Difluorenoheteroles: topological control of π conjugation in diradicaloids and mixed-valence radical ions.

Two families of difluorenoheterole diradicaloids were synthesized, featuring isomeric ring systems with distinct conjugation topologies. The two types of difluorenoheteroles contain, respectively, a Chichibabin-like motif (CH) and a newly introduced heteroatom-linked triphenylmethyl dyad (TD-X). Combined experimental and theoretical investigations show that the TD-X systems have reduced quinoidal character but the interaction between formal spin centers is sufficiently strong to ensure a singlet ground state. The singlet-triplet energy gaps in the TD-X difluorenoheteroles are strongly affected by the heterocyclic ring, with values of -4.3 and -0.7 kcal mol-1 determined for the pyrrole- and thiophene-containing analogues, respectively. In cyclic voltammetry experiments, the TD-X systems show diminished energy gaps and superior reversibility in comparison with their CH counterparts. The radical anions and cations obtained from these diradicaloids show extremely red-shifted bands, occasionally with λ max > 3500 nm. Computational studies show that some of these ions adopt distonic structures and may be characterized as class-II mixed-valence species.

Esophageal cancer: current status and new insights from inflammatory markers - a brief review.

Esophageal cancer (EC) poses a significant challenge to the healthcare system due to its profound impact on cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. This malignancy ranks among the most arduous conditions confronting the surgeon. EC arises from a complex interplay of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. While the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is on the rise in the West, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains prevalent in the East. Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of EC. Accordingly, serum inflammatory markers, growth factors, and cytokines have been shown to be clinically useful. Thus, evaluating serum cytokine levels for EC prediction is a safe and feasible screening method. Given the aggressive nature and poor prognosis of the disease, innovative approaches to diagnosis, prognosis, and management of EC are indispensable. This review discusses the major risk factors and the current landscape of EC, with a specific focus on the potential contributions of new inflammatory markers to enhance disease management and improve patient outcomes.

Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases: From Underlying Mechanisms to Pro-Longevity Interventions.

As human life expectancy continues to rise, becoming a pressing global concern, it brings into focus the underlying mechanisms of aging. The increasing lifespan has led to a growing elderly population grappling with age-related diseases (ARDs), which strains healthcare systems and economies worldwide. While human senescence was once regarded as an immutable and inexorable phenomenon, impervious to interventions, the emerging field of geroscience now offers innovative approaches to aging, holding the promise of extending the period of healthspan in humans. Understanding the intricate links between aging and pathologies is essential in addressing the challenges presented by aging populations. A substantial body of evidence indicates shared mechanisms and pathways contributing to the development and progression of various ARDs. Consequently, novel interventions targeting the intrinsic mechanisms of aging have the potential to delay the onset of diverse pathological conditions, thereby extending healthspan. In this narrative review, we discuss the most promising methods and interventions aimed at modulating aging, which harbor the potential to mitigate ARDs in the future. We also outline the complexity of senescence and review recent empirical evidence to identify rational strategies for promoting healthy aging.

Triindenotriphenylenes: Spin-Frustrated Triskelion Triradicals with Excellent Ambient Stability.

A triskelion-shaped triradical triindeno[1,2-a:1',2'-g:1'',2''-m]triphenylen-7-yl (1) and its internally fused derivative obtained by oxidative cyclization (2) were prepared in a straightforward synthetic sequence. Both compounds were confirmed to be triradicals and to possess intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between spins, displaying a spin-frustrated doublet ground state with doublet-quartet energy gaps of -0.14 kcal/mol for 1 and -0.06 kcal/mol for 2. Despite their open-shell character, they were sufficiently stable to be handled under ambient conditions on a timescale of days. Both compounds could be reversibly reduced to mono-, di-, and trianions and oxidized to 1+ and 22+, with strong NIR absorptions (1800 to over 3200 nm) observed for all open-shell ions.

Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Curved Aromatics: From Donor-Acceptor Porphyrins to Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces.

A saddle-shaped π-extended zinc porphyrin containing a peripheral pyridyl ligand undergoes quantitative self-assembly into a cyclic trimer. The trimer has a prismatic structure with negatively curved side walls, which promote the formation of supramolecular organic frameworks stabilized by dispersion interactions. The first framework type, UWr-1, has the npo topology, with a hexagonal structure analogous to the Schwartz H triply periodic minimal surface. Co-crystallization of the trimer with either C60 and C70 produces the isomorphous cubic UWr-2 and UWr-3 phases, characterized by the ctn network topology and a structural relationship to the Fischer-Koch minimal surface S. All three phases contain complex labyrinths of solvent-filled channels, corresponding to very large probe-accessible volumes (68 % to 76 %). The UWr-2 network could be partly desolvated while retaining its long range dimensional order, indicating remarkable strength of the dispersion interactions in the crystal. A theoretical analysis of noncovalent interactions shows the role of geometrical matching between the negatively curved porphyrin units and positively curved fullerenes.

Exploring the uncharted: Missing anatomical names in the Terminologia Anatomica.

Effective communication and precise navigation within the intricacies of the human body rely on robust anatomical terminology. Since its creation by the Federative Committee on Anatomical Terminology (FCAT), the Terminologia Anatomica (TA 1998) has consistently served as the benchmark in the field. However, the constant advancement of anatomical knowledge requires regular revisions, updates, and enhancements of anatomical nomenclature to accommodate the latest scientific discoveries. The recent adoption of the second edition of Terminologia Anatomica (TA 2019) by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) has drawn attention to certain notable omissions. Despite over a century of dedicated work establishing standard anatomical terminology, specific widely recognized gross anatomical structures are still absent from the official listing in the Terminologia Anatomica. There is, however, a consensus that the inclusion of names for trivial or variably present structures should be avoided. Accordingly, this article focuses on a thoughtfully selected group of anatomical structures, which are so important that they are routinely discussed during anatomy courses, despite their exclusion from the official lists of anatomical terms. These basic structures hold fundamental importance for both anatomy education and clinical practice. Consequently, their appropriate nomenclature warrants consideration for inclusion in future editions of TA.

The association between body height and longevity: evidence from a national population sample.

BACKGROUND: A wealth of research suggests that taller individuals are healthier and live longer than their shorter counterparts, although conflicting results have been reported. This study aims to investigate whether taller individuals in Poland exhibit greater longevity compared to their shorter counterparts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on declared height were collected from 848,860 adults who died in the years 2004-2008 in Poland. To eliminate the cohort effects, Z-values were computed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated independently for males and females. Subsequently, one way ANOVA was performed. RESULTS: The correlation between adult height and longevity was negative and statistically significant in both men and women. After eliminating the effects of secular trends in height, the correlation was very weak (r = -0.0044 in men and r = -0.0038 in women) but significant (p = 0.023 and p = 0.022, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant correlation observed between the two variables, it should be noted that the relationship between height and longevity is very weak and tenuous. Overall, these results do not support the hypothesis that taller individuals have a longevity advantage. Further research is warranted to identify the underlying biological mechanisms driving this phenomenon as well as to explore additional variables affecting human longevity.

Complexes of N-Confused Porphyrin Derivatives as Ortho-Metallating Ligands. Synthesis, Structure, Redox Properties, and Chirality.

A family of transition metal complexes of meso-aryl-2-aza-21-carbaporphyrin (N-confused porphyrin, NCP) derivatives acting as ortho-metallating ligands for ruthenium(II), rhodium(III), and iridium(III) is synthesized and characterized by XRD, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods. The chirality of these systems is shown by the separation of the enantiomers and analyzed by circular dichroism and DFT. A preliminary catalytic study indicates the activity of the iridium(III) ortho-metallated complexes in the N-heterocyclization of primary amines with diols.

Tetrafluorenofulvalene as a sterically frustrated open-shell alkene.

Electronic and steric effects are known to greatly influence the structure, characteristics and reactivity of organic compounds. A typical π bond is weakened by oxidation (corresponding to the removal of electrons from bonding orbitals), by reduction (through addition of electrons to antibonding orbitals) and by unpairing of the bonding electrons, such as in the triplet state. Here we describe tetrafluorenofulvalene (TFF), a twisted, open-shell alkene for which these general rules do not hold. Through the synthesis, experimental characterization and computational analysis of its charged species spanning seven redox states, the central alkene bond in TFF is shown to become substantially stronger in the tri- and tetraanion, generated by chemical reduction. Furthermore, although its triplet state contains a weaker alkene bond than the singlet, in the quintet state its bond order increases substantially, yielding a flatter structure. This behaviour originates from the doubly bifurcated topology of the underlying spin system and can be rationalized by the balancing effects of benzenoid aromaticity and spin pairing.

Clinical anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and its terminology.

Since its inception, the International Anatomical Terminology has been an indispensable and widely embraced resource for authors, anatomists, researchers, and medical professionals, ensuring standardized anatomical terminology across various disciplines. Nonetheless, it is widely acknowledged that periodic updates and enhancements are necessary to incorporate the latest scientific knowledge and advancements in imaging techniques. The current version of Terminologia Anatomica includes a section dedicated to the paranasal sinuses, encompassing ethmoidal cells and three sinuses: frontal, sphenoidal, and maxillary. However, the anatomical lexicon pertaining to the paranasal sinuses is more extensive. In clinical practice, multiple terms related to clinically significant structures are commonly employed. This article focuses on the clinical terminology associated with the paranasal sinuses, proposing significant extensions to the existing Terminologia Anatomica. These extensions aim to enrich the anatomical nomenclature and facilitate a harmonious convergence between the language of clinicians and the anatomical lexicon. Further endeavors should bridge the gap in anatomical nomenclature and improve communication between anatomists, researchers, and clinicians, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving interdisciplinary research collaboration.

π-Extended Hexapyrrolylbenzenes: Exploring Charge-Transfer Phenomena in Donor-Acceptor Propellers.

A family of propeller-shaped donor-acceptor hexapyrrolylbenzenes (HPBs) were designed and synthesized by sequential nucleophilic substitution of hexafluorobenzene with π-extended pyrroles. In particular, four hybrids were obtained, containing various combinations of electron-rich and electron-poor acenaphthylene-fused pyrroles. Additionally, to probe the efficiency of ortho transfer interactions, a system was designed containing unique donor and acceptor subunits spatially separated with four unfunctionalized pyrroles. DFT calculations showed propeller-shaped geometries of all HPB molecules and separation of frontier molecular orbitals between donor and acceptor subunits. Steady-state and time-resolved photophysical measurements revealed charge-transfer (CT) character of the emission with strong positive dependence on solvent polarity. The principal CT pathway involves ortho-positioned pairs of donors and acceptors and requires bending of the acceptor in the excited state.

Dinor[7]helicene and Beyond: Divergent Synthesis of Chiral Diradicaloids with Variable Open-Shell Character.

Diradicaloid helicenes constructed formally by non-benzenoid double π-extension of phenanthrene were synthesized by a common strategy involving double electrophilic benzannulation. Steric effects in the second benzannulation step led to considerable structural diversity among the products, yielding a symmetrical dinor[7]helicene 1 and two isomeric unsymmetrical double helicenes 2 and 3, containing a nor[5]helicene and [4]helicene fragment, respectively, in addition to a common nor[6]helicene motif. Geometries, configurational dynamics, and electronic structure of these helicenes were analyzed using solid-state structures, spectroscopic methods, and computational analyses. The open-shell character of the singlet states of these helicenes increases in the order 3<1<2, with strongly varying diradicaloid indexes and singlet-triplet gaps. Compounds 1-3 displayed narrow optical gaps of 0.79-1.25 eV, resulting in significant absorption in the near infrared (NIR) region. They also exhibit reversible redox chemistry, each of them yielding stable radical cations, radical anions, and dianions, in some cases possessing intense NIR absorptions extending beyond 2500 nm.

Oxidative insertion of amines into conjugated macrocycles: transformation of antiaromatic norcorrole into aromatic azacorrole.

A new group of aromatic porphyrinoids was obtained by an oxidative insertion of primary amines into the antiaromatic ring of 5,14-dimesityl-norcorrolatonickel(II) activated by iodosobenzene. The substituted 10-azacorroles thus formed were characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods, and XRD analysis. Protonated forms of azacorroles were shown to remain aromatic despite disconnection of the original π-electron delocalization path.

Tridecacyclene Tetraimide: An Easily Reduced Cyclooctatetraene Derivative.

Tridecacyclene tetraimide, TCTI, an electron-deficient non-benzenoid nanocarbon with a C56 N4 polycyclic framework was obtained in a concise synthesis. TCTI has a non-planar structure and forms π-stacked dimers in the solid state. In solution, it undergoes eight single-electron reductions, yielding a range of negatively charged states up to an octaanion. Except for the latter species, which has a remarkably large electronic gap, the anions feature extended near-infrared absorptions, with a particularly strong band at 1692 nm observed for the dianion. A computational analysis of the TCTI anions shows that their stability originates from the combined effects of electron-deficient imide groups and the local aromaticity of reduced acenaphthylene units. The properties of TCTI make it potentially useful in electrochromic and charge storage applications.

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of polycyclic azomethine ylide to norcorroles: towards dibenzoullazine-fused derivatives.

A 1,3-cycloaddition reaction of 2-(tert-butyl)-8H-isoquinolino[4,3,2-de]phenanthridin-9-ium chloride to NiII norcorrole in the presence of base is shown to produce a family of chiral derivatives of polycyclic system(s) fused with pyrrole subunit(s) of the macrocycle. Dehydrogenation of the cycloaddition products gave rise to dibenzoullazine ortho-fused antiaromatic porphyrinoids.

Helicity Modulation in NIR-Absorbing Porphyrin-Ryleneimides.

Peripheral substitution of a π-extended porphyrin with bulky groups produces a curved chromophore with four helical stereogenic units. The curvature and stereochemistry of such porphyrins can be controlled by varying the substituents, coordinated metal ions, and apical ligands. In particular, when the achiral saddle-shaped free bases are treated with large metal ions, i.e., CdII or HgII , the resulting complexes convert to chiral propeller-like configurations. X-ray diffraction analyses show that apical coordination of a water molecule is sufficient to induce a notable bowl-like distortion of the cadmium complex, which however retains its chiral structure. For phenyl- and tolyl-substituted derivatives, the conversion is thermodynamically controlled, whereas complexes bearing bulky 4-(tert-butyl)phenyl groups transform into their chiral forms upon heating. In the latter case, the chiral Hg porphyrin was converted into the corresponding free base and other metal complexes without any loss of configurational purity, ultimately providing access to stable, enantiopure porphyrin propellers.

Naphthalimide-Fused Dipyrrins: Tunable Halochromic Switches and Photothermal NIR-II Dyes.

A family of tunable halochromic switches is developed using a naphthalimide-fused dipyrrin as the core π-conjugated motif. Electronic properties of these dipyrrins are tuned by substitution of their alpha and meso positions with aryl groups of variable donor-acceptor strength. The first protonation results in a conformational change that enhances electronic coupling between the dipyrrin chromophore and the meso substituent, leading to halochromic effects that occasionally exceed 200 nm and switch the absorption between the near-infrared (NIR)-I and NIR-II ranges. A NIR-II photothermal effect, switchable by acid-base chemistry is demonstrated for selected dipyrrins. Further protonation is possible for derivatives bearing additional amino groups, leading to up to four halochromic switching step. The most electron-rich dipyrrins are also susceptible to chemical oxidation, yielding NIR-absorbing radical cations and closed-shell dications.

An Open-Shell Coronoid with Hybrid Chichibabin-Schlenk Conjugation.

A hexaradicaloid molecule with alternating Kekulé and non-Kekulé connectivities between adjacent spin centers was obtained by fusing two conjugation motifs in Chichibabin and Schlenk hydrocarbons into a coronoid structure. 1 H NMR, ESR, and SQUID experiments and computational analyses show that the system has a singlet ground state with a significant hexaradicaloid character (γ0 =0.826, γ1 =γ2 =0.773). It has multiple thermally accessible high-spin states (up to the septet), with uniform energy gaps of ca 1.0 kcal mol-1 between consecutive multiplicities. In line with its open-shell character, the coronoid has a small electronic band gap (ca. 0.8 eV) and undergoes two consecutive one-electron oxidations at low potentials, yielding cationic forms with extended near-infrared absorption. The hexaradicaloid, which combines open-shell and macrocyclic contributions to its π conjugation, is an example of a design strategy for multistate spin switches and redox-amphoteric NIR dyes.

Ground Speed Optical Estimator for Miniature UAV.

In a conventional Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) navigational system Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor is often a main source of data for trajectory generation. Even video tracking based systems need some GNSS data for proper work. The goal of this study is to develop an optics-based system to estimate the ground speed of the UAV in the case of the GNSS failure, jamming, or unavailability. The proposed approach uses a camera mounted on the fuselage belly of the UAV. We can obtain the ground speed of the airplane by using the digital cropping, the stabilization of the real time image, and template matching algorithms. By combining the ground speed vector components with measurements of airspeed and altitude, the wind velocity and drift are computed. The obtained data were used to improve efficiency of the video-tracking based on a navigational system. An algorithm allows this computation to be performed in real time on board of a UAV. The algorithm was tested in Software-in-the-loop and implemented on the UAV hardware. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated through the experimental test results. The presented work could be useful for upgrading the existing MUAV products (with embedded cameras) already delivered to the customers only by updating their software. It is especially significant in the case when any necessary hardware upgrades would be economically unjustified or even impossible to be carried out.

From Antiaromatic Norcorrolatonickel(II) to Aromatic and Nonaromatic Zwitterions: Innocent Ligands with Unbalanced Charge of the Core.

A three-component reaction of antiaromatic meso-mesityl-3-nitronorcorrolatonickel(II) 1-NO2 with dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate and PBu3 yields aromatic zwitterionic corrole nickel(II) complexes 3-R with one of the meso-substituents comprising a positively charged tributyl phosphonium group and negatively charged coordination core. Reaction of 1-NO2 with PBu3 alone resulted in a nonaromatic chiral adduct 5 of a zwitterionic phlorine character with a -PBu3+ group at a pyrrole ß-position.