Deconstructive Cycloaromatization Strategy towards N,O-Bidentate Ligands and Their Four-Coordinate Organoboron Complexes

The innovative construction of novel N,O-bidentate ligands and N,O π-conjugated four-coordinate organoboron complexes represent a long-standing challenge for chemists. Here, we report an unprecedented and straightforward approach for the construction of N,O-bidentate ligands and their organoboron complexes via the merge of ring deconstruction with cycloaromatization of indolizines and cyclopropenones. Without any catalysts, our method is able to deliver a series of polyaryl 2-(pyridin-2-yl)phenol ligands, N,O π-conjugated organoboron (BF2 and BAr2) complexes with good functional-group compatibility which are difficult or even impossible to synthesize with previous methods. Importantly, the formed N,O-bidentate ligands were easy to scale up and derive with valuable drugs and active molecules. In addition, the photoluminescence measurements and the HOMO/LUMO gap have been investigated, the results have revealed that N,O π-conjugated tetracoordinate boron complexes display bright fluorescence, large Stokes shifts, and good quantum yields (Φlum = 0.15–0.45). The method proposed by the paper will inspire the development of various N,O-bidentate metal and boron complexes, which is expected to move the area of catalysis chemistry and material science forward.

CRISPR Technology in Gene-Editing-Based Detection and Treatment of SARS-CoV-2

Outbreak and rapid spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) that started in Wuhan, and has become a global problem because of the high rate of human-to-human transmission and severe respiratory infections. Because of high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, which threatens many people worldwide, rapid diagnosis and simple treatment are needed. Genome editing is a nucleic acid-based approach to altering the genome by artificially changes in genetic information and induce irreversible changes in the function of target gene. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas) could be a practical and straightforward approach to this disease. CRISPR/Cas system contains Cas protein, which is controlled by a small RNA molecule to create a double-stranded DNA gap. Evidence suggested that CRISPR/Cas was also usable for diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review study, we discoursed on application of CRISPR technology in detection and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Another aspect of this study was to introduce potential future problems in use of CRISPR/Cas technology.

A Conversation on an Effective, Straightforward, Quantitative Approach to the Outpatient Use of Insulin

For primary care providers, using insulin can present challenges that can be met by a straightforward approach using the following principles. Depending on when it is injected, each component of the insulin regimen has a maximal effect on a specific period of the 24-hour cycle (e.g., overnight, morning, afternoon, or evening). The glucose pattern in that period determines whether the dose of that component of the insulin regimen requires adjusting. Regarding which insulin types and insulin regimens to use, human insulin (NPH and regular) is as effective as analog insulins, and a two-injection intensified insulin regimen is as effective as a four-injection regimen.

Market-based measures and their impact on green shipping technologies

In the strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), market-based measures (MBMs) are considered feasible mid-term measures. Thus, the relevance of MBMs for the shipping industry can be expected to grow in the future and, consequently, carbon and other GHG emissions will impact the investment appraisal for greening technologies. This paper illustrates the impact of carbon pricing on the valuation of greening technologies (especially wind-assisted propulsion technologies) and on the relevant decision-making. In this regard, the straightforward approach of a direct acquisition and installation of the respective technology is considered and compared against innovative financing models, such as shared savings. Hence, the Fuzzy Pay-Off Method (FPOM) is applied in order to visualize the risks and chances linked to MBMs. Due to the economic life of greening technologies, the results are already relevant for today’s investment appraisals, even though carbon pricing has not been enforced so far.

Fragment-Based Quantum Mechanical Calculation of Excited-State Properties of Fluorescent RNAs

Fluorescent RNA aptamers have been successfully applied to track and tag RNA in a biological system. However, it is still challenging to predict the excited-state properties of the RNA aptamer–fluorophore complex with the traditional electronic structure methods due to expensive computational costs. In this study, an accurate and efficient fragmentation quantum mechanical (QM) approach of the electrostatically embedded generalized molecular fractionation with conjugate caps (EE-GMFCC) scheme was applied for calculations of excited-state properties of the RNA aptamer–fluorophore complex. In this method, the excited-state properties were first calculated with one-body fragment quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculation (the excited-state properties of the fluorophore) and then corrected with a series of two-body fragment QM calculations for accounting for the QM effects from the RNA on the excited-state properties of the fluorophore. The performance of the EE-GMFCC on prediction of the absolute excitation energies, the corresponding transition electric dipole moment (TEDM), and atomic forces at both the TD-HF and TD-DFT levels was tested using the Mango-II RNA aptamer system as a model system. The results demonstrate that the calculated excited-state properties by EE-GMFCC are in excellent agreement with the traditional full-system time-dependent ab initio calculations. Moreover, the EE-GMFCC method is capable of providing an accurate prediction of the relative conformational excited-state energies for different configurations of the Mango-II RNA aptamer system extracted from the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The fragmentation method further provides a straightforward approach to decompose the excitation energy contribution per ribonucleotide around the fluorophore and then reveals the influence of the local chemical environment on the fluorophore. The applications of EE-GMFCC in calculations of excitation energies for other RNA aptamer–fluorophore complexes demonstrate that the EE-GMFCC method is a general approach for accurate and efficient calculations of excited-state properties of fluorescent RNAs.

Optimal Skyhook and Groundhook Control for Semiactive Suspension: A Comprehensive Methodology

This manuscript establishes a methodology that guides the designers to develop an optimal controller for a semiactive suspension system. The methodology’s processes are generally explained and straightforwardly, so a designer can extrapolate the methodology to a specific problem. Furthermore, this research presents an optimal control strategy for a semiactive control applied to a quarter vehicle model as an example of using the methodology. A particular interest is made in the advantages of such a simple synthesis and in the compromises that must be done in skyhook and groundhook control law applications. This manuscript exposes a logical and straightforward approach for choosing the controllers’ design parameters; also, efforts must be made to express precise performance specifications and constraints in the control design. The herein methodology could be relevant in the process design for intelligent suspensions, from one-quarter toward the entire vehicle.

Evaluation of Plasma Assisted Noninvasive Surgery (PANIS) As a New Approach for the Treatment of Conjunctival Concretions: A Clinical Case Series

Background and Objective: Plasma is one of the newest therapies recently used. This study aimed to evaluate a quick treatment modality of conjunctival concretions using plasma as a noninvasive procedure. Methods: Six eyes of six patients with conjunctival concretions were evaluated. The procedure was performed using plasma spots generated by the white handpiece of the Plexr device. The eyelid was everted and concretions sublimated by plasma spots from the upper and lower eyelids. Refractive Errors, visual acuity (BCVA and UCVA), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and Intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured before and after six months of the procedure. Results: The results of 6 months follow-up show that this effective method had no recurrence or side effects. Treatment was effective in all of the patients. No complication and recurrence was observed. The OSDI score was improved to the normal range. This method had no effects on Refractive Errors, Visual Acuity, and IOP. Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems that the PANIS method can be used as a practical, quick, and straightforward approach for the treatment of conjunctival concretions.

Oxidative Annulation of Diphenylpropanamides via In Situ Hypervalent Iodine-Promoted Intramolecular C–N/C–O Bond Formation

An aryl iodide catalyzed intramolecular oxidative transformation of diphenylpropanamide derivatives is described that can readily afford the C–N/C–O coupling products in a single step. The speed of the 1,3-aryl iodide migration process determines the diversity of target compound generation in this reaction. This straightforward approach can be performed with the use of inexpensive and readily available catalyst, transition-metal-free, mild conditions and good functional group tolerance.

Evaluation of Plasma Assisted Noninvasive Surgery (PANIS) as a New Approach for the Treatment of Conjunctival Concretions; A Clinical Case Series

Purpose: Plasma is one of the newest therapies recently used in Conjunctivochalasis, Conjunctival Cyst, and Blepharoplasty. This study aimed to evaluate a quick treatment modality of conjunctival concretions using plasma as a noninvasive procedure.Design: Six eyes of six patients with conjunctival concretions were evaluated in a clinical case series.Methods: The procedure was performed using plasma spots generated by the white handpiece of the Plexr device. The eyelid was everted and concretions sublimated by plasma spots from the upper and lower eyelids. Refractive Errors, visual acuity (BCVA and UCVA), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and Intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured before and after six months of the procedure.Results: The results of 6 months follow-up show that this effective method had no recurrence or side effects. Treatment was effective in all of the patients. No complication and recurrence was observed. The OSDI score was improved to the normal range. This method had no effects on Refractive Errors, Visual Acuity, and IOP. Conclusions: Based on the results, it seems that the PANIS method can be used as a practical, quick, and straightforward approach for the treatment of conjunctival concretions.

Microsurgical vasovasostomy: An option for men with post vasectomy psychological distress

Vasectomy is a practical and straightforward approach to birth control. This paper presented a 31-year-old patient who desired to restore his fertility five years after being vasectomized. He met several obstacles. He developed severe psychological distress with symptoms of stress, anxiety, and aggression. He underwent microsurgical vasovasostomy, and vassal patency was confirmed by return of spermatozoa in semen samples 6 and 10 weeks after surgery, and symptoms of psychological distress disappeared. Preoperative vasectomy counseling should include information about vasectomy reversal. At the most, vasectomy reversal can be considered in selected men with psychological problems due to vasectomy. Microsurgical training should be offered to more urological surgeons, especially those who are interested in andrology.