Heterogeneous PdAg alloy catalyst for selective methylation of aromatic amines with formic acid under an additive-free and solvothermal one-pot condition

The methylation of amines for the synthesis of methylamines and dimethylamines as platform chemicals has been attempted mostly by homogeneous catalysts with acid additives. However, there are scarcely any reports on heterogeneous catalytic methylation reactions except for a routine approach under high temperature and high pressure of CO2 and H-2 gases for extended reaction times. Here we report a heterogeneously catalyzed selective methylation of aromatic amines using reactive and nontoxic formic acid as the only source for the construction of methyl groups, under ambient pressure in an additive-free one-pot reaction condition. Equal proportions of Pd and Ag in the PdAg/Fe3O4/N-rGO catalyst deliver highly selective amine methylation without aromatic ring hydrogenation, as the strained Pd in the alloy is combined with the graphene-derived support, preventing nanoparticle agglomeration and the action of magnetite as a promoter. Both N-methylation and N, N-dimethylation of various substituted aromatic amines were performed with complete conversion and excellent 90-97% selectivity by controlling the reaction times in the range of 10-24 h at 140 degrees C without unwanted aromatic ring hydrogenation. Furthermore, the developed bimetallic catalyst provided high yields (88-91%) of methylation with CO2+H-2 gas under high pressure, which are as good as the results of homogenous catalysts with an acid additive. To the best of our knowledge, our use of this environmentally friendly methodology is the first time that this durable heterogeneous catalyst has readily performed highly selective methylation at ambient pressure, which is attractive for industrial applications.1193Ysciescopu

How willing are you to accept sexual requests from slightly unattractive to exceptionally attractive imagined requestors?

This is the post print version of the article. The official published version can be accessed from the link below.In their classic study of differences in mating strategies (Clark & Hatfield, 1989), men and women demonstrated a striking difference in interest in casual sex. The current study examined the role of requestor physical attractiveness (slightly unattractive, moderately attractive and exceptionally attractive) on men's and women's willingness to accept three different requests (go out, come to apartment, go to bed) in a questionnaire study. We tested two hypotheses, using a sample of 427 men and 443 women from three countries. Hypothesis 1 states that men, relative to women, will demonstrate a greater willingness to accept the “come to apartment” and “go to bed” requests but not the “go out” request for all three levels of requestor attractiveness. This hypothesis reflects Clark and Hatfield's (1989) main findings. Hypothesis 2 states that the physical attractiveness of a potential partner will have a greater effect on women's than on men's willingness to accept all three requests, and particularly for the explicit request for casual sex. The results partially supported Hypothesis 1 and fully supported Hypothesis 2. The discussion highlights limitations of the current research and presents directions for future research

Post-COVID-19 Disease Associated with Mucormycosis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Causal Association or Just a Coincidence?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Originating from Wuhan, China, COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide. COVID-19 is primarily considered to be a respiratory illness, but with time there is enough evidence about the extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease. One of the neurological manifestations is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). It may be associated with mucormycosis, with majority of cases occurring in India. Here, we report a case of a 40-year-old male patient, a known case of hypertension and diabetes mellitus who presented with the complaints of fever, cough and shortness of breath since May 10, 2021. He was found to be RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 on May 12, 2021. While recovering from COVID-19, on May 25, he was suspected to have rhino-orbital mucormycosis, which was confirmed on tissue specimen. While recovering from rhino-orbital mucormycosis, on July 26, the patient complained of weakness in bilateral lower limbs, followed by weakness in both upper limbs after 2 days. GBS was confirmed on nerve conduction study (NCS) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. Patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and while on treatment, the patient showed no significant improvement. Invasive ventilation was started in view of respiratory muscle involvement. The patient also developed autonomic dysfunction. He went into cardiac arrest and despite best efforts, couldn’t be revived. Currently, to the best of our knowledge, there is no data to tell that both mucormycosis and GBS can occur in association with COVID-19. This case aims to raise awareness among the healthcare providers for this type of association. COVID-19 may be a cause or it may just be a mere coincidence, needs further stud

Micro-total envelope system with silicon nanowire separator for safe carcinogenic chemistry

Exploration and expansion of the chemistries involving toxic or carcinogenic reagents are severely limited by the health hazards their presence poses. Here, we present a micro-total envelope system (mu-TES) and an automated total process for the generation of the carcinogenic reagent, its purification and its utilization for a desired synthesis that is totally enveloped from being exposed to the carcinogen. A unique microseparator is developed on the basis of SiNWs structure to replace the usual exposure-prone distillation in separating the generated reagent. Chloromethyl methyl ether chemistry is explored as a carcinogenic model in demonstrating the efficiency of the mu-TES that is fully automated so that feeding the ingredients for the generation is all it takes to produce the desired product. Syntheses taking days can be accomplished safely in minutes with excellent yields, which bodes well for elevating the carcinogenic chemistry to new unexplored dimensions.119Ysciescopu

Predictors of Mucormycosis in COVID-19

Background and Aims: Mucormycosis, a serious angioinvasive infection caused by common filamentous fungi, that is, mucormycetes, constitutes the third most common invasive fungal infection, following aspergillosis and candidiasis. Although a rare infection, in recent times we witnessed a sudden surge of mucormycosis cases post-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). The present study was carried out to understand its relation to COVID-19, inflammatory markers, steroid use during COVID-19 treatment, clinical course and outcome of the disease. Material and methods: The present study was conducted at RNT Medical College, Udaipur over a period of 1 month. Written and informed consent from patients were taken. In this study, 15 patients admitted in COVID wards, medical wards, muormycosis ward and ICU were included if fungal hyphae were found on potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount and there was a history of COVID-19 illness; negative KOH mount patients were excluded. Results: In the present study, on admission, out of 15 patients, 7 (46.7%) were admitted with mean neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >5.5, mean C-reactive protein (CRP) 126, mean interleukin (IL)-6 82.4, mean lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 528, mean ferritin 662, mean D-dimer 1760; 5 (33.3%) patients were admitted with mean NLR 3.5-5.5, mean CRP 68, mean IL-6 39.6, mean LDH 336, mean ferritin 448, mean D-dimer 780; and 3 (20%) patients were admitted with mean NLR <3.5, mean CRP 16, mean IL-6 12.8, mean LDH 172, mean ferritin 226, mean D-dimer 430. Out of the 7 patients who were admitted with NLR >5.5, 3 (42.8%) were admitted with orbital cellulitis and 4 (57.2%) with invasive sinusitis. Out of 5 patients admitted with NLR 3.5-5.5, 3 (60%) were admitted with orbital cellulitis and 2 (40%) with invasive sinusitis. Out of 3 patients admitted with NLR <3.5, 1 (33.3%) patient had orbital cellulitis and 2 (66.7%) had invasive sinusitis. Out of total 7 patients who were admitted with orbital cellulitis, in 71.4% patients, steroid was used during COVID-19 treatment and out of 8 patients who were admitted with invasive sinusitis, in 62.5% patients, steroid was used during COVID-19 treatment. In the present study, 68% patients were male and 32% were female. Around 78% patients were from rural area and 22% patients were from urban area. Overall, 74% cases were treated with amphotericin B. Among these, 36% cases were diagnosed with orbital cellulitis and 38% cases were diagnosed with invasive sinusitis. Around 26% cases were treated with posaconazole, and among these 9% were orbital cellulitis cases and 17% were invasive sinusitis cases. About 85.72% cases of orbital cellulitis and 75% cases of invasive sinusitis improved. Nearly 42.86% cases who were admitted with NLR >5.5 did not improve with treatment. Conclusion: As per present study, inflammatory markers of COVID-19, NLR and history of steroid use during treatment can be considered as predictors of mucormycosis occurrence and their outcom

Scrub Typhus with Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsy: A Rare Case Presentation

Scrub typhus, a rickettsial disease endemic in several parts of India, usually presents with acute symptoms. It is causedby small intracellular Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Rickettsiaceae family. Optic neuritis and lateral rectus palsymay be associated with a range of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases and raised intracranial tension. In this case,we report optic neuritis and lateral rectus palsy induced by Orientia tsutsugamushi. We report a case of a 23-year-old womanpresenting with complaints of high-grade fever, vomiting and generalized swelling since 5 days. During this febrile period,on 4/10/2021, she complained of difficulty in vision and double vision. She was found to be positive for scrub typhus on5/10/2021. Optic neuritis was diagnosed on the basis of ophthalmologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)brain. Investigation was done to rule out autoimmune disorders (vasculitis and connective tissue diseases). Rickettsial opticneuritis was confirmed by detection of specific antibodies in serum and the negativity of other serologic tests. Fever, eschar,history of tick exposure and supportive diagnostic tests usually lead to the diagnosis. This case aims to raise awarenessamong the healthcare providers for this type of association. Scrub typhus should be included in the differential diagnosiswhen a patient presents with fever with or without eschar and isolated or multiple cranial nerve palsy

Oxidative stress in patients with laryngeal carcinoma

Background : Cancer is a multifactorial disease. Repetitive cumulative damage of cellular organelles by oxy-free radicals are few of the important causative factors. Aim : To assess the role of oxidative stress in the laryngeal cancer patients in Indian population. Setting and Design : Case control study. Materials and Methods : Level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative stress was examined in large cohort of control (50) and laryngeal carcinoma patients (155) from North India. Both the controls and laryngeal carcinoma patients were smokers. Results : In control healthy subjects MDA levels were 0.102±0.07 (0.080- 0.303, 95% CI) n mol/ml, as compared to 0.329±0.16 (0.124-0.354, 95% CI) n mol/ml in the cases of laryngeal carcinoma patients. Three times higher serum MDA levels indicated that there was significant oxidative stress in the subjects having laryngeal carcinoma lesions. In addition patients with secondaries were having MDA levels of 0.4±0.02 (0.391-0.408 95% CI) n mol/ml, as compared to 0.57±0.03 (0.558-0.582 95% CI)n mol/ml in group of patients without secondaries. These two values were statistically significant as compared to control values (P< 0.01). Conclusion : These findings suggest that in case of laryngeal carcinoma patients, there is increase in the level of oxidative enzyme MDA. The oxidative stress might be due to the modulation of pro-oxidant or anti-oxidant systems in laryngeal carcinoma

Multi-organ Injuries Due to a Lightning Strike: A Rare Case

Injuries due to a lightning strike are uncommon presentations in the emergency department. Common injuries caused by lightning include burns, muscle pains, cardiac arrest, hearing loss, seizures, behavioral changes and ocular cataracts. We report a case of a 26-year-old primigravida with history of 3 months of amenorrhea who was struck by lightning as she was standing beside a tree. It left her unconscious, immediately after which she was taken to the emergency department of Maharana Bhupal Govt Hospital (MBGH Hospital), Udaipur, Rajasthan. Entry wound was from right ear and the exit wound was on abdomen. Examination confirmed linear first- and superficial second-degree burns. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed deep and symmetrical T-wave inversion in precordial and lateral leads. There was an associated elevation of troponin T levels (peak: 432 ng/L), suggestive of myocarditis. On otoscopic examination, she was found to have rupture of tympanic membrane bilaterally. A transthoracic echocardiography revealed reduced ejection fraction of the left ventricle to 25% with global left ventricle hypokinesia, moderate mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. This case aims to raise awareness among the healthcare providers regarding multiple organ involvement in lightning injury

Multi-organ Injuries Due to a Lightning Strike: A Rare Case

Injuries due to a lightning strike are uncommon presentations in the emergency department. Common injuries caused bylightning include burns, muscle pains, cardiac arrest, hearing loss, seizures, behavioral changes and ocular cataracts. Wereport a case of a 26-year-old primigravida with history of 3 months of amenorrhea who was struck by lightning as shewas standing beside a tree. It left her unconscious, immediately after which she was taken to the emergency departmentof Maharana Bhupal Govt Hospital (MBGH Hospital), Udaipur, Rajasthan. Entry wound was from right ear and the exitwound was on abdomen. Examination confirmed linear first- and superficial second-degree burns. The electrocardiogram(ECG) showed deep and symmetrical T-wave inversion in precordial and lateral leads. There was an associated elevation oftroponin T levels (peak: 432 ng/L), suggestive of myocarditis. On otoscopic examination, she was found to have rupture oftympanic membrane bilaterally. A transthoracic echocardiography revealed reduced ejection fraction of the left ventricle to25% with global left ventricle hypokinesia, moderate mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. This case aims to raiseawareness among the healthcare providers regarding multiple organ involvement in lightning injury

One-flow Syntheses of Diverse Heterocyclic Furan Chemicals Directly from Fructose via Tandem Transformation Platform

The sustainable green chemistry associated with lignocellulosic biomass is of current interest for producing various chemical feedstocks via multi-step transformation processes. Here we introduce a chemical platform system for the multicomponent cascade transformation of natural lignocellulosic biomass resources. We demonstrate the concept by developing an integrated continuous two-step microfluidic system as a tandem transformation platform for direct conversion of fructose to diverse furan chemicals with excellent yields up to 99% via decarbonylation, etherification, oxidation and hydrogenolysis of a 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) intermediate. A sequential two-step process is utilized to complete the dehydration of fructose in the surface acid catalyst at 150 degrees C for 6 min, which is followed by the four types of HMF conversion in a binary or ternary phase to produce furfuryl alcohol (94% yield), 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (99%), 2,5-diformylfuran (82%) and 2,5-dimethylfuran (90%) with magnetic-based heterogeneous catalysts at 70-150 degrees C for 6-60 min. This innovative tandem microfluidic platform enables precise control of the reaction temperature and time for each individual biomass conversion step in a one-flow manner with no separation and purification steps for intermediates and catalysts.112016Ysciescopu