Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of alcohols with olefins by positional tuning of a counteranion.

Transition metal-catalyzed cross-couplings have great potential to furnish complex ethers; however, challenges in the C(sp)-O functionalization step have precluded general methods. Here, we describe computationally guided transition metal-ligand design that positions a hydrogen-bond acceptor anion at the reactive site to promote functionalization. A general cross-coupling of primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic alcohols with terminal olefins to furnish >130 ethers is achieved.

Asymmetric Synthesis of γ-Lactones through Koga Amine-Controlled Addition of Enediolates to α,β-Unsaturated Sulfoxonium Salts.

A chiral Koga amine-controlled asymmetric synthesis of cis-γ-lactones through a formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition of enediolates with α,β-unsaturated sulfoxonium salts is described. The desired structural motif was formed in moderate to good yields (50-71% for 13 examples), with good to very good diastereoselectivity (dr 5:1 to 10:1 for 20 examples), favoring the cis-isomer, and good to excellent enantioselectivity (70-91% ee for 13 examples).

Lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone combination therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

This phase 1/2 study is the first prospective evaluation of lenalidomide-bortezomib-dexamethasone in front-line myeloma. Patients (N = 66) received 3-week cycles (n = 8) of bortezomib 1.0 or 1.

Relative sensitivity of colonoscopy and barium enema for detection of colorectal cancer in clinical practice.

Background & Aims: The relative sensitivities of barium enema and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer are still debated. The aim of this study was to determine the relative sensitivity of barium enema and colonoscopy in general clinical practice.

Methods: Medical records of 2193 consecutive colorectal cancer cases identified in 20 central Indiana hospitals were reviewed.