Palladium-Catalyzed C3-Carbaldehyde Directed Regioselective C2-Thioarylation of Indoles

Palladium-catalyzed thioarylation of indoles by diaryl disulfides in the presence of phenyliododiacetate is reported. The directing potential of weakly coordinating aldehyde group present at 3-position of indole was exploited for regioselective C2-H thioarylation over the possible C4-H functionalization. Mechanistic studies reveal that the process involves initial generation of thioaryl radical followed by sequential C-H activation, thiolate transfer, and reductive elimination.

Child health nursing in the Solomon Islands: A qualitative evaluation of the impact of the 'Bachelor of nursing - Child health'

AIM

To explore graduates' perceptions of the impact on nursing practice of a new postgraduate course in child health, developed and implemented in the Solomon Islands in 2016.

BACKGROUND

The Bachelor of Nursing - Child Health was implemented in 2016 to develop nurses' knowledge and skills in child health and paediatric care with the intent to improve national child health outcomes.

DESIGN

A qualitative exploratory, descriptive design was used to evaluate the impact of the Bachelor of Nursing - Child Health on graduates' nursing practice.

METHODS

Fourteen nurses who graduated from the first cohort of students enrolled in the child health course were purposively selected to participate. Participants engaged in individual semi-structured interviews, conducted between August and December 2018. A thematic analysis was undertaken following Braun and Clarke's six-phase process.

RESULTS

Findings from the study demonstrate positive impacts of the course on graduates' nursing practice. These include a perceived enhanced quality of care through their commitment to evidence-based practice, the ability to contribute to capacity building of colleagues, the reinforcement of provincial public health programmes and expanded participation in managerial activities. Following graduation, most alumni took on senior roles and greater responsibilities, felt more confident in managing unwell children, felt there was better access to and quality of child health care at the community and broader country levels and felt recognised by colleagues and communities. Some graduates faced resistance from colleagues to change practice and felt that despite being given greater responsibilities, nursing levels and salaries remained unchanged. This reflected a potential lack of recognition from hospital or provincial managers, the Nursing Council as the regulatory body for the nursing profession, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. A lack of human and material resources also impacted quality of care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Findings from this study underline the need for the Solomon Islands National University, the Nursing Council, the Public Service and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to concord and delineate formal accreditation standards for child health nurses. Overall, collaborative efforts and commitments at local, regional and global levels are required to support child health nurses in their ability and ambition to improve national child health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study demonstrate positive impacts of the course on graduates' nursing practice. The impact of increasing nurses' knowledge and skills on national child health outcomes could be significant. Ongoing implementation and recognition of this course in the Solomon Islands, as well as more broadly across the Pacific region, are recommended.

DMSO-DCE Triggered Chemodivergent C-Methylenation of Electron-Rich Arenes: An Easy Access to Diarylmethanes

The chemodivergent property of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) along with 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) was exploited for the incorporation of a methylene group to form diarylmethanes through a dearomatization/rearomatization process. Methyl(methylene)sulfonium ions (CH2=S+-Me) were generated by simple heating of commonly used solvents such as DMSO and DCE. These ions were subsequently trapped by electron-rich arenes and heteroarenes, resulting in the synthesis of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical diarylmethanes. This protocol was further extended to access N-methylenamides by reacting 2-naphthol with amides or nitriles in the presence of DMSO and DCE.

Metal-Free C-H Sulfamidation of 1,4-Naphthoquinone in Water

Direct sulfamidation of 1,4-naphthoquinones using N-methoxy sulfonamides under metal-free conditions in water was developed. Base-mediated nucleophilic addition of N-methoxy sulfonamides, followed by N-O bond cleavage allowed the formation of enesulfonamides. Further, the synthesis of pyrrolonaphthoquinones proved the practicability of the current approach.

Supplementation of nano-selenium (SeNPs) improved growth, immunity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and selenium retention in broiler chicken during summer season

The present experiment was aimed at finding the optimal supplemental dose of nano-selenium in broiler chicken during the summer season for better performance in terms of growth, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and selenium concentration in vital organs. Three-hundred-day-old Vencobb broiler chicks were randomly distributed into five dietary treatment groups with six replicates of 10 chicks each. The dietary treatments were as follows: T1 (control group), basal diet; T2, basal diet with 0.0375 ppm of nano-Se; T3, basal diet with 0.075 ppm of nano-Se; T4, basal diet with 0.15 ppm of nano-Se; T5, basal diet with 0.3 ppm of nano-Se. The experiment was carried out for 35 days. The average gain and feed conversion ratio were best observed in T4 and T5. The antibody titres were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the treated birds. At the 5th week, erythrocytic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly (P < 0.05) higher and lipid peroxidation values were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in all the nano-Se-treated groups. The Se levels in the liver, breast muscle, kidney, brain, and gizzard were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increased dietary nano-Se. Histological studies of the liver and kidney in the highest nano-Se-treated groups (T4 and T5) did not show any abnormal changes. It is concluded that supplementation of nano-selenium at 0.15 ppm over and above the basal level improved the performance and protect the birds from summer stress without any adverse effect on the vital organs of chicken.

Effects of microplastics, pesticides and nano-materials on fish health, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanism

Microplastics and pesticides are emerging contaminants in the marine biota, which cause many harmful effects on aquatic organisms, especially on fish. Fish is a staple and affordable food source, rich in animal protein, along with various vitamins, essential amino acids, and minerals. Exposure of fish to microplastics, pesticides, and various nanoparticles generates ROS and induces oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, and DNA damage and alters gut microbiota, thus reducing the growth and quality of fish. Changes in fish behavioral patterns, swimming, and feeding habits were also observed under exposures to the above contaminants. These contaminants also affect the Nrf-2, JNK, ERK, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. And Nrf2-KEAP1 signalling modulates redox status marinating enzymes in fish. Effects of pesticides, microplastics, and nanoparticles found to modulate many antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione system. So, to protect fish health from stress, the contribution of nano-technology or nano-formulations was researched. A decrease in fish nutritional quality and population significantly impacts on the human diet, influencing traditions and economics worldwide. On the other hand, traces of microplastics and pesticides in the habitat water can enter humans by consuming contaminated fish which may result in serious health hazards. This review summarizes the oxidative stress caused due to microplastics, pesticides and nano-particle contamination or exposure in fish habitat water and their impact on human health. As a rescue mechanism, the use of nano-technology in the management of fish health and disease was discussed.

Weak Chelating-Group-Directed Palladium-Catalyzed C-4 Arylation of Indoles

A Pd(II)-catalyzed dehydrogenative remote C4-H coupling of indoles with unfunctionalized arenes at room temperature was reported. The weak chelating trifluoroacetyl group at the C3-position served as a directing group for the remote C4-H activation. Arenes with a wide range of substituents were employed as the coupling partner in the dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction.

Arylative Methylation of 2,3-Dihydropyrazines and Pyrazinones Using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a C1 Source

Divergent synthesis of α-C-H methylated pyrazines and pyrazinones using dimethyl sulfoxide as a nonconventional methylating agent under metal-free conditions was reported. Dimethyl sulfoxide-coordinated bromine cation pools generated from the treatment of dimethyl sulfoxide and 1,2-dibromoethane undergo Pummerer-type fragmentation to afford an electrophilic methyl(methylene)sulfonium ion for reaction with a carbon nucleophile followed by aromatization to afford α-methylated pyrazines and pyrazinones.

Pd-Catalyzed desulfitative arylation of olefins by N-methoxysulfonamide

A novel Pd-catalyzed protocol for the desulfitative Heck-type reaction of N-methoxy aryl sulfonamides with alkenes was reported. The cross-coupling reaction was performed successfully with a variety of olefins to obtain aryl alkenes. Different substituents on the aromatic ring of N-methoxysulfonamides were also found to be compatible with the reaction conditions. Expectedly, the reaction proceeds through CuCl₂-promoted generation of the nitrogen radical and subsequent desulfonylation under thermal conditions to afford the aryl radical for the Pd-catalyzed coupling reaction. N-Methoxysulfonamide was further exploited for the synthesis of symmetrical biaryls in the presence of CuCl₂.

Extraction of Lepidium sativum Seed Mucilage: Optimization of Extraction Process with Maximum Yield by using Full Factorial Design

Objective: The present investigation helps to isolate the seed mucilage of Lepidium sativum by using an economic extraction process with utmost yield. Diligence effort was given to get the maximum yield of the mucilage with good flow properties without affecting the intrinsic properties of the extracted mucilage. The yield of the seed mucilage of Lepidium sativum was optimized by using a quality by design approach. The full factorial design was used using three variables (pH of extract, water to seed ratio, and drying temperature) at two levels (high and low). Overall, ten formulation trials were generated through statistical software Minitab placing 2 center points, 1 replicate, and 1 block. All trials were executed to evaluate the percentage yield. Results: The extraction process was evaluated with different solvents (such as ethanol and acetone) and different techniques to monitor the yield of the process. The maximum yield was achieved by soaking Lepidium sativum seeds in water (1:30 ratio), maintaining an alkaline pH, blending by hand blender, and using acetone as a solvent. A factorial design was used to observe the responses like the yield of the isolated mucilage for different levels of all the independent variables. A polynomial equation was developed and model plots (contour plot and Pareto chart) were generated to study the impact of the critical variables on the response yield. ANOVA analysis of the model suggested that the independent variables had significantly affected (p < 0.05) in predicting the response (% yield) and the coefficient terms with a p-value less than 0.05 had a significant effect on the prediction efficacy of the model. Finally, the optimized parameter was established based on statistical evaluation obtained from the polynomial equation as well as the recommendation obtained from the response optimizer. The study indicates that the obtained linear regression equation has a linear relation with a regression coefficient of 0.9869 % for response % yield. Conclusion: A cost-effective extraction and isolation process was established to extract the seed mucilage of Lepidium sativum with maximum yield. The isolated mucilage was evaluated for flow properties and demonstrated that it is having good flow properties and can be used as an excipient or adjuvant in different pharmaceuticals and food industries. The applicability of factorial design was well demonstrated to optimize the yield by optimizing the critical factors.

A secure and energy efficient ant routing algorithm

In Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs), setting up an ideal and proficient route linking the conveying bodies is the essential objective of the routing protocols. But any assault during the routing stage may upset the communication, paralyzing the whole network. So, providing security in routing for a protected communication between nodes has become a prime concern. In the present study, we propose a Secure Energy Efficient Ant Routing Algorithm (SEEARA) based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm and cryptographic primitives that exercises on power control and secure routing between a pair of network nodes and increases the performance and longevity of the network. Also, it can be realized during simulation studies that SEEARA shows a better solution in comparison with the previously proposed routing protocols.

The Lifebox Surgical Headlight Project: engineering, testing, and field assessment in a resource-constrained setting

BACKGROUND

Poor surgical lighting represents a major patient safety issue in low-income countries. This study evaluated device performance and undertook field assessment of high-quality headlights in Ethiopia to identify critical attributes that might improve safety and encourage local use.

METHODS

Following an open call for submissions (December 2018 to January 2019), medical and technical (non-medical) headlights were identified for controlled specification testing on 14 prespecified parameters related to light quality/intensity, mounting and battery performance, including standardized illuminance measurements over time. The five highest-performing devices (differential illumination, colour rendering, spot size, mounting and battery duration) were distributed to eight Ethiopian surgeons working in resource-constrained facilities. Surgeons evaluated the devices in operating rooms, and in a comparative session rated each headlight in terms of performance and willingness to purchase.

RESULTS

Of 25 submissions, eight headlights (6 surgical and 2 technical) met the criteria for full specification testing. Scores ranged from 8 to 12 (of 14), with differential performance in lighting, mounting and battery domains. Only two headlights met the illuminance parameters of more than 35 000 lux during initial testing, and no headlight satisfied all minimum specifications. Of the five headlights evaluated in Ethiopia, daily operation logbooks noted variability in surgeons' opinions of lighting quality (6-92 per cent) and spot size (0-92 per cent). Qualitative interviews also yielded important feedback, including preference for easy transport. Surgeons sought high quality with price sensitivity (using out-of-pocket funds) and identified the least expensive but high-functioning device as their first choice.

CONCLUSION

No device satisfied all the predetermined specifications, and large price discrepancies were critical factors leading surgeons' choices. The favoured device is undergoing modification by the manufacturer based on design feedback so an affordable, high-quality surgical headlight crafted specifically for the needs of resource-constrained settings can be used to improve surgical safety.

Access to C4-arylated benzoxazoles from 2-amidophenol through C-H activation

A Pd-catalyzed aerobic approach to access C4-aryl benzoxazoles by tandem C-H ortho-arylation and acid-mediated annulation of 2-amidophenol has been presented. The directing potential of the -NHCOR group over the -OH group was exploited for selective arylation adjacent to the amide group. Deuterium labeling experiments suggest that palladation predominantly occurs adjacent to the -NHCOR group and is the key step during benzoxazole formation. One-pot hydrolysis of the resulting C4-arylated benzoxazole was also accomplished to access structurally challenging 3-aryl aminophenols for further applications.

Variation in global uptake of the Surgical Safety Checklist

Background

The Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) is a patient safety tool shown to reduce mortality and to improve teamwork and adherence with perioperative safety practices. The results of the original pilot work were published 10 years ago. This study aimed to determine the contemporary prevalence and predictors of SSC use globally.

Methods

Pooled data from the GlobalSurg and Surgical Outcomes studies were analysed to describe SSC use in 2014–2016. The primary exposure was the Human Development Index (HDI) of the reporting country, and the primary outcome was reported SSC use. A generalized estimating equation, clustering by facility, was used to determine differences in SSC use by patient, facility and national characteristics.

Results

A total of 85 957 patients from 1464 facilities in 94 countries were included. On average, facilities used the SSC in 75·4 per cent of operations. Compared with very high HDI, SSC use was less in low HDI countries (odds ratio (OR) 0·08, 95 per cent c.i. 0·05 to 0·12). The SSC was used less in urgent compared with elective operations in low HDI countries (OR 0·68, 0·53 to 0·86), but used equally for urgent and elective operations in very high HDI countries (OR 0·96, 0·87 to 1·06). SSC use was lower for obstetrics and gynaecology versus abdominal surgery (OR 0·91, 0·85 to 0·98) and where the common or official language was not one of the WHO official languages (OR 0·30, 0·23 to 0·39).

Conclusion

Worldwide, SSC use is generally high, but significant variability exists. Implementation and dissemination strategies must be developed to address this variability.

Correction: Synthesis of medium-sized (6–7–6) ring compounds by iron-catalyzed C–H activation/annulation

Correction for ‘Synthesis of medium-sized (6–7–6) ring compounds by iron-catalyzed dehydrogenative C–H activation/annulation’ by Niranjan Panda et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2018, 16, 7861–7870.

Synthesis of medium-sized (6-7-6) ring compounds by iron-catalyzed C-H activation/annulation [corrected]

In this report, we have described a FeCl3-catalyzed process involving intramolecular annulation of o-phenoxy diarylacetylenes via hydroarylation to afford a series of biologically potent fused seven-membered (6-7-6) ring compounds under mild reaction conditions. This reaction was believed to proceed through Friedel-Crafts type sequential carbometallation followed by protonation to produce phenyldibenz[b,f]oxepines. This method was also extended to synthesize seven-membered rings that are fused with coumarins.

A novel carbon quantum dot-based fluorescent nanosensor for selective detection of flumioxazin in real samples

Herein, a carbon quantum dot-based highly selective luminescent probe has been designed for the detection of the pesticide flumioxazinviathe alkyne azide click reaction.

One-pot two-step synthesis of 3-iodo-4-aryloxy coumarins and their Pd/C-catalyzed annulation to coumestans

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of various coumestans from the intramolecular annulation of 3-iodo-4-aryloxy coumarins through C–H activation has been developed.