Antiproliferative effect of indeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues on IL-6 mediated STAT3 and role of the apoptotic pathway in albino Wistar rats of ethyl carbamate-induced lung carcinoma: In-silico, In-vitro, and In-vivo study.

Lung cancer (LC) ranks second most prevalent cancer in females after breast cancer and second in males after prostate cancer. Based on the GLOBOCAN 2020 report, India represented 5.9% of LC cases and 8.1% of deaths caused by the disease. Several clinical studies have shown that LC occurs because of biological and morphological abnormalities and the involvement of altered level of antioxidants, cytokines, and apoptotic markers. In the present study, we explored the antiproliferative activity of indeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues against LC using in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo models. In-vitro screening against A549 cells revealed compounds 9B (8-methoxy-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-5,6-dihydroindeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine) and 12B (5-(4-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydroindeno[1,2-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine) as potential pyrimidine analogues against LC. Compounds 9B and 12B were docked with different molecular targets IL-6, Cyt-C, Caspase9, and Caspase3 using AutoDock Vina 4.1 to evaluate the binding affinity. Subsequently, in-vivo studies were conducted in albino Wistar rats through ethyl-carbamate (EC)- induced LC. 9B and 12B imparted significant effects on physiological (weight variation), and biochemical (anti-oxidant [TBAR's, SOD, ProC, and GSH), lipid (TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, and HDL)], and cytokine (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1ß) markers in EC-induced LC in albino Wistar rats. Morphological examination (SEM and H&E) and western blotting (IL-6, STAT3, Cyt-C, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase3, and caspase9) showed that compounds 9B and 12B had antiproliferative effects. Accordingly, from the in-vitro, in-silico, and in-vivo experimental findings, we concluded that 9B and 12B have significant antiproliferative potential and are potential candidates for further evaluation to meet the requirements of investigation of new drug application.

Hierarchical 3D Flower-like Metal Oxides Micro/Nanostructures: Fabrication, Surface Modification, Their Crucial Role in Environmental Decontamination, Mechanistic Insights, and Future Perspectives.

Hierarchical micro/nanostructures are constructed by micro-scaled objects with nanoarchitectures belonging to an interesting class of crystalline materials that has significant applications in diverse fields. Featured with a large surface-to-volume ratio, facile mass transportation, high stability against aggregation, structurally enhanced adsorption, and catalytical performances, three dimenisional (3D) hierarchical metal oxides have been considered as versatile functional materials for waste-water treatment. Due to the ineffectiveness of traditional water purification protocols for reclamation of water, lately, the use of hierarchical metal oxides has emerged as an appealing platform for the remediation of water pollution owing to their fascinating and tailorable physiochemical properties. The present review highlights various approaches to the tunable synthesis of hierarchical structures along with their surface modification strategies to enhance their efficiencies for the removal of different noxious substances. Besides, their applications for the eradication of organic and inorganic contaminants have been discussed comprehensively with their plausible mechanistic pathways. Finally, overlooked aspects in this field as well as the major roadblocks to the implementation of these metal oxide architectures for large-scale treatment of wastewater are provided here. Moreover, the potential ways to tackle these issues are also presented which may be useful for the transformation of current water treatment technologies.

Silver nanomaterials: synthesis and (electro/photo) catalytic applications.

In view of their unique characteristics and properties, silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs) have been used not only in the field of nanomedicine but also for diverse advanced catalytic technologies. In this comprehensive review, light is shed on general synthetic approaches encompassing chemical reduction, sonochemical, microwave, and thermal treatment among the preparative methods for the syntheses of Ag-based NMs and their catalytic applications. Additionally, some of the latest innovative approaches such as continuous flow integrated with MW and other benign approaches have been emphasized that ultimately pave the way for sustainability. Moreover, the potential applications of emerging Ag NMs, including sub nanomaterials and single atoms, in the field of liquid-phase catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis as well as a positive role of Ag NMs in catalytic reactions are meticulously summarized. The scientific interest in the synthesis and applications of Ag NMs lies in the integrated benefits of their catalytic activity, selectivity, stability, and recovery. Therefore, the rise and journey of Ag NM-based catalysts will inspire a new generation of chemists to tailor and design robust catalysts that can effectively tackle major environmental challenges and help to replace noble metals in advanced catalytic applications. This overview concludes by providing future perspectives on the research into Ag NMs in the arena of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis.

Ingeniously designed Silica nanostructures as an exceptional support: Opportunities, potential challenges and future prospects for viable degradation of pesticides.

Despite significant advancements in modern agricultural practices, efficient handling of pesticides is a must as they are continuously defiling our terrestrial as well as aquatic life. During the last couple of decades, substantial efforts by various research groups have been devoted to find innovative solutions to remove pesticides from our environment in a greener way. In this regard, functionalized silica nanoparticles (NPs) have gained considerable attention of scientific community due to their notable properties such as amenable design, large surface area as well as fine-tunable and uniform pore structures which make them an ideal material for pesticides removal. The present review aims to proffer current scientific progress attained by silica-based nanostructures as an excellent material for effective removal of noxious agrochemicals. Further, a brief discussion on the synthetic strategies as well as intrinsic benefits associated with different morphologies of silica have also been highlighted in this article. It also summarizes the recent reports on silica assisted degradation of pesticides via enzymatic, chemical as well as advanced oxidation protocols. Additionally, it presents a critical analysis of different support materials for decontamination of our ecosystem. The review concludes with potential challenges, their possible solutions along with key knowledge gaps and future research directions for successful deployment of silica supported materials in degradation of pesticides at commercial scale.

Harnessing the Untapped Catalytic Potential of a CoFe2O4/Mn-BDC Hybrid MOF Composite for Obtaining a Multitude of 1,4-Disubstituted 1,2,3-Triazole Scaffolds.

Metal-organic frameworks derived nanostructures with extraordinary variability, and many unprecedented properties have recently emerged as promising catalytic materials to address the challenges in the field of modern organic synthesis. In this contribution, the present work reports the fabrication of an intricately designed magnetic MOF composite based on Mn-BDC (manganese benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate/manganese terephthalate) microflakes via a facile and benign in situ solvothermal approach. Structural information about the as-synthesized hybrid composite has been obtained with characterization techniques such as TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, AAS, EDX, ED-XRF, and VSM analysis. Upon investigation of catalytic performance, the resulting material unveils remarkable efficacy toward facile access of a diverse array of pharmaceutically active 1,2,3-triazoles from a multicomponent coupling reaction of terminal alkynes, sodium azide, and alkyl or aryl halides as coupling partners. In addition to a wide substrate scope, the catalyst with highly accessible active sites also possesses a stable catalytic metal center along with superb magnetic properties that facilitate rapid and efficient separation. The prominent feature that makes this protocol highly desirable is the ambient and greener reaction conditions in comparison to literature precedents reported to date. Further, a plausible mechanistic pathway is also proposed to rationalize the impressive potential of the developed catalytic system in the concerned reaction. We envision that findings from our study would not only provide new insights into the judicious design of advanced MOF based architectures but also pave the way toward greening of industrial manufacturing processes to tackle critical environmental and economic issues.

A novel homozygous frameshift mutation in Exon 7 of the ADAMTS13 gene in a patient with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura from India: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) is a rare and life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. It is caused by deficiency of ADAMTS13 metalloprotease, which cleaves ultra-large von Willebrand factor into smaller functional units. TTP may be congenital or acquired, and the congenital form is caused by inherited mutations in the ADAMTS13 gene, leading to deficiency of protein or reduced protein activity. CASE REPORT: We report a 5-year-old male patient who manifested with thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia at the age of 1 year. CONCLUSION: ADAMTS13 activity in the patient was below 5%, and ADAMTS13 antibody was absent. Subsequent genetic analysis of the ADAMTS13 gene revealed a novel homozygous mutation (i.e., frameshift insertion mutation A237GfsX153 [c.708_709insG] in Exon 7 of ADAMTS13). Both parents were heterozygous for this mutation.

Volumetric Evaluation of Different Obturation Techniques in Primary Teeth Using Spiral Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Various obturation techniques have been evaluated for better filling of the root canals in primary teeth using different methods. Spiral Computed Tomography (SCT) is a new revolution in the pediatric endodontics for assessment of quality of the obturation from 3 dimensions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficiency of 5 different obturation methods in delivering the filling material into the canals of primary teeth using Spiral Computed Tomography scan. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 50 canals of primary teeth were prepared, divided into 5 groups with 10 canals in each group and obturated with Zinc Oxide Eugenol cement using 5 different obturation techniques such as Local anesthetic syringe, Tuberculin syringe, Endodontic plugger, hand held Lentulo-spiral, and Lentulo-spiral mounted on slow speed hand piece. The pre and post obturation volume and finally the Percentage of Obturated Volume (POV) were calculated using SCT scan for each group. The data obtained was statistically analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. RESULTS: Lentulo-spiral hand held showed highest POV value followed by Lentulospiral mounted to hand piece, Tuberculin syringe and Endodontic plugger; whereas Anesthetic syringe had least POV (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lentulo-spiral hand held is the best obturating technique among the 5 groups evaluated as the canals of this group showed maximum percentage of filled material. However, a further study with large sample size is highly essential.

Translabyrinthine Excision of a Transmodiolar Intralabyrinthine Schwannoma Mimicking Meniere's Disease: A Case Report.

Intralabyrinthine schwannomas (ILSs) are rare tumors involving the otic capsule. Notably, they are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms mimic those of other, more common inner ear pathologies. Diagnosis requires high-resolution contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which reveals filling defects (using a T2-weighted MRI sequence) or focal enhancement (using a T1-weighted MRI sequence with gadolinium enhancement) in the inner ear. A 52-year-old male patient with intractable vertigo or single-sided deafness should raise suspicion of this clinical entity as a differential diagnosis. Translabyrinthine excision of the tumor along with auditory rehabilitation using a cochlear implant can provide good outcomes with minimal morbidity in carefully selected cases. Here, we present an interesting case of a transmodiolar ILS mimicking Meniere's disease, wherein surgery using the translabyrinthine approach and an extended cochleostomy yielded favorable outcomes.

Antiproliferative, apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potential of 5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline analogues: Novel series of anticancer compounds.

Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cancer in males. As per GLOBOCAN 2020, 8.1 % of deaths and 5.9 % of cases of LC were reported in India. Our laboratory has previously reported the significant anticancer potential of 5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline analogues. In this study, we have explored the anticancer potential of 7A {4-(6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazolin-7-yl)phenol} and 9A {7-(4-chlorophenyl)-9-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo[h]thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline}by using in-vitro and in-vivo models of LC. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative potential of quinazoline analogues using A549 cell line to identify the best compound of the series. The in-vitro and molecular docking studies revealed 7A and 9A compounds as potential analogues. We also performed acute toxicity study to determine the dose. After that, in-vivo studies using urethane-induced LC in male albino Wistar rats carried out further physiological, biochemical, and morphological evaluation (SEM and H&E) of the lung tissue. We have also evaluated the antioxidant level, inflammatory, and apoptotic marker expressions. 7A and 9A did not demonstrate any signs of acute toxicity. Animals treated with urethane showed a significant upregulation of oxidative stress. However, treatment with 7A and 9A restored antioxidant markers near-normal levels. SEM and H&E staining of the lung tissue demonstrated recovered architecture after treatment with 7A and 9A. Both analogues significantly restore inflammatory markers to normal level and upregulate the intrinsic apoptosis protein expression in the lung tissue. These experimental findings demonstrated the antiproliferative potential of the synthetic analogues 7A and 9A, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and apoptotic properties.

A simple and straightforward strategy for expedient access to benzoxazoles using chemically engineered 2D magnetic graphene oxide nanosheets as an eco-compatible catalyst.

Two-dimensional (2D) graphene oxide nanosheets serve as an excellent support material for immobilizing metal complexes to deal with the drawbacks of homogeneous catalysis. In this work, we report a magnetically retrievable graphene oxide (MGO) based copper nanocatalytic system that has been efficiently exploited for obtaining a series of pharmaceutically and biologically active benzoxazole scaffolds. The nanocatalyst was designed by covalent immobilization of dehydroacetic acid (DHA) onto a magnetic amino-silanized graphene oxide nanosupport which was accompanied by its metallation with copper acetate. The structure of the synthesized MGO hybrid material (Cu@DHA@APTES@MGO) was characterized by numerous physico-chemical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), elemental mapping, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ED-XRF). The fabricated architectures exhibited high efficiency for cyclization of 2-aminophenols and ß-diketones with wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, a higher conversion percentage (>98%) and a high turnover number (TON). The exceptional catalytic activity could be attributed to the 2D architecture of graphene oxide which provides space for trapping of reactants between 2D graphitic overlayers and metal surfaces and the reaction proceeds to afford benzoxazole products with moderate to excellent conversion percentages. Notably, this nanocomposite could be recovered easily through an external magnetic force and reused for multiple runs without any appreciable loss in its catalytic efficacy.

Post Surgical Outcomes in Paediatric Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Subjective and Objective Evaluation.

The aim of the study was to determine the post surgical outcomes in pediatric adenotonsillar hypertrophy with OSA using portable polysomnography (PSG), OSA 18 Questionnaire and Quality of life (QoL) scores. Secondly to correlate the subjective outcomes with objective scores of polysomonography. A prospective, single-arm, nonrandomized, single center study was performed at a tertiary care centre on children aged 3-12 years (n = 30) with adenoid hypertrophy/ tonsillar hypertrophy/adenotonsillar hypertrophy and symptoms suggestive of OSA. All subjects underwent appropriate surgical intervention. A portable PSG and OSA 18 questionnaire evaluation was performed pre surgery and 06 weeks post surgery to assess objective and clinical assessment for OSA. The mean age of children enrolled in the study was 8.68 ± 3 years. The mean pre treatment AHI was 12.56 ± 13.16 which improved to 1.72 ± 1.53 post surgery and was statistically significant (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test). There was a statistically significant improvement in other PSG indices such as RDI and ODI post surgery also. The mean total symptom score (TSS) and QoL score also showed a statistically significant improvement post treatment (p < 0.05). However there was no correlation between the PSG and OSA 18 questionnaire scores pre and post surgery. Children with OSA like symptoms can undergo a portable polysomnography pre and post surgery to demonstrate severity of OSA and objectively monitor improvement in OSA post treatment. In the absence of availability of PSG, OSA 18 questionnaire is a suitable alternative to monitor disease severity and outcomes. Further studies may plan to include impact of paediatric OSA on other function such as the cardiac, dentition & malocclusion and neurocognitive function.

Preparation and characterization of the h-BN/Fe3O4/APTES-AMF/CuII nanocomposite as a new and efficient catalyst for the one-pot three-component synthesis of 2-amino-4-aryl(or heteroaryl)-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles.

The intriguing features of surface-engineered hexagonal two-dimensional boron nitride (h-BN) nanostructures have captivated the immense interest of researchers working in the arena of materials science. Inspired by striking attributes exhibited by h-BN nanosheets as the support material, we devoted our efforts towards synthesizing a novel magnetically retrievable h-BN/Fe3O4/APTES-AMF/CuII catalytic system, which was then comprehensively characterized using various techniques including SEM, TEM, EDX, SEM-based elemental mapping, ED-XRF, AAS, XRD, FT-IR, VSM, XPS, TGA, and BET. Further, the catalytic potential of h-BN/Fe3O4/APTES-AMF/CuII nanocomposites was investigated in the one-pot multicomponent coupling reaction to gain access to a library of biologically active 2-amino-4-aryl(or heteroaryl)-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromene-3-carbonitriles under ambient conditions. In addition, the use of green solvent, facile magnetic recoverability, and reusability of up to six successive runs made this protocol environmentally benign and economical. This work throws light on the development of covalently functionalized 2D-BN nanostructure-based copper catalysts and establishes its significance in furnishing industrially demanding products that would pave the way towards sustainable chemistry.

Mini clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX): A tool for assessment of residents in department of surgery.

BACKGROUND: The mini-clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) is a formative assessment tool designed to provide feedback on skills essential to good medical care by observing an actual clinical encounter. However, the bigger advantage of mini-CEX is the structured feedback that it provides to the students as well as the faculty, thus helping them to make better decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional observational study. Sixteen surgery residents volunteered for participation and five professors conducted sessions; hence, 80 mini-CEX encounters. Seven core clinical skill assessments were done, and the performance was rated on a 9-point scale (grouped into unsatisfactory, satisfactory, and superior). Immediate feedback to the residents was given by the faculty. Delayed feedback from faculty and residents regarding the perception of mini-CEX was taken. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for inferential statistics. RESULTS: As planned, 80 (100%) mini-CEX encounters were conducted. Surgery residents showed improvement that was statistically significant in the competencies of medical interviewing skills, physical examination skills, humanistic qualities/professionalism, and counseling skills. Most of the faculty (80%) were able to identify the gaps in the knowledge of students and areas of improvement for their teaching. However, 60% of the faculty felt that it required more effort than traditional methods. The mean time taken by the assessor for observation and feedback to residents was 12.51 min and 5.68 min, respectively. The mean scores of evaluator satisfaction and resident satisfaction with mini-CEX sessions were 6.04 and 7.49, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mini-CEX improves the learning environment in residency and also leads to improvement in medical interviewing skills, physical examination skills, humanistic qualities/professionalism, and counseling skills. It is done in the actual patient encounter and hence prepares the resident better for dealing with patients in the future.

Role of subjective visual vertical in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as a prognostic marker after canalith repositioning maneuver.

Objective: To study the potential role of subjective visual vertical (SVV) as a prognostic marker for canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) for the Indian population. Methods: SVV was examined in 30 patients with PC-BPPV before and after canalith repositioning maneuver and after complete resolution of PC-BPPV. Study parameters included the mean of 10 angular tilt readings and direction of deviation, which were compared before and after CRM and following complete resolution of PC-BPPV. Results: The angle of SVV tilt was greater and deviated towards the affected ear before CRM in all patients, which decreased significantly shortly after CRM and continued to decrease after complete resolution of PC-BPPV (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: SVV can be used to test utricular dysfunction in PC-BPPV. The angle of tilt improves in response to CRM, which may be used as a prognostic marker in patients with PC-BPPV receiving CRM.

An Earth-abundant cobalt based photocatalyst: visible light induced direct (het)arene C-H arylation and CO2 capture.

In this work, we have reported a noble metal free heterogeneous photocatalyst to carry out direct (het)arene C-H arylation and solvent-free CO2 capture via single-electron transfer processes at room temperature and under pressure. The catalytic system comprises a cobalt(III) complex grafted over the silica coated magnetic support for the efficient recovery of the photocatalytic moiety without hampering its light-harvesting capability. The novel Earth-abundant cobalt(III) based photocatalyst possesses various fascinating properties such as high surface area to volume ratios, large pore volume, crystalline behaviour, high metal loading, excellent stability and reusability. The general efficacy of the highly abundant and low-cost cobalt based heterogeneous nanocatalyst was checked for the selective conversion of aryldiazonium salts into synthetically and pharmaceutically significant biaryl motifs under ambient conditions upon irradiation with visible light. The highly efficient photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to a value-added chemical was accomplished under mild reaction conditions with high selectivity, showing the added benefit of operational simplicity.

Evaluation of nested PCR and loop mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP) targeting 47 ​kDa gene of Orientia tsutsugamushi for diagnosis of scrub typhus.

PURPOSE: Diagnostic testing, in particular early detection, is critical for scrub typhus, as most infected individuals have nonspecific symptoms that are easily confused with dengue and malaria. PCR and LAMP offer an alternative DNA amplification method for detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi. Detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi DNA by targeting the 47-kDa gene using nested PCR and LAMP for diagnosis of scrub typhus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in central India. The present study was done on a total of 274 patients with fever of five days or more and negative for other causes of fever viz. malaria, dengue and enteric fever. From each patient 5 â€‹ml of blood samples was collected in EDTA vial for molecular tests (PCR and LAMP) and in plain vial for serological tests (IgM IFA). The data was entered in Excel sheet and 2 â€‹× â€‹2 tables were created to find sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, disease prevalence, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy. RESULTS: PCR showed a sensitivity of 29.73% while the sensitivity of LAMP was 16.22%. The specificity of nested PCR and LAMP was very high, 99.58% and 99.16% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of nested PCR (90.15%) was found to be marginally better than LAMP (87.96%). CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of scrub typhus, a gene-based diagnostic test would enable earlier and more accurate detection of the causative agents of the disease than serology in admission samples of patients with acute febrile illness in endemic areas.

Enhanced catalysis through structurally modified hybrid 2-D boron nitride nanosheets comprising of complexed 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone motif.

Tuning the structural architecture of the pristine two dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets through rational surface engineering have proven advantageous in the fabrication of competent catalytic materials. Inspired by the performance of h-BN based nanomaterials in expediting key organic transformations, we channelized our research efforts towards engineering the inherent surface properties of the exclusively stacked h-BN nanosheets through the incorporation of a novel competent copper complex of a bidentate chelating ligand 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP). Delightfully, this hybrid nanomaterial worked exceptionally well in boosting the [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of azide and nitriles, providing a facile access to a diverse variety of highly bioactive tetrazole motifs. A deep insight into the morphology of the covalently crafted h-BN signified the structural integrity of the exfoliated h-BN@OH nanosheets that exhibited lamellar like structures possessing smooth edges and flat surface. This interesting morphology could also be envisioned to augment the catalysis by allowing the desired surface area for the reactants and thus tailoring their activity. The work paves the way towards rational design of h-BN based nanomaterials and adjusting their catalytic potential by the use of suitable complexes for promoting sustainable catalysis, especially in view of the fact that till date only a very few h-BN nanosheets based catalysts have been devised.

Role of Maternal Infections and Inflammatory Responses on Craniofacial Development.

Pregnancy is a tightly regulated immunological state. Mild environmental perturbations can affect the developing fetus significantly. Infections can elicit severe immunological cascades in the mother's body as well as the developing fetus. Maternal infections and resulting inflammatory responses can mediate epigenetic changes in the fetal genome, depending on the developmental stage. The craniofacial development begins at the early stages of embryogenesis. In this review, we will discuss the immunology of pregnancy and its responsive mechanisms on maternal infections. Further, we will also discuss the epigenetic effects of pathogens, their metabolites and resulting inflammatory responses on the fetus with a special focus on craniofacial development. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of infections and dysregulated inflammatory responses during prenatal development could provide better insights into the origins of craniofacial birth defects.

Design and Exploration of Catalytic Activity of Two-Dimensional Surface-Engineered Graphene Oxide Nanosheets in the Transannulation of N-Heterocyclic Aldehydes or Ketones with Alkylamines.

In this work, pharmaceutically and biologically important compounds containing imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine nuclei have been synthesized via transannulation of N-heteroaryl aldehydes or ketones with alkylamines using a graphene oxide-supported copper catalyst. The nanocatalyst was fabricated by the covalent immobilization of 4-aminoantipyrine onto an amine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosupport followed by its metallation with copper acetate. Structural analysis by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction demonstrates that the two-dimensional sheet-like structure of graphene oxide is maintained even after the chemical modifications, whereas XPS revealed crucial information related to elemental composition and surface electronic states of the metal present in the catalyst. Apart from this, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy helped in identifying the degree of oxidation and the presence of oxygenated groups in graphene oxide nanocomposites. As a heterogeneous catalyst, this graphene oxide-supported copper complex showed moderate to good catalytic activity in the C(sp3)-H bond activation/amination of a variety of substrates. This superior catalytic performance originated from the unique 2-dimensional structure of graphene oxide-based material which provided space between graphitic overlayers due to appropriate positioning of metal on their basal planes, decreasing the diffusion resistances of reactant surfaces, thus making it function as a nanoreactor. More importantly, this nanomaterial could be recovered easily and reused repeatedly by simple washing without chemical treatment with no appreciable loss in its catalytic activity, showing good potential for increasing the overall turnover number of this synthetically useful catalyst.

Expanding the Horizon of Multicomponent Oxidative Coupling Reaction via the Design of a Unique, 3D Copper Isophthalate MOF-Based Catalyst Decorated with Mixed Spinel CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles.

This work discloses the first ever magnetically retrievable copper isophthalate-based metal-organic framework (MOF) decorated with surface-modified cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles that have been utilized as catalytic reactors for obtaining a relatively large number of biologically active benzimidazole scaffolds. A facile one-pot solvothermal approach was employed for obtaining spherical and monodisperse CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, which were subsequently modified using suitable protecting and functionalizing agents. Finally, these functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were anchored onto the three-dimensional copper isophthalate MOF via a covalent immobilization methodology. The exploitation of advanced microscopic tools such as transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy provided valuable insights into the morphology of the immobilized MOF. These results indicated that the surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles had grown onto the surface of copper-5-nitroisophthalic acid MOF. A greener C-H functionalization strategy that involves the multicomponent oxidative cross-coupling between two different set of amines (sp2-hybridized nitrogen-containing anilines and sp3-hybridized nitrogen-containing alkyl/aryl amine derivatives) and sodium azide has been incorporated to provide access to a broad spectrum of the value-added target benzimidazole moieties. It is interesting to note that this magnetic MOF-catalyzed protocol not only replaces toxic solvents with water, which is a green solvent, but also enhances the economic competitiveness since the magnetic catalyst can be readily recovered and recycled for eight consecutive runs.