Europium-based ß-hydroxyketone complexes: synthesis, optoelectronic, thermal and computational analyses.

Six red-light-emitting Eu(III) complexes having a ß-hydroxyketone as ligand and heterocyclic ring containing compounds as ancillary ligands were synthesized to explore their use in displays and optoelectronics. The coordinating behavior of complexes was determined by various techniques such as FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), 1H-NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance), and 13C-NMR that establishes a bonding of ligand and ancillary ligand with the Eu(III) ion. Morphology and purity were investigated through XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) analyses that suggest semicrystalline and pure complex formation. Thermal analysis of complexes by TGA/DTG (thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric) indicates that complexes are stable upto 200 ºC temperature making them suitable for use in display devices. Analysis of the photophysical properties was carried out in both solid and solution states using PL (photoluminescence) studies, color parameters, J-O (Judd-Ofelt) analysis and bandgap. Most emissive transition (5D0 → 7F2) is responsible for the red emission in the complexes. The CIE (Commission International de I'Eclairage) coordinates of complexes also indicate the red emission on UV excitation. The bandgap which was obtained in the range of 2.54-3.02 eV reveals the semiconducting behavior of complexes. Values of J-O parameters and Ω2 in the complexes reflect asymmetric chemical environment around Eu (III) and less covalence and the Ω4 indicates that complexes are less rigid. Bandgap calculated through DFT (density function theory) for complexes is in range of 2.37-2.77 eV, and intensity parameters (J-O), energy transfer rates, and spherical coordinates were determined by LUMPAC software. The computational data are in good harmony with the experimental data. Further biological aspects of complexes were studied using antioxidant and antimicrobial studies.

Design, Characterization and SAR Studies of Novel Bioactive Benzylideneacetophenone Derivatives as Insecticidal Agents against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Unintentional environmental effects brought on by insecticides encourage the creation of safer substitutes. A very polyphagous migrating lepidopteran pest species in Africa called S. Frugiperda causes terrible damage. In the current paper, treatment of 4-acetylphenyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate with different aromatic aldehydes in the presence of NaOH afforded benzylideneacetophenones. The structure of the newly prepared compounds were proved by different spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1 H-NMR, 13 C NMR, and elemental analysis. We looked at the association between contact with S. frugiperda and stricture reaction to examine their harmful effect. Additionally, S. frugiperda was used for testing the newly created compounds for their ability to kill insects. The majority of substances have been proven to be effective and promising. It has been found that 4-[3-(4-Methylphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]phenyl-4-methyl benzenesulfonate (4) was the most active with an LC50 =3.46 mg/L of 2nd instar larvae and LC50 =9.45 mg/L of 4th instar larvae. Moreover, some of biological and histopathological aspects of the synthesized products were investigated under laboratory conditions.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Benzamide Compounds as Insecticides Agents Against Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Due to its severe damage, Spodoptera frugiperda is receiving attention as one of the biggest dangers to world food security. Although there are numerous insecticides that are widely and successfully used to control S. frugiperda, they do not have an immediate effect. In our work focusing for synthesized twelve novel benzamide derivatives and examined their insecticidal effectiveness against S. frugiperda larvae in their second & fourth larvae instars, with the aim of further improving the insecticidal activity based on combination principles. Several spectroscopic methods, including elemental analysis, NMR & infrared spectroscopy, were employed for confirming the structure of the newly designed products. It has been discovered that most compounds show good of promising efficacy. With an LC50 of 24.8 mg/L for larvae in the second instar & 56.2 mg/L for larvae in the fourth instar, compound 23 was the most active. Among all compounds 11, 22 and 20 exhibited excellent results. Furthermore, a number of biological and histopathological properties of the demonstration compounds of the produced goods under laboratory conditions were also examined. This work further demonstrates the anti-proliferation of S. frugiperda and offers fresh ideas for the manufacture of benzamide derivatives.

How will Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) Respond to Global Warming?

The aim of this study was to determine the favorable constant temperature range for Mahanarva spectabilis(Distant) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) development as well as to generate geographic distribution maps of this insect pest for future climate scenarios. M. spectabilis eggs were reared on two host plants (Brachiaria ruziziensis(Germain and Edvard) and Pennisetum purpureum(Schumach)), with individual plants kept at temperatures of 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C. Nymphal stage duration, nymphal survival, adult longevity, and egg production were recorded for each temperature*host plant combination. Using the favorable temperature ranges for M. spectabilis development, it was possible to generate geographic distribution. Nymphal survival was highest at 24.4 °C, with estimates of 44 and 8% on Pennisetum and Brachiaria, respectively. Nymphal stage duration was greater on Brachiaria than on Pennisetum at 20 and 24 °C but equal at 28 °C. Egg production was higher on Pennisetum at 24 and 28 °C than at 20 °C, and adult longevity on Pennisetum was higher at 28 °C than at 20 °C, whereas adult longevity at 24 °C did not differ from that at 20 and 28 °C. With these results, it was possible to predict a reduction in M. spectabilis densities in most regions of Brazil in future climate scenarios.

Future Potential of Quantum Computing and Simulations in Biological Science.

The review article presents the recent progress in quantum computing and simulation within the field of biological sciences. The article is designed mainly into two portions: quantum computing and quantum simulation. In the first part, significant aspects of quantum computing was illustrated, such as quantum hardware, quantum RAM and big data, modern quantum processors, qubit, superposition effect in quantum computation, quantum interference, quantum entanglement, and quantum logic gates. Simultaneously, in the second part, vital features of the quantum simulation was illustrated, such as the quantum simulator, algorithms used in quantum simulations, and the use of quantum simulation in biological science. Finally, the review provides exceptional views to future researchers about different aspects of quantum simulation in biological science.

Molluscicidal and Larvicidal Potency of N-Heterocylic Analogs against Biomophalaria alexandrina Snails and Schistosoma mansoni Larval Stages.

This work describes the synthesis of quinoline-based N--heterocyclic arenes and their biological evaluation as molluscicides against adult Biomophalaria alexandrina snails as well as larvicides against Schistosoma mansoni larvae (miracidia and cercariae). Molecular docking studies were demonstrated to investigate their affinity for cysteine protease protein as an interesting target for antiparasitics. Compound AEAN showed the best docking results followed by APAN in comparison to the co-crystallized ligand D1R reflected by their binding affinities and RMSD values. The egg production, hatchability of B. alexandrina snails and ultrastructural topography of S. mansoni cercariae using SEM were assessed. Biological evaluations (hatchability and egg-laying capacity) revealed that the quinoline hydrochloride salt CAAQ was the most effective compound against adult B. alexandrina snails, whereas the indolo-quinoline derivative APAN had the most efficiency against miracidia, and the acridinyl derivative AEAA was the most effective against cercariae and caused 100% mortality. CAAQ and AEAA were found to modulate the biological responses of B. alexandrina snails with/without S. mansoni infection and larval stages that will affect S. mansoni infection. AEAA caused deleterious morphological effects on cercariae. CAAQ caused inhibition in the number of eggs/snail/week and reduced reproductive rate to 43.8% in all the experimental groups. CAAQ and AEAA can be recommended as an effective molluscicide of plant origin for the control program of schistosomiasis.

Recent Trends in Diagnostic Biomarkers of Tumor Microenvironment.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) play critical roles in tumor survival, progression, and metastasis and can be considered potential targets for molecular imaging of cancer. The targeting agents for imaging of TME components (e.g., fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, blood vessels) provide a promising strategy to target these biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cancers. Moreover, various cancer types have similar tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) features that targeting those biomarkers and offer clinically translatable molecular imaging of cancers. In this review, we categorize and summarize the components in TME which have been targeted for molecular imaging. Moreover, this review updated the recent progress in targeted imaging of TIME biological molecules by various modalities for the early detection of cancer.

Chemical Characterization of Clove, Basil and Peppermint Essential Oils; Evaluating Their Toxicity on the Development Stages of Two-Spotted Spider Mites Grown on Cucumber Leaves.

The two spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a cosmopolitan mite. It rapidly reproduces and can develop resistance to chemical pesticides. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity and acaricidal activity of three essential oils from basil, clove, and peppermint against T. urticae reproduction, which is grown on three cucumber cultivars, Chief (SC 4145), Raian (CB898), and Toshka (SC 349), under laboratory conditions at 27 + 3 °C and 70 + 5% RH. GC-MS characterized the volatile oils of basil, clove, and peppermint. Methyl cinnamate, eugenol, and menthol were the main essential oils in basil, clove, and peppermint, respectively. The results indicated significant differences in the duration of development between T. urticae feeding on the three cucumber cultivars (p ≤ 0.05), including eggs, protonymph, and deutonymph time. The Toshka (SC 349) cultivar recorded the lowest developmental time. The longevity period exhibited the same trend with non-significant differences between Raian (CB898) and Toshka (SC 349). Moreover, the lethal concentration (LC50) and LC90 values in tested essential oils (EOs) showed that clove EOs were the most toxic. In contrast, basil and peppermint EOs were the least effective, and immature stages were more sensitive to EOs than adult stages. The infected Toshka (SC 349) discs treated with essential oils and abamectin under in vitro conditions indicated that clove oil is comparable to abamectin regarding its effect on the egg numbers (18.7 and 17.6 egg), immature development time, longevity, life span, and life cycle (20.6 and 20.8 days) of T. urticae. We conclude that the resistant cultivation of cucumber plants can be recommended in integrated pest management programs. The most effective of the tested oils, clove EOs, should be used as alternatives to pesticides to control T. urticae in the protected cultivation of cucumbers.

Candida lusitaniae: Biology, Pathogenicity, Virulence Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

The incidence of fungal infections is increasing at an alarming rate and has posed a great challenge for science in recent years. The rise in these infections has been related to the increase in immunocompromised patients and the resistance of different species to antifungal drugs. Infections caused by the different Candida species, especially Candida albicans, are one of the most common mycoses in humans, and the etiological agents are considered opportunistic pathogens associated with high mortality rates when disseminated infections occur. Candida lusitaniae is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen that most frequently affects immunocompromised patients with some comorbidity. Although it is a low-frequency pathogen, and the mortality rate of C. lusitaniae-caused candidemia does not exceed 5%, some isolates are known to be resistant to antifungals such as amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, and fluconazole. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on this organism and its different aspects, such as its biology, possible virulence factors, pathogen-host interaction, diagnosis, and treatment of infection, is provided. Of particular interest, through Blastp analysis we predicted possible virulence factors in this species.

High percentage of smudge cells in a patient with COVID19: Rediscovering their utility.

We present a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an unexpected presence of lymphocytosis. Examination of blood film revealed mature small lymphocytes associated with high percentage of smudge cells (63%). A peripheral flow cyometry evidenced a CD5 negative CLL. A high percentage of smudge cells is associated with CLL diagnosis and has an important prognostic value: better survival and prolonged time to first treatment. It is a useful index in developing countries with low access to molecular testing.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biochemical Impacts of Some New Bioactive Sulfonamide Thiazole Derivatives as Potential Insecticidal Agents against the Cotton Leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis.

A novel series of anticipated biologically active heterocyclic compounds, such as pyrazole, thiazole, pyridine, acrylamide, thiophene, triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, imidazolidine, aminopyrazole, pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine, triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidine, benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine, pyrido[2',3':3,4]pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine, isoxazole, benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine, pyrimidine, pyrido[2',3':3,4]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine, pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine, and chromene derivatives, incorporating a sulfonamide-bearing thiazole moiety suitable to utilize as insecticidal agents were synthesized via a versatile, readily accessible cyanoacetanilide, 2-cyano-N-(4-(N-(thiazol-2-yl)sulfamoyl)phenyl)acetamide (1).The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT), 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectral analysis. Toxicological and biochemical parameters and biological aspects of the demonstrated compounds of the synthesized products against the cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, under laboratory conditions were also investigated. Regarding the determined LC50 and LC90 values, sulfonamides bearing a thiazole moiety, 16a, 8, 28, and 31b, showed the most potent toxic effects with LC50 values of 49.04, 62.66, 78.62, and 94.90 ppm, respectively, and toxicity index of 100%, 78.26%, 62.38%, and 51.68%, respectively.

A review of metallic and non-metallic cerclage in orthopaedic surgery: Is there still a place for metallic cerclage?

Cerclage techniques are simple, yet effective techniques to treat certain fractures and are known as one of the first operative techniques in orthopaedic surgery. The days when a twisted metal wire was the only available cerclage technique nonetheless have passed and today there are many different materials and techniques available. This review evaluates the differences between metallic and non-metallic cerclage techniques, thereby looking at biomechanical, technical and biological aspects. It also provides an overview of clinical applications for non-metallic cerclages. The use of metallic versus non-metallic cerclage might differ depending on indication, location and involved tissues. Currently metallic cerclage is mostly used to repair fractures because of its believed higher absolute strength. More recently though, non-metallic cerclage has been proven to withstand the same loads, while having a lower complication rate. This review suggests that mainly in the upper limb a non-metallic cerclage technique might become the golden standard, while in the lower limb both metallic and non-metallic cerclage techniques are complementary and dependent on indication.

Effects of some parameters in upscale culture of Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow / Efeito de alguns parâmetros no cultivo em larga escala de Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow

Growth rate and medium parameters between two bench scale volumes (13-L and 250-L) were compared. Experiments were maintained batch mode and culture parameters were periodically measured during a 13-day period. Culture growth during the cultivation of algae Haematococcus pluvialis was determined qualitatively by cell counting, optical density, dry weight, ash content, amount of chlorophyll-a, total organic carbon content and by direct measuring of medium nutrients and some abiotic aspects. Vegetative cell growth was higher when cultured in 13-L with 1.33 x 105 cells.mL−1 on the 12th day than when cultured in 250-L. Significant difference (p < 0.05) in the biology and water culture of H. pluvialis, with the exception of dry weight, ash, nitrite and ammonia, was reported between the volumes. Data obtained in current study for the upscale culture maintenance of H. pluvialis in laboratory conditions shows that it should be undertaken in a 13-L volume due to a greater time span of cells in a vegetative state, greater cell density, lipids and chlorophyll-a contents. Light was of paramount importance on the direct performance of H. pluvialis on the algal biological conditions.

Foram avaliadas a taxa de crescimento e condições do meio de cultura em volumes de 13-L e 250-L em sistema estático, durante o período de 13 dias para a microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Foi determinada qualitativamente a contagem de células, densidade, peso seco, teor de cinzas, clorofila-a, teor de carbono orgânico total e avaliação de nutrientes e fatores abióticos do meio de cultura. O crescimento foi mais elevado em volume de 13-L com 1,33 x 105 células.mL−1 no décimo segundo dia, do que em volume de 250-L. Em relação ao meio de cultivo e aspectos biológicos de H. pluvialis, foram observadas diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) entre os dois volumes com exceção do peso seco, cinzas, nitrito e amônia. Para cultivo em larga escale de H. pluvialis é recomendado nestas condições laboratoriais, o volume de 13-L devido ao maior tempo das células em estado vegetativo, maior densidade celular e elevados teores de lipídios e clorofila-a. A luz interferiu diretamente nas condições biológicas de H. pluvialis.

Potential of biologically active plant oils to control mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens, Diptera: Culicidae) from an egyptian locality

The insecticidal effect of six commercially available plant oils was tested against 4th larval instars of Culex pipiens. Larvae were originally collected from Meit El-Attar, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt, and then reared in the laboratory until F1 generation. The LC50 values were 32.42, 47.17, 71.37, 83.36, 86.06, and 152.94 ppm for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grecum), earth almond (Cyperus esculentus), mustard (Brassica compestris), olibanum (Boswellia serrata), rocket (Eruca sativa), and parsley (Carum ptroselinum), respectively. The tested oils altered some biological aspects of C. pipiens, for instance, developmental periods, pupation rates, and adult emergences. The lowest concentrations of olibanum and fenugreek oils caused remarkable prolongation of larval and pupal durations. Data also showed that the increase of concentrations was directly proportional to reduction in pupation rates and adult emergences. Remarkable decrease in pupation rate was achieved by mustard oil at 1000 ppm. Adult emergence was suppressed by earth almond and fenugreek oils at 25 ppm. In addition, the tested plant oils exhibited various morphological abnormalities on larvae, pupae, and adult stages. Consequently, fenugreek was the most potent oil and the major cause of malformation of both larval and pupal stages. Potency of the applied plant oils provided an excellent potential for controlling C. pipiens.

O efeito inseticida de seis óleos de plantas comercialmente disponíveis foi testado contra larvas de 4ºinstar de Culex pipiens. Larvas foram coletadas originalmente de Meit El-Attar, Qalyubia Governorate, Egito e então cultivadas no laboratório até a geração F1. Os valores LC50 foram 32,42, 47,17, 71,37, 83,36, 86,06 e 152,94 ppm para o feno grego (Trigonella foenum-grecum), amêndoa da terra (Cyperus esculentus), mostarda (Brassica compestris), olíbano (Boswellia serrata), rocket (Eruca sativa) e salsa (Carum ptroselium), respectivamente. Os óleos testados alteraram alguns aspectos biológicos do C. pipiens, por exemplo os períodos de desenvolvimento, estados de crisálida, e emergências de adultos. As concentrações mais baixas de óleo de olíbano e feno grego causaram extraordinário prolongamento da duração larval e pupal. Dados também mostraram que o aumento das concentrações foi diretamente proporcional à redução no estado de crisálida e emergências dos adultos. Notável decréscimo no estado de crisálida foi conseguido com o óleo de mostarda a 1000 ppm. Emergência de adulto foi diminuída no óleo de amêndoa da terra e feno grego a 25 ppm. Além do mais, os óleos de plantas testados, exibiram várias anormalidades morfológicas nas larvas, pupas e estádios adultos. Consequentemente, o óleo de feno grego foi o óleo mais potente e o maior causador de malformação em ambos estádios larval e pupal. Potencial dos óleos de plantas aplicados mostraram excelente resultado no controle do C. pipiens.

Responsividade materna: aspectos biológicos e variações culturais / Maternal responsiveness: biological aspects and cultural variations

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir criticamente alguns aspectos biológicos e variações culturais relativos ao conceito de responsividade materna. Está subdividido em duas partes. A primeira delas trata da responsividade e seus aspectos biológicos e variações culturais. A segunda apresenta duas grandes tendências de pesquisa sobre responsividade materna e variações culturais. As considerações finais sistematizam os argumentos críticos apresentados e destacam que as iniciativas de investigar este tema devem estar pautadas pelo reconhecimento de que a responsividade materna é uma das características das interações adulto-criança que tem origens e influências múltiplas. Nesse sentido, a sua compreensão deve estar incluída em um sistema amplo de referência que envolva, por exemplo, variáveis biológicas, contextuais, da história da díade e culturais.

The purpose of this article was to critically discuss some biological aspects and cultural variations in maternal responsiveness. It consists of two parts. The first discusses responsiveness and its biological aspects and cultural variations. The second part presents two major research tendencies in the investigations of cultural variations in maternal responsiveness. Our conclusion presents a brief of the critical arguments and highlights the need to recognize that maternal responsiveness is one of the adult-child interaction characteristics that has multiple origins and influences, from which any investigation in this theme must be based on. As a consequence, those initiatives should be included in a wide reference system that involves, for example, biological, contextual, dyads previous history, and cultural variables.

Las metas del milenio y el componente bucal de la salud / Dental Health and its goals for the present millennium

El componente bucal de la salud continúa siendo un aspecto fundamental en las condiciones de vida y de bienestar de la población, incorporado en las metas del milenio, requiere consolidar un cuerpo de conocimientos teóricos y metodológicos que permitan abordarlo desde sus dos dimensiones: la social y la biológica, para sustituir las metas basadas en la enfermedad, por metas sustentadas en la salud, desarrollando una práctica odontológica con sentido de totalidad. El propósito de esta investigación bibliográfica, consiste en identificar aspectos conceptuales que contribuyan con el desarrollo operativo de la dimensión social del componente bucal de la salud. Se aborda la discusión acerca de la naturaleza del objeto de estudio y de trabajo del componente bucal del proceso salud - enfermedad, para posteriormente avanzar sobre las consideraciones de orden técnico que aporten en la construcción de propuestas de trabajo para intervenir desde el núcleo familiar, en las causas esenciales que definen el perfil de salud - enfermedad bucal de la población

Dental health has been considered an important aspect in the people’s life conditions and well-being. For the present millennium, the main goal in dental health care is to develop a more holistic dental practice. Then, it is necessary to develop theories and methodologies with which dental health can be approached from its social and biological perspectives to change the dental health care traditional view focused on the treatment of oral diseases to a new one focused on the prevention of them. The purpose of this bibliographic investigation is to identify conceptual aspects, which contribute to the operational development of the dental health social perspective. Furthermore, discussions about the nature of the study objects and work of dental health are held. Finally, technical considerations that allow the design of work proposals with the participation of the family in search of the main causes of their common oral diseases in their community are discussed