Synthesis of functionalized spirocyclic oxetanes through Paternò-Büchi reactions of cyclic ketones and maleic acid derivatives.

A telescoped three-step sequence to functionalised spirocyclic oxetanes is reported, involving Paternò-Büchi reactions between maleic acid derivatives and cyclic ketones. -Xylene suppresses the competing alkene dimerization that has plagued previous work, allowing access to 35 novel spirocyclic oxetanes that cannot be prepared using existing methodologies, and which represent versatile intermediates for further elaboration.

Nutritional Status, Selected Nutrients Intake and Their Relationship with the Concentration of Ghrelin and Adiponectin in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy.

Background: Overnutrition is one of the risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The factors related to both obesity and CKD are adiponectin and ghrelin. The aim of the study was to assess if there is a link of nutritional status and selected nutrients intake with adiponectin and ghrelin in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Cyclopropanation of Terminal Alkenes through Sequential Atom-Transfer Radical Addition/1,3-Elimination.

An operationally simple method to affect an atom-transfer radical addition of commercially available ICH Bpin to terminal alkenes has been developed. The intermediate iodide can be transformed in a one-pot process into the corresponding cyclopropane upon treatment with a fluoride source. This method is highly selective for the cyclopropanation of unactivated terminal alkenes over non-terminal alkenes and electron-deficient alkenes.

Proteolytic enzyme activity as a result of aging.

Background And Aims: The extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes constant dynamic changes; proteolytic enzymes, particularly the serine proteases plasmin, trypsin and elastase, catalyze critical functions in these processes. Notably, ECM degradation disorders have been reported in various morbid conditions, including cardiac infarction, atheromatosis, and neoplastic diseases, indicating a physiological requirement for proper ECM maintenance. Here we define the role of proteolytic enzymes in the development of aging by assessing changes in proteolytic enzyme activity in serum during aging in rats.

Trypsin, elastase, plasmin and MMP-9 activity in the serum during the human ageing process.

Objective: the aim of this work was to define the influence of the ageing process on the activity of proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, elastase, plasmin and active MMP-9 concentration, as well as the inhibitor alpha 1-antitrypsin. Moreover, we assessed associations between enzyme activity and selected clinical and biochemical parameters.

Methods: healthy normotensive volunteers (n = 60, 30 women) aged 20-82 years were split into subgroups: young (aged 20-22), middle-aged (49-52) and elderly (77-82).