The exploration of bio-inspired copper oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and in-vitro biological investigations.

The paper describes the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using the mixture of plant rhizome extracts Ocimum sanctum and Saussurea lappa as a reducing agent. The prepared CuO nanoparticles are characterized and confirmed their formation based on data obtained from powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier Transmission Infrared, Ultraviolet-Visible spectra, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy images, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis and Dynamic light scattering techniques and data reveal that the average size of CuO Nps was 103.4 nm. The result of antibacterial and antifungal activities for concentrations 50, 100, and 170 ppm indicate that NPs may exhibit appreciable activity at higher (170 ppm) concentrations. The MTT cytotoxic assay studies of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines showed a Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 4.14 â€‹µg/mL.

Synthesis of (+)-xestodecalactone A.

The total synthesis of Benzannulated macrolide, (+)-Xestodecalactone A was accomplished starting from commercially available enantiomerically pure propylene oxide and 3,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid using Grignard reaction, alkylation of 1,3-dithiane and Yamaguchi macrolactonisation as key steps.

Saussurea lappa plant rhizome extract-based zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and its antibacterial, antifungal activities and cytotoxic studies against Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines.

The plant extracts are known for their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. The use of plant extracts in the preparation of bio-materials increases their biological application. In this concern, herein reporting an eco-friendly procedure which is also a simple and cost effective, for the synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Saussurea lappa plant root (rhizome) extract as a fuel. The prepared nanoparticles were confirmed using various characterization techniques. The Dynamic light scattering data showed 123.5 nm particle size with -99.9 mv zeta potential which indicates excellent stability of the particles. The peak at 541 cm-1 in the IR spectrum is assigned to the stretching frequency of the zinc-binding to oxygen. The X-ray diffraction peaks confirm the close association with JCPDS Data Card No: 36-1451. The FESEM data revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a hexagonal shape of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. The antibacterial studies indicate the gram-negative strains showed better inhibition activity than gram-positive strains. Among Fungal strains, Aspergillus niger and flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizopus oryzae showed good inhibition activity at higher concentrations. The cytotoxic data indicates the 5 µg/mL of the ZnO particles showed cytotoxicity on the CHO cell line and with IC50 value 3.164 ± 0.8956 µg/mL.

Pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines in attenuating cytokine storm in COVID-19: their sonochemical synthesis and in silico / in vitro assessment.

In view of the recent global pandemic caused by COVID-19 intense efforts have been devoted worldwide towards the development of an effective treatment for this disease. Recently, PDE4 inhibitors have been suggested to attenuate the cytokine storm in COVID-19 especially tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In our effort we have explored the 2-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines for this purpose because of their potential inhibitory properties of PDE-4 / TNF-α. Moreover, several of these compounds appeared to be promising in silico when assessed for their binding affinities via docking into the N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD) of N-protein of SARS-CoV-2. A rapid and one-pot synthesis of this class of molecules was achieved via the Cu-catalyzed coupling-cyclization-desulfinylation of 3-alkynyl-2-chloroquinoxalines with t-butyl sulfinamide as the ammonia surrogate under ultrasound irradiation. Most of these compounds showed good to significant inhibition of TNF-α in vitro establishing a SAR (Structure Activity Relationship) within the series. One compound e.g. 3i was identified as a promising hit for which the desirable ADME and acceptable toxicity profile was predicted in silico.

Catalysis by molecular iodine: a rapid synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes and their evaluation as potential anticancer agents.

Molecular iodine facilitated the reaction of 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione with aromatic aldehydes in iso-propanol affording a variety of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes in high yields. Most of the compounds synthesized showed good anti-proliferative properties in vitro against three cancer cell lines and 9-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione possessing a 2-hydroxy phenyl group at C-9 position was found to be promising. Further structure elaboration of the same compound and the crystal structure analysis and hydrogen bonding patterns of another compound that is, 9-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione prepared by using this methodology is presented.

Surgery for snoring: are partners satisfied in the long run?

Patients seek surgery for snoring, essentially for the sake of their partners. Few studies have looked into the long-term results from this angle. We herein report the findings of a study of partner satisfaction, following laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UVPP). This was a questionnaire-based survey, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. A total of 91 procedures (LAUP = 50 and UVPP = 41) were evaluated. Response rate was 65.93%. Both groups were matched for age, gender and duration of the follow-up. Residual snoring was even more frequently following LAUP than it was following UVPP (Mann-Whitney U = 244, P = 0.012). After UVPP, partners were less likely to have trouble falling asleep (Mann-Whitney U = 255, P = 0.041). There was a highly significant reduction in the disturbance of sleep and need to wake up after both types of surgery (McNemar test, chi2 = 25.037, P < 0.001). Both groups reported improvements in quality of life. We propose a grading system to record partner satisfaction. The long-term results show that surgery for snoring is justified in the National Health Service (NHS) in the new millennium.

Live recordings of sound levels during the use of powered instruments in ENT surgery.

Otolaryngology is one of the surgical specialities employing high-powered instruments and this study was designed in order to establish whether sound levels at work conform to HSE guidelines. No study to date has measured intra-operative noise levels in ENT operation theatres. A prospective observational study was therefore performed. Sound levels were measured during the use of bone drills for mastoid surgery and microdebriders for endoscopic sinus surgery. A SLM/IS Acos Class I sound level meter calibrated to BS 1259 was employed. A spectrum analysis of drill-generated noise was measured using a calibrated B and K precision sound level meter. Sound levels emitted varied as follows: Large burrs- 72.4 dB (A), medium size; 71.2 dB (A), small sized burrs- 68.8 dB (A) (all values for cutting burrs) and 60.8 dB (A) for diamond burs. With microdebriders, the average sound level was 60.1 dBA. Spectrum analysis revealed that the maximum intensity was at 3.15 kHz, followed by 4 kHz, while the least sound was produced at 40 kHz and 31.5 kHz. Essentially sound produced by drills was between 1.6 kHz and 6.3 kHz. Powered instruments used in ENT surgery are safe and pose no occupational hazard.