Computational studies on G-quadruplex DNA-stabilizing property of novel Wittig-based Schiff-Base ligands and their copper(II) complexes

A series of mono imine (C=N) group that contained Wittig-based Schiff-Base ligands was optimized using the DFT-based computational method and Gaussian 09 program package. These optimized molecules were docked with Quadruplex DNA (PDB ID: 1KF1) and duplex DNA (PDB ID: 1BNA) using AutoDock Vina program along with the reference molecules. Schiff-Base ligands derived from fused aromatic rings contained amines and precursor aldehyde (PA-5 both Z and E isomers) showed lower binding energy for G-quadruplex DNA among all and N-5 category both Z and E isomer Schiff-Base ligands have shown high selectivity for G-quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA which is a very important phenomenon to develop the G-quadruplex DNA stabilizers. For a few Schiff-Base molecules like Ligand-6 (1-{[2-Hydroxy-5-(2-pyren-1-yl-vinyl)-benzylidene]-amino}-naphthalen-2-ol) of N-5 category both Z and E isomers with groove binding and end stacking modes, molecular dynamic calculations were carried out. The study revealed that Ligand-6 of N-5 category E isomer with groove binding mode has higher stabilizing effect on G-quadruplex DNA in spite of having the higher binding energy value. Among Schiff-Base copper(II) complexes, Complex-3 (E-(1-{[2-Hydroxy-5-(2-pyren-1-yl-vinyl)-benzylidene]-amino}-naphthalen-2-ol)Cu) is having high binding affinity for G-quadruplex DNA as compared to others.

     

Mapping Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 Activity using an [18F]Substrate-Based Approach

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) catalyze the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. Elevated ALDH expression in human cancers is linked to metastases and poor overall survival. Despite ALDH being a poor prognostic factor, the non-invasive assessment of ALDH activity in vivo has not been possible due to a lack of sensitive and translational imaging agents. Presented in this report are the synthesis and biological evaluation of ALDH1A1-selective chemical probes composed of an aromatic aldehyde derived from N,N-diethylamino benzaldehyde (DEAB) linked to a fluorinated pyridine ring either via an amide or amine linkage. Of the focused library of compounds evaluated, N-ethyl-6-(fluoro)-N-(4-formylbenzyl)nicotinamide 4 b was found to have excellent affinity and isozyme selectivity for ALDH1A1 in vitro. Following ¹⁸F-fluorination, [¹⁸F] 4 b was taken up by colorectal tumor cells and trapped through the conversion to its ¹⁸F-labeled carboxylate product under the action of ALDH. In vivo positron emission tomography revealed high uptake of [¹⁸F] 4 b in the lungs and liver, with radioactivity cleared through the urinary tract. Oxidation of [¹⁸F] 4 b , however, was observed in vivo, which may limit the tissue penetration of this first-in-class radiotracer.     

Hall Mobility of As‐Grown Cu2O Thin Films Obtained Via Electrodeposition on Patterned Au Substrates

Hall measurement of an electrodeposited Cu₂O film is rendered difficult as the bilayer structure of semiconductor on top of a conductive substrate obviates the measurement. Here, we propose the use of a patterned Au on glass substrate in line/space configuration for the Hall measurement of electrodeposited Cu₂O. A continuous, (111) oriented Cu₂O film was electrodeposited on 8 μm/2 μm Au‐line/space on glass substrate and Hall measurement was performed. The room temperature Hall measurement of the Cu₂O film on the patterned substrate indicates p‐type conduction with a hole concentration of 2.2 × 10¹⁷ cm^?3 and mobility of 4.7 × 10^?3 cm² V^?1 s^?1. Additionally, the temperature dependent resistivity exhibits a negative slope that is characteristic of a semiconductor. Therefore, the measured electrical characteristics can be attributed to the electrodeposited Cu₂O semiconductor film rather than the conductive substrate. This method can be applied for the Hall measurement of any other electrodeposited semiconductor by optimizing the line/space geometry of the conductive substrate.     

Artemisia Extracts and Artemisinin-Based Antimalarials for COVID-19 Management: Could These Be Effective Antivirals for COVID-19 Treatment?

As the world desperately searches for ways to treat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a growing number of people are turning to herbal remedies. The Artemisia species, such as A. annua and A. afra, in particular, exhibit positive effects against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 related symptoms. A. annua is a source of artemisinin, which is active against malaria, and also exhibits potential for other diseases. This has increased interest in artemisinin’s potential for drug repurposing. Artemisinin-based combination therapies, so-called ACTs, have already been recognized as first-line treatments against malaria. Artemisia extract, as well as ACTs, have demonstrated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. Artemisinin and its derivatives have also shown anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) that plays a key role in the development of severe COVID-19. There is now sufficient evidence in the literature to suggest the effectiveness of Artemisia, its constituents and/or artemisinin derivatives, to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting its invasion, and replication, as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and mitigating lung damage.     

Solvent free,fast and asymmetric Michael additions of ketones to nitroolefins using chiral pyrrolidine–pyridone conjugate bases as organocatalysts

New chiral organocatalysts are envisaged based on a pyrrolidine–pyridone conjugate and synthesized from commercially available proline employing standard protocols. These catalysts were found to be useful for asymmetric Michael additions of ketones to nitroolefins to afford the desired products in very good yields (up to 98%) with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (>97:3 syn/anti and up to 98% ee) in very short reaction time compared with the existing reports.     

Testing approximate theories of first-order phase transitions on the two-dimensional Potts model

The two-dimensional,q-state (q>4) Potts model is used as a testing ground for approximate theories of first-order phase transitions. In particular, the predictions of a theory analogous to the Ramakrishnan-Yussouff theory of freezing are compared with those of ordinary mean-field (Curie-Wiess) theory. It is found that the Curie-Weiss theory is a better approximation than the Ramakrishnan-Yussouff theory, even though the former neglects all fluctuations. It is shown that the Ramakrishnan-Yussouff theory overestimates the effects of fluctuations in this system. The reasons behind the failure of the Ramakrishnan-Yussouff approximation and the suitability of using the two-dimensional Potts model as a testing ground for these theories are discussed.     

A Bis(azo-imine)palladium(II) System with 10 Ligand pi Electrons. Synthesis, Structure, Serial Redox, and Relationship to Bis(azooximates) and Other Species

The first azo-imine chelate system, Pd(N(H)C(R)NNPh)(2) (Pd(RA)(2)), has been isolated in the form of diamagnetic solids by the 6e(-)-6H(+) reduction of bis(phenylazooximato)palladium(II), Pd(N(O)C(R)NNPh)(2) (abbreviated Pd(RB)(2)), with ascorbic acid in a mixed solvent (R = Ph, alpha-naphthyl). Selected spectral features are described. The X-ray structures of Pd(PhA)(2) and Pd(PhB)(2) have revealed trans-planar geometry consistent with metal oxidation state of +2. Bond length trends within the chelate rings are rationalized in terms of steric and electronic factors. In Pd(PhA)(2) a total of 10 ligand pi electrons are present, each formally monoanionic ligand contributing five. Model EHMO studies have revealed that the filled HOMO (a(u)) in Pd(RA)(2) is a bonding combination of two ligand pi orbitals with large azo contributions. The LUMO (b(g)) is roughly the corresponding antibonding combination. The outer pi-electron configuration of Pd(RA)(2) is (a(u))(2)(b(g))(0). Four successive voltammetric responses, two oxidative and two reductive, are observed. The E(1/2) range is -1.3 to +0.8 V vs SCE for Pd(PhA)(2) in a 1:9 MeCN-CH(2)Cl(2) mixture (Pt electrode). EPR and electronic spectra of the electrogenerated one-electron-oxidized complex Pd(PhA)(2)(+) are described. The azo-imine system is compared with imine-imine and azo-azo systems. Crystal data for the complexes are as follows. Pd(PhA)(2): crystal system monoclinic; space group C2/c; a = 18.167(5) ?, b = 7.420(3) ?, c = 16.527(6) ?; beta = 92.70(3) degrees; V = 2225(1) ?(3); Z = 4; R = 2.61%, R(w) = 3.58%. Pd(PhB)(2): crystal system monoclinic; space group P2(1)/n; a = 5.735(5) ?, b = 10.797(6) ?, c = 18.022(11) ?; beta = 97.73(6) ?; V = 1105(1) ?(3); Z = 2; R = 3.37%; R(w) = 3.40%.     

A novel approach to the use of graph theory in structure–activity relationship studies. Application to the qualitative evaluation of mutagenicity in a series of nonfused ring aromatic compounds

In this article we describe a novel approach to the application of graph theory in structure–activity relationship studies. An information–theoretical topological index for the vertices of a molecular graph has been used for the qualitative evaluation of the mutagenic activity of a series of nonfused ring aromatic compounds. The use of a vertex index contrasts with the conventional approach of using a topological index for the entire molecule. The idea is to identify regions, or substructures in the molecules (molecular graphs) which may be used to determine certain biological activity of chemical compounds. The results obtained in this paper indicate that the present approach is capable of classifying the mutagenic activity of the compounds under consideration and may find useful application in structure–activity relationship studies of diverse bioactive compounds.     

Collisional activation of metal cationized and deprotonated triterpenoids: Charge remote fragmentations

The collisional activation spectra of lithiated and bariated cations and deprotonated anions of the triterpenoic acids hederagenin and oleanoic acid and their acctyl derivatives were examined. On collisional activation these precursors undergo similar charge-remote fragmentations including ring cleavage reactions and loss of substituents from the ring furthest from the site of charge. The presence of a double bond in ring C induces charge-remote retro-Diels–Alder reaction in these molecules.