Discovery of Alkyl Triphenylphosphonium Pinostrobin Derivatives as Potent Anti-Breast Cancer Agents

Pinostrobin demonstrated anticancer properties, but its hydrophobic feature led to a reduction in bioavailability. The mitochondria-targeted approach successfully synthesized eight new alkyl triphenylphosphonium pinostrobin derivatives (1-8) with good yield in this study. Seven compounds (1-3, 5-8) showed greater cytotoxic potency against the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line than pinostrobin. Molecular docking studies were performed with two important targets in hormone-dependent anticancer strategies, estrogen receptor α (ERα) ligand binding domains, 3ERT (antagonist recognition and antiproliferative function), and 1GWR (agonist recognition and pro-proliferative function). In addition, the MD simulation study of the two most potent compounds (2 and 3) complexed with both ERα forms suggested that compounds 2 and 3 could serve as favourable antagonists. Furthermore, the in silico ADMET prediction indicated that compounds 2 and 3 could be potential drug candidates.

Improved Measurement of the Evolution of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay

Reactor neutrino experiments play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of neutrinos. In this Letter, the evolution of the flux and spectrum as a function of the reactor isotopic content is reported in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield at Daya Bay with 1958 days of data and improved systematic uncertainties. These measurements are compared with two signature model predictions: the Huber-Mueller model based on the conversion method and the SM2018 model based on the summation method. The measured average flux and spectrum, as well as the flux evolution with the ^{239}Pu isotopic fraction, are inconsistent with the predictions of the Huber-Mueller model. In contrast, the SM2018 model is shown to agree with the average flux and its evolution but fails to describe the energy spectrum. Altering the predicted inverse-beta-decay spectrum from ^{239}Pu fission does not improve the agreement with the measurement for either model. The models can be brought into better agreement with the measurements if either the predicted spectrum due to ^{235}U fission is changed or the predicted ^{235}U, ^{238}U, ^{239}Pu, and ^{241}Pu spectra are changed in equal measure.

Precision Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation at Kilometer-Scale Baselines by Daya Bay

We present a new determination of the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ_{13} and the mass-squared difference Δm_{32}^{2} using a final sample of 5.55×10^{6} inverse beta-decay (IBD) candidates with the final-state neutron captured on gadolinium. This sample is selected from the complete dataset obtained by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment in 3158 days of operation. Compared to the previous Daya Bay results, selection of IBD candidates has been optimized, energy calibration refined, and treatment of backgrounds further improved. The resulting oscillation parameters are sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0851±0.0024, Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.466±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the normal mass ordering or Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.571±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the inverted mass ordering.

First Measurement of High-Energy Reactor Antineutrinos at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first measurement of high-energy reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay, with nearly 9000 inverse beta decay candidates in the prompt energy region of 8-12 MeV observed over 1958 days of data collection. A multivariate analysis is used to separate 2500 signal events from background statistically. The hypothesis of no reactor antineutrinos with neutrino energy above 10 MeV is rejected with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. A 29% antineutrino flux deficit in the prompt energy region of 8-11 MeV is observed compared to a recent model prediction. We provide the unfolded antineutrino spectrum above 7 MeV as a data-based reference for other experiments. This result provides the first direct observation of the production of antineutrinos from several high-Q_{β} isotopes in commercial reactors.

Unspecified opioids among opioid overdoses in Oslo, Norway

OBJECTIVE

Since 2017, an increasing number of opioid overdoses in Oslo, Norway, has been categorized as involving unspecified opioids, as noted in the patient records by the doctor treating the patient. In this study we compare the characteristics of overdoses involving unspecified opioids, long-acting opioids, and heroin. Data on patients presenting with opioid overdose was retrospectively collected from 1 October 2013 to 31 December 2019 at the Oslo Accident and Emergency Outpatient Clinic.

RESULTS

Among 2381 included cases, 459 (19.3%) involved unspecified opioids, 134 (5.6%) long-acting opioids, and 1788 (75.1%) heroin. Overdoses involving unspecified opioids needed longer observation, median 5 h 29 min vs. 4 h 54 min (long-acting opioids) and 4 h 49 min (heroin) (p < 0.001), and had a lower Glasgow coma scale score, median 10 vs. 13 in both the other groups (p < 0.001). Naloxone was given in 23.3% of cases involving unspecified opioids, vs. 12.7% involving long-acting opioids and 30.2% involving heroin (p < 0.001). A larger proportion of patients were transferred to hospital care when unspecified or long-acting opioids were involved compared to heroin, 16.3% and 18.7% respectively vs. 10.1% (p < 0.001). Our results indicate that the category "unspecified opioids" encompasses a substantial proportion of opioids acting longer than heroin.

Joint Determination of Reactor Antineutrino Spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Fission by Daya Bay and PROSPECT

A joint determination of the reactor antineutrino spectra resulting from the fission of ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu has been carried out by the Daya Bay and PROSPECT Collaborations. This Letter reports the level of consistency of ^{235}U spectrum measurements from the two experiments and presents new results from a joint analysis of both data sets. The measurements are found to be consistent. The combined analysis reduces the degeneracy between the dominant ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu isotopes and improves the uncertainty of the ^{235}U spectral shape to about 3%. The ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu antineutrino energy spectra are unfolded from the jointly deconvolved reactor spectra using the Wiener-SVD unfolding method, providing a data-based reference for other reactor antineutrino experiments and other applications. This is the first measurement of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu spectra based on the combination of experiments at low- and highly enriched uranium reactors.

Systematic review: the treatment of noncardiac chest pain with antidepressants

BACKGROUND

Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common condition, affecting approximately 25% of the general population. The cause of NCCP can be classified as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-related NCCP, where antireflux therapy is the main treatment modality or alternatively as non-GERD-related NCCP, where pain modulators, including antidepressants, are utilised.

AIM

To provide a systematic review evaluating the evidence for the use of antidepressants in the treatment of non-GERD-related NCCP.

METHODS

A computerised literature and manual search was conducted to identify relevant randomised, placebo-controlled studies, published in any language for the evaluation of the effectiveness of antidepressant as a therapeutic intervention for NCCP.

RESULTS

Six randomised placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant treatment for NCCP were identified. The medications included were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [paroxetine (n = 2), sertraline (n = 1)], tricyclic antidepressant [impramine (n = 1)], serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [venlafaxine (n = 1)] and a triazolopyridine [trazodone (n = 1)]. The percentage reduction in chest pain was statistically significant with venlafaxine (50% vs. 10%; P < 0.001), sertraline (63% vs. 15%; P = 0.02) and imipramine (52% vs. 1%; P = 0.03). The improvement in chest pain symptoms was independent of improvement in depression scores. Clinical global improvement also significantly improved in patients on venlafaxine, sertraline, paroxetine and trazodone. The percentage of patients in treatment groups reporting adverse effects were relatively high compared with those in placebo groups, although majority were statistically insignificant or significance was not reported. Nonetheless, adverse events were the reported reason for discontinuation of trials in 53% of patients from the antidepressant groups compared with 29% from the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

There is modest evidence for the benefit of antidepressants in reducing NCCP and improving patients' general health. However, there is significant heterogeneity amongst the studies with several study limitations to warrant more rigorous trials and to assess the usefulness of low-dose antidepressants in non-GERD NCCP.

Potential Antimalarials. XXI. Mannich Base Derivatives of 4-[7-Chloro(and 7-trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-ylamino]phenols

Syntheses are reported for 4-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylamino)-2,6-bis(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)phenol (2) and its 3-fluoro and 3-piperidinyl derivatives. Some mono-Mannich analogues with 2-fluoro, 2-t-butyl and 3-trifluoromethyl substituents have also been prepared. In tests for antimalarial activity against the FC-27 and K-1 isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro, compound (2) proved to be the most active (IC50 6.3-12.5 nM).

Potential Antimalarials. XX. Mannich Base Derivatives of 2-[7-Chloroquinolin-4-ylamino and 7-Bromo(and 7-trifluoromethyl)-1,5-naphthyridin-4-ylamino]-4-chloro(or 4- or 6-t-Butyl or 4- or 5-fluoro)phenols and 4(or 6)-t-Butyl-2-(7-trifluoromethylquinolin-4-ylamino)phenol

Syntheses are reported for some mono- and di-Mannich base derivatives of 4-chloro-, 3- or 4-fluoro-, or 2- or 4-t-butyl-substituted 2-(7′-chloroquinolin-4′-ylamino)phenols and 2-[7′-bromo(and 7′-trifluoromethyl)-1′,5′-naphthyridin-4′-ylamino]phenols. In tests against the FC-27 isolate of Plasmodium falciparum, the most active compound was 2-(7′-chloroquinolin-4′-ylamino)-5-fluoro-4,6-bis(piperidin-1′-ylmethyl)phenol (16) with IC50 12.2 nM.

Potential Antimalarials. XVII. Di- and Mono-Mannich Bases of 2(and 4)-[2(and 8)-Trifluoromethylquinolin-4-ylamino]phenol

Di- and mono-Mannich base derivatives of 2(and 4)-[2(and 8)-trifluoromethylquinolin-4-ylamino]phenols have been prepared for comparison with the 7-trifluoromethyl isomers in tests for antimalarial activity. The order of activity in in vitro tests against the FC-27 ( chloroquine -sensitive) strain of Plasmodium falciparum was 7-CF3 >> 8-CF3 > 2-CF3.

Potential Antimalarials. XVIII. Some Mono- and Di-Mannich Bases of 3-[7-Chloro(and trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4-ylamino]phenol

Syntheses are reported for mono- and di-Mannich base derivatives of 3-[7-chloro(and trifluoro-methyl)quinolin-4-ylamino]phenols by Mannich reaction on 3-[7-chloro(and trifluoromethyl )-quinolin-4-ylamino]phenols or by condensation of Mannich base derivatives of 3-aminophenol, prepared from 3-nitrophenol, with the appropriate 4-chloroquinoline. The antimalarial activity of 3-(7′-chloroquinolin-4′-ylamino)-2,6-bis[ pyrrolidin-1″-ylmethyl -(or piperidin-1″-ylmethyl)]phenol against the FC-27 isolate of Plasmodium falciparum was comparable to that of chloroquine, and it was not significantly diminished in tests against the chloroquine -resistant K-1 isolate.

Potential Antimalarials. XIX. Syntheses and Testing of α-(Piperidin-2-yl)-α-(7′-trifluoromethylquinolin-4′-yl)methanol and α-(7-Bromo-1,5-naphthyridin-4-yl)-α-(piperidin-2′-yl)methanol

The synthesis of the mefloquine analogue α-(piperidin-2-yl)-α-(7′-trifluoromethylquinolin-4′-yl)methanol (1) from 4-bromo-7-trifluoromethylquinoline and N-(hex-5-enyl) phthalimide through N-{4-[3′-(7″-trifluoromethylquinolin-4″-yl)oxiran-2′-yl]butyl} phthalimide 1′-oxide is reported. α-(7-Bromo-1,5-naphthyridin-4-yl)-α-(piperidin-2′-yl)methanol (2) was prepared by similar procedures. In tests against the K-1 isolate of Plasmodium falciparum, compound (1) proved the more active (IC50 99 nM ).

Potential Antimalarials. XV. Di-Mannich Bases of 2-(7'-Chloroquinolin-4'-ylamino)phenol and 2-[7'-Bromo( and trifluoromethyl)-1',5'-naphthyridin-4'-ylamino]phenol

A total of 26 di-Mannich base derivatives of 2-(7'-chloroquinolin-4'-ylamino)phenol and 2-[7'- bromo (and trifluoromethyl )-1',5'-naphthyridin-4'-ylino]phenol, such as 2-(7'-chloroquinolin- 4'-ylamino)-4,6-bis( piperidin-1″-ylmethyl )phenol, together with some 3- and 5-methyl derivatives and mono-Mannich analogues, have been prepared by condensation of the 4-chloro heterocycle with the appropriate Mannich base derivatives of 2-aminophenols. In in vitro tests against Plasmodium falciparum, many of the di-Mannich base derivatives of 2-(7'-chloroquinolin-4'-ylarnino)phenol exhibited activity comparable to or superior to chloroquine against the chloroquine -sensitive (FCQ-27) isolate, and vastly superior activity compared with chloroquine against the chloroquine -resistant (K-1) isolate. Strong antimalarial activity was also revealed in in vivo tests against Plasmodium vinckei vinckei in mice.

Imidazo[1,2-B]pyridazines. IX. Syntheses and Central Nervous System Activities of Some 3-Alkoxy-6-(o-alkoxy, o-methylthio- or o-fluoro-phenoxy)-2-arylimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines

Syntheses are reported for a series of 6-(o-methoxy -, o-ethoxy -, o-methylthio - and o-fluoro-phenoxy )-3-( methoxy and ethoxy )-2- phenyl(substituted phenyl and pyridin-3″-yl) imidazo [1,2-b] pyridazines . IC50 values are reported for the displacement of 3H-diazepam from rat brain membrane by each of these compounds. The most active compounds were found to be 3-ethoxy-2-(p- fluorophenyl )-6-(o- methoxyphenoxy )-, 3-methoxy-6-(o- methoxyphenoxy )-2-(m-nitrophenyl )- and 3-methoxy-6-(o- methoxyphenoxy )-2-(3″,4″-methylenedioxy ) imidazo [1,2-b] pyridazines with IC5O values of 15, 18 and 19 nM respectively.