Fluoride-Mediated Aryne 1,2-Difunctionalization Involving C═S Bond Heterolysis.

We have successfully synthesized a series of bidentate ligands by utilizing 2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluorosulfonate as a precursor for the benzyl group. This method proceeded by inserting a polythiourea into the C═S π-bond, intramolecular ring proton migration, and ring opening. Salient features of this strategy are mild reaction conditions, a novel product structure, excellent stereochemistry, and a good functional group tolerance. Furthermore, a series of density functional theory calculations were performed to gain insights into the transfer mechanism.

[3 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Vinylsulfonium Salts with Hydrazonoyl Halides: Synthesis of Pyrazoles.

An efficient [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between in situ generated nitrile imines from hydrazonoyl halides and vinylsulfonium salts is developed. The nitrile imines are demonstrated to be a new class of reaction partner for vinylsulfonium salts to conduct the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. The process provides a concise and efficient method for the construction of pyrazole derivatives under mild reaction conditions with broad substrate scope, good product yields, and high regioselectivity.

Palladium-Catalyzed Three-Component Cascade Carbonylation Reaction to Construct Benzofuran Derivatives.

A novel three-component cyclization carbonylation reaction of iodoarene-tethered propargyl ethers with amine and CO is reported. This palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction undergoes a sequence of oxidative addition, unsaturated bond migration, carbonyl insertion, and nucleophilic attack to deliver the benzofuran skeleton. Both aromatic amines and aliphatic amines could proceed smoothly in this transformation under one atm of CO.

Interaction between hydroxymethanesulfonic acid and several organic compounds and its atmospheric significance.

The interactions of the micro-mechanism of hydroxymethanesulfonic acid (HMSA) with the typical small organic molecule in atmospheric (X = methanol, formaldehyde, formic acid, methyl formate, dimethyl ether, acetone) has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), Generalized Kohn-Sham Enery Decomposition Analysis (GKS-EDA) and the atmospheric clusters dynamic code (ACDC). The results of DFT show that the stable six- to eight-membered ring structures are easily formed in HMSA-X clusters. According to the topological analysis results of the AIM theory and the IRI method, a strong hydrogen bonding interaction is present in the complex. GKS-EDA results show that electrostatic energy is the main contributor to the interaction energy as it accounts for 51 %-55 % of the total attraction energy. The evaporation rates of HMSA-HMSA and HMSA-HCOOH clusters were much lower than those of the other HMSA complexes. In addition, the Gibbs energy of formation (ΔG) of HMSA-X dimers is investigated under atmosphere temperature T = 217-298 K and p = 0.19-1.0 atm, the ΔG decreased with decreasing of the atmosphere temperature and increased with the decrease of atmospheric pressure, indicating that the low temperature and high pressure may significantly facilitate to the formation of dimers.

Hydrazone Phosphaketene as a Synthetic Platform To Obtain Three Classes of 1,2,4-Diazaphosphol Derivatives by Switchable Chemoselectivity Strategies.

We introduce switchable chemoselectivity strategies based on the hydrazone phosphaketene intermediate to synthesize three classes of 1,2,4-diazaphosphol derivatives. First, the five-membered heterocyclic P and O anion intermediates acted as nucleophilic agents in the selective construction of C-P and C-O bonds. Second, the phosphinidene served as a phosphorus synthon, allowing for the formation of C-P and C-N bonds. Finally, a stepwise mechanism, supported by DFT calculations, was invoked to explain the reaction selectivity.

Pd(II)-Catalyzed 1,2-Oxyarylation of Alkenes with O-Acylhydroxylamines as the Oxygen Source.

O-Acylhydroxylamine has been widely employed as an electrophilic amination reagent in transition-metal-catalyzed C-N coupling reactions, but its use as an electrophilic oxygen source has not been disclosed. Here, we report a Pd-catalyzed 1,2-oxyarylation of alkenes with O-acylhydroxylamines as an oxidant and an oxygen source for the first time. With simple amide as the monodentate directing group, this method features a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and mild conditions.

NK-cell-elicited gasdermin-D-dependent hepatocyte pyroptosis induces neutrophil extracellular traps that facilitate HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HBV infection is a major etiology of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). At present, the pattern and regulation of hepatocyte death during HBV-ACLF progression are still undefined. Evaluating the mode of cell death and its inducers will provide new insights for developing therapeutic strategies targeting cell death. In this study, we aimed to elucidate whether and how immune landscapes trigger hepatocyte death and lead to the progression of HBV-related ACLF. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We identified that pyroptosis represented the main cell death pattern in the liver of patients with HBV-related ACLF. Deficiency of MHC-I in HBV-reactivated hepatocytes activated cytotoxic NK cells, which in turn operated in a perforin/granzyme-dependent manner to trigger GSDMD/caspase-8-dependent pyroptosis of hepatocytes. Neutrophils selectively accumulated in the pyroptotic liver, and HMGB1 derived from the pyroptotic liver constituted an important factor triggering the generation of pathogenic extracellular traps in neutrophils (NETs). Clinically, elevated plasma levels of myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes were a promising prognostic biomarker for HBV-related ACLF. More importantly, targeting GSDMD pyroptosis-HMGB1 release in the liver abrogates NETs that intercept the development of HBV-related ACLF. CONCLUSIONS: Studying the mechanisms that selectively modulate GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis, as well as its immune landscapes, will provide a novel strategy for restoring the liver function of patients with HBV-related ACLF.

miRNome targeting NF-κB signaling orchestrates macrophage-triggered cancer metastasis and recurrence.

Whether and how tumor intrinsic signature determines macrophage-elicited metastasis remain elusive. Here, we show, in detailed studies of data regarding 7,477 patients of 20 types of human cancers, that only 13.8% ± 2.6%/27.9% ± 3.03% of patients with high macrophage infiltration index exhibit early recurrence/vascular invasion. In parallel, although macrophages enhance the motility of various hepatoma cells, their enhancement intensity is significantly heterogeneous. We identify that the expression of malignant Dicer, a ribonuclease that cleaves miRNA precursors into mature miRNAs, determines macrophage-elicited metastasis. Mechanistically, the downregulation of Dicer in cancer cells leads to defects in miRNome targeting NF-κB signaling, which in turn enhances the ability of cancer cells to respond to macrophage-related inflammatory signals and ultimately promotes metastasis. Importantly, transporting miR-26b-5p, the most potential miRNA targeting NF-κB signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma, can effectively reverse macrophage-elicited metastasis of hepatoma in vivo. Our results provide insights into the crosstalk between Dicer-elicited miRNome and cancer immune microenvironments and suggest that strategies to remodel malignant cell miRNome may overcome pro-tumorigenic activities of inflammatory cells.

Jellyfish-type Dinuclear Hafnium Azido Complexes: Synthesis and Reactivity.

Di- and multinuclear hafnium complexes bridged by ligands have been rarely reported. In this article, a novel 3,5-disubstituted pyrazolate-bridged ligand LH5 with two [N2 N]2- -type chelating side arms was designed and synthesized, which supported a series of dinuclear hafnium complexes. Dinuclear hafnium azides [LHf2 (µ-1,1-N3 )2 (N3 )2 ][Na(THF)4 ] 3 and [LHf2 (µ-1,1-N3 )2 (N3 )2 ][Na(2,2,2-Kryptofix)] 4 were further synthesized and structurally characterized, featuring two sets of terminal and bridging azido ligands like jellyfishes. The reactivity of 3 under reduction conditions was conducted, leading to a formation of a tetranuclear hafnium imido complex [L1 Hf2 (µ1 -NH)(N3 ){µ2 -K}]2 5. DFT calculations revealed that the mixed imido azide 5 was generated via an intramolecular C-H insertion from a putative dinuclear HfIV -nitridyl intermediate.

[Notoginsenoside R_1 interferes with renal oxidative stress and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to alleviate kidney injury in mice with IgA nephropathy and its mechanism].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of notoginsenoside R_1(NGR_1) on alleviating kidney injury by regulating renal oxidative stress and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in mice with IgA nephropathy(IgAN) and its mechanism. The mouse model of IgAN was established using a variety of techniques, including continuous bovine serum albumin(BSA) gavage, subcutaneous injections of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) castor oil, and tail vein injections of lipopolysaccharide(LPS). After successful modeling, mice with IgAN were randomly separated into a model group, low, medium, and high-dose NGR_1 groups, and a losartan group, and C57BL6 mice were utilized as normal controls. The model and normal groups were given phosphate buffered saline(PBS) by gavage, the NGR_1 groups were given varying dosages of NGR_1 by gavage, and the losartan group was given losartan by gavage for 4 weeks. The 24-hour urine of mice was collected after the last administration, and serum and kidney tissues of mice were taken at the end of the animal experiment. Then urine red blood cell count(URBCC), 24-hour urine protein(24 h protein), serum creatinine(Scr), and blood urea nitrogen(BUN) levels were measured. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of galactose-deficient IgA1(Gd-IgA1), kidney injury molecule 1(Kim-1), and neutropil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL) in the mouse serum. The assay kits were used to detect the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD), and immunofluorescence(IF) was used to detect the expression level of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) in the mesangial region. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of nuclear transcription factor E2 related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) signaling pathway in the renal tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological alterations in the glomerulus of mice. The results revealed that, as compared with the model group, the serum Gd-IgA1 level, URBCC, 24 h protein level, renal damage markers(Kim-1 and NGAL) in the high-dose NGR_1 group decreased obviously and renal function indicators(BUN, Scr) improved significantly. The activity of SOD activity and expression level of GPX4 increased significantly in the high-dose NGR_1 group, whereas the expression level of MDA reduced and protein expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 increased. Simultaneously, HE staining of the renal tissue indicated that glomerular damage was greatly decreased in the high-dose NGR_1 group. In conclusion, this study has clarified that NGR_1 may alleviate the kidney injury of mice with IgAN by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, improving antioxidant capacity, and reducing the level of renal oxidative stress.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine versus cisplatin-fluorouracil chemotherapy for N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a high risk of treatment being unsuccessful despite the current practice of using a concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-fluorouracil regimen. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine with cisplatin-fluorouracil in N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial at four cancer centres in China. Eligible patients were aged 18-65 years with untreated, non-keratinising, stage T1-4 N2-3 M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 0-1, and adequate bone marrow, liver, and renal function. Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive concurrent cisplatin (100 mg/m2 intravenously) on days 1, 22, and 43 of intensity-modulated radiotherapy followed by either gemcitabine (1 g/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously for 4 h on day 1) once every 3 weeks or fluorouracil (4 g/m2 in continuous intravenous infusion for 96 h) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 intravenously for 4 h on day 1) once every 4 weeks, for three cycles. Randomisation was done using a computer-generated random number code with a block size of six, stratified by treatment centre and nodal category. The primary endpoint was 3-year progression-free survival in the intention-to-treat population (ie, all patients randomly assigned to treatment). Safety was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of chemoradiotherapy. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03321539, and patients are currently under follow-up. FINDINGS: From Oct 30, 2017, to July 9, 2020, 240 patients (median age 44 years [IQR 36-52]; 175 [73%] male and 65 [27%] female) were randomly assigned to the cisplatin-fluorouracil group (n=120) or cisplatin-gemcitabine group (n=120). As of data cutoff (Dec 25, 2022), median follow-up was 40 months (IQR 32-48). 3-year progression-free survival was 83·9% (95% CI 75·9-89·4; 19 disease progressions and 11 deaths) in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group and 71·5% (62·5-78·7; 34 disease progressions and seven deaths) in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group (stratified hazard ratio 0·54 [95% CI 0·32-0·93]; log rank p=0·023). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse events that occurred during treatment were leukopenia (61 [52%] of 117 in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group vs 34 [29%] of 116 in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group; p=0·00039), neutropenia (37 [32%] vs 19 [16%]; p=0·010), and mucositis (27 [23%] vs 32 [28%]; p=0·43). The most common grade 3 or worse late adverse event (occurring from 3 months after completion of radiotherapy) was auditory or hearing loss (six [5%] vs ten [9%]). One (1%) patient in the cisplatin-gemcitabine group died due to treatment-related complications (septic shock caused by neutropenic infection). No patients in the cisplatin-fluorouracil group had treatment-related deaths. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that concurrent adjuvant cisplatin-gemcitabine could be used as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of patients with N2-3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma, although long-term follow-up is required to confirm the optimal therapeutic ratio. FUNDING: National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research, Sci-Tech Project Foundation of Guangzhou City, Sun Yat-sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program, Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for Distinguished Young Scholar, Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, Postdoctoral Innovative Talent Support Program, Pearl River S&T Nova Program of Guangzhou, Planned Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province, Key Youth Teacher Cultivating Program of Sun Yat-sen University, the Rural Science and Technology Commissioner Program of Guangdong Province, and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities.

Regioselective C-H Active Carbonylation via 1,4-Palladium Migration.

We report a highly regioselective three-component coupling reaction of styrene, CO gas, and an amine compound to synthesize multisubstituted α,ß-unsaturated amides, which involves a palladium-catalyzed sequential 1,4-palladium migration, C(sp2)-H activation, carbonylation, and amination. Salient features of this strategy include the use of 1 atm of CO, excellent stereochemistry, and good functional group tolerance. Further, a series of control experiments and density functional theory calculations were performed to afford some insights for the transfer mechanism.

Redox Neutral Radical-Relay Nickel-Catalyzed Remote Carbonylation.

A novel and efficient method for the catalytic installation of a carbonyl group via remote radical coupling is disclosed. The nickel-catalyzed reaction proceeds to undergo a sequential single-electron transfer, 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer, and carbonyl insertion, thus providing the α-substituted ketone. Further, this reaction could be carried out smoothly under normal pressure and redox-neutral conditions, and demonstrated functional-group compatibility and excellent site-selectivity.

Hyperfractionation compared with standard fractionation in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Reirradiation in standard fractionation for locally advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma after a previous course of high-dose radiotherapy is often associated with substantial late toxicity, negating its overall benefit. We therefore aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of hyperfractionation compared with standard fractionation in intensity-modulated radiotherapy. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial was done in three centres in Guangzhou, China. Eligible patients were aged 18-65 years with histopathologically confirmed undifferentiated or differentiated, non-keratinising, advanced locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either receive hyperfractionation (65 Gy in 54 fractions, given twice daily with an interfractional time interval of at least 6 h) or standard fractionation (60 Gy in 27 fractions, given once a day). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was used in both groups. A computer program generated the assignment sequence and randomisation was stratified by treatment centre, recurrent tumour stage (T2-T3 vs T4), and recurrent nodal stage (N0 vs N1-N2), determined at the time of randomisation. The two primary endpoints were the incidence of severe late complications defined as the incidence of grade 3 or worse late radiation-induced complications occurring 3 months after the completion of radiotherapy until the latest follow-up in the safety population, and overall survival defined as the time interval from randomisation to death due to any cause in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02456506. FINDINGS: Between July 10, 2015, and Dec 23, 2019, 178 patients were screened for eligibility, 144 of whom were enrolled and randomly assigned to hyperfractionation or standard fractionation (n=72 in each group). 35 (24%) participants were women and 109 (76%) were men. After a median follow-up of 45·0 months (IQR 37·3-53·3), there was a significantly lower incidence of grade 3 or worse late radiation-induced toxicity in the hyperfractionation group (23 [34%] of 68 patients) versus the standard fractionation group (39 [57%] of 68 patients; between-group difference -23% [95% CI -39 to -7]; p=0·023). Patients in the hyperfractionation group had better 3-year overall survival than those in the standard fractionation group (74·6% [95% CI 64·4 to 84·8] vs 55·0% [43·4 to 66·6]; hazard ratio for death 0·54 [95% CI 0·33 to 0·88]; p=0·014). There were fewer grade 5 late complications in the hyperfractionation group (five [7%] nasal haemorrhage) than in the standard fractionation group (16 [24%], including two [3%] nasopharyngeal necrosis, 11 [16%] nasal haemorrhage, and three [4%] temporal lobe necrosis). INTERPRETATION: Hyperfractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy could significantly decrease the rate of severe late complications and improve overall survival among patients with locally advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Our findings suggest that hyperfractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy could be used as the standard of care for these patients. FUNDING: Key-Area Research and Development of Guangdong Province, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Special Support Program for High-level Talents in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, the Guangzhou Science and Technology Plan Project, and the National Ten Thousand Talents Program Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talents, Sun Yat-Sen University Clinical Research 5010 Program.

Immune checkpoint therapy-elicited sialylation of IgG antibodies impairs antitumorigenic type I interferon responses in hepatocellular carcinoma.

The reinvigoration of anti-tumor T cells in response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is well established. Whether and how ICB therapy manipulates antibody-mediated immune response in cancer environments, however, remains elusive. Using tandem mass spectrometric analysis of modification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from hepatoma tissues, we identified a role of ICB therapy in catalyzing IgG sialylation in the Fc region. Effector T cells triggered sialylation of IgG via an interferon (IFN)-γ-ST6Gal-I-dependent pathway. DC-SIGN+ macrophages represented the main target cells of sialylated IgG. Upon interacting with sialylated IgG, DC-SIGN stimulated Raf-1-elicited elevation of ATF3, which inactivated cGAS-STING pathway and eliminated subsequent type-I-IFN-triggered antitumorigenic immunity. Although enhanced IgG sialylation in tumors predicted improved therapeutic outcomes for patients receiving ICB therapy, impeding IgG sialylation augmented antitumorigenic T cell immunity after ICB therapy. Thus, targeting antibody-based negative feedback action of ICB therapy has potential for improving efficacy of cancer immunotherapies.

Chinese expert consensus on the nursing management of the totally implantable venous access device.

The totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) has been widely used in clinical nursing work in China. The use of TIVAD has significantly improved the safety of venous access and reduced the pain caused by a repeated puncture; however, it may also bring with it varying degrees of complications associated with the long-term insertion of TIVAD and the maintenance quality of the venous access. Standard maintenance of the venous access for TIVAD is very important for reducing complications and improving the efficacy and patient's quality of life. This consensus briefly describes the fundamental knowledge and operating procedures of TIVAD while focusing on the evaluation and management of perioperative nursing, the observation and treatment of complications, the operation methods, and precautions for maintenance of venous access, as well as health education. This agreement seeks to standardize the nursing care of TIVAD patients in China.

PIM2 Expression Induced by Proinflammatory Macrophages Suppresses Immunotherapy Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Cancer immunotherapy restores or enhances the effector function of T cells in the tumor microenvironment, but the efficacy of immunotherapy has been hindered by therapeutic resistance. Here, we identify the proto-oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase PIM2 as a novel negative feedback regulator of IFNγ-elicited tumor inflammation, thus endowing cancer cells with aggressive features. Mechanistically, IL1ß derived from IFNγ-polarized tumor macrophages triggered PIM2 expression in cancer cells via the p38 MAPK/Erk and NF-κB signaling pathways. PIM2+ cancer cells generated by proinflammatory macrophages acquired the capability to survive, metastasize, and resist T-cell cytotoxicity and immunotherapy. A therapeutic strategy combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with IL1ß blockade or PIM2 kinase inhibition in vivo effectively and successfully elicited tumor regression. These results provide insight into the regulatory and functional features of PIM2+ tumors and suggest that strategies to influence the functional activities of inflammatory cells or PIM2 kinase may improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE: Cross-talk between T cells and macrophages regulates cancer cell PIM2 expression to promote cancer aggressiveness, revealing translational approaches to improve response to ICB in hepatocellular carcinoma.

c-Myc-driven glycolysis polarizes functional regulatory B cells that trigger pathogenic inflammatory responses.

B cells secreting IL-10 functionally are recognized as functional regulatory B (Breg) cells; however, direct evidence concerning the phenotype, regulation, and functional and clinical relevance of IL-10-secreting Breg cells in humans is still lacking. Here, we demonstrate that, although IL-10 itself is anti-inflammatory, IL-10+ functional Breg cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) display aggressive inflammatory features; these features shift their functions away from inducing CD8+ T cell tolerance and cause them to induce a pathogenic CD4+ T cell response. Functional Breg cells polarized by environmental factors (e.g., CPG-DNA) or directly isolated from patients with SLE mainly exhibit a CD24intCD27-CD38-CD69+/hi phenotype that is different from that of their precursors. Mechanistically, MAPK/ERK/P38-elicited sequential oncogenic c-Myc upregulation and enhanced glycolysis are necessary for the generation and functional maintenance of functional Breg cells. Consistently, strategies that abrogate the activity of ERK, P38, c-Myc, and/or cell glycolysis can efficiently eliminate the pathogenic effects triggered by functional Breg cells.