: B: E = 3: 6: 1). The good compatibility of ZIF-L and polymer matrix renders MMMs with significantly improved flux and separation factor of organics over water. Typically, MMMs incorporating 5.0 wt% of ZIF-L fillers contribute to an increase of 72.3% and 106% in liquid flux and butanol/water separation factor, respectively, when compared with the pure polymer membranes. Through ZIF-L based MMMs, the water content in the permeant is controlled below 30 wt%, which is a prerequisite for utilization of ABE in the real bio-refinery industry.

Etrolizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, specifically binds to the β7 subunit of the heterodimeric integrins α4β7 and αEβ7. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data were collected from an etrolizumab phase 1 trial in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC). We developed a mechanism‐based model to simultaneously describe the kinetics of serum etrolizumab concentration and free β7 receptors on circulating intestinal‐homing CD4+ T lymphocytes. Included in the analysis were 38 phase 1 UC patients who received single or 3 monthly doses of etrolizumab intravenously or subcutaneously across a dose range of 0.3 to 10 mg/kg. A quasi–steady‐state target‐mediated drug disposition model was developed to describe the dynamic interaction between serum etrolizumab concentration and free β7 receptors on intestinal‐homing CD4+ T lymphocytes in UC patients. The time profiles of serum etrolizumab and absolute counts of β7+ lymphocytes (expressed as percentage of baseline level) were well described by the quasi–steady‐state target‐mediated drug disposition model. The model was able to characterize the maximum drug occupancy of β7 receptors on intestinal‐homing CD4+ T lymphocytes and the concentration‐dependent duration of occupancy. The 90% effective concentration for etrolizumab to saturate the β7 receptors on intestinal homing CD4+ T cells was 1.3 μg/mL. PK and PD profiles predicted by the model were consistent with observations from a subsequent phase 2 study. In conclusion, an integrated PK/PD model developed in this analysis reasonably described serum etrolizumab PK profiles and the relationship between PK and PD (free β7 receptors on circulating intestinal‐homing CD4+ T lymphocytes) in UC patients.

In many catalytic processes, metastable reaction intermediates are more valuable and desirable than final products. Here, we report Ni–Niδ+ clusters on ceria where the extent of reduction of nickel oxide/ceria in H2 has been optimized. This catalyst shows high selectivity in reducing nitrobenzene to azoxybenzene, the latter usually being metastable. Due to strong electronic metal–support interactions between Ni and ceria, mixed Ni–Niδ+ clusters are formed on ceria even after reduction at 500 °C in hydrogen. The Ni–Niδ+ clusters are highly dispersed on ceria, as observed by high-angle annular dark-field scanning–transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy element mapping. This structural uniqueness is clearly reflected in the inhibition of azoxybenzene hydrogenation to aniline, and therefore the catalyst shows high azoxybenzene selectivity (92%). In comparison, the Ni metal catalyst mostly gives aniline and the NiO catalyst has low activity. This study shows how to steer catalytic reactions toward metastable intermediate products by tuning the extent of reduction of metal oxides deposited on reducible oxides.

Selective cleavage of C–C bonds is pursued as a useful chemical transformation method in biomass utilization. Herein, we report a hybrid CuOx/ceria/anatase nanotube catalyst in the selective oxidation of C–C bonds under visible light irradiation. Using the lignin β-1 model as a substrate offers 96% yields of benzaldehydes. Characterization results by high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy element (EDX) mapping reveal that CuOx clusters are highly dispersed on the exposed anatase surface as well as on the nanosized ceria domains. In-depth investigations by Raman and ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV−vis DRS), together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, further verify that the CuOx clusters present on the ceria domains increase the concentration of surface defects (Ce3+ ions and oxygen vacancies) and accordingly improve the photocatalytic activity (Yang character); the CuOx clusters decorating on anatase suppress the side reaction (oxy-dehydrogenation without C–C bond cleavage) because of an upward shift in the valence band (VB) edge of anatase (Yin character). Mechanism investigation indicates hydrogen abstraction from β-carbon by photogenerated holes is a vital step in the conversion.

A metal-free and efficient approach to N -arylpyrrolidines from arylamines and cyclic ethers catalyzed by hydrogen iodine is described. In this protocol, no additive is added and a wide range of N -arylpyrrolidines are synthesized with up to 99% yield. Reaction mechanism involving iodine radical is proposed.

This work demonstrates the synthesis of an efficient photocatalyst, Au25(PPh3)10Cl2(SC3H6SiO3)5/TiO2, for selective oxidation of amines to imines. The photocatalyst is prepared via hydrolysis of Au25(PPh3)10Cl2[(SC3H6Si(OC2H5)3]5 nanoclusters in the presence of TiO2 support. The gold nanoclusters exhibit good photocatalytic activity using visible light and under mild thermal conditions for the selective oxidation with molecular oxygen (O2). The turnover frequency (TOF) of 4-methylbenzylamine oxidation is found to be 1522 h–1, which is considerably higher than that conventional gold catalysts. The gold nanoclusters present good recyclability and stability for the oxidation of a wide range of amines. The superior activity of the photocatalyst is associated with its unique electronic structure and framework. The catalytically active sites are deemed to be the exposed gold atoms upon detaching protecting ligands: i.e., PPh3. The Hammett parameter suggests that the photocatalytic process involves the formation...

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by gut dysbiosis, weakened epithelial barrier, and a dysregulated immune system. Interleukin-22 (IL-22), an IL-10 family cytokine, has demonstrated efficacy in animal IBD models by promoting intestinal epithelial repair, increasing antimicrobial peptide production, and increasing mucin production via goblet cells1. UTTR1147A is a fusion protein in which IL-22 is linked with the Fc portion of IgG4 to improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics. Methods A phase I study (NCT02749630) was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK, and pharmacodynamics (PD) of repeat IV dosing of UTTR1147A in healthy volunteers (HV) and UC patients with centrally read Mayo endoscopic score ≥ 2. 38 HVs and 24 UC patients were given UTTR1147A or placebo at doses ranging from 30 to 90 µg/kg either biweekly or monthly (6:2 UTTR1147A: placebo per cohort). PK and serum PD (REG3A and CRP) were studied across multiple time points and the Mayo Clinic Score was evaluated at baseline, day 30 and day 85. Results Overall, UTTR1147A was safe and adequately tolerated in HV and UC patients. The most common adverse events were on-target dermatological effects (dry skin, erythema, and pruritus) that were manageable, monitorable and reversible. Dose-limiting non-serious dermatological toxicities (severe dry skin, erythema, exfoliation, and discomfort) were seen in two HVs and 1 UC patient dosed with 90ug/kg Q2wk. There were 2 unrelated serious adverse events (ankle fracture and cytomegalovirus infection) that eventually resolved. PK analyses showed that UTTR1147A exposures were, in general, dose proportional within HVs and within UC patients, with a mean elimination half-life of ~16 days and ~12 days, respectively. At the same dose level, UC patients showed relatively lower drug exposures than HVs, possibly due to faster drug clearance. Consistent with the Phase Ia2, UTTR1147A directly induced production of serum PD biomarkers REG3A and CRP at all dose cohorts tested compared with placebo. Notably, UC patients appear to have attenuated serum PD responses compared with HV. Clinical response was observed in 7/18 patients, and clinical remission in 5/18 patients treated with UTTR1147A compared with 1/6 and 0/6 placebo patients, respectively. Conclusion UTTR1147A demonstrated adequate safety and PK profile in healthy volunteers and UC patients. PD biomarker data demonstrated pharmacological activity of UTTR1147A providing evidence of IL-22R pathway activation. Together with the preliminary signals of efficacy, these data support further investigation of this potential, novel non-immunosuppressive therapy in IBD.

Conversion of low-carbon olefins to higher alcohols or olefins via the formation of C–C bonds is an increasingly important topic. We herein report an example of converting isobutene and formaldehyde (38 wt % aqueous solution) to 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol (MBD), a precursor for isoprene. The reaction occurs through a Prins condensation–hydrolysis reaction over a praseodymium (Pr)-doped CeO2 catalyst. The best MBD yield (70%) is achieved over the Pr-doped CeO2 catalyst. Catalyst characterizations with high-angle annular dark field transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-TEM), pyridine adsorption infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the doped Pr is uniformly and highly dispersed in the CeO2 crystalline phase. In addition, the Pr doping creates more oxygen vacancy sites on CeO2 and thus enhances the Lewis acidity of the catalyst, which is responsible for the catalytic performance of the Pr-CeO2 catalyst.