The synthesis of a new trisbenzylsilanephosphine P{(o-C₆H₄CH₂)SiMe₂H}₃ (1) is shown to proceed with high yields from P(o-tolyl)₃. Compound 1 coordinates to the Rh and Ir dimers [MCl(COD)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir) in a tetradentate or tridentate fashion, depending on the strict exclusion of water. The dimeric compounds [ClM(SiMe₂CH₂-o-C₆H₄)₂P(o-C₆H₄-CH₂SiMe₂H)]₂, 2Rh and 2Ir, feature a tetradentate coordination of the starting ligand with P and two Si atoms as well as a non-classical agostic Si–H group. The presence of adventitious water in the solvents leads to the formation of two new complexes [(μ²-Cl)₂M₂(SiMe₂CH₂-o-C₆H₄)₂P(o-C₆H₄-CH₂SiMe₂OSiMe₂CH₂-o-C₆H₄–)P(SiMe₂CH₂-o-C₆H₄)₂], 3Rh and 3Ir, which feature a siloxane bridge through Si–H bond breaking in 2. Reaction of [RhCl(COD)]₂ with the bisbenzylsilanephosphine PhP{(o-C₆H₄CH₂)SiMe₂H}₂ leads to the formation of compound 4Rh which features also a dimeric structure with the SiPSi ligand coordinated through the two silicon atoms, one of which occupies the apical position of a square-pyramidal geometry in the solid state, while the second is disposed equatorially trans to π-donor Cl. Finally, bidentate coordination of a PSi ligand is achieved by reaction of [RhCl(COD)]₂ with Ph₂P{(o-C₆H₄CH₂)SiMe₂H} which leads to the monometallic species [RhCl(SiMe₂CH₂-o-C₆H₄-PPh₂)₂], 5Rh, incorporating two chelating PSi ligands and maintaining a Cl ligand.

γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter whose deficiency has been associated with various neurological disorders. However, its low liposolubility limits its use as a supplement. Thus, multiple investigations have focused on searching for lipophilic GABA analogs that can modulate the activity of the GABA_B receptor, which could be associated with the etiology of some central nervous system disorders. The GABA analogs available on the market are Vigabatrin, Gabapentin as well as Pregabalin and Baclofen. In this work, we report on the synthesis of GABA analogs, taking the scaffold of GABA, Pregabalin, and Baclofen as a starting point. The analogs include structural features that could favor the affinity of the molecules for the GABA_B receptor, such as heterocyclic rings in the γ-position and alkyl or p-Cl-phenyl substituents (in analogy to Pregabalin and Baclofen, respectively). These analogs were synthesized by a sequence of reactions involving an N-alkylation, a 1,4-conjugated addition of dialkyl and diarylcuprates and a basic hydrolysis. Furthermore, a computational molecular docking over the GABA_B receptor was performed to evaluate the interaction of each compound in the Baclofen binding site. With this information, we evaluated our compounds as GABA_B agonists through a QSAR analysis. Finally, by means of molecular similarity analysis, and in silico ADME prediction, we support our three best compounds (8a–b, 8d) as potential GABA_B receptor agonists.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer related death among U.S. Latinas. Despite having lower breast cancer incidence, U.S. Latinas are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage disease compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. This can be attributed to lower rates of screening and longer time to follow up after an abnormal mammogram in the former group. We developed a comprehensive promotores-led education and risk stratification program for Spanish-speaking Latinas to increase mammography screening, genetic testing, and the understanding of the impact of family history on cancer risk. Due to COVID-19 we adapted the program to a virtual platform. This study aimed to record and share the experience from the promotores' perspective as they educated the Latino(x) community through virtual sessions. Methods: We used a stakeholder continuous engagement approach and the construct of relational culture to build the program materials. The promotores were part of two organizations in California: Vision y Compromiso (Sacramento region, and San Francisco) and Promoters for Better Health (Los Angeles). Their experience was captured using semi-structured interviews guided by a set of questions and a request for additional thoughts. Demographic information was captured using a questionnaire. The promotores' voices were incorporated into this program through multiple interactions including the revision of the interviews. Results: All promotores (N=14) in the program were fluent in Spanish and self-identified as Hispanics/Latinos(x). Ages ranged between 34 and 62, most being first generation immigrants. Educational achievement varied from high school to college degree. Through the interviews and informal interaction, promotores shared that virtual platforms helped alleviate numerous obstacles for attendance like transportation, scheduling conflicts, and childcare costs. However, the online approach removed the personal connection that promotores usually have with participants. The most important challenge described was the lack of privacy and a safe space for participants to share, since many took the class in the middle of their homes near family members. The promotores agreed delivering the program gave them a greater sense of self-worth and confidence. They never thought that they could learn, and teach, community members about genetics and cancer risk. Conclusions: Despite the challenges brought about by COVID-19, the experience of transforming the ‘tu historia cuenta' program to a virtual platform provided unique opportunities for bi-directional collaboration between the academic and community partners and with the participants. Overall, we learned that the virtual program had both positive and negative aspects regarding community engagement. It also consistently empowered promotores as well as allowed them to continue their paid work during lock-down, which was equally appreciated during challenging economic times. Citation Format: Fabian Perez, Laura Fejerman, Eric Robles-Garibay, Angelica Perez, Elizabeth Quino, Maria Gonzalez, Miriam Hernandez, Alejandra Martinez, Patricia Castaneda, Raquel Ponce, Cindia Martinez, Ysabel Duron. 'Tu historia cuenta' online version: Promotores' experience and perspectives on the virtual adaption of a hereditary breast cancer education and risk identification program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-061.