Crystal structure of active CDK4-cyclin D and mechanistic basis for abemaciclib efficacy.

Despite the biological and therapeutic relevance of CDK4/6 for the treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer, the detailed mode of action of CDK4/6 inhibitors is not completely understood. Of particular interest, phosphorylation of CDK4 at T172 (pT172) is critical for generating the active conformation, yet no such crystal structure has been reported to date. We describe here the x-ray structure of active CDK4-cyclin D3 bound to the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib and discuss the key aspects of the catalytically-competent complex.

Versatile strategy for homogeneous drying patterns of dispersed particles.

After spilling coffee, a tell-tale stain is left by the drying droplet. This universal phenomenon, known as the coffee ring effect, is observed independent of the dispersed material. However, for many technological processes such as coating techniques and ink-jet printing a uniform particle deposition is required and the coffee ring effect is a major drawback.

Does admission acetylsalicylic acid uptake in hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a protective role? Data from the Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is widely used in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. Our objective is to evaluate its possible protective role, not only in mortality but also in other aspects such as inflammation, symptomatic thrombosis, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We realized an observational retrospective cohort study of 20,641 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia collected and followed-up from Mar 1st, 2020 to May 1st, 2021, from the nationwide Spanish SEMI-COVID-19 Registry.

Mortality and other adverse outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted for COVID-19 in association with glucose-lowering drugs: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: Limited evidence exists on the role of glucose-lowering drugs in patients with COVID-19. Our main objective was to examine the association between in-hospital death and each routine at-home glucose-lowering drug both individually and in combination with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted for COVID-19. We also evaluated their association with the composite outcome of the need for ICU admission, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, or in-hospital death as well as on the development of in-hospital complications and a long-time hospital stay.

Towards molecular biomarkers for biogas production from lignocellulose-rich substrates.

Biogas production from lignocellulose-rich agricultural residues is gaining increasingly importance in sustainable energy production. Hydrolysis/acidogenesis (H/A) of lignocellulose as the initial rate-limiting step deserves particular optimization. A mixture of straw/hay was methanized applying two-phase digester systems with an initial H/A reactor and a one-stage system at different, meso- and thermophilic temperatures.

Association of cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome in a Puerto Rican adult population.

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is related to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Smokers are at greater risk than nonsmokers of becoming insulin resistant and to develop cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the association between cigarette smoking, MetSyn and its components among Puerto Rican adults.

Neutral and cationic alkylmanganese(II) complexes containing 2,6-bisiminopyridine ligands.

Manganese alkyl complexes stabilised by 2,6-bis(N,N'-2,6-diisopropyl-phenyl)acetaldiminopyridine ((iPr)BIP) have been selectively prepared by reacting suitable alkylmanganese(II) precursors, such as homoleptic dialkyls [(MnR(2))(n)] or the corresponding THF adducts [{MnR(2)(thf)}(2)] with the mentioned ligand. For R=CH(2)CMe(2)Ph or CH(2)Ph, formally Mn(I) derivatives are produced, in which one of the two R groups migrates to the 4-position of the central pyridine ring in the (iPr)BIP ligand. In contrast, a true dialkyl complex [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] can be isolated for R=CH(2)SiMe(3).

Studies on the atropisomerism of Fe(II) 2,6-bis(N-arylimino)pyridine complexes.

NMR spectra of free 2,6-bis(N-arylimino)pyridine (PDI) ligands displaying different substituents at the ortho and ortho' positions of the two N-aryl rings indicate that they can exist in syn (meso) and anti (chiral) configurations. These interconvert in solution at room temperature, via rotation of the aryl group. The corresponding paramagnetic FeX(2)(PDI) complexes exhibit the same kind of isomerism, a property that is thought to be important for their activity as alpha-olefin polymerization catalysts.

Can ginkgo biloba combat diseases?

Herbal remedies have been widely used in many countries for centuries, and the products enjoyed a surge in popularity in the USA during the late '90s. During the past 20 years, an estimated 2 billion daily doses (120 mg) of Ginkgo biloba (GB) have been sold. French and German agencies consider it to be effective for the treatment of several diseases, and the immense amount of clinical studies concerning GB makes it worth revising the existing literature about this notable plant.