The structure of itesmol and its C-24 congenor.
Abstract Structures 1 and 2 respectively have been assigned to itesmol and its minor congener isolated from a cactus indigenous to Mexico.
New hydroperoxycycloartane—complete chemical shifts assignment of 13C and 1H—and cytotoxicity evaluation of cycloartanes isolated from Trichilia casaretti
Abstract New cycloartane, 22-hydroxy-25-hydroperoxycycloart-23E-en-3-one (1), along with six known analogues (2–7) and three steroids (8–10), were isolated from the leaves of Trichilia casaretti. Structures were elucidated mainly on the basis of the analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H and 13C) and HRESIMS spectroscopic data, involving comparison with data of the literature. The cytotoxic activities of 1–7 and 10 isolated compounds were also evaluated against human leukemia cell line Molt-4 (acute lymphoblastic) and exhibited good cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 10.62 to 21.14 μM. Graphical Abstract
Euthanasia — again: “Letting die” is not in the patient's best interests: a case for active euthanasia
Recent discussions in the Journal on the subject of euthanasia have relied on intuitive appeals to distinctions traditionally considered to be morally relevant, such as the distinction between acts and omissions (or killing and letting die), or ordinary and extraordinary means of treatment. These discussions remained inconclusive. However, the question of euthanasia no longer remains inconclusive if one adopts the perspective suggested by the United States President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research and by the World Medical Assembly – that a doctor should act in his or her patient's best interests. From this vantage point, it is argued, there will be instances when active euthanasia is the proper cause of action.