Diastereoselective synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted 3-nitro-4-chromanone derivatives as potential antitumor agents

We report an efficient and highly diastereoselective protocol for the rapid construction of 3-nitro substituted 4-chromanones by an intramolecular Michael-type cyclization of α-nitro aryl ketones bearing unsaturated ester units.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-nitro-4-chromanone derivatives as potential antiproliferative agents for castration-resistant prostate cancer

A series of novel 3-nitro-4-chromanones were synthesized and their in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on castration-resistant prostate cancer cell (CRPC) lines using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The amide derivatives showed more potent antitumor activity than their corresponding ester derivatives. Most of the tested compounds showed less toxicity towards human fibroblasts (HAF) compared with the tumor cell lines. The optimal compound 36 possessed much more potent antiproliferative activity than the positive compound cisplatin. The colony formation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, transwell migration and wound healing assays of 36 were performed on CRPC cell lines.

A series of novel 3-nitro-4-chromanones were synthesized and their in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated on castration-resistant prostate cancer cell lines.

The functionalization of poly(ε-caprolactone) as a versatile platform using ε-(α-phenylseleno) caprolactone as a monomer

This paper describes a novel ε-caprolactone monomer modified by a phenylseleno group at the α-position of the carbonyl.

[Exploration on developing the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for osteoarthritis in primary care of China]

At present, several clinical practice guidelines for osteoarthritis have been developed. Although contradictions about some recommendations are still in dispute, large number of clinical practice guidelines recommended core treatments, namely education, weight loss and exercise therapy. Thus, the diagnosis and treatment of primary osteoarthritis should focus on the above three treatments. However, we have to develop the clinical practice guidelines for osteoarthritis in primary hospital, based on the characteristics of osteoarthritis in China, the burden of disease, the health literacy of patients and the clinical decision-making of diagnosis and treatment of primary osteoarthritis in primary medical care.We suggest to formulate guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis in primary medical care to regulate primary interventions.

Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Ketone α-Alkylation and Alkenylation with Simple Alkenes and Alkynes through a Dual Activation Strategy

In this personal account, we summarize our investigations on the α-alkylation and α-alkenylation reactions of ketones with nonactivated alkenes and alkynes, respectively. The serendipitous discovery of C–H alkylation/alkenylation of cyclic 1,2-diketones provided a proof of concept for a dual activation strategy. Extension to the α-alkylation and α-alkenylation of regular ketones was achieved by using 7-azaindoline as a bifunctional ligand. Subsequently, intramolecular coupling ­between ketones and olefins was achieved with Rh- and Ru-based systems, respectively. Finally, branched-selective α-alkylation was achieved through an Ir-catalyzed enamide-mediated C–H alkylation.

1 Introduction

2 Serendipitous Discovery of α-Alkylation and α-Alkenylation of 1,2-Diketones through Enamine-Mediated C–H Activation

3 Intermolecular Ketone α-Alkylation of Regular Ketones with Nonactivated Olefins

4 Intermolecular Ketone α-Alkenylation of Regular Ketones with Nonactivated Alkynes

5 Intramolecular Ketone α-Alkylation of Regular Ketones with Nonactivated Olefins

6 Branched-Selective α-Alkylation of Regular Ketones with Non­activated Olefins

7 Conclusions and Outlook

Nonlinear Modeling of Neural Interaction for Spike Prediction Using the Staged Point-Process Model

Neurons communicate nonlinearly through spike activities. Generalized linear models (GLMs) describe spike activities with a cascade of a linear combination across inputs, a static nonlinear function, and an inhomogeneous Bernoulli or Poisson process, or Cox process if a self-history term is considered. This structure considers the output nonlinearity in spike generation but excludes the nonlinear interaction among input neurons. Recent studies extend GLMs by modeling the interaction among input neurons with a quadratic function, which considers the interaction between every pair of input spikes. However, quadratic effects may not fully capture the nonlinear nature of input interaction. We therefore propose a staged point-process model to describe the nonlinear interaction among inputs using a few hidden units, which follows the idea of artificial neural networks. The output firing probability conditioned on inputs is formed as a cascade of two linear-nonlinear (a linear combination plus a static nonlinear function) stages and an inhomogeneous Bernoulli process. Parameters of this model are estimated by maximizing the log likelihood on output spike trains. Unlike the iterative reweighted least squares algorithm used in GLMs, where the performance is guaranteed by the concave condition, we propose a modified Levenberg-Marquardt (L-M) algorithm, which directly calculates the Hessian matrix of the log likelihood, for the nonlinear optimization in our model. The proposed model is tested on both synthetic data and real spike train data recorded from the dorsal premotor cortex and primary motor cortex of a monkey performing a center-out task. Performances are evaluated by discrete-time rescaled Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, where our model statistically outperforms a GLM and its quadratic extension, with a higher goodness-of-fit in the prediction results. In addition, the staged point-process model describes nonlinear interaction among input neurons with fewer parameters than quadratic models, and the modified L-M algorithm also demonstrates fast convergence.

Three-dimensional genome structures of single diploid human cells

Three-dimensional genome structures play a key role in gene regulation and cell functions. Characterization of genome structures necessitates single-cell measurements. This has been achieved for haploid cells but has remained a challenge for diploid cells. We developed a single-cell chromatin conformation capture method, termed Dip-C, that combines a transposon-based whole-genome amplification method to detect many chromatin contacts, called META (multiplex end-tagging amplification), and an algorithm to impute the two chromosome haplotypes linked by each contact. We reconstructed the genome structures of single diploid human cells from a lymphoblastoid cell line and from primary blood cells with high spatial resolution, locating specific single-nucleotide and copy number variations in the nucleus. The two alleles of imprinted loci and the two X chromosomes were structurally different. Cells of different types displayed statistically distinct genome structures. Such structural cell typing is crucial for understanding cell functions.

Rh(II)/Chiral Phosphoric Acid-Cocatalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirooxindole-Fused Thiaindans

An asymmetric strategy for the construction of chiral sulfur-containing spirooxindole-fused heterocycles was achieved via a rhodium(II)/chiral phosphoric acid-cocatalyzed reaction between 2-mercaptophenyl ketones and 3-diazooxindoles. With this method, a series of spirooxindole-thiaindan derivatives bearing two contiguous quaternary carbon stereogenic centers were obtained in high yields with high diastereoselectivities and high-to-excellent enantioselectivities.

Imaging performance and clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and computed tomography in the diagnosis of liver cancer

The imaging performance and clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) combined with CT in diagnosis of liver cancer were investigated. A total of 426 liver cancer patients treated in Yuhuangding Hospital (Yantai, China) from February 2011 to May 2016 were selected. Among them, 222 patients underwent CEUS examination, 204 patients underwent CT examination, and 102 patients underwent CEUS combined with CT examination. Sensitivity and specificity of the three methods were examined. CT showed a low density in 92.6% of patients (189 patients) and a high-low hybrid density in 6.4% (13 patients), with calcification seen in 2.5% of patients (5 patients) and bleeding in 3.4% (7 patients). Lesions: 76.5% (156 cases) of patients with multiple type, 23.5% (48 cases) with single type. CEUS showed overall enhancement in 53.2% patients (118 cases), heterogenous enhancement in 16.7% (37 cases), peripheral enhancement in 18.9% of patients (42 cases), necrosis of liquefaction in 11.3% (25 cases). In 65.3% (145 cases) of patients, the portal venous phase and the delayed phase showed a low enhancement, while 34.7% (77 cases) showed no enhancement. The sensitivity and specificity rates of CEUS combined with CT detection of liver cancer were 87.8, 88.2 and 94.1%, respectively. The ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of CEUS in the diagnosis of liver cancer were 76.8 and 78.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CT were 81.2 and 85.5%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS combined with CT were 90.4 and 92.7%, respectively. CEUS combined with CT detection can make-up for the deficiencies of each other and effectively improve the coincidence rate of liver cancer diagnosis, which can be used as an effective examination method for the diagnosis of liver cancer.

Synthesis of γ-Sulfur-Substituted Ketones via Rh(II)/Sc(III) a Cocatalyzed Three-Component Reaction of Diazo Compounds with Thiophenols and Enones

A facile method for the synthesis of γ-sulfur-substituted ketones is developed via a Rh(II)/Sc(III) cocatalyzed three-component reaction of diazo compounds with thiophenols and enones. With this method, different γ-sulfur-substituted ketones were obtained in moderate to high yields with good diastereoselectivities.

Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells in treating knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of animal studies

PURPOSE

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injection has emerged as a novel treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) but with inconsistent results in the experimental studies. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the preclinical animal studies of MSCs injection for KOA and to determine the evidence for a role for MSCs in further clinical trials.

METHODS

A systematic search of KOA animal studies published through Aug 2017 was conducted using the PubMed, Embase and Web of science. Criteria for eligibility were animal studies assessing the therapeutic effects of MSCs intra-articular injection to animals with KOA. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed by the SYRCLE tool for assessing risk of bias in animal intervention studies. Descriptive synthesis was performed. Evidence quality was evaluated based on the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-three KOA animal studies were eligible for inclusion. According to the SYRCLE's tool, all included studies had high risk of bias. Between-study heterogeneity was substantial. The included studies varied in terms of species, modeling methods, MSCs origin, treatment timing, injections frequency, transplantation type and dose of MSCs. The following outcomes, gross morphology, histological analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, radiological evaluation or behavior analysis, were reported in the primary studies. For all outcomes, the evidence quality was low or very low.

CONCLUSIONS

We do not have absolute confidence to recommend use MSCs injection for KOA clinical trials. Based on the internal and external validity of current animal studies, high quality experimental studies and efforts for effective translation from preclinical studies to clinical trials are still required.

Effects of S-1 combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is one of the worst malignant digestive neoplasms with poor treatment outcomes. Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has become the standard nonsurgical treatment option for locally advanced esophageal cancer. The chemotherapeutic drugs 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin have been most commonly used in CRT of esophageal cancer. However, radiotherapy combined with 5-FU/cisplatin often delivers severe toxicity to patients. S-1 as an oral chemotherapeutic drug exhibits higher anti-tumor activity, less adverse effects, and better biological availability. S-1 also has excellent effects as a CRT regimen for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature search will be performed through January 2018 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published in any language. Randomized controlled trials, prospective comparative studies will be included. All meta-analyses will be performed using Review Manager software. The quality of the studies will be evaluated using the guidelines listed in the Cochrane Handbook. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements will be followed until the findings of the systematic review and meta-analysis are reported.

RESULTS

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

CONCLUSION

Our study will draw an objective conclusion of the effects of S-1 combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of unresectable esophageal cancer and provide level I evidence for clinical decision makings.

Diastereoselective synthesis of isochromans via the Cu(ii)-catalysed intramolecular Michael-type trapping of oxonium ylides

A highly diastereoselective approach for the rapid construction of an isochroman skeleton was achieved by the copper(ii)-catalyzed transformation of alcohol-tethered enones and diazo compounds.

Single-cell whole-genome analyses by Linear Amplification via Transposon Insertion (LIANTI)

Single-cell genomics is important for biology and medicine. However, current whole-genome amplification (WGA) methods are limited by low accuracy of copy-number variation (CNV) detection and low amplification fidelity. Here we report an improved single-cell WGA method, Linear Amplification via Transposon Insertion (LIANTI), which outperforms existing methods, enabling micro-CNV detection with kilobase resolution. This allowed direct observation of stochastic firing of DNA replication origins, which differs from cell to cell. We also show that the predominant cytosine-to-thymine mutations observed in single-cell genomics often arise from the artifact of cytosine deamination upon cell lysis. However, identifying single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) can be accomplished by sequencing kindred cells. We determined the spectrum of SNVs in a single human cell after ultraviolet radiation, revealing their nonrandom genome-wide distribution.

Quantitative Evaluation of Vertebral Microvascular Permeability and Fat Fraction in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rabbits

Purpose To determine longitudinal relationships between lumbar vertebral bone marrow permeability and marrow adipose tissue in a rabbit diabetes model by using quantitative dynamic contrast agent-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and iterative decomposition of water and fat with the echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation quantitation (IDEAL IQ) sequence. Materials and Methods Twenty rabbits were randomly assigned to the diabetic (n = 10) or control (n = 10) group. All rabbits underwent sagittal MR imaging of the lumbar region at fixed time points (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after alloxan injection). A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze fat fraction (FF) and permeability parameter changes for 16 months after baseline. These parameters were compared between the two groups by using an independent-samples t test. Correlation of DCE MR imaging parameters with FF and with microvessel density (MVD) was analyzed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient. All statistical analyses were performed with software. Results Twelve weeks after injection, transfer constant (K^trans) and rate constant (K_ep) were markedly and significantly increased, while fractional plasma volume (V_p) significantly decreased. The volume of extravascular extracellular space (V_e) decreased significantly after 16 weeks in the diabetic group. MVD was negatively correlated with K^trans and K_ep and positively correlated with V_e and V_p, while FF was positively correlated with K^trans and K_ep and negatively correlated with V_e and V_p (P < .05 for all). Conclusion DCE MR imaging and the IDEAL IQ sequence can be used for quantitative evaluation of changes in vertebral microvascular permeability and vertebral fat deposition in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. This variation is highly associated with increased vertebral fat deposition. ^© RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score at Recurrence Predicts Poor Survival in Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) at the time of recurrence on post-recurrence survival (PRS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgical resection.

Material/Methods

The clinicopathologic characteristics and outcome data of 266 patients with recurrent NSCLC were collected and reviewed retrospectively. The prognostic impact of mGPS at recurrence in patients with recurrent NSCLC was investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 266 patients were analyzed. The mGPS at the time of recurrence of 0, 1, and 2 was assigned to 60.9%, 33.1%, and 6.0% of total patients, respectively. In univariate analyses, the median post-recurrence survival times for those with mGPS 0, 1, and 2 were 19, 14, and 4 months, respectively (log-rank test; P=0.005). No statistically significant difference in post-recurrence survival was observed among the patients with different mGPS before surgery (log-rank test; P=0.064). Age at surgery, histological type, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and mGPS at recurrence significantly predicted PRS. After adjusting for confounding variables in the model, age (hazard ratio 1.59, P=0.003) as well as disease-free interval (DFI) (hazard ratio 1.40, P=0.023), and mGPS at recurrence (hazard ratio 1.47, P=0.002) remained independent predictors of PRS.

Conclusions

mGPS at the time of recurrence might be an independent adverse prognostic factor in recurrent NSCLC.

[Progress in methodological characteristics of clinical practice guideline for osteoarthritis]

At present, several clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis have been developed by institutes or societies. The ultimate purpose of developing clinical practice guidelines is to formulate the process in the treatment of osteoarthritis effectively. However, the methodologies used in developing clinical practice guidelines may place an influence on the transformation and application of that in treating osteoarthritis. The present study summarized the methodological features of individual clinical practice guideline and presented the tools for quality evaluation of clinical practice guideline. The limitations of current osteoarthritis guidelines of China are also indicated. The review article might help relevant institutions improve the quality in developing guide and clinical transformation.

Abdominal cocoon accompanied by multiple peritoneal loose body

RATIONALE

Abdominal cocoon and peritoneal loose body are both rare abdominal diseases.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The patient reported in this case was a 47-year-old man who suffered from abdominal pain and distension for 3 days.

DIAGNOSIS

X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple peritoneal loose body and small bowel obstruction, characterized by a total encapsulation of the small bowel with a fibrous membrane.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent surgical treatment and exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of abdominal cocoon.

OUTCOMES

Histopathological examination of pelvic nodules confirmed peritoneal loose body.

LESSONS

To our knowledge, the herein reported case is the first abdominal cocoon that was accompanied by multiple peritoneal loose body.

Abstract OT2-02-02: A randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase 1b/2 study of eribulin mesylate in combination with PEGylated recombinant human hyaluronidase in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, high-hyaluronan metastatic breast cancer

Eribulin (ERI), a non-taxane microtubule inhibitor, is approved for treatment in patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have received ≥1 (European Union) or ≥2 (United States) prior chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease, including an anthracycline and taxane in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting. In a phase 2 study, ERI has demonstrated single-agent activity in first line treatment of pts with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−) MBC. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major component of the tumor microenvironment, specifically within the stroma, and high levels of HA are associated with disease progression. In HA-High, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) xenografts, the anti-tumor effect of ERI was enhanced by addition of PEGylated recombinant human hyaluronidase (PEGPH20). PEGPH20 is an engineered enzyme under investigation for use in combination with anticancer therapies in pts with tumors that accumulate HA. PEGPH20 acts by temporarily degrading HA to reduce tumor interstitial pressure and decompress blood vessels, thus increasing access of anticancer agents and immune cells to tumor sites. This randomized, open-label, multicenter, study of ERI in combination with PEGPH20 vs ERI alone was designed to evaluate safety and tolerability and efficacy in pts with HER2−, HA-High, MBC previously treated with 0–1 systemic (cytotoxic or targeted) anticancer therapy.

The trial was activated in June 2016 and will enroll approximately 96 pts (aged ≥18 yrs; n=6–18 in phase 1b; n=84 randomized to obtain 80 evaluable pts in phase 2).Pts with measurable disease of ≥1 lesion ≥10 mm in long-axis diameter (nonlymph nodes) or ≥15 mm in short-axis diameter (lymph nodes) with ECOG PS of 0 or 1 will be included. Pts will be excluded for having had adjuvant chemotherapy within the past 6 months, hormonal/biological therapy within the past 3 wks, or radiation or small molecule targeted therapy within the past 2 wks. Pts will also be excluded if they were previously treated with ERI or any hyaluronidase agent.

Phase 1b includes at least 1 initial safety run-in cohort in which 6 pts (any HA level) will receive PEGPH20 3 μg/kg intravenous (IV) on days −1 and 7 of a 21-day cycle, each dose followed approximately 24 (±4) hours later with ERI 1.4 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) will be assessed in the first cycle.The primary endpoint in phase 1b is the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the ERI and PEGPH20 combination, defined as the maximum dose at which ≤1 pt experiences a DLT.Alternatively, modified dose levels will be evaluated in additional cohorts.

In phase 2, HA-High pts will be stratified by TNBC vs other HER2− status and randomized to receive RP2D combination treatment or ERI alone. Pts with clinical benefit will remain on ERI or both study drugs until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. The primary endpoint in phase 2 is objective response rate. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival and overall survival. Exploratory endpoints include clinical benefit rate, disease control rate, and duration of response.

Citation Format: Alvarez RH, Savulsky C, Almonte A, Xing D, Lokker N, Chondros D. A randomized, open-label, multicenter, phase 1b/2 study of eribulin mesylate in combination with PEGylated recombinant human hyaluronidase in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, high-hyaluronan metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-02-02.

Iron catalyzed efficient synthesis of poly-functional primary amines via the direct use of ammonia

An iron catalyzed three-component reaction of alkyl diazoesters, isatins and ammonia is reported.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-amino-3-hydroxymethyloxindoles as potential anti-cancer agents

A series of substituted 3-amino-3-hydroxymethyloxindoles synthesized through a multi-component approach showed anticancer potency. The most potent compound 5m inhibits SJSA-1 proliferation with an IC₅₀ of 3.14 μM. It can also induce time- and dose-dependent apoptosis.