Synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of the metallamacrocycle [Fe6(C11H11N2O3)6(C4H9NO)6]

Abstract  

The 18-metallacrown-6 metallamacrocycle [Fe₆(pmshz)₆(C₄H₉NO)₆] has been synthesized by the self-assembly reaction of iron ions with N-substituted salicylhydrazide ligands. Six Fe(III) ions and six deprotonated N-propanoyl-4-methylsalicylhydrazide (H₃ pmshz) ligands construct a planar 18-membered ring based on Fe–N–N–Fe linkage. Because of the coordination, the ligand enforces the stereochemistry of the Fe(III) ions as a propeller shape with alternating …ΔΛΔΛ… configurations. There is a strong antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the paramagnetic iron centers.     

Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and theoretical investigations of charge-transfer, optical, and bonding properties of a [VF6]3? anion compound

Abstract  

A green-colored V(III) compound, imidazolium hexafluorovanadium(III), [C₃H₅N₂)]₃[VF₆], has been prepared and characterized. The geometric and electronic structure, together with charge-transfer, optical, and bonding properties, were thoroughly investigated by X-ray crystallography, density functional theory (DFT), and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The low-energy charge-transfer bands responsible for its green color may be theoretically assigned to a F(2p) → V(4p) ligand-to-metal charge-transfer transition. The ligand-field charge-transfer bands (d → d bands) occur at a lower energy region; they are too weak and will be obscured by the quite intense ligand-to-metal bands in the optical spectrum. Partial density of states analysis clearly shows that the nature of metal–ligand interactions in [VF₆]³⁻ is mainly ionic.     

Selective oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons by potassium and phosphorous-modified iron oxide–silica nanocomposite

Abstract  

Supported iron catalysts are active for hydrocarbon oxidation with H₂O₂, but the hydrogen peroxide dismutation is a shortcoming that may constrain their applications. Herein, we attempted to address this problem using potassium and phosphate-doped iron oxide–silica nanocomposite (KPFeSi) synthesized via sol–gel methods. The promoted silica–iron oxide nanocomposite has been characterized by elemental analyses, FTIR, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface-size determination. The synthesized KPFeSi was an active catalyst in the low-temperature liquid phase oxidation of various alkyl aromatics with hydrogen peroxide in conversions of 31–78%. Furthermore, the direct oxidation of benzene into phenol using hydrogen peroxide has been achieved in the absence of any acid with this KPFeSi compound.     

Isolation,purification, and full NMR assignments of cyclopamine from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Veratrum californicum</Emphasis>

Background  

The Hedgehog signaling pathway is essential for embryogenesis and for tissue homeostasis in the adult. However, it may induce malignancies in a number of tissues when constitutively activated, and it may also have a role in other forms of normal and maladaptive growth. Cyclopamine, a naturally occurring steroidal alkaloid, specifically inhibits the Hedgehog pathway by binding directly to Smoothened, an important Hedgehog response element. To use cyclopamine as a tool to explore and/or inhibit the Hedgehog pathway in vivo, a substantial quantity is required, and as a practical matter cyclopamine has been effectively unavailable for usage in animals larger than mice.     

Expression and localization of estrogenic type 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the cynomolgus monkey

Background  

We have recently discovered that human type 12 17β-HSD (h17β-HSD12), a homolog of type 3 17β-HSD, is a new estrogen-specific 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase involved in the production of estradiol (E2). To further characterize this estradiol-producing enzyme, we have isolated the corresponding cDNA in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), characterized its enzymatic activities and performed cellular localization using in situ hybridization.     

Pro-protein convertases control the maturation and processing of the iron-regulatory protein,RGMc/hemojuvelin

Background  

Repulsive guidance molecule c (RGMc or hemojuvelin), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked glycoprotein expressed in liver and striated muscle, plays a central role in systemic iron balance. Inactivating mutations in the RGMc gene cause juvenile hemochromatosis (JH), a rapidly progressing iron storage disorder with severe systemic manifestations. RGMc undergoes complex biosynthetic steps leading to membrane-bound and soluble forms of the protein, including both 50 and 40 kDa single-chain species.     

Probing substrate binding to Metallo-β-Lactamase L1 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by using site-directed mutagenesis

Background  

The metallo-β-lactamases are Zn(II)-containing enzymes that hydrolyze the β-lactam bond in penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems and are involved in bacterial antibiotic resistance. There are at least 20 distinct organisms that produce a metallo-β-lactamase, and these enzymes have been extensively studied using X-ray crystallographic, computational, kinetic, and inhibition studies; however, much is still unknown about how substrates bind and the catalytic mechanism. In an effort to probe substrate binding to metallo-β-lactamase L1 from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, nine site-directed mutants of L1 were prepared and characterized using metal analyses, CD spectroscopy, and pre-steady state and steady state kinetics.     

Asymmetric synthesis of the natural erythro-(1R,2S)-8-O-4′-neolignan myrislignan

Abstract  

An efficient and practical asymmetric synthesis of erythro-(1R,2S)-8-O-4′-neolignan myrislignan was achieved by using vanillin and pyrogallic acid as the starting materials. Two key steps are involved: preparation of an enantiopure threo alcohol of predictable stereochemistry by dihydroxylation with AD-mix-β, and inversion of the absolute configuration from the threo to the erythro isomer using a Mitsunobu reaction. The route illustrates a new methodology for the synthesis of erythro-8-O-4′-neolignan.     

Synthesis of imatinib: a convergent approach revisited

Abstract  

A classical convergent approach for the synthesis of the anticancer drug imatinib has been substantially improved. Imatinib was assembled by coupling the amine and carboxylic acid precursors by using N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) as a condensing agent. Both intermediates have been synthesized by novel efficient methods.     

A Series of 1-D Lanthanide Coordination Polymers Based on [Ln4(μ3-OH)4] (Ln = Er, Tb, Gd) Cluster Units

Abstract  

A series of 1-D lanthanide coordination polymers [Ln(μ₃-OH)(pybz)(pa)] _n (Ln = Er (1), Tb (2), Gd (3), Hpybz = 4-pyridin-4-yl-benzoic acid, Hpa = 2-picolinic acid) based on [Ln₄(μ₃-OH)₄] cluster units have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray crystal structure analyses reveal that 1–3 are isomorphous with tetragonal space group P [`4] \overline{4} 2₁c and comprise tetranuclear Ln–O clusters, in which four Ln³⁺ centers are joined together by four μ₃-bridging hydroxyl groups to form cubane-like [Ln₄(μ₃-OH)₄]⁸⁺ cores that are further linked by four μ₃-pa⁻ ligands to produce 1-D chains along the c-axis.     

Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structure of two zinc(II) halide complexes with the symmetrical bidentate Schiff-base ligand (3,4-MeO-ba)2en

Abstract  

In this study two zinc(II) halide complexes with the Schiff-base ligand (3,4-MeO-ba)₂en [N,N′-bis(3,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses (CHN), single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The metal-to-ligand ratio was found to be 1:1 within the formula ZnX₂((3,4-MeO-ba)₂en) (X = Br, I). Crystal structure analysis reveals that the coordination geometry around the zinc(II) ions in the two isotypic complexes is distorted tetrahedral. The Schiff-base ligand (3,4-MeO-ba)₂en acts as a chelating ligand and coordinates via two N atoms to the metal center and adopts an (E,E) conformation. The coordination spheres of the metal atoms are completed by the two halide atoms, which are also involved in weak non-classical hydrogen-bonding interactions of the type C–H···X–Zn.     

Bergamot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus bergamia</Emphasis> Risso) fruit extracts and identified components alter expression of interleukin 8 gene in cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cell lines

Background  

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway pathology is a fatal, autosomal, recessive genetic disease characterized by extensive lung inflammation. After induction by TNF-α, elevated concentrations of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (i.e. IL-6, IL-1β) and chemokines (i.e. IL-8) are released from airway epithelial cells. In order to reduce the excessive inflammatory response in the airways of CF patients, new therapies have been developed and in this respect, medicinal plant extracts have been studied. In this article we have investigated the possible use of bergamot extracts (Citrus bergamia Risso) and their identified components to alter the expression of IL-8 associated with the cystic fibrosis airway pathology.     

Iron, cysteine and Parkinson’s disease

Abstract  

A short review of the role of cysteine and iron in the progression of Parkinson’s disease is presented. The complex chemistry of cysteine and iron and its interactions are discussed and put into the context of oxidative stress during neurodegeneration.     

Pathophysiology of Microwave Radiation: Effect on Rat Brain

The study aims to investigate the effect of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation on Wistar rats. Rats of 35 days old with 130 ± 10 g body weight were selected for this study. Animals were divided into two groups: sham exposed and experimental (six animals each). Animals were exposed for 2 h a day for 45 days at 2.45 GHz frequency (power density, 0.21 mW/cm²). The whole body specific absorption rate was estimated to be 0.14 W/kg. Exposure took place in a ventilated plexiglas cage and kept in an anechoic chamber under a horn antenna. After completion of the exposure period, rats were killed, and pineal gland and whole brain tissues were isolated for the estimation of melatonin, creatine kinase, caspase 3, and calcium ion concentration. Experiments were performed in a blind manner and repeated. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) was recorded in the level of pineal melatonin of exposed group as compared with sham exposed. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in creatine kinase, caspase 3, and calcium ion concentration was observed in whole brain of exposed group of animals as compared to sham exposed. One-way analysis of variance method was adopted for statistical analysis. The study concludes that a reduction in melatonin or an increase in caspase-3, creatine kinase, and calcium ion may cause significant damage in brain due to chronic exposure of these radiations. These biomarkers clearly indicate possible health implications of such exposures.     

Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis and cell adhesion by a tryptophan catabolizing enzyme

Background  

The tryptophan catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine 2,3, dioxygenase (IDO) is one of two mammalian enzymes, which can catabolize the rarest essential amino acid, tryptophan. IDO is inducible by cytokines such as interferon-γ and plays a role in inflammation and maternal tolerance of fetal allografts, although its exact mode of action is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the circumstances under which IDO is expressed in vitro together with the effects of overexpression of IDO on the growth and morphology of cells.     

Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Photophysical Properties, and DFT Calculations of a Bis(tetrathia-calix[4]arene) Tetracadmium Complex

Abstract  

Thiacalix[4]arenes are a unique family of polydentate ligands that offer a combination of four soft sulfur atoms together with four hard phenol oxygen atoms for binding to metal ions. In this study, the tetranuclear cadmium (II) complex Cd₄^II(tca)₂·1.5CH₂Cl₂ (tca⁴⁻ = tetra-anionic p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene) (1) was synthesized by reaction of a deprotonated p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene and various Cd^II salts. The structure of 1 was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The neutral complex 1 contains a square arrangement of four cadmium (II) ions sandwiched between two tca⁴⁻ ligands that have a ‘cone’ conformation similar to that of the free ligand. The absorption and emission properties of the free ligand H₄tca and complex 1 have been recorded and explained by DFT calculations of the molecular orbitals and electronic transitions between them.     

Synthesis and studies of homopolyamides based on 2,4-bis(6-chlorocarbonyl-2-naphthyloxy)-6-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-s-triazine

Abstract  

Ten homopolyamides have been synthesized by polycondensation of the monomer 2,4-bis(6-chlorocarbonyl-2-naphthyloxy)-6-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-s-triazine and different diamines such as 4,4′-biphenyldiamine, 4,4′-diaminobenzanilide, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfonamide, 2,4-diaminotoluene, o-phenylenediamine, m-phenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, and ethylenediamine. All polyamides were characterized by solubility, density, viscosity measurements, IR, NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The products were found to possess high thermal stability.     

Predicted binding rate of new cephalosporin antibiotics by a 3D-QSAR method: a new approach

Abstract  

Antibiotics are chemotherapeutic agents with activity against microorganisms, for example bacteria, fungi, or protozoa, used for the treatment of many types of diseases. Binding of antibiotics to serum proteins in human plasma is a major determinant of their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic behavior and, consequently, can affect their systemic distribution in the body. Here, the predicted binding rates of ceftazidime and 13 other pharmacological agents classified as antibiotics to plasma proteins (percentage fraction bound; PFB) were evaluated by use of 3D-QSAR models. We attempted to establish the contribution of hydrogen bond donor/acceptor and hydrophobic properties supplied by electrostatic fields to the PFB. Significant cross-validated correlation q ² (0.5–0.7) and the fitted correlation r ² (0.7–0.97) coefficients revealed that these models have reasonable power to predict the design 19 new antibiotics using ceftazidime as template, these compounds being our suggestion for further studies.