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Campanula dimorphantha Schweinf. is documented first time from Doaba region of Punjab, India. This study will be useful for Botanists, taxonomists, researchers etc. for identification of species.

This research plans to explore the risks of the investment claims involved in the ongoing technology transfers to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers based on the recently approved ‘Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights' (TRIPS) waiver. These investment claims are based on the various intellectual property rights protected under international investment laws. The recently approved TRIPS waiver only deals with the patent rights involved in producing the COVID-19 vaccine but does not deal with the other related intellectual property rights such as trade secrets. This work sounds the alarm of investment dispute for the mass-production of vaccines based on the TRIPS waiver. The research suggests a plan by which the Indian government can address the global issue of COVID-19 technology transfer in India.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease which emerged into a global pandemic. Although it primarily causes respiratory symptoms for affected patients, COVID-19 was shown to have multi-organ manifestations. Elevated liver enzymes appear to be commonly observed during the course of COVID-19, and there have been numerous reports of liver injury secondary to COVID-19 infection. It has been established that patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease (CLD) are more likely to have poorer outcomes following COVID-19 infection compared to those without CLD. Co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease frequently co-exist in individuals living with CLD, and a substantial population may also live with some degree of frailty. The mechanisms of how COVID-19 induces liver injury have been postulated. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is the occurrence of kidney dysfunction in patients with severe CLD/fulminant liver failure in the absence of another identifiable cause, and is usually a marker of severe decompensated liver disease. Select reports of HRS following acute COVID-19 infection have been presented, although the risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to HRS in COVID-19 infection or following COVID-19 treatment remain largely unestablished due to the relative lack and novelty of published data. Evidence discussing the management of HRS in high-dependency care and intensive care contexts is only emerging. In this article, we provide an overview on the speculative pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19 induced HRS and propose strategies for clinical diagnosis and management to optimize outcomes in this scenario.

The seed-borne mycopathogen Fusarium verticilliodes is a serious and deleterious pathogen causing substantial losses of rice seeds and grains. Rice seeds are prone to infestation at all points of the production chain and the fungal pathogen continues dormant devastation even during storage, adversely affecting the seed parameters. Its control is compromised due to the nonavailability of recommended fungicides during storage. Nanotechnological interventions can provide effective and ecofriendly alternative against mycopathogens during resting periods. Herein, the zinc sulfide-meerschaum nano bio-matrix (nZnS-MR) is presented to show this strategy, which worked well against F. verticilliodes when applied on freshly harvested rice seeds during 6 months of storage.The healthy, smooth and rounded girths of F. verticilloides mycelium were reduced with loss of turgidity, disrupting the hyphal exterior architecture, during in vitro treatment with nZnS-MR, endorsed by staining methodology, crystal violet and intracellular soluble protein leakage assays. In vivo application on rice seeds optimized 750 μg gnZnS-MR is presented as an ecofriendly, biocompatible, bio-efficient, profertilization, cost-effective green material for the control of F. verticilliodes with rice seed invigorating effect, describing it as new a nano-generation material for efficient storage application.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is an essential pro-inflammatory cytokine against tuberculosis (TB). To initiate immune response, IFN-γ binds to its receptor complex which consists of two subunits IFN-γ receptor 1 (IFN-γR1) and IFN-γ receptor 2 (IFN-γR2). The deficiency in either receptor subunit can alter IFN-γ signalling thus influencing host susceptibility to TB. In the present study IFN-γ receptor expression at transcriptional and translational level was analysed in pulmonary TB patients from North India. A total of 46 pulmonary TB patients (at 0 day of anti-tuberculosis therapy) and 48 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. It was found that the mRNA expression of IFN-γR1 was decreased in male TB patients (p = 0.003). The surface expression of IFN-γR1 (p = 0.0005) and IFN-γR2 (p = 0.024) was also found to be decreased in male TB patients. In conclusion, we found sex-dependent regulation of IFN-γR1 and IFN-γR2 expression in pulmonary TB patients of studied population.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the major reasons for 60-80% cases of senile dementia occurring as a result of the accumulation of plaques and tangles in the hippocampal and cortical neurons of the brain leading to neurodegeneration and cell death. The other pathological features of AD comprise abnormal microvasculature, network abnormalities, interneuronal dysfunction, increased β-amyloid production and reduced clearance, increased inflammatory response, elevated production of reactive oxygen species, impaired brain metabolism, hyperphosphorylation of tau, and disruption of acetylcholine signaling. Among all these pathologies, Mitochondrial Dysfunction (MD), regardless of it being an inciting insult or a consequence of the alterations, is related to all the associated AD pathologies. Observed altered mitochondrial morphology, distribution and movement, increased oxidative stress, dysregulation of enzymes involved in mitochondrial functioning, impaired brain metabolism, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis in AD subjects suggest the involvement of mitochondrial malfunction in the progression of AD. Here, various pre-clinical and clinical evidence establishing MD as a key mediator in the progression of neurodegeneration in AD are reviewed and discussed with an aim to foster future MD based drug development research for the management of AD.

The development of preparative methods for the synthesis of four-membered carbocycles is gaining increasing importance due to the widespread utility of cyclic compounds in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we report the development of a new methodology for the production of spirocyclic epoxides and aziridines containing a cyclobutane motif. In a two-step one-pot process, a bicyclo[1.1.0]butyl sulfoxide is lithiated and added to a ketone, aldehyde or imine, and the resulting intermediate is cross-coupled with an aryl triflate through C-C σ-bond alkoxy- or aminopalladation with concomitant epoxide or aziridine formation. After careful optimization, a remarkably efficient reaction was conceived that tolerated a broad variety of both aromatic and aliphatic substrates. Lastly, through several high yielding ring-opening reactions, we demonstrated the excellent applicability of the products as modular building blocks for the introduction of three-dimensional structures into target molecules.

Non-destructive test (NDT) is used to find the physical properties of concrete without any destruction to the structure. There are various methods of NDT in order to calculate the strength of concrete members. Hemp is a type of agro-waste which can be used to make Hemp concrete by mixing cement, aggregates, Hemp, admixtures and water in desired proportion. The aim of the study was to correlate the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) with compressive strength, in order to determine equations between direct UPV with indirect UPV and to develop correlation between direct UPV with Compressive strength. In this study, 6 cubes of Hemp concrete of size 150 mm X 150 mm X 150 mm were casted and cured for 7–28 days, dried and tested for direct UPV, indirect UPV and compressive strength. Then these values are correlated with each other to determine the association in direct UPV, indirect UPV and Compressive strength. The most excellent fit curve for compressive strength and NDT values were obtained and equations were derived. These equations will be able to determine the concrete relative strength element (new or existing structural member) without destruction.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterised by limitation of airflow that is not fully reversible. Acute exacerbations lead to worsening of respiratory symptoms which results in increased hospitalisation incurring high socio-economic costs. Timely diagnosis and early treatment of exacerbation can avoid unnecessary hospitalisation and mortality. Biomarkers which may function as diagnostic and prognostication aids are of great help in resource constrained countries like India. Indian literature on the role of biomarkers in such context are scarce. Aim: To evaluate serum levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) in COPD patients admitted in respiratory ward with acute exacerbation and assess their correlation with course of disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational study in which a total of 103 COPD patients, diagnosed as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines admitted with acute exacerbation, were included in the study. All patients were subjected to routine investigations at admission. The serum CRP and PCT levels were assessed at the time of admission, discharge and at four weeks after discharge as well. Normality of quantitative data was checked by measures of Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of normality. For normally distributed data means were compared using unpaired t-test. For skewed data or scores Mann-Whitney Test was applied. For categorical variables, numbers and percentages were calculated. The data observed at various points of time was compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test or paired t-test whichever was applicable depending on its normality. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s Rank Test. All calculations were two-sided and were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) trial version 17.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL). A p-value of

Cancer treatment has become a major challenge amidst the resistance and relapse caused by the various treatments available. The PROteolysis TAargeting Chimera (PROTAC) technology involves the degradation of target protein against the inhibition by small drug molecules. The PROTACs with high potency and activity have been frequently reported; however, no PROTAC acting against cancer has reached the clinical trials. The concept of PROTACs involves the reduction in the disease-causing protein by its degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasomal enzyme system. This concept has attracted a lot of attention from both industry and academia due to its potential in drug discovery (in the form of PROTACs), which can conquer the resistance associated with current treatments of cancer. Thus, it is the need of the hour to identify and synthesize more PROTACs for a viable treatment of cancer. This article reviews the design, activity and effects produced in cancer by some recently developed PROTACs.

Benzothiophenes are valuable heterocycles that are widely used in medicines, agrochemicals, and materials science. Herein, we report a general method for the synthesis of enantioenriched 2,3-disubstituted benzothiophenes via a transition-metal-free C2-alkylation of benzothiophenes with boronic esters. The reactions utilize benzothiophene S -oxides in lithiation–borylations to generate intermediate arylboronate complexes, and subsequent Tf 2 O-promoted S−O bond cleavage to trigger a Pummerer-type 1,2-metalate shift, which gives the coupled products with complete enantiospecificity. Primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl boronic esters and aryl boronic esters are successfully coupled with a range of C3-substituted benzothiophenes. Importantly, this transformation does not require the use of C3 directing groups, therefore it overcomes a major limitation of previously developed transition-metal-mediated C2 alkylations of benzothiophenes.

In the ever-increasing demand of construction and construction materials worldwide, concrete is the most extensively used material for construction purposes almost next to the water. Therefore, there is a dire need of clean, green and durable concrete. Recently, an environmentally friendly strategy has been employed to manufacture bio-concrete by the usage of microorganisms in the traditional concrete to enhance its durability and compressive strength. In this review, we discuss the role of microbes in influencing the various properties of concrete such as compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength by reducing the concrete porosity and diminishing water absorption. The mechanism of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) in the traditional concrete by the action of microbes which resulted in the formation of bio-concrete as an improved building material has also been discussed. Additionally, an in-depth comparative analysis of the performance of bio-concrete with the traditional concrete synthesized from various industrial wastes such as silica fume, rice husk ash and metakaolin in terms of different properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength and percentage water absorption has been presented. This review highlights the impact of usage of microbes in the conventional concrete to produce novel and eco-friendly bio-concrete in construction technology.

Objective: We have routinely utilized minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) for revascularization of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. We examined how this procedure has evolved. Methods: A retrospective review was undertaken of 2,283 consecutive patients who underwent MIDCAB between 1997 and 2021. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A from 1997 to 2002 ( n = 751, 32.9%), group B from 2003 to 2009 ( n = 452, 19.8%), and group C from 2009 to 2021 ( n = 1,080, 47.3%). Risk profiles and short-term outcomes were analyzed for the entire cohort and for 293 propensity-matched patients drawn from each group. Results: The left internal mammary artery was harvested open in group A but with robotic assistance in group C. Thirty-day mortality was higher in group A versus group C (12 deaths, 1.6% vs 5 deaths, 0.5%, P = 0.044); this difference was negated after propensity matching. Group A had more comorbidities than group C, including peripheral vascular disease (17.7% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001), congestive heart failure (39.6% vs 18.0%, P < 0.001), and a history of stroke (17.9% vs 10.0%, P < 0.001), although diabetes mellitus was more common in group C (51.4% vs 31.0%, P < 0.001). Stroke was greater in group A (1.2% vs 0.0% vs 0.2%, respectively, P = 0.004), as was the need for prolonged ventilation (3.6% vs 0.2% vs 0.9%, respectively, P < 0.001), before and after propensity matching. Conclusions: MIDCAB patients had less comorbidities than in the past. Robot-assisted MIDCAB was associated with lower stroke risk.

Generality in analytical chemistry can be manifested in impactful platforms that can streamline modern organic synthesis and biopharmaceutical processes. We herein introduce a hybrid separation technique named Dual-Gradient Unified Chromatography (DGUC), which is built upon an automated dynamic modulation of CO

Over the last decade multiple transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement strategies have emerged, yet there is only one US Food and Drug Administration approved device, the MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Inc., Santa Clara, California). Current guidelines support the use of the MitraClip in high or prohibitive surgical risk patients, but there are many patients that are not anatomically suited for the device. This review article discusses the approach to degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation in the high-prohibitive risk patient, how to choose transcatheter treatment options (both approved and investigational), and potential management for therapy failure.

Despite the favorable properties that azetidine rings can engender on drug-compounds, methods for the diversity-oriented synthesis of azetidine-based structures are significantly underdeveloped. Herein, we report the successful realization of a multicomponent [1,2]-Brook rearrangement/strain-release-driven anion relay sequence and its application to the modular synthesis of substituted azetidines. The rapidity of the reaction, as confirmed by in situ infra-red spectroscopy, leverages the strain-release ring-opening of azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane to drive the equilibrium of the Brook rearrangement. The three electrophilic coupling partners, added sequentially to azabicyclo[1.1.0]butyl-lithium, could be individually varied to access a diverse compound library. The utility of this methodology was demonstrated in a 4-step synthesis of the EP2 receptor antagonist PF-04418948.

China is the largest producer and consumer of coal in the world. The extraction of coal is increasing intensively to meet the needs of the ever-increasing population and industries. However, coal mining has resulted in environmental changes, including deforestation, air, water, soil, and landform deterioration. This study investigates the impact of mining on the environment in Ruqigou coalfield by utilising in situ and remote sensing data. Field data collected include temperature, gas compositions, and water samples. Multi-temporal Landsat data of 1991, 2003, and 2019 were used in monitoring the impact of mining on different land covers, especially vegetation. A supervised classification was performed to assess the changes in land cover. In order to track the changes in vegetation, normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) was employed. To study the changes in coal fire areas, thermal anomalies were extracted from the thermal infrared data using a dynamic thresholding technique. The results of in situ analyses show that water quality is unfit for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. All the gas sampling sites emit noxious gases such as CO

COVID-19 related morbidities and mortalities are still continued due to the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. In the last few years, viral miRNAs have been the centre of study to understand the disease pathophysiology. In this work, we aimed to predict the change in coding potential of the viral miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2's VOCs, Delta and Omicron compared to the Reference (Wuhan origin) strain using bioinformatics tools. After ab-intio based screening by the Vmir tool and validation, we retrieved 22, 6, and 6 pre-miRNAs for Reference, Delta, and Omicron. Most of the predicted unique pre-miRNAs of Delta and Omicron were found to be encoded from the terminal and origin of the genomic sequence, respectively. Mature miRNAs identified by MatureBayes from the unique pre-miRNAs were used for target identification using miRDB. A total of 1786, 216, and 143 high-confidence target genes were captured for GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis. The GO and KEGG pathways terms analysis revealed the involvement of Delta miRNAs targeted genes in the pathways such as Human cytomegalovirus infection, Breast cancer, Apoptosis, Neurotrophin signaling, and Axon guidance whereas the Sphingolipid signaling pathway was found for the Omicron. Furthermore, we focussed our analysis on target genes that were validated through GEO's (Gene Expression Omnibus) DEGs (Differentially Expressed Genes) dataset, in which FGL2, TNSF12, OGN, GDF11, and BMP11 target genes were found to be down-regulated by Reference miRNAs and YAE1 and RSU1 by Delta. Few genes were also observed to be validated among in up-regulated gene set of the GEO dataset, in which MMP14, TNFRSF21, SGMS1, and TMEM192 were related to Reference whereas ZEB2 was detected in all three strains. This study thus provides an in-silico based analysis that deciphered the unique pre-miRNAs in Delta and Omicron compared to Reference. However, the findings need future wet lab studies for validation.

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Objectives Aspergillus is a ubiquitous fungus in the Indian environment. Spores are constantly circulating in hospital and community environments alike. Infections like COVID-19 which affect not only innate immune system but also lead to local immune-compromization especially in the respiratory system make the patient vulnerable to infections like Aspergillosis. Hereby, we present the prevalence of Aspergillus infection in a tertiary care center over a period of 1 year with special reference to co-infections with COVID-19 as Aspergillosis or mixed infection (Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis). Material and Methods All the samples which were submitted to Mycology laboratory during the time period of 1 year from January 2021 to December 2021 were included in the study. The samples were processed as per the standard mycological techniques for direct examination and culture. Those patients which had direct KOH mount positive for septate hyphae and grew Aspergillus on culture were included for the purpose of this study. Records of Aspergillosis patients who were positive for COVID-19 too were assessed to look for significant associating factors. Results Out of a total of 6863 samples, 66 samples came out to be positive for Aspergillus sp. Out of which, 55 were identified phenotypically as A. flavus, 3 A. fumigatus, 2 A. terreus and 1 was A. niger. In five of the strains, species could not be identified even phenotypically and were reported as Aspergillus sp. Maximum isolates (43) were from nasal and paranasal sinuses (sinus discharge, nasal tissue, nasal polyp, nasal muck, nasal crust, maxillary meatus etc) 16 were pulmonary samples (sputum, tracheal aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid, lung tissue), two were corneal scrapings, two samples were dental tissue and palatal necrosed material and two were nail samples. One sample was from a patient with ear discharge. A total of 15 patients had COVID-19 infection at the time of diagnosis or within 3 months prior. In all, 12 patients had co-infections of Aspergillus and Mucormycetes (9 being COVID positive too), and 2 patients had co-infection of Aspergillus and Candida. Records of COVID-19 patients revealed that all 12 patients with co-infection of Aspergillus and Mucormycetes were treated as per guidelines for Mucormycetes infection. Out of other three, two were confirmed CAPA as per the criteria. One patient was treated for COVID-19 infection only. Conclusion Mucormycosis was another infection during COVID-19 times, which was like a huge wave, sweeping all attention. Rather Aspergillus infections got shadowed by mucormycosis despite the fact that during COVID-19 times, as many as 15% of cases were found to be positive for Aspergillosis in COVID-19 positive patients, especially in ICU areas. In the times to come, it is speculated that sequelae of Aspergillus infections may be seen among COVID-19 patients. Emerging drug resistance among Aspergilli can worsen the situation further.

The synthesis of molecules bearing two or more contiguous, quaternary stereocenters is challenging, owing to the difficulty in controlling stereochemistry whilst simultaneously constructing a sterically congested motif. Herein, we report the electrophile-induced ring contractive 1,2-metallate rearrangement of 6-membered cyclic alkenyl boronate complexes for the synthesis of cyclopentyl boronic esters bearing two contiguous, fully substituted stereocenters with high levels of stereocontrol. Remarkably, simple variation of the reaction solvent enabled their diastereodivergent construction with facile access to complementary diastereomeric pairs. The utility of our methodology is demonstrated in the asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-herbertene-1,14-diol.

Amino phosphonates exhibit potent inhibitory activity for a wide range of biological processes due to their specific structural and electronic properties, making them important in a plethora of applications, including as enzyme inhibitors, herbicides, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agents. While the traditional synthesis of α-amino phosphonates has relied on the multicomponent Kabachnik-Fields reaction, we herein describe a novel and facile conversion of activated derivatives of α-amino acids directly to their respective α-amino phosphonate counterparts via a decarboxylative radical–polar crossover process enabled by the use of visible-light organophotocatalysis. The novel method shows broad applicability across a range of natural and synthetic amino acids, operates under mild conditions, and has been demonstrated to successfully achieve the late-stage functionalization of drug molecules.

Dengue fever is a highly endemic tropical infectious disease that is quickly spreading over the world. Diabetes Mellitus has been linked to chronic inflammation. This present study was designed to compare the severity of dengue infection among diabetic and non-diabetic populations.A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 patients (20 diabetic and 20 non-diabetic) who suffered from dengue infection. The study involved the collection of data of the dengue patients includes patient's demographic details, medical condition as well as biochemical investigations.Dengue-infected individuals with diabetes showed greater CRP, Endocan levels, IL-8 and Perfusion Index than those without diabetes (CRP; 35.308 ± 1.32 vs. 18.6365 ± 0.64) mg/dl (In conclusion the results indicate that prognosis of DHF grade II with diabetes mellitus tends to be more prone to bleeding disorder and can result into morbidity and mortality considering by triggering of the various inflammatory cascade resulting in hyperglycaemia and poor glycemic control.

The present study explored the association between daily ambient air pollution and daily emergency room (ER) visits due to acute respiratory symptoms in children of Delhi. The daily counts of ER visits (ERV) of children (≤15 years) having acute respiratory symptoms were obtained from two hospitals of Delhi for 21 months. Simultaneously, data on daily concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) and weather variables were provided by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. K-means clustering with time-series approach and multi-pollutant generalized additive models with Poisson link function was used to estimate the 0-6-day lagged change in daily ER visits with the change in multiple pollutants levels. Out of 1,32,029 children screened, 19,120 eligible children having acute respiratory symptoms for ≤2 weeks and residing in Delhi for the past 4 weeks were enrolled. There was a 29% and 21% increase in ERVs among children on high and moderate level pollution cluster days, respectively, compared to low pollution cluster days on the same day and previous 1-6 days of exposure to air pollutants. There was percentage increase (95% CI) 1.50% (0.76, 2.25) in ERVs for acute respiratory symptoms for 10 μg/m3 increase of NO2 on previous day 1, 46.78% (21.01, 78.05) for 10 μg/m3 of CO on previous day 3, and 13.15% (9.95, 16.45) for 10 μg/m3 of SO2 on same day of exposure. An increase in the daily ER visits of children for acute respiratory symptoms was observed after increase in daily ambient air pollution levels in Delhi.

Site-selective transition-metal-catalyzed mono-deboronative cross-couplings of 1,2-bis-boronic esters are valuable methods for the synthesis of functionalized organoboron compounds. However, such cross-couplings are limited to reaction of the sterically less hindered primary boronic ester. Herein, we report a nickel/photoredox-catalyzed mono-deboronative arylation of 1,2-bis-boronic esters that is selective for coupling of the more sterically hindered secondary/tertiary position. This is achieved by taking advantage of a 1,2-boron shift of primary β-boryl radicals to the thermodynamically favored secondary/tertiary radicals, which are subsequently intercepted by the nickel catalyst to enable arylation. The mild conditions are amenable to a broad range of aryl halides to give β-aryl boronic ester products in good yields and with high regioselectivity. This method also allows stereodivergent coupling of cyclic cis-1,2-bis-boronic esters to give trans-substituted products.

Onosma bracteata Wall. (Boraginaceae), commonly known as “gaozaban” is a highly valuable medicinal herb, useful in the treatment of body swellings, abdominal pain, eye-related problems, fever, and urinary calculi. The present study was performed to investigate the antioxidant properties of extract/fractions, viz. ethanol (Obeth) extract, hexane (Obhex) fraction, chloroform (Obcl) fraction, ethyl acetate (Obea) fraction, butanol (Obbu) fraction, and aqueous (Obaq) fraction isolated from O. bracteata. Obea fraction showed stronger free radical quenching ability in various antioxidant assays, as compared to the other fractions. Obea fraction with effective free radical-scavenging properties was further evaluated for the antiproliferative activity against human osteosarcoma MG-63, human neuroblastoma IMR-32, and human lung cancer A549 cell lines using MTT assay. Obea fraction showed strong cytotoxicity with GI50 value of 88.56, 101.61, and 112.7 μg/ml towards MG-63, IMR-32, and A549 cells respectively. Mechanistic studies revealed that Obea fraction in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. In the presence of Obea, the cells were found to be arrested in the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner which is also confirmed by the enhancement in the early apoptotic cell population in flow cytometer analysis. Western blotting demonstrated the decrease in expression of p-NFκB, COX-2, p-Akt, and Bcl-xL, whereas upregulation was observed in the expression of GSK-3β, p53, caspase-3, and caspase-9 proteins. RT-qPCR studies revealed downregulation of Bcl-2, cyclin E, CDK2, and mortalin gene expression and upregulation in the expression of p53 genes. The antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of Obea was attributed to the presence of catechin, kaempferol, onosmin A, and epicatechin, as revealed by HPLC analysis. This is the first report regarding the antiproliferative potential of O. bracteata against osteosarcoma.

The reaction of bicyclo[1.1.0]butyl pinacol boronic ester (BCB‐Bpin) with nucleophiles has been studied. Unlike BCBs bearing electron‐withdrawing groups, which react with nucleophiles at the β‐position, BCB‐Bpin reacts with a diverse set of heteroatom (O, S, N)‐centred nucleophiles exclusively at the α‐position. Aliphatic alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, thiols and sulfonamides were found to be competent nucleophiles, providing ready access to α‐heteroatom‐substituted cyclobutyl boronic esters. In contrast, sterically hindered bis‐sulfonamides and related nucleophiles reacted with BCB‐Bpin at the β’‐position leading to cyclopropanes with high trans‐selectivity. The origin of selectivity is discussed.

Bull fertility is considered an indispensable trait, as far as farm economics is concerned since it is the successful conception in a cow that provides calf crop, along with the ensuing lactation. This ensures sustainability of a dairy farm. Traditionally, bull fertility did not receive much attention by the farm managers and breeding animals were solely evaluated based on phenotypic predictors, namely, sire conception rate and seminal parameters in bull. With the advent of the molecular era in animal breeding, attempts were made to unravel the genetic complexity of bull fertility by the identification of genetic markers related to the trait. Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) is a methodology that aims at utilizing the genetic information at markers and selecting improved populations for important traits. Traditionally, MAS was pursued using a candidate gene approach for identifying markers related to genes that are already known to have a physiological function related to the trait but this approach had certain shortcomings like stringent criteria for significance testing. Now, with the availability of genome-wide data, the number of markers identified and variance explained in relation to bull fertility has gone up. So, this presents a unique opportunity to revisit MAS by selection based on the information of a large number of genome-wide markers and thus, improving the accuracy of selection.

The synthetically versatile pinacol boronic ester group (Bpin) is generally thought of as a bulky moiety because of the two adjacent quaternary sp3 -hydribized carbon atoms in its diol backbone. However, recent diastereoselective reactions reported in the literature have cast doubt on this perception. Reported herein is a detailed experimental and computational analysis of Bpin and structurally related boronic esters which allows determination of three different steric parameters for the Bpin group: the A-value, ligand cone angle, and percent buried volume. All three parameters suggest that the Bpin moiety is remarkably small, with the planarity of the oxygen-boron-oxygen motif playing an important role in minimising steric interactions. Of the three steric parameters, percent buried volume provides the best correlation between steric size and diastereoselectivity in a Diels-Alder reaction.

1,2-Bis-boronic esters are useful synthetic intermediates particularly as the two boronic esters can be selectively functionalized. Usually, the less hindered primary boronic ester reacts, but herein, we report a coupling reaction that enables the reversal of this selectivity. This is achieved through the formation of a boronate complex with an electron-rich aryllithium which, in the presence of an electron-deficient aryl nitrile, leads to the formation of an electron donor-acceptor complex. Following visible-light photoinduced electron transfer, a primary radical is generated which isomerizes to the more stable secondary radical before radical–radical coupling with the arene radical–anion, giving β-aryl primary boronic ester products. The reactions proceed under catalyst-free conditions. This method also allows stereodivergent coupling of cyclic cis -1,2-bis-boronic esters to provide trans -substituted products, complementing the selectivity observed in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction.