Selective hydrogenation of substituted styrene to alkylbenzene catalyzed by Al2O3 nanoparticles

Research on Chemical Intermediates - A straightforward and suitable protocol is described for the conversion of substituted styrene to alkylbenzenes in the presence of Al2O3 nanoparticles...     

Synthesis of arylated anthraquinones by site-selective Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of the bis(triflates) of 1,3-di(hydroxy)anthraquinones

Arylated anthraquinones were prepared by Suzuki–Miyaura reactions of the bis(triflates) of various 1,3-(dihydroxy)anthraquinones. While the reactions of the bis(triflates) of parent 1,3-(dihydroxy)anthraquinone and of 2-chloro-1,3-di(hydroxy)anthraquinone proceeded with very good site-selectivity, the corresponding reactions of the bis(triflate) of 2-fluoro-1,3-diarylanthraquinones were not site-selective, which was explained based on the π-donating effect of the fluorine atom.     

An overview of the health effects of isoflavones with an emphasis on prostate cancer risk and prostate-specific antigen levels

Soybean isoflavones possess hormonal and nonhormonal properties that may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, and alleviate hot flashes in menopausal women. Among the various cancers whose risk may be reduced by isoflavones, there is particular interest in prostate cancer. Eleven trials have examined the effects of isoflavones on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The dose of isoflavones in these trials from supplements or soy protein ranged from 60 to 900 mg/day (typical Japanese intake is 30-50 mg/day), subject number/group ranged from 8 to 62, and study duration from 20 days to 1 year. Isoflavones did not affect serum PSA in healthy subjects. In contrast, in 4 of 8 trials involving prostate cancer patients, isoflavones significantly favorably affected PSA although in no studies was there an absolute decrease in PSA concentrations. The mechanism by which isoflavones affect PSA could not be determined from the existing research, although hormonal changes do not seem to be a factor. The clinical evidence is sufficiently encouraging to justify considering additional Phase II and III clinical trials investigating the efficacy of soy isoflavones in different populations of prostate cancer patients alone and in combination with other treatments.