Asymmetric aldol additions: use of titanium tetrachloride and (-)-sparteine for the soft enolization of N-acyl oxazolidinones, oxazolidinethiones, and thiazolidinethiones

Asymmetric aldol additions using chlorotitanium enolates of N-acyloxazolidinone, oxazolidinethione, and thiazolidinethione propionates proceed with high diastereoselectivity for the Evans or non-Evans syn product depending on the nature and amount of the base used. With 1 equiv of titanium tetrachloride and 2 equiv of (-)-sparteine as the base or 1 equiv of (-)-sparteine and 1 equiv of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, selectivities of 97:3 to > 99:1 were obtained for the Evans syn aldol products using N-propionyl oxazolidinones, oxazolidinethiones, and thiazolidinethiones. The non-Evans syn aldol adducts are available with the oxazolidinethione and thiazolidinethiones by altering the Lewis acid/amine base ratios. The change in facial selectivity in the aldol additions is proposed to be a result of switching of mechanistic pathways between chelated and nonchelated transition states. The auxiliaries can be reductively removed or cleaved by nucleophilic acyl substitution. Iterative aldol sequences with high diastereoselectivity can also be accomplished.

Titanium enolates of thiazolidinethione chiral auxiliaries: versatile tools for asymmetric aldol additions

[formula: see text] Asymmetric aldol additions using chlorotitanium enolates of thiazolidinethione propionates proceed with high diastereoselectivity for the "Evans" or "non-Evans" syn product depending on the nature and amount of the base used. With (-)-sparteine as the base, selectivities of 97:3 to > 99:1 were obtained for the Evans syn products with 2 equivalents of base and for the non-Evans syn when 1 equiv of base was employed. The thiazolidinethione auxiliaries are easily removed, and the aldol adducts can be readily transformed to various functional groups. Even direct reduction to the aldehyde with diisobutylaluminum hydride is possible.

Correlation Between Composition and Electrodynamics Properties in Nanocomposites Based on Hard/Soft Ferrimagnetics with Strong Exchange Coupling

In this work, Sr_0.3Ba_0.4Pb_0.3Fe₁₂O₁₉/(CuFe₂O₄)_x (x = 2, 3, 4, and 5) as strongly exchange-coupled nanosized ferrites were fabricated using a one-pot sol–gel combustion method (citrate sol-gel method). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) powder patterns of the products confirmed the occurrence of pure, exchange-coupled ferrites. Frequency dependencies of the microwave characteristics (MW) were investigated using a co-axial method. The non-linear behavior of the MW with the composition transformation may be due to different degrees of Fe ion oxidation on the spinel/hexaferrite grain boundaries and strong exchange coupling during the hard and soft phases.

An essential role of Ffar2 (Gpr43) in dietary fibre-mediated promotion of healthy composition of gut microbiota and suppression of intestinal carcinogenesis

Composition of the gut microbiota has profound effects on intestinal carcinogenesis. Diet and host genetics play critical roles in shaping the composition of gut microbiota. Whether diet and host genes interact with each other to bring specific changes in gut microbiota that affect intestinal carcinogenesis is unknown. Ability of dietary fibre to specifically increase beneficial gut microbiota at the expense of pathogenic bacteria in vivo via unknown mechanism is an important process that suppresses intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis. Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2 or GPR43) is a receptor for short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate), metabolites of dietary fibre fermentation by gut microbiota. Here, we show FFAR2 is down modulated in human colon cancers than matched adjacent healthy tissue. Consistent with this, Ffar2(-/-) mice are hypersusceptible to development of intestinal carcinogenesis. Dietary fibre suppressed colon carcinogenesis in an Ffar2-dependent manner. Ffar2 played an essential role in dietary fibre-mediated promotion of beneficial gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium species (spp) and suppression of Helicobacter hepaticus and Prevotellaceae. Moreover, numbers of Bifidobacterium is reduced, whereas those of Prevotellaceae are increased in human colon cancers than matched adjacent normal tissue. Administration of Bifidobacterium mitigated intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis in Ffar2(-/-) mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that interplay between dietary fibre and Ffar2 play a key role in promoting healthy composition of gut microbiota that stimulates intestinal health.

Human RNA polymerase II-associated factor complex: dysregulation in cancer

Genetic instabilities are believed to be one of the major causes of developing a cancer phenotype in humans. During the progression of cancer, aberrant expression of proteins, either owing to genetic (amplification, mutation and deletion) or epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation and histone deacetylation), contributes in different ways to the development of cancer. By differential screening analysis, an amplification of the 19q13 locus containing a novel pancreatic differentiation 2 (PD2) gene was identified. PD2 is the human homolog of the yeast RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 (yPaf1) and is part of the human RNA polymerase II-associated factor (hPAF) complex. hPAF is comprised of five subunits that include PD2/hPaf1, parafibromin, hLeo1, hCtr9 and hSki8. This multifaceted complex was first identified in yeast (yPAF) and subsequently in Drosophila and human. Recent advances in the study on PAF have revealed various functions of the complex in human, which are similar to yPAF, including efficient transcription elongation, mRNA quality control and cell-cycle regulation. Although the precise function of this complex in cancer is not clearly known, some of its subunits have been linked to a malignant phenotype. Its core subunit, PD2/hPaf1, is amplified and overexpressed in many cancers. Further, an overexpression of PD2/hPaf1 results in the induction of a transformed phenotype, suggesting its possible involvement in tumorigenesis. The parafibromin subunit of the hPAF complex is a product of the HRPT-2 (hereditary hyperparathyroidism type 2) tumor suppressor gene, which is mutated in the germ line of hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor patients. This review focuses on the functions of the PAF complex and its individual subunits, the interaction of the subunits with each other and/or with other molecules, and dysregulation of the complex, providing an insight into its potential involvement in the development of cancer.

Tumor homing peptides as molecular probes for cancer therapeutics, diagnostics and theranostics

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with more than 10 million new cases each year. Despite the presence of several anticancer agents, cancer treatment is still not very effective. Main reasons behind this high mortality rate are the lack of screening tests for early diagnosis, and non-availability of tumor specific drug delivery system. Most of the current anticancer drugs are unable to differentiate between cancerous and normal cells, leading to systemic toxicity, and adverse side effects. In order to tackle this problem, a considerable progress has been made over the years to identify peptides, which specifically bind to the tumor cells, and tumor vasculature (tumor homing peptides). With the advances in phage display technology, and combinatorial libraries like one-bead one-compound library, several hundreds of tumor homing peptides, and their derivatives, which have potential to detect tumor in vivo, and deliver anticancer agents specifically to the tumor site, have been discovered. Currently, many tumor homing peptide-based therapies for cancer treatment and diagnosis are being tested in various phases of clinical trials. In this review, we have discussed the progress made so far in the identification of tumor homing peptides, and their applications in cancer therapeutics, diagnosis, and theranostics. In addition, a brief discussion on tumor homing peptide resource, and in silico designing of tumor homing peptides has also been provided.

N-acylated alpha-amino acids as novel oral delivery agents for proteins

A series of N-acylated alpha-amino acids were synthesized and shown to improve the oral delivery of two protein drugs, salmon calcitonin (sCT) and interferon-alpha. Forty-five compounds in this series were tested in vivo in rats and primates. A significant positive correlation was found between the log P of the acylated amino acids and the decrease in serum calcium following oral dosage of sCT in rats. Such a correlation was not found for interferon-alpha. These derivatized amino acids only weakly inhibited the activity of trypsin or leucine aminopeptidase. Histological examinations of rat intestinal tissue after oral dosing of acylated amino acid/protein combinations revealed no detectable pathology.

4-[4-[(2-Hydroxybenzoyl)amino]phenyl]butyric acid as a novel oral delivery agent for recombinant human growth hormone

A series of N-acetylated, non-alpha, aromatic amino acids was prepared and shown to promote the absorption of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) from the gastrointestinal tract. Seventy compounds in this family were tested in vivo in rats. Of the compounds tested, 4-[4-[(2-hydroxybenzoyl)amino]phenyl]butyric acid was identified as a preclinical candidate and was used to demonstrate the oral delivery of rhGH in primates. A significant positive correlation was found between the relative log k' of the delivery agents, as determined by HPLC on an immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) column, and serum rhGH concentrations following oral or colonic dosing in rats. Structure-activity relationships have also been developed on the basis of electronic effects and hydrogen-bonding characteristics of the aromatic amide substituents.

High MMP-9 activity characterises pleural tuberculosis correlating with granuloma formation

Tuberculosis (TB) pleural disease is complicated by extensive tissue destruction. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -9 are implicated in immunopathology of pulmonary and central nervous system TB. There are few data on MMP activity in TB pleurisy. The present study investigated MMP-1, -2 and -9 and their specific inhibitors (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -2) in tuberculous effusions, and correlated these with clinical and histopathological features. Clinical data, routine blood tests, and pleural fluid/biopsy material were obtained from 89 patients presenting with pleural effusions in a TB-endemic area. MMP-1, -2 and -9 were measured by zymography or western blot, and TIMP-1 and -2 by ELISA. Pleural biopsies were examined microscopically, cultured for acid-alcohol fast bacilli and immunostained for MMP-9. Tuberculous pleural effusions contained the highest concentrations of MMP-9 compared with malignant effusions or heart failure transudates. MMP-9 concentrations were highest in effusions from patients with granulomatous biopsies: median (interquartile range) 108 (61-218) pg x mL(-1) versus 43 (12-83) pg x mL(-1) in those with nongranulomatous pleural biopsies. MMP-1 and -2 were not upregulated in tuberculous pleural fluid. The ratio of MMP-9:TIMP-1 was significantly higher in TB effusions. Tuberculous pleurisy is characterised by a specific pattern of matrix metalloproteinase-9 upregulation, correlating with the presence of granulomas and suggesting a specific role for matrix metalloproteinase-9 in inflammatory responses in tuberculous pleural disease.

Thermostable, alkalophilic and cellulase free xylanase production by Thermoactinomyces thalophilus subgroup C

Thermoactinomyces thalophilus produced cellulase free extracellular endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) at 50 degrees C and pH 8.5. Maximum xylanase production was achieved in fermentation medium using birchwood xylan as substrate after 96 h of growth at 50 degrees C. Other agricultural substrates such as wheat bran, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and cornstover produced less xylanase. The crude enzyme preparation from mutant T. thalophilus P2 grown under optimised fermentation conditions showed no cellulase contamination and maximum xylanase activity of 42 U/ml at 65%deg;C and pH 8.5-9.0. This enzyme with initial xylanase activity of 42 U/ml was found thermostable up to 65 degrees C and retaining 50% of its activity after its incubation for 125 min at 65 degrees C.

Stability study of drug-loaded proteinoid microsphere formulations during freeze-drying

Drug-loaded proteinoid microspheres were freeze-dried to facilitate shipping and handling and to enable long term storage. Heparin was chosen as the model drug in developing the optimum lyophilization process. The factors influencing the integrity of either heparin-loaded or unloaded ('empty') proteinoid microspheres during freeze-drying were determined, with emphasis on: selecting an optimum freezing and resuspending temperature; choosing an appropriate cryoprotectant and its optimum concentration in the formulation; and, designing a suitable method for formulating the microspheres. Freezing at/below -70 degrees C was found to minimize damage to the microspheres. Addition of sugars, such as trehalose and lactose, as cryoprotectants, further increased the stability of the heparin-loaded microspheres during freeze-drying. The optimum trehalose or lactose concentrations were determined to be 5% (w/v). Using the optimumized lyophilization process described in this manuscript, microspheres remained intact during freeze-drying. The freeze-dried microspheres were stable for at least three months post-lyophilization.

Livedo Reticularis: An Underutilized Diagnostic Clue in Cholesterol Embolization Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) is an increasingly recognized cause of acute renal insufficiency, which must be differentiated from other forms of systemic vasculitis by histologic examination of biopsies from involved organs. This report describes the optimal methods for detection and biopsy of areas of skin involved with livedo reticularis to confirm the diagnosis of CES.

METHODS

This report describes 8 patients with unexplained acute renal insufficiency in whom the diagnosis of CES was suspected based on their clinical history.

RESULTS

A detailed skin examination performed in both supine and upright postures demonstrated the presence of previously unrecognized livedo reticularis, which was more evident during upright posture in all subjects. In 2 subjects, questionable areas of livedo reticularis noted in supine posture became readily demonstrable during upright posture. Livedo reticularis was apparent only during upright posture in 2 subjects. Biopsies of areas of skin involved with livedo reticularis demonstrated cholesterol emboli in 6 of 8 patients and were normal in the remaining 2 patients. One patient progressed to end-stage renal disease and one was lost to follow-up. In the remaining 6 patients, renal insufficiency initially progressed but did not require dialytic therapy. Renal function returned to baseline levels and livedo reticularis resolved without recurrence in these patients. No subjects developed clinical or laboratory evidence of systemic vasculitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Livedo reticularis is a common but often unrecognized finding in CES that may not be evident during routine examination performed in the supine posture. Deep cutaneous biopsy of areas of livedo reticularis can be safely used to confirm the presence of cholesterol emboli, thus avoiding the increased morbidity of biopsy of either pregangrenous skin lesions or visceral organs. Many patients with CES regain renal function during long-term follow-up.

Case report: purpura in disseminated strongyloidiasis

Purpuric lesions have been described previously in 10 patients with disseminated strongyloidiasis. We identified three additional patients in whom purpura developed as a manifestation of disseminated strongyloidiasis. Nine (69%) of the 13 patients were men, and the median age of patients was 61 years (range, 32-75 years). Six patients were from the southeastern United States. Six patients had underlying malignancy and four patients had chronic lung disease. All patients had received prior corticosteroids. The parasite was identified in 11 (92%) of 12 patients where stool or sputum examination was performed. Skin biopsies of purpuric lesions were obtained in 12 patients, in 10 (83%) of which larvae were found. Despite recommended treatment with thiabendazole in 12 of 13 patients, 11 (85%) of the patients died, and at least 6 died within 16 days of onset of purpura. Physicians, particularly those in the southeastern United States, should strongly consider the diagnosis of disseminated strongyloidiasis in patients receiving corticosteroids and in whom purpura and systemic toxicity develops.

A complete review of empagliflozin: Most specific and potent SGLT2 inhibitor used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the latest class of drugs to be introduced for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). They reduce hyperglycemia by increasing urinary glucose excretion and exert favorable effects beyond glucose control with consistent body weight, blood pressure, and serum uric acid reductions. Empagliflozin is a potent SGLT2 inhibitor used to improve glycemic control in adults with T2DM. It has the highest SGLT2 specificity among all the clinically used or currently tested SGLT2 inhibitors. Low risk of hypoglycemia, absence of weight gain and demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction support its consideration as a first line medication in addition to metformin for patients with T2DM and cardiovascular disease. Mostly reported adverse events are genital mycotic infections, while urinary tract infections and events linked to volume depletion are rather rare. This review covers the complete information on empagliflozin including the history of its development, synthesis, pharmacology and different methods which have been reported for its analysis.

Receptor tyrosine kinase signaling regulates replication of the peste des petits ruminants virus

In this study, we found out that blocking the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling in Vero cells by tryphostin AG879 impairs the in vitro replication of the peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). A reduced virus replication in Trk1-knockdown (siRNA) Vero cells confirmed the essential role of RTK in the virus replication, in particular a specific regulation of viral RNA synthesis. These data represent the first evidence that the RTK signaling regulates replication of a morbillivirus.

Epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Acute Viral Hepatitis A and E in a semi-urban locality in Chandigarh, North Indian Union Territory, 2016-17

Context:

During ongoing passive surveillance in Burail, Chandigarh an unexpected rise in number of acute viral hepatitis (AVH) was reported during December 2016.

Aims:

An outbreak of AVH was investigated in an urbanized village, Burail, in Chandigarh, India with an objective of describing its epidemiological features.

Settings and Design:

A house-to-house survey was conducted in Burail (population 51,958).

Subjects and Methods:

WHO's standard case definition for AVH was used to identify cases. Suspected cases were tested for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and E virus (HEV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Drinking water samples were tested for fecal contamination. Control measures were implemented to contain the outbreak.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive analysis was done as per time, person, and place.

Results:

Out of 141 confirmed cases of AVH, 85.1% were positive for HEV, 12.8% for HAV, and 2.1% for both HAV and HEV. The attack rate was 27.1 per 10,000 in a population. Males were affected more than females (P < 0.05). One of the areas reported a leakage in drinking water pipeline and had highest attack rate (36.8/10000 population). Drinking water samples were found negative for contamination. Around 27% of confirmed cases reported history of taking food from local vendors in Burail 2–6 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.

Conclusion:

This study described the epidemiological features of dual hepatitis outbreak due to HAV and HEV from Chandigarh, Union Territory, north India.

Effect of different additives on the persistence and insecticidal activity of native strains of Bacillus thuringiensis

The persistence and insecticidal activity of native strains of Bacillus thuringiensis was evaluated in formulations containing different additives such as arrow-root powder, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), gum acacia, non-food grade (NFG) starch, and soluble starch. Persistence of B. thuringiensis varied with different additives used in the formulations. Among the different additives used, NFG starch provided maximum protection to B. thuringiensis and native strain 42 showed maximum persistence (83%) which was higher than that obtained in commercial formulation. In commercial formulation, the persistence of B. thuringiensis was 47% only after 3 d of spray. The feeding trials conducted on second instar larvae of H. armigera using leaves sprayed with NFG starch formulation revealed 70% larval mortality while commercial formulation showed 50% mortality during the same period.

Variability among Alternaria solani isolates associated with early blight of tomato

Variability among isolates of Alternaria solani, the causal agent of early blight of tomato, from Northern and Southern parts of India was determined based on conidial morphology, pathogenicity tests and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) techniques. The isolates varied with respect to size of conidia and number of septa. The average size of conidia varied from 150-224.9 microm x 12.4-17.2 microm. The number of horizontal (4-14), vertical (0-3) and beak (0-8) septa also varied among the isolates. The test isolates differed in the virulence pattern on ten tomato genotypes under screen house conditions. Based on disease severity, test isolates were categorized into three main groups. Isolates RAS (Rohtak) and HAS-I (Hisar) were more virulent than all other isolates. None of the genotypes were completely resistant to all the test isolates. The analysis of RAPD profiles showed that there was a high level of genetic variability among the isolates of A. solani. The cluster analysis based on similarity coefficients separated the ten A. solani isolates into two major clusters. There was no evidence for geographical clustering of isolates with high levels of genetic similarity, suggesting that isolates are widely spread across India.

RAPD-based SCAR marker SCA 12 linked to recessive gene conferring resistance to anthracnose in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum graminicola, infects all aerial parts of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, plants and causes loss of as much as 70%. F(1) and F(2) plants inoculated with local isolates of C. graminicola indicated that resistance to anthracnose in sorghum accession G 73 segregated as a recessive trait in a cross with susceptible cultivar HC 136. To facilitate the use of marker-assisted selection in sorghum breeding programs, a PCR-based specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker was developed. A total of 29 resistant and 20 susceptible recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a HC 136 x G 73 cross was used for bulked segregant analysis to identify a RAPD marker closely linked to a gene for resistance to anthracnose. The polymorphism between the parents HC 136 and G 73 was evaluated using 84 random sequence decamer primers. Among these, only 24 primers generated polymorphism. On bulked segregant analysis, primer OPA 12 amplified a unique band of 383 bp only in the resistant parent G 73 and resistant bulk. Segregation analysis of individual RILs showed the marker OPA 12(383) was 6.03 cM from the locus governing resistance to anthracnose. The marker OPA 12(383) was cloned and sequenced. Based on the sequence of cloned RAPD product, a pair of SCAR markers SCA 12-1 and SCA 12-2 was designed using the MacVector program, which specifically amplified this RAPD fragment in resistant parent G 73, resistant bulk and respective RILs. Therefore, it was confirmed that SCAR marker SCA 12 is at the same locus as RAPD marker OPA 12(383) and hence, is linked to the gene for resistance to anthracnose.

A Case Report of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Misdiagnosed as Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia

After adenocarcinoma, squamous cell lung cancer is the most common type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among non-smokers. A tissue biopsy followed by imaging (chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) lung, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan) is the best modality for confirmation and staging of the disease. Sometimes, the histopathological appearance of squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) can be confused with organizing pneumonia. Such findings can delay the diagnosis of SCLC, which can affect the treatment and course of the disease. Any lung mass that is highly suspicious for carcinoma should be closely monitored with imaging, and a repeat tissue biopsy should be done for a confirmation of the diagnosis to start appropriate therapy as soon as possible.

950 Experience of Inguinal Mesh Hernioplasty Under Local Anaesthesia: A 3-Year Experience in A Teaching Hospital

Objective

To prove Inguinal mesh hernioplasty under L/A is safe and acceptable. Helps with post-operative pain and enables rapid recovery as a day case.

Method

All patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair under local anaesthesia were retrospectively analysed in our hospital between July 2014- July 2017. Clinical judgement was used for inclusion and exclusion parameters.

Results

From July 2014- July 2017, 260 patients were included in study who underwent Inguinal mesh hernioplasty under L/A. ASA grade for all patients ranged between I-III. The mean age was 37 (20-65). Intraoperatively (9.1) 3.5% patients had problems such as pain, hypotension or sweating. About (86.3%) 224 patients were discharged home the same day and remaining stayed overnight for less than 24 hours. Hematoma was seen in 5 (1.92%) patients, Urinary retention in 2 (0.7%) patients, Wound infection seen in 24(9.2%) patients, Readmission in 10 (3.8%) patients. Chronic groin pain was seen in 10 (3.9%) patients and no recurrence on 6 months follow up.

Conclusions

Our results showed that this procedure is feasible under L/A and can be performed safely. It showed satisfactory acceptance by the operating surgeon and patient, without significant perioperative issues. It is reliable and showed shorter hospital stay.

A huge ureteric stone in a functionally, metabolically and anatomically normal kidney: an alliance of rarity

Urinary stones are a common health problem, necessitating frequent outpatient visits and hospital admissions. Ureteric stones demand special attention, given their propensity for upstream hydroureteronephrosis and loss of renal function. They are usually predisposed by diverse anatomical, functional or metabolic abnormalities of the urinary tract and have an early symptomatic presentation. We report an exceptional clinical presentation of a huge ureteric stone yet functional renal moiety with no obvious anatomical or metabolic predilection for urolithiasis, and its minimally invasive management in a young woman. We emphasise that swift salvaging of the renal function is of utmost importance in these cases. Open exploration can be avoided in favour of laparoscopic ureterolithotomy with better cosmesis and early recovery.