Complex molecule synthesis by electrocatalytic decarboxylative cross-coupling

Modern retrosynthetic analysis in organic chemistry is based on the principle of polar relationships between functional groups to guide the design of synthetic routes1. This method, termed polar retrosynthetic analysis, assigns partial positive (electrophilic) or negative (nucleophilic) charges to constituent functional groups in complex molecules followed by disconnecting bonds between opposing charges2-4. Although this approach forms the basis of undergraduate curriculum in organic chemistry5 and strategic applications of most synthetic methods6, the implementation often requires a long list of ancillary considerations to mitigate chemoselectivity and oxidation state issues involving protecting groups and precise reaction choreography3,4,7. Here we report a radical-based Ni/Ag-electrocatalytic cross-coupling of substituted carboxylic acids, thereby enabling an intuitive and modular approach to accessing complex molecular architectures. This new method relies on a key silver additive that forms an active Ag nanoparticle-coated electrode surface8,9 in situ along with carefully chosen ligands that modulate the reactivity of Ni. Through judicious choice of conditions and ligands, the cross-couplings can be rendered highly diastereoselective. To demonstrate the simplifying power of these reactions, concise syntheses of 14 natural products and two medicinally relevant molecules were completed.

Fragtory: Pharmacophore-Focused Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of an sp3-Enriched Fragment Library

Fragment-based drug discovery has played an important role in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical research. Despite numerous demonstrated successes, the limited diversity and overrepresentation of planar, sp²-rich structures in commercial libraries often hamper the full potential of this approach. Hence, the thorough design of screening libraries inevitably determines the probability for meaningful hits and subsequent structural elaboration. Against this background, we present the generation of an exclusive fragment library based on iterative entry nomination by a specifically designed computational workflow: "Fragtory". Following a pharmacophore diversity-driven approach, we used Fragtory in an interdisciplinary academic setting to guide both tailored synthesis efforts and the implementation of in-house compounds to build a curated 288-member library of sp³-enriched fragments. Subsequent NMR screens against a model protein and hit validation by protein crystallography led to the identification of structurally novel ligands that were further characterized by isothermal titration calorimetry, demonstrating the applicability of our experimental approach.

Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents globally and is associated with negative life outcomes and socioeconomic costs. First-generation ADHD treatments were predominantly pharmacological; however, increased understanding of biological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to ADHD has expanded non-pharmacological treatment possibilities. This Review provides an updated evaluation of the efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological treatments for paediatric ADHD, discussing the quality and level of evidence for nine intervention categories. Unlike medication, no non-pharmacological treatments showed a consistent strong effect on ADHD symptoms. When considering broad outcomes (eg, impairment, caregiver stress, and behavioural improvement), multicomponent (cognitive) behaviour therapy joined medication as a primary ADHD treatment. With respect to secondary treatments, polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a consistent modest effect on ADHD symptoms when taken for at least 3 months. Additionally, mindfulness and multinutrient supplementation with four or more ingredients showed modest efficacy on non-symptom outcomes. All other non-pharmacological treatments were safe; clinicians might tolerate their use but should educate families of childrenand adolescents with ADHD on the disadvantages, including costs, burden to the service user, absence of proven efficacy relative to other treatments, and delay of proven treatment.

SUPPORTING AGING IN PLACE WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS THROUGH ANNOTATED TELEPRESENCE TECHNOLOGY

Most smarthome and smartphone technologies are designed with younger adults in mind, even though many older adults can benefit greatly from their use. Through our examination of how to make these technologies more accessible to adults aging in place with mobility impairments, we have found remote troubleshooting to be a possible solution to many problems. However, we have found most current teleconferencing solutions to be lacking in the limited perspectives of a single webcam, as well as from a lack of ability to point out specific items and locations within a camera view. As such, Our team developed a prototype system that used multiple desk space and room space views, as well as on screen annotations, to facilitate remote troubleshooting and social interactions through a teleconferencing service. This prototype was then evaluated with adults aging in place with mobility impairments, as well as accessibility experts, in order to see what parts of the system could be utilized for troubleshooting, as well as to see where the system was lacking. The studies tested the system’s ability to be used for troubleshooting, as well as their uses in games and social interactions. We have gathered positive feedback for these prototypes in the areas of troubleshooting, socialization, games, and for use in other accessibility studies. From these results, we have begun development of a mobile deployment kit for use of our teleconferencing solution in other accessibility studies.

Ni-Catalyzed Enantioselective Dialkyl Carbinol Synthesis via Decarboxylative Cross-Coupling: Development, Scope, and Applications

The first enantioselective decarboxylative Negishi-type alkylations of α-oxy carboxylic acids are reported via the intermediacy of redox-active esters (RAEs). This transformation enables a radical-based retrosynthesis of seemingly trivial enantiopure dialkyl carbinols. This article includes a discussion of the history of such couplings, the retrosynthetic ramifications of such a coupling, the development of general conditions, and an extensive series of applications that vividly demonstrate how it can simplify synthesis.

Restoring oak forests through direct seeding or planting: Protocol for a continental-scale experiment

The choice of revegetating via direct seeding or planting nursery-grown seedlings influences the potential stresses suffered by seedlings such as herbivory and drought. The outcome of the balance between both revegetation methods may ultimately depend on how species identity and traits such as seed and seedling size interact with environmental conditions. To test this, we will conduct a continental-scale experiment consisting of one mini-experiment replicated by multiple participants across Europe. Each participant will establish a site with seeded and planted individuals of one or more native, locally growing oak (Quercus) species; the selection of this genus aims to favour continental-scale participation and to allow testing the response of a widely distributed genus of broad ecological and economic relevance. At each site, participants will follow the present protocol for seed collection, seeding in the field, nursery cultivation, outplanting, protection against herbivores, site maintenance, and measurement of seedling performance and environmental variables. Each measurement on each species at each site will produce one effect size; the data will be analysed through mixed-effects meta-analysis. With this approach we will assess the main effect of revegetation method, species, plant functional traits, and the potential effect of site-specific effect moderators. Overall, we will provide a continental-scale estimate on the seeding vs. planting dilemma and analyse to what extent the differences in environmental conditions across sites, seed size, functional traits, and the phylogenetic relatedness of species can account for the differences in the effect of revegetation method on seedling performance across study sites and species.

A Potent Leukocyte Transmigration Blocker: GT-73 Showed a Protective Effect against LPS-Induced ARDS in Mice

We recently developed a molecule (GT-73) that blocked leukocyte transendothelial migration from blood to the peripheral tissues, supposedly by affecting the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) function. GT-73 was tested in an LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mouse model. The rationale for this is based on the finding that the mortality of COVID-19 patients is partly caused by ARDS induced by a massive migration of leukocytes to the lungs. In addition, the role of tert-butyl and methyl ester moieties in the biological effect of GT-73 was investigated. A human leukocyte, transendothelial migration assay was applied to validate the blocking effect of GT-73 derivatives. Finally, a mouse model of LPS-induced ARDS was used to evaluate the histological and biochemical effects of GT-73. The obtained results showed that GT-73 has a unique structure that is responsible for its biological activity; two of its chemical moieties (tert-butyl and a methyl ester) are critical for this effect. GT-73 is a prodrug, and its lipophilic tail covalently binds to PECAM-1 via Lys536. GT-73 significantly decreased the number of infiltrating leukocytes in the lungs and reduced the inflammation level. Finally, GT-73 reduced the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In summary, we concluded that GT-73, a blocker of white blood cell transendothelial migration, has a favorable profile as a drug candidate for the treatment of ARDS in COVID-19 patients.

Regio- and Diastereoselective Copper-Catalyzed Carbomagnesiation for the Synthesis of Penta- and Hexa-Substituted Cyclopropanes

Despite the highly strained nature of cyclopropanes possessing three vicinal quaternary carbon stereocenters, the regio- and diastereoselective copper-catalyzed carbomagnesiation reaction of cyclopropenes provides an easy and efficient access to these novel persubstituted cyclopropyl cores with a complete regio- and diastereoselectivity.

Rethinking and Co-Design of Beloved Board Games for People With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Their Care Partners

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects millions of older Americans and progression to dementia is common. Although people with MCI may experience impairments, they are often highly verbal, able, and eager to uphold beloved routines. Moreover, many seek opportunities to stay active, physically and mentally, to support their brain health. Some forms of cognitive training and social engagement potentially delay the onset and progression of disease, including dementia. This 12-month project used mixed methods to co-design and test an accessible version of well-known board games for people with MCI and a care partner without MCI. The overall goal was to foster a meaningful, joyous, social activity for players with differing capabilities using adapted game mechanics to create a compelling experience for both players. Coping strategies of care partners were studied to learn ways to foster positive interactions. Findings inform recommendations for game design and clinical interventions. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.

Modeling uranium and 226Ra mobility during and after an acidic in situ recovery test (Dulaan Uul, Mongolia)

This article presents the results of groundwater monitoring over a period of six years and the interpretation of these results by a reactive transport model, following an In Situ Recovery (ISR) test on the Dulaan Uul uranium deposit in Mongolia. An environmental monitoring survey was set up using 17 piezometers, from which it has been possible to describe the changes in the water composition before, during and after the ISR test. The water quality before the start of mining activities rendered it unfit for human consumption. During and after the test, a descent of the saline plume was observed, resulting in a dilution of the injection solutions. After a rapid decrease to pH = 1.13 during the production phase of the ISR test, the pH stabilized at around 4 in the production area and 5.5 below the production cell one year after the end of the test. Uranium and radium were being naturally attenuated. Uranium returned to background concentrations (0.3 mg/L) after two years and the measured ²²⁶Ra concentrations represent no more than 10% of the expected concentrations during production (75 Bq/L). The modeling of the contaminants of concern mobility, namely pH and concentrations of sulfate, uranium and ²²⁶Ra, is based on several key complementary mechanisms: density flow, cation exchange with clay minerals and co-precipitation of ²²⁶Ra in the barite. The modeling results show that the observed plume descent and sulfate dilution can only be predicted if consideration of a high-density flow is included. Similarly, the changes in pH and ²²⁶Ra concentration are only correctly predicted when the cationic exchanges with the clays and the co-precipitation reaction within the barite using the solid solution theory are integrated into the models. Finally, the proper representation of the changes in water composition at the scale of the test requires the use of a sufficiently fine mesh (1 m × 1 m cell) to take into account the spatial variability of hydrogeological (permeability distribution in particular) and geological (reduced, oxidized and mineralized facies distributions) parameters.

Interprofessional Education: Collaboration and Learning in Action

Interprofessional education (IPE) is necessary to ensure that future health care professionals are prepared to provide holistic, patient-centered prevention programs, assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and chronic illness management in a collaborative manner. Accrediting bodies such as the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation and the American Psychological Association newly require programs to implement instruction and evaluate IPE core competency development in each year of their programs. The IPE core team at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has designed, implemented, and tested an IPE core course over the past 2 years that includes students in osteopathic medicine, clinical psychology, mental health counseling, and physician assistant programs. Throughout this process, the IPE core team has identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. Cultural considerations, institutional resources, pedagogy for large interdisciplinary groups at different stages of training, and technology and assessment tools for student and course evaluation are all critical considerations.

Synthesis of Substituted Indolizidines and Quinolizidines by Regioselective Intramolecular Modified Julia Olefination of Imides

We report the synthesis of substituted indolizidines and quinolizidines using the modified Julia olefination previously developed on imides. The study focuses on the regioselectivity of this reaction on unsymmetrically substituted imides. The scope and regioselectivity of the reaction are presented here, and its utility as a tool for synthesizing natural products is demonstrated through the total synthesis of Pandalizine A.

SUPPORTING AGING IN PLACE WITH THE INTERNET OF THINGS: MEETING CHALLENGES OF USE THROUGH AUGMENTED REALITY TOOLS

Internet of Things (IoT) devices (including smart thermostats, lightbulbs, and door locks) have the potential to greatly enhance independence and promote aging-in-place among older adults with mobility disabilities. However, these devices require extensive information technology expertise to select, configure, use, and adapt to meet one’s needs and this creates considerable barriers to their adoption, acceptance, and utilization. Meanwhile, increasingly available consumer augmented reality (AR) technologies can enable individuals to experience how IoT function and are used within the context of one’s own abilities and home. This may provide potential users an effective means of overcoming barriers to adoption, acceptance, and utilization of IoT to support aging in place. We present preliminary results from a participatory design study of older adults with mobility disabilities on the use of AR on a smart phone device to support IoT understanding.

Novel inhibitors of leukocyte transendothelial migration

Leukocyte transendothelial migration is one of the most important step in launching an inflammatory immune response and chronic inflammation can lead to devastating diseases. Leukocyte migration inhibitors are considered as promising and potentially effective therapeutic agents to treat inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. In this study, based on previous trioxotetrahydropyrimidin based integrin inhibitors that suboptimally blocked leukocyte adhesion, twelve molecules with a modified scaffold were designed, synthesized, and tested in vitro for their capacity to block the transendothelial migration of immune cells. One of the molecules, namely, methyl 4-((2-(tert-butyl)-6-((2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene) methyl) phenoxy) methyl) benzoate, (compound 12), completely blocked leukocyte transendothelial migration, without any toxic effects on immune or endothelial cells (IC₅₀ = 2.4 µM). In vivo, compound 12 exhibited significant therapeutic effects in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)/Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, fatty liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis models. A detailed acute and chronic toxicity profile of the lead compound in vivo did not reveal any toxic effects. Such a type of molecule might therefore provide a unique starting point for designing a novel class of leukocyte transmigration blocking agents with broad therapeutic applications in inflammatory and auto-immune pathologies.

Neuroligin-2-derived peptide-covered polyamidoamine-based (PAMAM) dendrimers enhance pancreatic β-cells' proliferation and functions

Pancreatic β-cell membranes and presynaptic areas of neurons contain analogous protein complexes that control the secretion of bioactive molecules. These complexes include the neuroligins (NLs) and their binding partners, the neurexins (NXs). It has been recently reported that both insulin secretion and the proliferation rates of β-cells increase when cells are co-cultured with full-length NL-2 clusters. The pharmacological use of full-length protein is always problematic due to its unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties. Thus, NL-2-derived short peptide was conjugated to the surface of polyamidoamine-based (PAMAM) dendrimers. This nanoscale composite improved β-cell functions in terms of the rate of proliferation, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), and functional maturation. This functionalized dendrimer also protected β-cells under cellular stress conditions. In addition, various novel peptidomimetic scaffolds of NL-2-derived peptide were designed, synthesized, and conjugated to the surface of PAMAM in order to increase the biostability of the conjugates. However, after being covered by peptidomimetics, PAMAM dendrimers were inactive. Thus, the original peptide-based PAMAM dendrimer is a leading compound for continued research that might provide a unique starting point for designing an innovative class of antidiabetic therapeutics that possess a unique mode of action.