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An efficient, five-step synthetic approach to various acyclic 1,3-diamines has been developed and applied to the preparation of a novel class of open-chained fentanyl analogues. The acyclic derivatives 5.15.5 (all new compounds) were synthesized with the aim of estimating the significance of the piperidine ring for the opioid analgesic activity of anilido-piperidines. The starting b-keto-amide 1.1, prepared by the aminolysis of methyl acetoacetate with methylphenethylamine, (93 % yield), was successively reacted with NaH and BuLi, to form the highly reactive a,g-dienolate anion 1.1a. Regio and chemoselective g-alkylation of the dienolate with various primary and secondary alkyl halides furnished the b-keto-amides 1.21.5 (7691 %). Reductive amination of the keto-amides 1.11.5 with aniline and Zn powder in acetic acid, via the enamine intermediates 2.12.5, afforded the b-anilino amides 3.13.5 (7485 %). After reductive deoxygenation of the tertiary amide group, using in situ generated diborane, the corresponding 1,3-diamines 4.14.5 were obtained (8797 %). The synthesis of (±)-2,3-seco-fentanyls 5.15.5 was completed by N-acylation of the diamines 4.14.5 with propionyl chloride, followed by precipitation of the monooxalate salts (8695 %). The parent compound, 2,3-seco-fentanyl 5.1, was found to be a 40 times less potent narcotic analgesic than fentanyl but still 56 times more active than morphine in rats, while i-Pr derivative 5.3 was inactive. Apart from the pharmacological significance, the general procedure described herein may afford various functionalized, 1,3-diamines as potential complexing agents and building blocks for the synthesis of aza-crown ethers.

A general, five step method for the synthesis of 3-alkylfentanyl analogues (i.e., cis and trans 3-alkyl-4-anilidopiperidines 6.16.6) has been developed. The starting N-phenethyl-4-piperidone 1 was first converted into the cyclohexylimine derivative 2, a-deprotonated with butyllithium and the resulting imine anion efficiently monoalkylated with primary and secondary alkyl halides. After mild acid hydrolysis, the obtained 3-alkyl-4-piperidones 3.13.6 were isolated in good yields (7985 %), then condensed with aniline to form imines 4.14.6. Subsequent reduction of the imines (LiAlH4/THF) yielded cis/trans mixtures of 3-alkyl-4-anilinopiperidines 5.15.6. Quantitative separation of the diastereoisomers by column chromatography of Al2O3 gave pure cis 5.15.6 (2951 % yield) and trans 5.15.6 (1927 % yield), with the cis/trans ratio in the range 7/36/4. The synthesis was concluded by N-acylation of the purified 5.15.6, with propionyl chloride, to afford cis and trans 3-alkyl-4-anilidopiperidines 6.16.6 (~95 % yield, as monooxalate salts). No enatioseparation was attempted at any stage. The relative cis/trans stereochemistry was provisionally assigned from the 1H-NMR spectra. Of the twelve synthesized 3-alkylfentanyls, ten compounds (two known and eight novel derivatives, all as the monooxalate salts) were preliminarily tested as analgesics in rats, comparing the potency to fentanyl. Except for the known (±)-cis-3-Me fentanyl 6.1cis, (8 × fentanyl), and the novel (±)-cis-3-Et fentanyl 6.2cis, (1.5 × fentanyl), all of the others were less active than fentanyl or inactive. Some tentative conclusions on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) in this series of derivatives have been made.

The optimum conditions were found for the preconcentration of trace metals in natural waters and model samples with standard metals concentrations by using 4-morpholinedithiocarbamate. The formed complexes were extracted with chloroform. Different methods for recovering the metals from the organic solvent were studied and compared before AAS metal analysis. The developed preconcentration method was successfully applied to the determination of trace metals concentrations in water samples from the Barje lake (Leskovac, Yugoslavia).

The lead concentrations in the water of the Barje lake are presented for the years 1995 to 1998. Sequential extraction was applied to estimate the chemical association of lead in the sediments of the Barje lake. Several lead fractions showed highly significant correlations with the corresponding substrate (step II: Mn-oxyhydroxides; step III: Fe-oxyhydroxides) suggesting that lead carbonates were incorporated with amorphous iron and manganese hydroxides. An explanation for this relation can be in the same anthropogenic source of these elements.

Can nonhuman animals be used for the benefit of humans in a scientifically and morally justified manner and, if yes, how? Based on our own experiences as scholars from various academic backgrounds, we argue that this question can only be answered as an interdisciplinary and international endeavor, considering insights from research ethics and animal ethics as well as scientific and legal aspects. The aim of this article is to contribute to the foundation of the emerging field of animal research ethics. In doing so, we describe the following seven phases of animal research experiments: ethical, legal and social presumptions (phase 0), planning (phase I), review (phase II), conduct of experiments (phase III), publication/dissemination (phase IV), further exploitation of results (phase V), and evaluation (phase VI). In total, 20 key ethical, legal, and practical challenges that an ethical framework for the use of animals in research needs to address are identified and analyzed. Finally, we characterize the following four meta-challenges and opportunities associated with animal research ethics as a field: (1) moral pluralism, (2) the integration of views and positions outside the laboratory, (3) international plurality of conduct, standards, and legal norms, and (4) interdisciplinary education.

Sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction arises from the highly complex pathophysiology encompassing the interplay of inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, cellular energy failure, and dysbiosis. Over the past decades, numerous studies have been dedicated to elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of sepsis in order to develop effective treatments. Current research underscores liver and cardiac dysfunction, along with acute lung and kidney injuries, as predominant causes of mortality in sepsis patients. This understanding of sepsis-induced organ failure unveils potential therapeutic targets for sepsis treatment. Various novel therapeutics, including melatonin, metformin, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), certain herbal extracts, and gut microbiota modulators, have demonstrated efficacy in different sepsis models. In recent years, the research focus has shifted from anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agents to exploring the modulation of energy metabolism and gut microbiota in sepsis. These approaches have shown a significant impact in preventing multiple organ damage and mortality in various animal sepsis models but require further clinical investigation. The accumulation of this knowledge enriches our understanding of sepsis and is anticipated to facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies in the future.

Introduction: To prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during pregnancy, the appropriate dosing regimens of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs need to be determined. Reliable data about pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of ARVs from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are lacking, and post-marketing observational studies may offer valuable, but sometimes insufficient data, especially in pregnant people living with HIV (PLWHIV). This review article is focused PK and toxicological considerations affecting ARV dosing in pregnant PLWHIV., Areas Covered: In our search, we included studies focused on PKs of ARVs in pregnancy available on PubMed, abstracts from recent global conferences and data from modeling studies. There are no significant changes in PKs of nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors throughout pregnancy. In contrast, the PKs of PIs and INSTIs are more variable, especially in the second and third trimesters., Expert Opinion: Pregnant women are left out of RCTs. To the greatest extent possible, future research should include pregnant persons in RCTs, including PK studies, strictly considering maternal and fetal safety. Alternative innovative approaches/models need to be developed to obtain reliable data about rational pharmacotherapy of ARVs in the effective PMTCT of HIV, with maximum safety.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endocannabinoid-like bioactive lipid mediator belonging to the family of N-acylethanolamines, most abundantly found in peanuts and egg yolk. When the gastrointestinal (GI) effects of PEA are discussed, it must be pointed out that it affects intestinal motility but also modulates gut microbiota. This is due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory features. Additionally, PEA has shown beneficial effects in several GI diseases, particularly irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases, as various studies have shown, and it is important to emphasize its relative lack of toxicity, even at high dosages. Unfortunately, there is not enough endogenous PEA to treat disturbed gut homeostasis, even though it is produced in the GI tract in response to inflammatory stimuli, so exogenous intake is mandatory to achieve homeostasis. Intake of PEA could be through animal and/or vegetable food, but bearing in mind that a high dosage is needed to achieve a therapeutic effect, it must be compensated through dietary supplements. There are still open questions pending to be answered, so further studies investigating PEA's effects and mechanisms of action, especially in humans, are crucial to implementing PEA in everyday clinical practice.

The control of parasitic nematode infections relies mostly on anthelmintics. The potential pharmacotherapeutic application of phytochemicals, in order to overcome parasite resistance and enhance the effect of existing drugs, is becoming increasingly important. The antinematodal effects of carveol was tested on the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the neuromuscular preparation of the parasitic nematode Ascaris suum . Carveol caused spastic paralysis in C . elegans . In A. suum carveol potentiated contractions induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and this effect was confirmed with two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology on the A . suum nicotinic ACh receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes. However, potentiating effect of carveol on ACh-induced contractions was partially sensitive to atropine, indicates a dominant nicotine effect but also the involvement of some muscarinic structures. The effects of carveol on the neuromuscular system of mammals are also specific. In micromolar concentrations, carveol acts as a non-competitive ACh antagonist on ileum contractions. Unlike atropine, it does not change the EC 50 of ACh, but reduces the amplitude of contractions. Carveol caused an increase in Electrical Field Stimulation-evoked contractions of the isolated rat diaphragm, but at higher concentrations it caused an inhibition. Also, carveol neutralized the mecamylamine-induced tetanic fade, indicating a possibly different pre- and post-synaptic action at the neuromuscular junction., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Stojković, Todorović, Protic, Stevanovic, Medić, Charvet, Marjanović, Nedeljković Trailović and Trailović.)

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a consequence of excessive alcohol use. According to many studies, alcohol represents a significant socioeconomic and health risk factor in today's population. According to data from the World Health Organization, there are about 75 million people who have alcohol disorders, and it is well known that its use leads to serious health problems. ALD is a multimodality spectrum that includes alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFL) and alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), consequently leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In addition, the rapid progression of alcoholic liver disease can lead to alcoholic hepatitis (AH). Alcohol metabolism produces toxic metabolites that lead to tissue and organ damage through an inflammatory cascade that includes numerous cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the process of inflammation, mediators are cells of the immune system, but also resident cells of the liver, such as hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells. These cells are activated by exogenous and endogenous antigens, which are called pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs, DAMPs). Both are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which activation triggers the inflammatory pathways. It has been proven that intestinal dysbiosis and disturbed integrity of the intestinal barrier perform a role in the promotion of inflammatory liver damage. These phenomena are also found in chronic excessive use of alcohol. The intestinal microbiota has an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the organism, and its role in the treatment of ALD has been widely investigated. Prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and symbiotics represent therapeutic interventions that can have a significant effect on the prevention and treatment of ALD.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is today the second most common cancer in the world, with almost 400,000 deaths annually. Multiple factors are involved in the etiology of PCa, such as older age, genetic mutations, ethnicity, diet, or inflammation. Modern treatment of PCa involves radical surgical treatment or radiation therapy in the stages when the tumor is limited to the prostate. When metastases develop, the standard procedure is androgen deprivation therapy, which aims to reduce the level of circulating testosterone, which is achieved by surgical or medical castration. However, when the level of testosterone decreases to the castration level, the tumor cells adapt to the new conditions through different mechanisms, which enable their unhindered growth and survival, despite the therapy. New knowledge about the biology of the so-called of castration-resistant PCa and the way it adapts to therapy will enable the development of new drugs, whose goal is to prolong the survival of patients with this stage of the disease, which will be discussed in this review.