Electrochemical and photochemical reaction of isatins: a decade update.

This review presents the latest progress in photochemical and electrochemical reactions involving isatins. Isatin and its functionalized scaffolds e.g., oxindoles, spirooxindoles, and quinolines are privileged heterocycles as they are largely present in several agrochemical, natural products, and pharmaceuticals. Thus, the functionalization of isatins using sustainable approaches, i.e., electro- and photochemical methods is of recent research interest worldwide. In this review, we have discussed most of the important reactions of isatins based on types of bond formation involved under electro- and photochemical conditions over the last decade. The reaction mechanism for each reaction has been discussed in detail to offer an inclusive guide to readers. Lastly, a summary of current challenges and the future outlook toward the development of effective electrochemical and photochemical methods for the reaction of isatins is also presented.

Development of Fluorescently Labeled SSEA-3, SSEA-4, and Globo-H Glycosphingolipids for Elucidating Molecular Interactions in the Cell Membrane.

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), such as the globo-series GSLs stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA-3), SSEA-4, and Globo-H, are specifically expressed on pluripotent stem cells and cancer cells, and are known to be associated with various biological processes such as cell recognition, cell adhesion, and signal transduction. However, the behavior and biological roles of these GSLs are still unclear. In our previous study, we observed the interactions between the lipid raft and GSLs in real-time using single-molecule imaging, where we successfully synthesized various fluorescent analogs of GSLs (e.g., GM1 and GM3). Here, we have developed fluorescent analogs of SSEA-3, SSEA-4, and Globo-H using chemical synthesis. The biophysical properties of these analogs as raft markers were examined by partitioning giant plasma membrane vesicles from RBL-2H3 cells into detergent-resistant membrane fractions and liquid-ordered/liquid-disordered phases. The results indicated that the analogs were equivalent to native-type GSLs. The analogs could be used to observe the behavior of globo-series GSLs for detailing the structure and biological roles of lipid rafts and GSL-enriched nanodomains during cell differentiation and cell malignancy.

Bedside prediction of airway length by measuring upper incisor manubrio-sternal joint length.

BACKGROUND: Malpositioning of endotracheal tube may lead to serious complications like endobronchial intubation or accidental extubation. Using anatomical measurements for prediction of airway length would be more practical in resource constrained settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 or 2, without any evidence of difficult airway, were randomly allocated to two cohorts - a model cohort of 70 (50 males) and test cohort of 30 (20 males) subjects. Height, the straight length from the upper incisor to manubrio-sternal joint in fully extended head position (IncManustL), the length from upper incisor to the carina in neutral head position (IncCarinaL), and degree of neck extension were measured in all subjects. Relationship between the two lengths in the model cohort was explored by Pearson's coefficient (r). Predictions were made for subjects in the test cohort and actual and predicted values assessed for agreement using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Good agreement was found between IncManustL and IncCarinaL for both male (r = 0.69) and female (r = 0.54) subjects. Multiple regression analysis suggested height to be another significant predictor, unlike age, weight, and neck extension. The gender-specific regression equations were used to predict IncCarinaL for the test cohort. ICC for absolute agreement between the actual and predicted values was 0.723 (95% CI 0.495-0.858). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to predict airway length in adult Indian subjects by making two simple anatomical measurements, namely stature and incisor manubrio-sternal joint length.

Convergent synthesis of functionalized derivatives of stage-specific embryonic antigens 3 & 4.

Stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEAs) are carbohydrate markers that have diverse roles in embryonic development. However, the exact roles of SSEAs remain unclear. To obtain mechanistic insights into their roles, we aimed to develop functionalized SSEA glycan analogs via chemical synthesis. Herein, we report a convergent synthetic approach for SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 analogs using readily available versatile building blocks. A key step, namely the stereoselective glycosylation of a common tetrasaccharide acceptor, was successfully achieved using a 4-O-Bn Gal donor for SSEA-3 and a Neu-Gal donor for SSEA-4, which were previously developed by our group. The obtained SSEA-3 and SSEA-4 glycans were further functionalized with biotin and deuterated lipid for applications in biological studies. Thus, the findings of this study will facilitate further research on SSEAs.

Radical halogenation-mediated latent-active glycosylations of allyl glycosides.

Radical halogenation-mediated glycosylation using allyl glycosides as donors and as acceptors emerges to be an efficient and hither-to unknown glycosylation method, adhering to the concept of the latent-active methodology. Several di- and trisaccharides that possess the allyl moiety at their reducing end are prepared through this new glycosylation methodology.

Effect of clonidine and magnesium sulphate on anaesthetic consumption, haemodynamics and postoperative recovery: A comparative study.

This randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was designed to assess the effect of intravenous clonidine and magnesium sulphate on intraoperative haemodynamics, anaesthetic consumption and postoperative recovery. Seventy five patients undergoing elective upper limb orthopaedic surgery were randomised into three groups. Group C received clonidine 3 mug/kg as a bolus before induction and 1mug/kg/hour by infusion intraopertively. Group M received magnesium sulphate 30 mg/kg as a bolus before induction and 10 mg/kg/hour by infusion. Group P received same volume of isotonic saline. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with fentanyl citrate and propofol. Muscular relaxation was achieved by vecuronium bromide. Induction time, recovery time and consumption of propofol as well as fentanyl citrate were recorded. Induction of anaesthesia was rapid with both clonidine and magnesium sulphate. Time of bispectral index (BIS) to reach 60 was significantly lower in Group C and Group M (P < 0.0001). Requirements of propofol and fentanyl were significantly less in Group C and Group M (P < 0.001). Postoperative recovery was slower in Group M compared with other two groups (P < 0.001). Perioperative use of both clonidine and magnesium sulphate significantly reduced the consumption of propofol and fentanyl citrate. Magnesium sulphate caused a delayed recovery.