Easy Access to α-Ketothioamides via Oxidative Amidation of Bunte Salts Using Electrolysis or Hypervalent Iodine.

Two new protocols leveraging electrochemical and hypervalent iodine-mediated synthesis of α-ketothioamides have been developed by using easily accessible and cost-effective Bunte salts and secondary amines. The methods are efficient, simple, and straightforward, and showcase the formation of C-N bonds across diverse substrates under ambient conditions.

Evaluation of Diagnostic Methods and Rifampicin Resistance in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Hospital-Based Study.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, predominantly affecting the lungs (pulmonary TB) and is a significant public health challenge in India. The study aims to analyze demographic, radiological, and clinical subgroups of pulmonary TB cases, examine the relationship between smear acid-fast bacillus (AFB examination) and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT), evaluate CBNAAT sensitivity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in new and previously treated patients, and determine the proportion of rifampicin resistance. Methods This hospital-based prospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with pulmonary TB at the Respiratory Medicine Department of a Government Hospital over 16 months (August 2019 to December 2020). The study included 150 diagnosed TB cases (new and previously treated). Data collection encompassed demographic details, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, radiological findings (chest X-ray), and microbiological results (smear AFB examination, CBNAAT). Sputum samples were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen staining and CBNAAT for MTB detection and rifampicin resistance testing. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Of the 150 patients, 69.3% were male, and 48% were aged 21-40 years. The majority had a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m² (50%) and resided in urban areas (63.3%). Common symptoms included cough (95.3%), fever (80%), and weight loss (74%). Cavitary lesions on chest X-ray were observed in 84% of patients. Smear microscopy detected MTB in 72.7% of cases, while CBNAAT detected MTB in 94% of cases. CBNAAT sensitivity for smear-positive and smear-negative samples was 93.97% and 94.12%, respectively. Rifampicin resistance was found in 3% of new cases and 6% of previously treated cases. The sensitivity of smear microscopy was 77.33%, and the sensitivity of CBNAAT was 94%. Conclusion The study underscores the high burden of pulmonary TB and the utility of CBNAAT in detecting MTB and rifampicin resistance, particularly in smear-negative samples. The findings highlight the necessity of universal drug susceptibility testing (DST) for effective TB management and the importance of addressing drug resistance to improve treatment outcomes.

Overexpression of rice lectin receptor-like kinase, OsLec-RLK, confers salinity stress tolerance and increases seed yield in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.).

KEY MESSAGE: OsLec-RLK overexpression enhances cell signalling and salt stress tolerance in pigeon pea, enhancing seed yield and harvest index and thus, enabling marginal lands to increase food and nutritional security. Lectin Receptor-like kinases (Lec-RLKs) are highly effective cell signaling molecules that counteract various stresses, including salt stress. We engineered pigeon pea by overexpressing OsLec-RLK gene for enhancing salt tolerance. The OsLec-RLK overexpression lines demonstrated superior performance under salt stress, from vegetative to reproductive phase, compared to wild types (WT). The overexpression lines had significantly higher K+/Na+ ratio than WT exposed to 100 mM NaCl. Under salt stress, transgenic lines showed higher levels of chlorophyll, proline, total soluble sugars, relative water content, and peroxidase and catalase activity than WT plants. Membrane injury index and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced in transgenic lines. Analysis of phenological and yield attributes confirmed that the OsLec-RLK pigeon pea lines maintain plant vigor, with 10.34-fold increase in seed yield (per plant) and 4-5-fold increase in harvest index of overexpression lines, compared to wild type. Meanwhile, the overexpression of OsLec-RLK up-regulated the expression levels of histone deacetylase1, acyl CoA, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase, which were involved in the K+/Na+ homeostasis pathway. This study showed the potential of OsLec-RLK gene for increasing crop productivity and yields under salt stress and enabling the crops to be grown on marginal lands for increasing food and nutritional security.

A study of clinical correlates and predictors of insight in obsessive compulsive disorder.

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous psychiatric disorder in terms of symptom content and insight. Aim: To study the various factors associated with insight in OCD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted among 40 patients with OCD who were evaluated on Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale, Meta-Cognitions Questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF, and Sheehan Disability Scale. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: Metacognition, severity of OCD, and associated disability were the significant predictors for insight in patients with OCD. Conclusion: Factors associated with insight in OCD can enhance our understanding in the management of OCD.

The Potential of Mitochondrial Therapeutics in the Treatment of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Aging.

Mitochondria are central to cellular energy production, and their dysfunction is a major contributor to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, pivotal factors in aging, and related diseases. With aging, mitochondrial efficiency declines, leading to an increase in ROS and persistent inflammatory responses. Therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial health show promise in mitigating these detrimental effects. Antioxidants such as MitoQ and MitoVitE, and supplements like coenzyme Q10 and NAD + precursors, have demonstrated potential in reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, gene therapy aimed at enhancing mitochondrial function, alongside lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and caloric restriction can ameliorate age-related mitochondrial decline. Exercise not only boosts mitochondrial biogenesis but also improves mitophagy. Enhancing mitophagy is a key strategy to prevent the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, which is crucial for cellular homeostasis and longevity. Pharmacological agents like sulforaphane, SS-31, and resveratrol indirectly promote mitochondrial biogenesis and improve cellular resistance to oxidative damage. The exploration of mitochondrial therapeutics, including emerging techniques like mitochondrial transplantation, offers significant avenues for extending health span and combating age-related diseases. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming challenges in precisely targeting dysfunctional mitochondria and optimizing delivery mechanisms for therapeutic agents. Continued research is essential to refine these approaches and fully understand the interplay between mitochondrial dynamics and aging.

Advancing the understanding of diabetic encephalopathy through unravelling pathogenesis and exploring future treatment perspectives.

Diabetic encephalopathy (DE), a significant micro-complication of diabetes, manifests as neurochemical, structural, behavioral, and cognitive alterations. This condition is especially dangerous for the elderly because aging raises the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment, both of which can be made worse by diabetes. Despite its severity, diagnosis of this disease is challenging, and there is a paucity of information on its pathogenesis. The pivotal roles of various cellular pathways, activated or influenced by hyperglycemia, insulin sensitivity, amyloid accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, brain vasculopathy, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, are widely recognized for contributing to the potential causes of diabetic encephalopathy. We also reviewed current pharmacological strategies for DE encompassing a comprehensive approach targeting metabolic dysregulations and neurological manifestations. Antioxidant-based therapies hold promise in mitigating oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage, while anti-diabetic drugs offer neuroprotective effects through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of insulin signaling pathways and neuroinflammation. Additionally, tissue engineering and nanomedicine-based approaches present innovative strategies for targeted drug delivery and regenerative therapies for DE. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in translating these therapeutic interventions into clinical practice, including long-term safety, scalability, and regulatory approval. Further research is warranted to optimize these approaches and address remaining gaps in the management of DE and associated neurodegenerative disorders.

Study on the effect of geometrical and operational parameters on performance dynamics of modified rotary blades using DEM.

The geometric features and operational parameters of rotary blades on rotary tillers significantly impact their performance characteristics. The sweepback angle is a geometric feature of the 'L'-shaped rotary blade that has remained unexplored in previous studies. This study aimed to analyze the effect of geometrical and operational parameters on the performance dynamics of the 'L'-shaped rotary blade. The investigation was conducted using the discrete element method (DEM) and further validated through experiments conducted in a soil bin. The simulation experiment was conducted by dividing the particle bed into horizontal particle zones. The effect of the geometrical (sweepback angle) and operational parameters (forward speed, rotational speed, and depth) on the power requirement, disturbance intensity, and mixing index was studied. The novel method was adopted to determine the mixing capability of rotary blades in terms of sub-domain mixing index (SMI) and overall mixing index (OMI). The results revealed that the power requirements for a sweepback angle of 18° were 26.39% and 16.50% lower than those for sweepback angles of 6° and 12°, respectively. The sweepback angle tends to have the least effect on the overall mixing index compared to operational parameters. The average particle velocity decreased by 22.19% and 29.60% with sweepback angles of 12° and 18°, respectively, compared to the sweepback angle of 6°. The relative error during the experiment varied between 1.29% and 13.51%. It was concluded that the sweepback angle was found to be a feasible option for reducing the power requirement with good mixing indices.

Complex Interplay between DNA Damage and Autophagy in Disease and Therapy.

Cancer, a multifactorial disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, remains a global health challenge with significant morbidity and mortality. Genomic and molecular aberrations, coupled with environmental factors, contribute to its heterogeneity and complexity. Chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin (Dox) have shown efficacy against various cancers but are hindered by dose-dependent cytotoxicity, particularly on vital organs like the heart and brain. Autophagy, a cellular process involved in self-degradation and recycling, emerges as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases. Dysregulation of autophagy contributes to cancer progression and drug resistance, while its modulation holds the potential to enhance treatment outcomes and mitigate adverse effects. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between autophagy, DNA damage, and caretaker breast cancer genes BRCA1/2, highlighting the interplay between DNA repair mechanisms and cellular homeostasis. This review explores the intricate relationship between cancer, Dox-induced cytotoxicity, autophagy modulation, and the potential implications of autophagy in DNA damage repair pathways, particularly in the context of BRCA1/2 mutations.

Distal Femur Cemented Modular Prosthesis Failure Causing a Medical Device-Related Adverse Event: A Report of a Rare Case.

A distal femoral cemented modular prosthesis is a viable option for post-bone tumor and limb salvage procedures. The major reasons for implant failures are the poor quality of implants, mechanical stress, biochemical reactions, and extended period of the implant in vivo use. Rare incidences have been reported of distal femur prosthesis implant malfunctioning in a subject having osteosarcoma. Common adverse events associated with implant failure include surgical site infections, swelling, pain, revision of the surgical procedure, cyst formation, and build-up of metal debris on soft tissues. Our case report summarizes gross malfunctioning of a distal femur cemented modular prosthesis experienced by a 24-year-old post-operated osteosarcoma patient who developed excruciating sudden pain and the inability to bear weight on the right leg, with the sudden onset of these symptoms developing while turning in bed.

A rare case of extragastrointestinal stromal tumor of vocal cord - case report.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Extra Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are rare neoplasms that occur outside the gastrointestinal tract [1]. Miettinen et al. [2] described the first EGIST in 1999. EGIST accounts for 10% of all GISTs [3]. The main distinction between GIST and EGIST is the site of origin of the primary tumor, as GIST occurs throughout the GI tract, from the esophagus to the anus, whereas EGIST is a tumor without any connection with the intestinal wall and are reported in the retroperitoneum, mesentery, and omentum [4]. Hu et al. [5] reported a first case report of EGIST of larynx.We present a second case report of Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumor of larynx a 47-year-old male reported to ENT Department Command Hospital Central Command Lucknow with complaints of Hoarseness. On examination found to have right vocal cord growth for which he underwent excision of right vocal cord growth. Histopathological examination showed typical of a spindle-cell GIST, showing strong immunoreactivity for CD 117, DOG1, Vimentin and CD 99. 6 months follow up post surgery with no recurrence.

Pollutant removal efficiency of bare and planted rain gardens with diverse planting mixtures.

This study examines the influence of planting mixture variations on the quality of the percolated water of the rain garden with and without plants. Six planting mixtures in experimental rain gardens have been used. It has been noted that pollutant removal efficiency of RG can exhibit variations based on specific parameters. Notably, RG6, utilizing a planting mix of 75% topsoil and 25% compost, demonstrated the highest performance. These results draw attention to the critical role of the specific planting mixtures in influencing the performance of vital parameters related to pollutant removal. The observation shows that RG5 exhibits exceptional removal efficiency in pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and RG6 performs best in electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) removal. In particular, when analyzing pollutant removal on a surface with Madagascar periwinkle plants, RG6 emerges as the most effective, achieving an impressive efficiency of approximately 49%. For the bare surface, pollutant removal efficiency is 40%. The study outcome will be useful in deciding the composition of the planting mixture, which will keep the rain garden to improve quality and quantitatively hydrological performance, lowering urban flooding magnitude.

Sterically Controlled Lewis Acid-Base Interaction Toward para-Selective Borylation of Aromatic Aldimines and Benzylamines.

Site-selective C-H bond functionalization of arenes at the para position remains extremely challenging primarily due to its relative inaccessibility from the catalytic site. As a consequence, it is significantly restricted to the limited molecular scaffolds. Herein, we report a method for the para-C-H borylation of aromatic aldimines and benzylamines using commercially available ligands under iridium catalysis. The established method displayed excellent para-selectivity for variously substituted aromatic aldimines, benzylamines and bioactive molecules. Based on the several control experiments, it has been realized that a Lewis acid-base interaction between the nitrogen and boron functionality guides the para selectivity via a steric shield for the aromatic aldimines, where Bpin acts as a transient directing group. However, the steric shield of the in situ generated N-Bpin moiety controlled the overall selectivity for the para borylation of benzylamines.

Non-chemical weed management: Harnessing flame weeding for effective weed control.

The goal of the current study was to create and assess the effectiveness of a hand-pulled ergonomically designed flame weeder. The developed weeder was tested in the field at three operating pressures (20, 30 and 40 Psi) and forward speeds (1.00, 1.25 and 1.50 km/h) to study their effects on plant damage, survival rates, weight preservation rates, weed management effectiveness, soil temperatures, and gas and energy consumption. Thereafter, at optimized values of forward speed and operating pressure, a comparative assessment of flame weeding with traditional methods (mechanical and manual weeding) was done in terms of weed control effectiveness, operational time, energy consumption, and cost of operation. Results showed that the optimal performance of the designed flame weeder was achieved when operated at a speed of 1 km/h and an operating pressure of 40 psi. The survival rate, weight preservation rate, weed control efficiency, change in soil temperature, recovery rate, plant damage, gas consumption, and energy consumption were observed to be 27.3 %, 32.5 %, 91.1 %, 40.74 °C, 8.5 %, 2.2 %, 4.05 kg/h, and 2500.24 MJ/ha, respectively, at optimized values of forward speed (1.00 km/h) and operating pressure (40 Psi). The actual field capacity, field efficiency and operating cost of the flame weeder were 0.0755 ha/h, 94.94 %, and 3620.81 ₹/ha, respectively. Hand weeding had the best level of weed control effectiveness, but it was a laborious, time-consuming process. When compared to manual weeding, flame weeding was 50.42 % cheaper and 94.82 % faster.

Monitoring of terrestrial gamma dose rate from the Kumaun Himalayan region of the Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand, India.

The present study is carried out in 42 sampling sites for the measurement of background gamma dose rate in six tehsils of the Bageshwar district that comes under the Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand. The annual effective dose in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons was estimated from the measured values of the Gamma dose rate. It is found that the minimum and maximum values ranged between 0.01-0.39 mSv per y (Arithmetic Mean = 0.19 mSv per y) in the pre-monsoon and 0.11-0.42 mSv per y (Arithmetic Mean = 0.20 mSv per y) in the post-monsoon season of the year. The finding of the present study shows that the annual effective dose equivalent is higher than the worldwide average value recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation.

Exploring advancements in early detection of Alzheimer's disease with molecular assays and animal models.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a challenging neurodegenerative condition, with overwhelming implications for affected individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Animal models have played a crucial role in studying AD pathogenesis and testing therapeutic interventions. Remarkably, studies on the genetic factors affecting AD risk, such as APOE and TREM2, have provided valuable insights into disease mechanisms. Early diagnosis has emerged as a crucial factor in effective AD management, as demonstrated by clinical studies emphasizing the benefits of initiating treatment at early stages. Novel diagnostic technologies, including RNA sequencing of microglia, offer promising avenues for early detection and monitoring of AD progression. Therapeutic strategies remain to evolve, with a focus on targeting amyloid beta (Aß) and tau pathology. Advances in animal models, such as APP-KI mice, and the advancement of anti-Aß drugs signify progress towards more effective treatments. Therapeutically, the focus has shifted towards intricate approaches targeting multiple pathological pathways simultaneously. Strategies aimed at reducing Aß plaque accumulation, inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, and modulating neuroinflammation are actively being explored, both in preclinical models and clinical trials. While challenges continue in developing validated animal models and translating preclinical findings to clinical success, the continuing efforts in understanding AD at molecular, cellular, and clinical levels offer hope for improved management and eventual prevention of this devastating disease.

Visible-Light-Induced Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfones via Decarboxylative Sulfonylation of Cinnamic Acids Using Sulfonylazides/p-Toluenesulfonylmethyl Isocyanide/ß-Keto Sulfones.

An efficient visible-light-induced synthesis of vinyl sulfones has been accomplished via decarboxylative sulfonylation of cinnamic acids using sulfonylazides, p-toluenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide, and ß-keto sulfones as sulfonyl source, in the presence of inexpensive organic photocatalysts like rhodamine B and eosin Y. The reaction is facile, straightforward, and endowed with wide substrate scope and functional group tolerability.

Design and assessment of tractor-driven chopping tilling and mixing machine for in-situ management of paddy straw.

In many Indian regions, paddy wheat is the main crop rotation and facing the problem of straw incorporation for seed bed preparation in short period. The handling of straw in combine harvested paddy fields is a significant issue in the paddy wheat rotation. In order to solve this issue, efforts were carried out to cut paddy straw into small pieces by the newly proposed counter-rotating blades, followed by the simultaneous incorporation of a rotary tiller into the soil. Therefore, a tractor operated chopping cum tilling mixing machine was developed. In the study, three different blades (straw management system (SMS) Serrated, cutter bar and SMS plain) were tested in the terms of torque and required to chop the straw. SMS serrated blade was best suitable for the chopping mechanism as it required minimum cutting torque for the straw bunches. The developed chopping cum tilling mixing machine was tested at three different levels of forward speed (1.77, 2.3, and 3 km h-1), moisture content at three levels (35 ± 3.4, 24 ± 2.2 and 17 ± 2.6%) with fix rotary tiller rotational speed of 810 rev min-1. Optimum operating condition of the machine was obtained at a forward speed of 1.9 km h-1 and a moisture of 24%. At these optimized values, the mixing index (96%), mean weight diameter (7.9 mm), bulk density (1230 g cc-1) and fuel consumption (3 l h-1) were 96%, 7.9 mm, 1230 g cc-1 and 3.0 l h-1 respectively. The developed machine performs three operations i.e., chopping, tilling, and mixing in single pass for effective in-situ straw management.

Sulfur-Mediated Decarboxylative Amidation of Cinnamic Acids via C═C Bond Cleavage.

A new strategy for the synthesis of amides has been developed using sulfur-mediated decarboxylative coupling of cinnamic acids with amines via oxidative cleavage of the C═C bond.

Formulation of next-generation polyvalent vaccine candidates against three important poxviruses by targeting DNA-dependent RNA polymerase using an integrated immunoinformatics and molecular modeling approach.

BACKGROUND: Poxviruses comprise a group of large double-stranded DNA viruses and are known to cause diseases in humans, livestock animals, and other animal species. The Mpox virus (MPXV; formerly Monkeypox), variola virus (VARV), and volepox virus (VPXV) are among the prevalent poxviruses of the Orthopoxviridae genera. The ongoing Mpox infectious disease pandemic caused by the Mpox virus has had a major impact on public health across the globe. To date, only limited repurposed antivirals and vaccines are available for the effective treatment of Mpox and other poxviruses that cause contagious diseases. METHODS: The present study was conducted with the primary goal of formulating multi-epitope vaccines against three evolutionary closed poxviruses i.e., MPXV, VARV, and VPXV using an integrated immunoinformatics and molecular modeling approach. DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (DdRp), a potential vaccine target of poxviruses, has been used to determine immunodominant B and T-cell epitopes followed by interactions analysis with Toll-like receptor 2 at the atomic level. RESULTS: Three multi-epitope vaccine constructs, namely DdRp_MPXV (V1), DdRp_VARV (V2), and DdRp_VPXV (V3) were designed. These vaccine constructs were found to be antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and soluble with desired physicochemical properties. Protein-protein docking and interaction profiling analysis depicts a strong binding pattern between the targeted immune receptor TLR2 and the structural models of the designed vaccine constructs, and manifested a number of biochemical bonds (hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, and non-bonded contacts). State-of-the-art all-atoms molecular dynamics simulations revealed highly stable interactions of vaccine constructs with TLR2 at the atomic level throughout the simulations on 300 nanoseconds. Additionally, the outcome of the immune simulation analysis suggested that designed vaccines have the potential to induce protective immunity against targeted poxviruses. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, formulated next-generation polyvalent vaccines were found to have good efficacy against closely related poxviruses (MPXV, VARV, and VPXV) as demonstrated by our extensive immunoinformatics and molecular modeling evaluations; however, further experimental investigations are still needed.

An Adjustable Pneumatic Planter with Reduced Source Vibration for Better Precision in Field Seeding.

The growing demand for agricultural output and limited resources encourage precision applications to generate higher-order output by utilizing minimal inputs of seed, fertilizer, land, and water. An electronically operated planter was developed, considering problems like ground-wheel skidding, field vibration, and the lack of ease in field adjustments of ground-wheel-driven seed-metering plates. The seed-metering plate of each unit of the developed planter is individually driven by a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, and a BLDC motor-based aspirator is attached for pneumatic suction of seeds. The revolutions per minute (RPM) of the seed-metering plate are controlled by a microcontroller as per the received data relating to RPM from the ground wheel and the current RPM of the seed-metering plate. A feedback loop with proportional integral derivative (PID) control is responsible for reducing the error. Additionally, each row unit is attached to a parallelogram-based depth control system that can provide depth between 0 and 100 mm. The suction pressure in each unit is regulated as per seed type using the RPM control knob of an individual BLDC motor-based aspirator. The row-to-row spacing can be changed from 350 mm to any desired spacing. The cotton variety selected for the study was RCH 659, and the crucial parameters like orifice size, vacuum pressure, and forward speed were optimized in the laboratory with the adoption of a central composite rotatable design. An orifice diameter of 2.947 mm with vacuum pressure of 3.961 kPa and forward speed of 4.261 km/h was found optimal. A quality feed index of 93% with a precision index of 8.01% was observed from laboratory tests under optimized conditions. Quality feed index and precision index values of 88.8 and 12.75%, respectively, were obtained from field tests under optimized conditions.