Catalyst-free photoarylation of 2-aryl-2H-indazoles by carbon-iodine bond activation.

A photocatalyst-free visible-light induced arylation of 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with aryl iodides has been developed for the first time to produce 3,2-diaryl-2H-indazoles in good to moderate yields. In this transformation, potassium tert-butoxide acts as an activator of the C-I bond and also as a scavenger of in situ generated HI in the reaction. This method exhibits high functional group tolerance with a wide substrate scope and it has been successfully applied to the synthesis of liver X receptor agonists and also for fluorescent probes. This is the first report on the photoarylation of 2-arylindazoles at the C3-position with aryl iodides under catalyst-free conditions.

Visible Light-Induced Metal-free Arylation of Coumarin-3-carboxylates with Arylboronic Acids.

The present work represents a novel methodology for the selective arylation of coumarin-3-carboxylates with arylboronic acids via a photochemical route, marking the first-ever attempt for the direct alkenyl C-H arylation using rose bengal as a photocatalyst, which is a readily available and cost-effective alternative to transition metal catalysis. The reaction proceeds smoothly in MeOH/H2O solvent media in the presence of radical initiator affording the arylated products in good yields (60-80 %). The reaction parameters such as visible light, radical initiator, oxidant, anhydrous solvent, and inert atmosphere play a crucial role for the success of this methodology. The substituents present on the substrate show a significant effect on the conversion. This study provides a valuable contribution to the field of organic synthesis offering a new and efficient approach to the arylation of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid esters with a broad substrate scope and high functional group tolerance. It is a versatile method and provides a direct access to biologically relevant 4-arylcoumarin-3-carboxylates.

Prins cyclization: new strategy for the stereoselective total synthesis of Polyrhacitide A.

A highly stereoselective total synthesis of polyrhacitide A, a polyketide natural product, has been accomplished by means of Prins cyclisation. The key precursor i.e. anti-1,3-diol for polyrhacitide A has been prepared from trans-2,6-disubstituted-3,4-dihydropyrans. In this approach, Prins cyclisation has successfully been utilised twice for the construction of 1,3-diol unit of polyrhacitide A. The key steps involved in this approach are Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Mitsunobu inversion, Prins cyclisation and Ring-closing metathesis (RCM).

Properties and physiological effects of dietary fiber-enriched meat products: a review.

Meat is a rich source of high biological proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but it is devoid of dietary fiber, an essential non-digestible carbohydrate component such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, polysaccharides, and oligosaccharides. Dietary fibers are basically obtained from various cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and their by-products and have numerous nutritional, functional, and health-benefiting properties. So, these fibers can be added to meat products to enhance their physicochemical properties, chemical composition, textural properties, and organoleptic qualities, as well as biological activities in controlling various lifestyle ailments such as obesity, certain cancers, type-II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bowel disorders. These dietary fibers can also be used in meat products as an efficient extender/binder/filler to reduce the cost of production by increasing the cooking yield as well as by reducing the lean meat content and also as a fat replacer to minimize unhealthy fat content in the developed meat products. So, growing interest has been observed among meat processors, researchers, and scientists in exploring various new sources of dietary fibers for developing dietary fiber-enriched meat products in recent years. In the present review, various novel sources of dietary fibers, their physiological effects, their use in meat products, and their impact on various physicochemical, functional, and sensory attributes have been focused.

Recent advances in metal directed C-H amidation/amination using sulfonyl azides and phosphoryl azides.

Transition metal-catalyzed C-N bond formation reactions have gained popularity as a method for selectively transforming common C-H bonds into N-functionalized molecules. This approach is particularly useful for synthesizing aminated molecules, which require aminating reagents and amidated building blocks. Over the past two decades, significant advancements have been achieved in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H functionalization, with organic azides emerging as promising amino sources and internal oxidants. This review focuses on recent developments in utilizing sulfonyl and phosphoryl azides as building blocks for directed intra- and intermolecular C-H functionalization reactions. Specifically, it discusses methods for synthesizing sulfonamidates and phosphoramidates using sulfonyl and phosphoryl azides, respectively. The article highlights the potential of C-H functionalization reactions with organic azides for efficiently and sustainably synthesizing N-functionalized molecules, providing valuable insights into the latest advancements in this field.

Advance on the biology, behaviour ecology and management of the coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat, 1863 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

The coffee white stem borer, Xylotrechus quadripes Chevrolat, 1863 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) - here removed from the synonymy with X. javanicus (Laporte & Gory, 1841) - is the most notorious pest in Arabica coffee plantations in many southeast Asian countries. It can cause damage up to 80% in various gardens. The borer is reported on 16 different host plants other than coffee. The severity of the pest was more commonly recorded on the Arabica coffee than on other species. More pest intensity on the coffee may be due to its innate evolutionary relation compared to other host plants. Studies revealed that the borer is more specific and attracted to the volatile of coffee plants but it is still needs a strong supporting data. Some of the behavioural and ecological-adaptations of borers leads to avoid predation and chemical-pesticides reaching them. Hence, no single method gives perfect control of this pest; therefore, harmonic use of different tools such as cultural, mechanical, physical, bio-control and chemical methods are the best way to combat this pest. Though the pest is economically important, the information on chemical and ecological behaviour, host plant resistance and recent advancements in the pest management are scanty. The present article is an endeavour to shed a light on biology, behaviour, host selection and management of X. quadripes with multiple instances, that will give a new avenue for the researchers to work on the least concerned fields to develop strong management practice and alert against future pest outbreak.

Rh(III)-catalyzed [3 + 2] spiroannulation of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazines with 4-hydroxy-2-alkynoates through ortho-C-H bond functionalization.

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed [3 + 2]-spiroannulation of 2-aryl-1,4-benzoxazines with 4-hydroxy-2-alkynoates has been developed for the synthesis of highly rigid spirolactones in good yields with high regioselectivity. The reaction proceeds through a cascade of C-H activation followed by C-H annulation and lactonization. In this approach, two C-C and C-O bonds are formed in a single step. This is the first report on the spiroannulation of 2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazines with 4-hydroxy-2-alkynoates.

Field and agroinoculation screening of national collection of urd bean (Vigna mungo) germplasm accessions for new sources of mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) resistance.

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is a major problem in Urd bean (Vigna mungo L.) in India, which causes huge yield losses. Breeding for wide spectrum and durable Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) resistance and cultivating resistant cultivars is the most appropriate and effective approach. However, the task has become challenging with the report of at least two species of the virus, viz., Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) and Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) and their recombinants; the existence of various isolates of these species with varied virulence and rapid mutations noted in the virus as well as in the whitefly vector population. Thus the present study was carried out to identify and characterize novel and diverse sources of YMV resistance and develop linked molecular markers for breeding durable and broadspectrum resistant urdbean cultivars against YMV. Towards this goal, we have screened 998 accessions of urdbean national collection of germplasm against YMD Hyderabad isolate both in a field under the natural level of disease incidence and through agro inoculation in the laboratory using viruliferous clones of the same isolate. Ten highly resistant accessions identified through repeated testing have been characterized in terms of reported linked markers. We attempted to see diversity among the ten resistant accessions reported here using earlier reported resistance-linked SCAR marker YMV1 and SSR CEDG180 marker. SCAR marker YMV1 did not amplify with any of the 10 accessions. But with CEDG180, results suggested that 10 accessions shortlisted through field and laboratory tests do not carry PU31 allele and this shows that it may be likely to carry novel gene(s). Further studies are needed to genetically characterize these new sources.

Mannich-type addition of cyclic 1,3-diketones to N-acyliminium ions: Access to aza-sugars.

A novel three-component strategy has been developed for the synthesis of iminosugars in good to excellent yields. This is the first report on the Mannich type addition of cyclic 1,3-diketones to aza-acetal derived from hydroxy-γ-lactone and arylamine to produce a novel series of aza-sugars with high selectivity.

Nanoparticulate Silica Internalization and Its Effect on the Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

In recent years, foliar applications of nanoparticles are increasingly being employed in agricultural fields as fertilizers to enhance crop yields. However, limited studies are available on the foliar uptake of nanoscale nutrients and their interaction with plants. In this study, we reported the effects of foliar spray with varied concentrations of nanoscale silica (N-SiO2) and bulk tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS at 2000 ppm) on the growth and yield of groundnut. Nanosilica was prepared by a sol-gel method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction. The size and zeta potential of N-SiO2 were found to be 28.7 nm and 32 mV, respectively. The plant height, number of branches, total dry weight, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, number of nodules, and ascorbic acid content were increased significantly with the N-SiO2 foliar application at 400 ppm over control. The number of filled pods increased significantly by 38.78 and 58.60% with N-SiO2 at 400 ppm application over TEOS and control, respectively. The pod yield per plant in N-SiO2 at 400 ppm increased by 25.52 and 31.7% higher over TEOS and control, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities enhanced significantly in N-SiO2 at 200 and 400 ppm over control, indicating a stimulatory effect on the plant growth. In addition, confocal microscopy revealed that fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-N-SiO2 entered through stomata and then transported to vascular bundles via apoplastic movement. Our study for the first time demonstrated that N-SiO2 can significantly modulate multiple complex traits in groundnut through an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of N-arylbenzamidines with maleimides via dual C-H activation.

An oxidative annulation of N-arylbenzimidamides with maleimides has been developed for the first time using a catalytic amount of the [Cp*RhCl2]2 complex for the synthesis of a diverse range of 1H-benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione derivatives. This method is versatile and atom-economical for producing polycyclic benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c] isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione scaffolds in a single step.

Identification of genomic regions governing moisture and heat stress tolerance employing association mapping in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

BACKGROUND: Rice crop is damaged extremely by abiotic stress world-wide. The best approach to enhance drought tolerance in rice varieties is to identify and introgress yield QTLs with major effects. The Association mapping approach helps in the identification of genomic regions governing physiological, yield and yield attributes under moisture and heat stress conditions in diverse collections of crop germplasm, based on historic recombination events and linkage disequilibrium across the genome. METHODS AND RESULTS: The association mapping panel of 110 rice germplasm lines exhibited significant variation for all the traits in both irrigated and moisture stress conditions. The extent of yield reduction ranged to 83% during rabi, 2018-19, 53% in rabi, 2019-20 and 68% in pooled analysis. The genotypes Badami, Badshabhog, Pankaj, Varalu, Vasundhara, Vivekdhan, Krishna and Minghui63 exhibited drought tolerance with least yield penalty under moisture stress conditions. The genotypes Konark, MTU3626, NLR33671, PR118 and Triguna exhibited minimal reduction in heat stress tolerance traits. Association mapping of germplasm using 37808 SNP markers detected a total of 10 major MTA (Marker-trait association) clusters distributed on chromosomes 1, 3, 4 and 11 through mixed linear model (MLM) governing multiple traits from individual data analysis which are consistent across the years and situations. The pooled data generated a total of five MTA clusters located on chromosome 6. In addition, several novel unique MTAs were also identified. Heat stress analysis generated a total of 23 MTAs distributed on chromosomes 1, 5, 6 and 11. Candidate gene analysis detected a total of 53 and 38 genes under individual and pooled data analysis for various yield and yield attributes under control and moisture stress conditions, respectively and a total of 11 candidate genes in heat stress Conditions. CONCLUSION: The major and novel MTAs identified in the present investigation for various drought and heat tolerant traits can be utilized for breeding climate-resilient rice varieties. The candidate genes predicted for key MTAs are of great value to deploy into the rice breeding after functional characterization.

Comparative evaluation of human breast milk, bovine milk, and infant milk formula on cariogenicity in children: An in vivo study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to compare the cariogenicity of human breast milk (HBM), bovine milk, and infant milk formulas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety children of 1-4 years were randomly selected according to the type of milk they consume and were divided into five groups: Group I - HBM, Group II - cow milk, Group III - buffalo milk, Group IV - Lactogen 2, and Group V - Dexolac 4. Three parameters were assessed (salivary pH, plaque pH, and Streptococcus mutans count). Baseline salivary pH was measured, plaque sample was collected from children before feeding, and then, children were fed with milk. The second sample was collected after 45 min of feeding and the third sample after 3 h of second sample collection. Collected plaque samples were assessed for plaque pH and were sent to microbiological laboratory and cultured on blood agar. The intergroup comparison was done by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test. Intragroup comparison was done by one-way anova and Bonferroni test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in intra- and intergroup comparisons of salivary pH was noted. However, with regard to plaque pH, there is a statistically significant difference in the second sample in Groups III, IV, and V. There was an increase in colony-forming units of S. mutans in plaque samples from baseline to the third sample in Groups IV and V. CONCLUSION: Lactogen 2 and Dexolac 4 showed greater cariogenic activity, buffalo milk is mildly cariogenic, whereas HBM and cow milk showed least cariogenicity.

First Report of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia' Related Strain (16SrII-D) Associated with Stunting, Little Leaf and Phyllody Disease of Pearl Millet from South India.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L).R.Br.] also known as bajra, is one of the oldest millets and is cultivated in dry regions of arid and semi-arid tropics where no other cereal can be successfully grown. Pearl millet cultivation in India accounts for about two-thirds of millet production and is the fourth most cultivated food crop after rice, wheat and maize in India (Reddy et al. 2021a). In February 2021, the typical symptoms of stunting, phyllody and little leaf were observed after 25-30 days after sowing pearl millet seeds at Agricultural Research Station in Perumallapalle, Tirupati, India (Fig.1 A-C). The disease incidence was recorded up to 20% in the sampling regions. Total DNA was extracted from two symptomatic and two asymptomatic plant samples using CTAB DNA extraction method (Murray and Thompson, 1980). The extracted DNA was amplified in direct PCR and nested PCR assay using phytoplasma 16S rRNA universal primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 (Gundersen and Lee.1996) and secA gene with secAfor1/SecArev3 and SecAfor2/SecArev3 primer pairs (Hodgetts et al. 2008). 16SrRNA (1.25 kb) and secA (600 bp) gene amplicons were obtained from two symptomatic samples by nested PCR. No amplicons were produced with DNA from healthy leaf samples. Nested PCR amplified products (1.25 kb and 600 bp) from the symptomatic samples corresponding to the F2nR2 region of 16S rRNA and secA were directly sequenced at automated DNA sequencing facility (Eurofin Genomics India Pvt., Ltd Bangalore) and sequence data was deposited to NCBI GenBank with accession number ON005559 and ON067810. BLAST analysis revealed that pearl millet phytoplasma strain shared 100% sequence identity in 16Sr RNA and secA genes to 'Canditatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia' related strains (Acc. Nos. OM616883 and MT952965) from India. The subgroup was identified as 16SrII-D using the iPhyClassifier based on the virtual RFLP pattern derived from the query 16S rDNA F2nR2 fragment (Zhao et al. 2009). The virtual RFLP pattern is similar to the reference pattern of 16SrII-D (Y10096) with similarity coefficient 1.00. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and secA gene sequences using MEGA version 7.0 revealed that the pearl millet phytoplasma strain clustered with 'Ca. P. aurantifolia' isolates of 16SrII-D subgroup. (Fig.1D-E) Earlier, one of 16SrI-B-phytoplasma strain (HM 134245) associated with green ear disease of pearl millet was reported in North India (Kumar et al. 2010). In this study, we reported the association of 16SrII-D subgroup phytoplasma with little leaves and witches'-broom disease of pearl millet in South India. Phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrII-D subgroup have a wide range of hosts, including the agricultural and horticultural crops (Reddy et al., 2021b). Hence, this is the first report of 'Ca. P aurantifolia' infection in bajra in South India. The increase in the spread of 16SrII-D sub group phytoplasma diseases and the expansion of the host range strongly suggest further studies on the epidemiology of the dynamic dissemination of this disease in India.

Synthetic Applications of Prins Cyclization in Natural Product Syntheses.

The natural products having tetrahydropyran unit with multiple chiral centers serve as magnificent building blocks for various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). 'Prins cyclization is one of the wonderful strategies to construct tetrahydropyran unit stereoselectively in asymmetric synthesis. In this account, we discuss our research efforts toward the synthesis of various natural products from the past two decades (2005-2020) by using Prins cyclization as a key step. Further, the synthetic utility of this reaction was investigated and well demonstrated on various molecules successfully.

Arylidenemalononitriles as Versatile Synthons in Heterocyclic Synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Arylidenemalononitriles are valuable synthons for the construction of a variety of novel complex heterocyclic motifs, fused heterocycle derivatives, and spirocyclic compounds. They are versatile chemical intermediates and have increasing applications in industry, agriculture, medicine, and biological science. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to highlight the preparation methods and reactions of arylidenemalononitriles in the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds. CONCLUSION: In this review, we have presented the application of arylidenemalononitriles to construct a variety of heterocycles. Various catalysts for the preparation of arylidnemalononitriles have been described.

Enantioselective fluorination of 3-indolinone-2-carboxylates with NFSI catalyzed by chiral bisoxazolines.

A chiral Cu(i)-bisoxazoline complex catalyzed enantioselective electrophilic fluorination of 3-indolinone-2-carboxylates with NFSI has been accomplished to produce chiral 2-fluoro-3-indolinone-2-carboxylates in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. This is the first report on the enantioselective fluorination of 2-substituted 3-indolinones using a chiral Cu(i)-bisoxazoline complex.

Synthetic approaches to FDA approved drugs for asthma and COPD from 1969 to 2020.

Respiratory infections resulting from pulmonary inflammation emerging as a leading cause of death worldwide. However, only twenty-seven new drugs were approved in the last five decades. In this review, we presented synthetic approaches for twenty-seven FDA-approved medications used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), along with their mode of action.

Bone density and bone health alteration in boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are at increased risk for compromised bone health, manifesting as low-impact trauma long bone fractures and vertebral compression fractures. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, we studied bone health parameters in North Indian boys with DMD. We consecutively enrolled ambulatory boys with DMD on glucocorticoid therapy. Bone health was evaluated with X-ray spine, Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), serum calcium, vitamin D3 (25[OH]D), 1,25-dihyroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2D3), serum osteocalcin, osteopontin, and N terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (Ntx) levels. RESULTS: A total of 76 boys with DMD were enrolled. The median age was 8.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 7.04-10.77) years. Among these, seven (9.2%) boys had long bone fractures, and four (5.3%) had vertebral compression fractures. Fifty-four (71%) boys underwent DXA scan, and among these 31 (57%) had low bone mineral density (BMD, ≤-2 z-score) at the lumbar spine. The mean BMD z-score at the lumbar spine was -2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.8, -2.8), and at the femoral neck was -2.5 (95% CI = -2, -2.9). 25(OH)D levels were deficient in 68 (89.5%, n=76) boys, and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were deficient in all. Mean serum osteocalcin levels were 0.68 ± 0.38 ng/mL (n=54), serum osteopontin levels were 8.6 ± 4.6 pg/mL (n=54) and serum Ntx levels were 891 ± 476 nmol/L (n=54). Boys with low BMD received glucocorticoids for longer duration, in comparison to those with normal BMD (median, IQR [16.9 (6-34) months vs. 7.8 (4.8-13.4) months]; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Bone health is compromised in North Indian boys with DMD. BMD at the lumbar spine is reduced in more than half of boys with DMD and nearly all had vitamin D deficiency on regular vitamin D supplements. Longer duration of glucocorticoid therapy is a risk factor for low BMD in our cohort.

Tandem Prins cyclizations for the construction of oxygen containing heterocycles.

Tandem Prins cyclization is a versatile method for the synthesis of fused/bridged/spirotetrahydropyran scaffolds. Therefore, it has become a powerful tool for the stereoselective synthesis of oxygen/nitrogen containing heterocycles. Indeed, previous review articles on Prins spirocyclization illustrate the synthesis of spirotetrahydropyran derivatives and the aza-Prins reaction demonstrates its application in the total synthesis of natural products. The current review is devoted specifically to highlight tandem Prins cyclizations for the construction of fused scaffolds and related frameworks with a particular emphasis on recent applications. The mechanistic aspects and the scope of the methods are briefly discussed herein.