Cu(ii)–vitamin C-complex catalyzed photo-induced homocoupling reaction of aryl boronic acid in base-free and visible light conditions

In this work, the photocatalytic efficiency of Cu(ii)–vitamin C complex immobilized on titanium dioxide nanoparticles was exploited in the photo-assisted homocoupling reaction of aryl boronic acids under heterogeneous conditions. The homocoupling reaction affords the corresponding symmetrical biaryls in 50–97% yields at ambient temperature in the air under visible light irradiation without any need for any additive such as base or oxidant. This method tolerates various substituents on the aryl boronic acids such as halogen, carbonyl, and a nitro group. The light-dependent photocatalytic performance of the title catalyst evaluated by action spectra revealed a maximum apparent quantum efficiency (AQYs) at 410 nm demonstrating the visible-light-driven photocatalytic reaction. The as-prepared nano biophotocatalyst proved to be reusable at least six times without losing its activity. Thus this work exhibits a favorable method from the environmental and economic point of view which enables the industrially important reactions such as coupling reactions, to be carried out efficiently under photocatalytic and practically attainable conditions.

TiO₂–ascorbic acid (AA)–Cu(ii), nanohybrid is active in the selective aerobic oxidative homocoupling of aryl boronic acids under heterogeneous conditions in air and visible light conditions.     

Effects of dietary selenium supplementation on serum and liver selenium,serum malondialdehyde and liver glutathione peroxidase activity in rats consuming thermally oxidized sunflower oil

The present study compared the effects of four isocaloric diets containing (1) fresh sunflower oil not supplemented with selenium (Fresh), (2) oxidized sunflower oil not supplemented with selenium (Oxidized), (3) fresh sunflower oil supplemented with 1 ppm selenium as sodium selenite (Fresh + Se), (4) oxidized sunflower oil supplemented with 1 ppm selenium as sodium selenite (Oxidized + Se) on serum MDA concentrations, liver GPx activity and serum and liver selenium contents in growing male Sprague Dawley rats during a period of 43 days. The oxidized oil used was prepared by heating fresh sunflower oil at 180 °C for 48 h. Serum and liver selenium contents and liver GPx activity were significantly higher in the selenium supplemented groups compared to the non-selenium supplemented groups, but these parameters did not differ significantly between the oxidized oil fed groups and the fresh oil fed groups. Serum MDA concentrations increased significantly in the Oxidized group compared to the Fresh group. This suggests that the ingestion of oxidized oil resulted in, in vivo lipid peroxidation. Serum MDA concentrations remained significantly higher even in comparison of the Oxidized + Se group with the Oxidized group. Our results emphasize that the consumption of oxidized oil increases in vivo lipid peroxidation and thus can be deleterious to health. However, we did not observe a significant beneficial effect of selenium supplementation upon the ingestion of thermally oxidized oil on lipid peroxidation.     

Prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum comparison of betadine, erythromycin and no prophylaxis

Ophthalmia neonatorum is a form of bacterial conjunctivitis contracted by newborns during delivery and occurs during the first month of life. Etiologic factors include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, viruses and chemicals. Its prevalence differs in different parts of the world and is dependent mainly upon socioeconomic conditions, level of knowledge about general health, standard of maternal healthcare as well as the type of prophylactic program used. This randomized clinical trial was performed during the years 2004-05 in the Delivery Section of Vali-e-Asr Hospital on 330 neonates who were divided into three equal groups of 110; Group A received betadine eye drops, Group B received Erythromycin eye drops and Group C (control group) received no treatment. Results showed that clinical conjunctivitis occurred in 52 subjects (17%), 58% of whom constituted males. On the whole, 9% of the infected newborns were from group A, 18.4% from group B and 22.4% from group C. It was concluded that 2.5% sterile betadine eye drops had a pronounced effect on ophthalmia neonatorum (p = 0.030).     

How could perfluorocarbon affect cytokine storm and angiogenesis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α

Inflammation Research - Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still a world-class challenge. Inflammation, especially its severe form with excess release of pro-inflammatory cytokines...