Marbofloxacin combined with heavy rare-earth ions makes better candidates for veterinary drugs: crystal structure and bio-activity studies.

Marbofloxacin (MB) is a newly developed fluoroquinolone antibiotic used especially as a veterinary drug. It may be regarded as the improved version of enrofloxacin owing to its antibacterial activity, enhanced bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) properties. In this study, nine heavy rare-earth ions (Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) were selected in light of their potential antibacterial activity and satisfactory biosafety to afford the corresponding rare-earth metal complexes of MB: the MB-Ln series. Their chemical structures and coordination patterns were characterized using IR spectroscopy, HRMS, TGA, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Our results confirmed that all the MB-Ln complexes yielded the coincident coordination modes with four MB ligands coordinating to the Ln(III) center. In vitro antibacterial screening on five typical bacteria strains revealed that the MB-Ln complexes exhibited antibacterial activities comparable with MB, as indicated by the MIC/MBC values, in which Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were the most sensitive ones to MB-Ln. Furthermore, the MB-Ln complexes were found to be much less toxic in vivo than MB, as suggested by the evaluated LD50 (50% lethal dose) values. All the MB-Ln series complexes fell in the LD50 range of 5000-15 000 mg kg-1, while the LD50 value of MB was only 1294 mg kg-1. Furthermore, MB-Lu, as the selected representative of MB-Ln, could effectively inhibit the activity of DNA gyrase, the same as MB, suggesting the primary antibacterial mechanism of the MB-Ln series. The results demonstrated the good prospects and potential of metal-based veterinary drugs with better drug performance.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Integrated Hybrid Power Module for Three-Phase Servo Motor Applications.

This study aims to develop a 30 kHz/12 kW silicon carbide (SiC)/Si integrated hybrid power module (iHPM) for variable frequency drive applications, particularly industrial servo motor control, and, additionally, to theoretically and experimentally assess its dynamic characteristics and efficiency during operation. This iHPM integrates a brake circuit, a three-phase Si rectifier, and a three-phase SiC inverter within a single package to achieve a minimal current path. A space-vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) scheme is used to control the inverter power switches. In order to reduce parasitic inductance and power loss, an inductance cancellation design is implemented in the Si rectifier and SiC inverter. The switching transients and their parasitic effects during a three-phase operation are assessed through an electromagnetic-circuit co-simulation model, by which the power loss and efficiency of the iHPM are estimated. The modeled parasitic inductance of the inverter is validated through inductance measurement, and the effectiveness of the simulated results in terms of switching transients and efficiency is verified using the experimental results of the double pulse test and open-loop inverter operation, respectively. In addition, the power loss and efficiency of the SiC MOSFET inverter are experimentally compared against those of a commercial Si IGBT inverter.

The Active Fraction of Polyrhachis vicina Roger (AFPR) activates ERK to cause necroptosis in colorectal cancer.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polyrhachis vicina Roger (P. vicina), a traditional Chinese medicinal animal, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, cancer, and other conditions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, our previous pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that it is effective against cancer, depression, and hyperuricemia. Nevertheless, the key active components and targets of P. vicina in cancers are still unexplored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological treatment mechanism of the active fraction of P. vicina (AFPR) in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and to further reveal its active ingredients and key targets. METHODS: To examine the inhibitory impact of AFPR on CRC growth, tumorigenesis assays, cck-8 assays, colony formation assays, and MMP detection were utilized. The primary components of AFPR were identified by GC-MS analysis. The network pharmacology, molecular docking, qRT-PCR, western blotting, CCK-8 assays, colony formation assay, Hoechst staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and MMP detection were performed to pick out the active ingredients and potential key targets of AFPR. The function of Elaidic acid on necroptosis was investigated through siRNA interference and the utilization of inhibitors. Elaidic acid's effectiveness to suppress CRC growth in vivo was assessed using a tumorigenesis experiment. RESULTS: Studies confirmed that AFPR prevented CRC from growing and evoked cell death. Elaidic acid was the main bioactive ingredient in AFPR that targeted ERK. Elaidic acid greatly affected the ability of SW116 cells to form colonies, produce MMP, and undergo necroptosis. Additionally, Elaidic acid promoted necroptosis predominantly by activating ERK/RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, Elaidic acid is the main active component of AFPR, which induced necroptosis in CRC through the activation of ERK. It represents a promising alternative therapeutic option for CRC. This work provided experimental support for the therapeutic application of P. vicina Roger in the treatment of CRC.

Novel Three-Holed Titanium Plate Fixation during Open Door Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Comparison with Conventional Titanium Plate.

OBJECTIVE: For reconstructing the posterior cervical muscular-ligament complex, attachment points and various modified techniques were designed and applied in clinical practice. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of open door laminoplasty with modified centerpiece mini-plate fixation and extensor attachment point reconstruction in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with CSM who underwent C3-C7 open door laminoplasty at our hospital from January 2016 to May 2018 were divided into two groups: 37 and 32 patients underwent laminoplasty with modified and conventional centerpiece titanium plate fixation (MPF and CPF groups), respectively. Changes in cervical spinal angle (CSA), cervical range of motion (ROM), posterior cervical muscle atrophy, neurological function (Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and axial symptom severity were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in operative duration (136.7 ± 23.9 vs 128.3 ± 21.5 min, t = 1.525, p > 0.05), volume of intraoperative blood loss (275.9 ± 33.1 vs 268.2 ± 31.6 ml, t = 0.984, p > 0.05), lamina open angle (41.2° ± 4.5° vs 39.4° ± 4.1°, t = 1.726, p > 0.05), and spinal cord drift distance (2.4 ± 0.3 vs 2.3 ± 0.4 mm, t = 1.184, p > 0.05) between the two groups. After surgery, JOA score significantly increased (p < 0.05), and neurological recovery rates were similar (62.7% vs 63.4%, t = 0.208, p > 0.05). The NDI score was significantly decreased in both the groups (p < 0.05); however, the MPF group recovered to a greater degree than the CPF group (8.3 ± 1.2 vs 9.8 ± 1.4) (t = 4.793, p < 0.05). There was no significant change in cervical ROM postoperatively compared with preoperatively in either group (p > 0.05). CSA decreased from 21.7° ± 2.8° to 18.3° ± 2.1°, and posterior cervical muscle cross-sectional area decreased from 35.2 ± 4.9 cm2 to 31.0 ± 4.1 cm2 in the CPF group (p < 0.05), but no significant change was observed in the MPF group (20.6° ± 2.5° to 20.4° ± 2.6°and 35.9 ± 5.1 to 34.1 ± 4.6 cm2 , respectively) (p > 0.05). Postoperative axial symptom severity was significantly worse in the CPF group than in the MPF group (Z = -2.357, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As an improvement to the conventional titanium plate, the modified centerpiece titanium plate effectively provides an attachment point for the posterior muscle-ligament complex, reducing posterior cervical muscle atrophy and improving neck function, without inflicting additional surgical trauma.

The copper(II) complex of dantron showed therapeutic effect on bacterial gill-rot disease in tilapia infected by Flavobacterium columnar.

Dantron (DA), a kind of polyhydric anthraquinone and one of the bio-active ingredient in Rheum officinale was chosen as the ligand to coordinate with the bio-active copper(II) ion to achieve its antibacterial copper(II) complex, DA-Cu. The coordination structure of DA-Cu, both in the crystal state and solution state, was studied by spectroscopy and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The inhibition zone, MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values regarding the in vitro antibacterial activity of DA-Cu towards Flavobacterium columnar, which causes the bacterial gill-rot disease on fish, were significant and specific. DA-Cu in vivo acute toxicity on zebrafish and tilapia was evaluated, suggesting that the higher dose of DA-Cu than 0.1 mg/mL might give potential toxicity. The further therapeutic effect of DA-Cu on the tested tilapia challenged by Flavobacterium columnar was also studied, which showed its clear advantage (including the survival rate, relative weight gain rate, and feed conversion ratio) over DA and the positive control, Sanhuang San, at a much lower dosage of 0.025 mg/mL.

A New Calcium(II)-Based Substitute for Enrofloxacin with Improved Medicinal Potential.

Enrofloxacin (EFX) reacting with Ca(II) afforded a new complex, [Ca(EFX)2(H2O)4] (EFX-Ca), which was structurally characterized both in solid and solution chemistry. E. coli and S. typhi were tested to be the most sensitive strains for EFX-Ca. The LD50 value of EFX-Ca in mice was 7736 mg/kg, implying the coordination of EFX to Ca(II) effectively reduced its acute toxicity. EFX-Ca also decreased the plasma-binding rate and enhanced the drug distribution in rats along with longer elimination half-life. EFX-Ca also showed similar low in vivo acute toxicity and higher anti-inflammation induced by H2O2 or CuSO4 in zebrafish, with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related elimination. The therapeutic effects of EFX-Ca on two types (AA and 817) of E. coli-infected broilers were also better than those of EFX, with cure rates of 78% and 88%, respectively. EFX-Ca showed promise as a bio-safe metal-based veterinary drug with good efficacy and lower toxicity.

Mixed Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Possible Interaction Mechanisms between Zizania latifolia and Ustilago esculenta Inducing Jiaobai Stem-Gall Formation.

The smut fungus Ustilago esculenta infects Zizania latifolia and induces stem expansion to form a unique vegetable named Jiaobai. Although previous studies have demonstrated that hormonal control is essential for triggering stem swelling, the role of hormones synthesized by Z. latifolia and U. esculenta and the underlying molecular mechanism are not yet clear. To study the mechanism that triggers swollen stem formation, we analyzed the gene expression pattern of both interacting organisms during the initial trigger of culm gall formation, at which time the infective hyphae also propagated extensively and penetrated host stem cells. Transcriptional analysis indicated that abundant genes involving fungal pathogenicity and plant resistance were reprogrammed to maintain the subtle balance between the parasite and host. In addition, the expression of genes involved in auxin biosynthesis of U. esculenta obviously decreased during stem swelling, while a large number of genes related to the synthesis, metabolism and signal transduction of hormones of the host plant were stimulated and showed specific expression patterns, particularly, the expression of ZlYUCCA9 (a flavin monooxygenase, the key enzyme in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis pathway) increased significantly. Simultaneously, the content of IAA increased significantly, while the contents of cytokinin and gibberellin showed the opposite trend. We speculated that auxin produced by the host plant, rather than the fungus, triggers stem swelling. Furthermore, from the differently expressed genes, two candidate Cys2-His2 (C2H2) zinc finger proteins, GME3058_g and GME5963_g, were identified from U. esculenta, which may conduct fungus growth and infection at the initial stage of stem-gall formation.

Transient Electro-Thermal Coupled Modeling of Three-Phase Power MOSFET Inverter during Load Cycles.

This study introduces an effective and efficient dynamic electro-thermal coupling analysis (ETCA) approach to explore the electro-thermal behavior of a three-phase power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) inverter for brushless direct current motor drive under natural and forced convection during a six-step operation. This coupling analysis integrates three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation for parasitic parameter extraction, simplified equivalent circuit simulation for power loss calculation, and a compact Foster thermal network model for junction temperature prediction, constructed through parametric transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) thermal analysis. In the proposed ETCA approach, the interactions between the junction temperature and the power losses (conduction and switching losses) and between the parasitics and the switching transients and power losses are all accounted for. The proposed Foster thermal network model and ETCA approach are validated with the CFD thermal analysis and the standard ETCA approach, respectively. The analysis results demonstrate how the proposed models can be used as an effective and efficient means of analysis to characterize the system-level electro-thermal performance of a three-phase bridge inverter.

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Warpage Evolution of Flip Chip Package on Packaging during Fabrication.

This study attempts to investigate the warpage behavior of a flip chip package-on-package (FCPoP) assembly during fabrication process. A process simulation framework that integrates thermal and mechanical finite element analysis (FEA), effective modeling and ANSYS element death-birth technique is introduced for effectively predicting the process-induced warpage. The mechanical FEA takes into account the viscoelastic behavior and cure shrinkage of the epoxy molding compound. In order to enhance the computational and modeling efficiency and retain the prediction accuracy at the same time, this study proposes a novel effective approach that combines the trace mapping method, rule of mixture and FEA to estimate the effective orthotropic elastic properties of the coreless substrate and core interposer. The study begins with experimental measurement of the temperature-dependent elastic and viscoelastic properties of the components in the assembly, followed by the prediction of the effective elastic properties of the orthotropic interposer and substrate. The predicted effective results are compared against the results of the ROM/analytical estimate and the FEA-based effective approach. Moreover, the warpages obtained from the proposed process simulation framework are validated by the in-line measurement data, and good agreement is presented. Finally, key factors that may influence process-induced warpage are examined via parametric analysis.

A novel tool for predicting the survival of endoprosthesis used for reconstruction of the knee following tumor resection: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Prosthesis-related complications, after knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis during operation for tumors around the knee, remain an unresolved problem which necessitate a revision or even an amputational surgery. The purpose of the current study was to identify significant risk factors associated with implant failure, and establish a novel model to predict survival of the prosthesis in patients operated with endoprostheses for tumor around knee. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical database of our institution for patients who underwent knee reconstruction due to tumors. A total of 203 patients were included, including 123 males (60.6%) and 80 (39.4%) females, ranging in age from 14 to 77 years (mean: 34.3 ± 17.3 years). The cohort was randomly divided into training (n = 156) and validation (n = 47) samples. Univariable COX analysis was used for initially identifying potential independent predictors of prosthesis survival with the training group (p < 0.150). Multivariate COX proportional hazard model was selected to identify final significant prognostic factors. Using these significant predictors, a graphic nomogram, and an online dynamic nomogram were generated for predicting the prosthetic survival. C-index and calibration curve were used for evaluate the discrimination ability and accuracy of the novel model, both in the training and validation groups. RESULTS: The 1-, 5-, and 10-year prosthetic survival rates were 94.0, 90.8, and 83.0% in training sample, and 96.7, 85.8, and 76.9% in validation sample, respectively. Anatomic sites, length of resection and length of prosthetic stem were independently associated with the prosthetic failure according to multivariate COX regression model (p<0.05). Using these three significant predictors, a graphical nomogram and an online dynamic nomogram model were generated. The C-indexes in training and validation groups were 0.717 and 0.726 respectively, demonstrating favourable discrimination ability of the novel model. And the calibration curve at each time point showed favorable consistency between the predicted and actual survival rates in training and validation samples. CONCLUSIONS: The length of resection, anatomical location of tumor, and length of prosthetic stem were significantly associated with prosthetic survival in patients operated for tumor around knee. A user-friendly novel online model model, with favorable discrimination ability and accuracy, was generated to help surgeons predict the survival of the prosthesis.

The first copper(I) complex of anthrahydrazone with potential ROS scavenging activity showed significant in vitro anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis and autophagy.

Based on the anticancer pharmacophore of anthrahydrazone and quinoline, a new quinolylanthrahydrazone ligand, 9-AQH (anthracene-9-quinolylhydrazone), was synthesized to further afford four metal complexes, [CoII(9-AQH)(NO3)2(H2O)] (1), [NiII(9-AQH)2(H2O)2]·2NO3 (2), [CuI(9-AQH)2]·NO3 (3), [ZnII(9-AQH)2(NO3)]·NO3 (4), determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. The reaction of Cu(NO3)2 with 9-AQH formed the stable and repeatable copper(I) complex 3. In vitro screening demonstrated only 3 showed significant and broad-spectrum anticancer activity, indicating that Cu(I) played a key role in exerting the anticancer activity. In solution, Cu(I) was not naturally oxidized to Cu(II) suggested by 1H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) analysis. The presence of 3 could also catalyze the H2O2 system to give hydroxyl free radicals, suggested by further EPR and electrophoresis assay. At the cellular level, although no obvious Cu(II) signals were detected and the total ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavenging in the tumor cells treated with 3, the potential redox property between Cu(I)/Cu(II), as a key role, should not be denied for the significant anticancer activity of 3, considering the much complicated circumstance and other reductive substances in cells. The anticancer mechanism of 3 on the most sensitive MGC-803 cells pointed to significant cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway, rather than cell cycle arrest. While the autophagy observed in tumor cells treated by 3 suggested its complicated anticancer mechanism, and whether there was an intrinsic correlation still needed to be further investigated.

Characteristics and expression patterns of six α-galactosidases in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Six putative α-galactosidase genes (α-Gals), three acid forms (CsGAL1, CsGAL2, CsGAL3) and three alkaline forms (CsAGA1, CsAGA2, CsAGAL3), were found in the cucumber genome. It is interesting to know the expression pattern and possible function of these α-Gals in the cucumber plant since it is a stachyose-translocating species. In this study, full-length cDNAs of six α-Gals were cloned and heterologously expressed. The result showed that all recombinant proteins revealed acid or alkaline α-Gal activities with different substrate specificities and pH or temperature responding curves, indicating their distinct roles in cucumber plants. Phylogenetic analysis of collected α-Gal amino acid sequences from different plants indicated that the ancestor of both acid and alkaline α-Gals existed before monocots and dicots separated. Generally, six α-Gal genes are universally expressed in different cucumber organs. CsGAL2 highly expressed in fasting-growing leaves, fruits and germinating seeds; CsGAL3 mainly distributes in vacuoles and significantly expressed in cucumber fruits, senescent leaves and seeds during late stage germination; The expression of CsAGA1 increased from leaf 1 to leaf 3 (sink leaves) and then declined from leaf 4 to leaf 7 (source leaves), and this isoform also highly expressed in male flowers and germinating seeds at early stage; CsAGA2 significantly expressed in cucumber leaves and female flowers; CsAGA3 is localized in plastids and also actively expressed in senescent leaves and germinating seeds; The role of CsGAL1 in cucumber plants is now unclear since its expression was relatively low in all organs. According to their expression patterns, subcellular localizations and previously reported functions of these isoforms in other plants, combining the data of soluble sugars contents in different tissues, the possible functions of these α-Gals were discussed.

Structural characterization and pharmacological assessment in vitro/in vivo of a new copper(II)-based derivative of enrofloxacin.

Enrofloxacin (EFX) was selected as the medicinal ligand to afford a new copper(ii)-based complex, EFX-Cu, which was structurally characterized by spectroscopic analyses including X-ray single crystal diffraction. It was also stable and could retain the coordination state in aqueous solution. The in vitro antibacterial activity of EFX-Cu against a panel of pathogenic bacteria was about the same as that of EFX, except that it was twice as active against E. coli. The in vivo test on mice gave a LD50 value of 8148 mg kg-1 for EFX-Cu, which was much lower than those for EFX (LD50, 5312 mg kg-1) and its clinically used sodium salt, EFX-Na (LD50, 1421 mg kg-1). In addition, no obvious lesions in the organs of the dead mice were found by histopathological examination. Pharmacokinetic studies on rats suggested similar pharmacokinetics between EFX-Cu and EFX. On the other hand, EFX-Cu showed higher acute toxicity than EFX-Na in zebrafish, which was inconsistent with that in mice. The ROS-related inflammation and anti-inflammatory assay of EFX-Cu, respectively, in normal cells and zebrafish could be ascribed to its ROS-related redox property. Unfortunately, the final in vivo therapeutic assay in the E. coli-infected mouse model indicated that the therapeutic effect of EFX-Cu, mainly in terms of mortality in mice, was found to be lower than that of EFX-Na at the same dosage (800 mg kg-1, continuous gavage), although the contradictory factors between toxicity and antibacterial activity could not be excluded in this trial.

The copper(II) complexes of new anthrahydrazone ligands: In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity and structure-activity relationship.

Two new copper(II) complexes, 9-PMAH-Cu (1) and 9-FPMAH-Cu (2), of anthrahydrazone were synthesized and structurally characterized, in which 9-FPMAH (9-(4'-trifluoromethyl)-pyrimidine anthrahydrazone) is the 4'-CF3 derivative of 9-PMAH (9-pyrimidine anthrahydrazone). Both complexes 1 and 2 showed similar intercalative binding modes towards DNA and might compete with the typical DNA intercalator, GelRed, in the same binding site. They could also act as topoisomerase (type I) suppressor to effectively inhibit its activity, in which complex 1 was more effective than 2. The in vitro antitumor screening indicated that complex 1 displayed much higher antiproliferative ability than 2 and cisplatin towards all the tested tumor cell lines. On the other hand, complex 1 also showed high cytotoxicity against human normal liver cell line HL-7702, suggesting it is a potential high cytotoxic antitumor candidate. While it was also suggested that the loss of activity of complex 2 might be due to the presence of 4'-CF3 on the pyrimidine ring. Studies on the cellular level showed that complex 1 could arrest the cell cycle of the most sensitive T-24 cells at G2/M phase and induced cell apoptosis. Complex 1 further showed a significant suppression on the tumor growth on the T-24 tumor xenograft mouse model, but not reduced the body weight. Especially, complex 1 could retain its coordination state in H2O even in the presence of HSA. The results suggests that complex 1 is of enough safety to be considered as a promising anticancer candidate by combining the bioactive Cu(II) and the anthrahydrazone pharmacophore.

Discovery of a Copper-Based Mcl-1 Inhibitor as an Effective Antitumor Agent.

Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), which belongs to the Bcl-2 family of prosurvival proteins, is a key regulator of cancer cell survival. To date, few drug-like Mcl-1 inhibitors have been reported. Herein, we report the preparation of 10 copper complexes with 9-substituted ß-carboline ligands that act as metal-based Mcl-1 inhibitors. Complex 14 was identified as a potent and selective Mcl-1 inhibitor with strong in vitro antitumor activity. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that complex 14 disrupted Mcl-1-Bax/Bak heterodimerization and induced Bax/Bak-dependent apoptosis. In addition, complex 14 significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited tumor growth in vivo, induced tumor necrosis, and extended survival time in an NCI-H460 xenograft model. Furthermore, complex 14 showed no apparent toxicity in mice. Together, these findings indicate that complex 14 is a copper-based Mcl-1 inhibitor with high efficacy and low toxicity that could be developed for the treatment of Mcl-1-related cancers.

A new calcium(II) complex of marbofloxacin showing much lower acute toxicity with retained antibacterial activity.

Marbofloxacin (MB) is a newly developed veterinary drug with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In this study, a new calcium(II)-based complex of marbofloxacin, MB-Ca, was synthesized and structurally characterized by IR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The characterization of this complex in solution state indicated that the coordinated MB-Ca was partly retained, along with the monomeric and dimeric forms of MB. It also showed satisfactory water solubility (1.89 mg/mL), comparing with MB (2.82 mg/mL) at 35 °C. The in vitro antibacterial activity of MB-Ca was also screened towards a series of typical pathogenic bacteria, and determined by the methods of turbidimetry and disc diffusion. The results indicated it showed comparable antibacterial activity to MB. However, it exhibited higher inhibitive ability in vitro on DNA gyrase than MB alone. Furthermore, MB-Ca showed significantly lower acute toxicity (LD50, 3186 mg/kg) than MB (LD50, 1294 mg/kg) in mice, based on the in vivo acute toxicity test. The histopathological examination on the major organs of the mice by the oral administration of MB-Ca did not show obvious organic lesions, which is similar to those treated by MB. The research results suggest that MB-Ca could be further developed into a new promising metal-based veterinary drug and a better substitute of MB, showing unabated antibacterial activity along with lower toxicity.

An aminophosphonate ester ligand-containing platinum(ii) complex induces potent immunogenic cell death in vitro and elicits effective anti-tumour immune responses in vivo.

A platinum(ii) complex containing an aminophosphonate ligand preferentially accumulates in the endoplamic reticulum (ER) in association with potent ER stress and reactive oxygen species generation, followed by the activation of damage-associated molecular pattern signals and immune responses. Importantly, the Pt complex exhibits potent anti-tumour activities in two independent mouse models via an immunogenic cell death pathway.

Tracking the Multistep Formation of Ln(III) Complexes with in situ Schiff Base Exchange Reaction and its Highly Selective Sensing of Dichloromethane.

Four complexes, namely, [Ln2(L2)2(NO3)4]. 2CH3OH (Ln = Tb (1), Dy (2), Ho (3), Er (4), and L2 = (E)-2-methoxy-6-(((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol), were obtained by reacting (E)-2-((3-methoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)amino)ethanesulfonate (L1), Ln(NO3)3·6H2O, and 2-aminomethylpyridine at room temperature under solvothermal conditions in methanol for 12 h. The new Schiff base L2 was generated in situ based on the organic ligand L1 and 2-aminomethylpyridine through Schiff base exchange reaction by using lanthanide salts as inductor. A combination of crystallography and mass spectrometry was performed to track the exchange reaction, and the underlying mechanism accompanied by the complex assembly process was clearly presented. The multistep formation mechanism of the above dinuclear complex was also proposed, i.e., [L1] → Dy[L1]/[L2] → Dy[L2] → Dy[L2]2 → Dy2[L2]2. Luminescence test of 1 showed that it had extremely high selectivity to dichloromethane (CH2Cl2). Therefore, we established a quick, simple, and efficient method of detecting CH2Cl2 that enabled strong-luminescence observation with the naked eye. Tests for small amounts of CH2Cl2 in water further indicated the potential of 1 as a test strip for CH2Cl2 fluorescence detection in water samples. Alternating-current magnetic susceptibility studies indicated the field-induced single-molecule magnet behavior of 2.

Discovery of ß-carboline copper(II) complexes as Mcl-1 inhibitor and in vitro and in vivo activity in cancer models.

Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic member of Bcl-2 family proteins. The development of inhibitors of Mcl-1 has been challenging. To develop metal-based Mcl-1inhibitors, twenty two copper(II) complexes 25-46 with 9-substituted ß-carboline derivatives were reported. Complexes 38 and 39 showed higher cytotoxicity than the corresponding ligands or cisplatin. The most potent complex 39 presented higher selectivity to Mcl-1 than other Bcl-2 family proteins, and killed cancer cells via Bax/Bak mediated apoptosis. Complex 39 showed an excellent safety profile in mouse model, and significantly inhibited the tumor growth in NCI-H460 tumor bearing model, which is more potent than AZD5991 at the same dosage. Complex 39 prolonged the survival time of the tumor bearing mice. Complex 39 is the first metal-based Mcl-1 inhibitor acting as a potential anticancer agent.

In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of two gold(III) complexes with isoquinoline derivatives as ligands.

Two gold(III) complexes of isoquinoline derivatives: [Au(L1)Cl2] (Au1) and [Au(L2)Cl2] (Au2) have been prepared and characterized. Au1 and Au2 exhibited greater cytotoxicity than their corresponding ligands and cisplatin against T-24 cells. Both complexes arrested cell cycle at S-phase by upregulation of p53, p27, and p21, and downregulation of cyclin A and cyclin E. The depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of ROS, and stimulated Ca2+ release activated the caspase cascade and ultimately caused apoptosis by increasing the levels of Bax and Bak, and decreasing the levels of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Cell apoptosis was achieved via mitochondria mediated pathways. The in vivo studies of Au1 and Au2 demonstrated that they were safer than cisplatin and could effectively inhibit tumor growth.