Efficient methodology to produce a duloxetine precursor using whole cells of Rhodotorula rubra

Different types of yeasts were employed as biocatalysts in the reduction of \u3b2-ketonitriles. The red microorganism, Rhodotorula rubra, was selected as the best performing catalyst in the reduction of different substituted ketonitriles giving total stereoselectivity in most cases (90-99% ee). In particular, its use as fresh and lyophilised cells was expanded to a semi-preparative scale for the production of the duloxetine precursor 1a. R. rubra was screened in the reduction of alkylation products in comparison with Pichia henricii for assignment of configuration of products 2a and 11a after derivatisation with S-MPA

Vancomycin-Iridium (III) Interaction: An Unexplored Route for Enantioselective Imine Reduction

The chiral structure of antibiotic vancomycin (Van) was exploited as an innovative coordination sphere for the preparation of an IrCp* based hybrid catalysts. We found that Van is able to coordinate iridium (Ir(III)) and the complexation was demonstrated by several analytical techniques such as MALDI-TOF, UV, Circular dichroism (CD), Raman IR, and NMR. The hybrid system so obtained was employed in the Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation (ATH) of cyclic imines allowing to obtain a valuable 61% e.e. (R) in the asymmetric reduction of quinaldine 2. The catalytic system exhibited a saturation kinetics with a calculated eciency of Kcat/KM = 0.688 h1mM

A practical algorithmic approach to mature aggressive B cell lymphoma diagnosis in the double/triple hit era. Selecting cases, matching clinical benefit. A position paper from the Italian Group of Haematopathology (G.I.E.)

An accurate diagnosis of clinically distinct subgroups of aggressive mature B cell lymphomas is crucial for the choice of proper treatment. Presently, precise recognition of these disorders relies on the combination of morphological, immunophenotypical, and cytogenetic/molecular features. The diagnostic workup in such situations implies the application of costly and time-consuming analyses, which are not always required, since an intensified treatment option is reasonably reserved to fit patients. The Italian Group of Haematopathology proposes herein a practical algorithm for the diagnosis of aggressive mature B cell lymphomas based on a stepwise approach, aimed to select cases deserving molecular analysis, in order to optimize time and resources still assuring the optimal management for any patient

Isomeric carbazolocarbazoles: synthesis, characterization and comparative study in Organic Field Effect Transistors

We report here the synthesis and characterization of a new family of isomeric carbazolocarbazole derivatives, namely carbazolo[1,2-a]carbazole, carbazolo[3,2-b]carbazoleand carbazolo[4,3-c]carbazole. Thermal, optical, electrochemical, morphological and semiconducting properties have been studied to understand the influence of geometrical isomerism on the optoelectronic properties of these compounds. Different packing patterns have been observed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) which then correlate with the different morphologies of the evaporated thin films studied by XRD and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The effect of N-substituents has also been evaluated for one of the isomers revealing a noticeable influence on the performance as organic semiconductors in Organic Field Effect Transistors (OFETs). A good p-channel field effect has been determined for N,N′-dioctylcarbazolo[4,3-c]carbazole with a mobility of 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1 and Ion/Ioff ratio of 106 in air. These preliminary results demonstrate the promising properties of molecular carbazolocarbazole systems which should be further explored in the area of organic semiconducting materials

Desmoplastic Melanoma: Report of 5 Cases

Background. The clinical presentation of desmoplastic melanoma is often challenging. We report the experience of the Melanoma Unit of Spedali Civili University Hospital of Brescia, Italy. Method. Study subjects were drawn from 1770 patients with histologica confirmed melanoma. Within this group, desmoplastic melanoma developed in 5 patients. For each diagnosed melanoma, histological characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. Results. Of the 5 patients described in this study, 2 were males and 3 females. The average age was 62.4 years ranging from 56 to 68 years. Breslow thickness ranged from 2.1 to 12 mm with a mean thickness of 5.8 mm. Primary treatment of 5 patients included a wide local excision of their primary lesions. Conclusions. Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare neoplasm which clinically may mimic other tumours or cutaneous infiltrate of uncertain significance. The diagnosis is hiastopathological and radical resection is necessary

“In situ” Activation of Racemic RuII Complexes: Separation of trans and cis Species and Their Application in Asymmetric Reduction

Ruthenium(II) dichlorides with racemic atropos-biaryl-based diphosphanes and optically active 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diamine (DPEN) as ligands have been synthesised. trans and cis isomers were formed due to the low basicity of the diphosphane ligands, in particular, with BITIANP and BIMIP. The trans and cis species were easily separated by filtration. In particular, when rac-BITIANP was used in combination with chiral DPEN, the asymmetric separation of optically pure complexes in cis and trans arrangements was realised and they were used as precatalysts in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones. Matching and mismatching combinations exhibited different performances

Self-assembly and charge transport properties of a benzobisthiazole end-capped with dihexylthienothiophene units

The synthesis of a new conjugated material is reported; BDHTT–BBT features a central electron-deficient benzobisthiazole capped with two 3,6-dihexyl-thieno[3,2-b]thiophenes. Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine the HOMO (−5.7 eV) and LUMO (−2.9 eV) levels. The solid-state properties of the compound were investigated by X-ray diffraction on single-crystal and thin-film samples. OFETs were constructed with vacuum deposited films of BDHTT–BBT. The films displayed phase transitions over a range of temperatures and the morphology of the films affected the charge transport properties of the films. The maximum hole mobility observed from bottom-contact, top-gate devices was 3 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, with an on/off ratio of 104–105 and a threshold voltage of −42 V. The morphological and self-assembly characteristics versus electronic properties are discussed for future improvement of OFET devices

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma: Molecular profile and therapeutic implications from a series of 32 cases

BACKGROUND: Primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas are aggressive tumors with a poor clinical control by current treatments, raising the urgent need of novel strategies. METHODS: By fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), direct sequencing, and immunohistochemistry, we investigate the spectrum of molecular abnormalities in a cohort of 32 cases of primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas. RESULTS: We found that all primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas lack BRAF V600E mutation; in addition, they are characterized by somatic mutations of NRAS (22%) and KIT (12.5%), together with amplification of RREB1 (100%) and loss of MYB (76%). The large majority of cases showed KIT protein expression (96.9%). Among tumor suppressor genes, primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas showed loss of PTEN (48.1%) and p16/INK4a (55.2%). All tested cases showed expression of pAkt and pErk, suggesting a combined activation of PI3K/Akt and RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This molecular fingerprint strongly argues against the clinical efficacy of BRAF-inhibitors, but could candidate primary sinonasal mucosal melanomas to therapeutic strategies targeting RAS and KIT mutations or inhibiting PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway

A practical algorithmic approach to mature aggressive B cell lymphoma diagnosis in the double/triple hit era: selecting cases, matching clinical benefit : A position paper from the Italian Group of Haematopathology (G.I.E.).

An accurate diagnosis of clinically distinct subgroups of aggressive mature B cell lymphomas is crucial for the choice of proper treatment. Presently, precise recognition of these disorders relies on the combination of morphological, immunophenotypical, and cytogenetic/molecular features. The diagnostic workup in such situations implies the application of costly and time-consuming analyses, which are not always required, since an intensified treatment option is reasonably reserved to fit patients. The Italian Group of Haematopathology proposes herein a practical algorithm for the diagnosis of aggressive mature B cell lymphomas based on a stepwise approach, aimed to select cases deserving molecular analysis, in order to optimize time and resources still assuring the optimal management for any patient. © 2019, The Author(s)