Review and Theoretical Analysis of Fluorinated Radicals in Direct CAr-H Functionalization of (Hetero)arenes

We highlight key contributions in the field of direct radical CAr- H (hetero)aromatic functionalization involving fluorinated radicals. A compilation of Functional Group Transfer Reagents and their diverse activation mechanisms leading to the release of radicals are discussed. The substrate scope for each radical is analyzed and classified into three categories according to the electronic properties of the substrates. Density functional theory computational analysis provides insights into the chemical reactivity of several fluorinated radicals through their electrophilicity and nucleophilicity parameters. Theoretical analysis of their reduction potentials also highlights the remarkable correlation between electrophilicity and oxidizing ability. It is also established that highly fluorinated radicals (e.g. ⋅OCF3) are capable of engaging in single-electron transfer (SET) processes rather than radical addition, which is in good agreement with experimental literature data. A reactivity scale, based on activation barrier of addition of these radicals to benzene is also elaborated using the high accuracy DLPNO-(U)CCSD(T) method.

Use of MHT in women with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review assesses the effect of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on cardiovascular outcomes and risk factors in postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to December 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies using methodology from a previous Cochrane review. Quality assessment used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale, respectively. From 5647 studies identified, 29 (23 RCTs and six observational studies) were included. Most studies were conducted in North America or Europe and investigated oral estrogens. Participants were older with varying frequency of cardiac risk factors and underlying CVD. No significant difference was observed between MHT users and controls regarding primary outcomes of non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death or stroke. No difference in frequency of angina, heart failure and transient ischemic attacks was observed. Inconsistent effects of MHT on angiographic progression were seen and varied with glycemic status. Estradiol had a positive effect on flow-mediated dilatation. Limited studies identified differing effects of MHT on cardiac risk factors, varying with estrogen preparation. This study confirms no benefit of MHT for secondary CVD prevention, highlighting evidence limitations and the importance of shared decision-making when managing menopausal symptoms in women with CVD.

Electron-Driven Nitration of Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Herein, we introduce an electrochemically assisted paradigm for the generation of nitryl radicals from ferric nitrate under mild reaction conditions using a simple setup with inexpensive graphite and stainless-steel electrodes. Mechanistic evidence of such a unique reaction mode was supported by detailed spectroscopic and experimental studies. Powered by electricity and driven by electrons, the synthetic diversity of this concept has been demonstrated through the development of highly efficient nitration protocols of various unsaturated hydrocarbons. In addition to a broad application area, these protocols are easy of scaling to decagrams, while exhibiting exceptional substrate generality and functional group compatibility.

Photoredox Activation of Anhydrides for the Solvent-Controlled Switchable Synthesis of gem-Difluoro Compounds

The incorporation of the gem-difluoromethylene (CF₂ ) group into organic frameworks is highly sought due to the influence of this unit on the physicochemical and pharmacological properties of molecules. Herein we report an operationally simple, mild, and switchable protocol to access various gem-difluoro compounds that employs chlorodifloroacetic anhydride (CDFAA) as a low-cost and versatile fluoroalkylating reagent. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that electron-transfer photocatalysis triggers mesolytic cleavage of a C-Cl bond generating a gem-difluoroalkyl radical. In the presence of alkene, this radical species acts as a unique intermediate that, under solvent-controlled reaction conditions, delivers a wide range of gem-difluorinated γ-lactams, γ-lactones, and promotes oxy-perfluoroalkylation. These protocols are flow- and batch-scalable, possess excellent chemo- and regioselectivity, and can be used for the late-stage diversification of complex molecules.

Direct Measurement of Resonances in ^{7}Be(α,γ)^{11}C Relevant to νp-Process Nucleosynthesis

We have performed the first direct measurement of two resonances of the ^{7}Be(α,γ)^{11}C reaction with unknown strengths using an intense radioactive ^{7}Be beam and the DRAGON recoil separator. We report on the first measurement of the 1155 and 1110 keV resonance strengths of 1.73±0.25(stat)±0.40(syst)  eV and 125_{-25}^{+27}(stat)±15(syst)  meV, respectively. The present results have reduced the uncertainty in the ^{7}Be(α,γ)^{11}C reaction rate to ∼9.4%-10.7% over T=1.5-3  GK, which is relevant for nucleosynthesis in the neutrino-driven outflows of core-collapse supernovae (νp process). We find no effect of the new, constrained reaction rate on νp-process nucleosynthesis.

Organic Nitrating Reagents

Nitro compounds are vital raw chemicals that are widely used in academic laboratories and industries for the preparation of various drugs, agrochemicals, and materials. Thus, nitrating reactions are of great importance for chemists and are even taught in schools as one of the fundamental transformations in organic synthesis. Since the discovery of the first nitrating reactions in the 19th century, progress in this field has been constant. Yet, for many years the classical electrophilic nitration approach using a mixture of strong mineral acids dominated the field. However, in recent decades, the attention of researchers has focused on new reactivity and new reagents that can provide access to nitro compounds in a practical and straightforward way under mild reaction conditions. Organic nitrating reagents have played a special role in this field since they have enhanced reactivity. They also allow nitration to be carried out in an ecofriendly and sustainable manner. This review examines the development and application of organic nitrating reagents.

1 Introduction

2 Organic Nitrating Reagents

2.1 Alkyl Nitrites

2.2 Nitroalkanes

2.3 Alkyl Nitrates

2.4 N-Nitroamides

2.5 N-Nitropyrazole

2.6 N-Nitropyridinium Salts

3 Organic Nitrating Reagents Generated In Situ

3.1 Acyl Nitrates

3.2 Trimethylsilyl Nitrate

3.3 Nitro Onium Salts

4 Organic Nitronium Salts

5 Organic Nitrates and Nitrites

5.1 Ammonium Nitrates

5.2 Heteroarylium Nitrates

5.3 Other Organic Nitrates

5.4 Organic Nitrites

6 Conclusion and Outlook

Lead, cadmium and nickel removal efficiency of white-rot fungus Phlebia brevispora

Widespread of heavy metals contamination has led to several environmental problems. Some biological methods to remove heavy metals from contaminated wastewater are being widely explored. In the present study, the efficiency of a white-rot fungus, Phlebia brevispora to remove different metals (Pb, Cd and Ni) has been evaluated. Atomic absorption spectroscopy of treated and untreated metal containing water revealed that all the metals were efficiently removed by the fungus. Among all the used metals, cadmium was the most toxic metal for fungal growth. Phlebia brevispora removed maximum Pb (97·5%) from 100 mmol l^-1 Pb solution, which was closely followed by Cd (91·6%) and Ni (72·7%). Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that the presence of metal altered the morphology and fine texture of fungal hyphae. However, the attachment of metal on mycelia surface was not observed during energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, which points towards the intracellular compartmentation of metals in vacuoles. Thus, the study demonstrated an application of P. brevispora for efficient removal of Pb, Cd and Ni from the metal contaminated water, which can further be applied for bioremediation of heavy metals present in the industrial effluent.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively.

Fast and Sensitive Detection of Paramagnetic Species Using Coupled Charge and Spin Dynamics in Strongly Fluorescent Nanodiamonds

Sensing of a few unpaired electron spins, such as in metal ions and radicals, is a useful but difficult task in nanoscale physics, biology, and chemistry. Single negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV^-) centers in diamond offer high sensitivity and spatial resolution in the optical detection of weak magnetic fields produced by a spin bath but often require long acquisition times on the order of seconds. Here, we present an approach based on coupled spin and charge dynamics in dense NV ensembles in strongly fluorescent nanodiamonds (NDs) to sense external magnetic dipoles. We apply this approach to various paramagnetic species, including gadolinium complexes, magnetite nanoparticles, and hemoglobin in whole blood. Taking advantage of the high NV density, we demonstrate a dramatic reduction in acquisition time (down to tens of milliseconds) while maintaining high sensitivity to paramagnetic centers. Strong luminescence, high sensitivity, and short acquisition time make dense NV^- ensembles in NDs a potentially promising tool for biosensing and bioimaging applications.

Nondestructive measurement of nuclear magnetization by off-resonant Faraday rotation

We report on the nondestructive measurement of nuclear magnetization in n-GaAs via cavity enhanced Faraday rotation. In contrast with the existing optical methods, this detection scheme does not require the presence of detrimental out-of-equilibrium electrons. Specific mechanisms of the Faraday rotation are identified for (i) nuclear spins situated within the localized electron orbits, these spins are characterized by fast dynamics, (ii) all other nuclear spins in the sample characterized by much slower dynamics. Our results suggest that even in degenerate semiconductors nuclear spin relaxation is limited by the presence of localized electron states and spin diffusion, rather than by Korringa mechanism.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme status in Type 2 diabetics with coronary heart disease

Lipid peroxides are thought to be formed by free radicals and may play an important role in the development of atheromatous vascular diseases. The relationship between serum lipids, lipoproteins, lipid peroxides [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] was investigated in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients with and without coronary heart disease (CHD), and a comparison was made for all the above parameters with non-diabetic patients with CHD. Lipid peroxide concentrations were significantly increased in both groups of diabetic patients and also in non-diabetic patients with CHD, compared to those in control subjects. Diabetic patients with CHD had higher levels of TBARS compared to those diabetics without CHD. Hyperlipidaemia and abnormal lipoprotein levels were observed in all three groups of patients. Increased total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were observed in diabetics with CHD compared to those without CHD. Among the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, CAT activity was increased, GPx activity was decreased and no change was observed in SOD activity in both groups of diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients with CHD compared to those in controls. A clear correlation was observed between the CAT activity and lipid peroxide concentrations in all the diabetic patients. These observations suggest that there are similar abnormalities in lipid metabolism and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in diabetic patients and non-diabetic patients with CHD.

Effect of oral administration of bark extracts of Pterocarpus santalinus L. on blood glucose level in experimental animals

The effect of administration of different doses of Pterocarpus santalinus L. bark extracts in normal and diabetic rats, on blood glucose levels was evaluated in this study. Among the three fractions (aqueous, ethanol and hexane), ethanolic fraction at the dose of 0.25 g/kg body weight showed maximum antihyperglycemic activity. The same dose did not cause any hypoglycemic activity in normal rats. The results were compared with the diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide and the antihyperglycemic activity of ethanolic extract of PS bark at the dose of 0.25 g/kg b.w. was found to be more effective than that of glibenclamide.

beta-amyloid-induced migration of monocytes across human brain endothelial cells involves RAGE and PECAM-1

In patients with amyloid beta-related cerebrovascular disorders, e.g. , Alzheimer's disease, one finds increased deposition of amyloid peptide (Abeta) and increased presence of monocyte/microglia cells in the brain. However, relatively little is known of the role of Abeta in the trafficking of monocytes across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our studies show that interaction of Abeta(1-40) with monolayer of human brain endothelial cells results in augmented adhesion and transendothelial migration of monocytic cells (THP-1 and HL-60) and peripheral blood monocytes. The Abeta-mediated migration of monocytes was inhibited by antibody to Abeta receptor (RAGE) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1). Additionally, Abeta-induced transendothelial migration of monocytes were inhibited by protein kinase C inhibitor and augmented by phosphatase inhibitor. We conclude that interaction of Abeta with RAGE expressed on brain endothelial cells initiates cellular signaling leading to the transendothelial migration of monocytes. We suggest that increased diapedesis of monocytes across the BBB in response to Abeta present either in the peripheral circulation or in the brain parenchyma may play a role in the pathophysiology of Abeta-related vascular disorder.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in type 2 diabetics with microvascular complications

Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins, lipid peroxides (TBARS) and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities were measured in 105 non insulin dependent diabetic patients, among whom 38 had microvascular complications (MVC) of diabetes. All the diabetic patients had higher concentrations of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1) compared to controls (10.51 +/- 2.42% vs 6.31 +/- 0.85% P <0.001). Significant increase of serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and a significant decrease of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed in the diabetic patients compared to controls (TG: 2.31 +/- 0.9 mmol/l vs 1.53 +/- 0.48 mmol/l P <0. 001; TC: 5.94 +/- 1.4 mmol/l vs 4.3 +/- 0.85 mmol/l P <0.001; LDL-C: 3.96 +/- 1.33 mmol/l vs 2.39 +/- 0.8 mmol/l P <0.001; VLDL-C: 0.46 +/- 0.2 mmol/l vs 0.3 +/- 0.09 mmol/l P <0.001; HDL-C: 0.81 +/- 0.24 mmol/l vs 1.04 +/- 0.18 mmol/l P <0.001). Significantly increased levels of serum TBARS were observed in diabetic patients compared to those in controls (TBARS: 6.7 +/- 1.5 mmol/l vs 5.14 +/- 0.61 mmol/l P <0.001). Erythrocyte catalase (CAT) activity was increased and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was decreased in diabetic patients compared to controls, but no significant change in Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed in diabetic patients (CAT: 104.94 +/- 37.1 KU/g Hb vs 85.8 +/- 23.6 KU/g Hb, P <0.01; GPx: 30 +/- 9.7 U/g Hb/min vs 40.84 +/- 12.3 U/g Hb/min, P <0. 001; SOD: 2.4 +/- 1.2 U/mg Hb/min vs 2.55 +/- 0.84 U/mg Hb/min, P=NS). In comparison with the diabetic group without MVC, the diabetic group with MVC had decreased GPx and SOD activities, while no difference was observed between these two groups regarding CAT activity (GPx: 25.32 +/- 8.4 U/g Hb/min vs 34.5 +/- 8.8 U/g Hb/min, P <0.001; SOD: 1.83 +/- 0.53 U/mg Hb/min vs 2.84 +/- 1.4 U/mg Hb/min, P<0.001; CAT: 106.3 +/- 39.9 KU/g Hb vs 103 +/- 34.9 KU/g Hb, P =NS). TBARS concentrations were significantly increased in the group with MVC compared to the group without these complications, indicating a positive relationship between TBARS and MVC of diabetes (7.05 +/- 1.23 mmol/l vs 6.3 +/- 1.02 mmol/l, P <0.001). Serum triglycerides, LDL and VLDL cholesterol concentration were significantly higher in diabetics with MVC than in diabetics without the complications (TG: 2.7 +/- 0.98 mmol/l vs 2.13 +/- 0.82 mmol/l, P<0.01; LDL - C: 4.45 +/- 1.3 mmol/l vs 3.67 +/- 1.3 mmol/l, P <0. 02; VLDL-C: 0.53 +/- 0.19 mmol/l vs 0.43 +/- 0.16 mmol/l, P <0.01), and the serum levels of TC in the group with MVC showed a positive correlation with their lipid peroxide levels (r =0.368, P <0.001). The increase in TBARS and the decreased GPx and SOD activities in diabetics with MVC in this study indicate that these factors may contribute to the occurrence of micro vascular complications in NIDDM patients.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of Momordica cymbalaria Hook. fruit powder in alloxan-diabetic rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Momordica cymbalaria fruit powder on blood glucose and other biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The treatment was given for 15 days. After the treatment, a significant reduction was observed in fasting blood glucose levels in the treated diabetic rats, but no hypoglycaemic activity in the treated normal rats. M. cymbalaria treatment showed considerable lowering of serum cholesterol and triglycerides in the treated diabetic group. There was a significant improvement in hepatic glycogen level in treated diabetic rats close to normal level after the treatment with M. cymbalaria. These results suggest that the M. cymbalaria fruit powder possesses antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Hyperlipidemia, increased lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant enzymes, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in erythrocytes of type 2 diabetic patients in andhra pradesh

Plasma levels of lipids, lipoproteins and lipid peroxides and erythrocyte Na(+)-K(+) ATPase, Mg(2+)ATPase and antioxidant enzymes were measured in type-2 diabetic patients. A significant decrease in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was observed in diabetic patients which was negatively correlated with blood glucose and lipid peroxides, while the Mg(2+)-ATPase activity was increased. In the diabetic subjects the plasma concentrations of Na(+) and K(+) were increased where as erythrocyte levels of Na(+) were increased and K(+) were decreased. Hyperlipidaemia and increased levels of lipid peroxides were observed in the diabetic subjects. There was a significant increase in erythrocyte catalase activity in diabetics which positively correlated with their lipid peroxides. There was no change in GPx activities between controls and diabetics.