Regioselective Markovnikov hydrothiolation of 1-aryl-1,3-butadienes with dithiocarbamic acid to allyl dithiocarbamates

A metal, ligand and solvent-free three component reaction of 1-aryl-1,3-butadienes, CS2 and amine has been developed. In this process, readily available CS2 and secondary amines were used for C-N and C-S bonds giving allyl dithiocarbamates with notable Markovnikov selectivity, mild reaction conditions, simple operation and compatibility with various functional groups (37 examples). This is first case of dithiocarbamic acid addition to an unsymmetrical 1,3-diene system.

Quantitative tissue analysis reveals AK2, COL1A1, & PLG protein signatures: Targeted therapeutics for meningioma

BACKGROUND

Meningioma is the most prevalent primary intracranial brain tumor and accounts for one-third of all CNS tumors. Meningioma is known to be the most common yet life-threatening brain tumor with a higher recurrence rate. Globally, there is an increase in the healthcare burden due to meningioma and hence in its research. The present clinical approach includes surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapies to which the malignancy does not seem to respond efficiently. Targeted therapies and molecular markers provide elite patient treatment and care for individuals suffering from meningiomas as compared to conventional measures. Although there is proteomic data on meningioma the knowledge of potential biomarkers differentiating the grades is scarce. To identify the best set of biomarkers, validation of reported markers in large and independent sample cohorts in the future is necessary.

METHODS

A total of 12 samples, 3 each of control (which made pool 1) Meningioma grade I (which made 2 sets: pool 2 and pool 3), and Meningioma grade II (which made pool 4) were taken for LC-MS/MS. After this, the expression of three proteins was checked by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and western blotting.

RESULTS

Protein expression was analyzed using various techniques like mass spectrometry, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Mass spectrometry is the most commonly used standard and reliable technique for identifying and quantifying protein expression. We got three highly upregulated proteins namely AK2, COL1A1, and PLG using this technique. The biomarker potential of these proteins was further checked by ICC, western blotting, and flow cytometry. Three important proteins were found to be upregulated namely AK2 (Adenylate Kinase 2), COL1A1 (Collagen 1A1), and PLG (Plasminogen). The order of increased protein expression was control < MG grade I < MG grade II according to mass spectrometry and western blotting. In immunocytochemistry, we found that COL1A1 expression increases significantly with grades in comparison to control. Similarly, AK2 and PLG also showed little increase but not as much as COL1A1. In flow cytometry, PLG showed higher upregulation in grades than control. While AK2 and COL1A1 showed little increase in expression in grades than control. All techniques, especially mass spectrometry and western blotting presented higher expression of these proteins in grades as compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

In the quest to find a suitable therapeutic marker, this study incorporates quantitative labeling and detection followed by flow cytometry, Immunocytochemistry, and western blotting for early diagnosis and treatment of meningioma. The article further explores the efficacy of some proteins namely AK2, COL1A1 & PLG to be the targeted molecules.

Developmental origins of psycho-cardiometabolic multimorbidity in adolescence and their underlying pathways through methylation markers: a two-cohort study

Understanding the biological mechanisms behind multimorbidity patterns in adolescence is important as they may act as intermediary risk factor for long-term health. We aimed to explore relationship between prenatal exposures and adolescent's psycho-cardiometabolic intermediary traits mediated through epigenetic biomarkers, using structural equation modeling (SEM). We used data from mother-child dyads from pregnancy and adolescents at 16-17 years from two prospective cohorts: Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986) and Raine Study from Australia. Factor analysis was applied to generate two different latent factor structures: (a) prenatal exposures and (b) adolescence psycho-cardiometabolic intermediary traits. Furthermore, three types of epigenetic biomarkers were included: (1) DNA methylation score for maternal smoking during pregnancy (DNAmMSS), (2) DNAm age estimate PhenoAge and (3) DNAm estimate for telomere length (DNAmTL). Similar factor structure was observed between both cohorts yielding three prenatal factors, namely BMI (Body Mass Index), SOP (Socio-Obstetric-Profile), and Lifestyle, and four adolescent factors: Anthropometric, Insulin-Triglycerides, Blood Pressure, and Mental health. In the SEM pathways, stronger direct effects of F1prenatal-BMI (NFBC1986 = β: 0.27; Raine = β: 0.39) and F2prenatal-SOP (β: -0.11) factors were observed on adolescent psycho-cardiometabolic multimorbidity. We observed an indirect effect of prenatal latent factors through epigenetic markers on a psycho-cardiometabolic multimorbidity factor in Raine study (P < 0.05). The present study exemplifies an evidence-based approach in two different birth cohorts to demonstrate similar composite structure of prenatal exposures and psycho-cardiometabolic traits (despite cultural, social, and genetic differences) and a common plausible pathway between them through underlying epigenetic markers.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Composition, Health Impacts, and Regulatory Dynamics of Vaping

This comprehensive review deals with the multifaceted aspects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), examining their composition, health implications, regulatory challenges, and market dynamics. E-cigarettes, also known as vaping devices, function by warming a solution of liquid containing flavors, nicotine, and various other compounds to produce an aerosol for users to inhale. This review underscores the evolution and widespread adoption of e-cigarettes since their introduction in 2003, highlighting their appeal as alternatives to traditional tobacco smoking. The essential parts of e-cigarettes are the battery, heating element, e-liquid (or e-juice), and mouthpiece. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are common ingredients in e-liquids, along with nicotine and other flavors. Concerns over the health impacts of e-cigarettes have grown, particularly in light of incidents like the e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury outbreak in 2019 linked to vaping-associated lung injuries. Evidence suggests that while e-cigarettes may pose fewer risks than conventional cigarettes, they are not without health consequences, including potential respiratory and cardiovascular effects. Regulatory efforts worldwide have struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of e-cigarettes, exacerbated by their diverse flavors and marketing strategies that appeal to youth. The review discusses global regulatory responses, including bans and restrictions, to curb youth uptake and address public health concerns. Furthermore, the rise of a black market for e-cigarettes poses additional challenges to effective regulation and tobacco control efforts. In conclusion, while e-cigarettes offer potential harm reduction benefits for adult smokers seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco products, their widespread availability and evolving landscape necessitate vigilant regulatory oversight to protect public health, especially among youth. Future research should continue to explore the long-term health impacts and efficacy of e-cigarettes as smoking elimination aids, informing evidence-based policies and interventions.

K2S2O8-Mediated or Azobisisobutyronitrile-Catalyzed Regioselective Aerobic Oxidative Cleavage of 1-Arylbutadienes to Cinnamaldehydes

This work reveals the regioselective oxidative cleavage of 1-arylbutadienes to cinnamaldehydes mediated by K2S2O8 or catalyzed by azobisisobutyronitrile, a very common free radical initiator, in an easy to handle, simple procedure and free of transition metals. This approach demonstrates excellent regioselectivity, mild reaction conditions, and compatibility with a broad range of functional groups (45 examples).

From freezing to functioning: cellular strategies of cold-adapted bacteria for surviving in extreme environments

The ability of cold-adapted bacteria to survive in extreme cold and diverse temperatures is due to their unique attributes like cell membrane stability, up-regulation of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, increased production of extracellular polymeric substances, and expansion of membrane pigment. Various cold-adapted proteins, including ice-nucleating proteins (INPs), antifreeze proteins (AFPs), cold shock proteins (Csps), and cold-acclimated proteins (CAPs), help the bacteria to survive in these environments. To sustain cells from extreme cold conditions and maintain stability in temperature fluctuations, survival strategies at the molecular level and their mechanism play significant roles in adaptations in cryospheric conditions. Furthermore, cold shock domains present in the multifunctional cold shock proteins play crucial roles in their adaptation strategies. The considerable contribution of lipopeptides, osmolytes, and membrane pigments plays an integral part in their survival in extreme environments. This review summarizes the evolutionary history of cold-adapted bacteria and their molecular and cellular adaptation strategies to thrive in harsh cold environments. It also discusses the importance of carotenoids produced, lipid composition, cryoprotectants, proteins, and chaperones related to this adaptation. Furthermore, the functions and mechanisms of adaptations within the cell are discussed briefly. One can utilize and explore their potential in various biotechnology applications and their evolutionary journey by knowing the inherent mechanism of their molecular and cellular adaptation to cold climatic conditions. This review will help all branches of the life science community understand the basic microbiology of psychrophiles and their hidden prospect in life science research.

Tailored Engineering of Layered Double Hydroxide Catalysts for Biomass Valorization: A Way Towards Waste to Wealth

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) have significant attention in recent times due to their unique characteristic properties, including layered structure, variable compositions, tunable acidity and basicity, memory effect, and their ability to transform into various kinds of catalysts, which make them desirable for various types of catalytic applications, such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and thermocatalysis. In addition, the upcycling of lignocellulose biomass and its derived compounds has emerged as a promising strategy for the synthesis of valuable products and fine chemicals. The current review focuses on recent advancements in LDH-based catalysts for biomass conversion reactions. Specifically, this review highlights the structural features and advantages of LDH and LDH-derived catalysts for biomass conversion reactions, followed by a detailed summary of the different synthesis methods and different strategies used to tailor their properties. Subsequently, LDH-based catalysts for hydrogenation, oxidation, coupling, and isomerization reactions of biomass-derived molecules are critically summarized in a very detailed manner. The review concludes with a discussion on future research directions in this field which anticipates that further exploration of LDH-based catalysts and integration of cutting-edge technologies into biomass conversion reactions hold promise for addressing future energy challenges, potentially leading to a carbon-neutral or carbon-positive future.

Physical Activity of School-Going Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Natural Experiment Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic associated governmental restrictions on physical activity and sedentary behavior of school-going adolescents in India and its effect on nutrition and health status.

METHODS

This was a before-after natural experiment study that recorded paired data of 449 (206 boys) school-going adolescents. COVID-19 related governmental measures (March 24, 2020 till February 2021) were taken as the natural experiment. The change in proportion of adolescents who met the recommended amount of physical activity guidelines and change in sedentary and dietary behaviors and body mass index (BMI) were compared.

RESULTS

The proportion of adolescents performing adequate physical activity decreased from 33.9% to 30.7% (OR 1.2,95% CI 0.9,1.6) during the pandemic. Fruit intake increased by 8.1% during the pandemic while junk food intake decreased by 17% during the pandemic. Mean (SD) BMI z-scores increased from -0.7 )1.4) to -0.5 )1.3) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

While there was a small decrease in the proportion of physically active adolescents during the pandemic, a shift towards healthier dietary habits was seen.

Light microscopic morphology of blood cells of non-descript indigenous Zoar chicken of Mizoram, India

Identifying and analysing distinct blood cells is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the field of biomedicine. The present study was undertaken to study the cytomorphological and cytochemical characteristics of the blood cells of Zoar, a non-descript indigenous breed of chicken extensively reared under backyard poultry farming in Mizoram, India. For this study, 2 mL of blood samples were aseptically collected from the wings veins of 12 chickens and were processed for light microscopic study under standard protocols. The matured erythrocytes were elliptical, while the immature erythrocytes appeared oval. The heterophils were positive for SBB (SBB), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and Arylsulphatase while the eosinophils were positive for SBB, PAS, alkaline phosphatase, cytochrome oxidase and peroxidase. The basophils of were positive for toluidine blue while the thrombocytes were positive for PAS. These cytochemical and cytoenzymatic staining properties plays a very important role in diagnosis, differentiation, and classification of leukaemias.

Morphometric and histopathological evaluation of modified Elnady's plastinated tissue compared to non-plastinated tissue: Highlighting its relevance for teaching and research

The present study aims to evaluate the morphometric and histopathological properties of Modified Elnady's plastinated tissue after a period compared to non-plastinated tissue. The plastination technique is utilized in research and teaching due to the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to formalin. The tissues and organs are permanently dried during plastination and can be used for further anatomical, histopathological and surgical educational purposes. This method involves drying tissue and allowing synthetic materials like glycerin to permeate it. The study compared non-plastinated and plastinated tissue post-plastination to determine if structural alterations differed from those linked to plastination. The study examined the histopathological examination of dogs' skin, muscles, liver, lung, and intestine using formalin-fixed organs for paraffin embedding and previously plastinated organs for a plastinated group. The study examined non-plastinated and plastinated tissues, their histological composition and biometric parameters revealing typical structures in the non-plastinated group. Plasmodiumted tissues exhibited a compacted appearance, volume changes, nuclear clarity, and cytoplasmic hypereosinophilia, with statistical differences between the two groups. The study reveals that plastinated tissues, after 5 years of plastination, maintain their histological architecture well, with some exceptions. Plastinated tissues can be utilized in future microscopic and immunological studies and will be beneficial for teaching and research.

Interfacial nanoarchitectonics of nickel phosphide supported on activated carbon for transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes under mild conditions

Metal phosphides are promising catalysts for hydrogenation reactions due to their unique ability to generate active hydrogen species which are essential for desired reactions. In this work, the hydrogenation potential of nickel phosphide (Ni2P) is explored for the transfer hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds using hydrazine hydrate as hydrogen source. The Ni2P was supported on activated carbon (AC) to facilitate highly exposed active reaction sites. The as-synthesized Ni2P-AC catalyst showed excellent catalytic potential for the hydrogenation of nitro compounds to corresponding amines with 100% conversion efficiency and resulted in excellent yields. The reaction conditions were optimized by varying different reaction parameters, such as time, temperature, solvents, catalyst amount and hydrogen sources. The developed reaction protocol is highly selective for nitro compounds having reduction susceptible functional groups like -Cl, -Br, -CHO, etc. The structure-activity relationship of the Ni2P-AC was also examined which suggested that both acidic and basic sites present in Ni2P-AC catalyst plays crucial role in hydrogenation reaction. Besides, an in-depth insight into the reaction mechanism illustrates that the reaction proceeds via N-phenyl hydroxylamine as the reaction intermediate. In addition, decent recyclability and stability of Ni2P-AC catalyst demonstrates its highly versatile nature for potential large-scale applications. The use of highly efficient Ni2P-AC catalyst for hydrogenation reactions can lead the way towards sustainable and effective industrial organic catalysis.

Maternal educational attainment in pregnancy and epigenome-wide DNA methylation changes in the offspring from birth until adolescence

Maternal educational attainment (MEA) shapes offspring health through multiple potential pathways. Differential DNA methylation may provide a mechanistic understanding of these long-term associations. We aimed to quantify the associations of MEA with offspring DNA methylation levels at birth, in childhood and in adolescence. Using 37 studies from high-income countries, we performed meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) to quantify the associations of completed years of MEA at the time of pregnancy with offspring DNA methylation levels at birth (n = 9 881), in childhood (n = 2 017), and adolescence (n = 2 740), adjusting for relevant covariates. MEA was found to be associated with DNA methylation at 473 cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites at birth, one in childhood, and four in adolescence. We observed enrichment for findings from previous EWAS on maternal folate, vitamin-B12 concentrations, maternal smoking, and pre-pregnancy BMI. The associations were directionally consistent with MEA being inversely associated with behaviours including smoking and BMI. Our findings form a bridge between socio-economic factors and biology and highlight potential pathways underlying effects of maternal education. The results broaden our understanding of bio-social associations linked to differential DNA methylation in multiple early stages of life. The data generated also offers an important resource to help a more precise understanding of the social determinants of health.

Comparative analysis of SilA-laccase mediated degradation of ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and ofloxacin and interpretation of the possible catalytic mechanism

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are the most commonly used antimicrobial drugs and regardless of their advantages in the healthcare sector, the pollution of these antimicrobial drugs in the environment has big concerns about human and environmental health. The presence of these antibiotic drugs even at the lowest concentrations in the environment has resulted in the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. Hence, it is necessary to remediate these pollutants from the environment. Previously alkaline laccase (SilA) from Streptomyces ipomoeae has been demonstrated to show degrading potentials against two of the FQs, Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Norfloxacin (NOR); however, the molecular mechanism was not elucidated in detail. In this study, we have analyzed the possible molecular catalytic mechanism of FQ degrading SilA-laccase for the degradation of the FQs, CIP, NOR and Ofloxacin (OFL) using three-dimensional protein structure modeling, molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) studies. The comparative protein sequence analysis revealed the presence of tetrapeptide conserved catalytic motif, His102-X-His104-Gly105. After evaluating the active site of the enzyme in depth using CDD, COACH and S-site tools, we have identified the catalytic triad composed of three conserved amino acid residues, His102, Val103 and Tyr108 with which ligands interacted during the catalysis process. By analyzing the MD trajectories, it is revealed that the highest degradation potential of SilA is for CIP followed by NOR and OFL. Ultimately, this study provides the possible comparative catalytic mechanism for the degradation of CIP, NOR and OFL by the SilA enzyme.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Impact of antibiotic-coated sutures on surgical site infections: a second-order meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a global challenge, impacting patients and healthcare expenditures. This second-order meta-analysis endeavors to assess the efficacy of antibiotic sutures in averting SSIs by amalgamating data from various meta-studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This research adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The quality and comprehensiveness of the encompassed meta-analyses were assessed through the QUOROM checklist and AMSTAR techniques. The primary study overlap was evaluated via measures such as pairwise intersection heat maps, corrected covered area, and the citation matrix of evidence. The statistical power at the study-level was determined utilizing the meta-meta package. Data synthesis employed random and fixed effects models at a 95% CI. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to explore potential correlations between the CDC classification of SSIs, trial types, and the observed effect sizes in the studies.

RESULTS

This investigation revealed a significant reduction in SSI rates due to antimicrobial-coated sutures, evidenced by a relative risk (RR) of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.59-0.76), with a prediction interval of 0.38-1.19. The analysis encompassed 18 studies with 22 meta-analyses, demonstrating a median QUOROM score of 13.6 out of 18 and an AMSTAR score of 9.1 out of 11. The presence of moderate heterogeneity was noted ( Q =106.611, I2 =54.038%), with nonrandomized controlled trials exhibiting an RR of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.39-0.80), and RCTs displaying an RR of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.63-0.81). Subgroup analysis unveiled variable RR reductions for specific surgical procedures.

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial-coated sutures offer a promising approach to mitigating SSIs risk. However, their efficacy is optimally realized when employed in conjunction with other robust practices.

Chiral Pool Meets Chiral Catalysis: Eight-Step Convergent Total Synthesis of Anticancer Natural Lipid Mycalol

An exemplary blend of chiral pool with chiral catalysis is exhibited in an eight-step (longest) convergent asymmetric total synthesis of mycalol, which is a promising anticancer natural lipid from a marine source. The polyhydroxy lipid is constructed by using four blocks, and two of which are derived from the chiral pool (d-mannitol and d-gluconolactone) and the other two by chiral catalysis (Sharpless epoxidation and Keck allylation). Alkylation and metathesis were used to knit the blocks in an excellent display of a modular convergent eight-step synthesis. The modular excess will enable rapid analogue generation as revealed by the convenient synthesis of 4-epi-mycalol similarly in an eight-step sequence.

Prevalence of stunting among under-five children in refugee and internally displaced communities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

A pooled estimate of stunting prevalence in refugee and internally displaced under-five children can help quantify the problem and focus on the nutritional needs of these marginalized groups. We aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of stunting in refugees and internally displaced under-five children from different parts of the globe.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, seven databases (Cochrane, EBSCOHost, EMBASE, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) along with "preprint servers" were searched systematically from the earliest available date to 14 February 2023. Refugee and internally displaced (IDP) under-five children were included, and study quality was assessed using "National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)" tools.

Results

A total of 776 abstracts (PubMed = 208, Scopus = 192, Cochrane = 1, Web of Science = 27, Embase = 8, EBSCOHost = 123, ProQuest = 5, Google Scholar = 209, and Preprints = 3) were retrieved, duplicates removed, and screened, among which 30 studies were found eligible for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The pooled prevalence of stunting was 26% [95% confidence interval (CI): 21-31]. Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 99%, p < 0.01). A subgroup analysis of the type of study subjects revealed a pooled stunting prevalence of 37% (95% CI: 23-53) in internally displaced populations and 22% (95% CI: 18-28) among refugee children. Based on geographical distribution, the stunting was 32% (95% CI: 24-40) in the African region, 34% (95% CI: 24-46) in the South-East Asian region, and 14% (95% CI: 11-19) in Eastern Mediterranean region.

Conclusion

The stunting rate is more in the internally displaced population than the refugee population and more in the South-East Asian and African regions. Our recommendation is to conduct further research to evaluate the determinants of undernutrition among under-five children of refugees and internally displaced populations from different regions so that international organizations and responsible stakeholders of that region can take effective remedial actions.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=387156, PROSPERO [CRD42023387156].

Morphologic appearance of peripheral blood cells from Zovawk pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) visualized by transmission electron microscopy

BACKGROUND

Ultrastructural information regarding the peripheral blood cells of local (Zovawk) pigs from Mizoram, India, is not available in the scientific literature.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to reveal the fine structural details of the blood cells from these local pigs using a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 12 healthy Zovawk pigs of either sex and processed according to a standard protocol. Processed blood samples were then sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, for further processing and imaging under TEM. Different types of blood cells were viewed under TEM, and different characteristics of these cells were assessed.

RESULTS

In the present study, erythrocytes are elongated, biconcave, and nucleated without cytoplasmic organelles. Neutrophils are round with 2-5 lobed nuclei surrounded by cytoplasm with an indistinct bilayered nuclear membrane. The cytoplasm is packed with membrane bound round, oval, and elongated cytoplasmic granules. Eosinophils are round to oval with 2-3 lobed nuclei with distinct nuclear membranes. Basophils are spherical and contained small, medium, and large electron-dense granules. Lymphocytes are small, medium, and large and contained all cellular components. Monocytes are irregularly spherical with slight nuclear indentations. The platelets are elongated, oval, or rounded, with a few pseudopods at the cell surface.

CONCLUSIONS

From the present study, we can conclude that the ultrastructural morphology of blood cells from Zovawk pigs resembles those of other domestic animals. However, a few differences have been observed.

A multivariate genome-wide association study of psycho-cardiometabolic multimorbidity

Coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and depression are among the leading causes of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies indicate a substantial degree of multimorbidity, which may be explained by shared genetic influences. However, research exploring the presence of pleiotropic variants and genes common to CAD, T2D and depression is lacking. The present study aimed to identify genetic variants with effects on cross-trait liability to psycho-cardiometabolic diseases. We used genomic structural equation modelling to perform a multivariate genome-wide association study of multimorbidity (Neffective = 562,507), using summary statistics from univariate genome-wide association studies for CAD, T2D and major depression. CAD was moderately genetically correlated with T2D (rg = 0.39, P = 2e-34) and weakly correlated with depression (rg = 0.13, P = 3e-6). Depression was weakly correlated with T2D (rg = 0.15, P = 4e-15). The latent multimorbidity factor explained the largest proportion of variance in T2D (45%), followed by CAD (35%) and depression (5%). We identified 11 independent SNPs associated with multimorbidity and 18 putative multimorbidity-associated genes. We observed enrichment in immune and inflammatory pathways. A greater polygenic risk score for multimorbidity in the UK Biobank (N = 306,734) was associated with the co-occurrence of CAD, T2D and depression (OR per standard deviation = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.74-2.10, relative to the healthy group), validating this latent multimorbidity factor. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested potentially causal effects of BMI, body fat percentage, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, fasting insulin, income, insomnia, and childhood maltreatment. These findings advance our understanding of multimorbidity suggesting common genetic pathways.

Transition Metal Phosphide Nanoarchitectonics for Versatile Organic Catalysis

Transition metal phosphides (TMP) posses unique physiochemical, geometrical, and electronic properties, which can be exploited for different catalytic applications, such as photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, organic catalysis, etc. Among others, the use of TMP for organic catalysis is less explored and still facing many complex challenges, which necessitate the development of sustainable catalytic reaction protocols demonstrating high selectivity and yield of the desired molecules of high significance. In this regard, the controlled synthesis of TMP-based catalysts and thorough investigations of underlying reaction mechanisms can provide deeper insights toward practical achievement of desired applications. This review aims at providing a comprehensive analysis on the recent advancements in the synthetic strategies for the tailored and tunable engineering of structural, geometrical, and electronic properties of TMP. In addition, their unprecedented catalytic potential toward different organic transformation reactions is succinctly summarized and critically analyzed. Finally, a rational perspective on future opportunities and challenges in the emerging field of organic catalysis is provided. On the account of the recent achievements accomplished in organic synthesis using TMP, it is highly anticipated that the use of TMP combined with advanced innovative technologies and methodologies can pave the way toward large scale realization of organic catalysis.

Peripheral blood cells of native pig (Zovawk) of Mizoram, India: Light and scanning electron microscopy analysis

The literature on the blood cells of Zovawk pigs is scanty; thus, this study was designed to elaborate the light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of blood cells of Zovawk pigs by LM and SEM. Twelve different blood samples were aseptically obtained from adult healthy Zovawk pigs, irrespective of sex. To determine the cytomorphological and cytochemical structures of the many produced constituents of blood, blood smears were stained with various stains. The blood samples were treated with various substrates for cytoenzymatic research, and the alterations were noted. A 1000× magnification Olympus Trinocular Research microscope was used to examine the smears. The blood samples were prepared for electron microscopy according to the standard procedure. The prepared samples were delivered to the Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for SEM imaging. On LM, pig erythrocytes were spherical and nonnucleated. The cytoplasm of the neutrophils was spherical and included cytoplasmic granules. The eosinophils had prominent cytoplasmic granules and were round. Basophils were infrequently present and had cytoplasmic granules that were clear blue. The sizes of small, medium and large lymphocytes were noted. The monocytes were oval or circular. The platelets ranged in form from asymmetric to round. The blood samples were stained for cytochemical analyses using acid ferrocyanide stain for iron, Sudan black blue stain for lipids, toluidine blue stain for mucopolysaccharides, and periodic acid Schiff's stain for glycogen. The cytoenzymatic characteristics were evaluated and compared with substrates treated with acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase, arylsulfatase, cytochrome oxidase, beta-glucuronidase, and succinate dehydrogenase. Erythrocytes appeared as biconcave disks under SEM. Two forms of leukocytes were observed, having a rough and pointed cell surface like a flower. It can be concluded that the LM and SEM morphology of blood cells of Zovawk pigs resembled other domestic animals, however, few differences were observed among the discussed animals.