Early ontogenesis from embryo to juvenile in Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis under laboratory conditions.

Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, is a flatfish of high commercial value in the world. It has been identified as an interesting and promising species for marine commercial aquaculture diversification in Europe for at least four decades and was introduced to China in 2003. Early ontogenesis from embryo to juvenile stages in S. senegalensis was analysed under controlled laboratory conditions to provide morphological information for aquaculture. From 0 to 59 days post hatching (dph), 10-20 larvae were sampled and measured each day (0-17 dph) or every 2-6 days (17-59 dph). Morphological characteristics from the egg to the juvenile stage were described. The eggs were separate and spherical with multiple oil globules. After 3 dph, the yolk sac was completely absorbed, mouth and anus were open, a swim bladder appeared, and larvae began feeding on rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis). The larvae began metamorphosis as the notochord flexed upward and the left eye migrated upward after 10 dph. The left eye migrated to the dorsal midline at 15 dph. At 19 dph, the left eye was translocated to the right-ocular side, and the juveniles adopted a benthic lifestyle. The swim bladder degenerated, and the juveniles completed metamorphosis at 23 dph. The growth patterns of some parameters (TL, SL, BH, BW) during larval and juvenile development stages were identified. The inflection points, which are slopes of growth changes, were calculated in growth curves. Three inflection points occurring in the growth curves of larvae and juveniles were found to be associated with metamorphosis, weaning, and transitions in feeding habits. The basic information of embryo development and ontogenesis in this study represents a valuable contribution to the S. senegalensis industry, especially in artificial breeding and rearing techniques.

Cl2 ⋠- Mediates Direct and Selective Conversion of Inert C(sp3 )-H Bonds into Aldehydes/Ketones.

Developing new reactive pathway to activate inert C(sp3 )-H bonds for valuable oxygenated products remains a challenge. We prepared a series of triazine conjugated organic polymers to photoactivate C-H into aldehyde/ketone via O2 →H2 O2 →⋅OH→Cl⋅→Cl2 ⋅- . Experiment results showed Cl2 ⋅- could successively activate C(sp3 )-H more effectively than Cl⋅ to generate unstable dichlorinated intermediates, increasing the kinetic rate ratio of dichlorination to monochlorination by a factor of 2,000 and thus breaking traditional dichlorination kinetic constraints. These active intermediates were hydrolyzed into aldehydes or ketones easily, when compared with typical stable dichlorinated complexes, avoiding chlorinated by-product generation. Moreover, an integrated two-phase system in an acid solution strengthened the Cl2 ⋅- mediated process and inhibited product overoxidation, where the conversion rate of toluene reached 16.94 mmol/g/h and the selectivity of benzaldehyde was 99.5 %. This work presents a facile and efficient approach for selective conversion of inert C(sp3 )-H bonds using Cl2 ⋅- .

Direct Assembly of Diverse Unsymmetrical Tertiary 9-Fluorenols via Transient Directing Group-Enabled Palladium-Catalyzed Dual C-H Bond Activation of α-Ketoesters.

An expeditious construction of an unsymmetrical tertiary 9-fluorenol skeleton was accomplished starting from readily available α-ketoester and aryl iodide. Inexpensive commercially available substituted aniline was utilized as a potent monodentate transient directing group (TDG) to assist palladium-catalyzed direct ortho-C-H arylation and tandem dual C-H activation of α-ketoesters to form two carbon-carbon bonds. To demonstrate practical applications, the reaction was enlarged to the gram scale, and subsequent one-step derivatization allowed facile access to structurally diversified useful derivatives. A series of control experiments were carried out to shed light on the possible catalytic mechanism.

Visible-Light-Induced Selective Defluoroborylation of Polyfluoroarenes, gem-Difluoroalkenes, and Trifluoromethylalkenes.

Fluorinated organoboranes serve as versatile synthetic precursors for the preparation of value-added fluorinated organic compounds. Recent progress has been mainly focused on the transition-metal catalyzed defluoroborylation. Herein, we report a photocatalytic defluoroborylation platform through direct B-H activation of N-heterocyclic carbene boranes, through the synergistic merger of a photoredox catalyst and a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst. This atom-economic and operationally simple protocol has enabled defluoroborylation of an extremely broad scope of multifluorinated substrates including polyfluoroarenes, gem-difluoroalkenes, and trifluoromethylalkenes in a highly selective fashion. Intriguingly, the defluoroborylation protocol can be transition-metal free, and the regioselectivity obtained is complementary to the reported transition-metal-catalysis in many cases.

Monodentate Transient Directing Group Assisted Pd-Catalyzed Direct Dehydrogenative Cross-Coupling of Benzaldehydes with Arenes toward 9-Fluorenones.

Commercially available 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline was found to be a highly efficient monodentate transient directing group (MonoTDG) for the palladium-catalyzed direct dehydrogenative cross-coupling of benzaldehydes with arenes. A diverse set of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 9-fluorenones was readily obtained in yields of 32-72% along with excellent regioselectivities and broad functional group compatibility as well as high atom economy under mild conditions via a dual carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond activation sequence.

Neutral-Eosin-Y-Photocatalyzed Silane Chlorination Using Dichloromethane.

Chlorosilanes are versatile reagents in organic synthesis and material science. A mild pathway is now reported for the quantitative conversion of hydrosilanes to silyl chlorides under visible-light irradiation using neutral eosin Y as a hydrogen-atom-transfer photocatalyst and dichloromethane as a chlorinating agent. Stepwise chlorination of di- and trihydrosilanes was achieved in a highly selective fashion assisted by continuous-flow micro-tubing reactors. The ability to access silyl radicals using photocatalytic Si-H activation promoted by eosin Y offers new perspectives for the synthesis of valuable silicon reagents in a convenient and green manner.

Cobalt-catalyzed directed C-H alkenylation of pivalophenone N-H imine with alkenyl phosphates.

A cobalt-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst efficiently promotes an ortho C-H alkenylation reaction of pivalophenone N-H imine with an alkenyl phosphate. The reaction tolerates various substituted pivalophenone N-H imines as well as cyclic and acyclic alkenyl phosphates.

N-H Imine as a Powerful Directing Group for Cobalt-Catalyzed Olefin Hydroarylation.

N-alkyl and N-aryl imines have been frequently used as directing groups in rhodium- and cobalt-catalyzed hydroarylation reactions of olefins and alkynes. However, the scope of such hydroarylation reactions has been limited by the difficulty of preparation of sterically hindered imines by condensation, and also by the steric bulkiness of the imine group itself. Reported herein is that an N-H imine serves as an alternative and highly effective directing group for cobalt-catalyzed hydroarylation of olefins, and unlocks many of the limitations associated with the previously employed N-aryl imine directing group. The power of this minimal nitrogen directing group is manifested in a fourfold ortho alkylation of benzophenone imine, and it occurs rapidly at ambient temperature.

Intramolecular oxidative coupling: I2/TBHP/NaN3-mediated synthesis of benzofuran derivatives.

A novel intramolecular oxidative coupling reaction has been established to prepare benzofuran derivatives via direct C(sp(2))-H functionalization for the formation of C-O bond. This transformation is mediated by I2/TBHP/NaN3 under metal-free conditions and a catalytic amount of NaN3 plays a crucial role in the reaction. Furthermore, the reaction tolerates a broad substrate scope with average to excellent yields.

Highly linear selective cobalt-catalyzed addition of aryl imines to styrenes: reversing intrinsic regioselectivity by ligand elaboration.

Highly linear selective, imine-directed hydroarylation of styrene has been achieved with cobalt-based catalytic systems featuring bis(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(phenyl)phosphine and either 2-methoxypyridine or DBU as a ligand and a Lewis base additive, respectively, thus affording a variety of 1,2-diarylethanes (bibenzyls) in good yields under mild reaction conditions. The triarylphosphine controls the regioselectivity, while the Lewis base significantly accelerates the reaction. Ligand screening and deuterium-labeling studies provide implications about the roles of the ligand and the Lewis base in the crucial C-C reductive elimination step.

High water temperature triggers early sexual maturation in the juvenile red spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara: Via regulation of reproduction-related hormones in the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis.

The red spotted grouper Epinephelus akaara is a marine species of economic importance and also at risk of extinction. This study investigated the effects of high water temperature on the growth and maturation of juvenile E. akaara females. From 160-420 days post-hatching (dph), the fish were maintained under natural water temperature (NT) and a constant high-water temperature (HT). From 240 dph, both the total length and body weight in the HT group were greater than in NT group. After 360 dph, the gonadosomatic index was also increased in the HT group compared to NT group. Mature oocytes were only observed in the HT group at 330, 360, and 390 dph. Both kiss1 and kiss2 levels increased at 240 and 270 dph in both groups; however, they were greater in the HT group at 240 dph. Similarly, gpr54 levels after 360 dph were greater in the HT group, suggesting that kisspeptin is related to maturation via its receptor gpr54. Levels of fshß and lhß were greater in the HT group after 360 dph. Estradiol-17ß (E2) levels after 160 dph (except 300 dph) were greater in the HT group than in the NT group, suggesting that the higher E2 levels trigger maturation, and is related to increased fshß and lhß. This study provides evidence that high water temperature is effective in accelerating growth and triggering early maturation of juvenile E. akaara, via regulating gpr54, fshß, lhß, and E2 levels.

Defluoroalkylation of gem-Difluoroalkenes with Alcohols via C-F/C-H Coupling.

A feasible and effective method to synthesize α-fluoroalkenyl alcohols was reported. With the cooperation of photoredox and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) processes, defluoroalkylations of gem-difluoroalkenes occurred smoothly with alcohols under visible-light irradiation. Notably, the protocols feature broad scopes, mild conditions, and validity for the late-stage functionalization of bioactive molecule derivatives. Mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction occurred through the radical coupling of the alkyl radical and the fluoroalkenyl radical.

Diastereoselective dearomatization of indoles via photocatalytic hydroboration on hydramine-functionalized carbon nitride.

A protocol for trans-hydroboration of indole derivatives using heterogeneous photocatalysis with NHC-borane has been developed, addressing a persistent challenge in organic synthesis. The protocol, leveraging high crystalline vacancy-engineered polymeric carbon nitride as a catalyst, enables diastereoselective synthesis, expanding substrate scope and complementing existing methods. The approach emphasizes eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, making it suitable for industrial applications, particularly in renewable energy contexts. The catalyst's superior performance, attributed to its rich carbon-vacancies and well-ordered structure, surpasses more expensive homogeneous alternatives, enhancing viability for large-scale use. This innovation holds promise for synthesizing bioactive compounds and materials relevant to medicinal chemistry and beyond.

Visible-Light-Induced Selective α-Fluoroarylation of Secondary N-Alkyl Anilines with Polyfluoroarenes via Direct C-H/C-F Coupling.

Direct and selective fluoroarylations of nucleophilic secondary alkylanilines with polyfluoroarenes were first realized through visible-light-induced C-H/C-F couplings with the assistance of bases. Varieties of α-polyfluoroarylanilines were selectively produced with this protocol from polyfluoroarenes and N-alkylanilines, including natural products and pharmaceutical molecule derivatives. Mechanistic studies illustrated base-promoted photochemical C-H cleavage of the α-C-H bonds of alkylanilines to produce the N-α-carbon radical and then radical addition to polyfluoroarenes.

Effects of Various LED Light Spectra on Growth, Gonadal Development, and Growth-/Reproduction-Related Hormones in the Juvenile Red Spotted Grouper, Epinephelus akaara.

The light spectrum is a key environmental cue involved in growth and reproduction in teleosts. This study investigated the effects of exposure on juvenile red spotted grouper exposed to white (control), red (590 nm), blue (480 nm), and green (520 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (12 h light:12 h dark) for two months. The body weight (BW), total length (TL), condition factor (CF), weight gain rate (WGR), gonadosomatic index (GSI), and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were assessed. Gonadal development was observed. The gene expression of growth-related hormones, such as growth hormone (GH), pre-pro-somatostatin-I (PSS-I), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and CCK, and of reproduction-related hormones, such as Kiss1, Kiss2, GPR54, sbGnRH, FSHß, and LHß, was analyzed. The results showed that the fish in the white LED group exhibited the best BW, TL, CF, WGR, and HSI after one or two months. The fish exposed to white LEDs showed the best growth after two months, but no significant differences in GH levels were detected. Contrarily, the expression levels of the PSS-I significantly increased (p < 0.05) in fish from the white group, suggesting the complex regulation of GH production and the limited effects of PSS-I on the inhibition of GH synthesis and somatic growth. The significantly increased NPY levels in the four LED groups (p < 0.05) indicated that these four LED spectra were effective in stimulating food intake and energy homeostasis. After two months, the gonads developed from chromatin nucleolar-stage oocytes to perinucleolar-stage oocytes in the four LED groups. The gene expression of Kiss2 and GPR54 in the four LED groups and of sbGnRH in the white and blue LED groups significantly increased when compared to that in the initial group (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in FSHß and LHß expression in the four LED groups. These results suggest that FSH and LH may not play important roles in gonadal development in juvenile red spotted grouper that are exposed to these four LED spectra.

Chronological Changes in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone 1, Gonadotropins, and Sex Steroid Hormones along the Brain-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis during Gonadal Sex Differentiation and Development in the Longtooth Grouper, Epinephelus bruneus.

(1) Fshß and Lhß showed stronger signals and higher transcript levels from 590 to 1050 dph than at earlier stages, implying their active involvement during primary oocyte development. (2) Fshß and Lhß at lower levels were detected during the phases of ovarian differentiation and oogonial proliferation. (3) E2 concentrations increased significantly at 174, 333, and 1435 dph, while T concentrations exhibited significant increases at 174 and 333 dph. These findings suggest potential correlations between serum E2 concentrations and the phases of oogonial proliferation and pre-vitellogenesis.

Visible-light-induced selective defluoroalkylations of polyfluoroarenes with alcohols.

To provide α-polyfluoroarylalcohols, a novel protocol for the selective defluoroalkylation of polyfluoroarenes with easily accessible alcohols was reported via the cooperation of photoredox and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) strategies with the assistance of Lewis acids under visible light irradiation. The protocol featured broad scope, excellent regioselectivity for both C-H and C-F bond cleavages, and mild conditions. Mechanistic studies suggested that the reaction occurred through Lewis acid-promoted HAT to provide an alkyl radical and sequential addition to polyfluoroarenes. Impressively, the regioselectivity for C-F cleavage was verified with the Fukui function. The feasibility and application of this protocol on fluoroarene synthesis were well illustrated by gram-scale synthesis under both batch and flow conditions, late-stage decoration of bioactive compounds, and further transformations of the fluoroarylalcohols.

Changes in Growth and Feeding Characteristics during Early Ontogenesis in Threadsail Filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the growth and feeding characteristics of threadsail filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer, during early ontogenesis. METHODS: The growth indices of hatchlings fed compound feed were measured from 0 to 50 days post hatching (dph). The absorption time of the yolk sac and oil globule, as well as the rate of first feeding were measured to characterise the early growth stage and determine the point-of-no-return (PNR). Feeding characteristics and rhythms were investigated under a light/dark cycle and under continuous light. RESULTS: Growth indices increased significantly at 24, 28, 30, 40, 45, and 50 dph. The yolk sac and oil globules were completely absorbed before 4 dph, indicative of a short mixed-nutrition period at 3-4 dph. Under starvation conditions, the first feeding rate was highest (86%) at 0.5 dph and then decreased to 53.3% at 1.5 dph and 26.2% at 2 dph, suggesting that the PNR occurs at 1.5-2 dph. The feeding peak appeared at 15:00-18:00 and under light conditions, while the feeding trough appeared at 0:00-3:00. CONCLUSIONS: Compound feed supplied adequate nutrition for early growth and development. The peaks and troughs of feeding times were indicative of daytime feeding behaviour. These results provide guidance for successful rearing of filefish seedlings and juveniles.

Stepwise on-demand functionalization of multihydrosilanes enabled by a hydrogen-atom-transfer photocatalyst based on eosin Y.

Organosilanes are of vital importance for modern human society, having found widespread applications in functional materials, organic synthesis, drug discovery and life sciences. However, their preparation remains far from trivial, and on-demand synthesis of heteroleptic substituted silicon reagents is a formidable challenge. The generation of silyl radicals from hydrosilanes via direct hydrogen-atom-transfer (HAT) photocatalysis represents the most atom-, step-, redox- and catalyst-economic pathway for the activation of hydrosilanes. Here, in view of the green characteristics of neutral eosin Y (such as its abundance, low cost, metal-free nature, absorption of visible light and excellent selectivity), we show that using it as a direct HAT photocatalyst enables the stepwise custom functionalization of multihydrosilanes, giving access to fully substituted silicon compounds. By exploiting this strategy, we realize preferable hydrogen abstraction of Si-H bonds in the presence of active C-H bonds, diverse functionalization of hydrosilanes (for example, alkylation, vinylation, allylation, arylation, deuteration, oxidation and halogenation), and remarkably selective monofunctionalization of di- and trihydrosilanes.

Endocrine Regulation of Maturation and Sex Change in Groupers.

Groupers are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, are key species to coastal ecosystems, and valuable fishery targets. To facilitate artificial seed production technology for grouper aquaculture, the mechanisms of reproduction and gonad development are being elucidated for these important species. In addition, since groupers are sexually dimorphic fish with female-first maturity (protogynous hermaphrodite fish), research is being conducted to clarify the ecological mechanism of sex change and their reproductive physiology, focusing on the endocrine system. In recent years, research on groupers has also been conducted to understand changes in the coastal environment caused by ocean warming and man-made chemicals. However, due to difficulties associated with conducting research using wild populations for breeding experiments, knowledge of the physiology and ecology of these fish is lacking, especially their reproductive physiology. In this review, we present information on the reproductive physiology and endocrinology of groupers obtained to date, together with the characteristics of their life history.