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Myopathies are a common manifestation of endocrine disorders. Endocrine myopathies are often overlooked while considering differential diagnoses in patients with musculoskeletal symptoms. The hindrance to mobility and the musculoskeletal discomfort owing to these myopathies are important causes of disability and depreciated quality of life in these patients. Endocrine myopathies occur due to the effects of endogenous or iatrogenic hormonal imbalance on skeletal muscle protein and glucose metabolism, disrupting the excitation-contraction coupling. Abnormalities of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and gonadal hormones have all been associated with myopathies and musculoskeletal symptoms. Endocrine myopathies can either be the complication of a secondary endocrine disorder or a presenting symptom of a missed underlying disorder. Therefore, an underlying endocrine abnormality must always be excluded in all patients with musculoskeletal symptoms. This review presents a compilation of various endocrine myopathies, their etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bacillus Sphaericus possesses maximum urease activity and therefore, is suitable to be used for bacterial calcite precipitation in concrete. • Cement was replaced with MBS at various percentage levels. The strengths and durability characteristics were evaluated. • An improvement in strength and durability was observed with an optimum level of 8% MBS and 20 ml bacteria. • Through XRD analysis, it was observed that with MBS and bacteria, the intensity of peaks is higher. • The cracks were visualized for 3 days and 7 days which confirmed the healing of cracks due to the formation of calcite precipitate. The main idea of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and durability properties of high strength concrete specimens by incorporating an alternative for cement along with bacteria for healing cracks. The classic methods which are used for healing cracks involve the use of ordinary synthetic polymers which further cause a lot of damage to the environment. Therefore, the use of sustainable strategies like ingesting bacterial culture into the concrete mix along with an alternative replacement for cement can act as an active support for both nature as well as construction industries. In this paper, control concrete, concrete made by replacing cement with Micronized Biomass Silica (MBS) at 4%, 8% and 12% and bacteria induced concrete are compared. The bacteria used is Bacillus Sphaericus with optical density as 1.00 and is mixed in control as well as MBS made concrete specimens at different levels of 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml for each. With a total of 16 mix designs of characteristic compressive strength 60 N/mm2 at the age of 28 days curing (M60 grade) high strength concrete cubes, cylinders and beams are compared on grounds of compressive strength, splitting tensile, flexural strengths, water absorption and sorptivity. It was concluded that, specimens with 8% MBS and 20 ml bacteria showed optimum results based on strength and durability characteristics. Further, an artificial crack was induced in the specimen and the bacteria's healing activities along with calcite precipitation were examined through X-Ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and visualization analysis. A high intensity of peaks was observed with MBS and bacteria and the cracks were visualized for 3 days and 7 days which ratified the healing of cracks due to the formation of calcite precipitate which was confirmed through SEM Analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of direct wastewater for irrigation poses many environmental problems such as soil quality deterioration due to the accumulation of salts, heavy metals, micro-pollutants, and health risks due to undesirable microorganisms. This hampers its agricultural reuse in arid and semi-arid regions. To address these concerns, the present study introduces a recent approach that involves using indirectly recharged groundwater (GW) with secondary treated municipal wastewater (STW) for irrigation through a Soil Aquifer Treatment-based system (SAT). This method aims to mitigate freshwater scarcity in semi-arid regions. The study assessed GW levels, physicochemical properties, and microbial diversity of GW, and soil in both impacted (receiving recycled water) and non-impacted (not receiving recycled water) areas, before recycling (2015–2018) and after recycling (2019–2022) period of the project. The results indicated a significant increase of 68–70% in GW levels of the studied boreholes in the impacted areas. Additionally, the quality of indirectly recharged GW in the impacted areas improved notably in terms of electrical conductivity (EC), hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), along with certain cations and anions (hard water to soft water). No significant difference was observed in soil properties and microbial diversity of the impacted areas, except for EC and SAR, which were reduced by 50% and 39%, respectively, after the project commenced. The study also monitored specific microbial species, including total coliforms, Escherichia coli (as indicator organisms), Shigella , and Klebsiella in some of the harvested crops (beetroot, tomato, and spinach). However, none of the analysed crops exhibited the presence of the studied microorganisms. Overall, the study concludes that indirectly recharged GW using STW is a better sustainable and safe irrigation alternative compared to direct wastewater use or extracted hard GW from deep aquifers. [Display omitted] • Need to reduce the burden on global freshwater supplies • Indirectly recharged groundwater is a sustainable and safe alternative for irrigation • Groundwater levels improved by 68–70% with better groundwater quality • No negative impact of indirectly recharged groundwater on soil properties • Crops irrigated with recharged groundwater were safe from tested microbes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Graphene-PANI (fGO-PANI) nanocomposites are demonstrated as smart functional fillers to epoxy coatings for minimizing corrosion. • π-π interactions driven interfacial wrapping of graphene by PANI during fGO-PANI synthesis. • PANI-ES showed higher impedance and corrosion inhibition compared to PANI-EB. • fGO-PANI composites enhanced anticorrosive properties of PANI by multifold increase in total impedance. Present work addresses the synthesis of different structural forms of polyaniline (PANI) and their nanocomposites with graphene as functional fillers to epoxy coating for minimizing mild steel corrosion. The π-π interactions between p -phenylenediamine functionalized graphene (fGO) and aromatic rings of in-situ grown covalently linked PANI on fGO facilitated the interfacial wrapping of graphene skeleton by PANI. The chemical, morphological, crystalline, and structural features of fGO-PANI nanocomposites are probed by FTIR, NMR, Raman, XPS, XRD, SEM, and HRTEM analyses. The emeraldine salt form of PANI (PANI-ES) exhibited significantly higher impedance and better corrosion inhibition properties than the emeraldine base (PANI-EB). Graphene skeleton in the fGO-PANI nanocomposite notably enhanced the anticorrosive properties of PANI with a multifold increase in total impedance. The 2D graphene skeleton in fGO-PANI nanocomposites provides excellent surface coverage as a structural barrier and increases the number of possible electron transfer pathways. Moreover, the oxidoreduction properties of PANI make the fGO-PANI-ES nanocomposite highly effective in increasing the impedance by multifolds. The corrosion protective mechanism of fGO-PANI-ES is discussed by emphasizing the role of graphene, different structural forms of PANI, and the dosing of graphene in fGO-PANI nanocomposites. The present work revealed fGO-PANI-ES as a promising material for new generation coatings to mitigate mild steel corrosion, particularly in a maritime environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modification of Wire electro discharge machining (WEDM) is electro discharge sawing (EDS). Both employ high frequency sparks for machining metals that are difficult to machine. However the dielectric used in WEDM is replaced by an electrolyte in EDS. Its fast erosion rates makes it a suitable process for large and faster cuts like sawing of huge bars, slabs or billets. It has been developed as a hybrid process combining the features of WEDM with those of arc cutting. The electrolyte used is a mixture of sodium silicate plus water with a specific gravity of 1.25.This process is used to promote arcing in place of sparking as well as to produce a passivating film on the work surface to prevent short circuits and to effectively quench the eroded debris and carry them off the inter electrode gap. This paper brings out the inherent similarities & distinguishing features of these two processes, and also illustrates the high material removal rates of EDS compared to EDM. Finally, the EDS process and experimental results are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Systematic laboratory scale experiments on coal blocks can provide significant insight into the underground coal gasification (UCG) process. Our earlier work has demonstrated the various features of the early UCG cavity shape and rate of growth through lab-scale experiments on coal combustion, wherein the feed gas is oxygen. In this paper, we study the feasibility of in situ gasification of coal in a similar laboratory scale reactor set-up, under conditions relevant for field practice of UCG, using an oxygen–steam mixture as the feed gas. By performing the gasification reaction in a cyclic manner, we have been able to obtain a product gas with hydrogen concentrations as high as 39% and a calorific value of 178kJ/mol. The effect of various operating parameters such as feed temperature, feed steam to oxygen ratio, initial combustion time and so on, on the product gas composition is studied and the optimum operating conditions in order to achieve desired conversion to syngas, are determined. We also study the effect of various design and operating parameters on the evolution of the gasification cavity. Empirical correlations are proposed for the change in cavity volume and its dimensions in various directions. The results of the previous study on the combustion cavity evolution are compared with this gasification study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: PGC-1α is a transcriptional coactivator that controls energy homeostasis through regulation of glucose and oxidative metabolism. Both PGC-1α expression and oxidative capacity are decreased in skeletal muscle of patients and animals undergoing atrophy, suggesting that PGC-1α participates in the regulation of muscle mass. PGC-1α gene expression is controlled by calcium- and cAMP-sensitive pathways. However, the mechanism regulating PGC-1α in skeletal muscle during atrophy remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the mechanism responsible for decreased PGC-1α expression using a rodent streptozotocin (STZ) model of chronic diabetes and atrophy. After 21days, the levels of PGC-1α protein and mRNA were decreased. We examined the activation state of CREB, a potent activator of PGC-1α transcription, and found that phospho-CREB was paradoxically high in muscle of STZ-rats, suggesting that the cAMP pathway was not involved in PGC-1α regulation. In contrast, expression of calcineurin (Cn), a calcium-dependent phosphatase, was suppressed in the same muscles. PGC-1α expression is regulated by two Cn substrates, MEF2 and NFATc. Therefore, we examined MEF2 and NFATc activity in muscles from STZ-rats. Target genes MRF4 and MCIP1.4 mRNAs were both significantly reduced, consistent with reduced Cn signaling. Moreover, levels of MRF4, MCIP1.4, and PGC-1α were also decreased in muscles of CnAα−/− and CnAβ−/− mice without diabetes indicating that decreased Cn signaling, rather than changes in other calcium- or cAMP-sensitive pathways, were responsible for decreased PGC-1α expression. These findings demonstrate that Cn activity is a major determinant of PGC-1α expression in skeletal muscle during diabetes and possibly other conditions associated with loss of muscle mass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cavity formation is an important phenomenon in the underground coal gasification (UCG) process. In the early stages of cavity formation, only the combustion reaction is performed in order to stabilize the temperature field. In the present work, we study the formation of the combustion cavity and the effect of various design and operating parameters such as the distance between the wells, feed flow rate and operation time, on its evolution. This paper presents details of laboratory-scale experiments that demonstrate the shape and size of the combustion cavity, and their dependence on various parameters. Empirical correlations for the cavity volume and dimensions in various directions are developed, which indicate the strong effects of mass transport. Results from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), which map the velocity profiles in the cavity, support the experimental observations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A numerical study was conducted to investigate the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of a square microchannel with four longitudinal internal fins. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were performed on the microchannel with variable fin height ratio in the presence of a hydrodynamically developed, thermally developing laminar flow. Constant heat flux boundary conditions were assumed on the external walls of the square microchannel. Results of the average local Nusselt number distribution along the channel length were obtained as a function of the fin height ratio. The analysis was carried out for different fin heights and flow parameters. Interesting observations that provide more physical insight on this passive enhancement technique, and the existence of an optimum fin height are brought out in the present study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The limitations of the conventional methods for diagnosing tuberculosis have spurred multi-faceted research activities in this field throughout the world. Chromatographic methods appear promising but may not be widely available in the developing countries. Immuno-diagnostic methods using combinations (“cocktails”) of antigens have high sensitivity and specificity and can easily be applied in the peripheral laboratories and in the field settings. Though expensive, molecular methods for diagnosis of tuberculosis have advantages of speed, sensitivity, and specificity. Adequate training of the eligible personnels in molecular methods and prevention of laboratory-dependent contamination may help reduce false positive results. Although, there are no clear guidelines, so far on how to make out the best from the gene amplification methods, yet their use may be encouraged with adequate quality controls, because of the inherent ingenuity and promises of these methods. Phage-based molecular methods provide rapid results in susceptibility tests for anti-tubercular drugs. In future, many sophisticated techniques are expected to hit the market for a rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis. In the developing countries, it is necessary to evaluate availability of suitable infrastructure and trained personnels before adopting modern diagnostic methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective of the present study was to test the importance of tissue repair in the final outcome of S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-l-cysteine (DCVC)-induced nephrotoxicity using colchicine (CLC) intervention. Male Swiss Webster (SW) mice were administered a normally nonlethal dose of DCVC (30mg/kg, i.p.) on day 0 and CLC (2mg/kg, i.p.) at 42 and 66h after administration of DCVC. The mice were observed for mortality and various renal injury and repair parameters were studied during a time course of 0–14 days. Administration of 30mg DCVC/kg led to loss of renal architecture by day 1, which sustained until day 5, and regressed thereafter to reach normal architecture by day 10 resulting in 100% survival. Renal dysfunction as assessed by increases in plasma BUN and creatinine levels was concordant during this time course. Urinary volume increased significantly between days 10 and 14 with significant increases in urinary glucose concentrations on days 1–4. Calpain leakage increased from day 1 and remained so until day 5 before declining at later time points. In contrast, CLC intervention led to marked inhibition of S-phase DNA synthesis and 100% mortality by 120h. H&E sections of kidneys revealed loss of renal architecture on day 1 which progressively worsened from day 2 to 4. Polyuria and glycosuria were evident during the first 2 and 3 days, respectively. Calpain immunohistochemistry revealed progressive leakage of calpain in the extracellular space during 2–4 days which lead to increased renal injury as evident from significant increases in calpain specific breakdown products (CSBPs) of α-fodrin during the same period of time. The group of mice receiving 2mg CLC/kg alone showed a significant increase in urinary creatinine concentration on day 5. Neither the expression nor localization of aquaporin 1 was altered in any of the treatment groups. These results show that antimitotic intervention after DCVC-initiated renal injury leads to expansion and progression of that injury, which appears to be due to proteolytic destruction of neighboring cells mediated by calpain leaking out of necrosed renal tubular epithelial cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Enantioselective asymmetric hydrolysis of (1α,2β,3α)-2-(benzyloxymethyl)-cyclopent-4-ene-1,3-diol diacetate 1 to the corresponding (+)-monoacetate 2 was carried out using lipase PS-30 from Pseudomonas cepacia or pancreatin. A reaction yield of 85M% with an enantiomeric excess (ee) of 98% was obtained. Using pancreatin, a reaction yield of 75M% with an ee of 98.5% was obtained. Asymmetric acetylation of (1α,2β,3α)-2-(benzyloxymethyl)-cyclopent-4-ene-1,3-diol 3 to the corresponding (−)-monoacetate 4 was carried out using lipase PS-30 with isopropenyl acetate as the acylating agent. A reaction yield of 80M% with an ee of 98% was obtained for (−)-monoacetate 4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chiral intermediate (S)-1-(2′-bromo-4′-fluoro phenyl)ethanol 2 was prepared by the enantioselective microbial reduction of 2-bromo-4-fluoro acetophenone 1. Organisms from genus Candida, Hansenula, Pichia, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Sphingomonas and Baker''s yeast reduced 1 to 2 in >90% yield and 99% enantiomeric excess (ee). In an alternative approach, the enantioselective microbial reductions of methyl, ethyl, and tert-butyl 4-(2′-acetyl-5′-fluorophenyl) butanoates 3, 5, and 7, respectively, were demonstrated using strains of Candida and Pichia. Reaction yields of 40–53% and ee''s of 90–99% were obtained for the corresponding (S)-hydroxy esters 4, 6, and 8. The reductase, which catalyzed the enantioselective reduction of ketoesters was purified to homogeneity from cell extracts of Pichia methanolica SC 13825. It was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli with recombinant cultures used for the enantioselective reduction of keto methyl ester 3 to the corresponding (S)-hydroxy methyl ester 4. On a preparative scale, a reaction yield of 98% and an ee of 99% was obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chiral intermediate (3R)-cis-3-acetyloxy-4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-azetidinone 2 was prepared for the semi-synthesis of the new taxane 5, an orally active anticancer compound. The enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of cis-3-acetyloxy-4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2-azetidinone 1 to the corresponding undesired (S)-alcohol 3 and unreacted desired 2 was carried out using immobilized lipase PS-30 or BMS lipase. Reaction yields of >48% and enantiomeric excesses of >99% were obtained for the desired 2. Acetoxy β-lactam 2 was converted to hydroxy β-lactam 4 for use in the semisynthesis of 5. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chiral intermediate (1S,2R)-[3-chloro-2-hydroxy-1-(phenylmethyl)propyl]carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester 2a was prepared for the total synthesis of the HIV protease inhibitor Atazanavir. The diastereoselective reduction of (1S)-[3-chloro-2-oxo-1-(phenylmethyl)propyl] carbamic acid, 1,1-dimethyl-ethyl ester 1 was carried out using microbial cultures among, which Rhodococcus, Brevibacterium, and Hansenula strains reduced 1 to 2a. Three strains of Rhodococcus gave >90% yield. A diastereomeric purity of >98% and enantiomeric excess of >99.3% were obtained for alcohol 2a. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There has been an increasing awareness of the enormous potential of microorganisms and enzymes for the transformation of synthetic chemicals with high chemo-, regio- and enatioselective manner. Chiral intermediates and fine chemicals are in high demand both from pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries for the preparation bulk drug substances and agricultural products. In this review article, microbial/enzymatic processes have been described for the synthesis of chiral intermediates for anticancer drugs, antiviral agents, β3-receptor agonists, antihypertensive drugs, melatonin receptor agonists, anticholesterol drugs, and anti-Alzheimer’s drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aqueous, methanol, chloroform and hexane extracts of Swertia corymbosa were tested (in vitro) for their antimicrobial efficiency. Maximum inhibitory activity was noticed against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The chiral ester ethyl (2R)-hydroxy-2-(1′,2′,3′,4′-tetrahydro-1′,1′,4′,4′-tetramethyl-6′-naphthalenyl) acetate 2 and the corresponding acid 4 were prepared as intermediates in the synthesis of the retinoic acid receptor gamma-specific agonist (R)-3-fluoro-4-[[hydroxy(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)acetyl]amino]benzoic acid 7. Enantioselective reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-2-(1′,2′,3′,4′-tetrahydro-1′,1′,4′,4′-tetramethyl-6′naphthalenyl)acetate 1 to alcohol 2 was carried out using Aureobasidium pullulans SC 13849 in 98% yield and with an enantiomeric excess (e.e.) of 96%. Among microorganisms screened for the reduction of 2-oxo-2-(1′,2′,3′,4′-tetrahydro-1′,1′,4′,4′-tetramethyl-6′-naphthalenyl)acetic acid 3 to hydroxy acid 4, Candida maltosa SC 16112 and two strains of Candida utilis (SC 13983, SC 13984) gave reaction yields of >53% with e.e.s of >96%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) gas sensors have working at higher operating temperatures (200–400 °C), resulting in excessive energy consumption. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop novel nanomaterials or improve the prevailing functional nanomaterials to fascinatingly detect NO 2 gas at lower temperatures. Herein, we present the operation of a MoS 2 -WO 3 (MW) heterostructure at a notably reduced temperature of 50 °C. MoS 2 nanoparticles (NPs) and WO 3 nanoflowers (NFs) have fabricated by surfactant free, simple hydrothermal approach. The MW3 sensor with an atomic ratio of M:W (1:0.25) has demonstrated notably enhanced response (increasing from 0.4% for 1 ppm to 42.31% for 100 ppm), accompanied by a rapid 0.92 s response time and impressive baseline recovery in 10.74 s. The MW sensor at 50 °C has exhibited remarkable selectivity and stable performance toward NO 2 gas. The exceptional sensitivity of porous MoS 2 -WO 3 heterojunctions to NO 2 arises from their distinct porous configuration and the combined impact of MoS 2 NPs and WO 3 NFs. This configuration offers a considerable specific surface area, complemented by the existence of oxygen vacancies within the sensing material. The impedance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have utilized to explore the plausible NO 2 sensing mechanism of MW3 heterojunction sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pontine hemorrhages are relatively uncommon. Various atypical manifestations of pontine stroke like eight-and-a-half syndrome, fifteen-and-a-half syndrome, and sixteen syndrome have been described in the past. We came across a case of pontine bleed that presented with bilateral facial palsy, bilateral horizontal gaze palsy, and contralateral sensorineural hearing loss accounting to the hitherto not described "twenty-four syndrome" with Horner's syndrome and left hemiparesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the facile synthesis route of the tungsten oxide (WO 3)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrids by the hydrothermal method. The analyses of the WO 3 -rGO nanohybrid sensor were performed by various techniques, as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analyzer. The gas sensing analysis of WO 3 -rGO (1–5 wt%) nanohybrid sensors has revealed remarkable gas selectivity towards nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) out of distinguishing gases viz. ammonia (NH 3), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2). An optimal WO 3 -rGO (3 wt%) nanohybrid sensor has exhibited 252% response to 100 ppm NO 2 at an optimized operating temperature (150 °C). The dynamic study of the WO 3 -rGO (3 wt%) nanohybrid sensor for different NO 2 gas concentrations has displayed a clear increasing response trend. The reproducibility and stability of the sensor was confirmed through repeated measurements. Additionally, impedance studies were conducted to further insight the sensing mechanism of WO 3 -rGO (WR) nanohybrid sensor, shedding light on its electrical response to gas interactions. The WR nanohybrid sensors have exhibited promising gas sensing performance, indicating its potential for practical applications in areas like air quality monitoring, emission control, workplace safety, and other pertinent fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α-fluoro-α-oxoketenedithioacetals 3a – l have been synthesized by two routes. In Route 1 the pre-constructed α-oxoketenedithioacetals 1a – l are subjected to fluorination using selectfluor 2 to yield the corresponding stable α-fluoro-α-oxoketenedithioacetals 3a – l in 61–75% overall yields. In Route 2 a four-component one-pot protocol was followed involving addition of a mixture of active methylene ketone and carbon disulfide to sodium tert -butoxide suspended in tetrahydrofuran and dimethylformamide followed by addition of dimethyl sulfate and selectfluor sequentially to yield the corresponding 3a – l in an improved 79–87% overall yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-oxodithioates react with bromoacetaldehyde diethylacetal in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate in dimethyl formamide at 80 °C to yield the corresponding mixed acetals. These acetals undergo smooth cyclization in the presence of ethanolic orthophosphoric acid to afford the corresponding 2-methylthio-3-acyl/aroyl/heteroaroyl thiophenes in 64–85% high overall yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Methylthio) acroleins 1a – m were shown to be stable unlike their counterpart the chloroacroleins and their efficacy as 1,3-dielectrophilic properties have now been examined successfully in this work. They are shown to react with ethyl thioglycolate in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate in boiling ethanol to yield the corresponding 5-substituted / 4,5-annulated-2-carbethoxy thiophenes in 70–80% overall high yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]