Biocompatible metal-assisted C-C cross-coupling combined with biocatalytic chiral reductions in a concurrent tandem cascade.

In this study, we present a concurrent chemo/biocatalytic one pot reaction cascade by combining a metal (Pd/Cu) assisted Liebeskind-Srogl (L-S) coupling with an enantioselective enzymatic reduction for the production of chiral amines and alcohols. The latter transformation was realized by applying enantiocomplementary alcohol dehydrogenases from Lactobacillus kefir (R-selective) and Rhodococcus ruber (S-selective). Compatibility issues were solved by investigating first the L-S-coupling protocol in water at room temperature.

A comprehensive overview of directing groups applied in metal-catalysed C-H functionalisation chemistry.

The present review is devoted to summarizing the recent advances (2015-2017) in the field of metal-catalysed group-directed C-H functionalisation. In order to clearly showcase the molecular diversity that can now be accessed by means of directed C-H functionalisation, the whole is organized following the directing groups installed on a substrate. Its aim is to be a comprehensive reference work, where a specific directing group can be easily found, together with the transformations which have been carried out with it.

Improved simplicity and practicability in copper-catalyzed alkynylation of tetrahydroisoquinoline.

Abstract: Alkynylation reactions of N-protected tetrahydroisoquinolines have been performed using several different protocols of cross dehydrogenative coupling. Initially, a CuCl-catalyzed method was investigated, which worked well with three different N-protecting groups, namely phenyl, PMP, and benzyl and -BuOOH as oxidant in acetonitrile as solvent. The peroxide could then be replaced by simple air and acetonitrile for water, leading to an overall very environmentally friendly protocol.

Benefits of liraglutide treatment in overweight and obese older individuals with prediabetes.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the ability of liraglutide to augment weight loss and improve insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and inflammation in a high-risk population for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and CVD.

Research Design And Methods: We randomized 68 older individuals (mean age, 58±8 years) with overweight/obesity and prediabetes to this double-blind study of liraglutide 1.8 mg versus placebo for 14 weeks.

Effects of moderate variations in macronutrient composition on weight loss and reduction in cardiovascular disease risk in obese, insulin-resistant adults.

Background: Obese, insulin-resistant persons are at risk of cardiovascular disease. How best to achieve both weight loss and clinical benefit in these persons is controversial, and recent reports questioned the superiority of low-fat diets.

Objective: We aimed to ascertain the effects of moderate variations in the carbohydrate and fat content of calorie-restricted diets on weight loss and cardiovascular disease risk in obese, insulin-resistant persons.

Differentiation between obesity and insulin resistance in the association with C-reactive protein.

Background: Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations are increased in obese and/or hyperinsulinemic individuals. The goal of this study was to determine if the relation between insulin resistance and CRP was independent of obesity.

Methods And Results: Plasma CRP concentrations were measured before and after 3 months of calorie restriction in 38 healthy, obese women.