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Invasive species are permanently modifying the distribution and diversity of native species worldwide. For nearly two decades, a hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), has been spreading in Europe. Due to its marked invasiveness, this yellow-legged hornet is of great economic and ecological concern, mainly because of the damage it causes to insects in general and bees in particular. Current management methods are sparse and ineffective. Naturally produced by insects, semio-chemicals have been proposed as integrated management tools in this context, either for disruption or mass trapping, as an alternative tool to conventional non-selective traps. Here, we focused on the venom gland, which produces the alarm pheromone. In previous studies, individuals showed marked diversity in their chemical profiles. However, to successfully conduct targeted pheromone-based trapping, the hornet’s chemical ecology must be thoroughly characterized. Therefore, it was necessary to better understand the chemical composition of the alarm pheromone of not only workers but also other V. v. nigrithorax females. First, we evaluated the differences in venom gland profiles between the four types of females: queens, foundresses, pre-winter gynes, and workers. Next, we experimentally explored the venom gland profiles of V. velutina nigrithorax workers and pre-wintering gynes by in vivo and in vitro approaches. We found 13 new compounds in the venom gland, of which 9 were identified (chain lengths: C8 to C12). Two compounds were found exclusively in reproductive females. Profiles differed among pre-wintering gynes, foundresses, and queens but not between pre-wintering gynes and workers. This result indicates that the chemical signature of the female venom gland changes over the course of life history: from pre-wintering gynes to foundresses to queens.

Redox titration problems are considered difficult for students to learn due to their abstract nature, the myriad amount of representations, and the mathematical competency required to learn and solve. The goal of this research project is to examine challenges students face in learning about redox titration-related problems, approaches they use in learning about electrochemical titration problems, and reliance on algorithmic problem-solving instead of conceptual understanding in solving these problems. The research project took place at the City College of New York, which is an urban, minority serving, and public institution. The research instrument used in this research investigation is a survey comprised of Likert-type and open-ended questions. The number of research participants is n = 184. The data was collected and analyzed and histograms and figures were made based on the data analysis. A single factor ANOVA method was performed on the Likert-type questions which showed evidence against the null hypothesis and that shows a strong relationship between variables. The data indicate that the principal barrier to learning about redox titration related problems is that students' reliance on algorithmic problems solving, rote learning, and mathematical approaches. Students' dependence on rote learning and memorization in problem solving could be attributed to the lack of well-developed understanding of the concepts. The investigation shows that students focus on surface features in learning and this translates to hindrance of knowledge transfer.

Abstract Twelve spiro thiazolidinone compounds (A–L) were synthesized via either conventional thermal or ultrasonication techniques using Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The modification of the traditional procedure by using Fe2O3 nanoparticles led to enhancement of the yield of the desired candidates to 78–93% in approximately half reaction time compared with 58–79% without catalyst. The products were fully characterized using different analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The structure of the two derivatives 4-phenyl-1-thia-4-azaspirodecan-3-one (A) and 4-(p-tolyl)-1-thia-4-azaspirodecan-3-one (B) were also determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The two compounds (A and B) were crystallized in the orthorhombic system with Pbca and P2 1 2 1 2 1 space groups, respectively. In addition, the crystal packing of compounds revealed the formation of supramolecular array with a net of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The energy optimized geometries of some selected derivatives were performed by density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP). The reactivity descriptors were also calculated and correlated with their biological properties. All the reported compounds were screened for antimicrobial inhibitions. The two derivatives, F and J, exhibited the highest levels of bacterial inhibition with an inhibition zone of 10–17 mm. Also, the two derivatives, F and J, displayed the most potent fungal inhibition with an inhibition zone of 15–23 mm. Molecular docking investigations of some selected derivatives were performed using a B-DNA (PDB: 1BNA) as a macromolecular target. Structure and activity relationship of the reported compounds were correlated with the data of antimicrobial activities and the computed reactivity parameters.

Abstract Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) incorporating two or three medicines in a single inhaler have been created to enhance patient compliance and hence clinical outcomes. However, the development of dry powder inhalers (DPIs), particularly for FDCs, faces challenges pertinent to formulation uniformity and reproducibility. Therefore, this project aimed to employ nanotechnology to develop a FDC of DPIs for market-leading medicines—fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SAL)—for asthma management. Nanoaggregates were prepared using a novel biocompatible and biodegradable poly(ester amide) based on the amino acid tyrosine, utilising a one-step interfacial polymerisation process. The produced tyrosine poly (ester amide) drug-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated for content uniformity, PSA, FTIR, TEM, DSC, XRD and aerodynamic performance (in vitro and in vivo). The optimised formulation demonstrated high entrapment efficiency– > 90%. The aerodynamic performance in terms of the emitted dose, fine particle fraction and respirable dose was superior to the carrier-based marketed product. In-vivo studies showed that FP (above the marketed formulation) and SAL reached the lungs of mice in a reproducible manner. These results highlight the superiority of novel FDC FP/SAL nanoparticles prepared via a one-step process, which can be used as a cost-effective and efficient method to alleviate the burden of asthma.

Abstract The exponential development of resistance to conventional chemical insecticides adds another important motive for the creation of novel insecticidal active agents. One of the keys to meeting this challenge is the exploration of novel classes of insecticidal molecules with different modes of action. Herein, a novel series of spiro pyrimidine derivatives was prepared using some green synthetic methodologies such as microwave irradiation, and sonication under ultrasound waves. Spiro pyrimidine aminonitrile 1 is a key starting material for the synthesis of targets 2–9 by reaction with different carbon electrophiles and nitrogen nucleophiles. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were approved using spectral data. The toxicological efficiency and biological impacts of the synthesized spiro pyrimidine derivatives were assessed against Culex pipiens L. larvae. The toxicity of synthesized compounds showed remarkable variations against the C. pipiens larvae. Where, 3, 4 and 2 were the most efficient compounds with LC50 values of 12.43, 16.29 and 21.73 µg/mL, respectively. While 1 was the least potent compound with an LC50 value of 95.18 µg/mL. As well, other compounds were arranged according to LC50 values as follows 5 > 7 > 6 > 9 > 8. In addition, 3 and 4 exhibited significant prolongation of the developmental duration and greatly inhibited adult emergence. Moreover, many morphological deformities were observed in all developmental stages. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of the most effective compounds was assessed against the normal human cells (WI-38) as non-target organisms, where compounds 2, 4 and 3 showed weak to non-toxic effects. The study of binding affinity and correlation between chemical structure and reactivity was carried out using molecular docking study and DFT calculations to investigate their mode of action. This study shed light on promising compounds with larvicidal activity and biological impacts on the C. pipiens life cycle.

The scientific grasp of the distribution and dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in South America is still limited. This is especially true for the continent’s hyperarid, arid, semiarid, and dry subhumid zones, collectively known as drylands, which are under-represented ecosystems that are highly threatened by climate change and human activity. Maps of LULC in drylands are, thus, essential in order to investigate their vulnerability to both natural and anthropogenic impacts. This paper comprehensively reviewed existing mapping initiatives of South America’s drylands to discuss the main knowledge gaps, as well as central methodological trends and challenges, for advancing our understanding of LULC dynamics in these fragile ecosystems. Our review centered on five essential aspects of remote-sensing-based LULC mapping: scale, datasets, classification techniques, number of classes (legends), and validation protocols. The results indicated that the Landsat sensor dataset was the most frequently used, followed by AVHRR and MODIS, and no studies used recently available high-resolution satellite sensors. Machine learning algorithms emerged as a broadly employed methodology for land cover classification in South America. Still, such advancement in classification methods did not yet reflect in the upsurge of detailed mapping of dryland vegetation types and functional groups. Among the 23 mapping initiatives, the number of LULC classes in their respective legends varied from 6 to 39, with 1 to 14 classes representing drylands. Validation protocols included fieldwork and automatic processes with sampling strategies ranging from solely random to stratified approaches. Finally, we discussed the opportunities and challenges for advancing research on desertification, climate change, fire mapping, and the resilience of dryland populations. By and large, multi-level studies for dryland vegetation mapping are still lacking.

Abstract Background and Aims Bowel preparation is considered as major obstacle before colonoscopy, and it is often reported as the most feared part of the procedure. The aim of this study is to determine the difference in efficacy between a split dose of PEG and the previous day regimen in cleaning the colon, using Boston bowel preparation scale. In addition, also to evaluate patient satisfaction regarding the modality of preparation. Methods The study included 200 hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy at Beirut hospitals between 2021 and 2023. One of the two regimens will be prescribed randomly to the patients before colonoscopy: 98 (49%) in Group A (patients treated with PEG preparation as a split dose for 2 days), and 102 (51%) in Group B (patients taking PEG preparation as a whole dose). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results Patients were distributed between 105 (52.5%) males and 95 (47.5%) females. The top two indications for colonoscopy were bleeding (34%), change in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhea) (32%). Patients experienced adverse events noting cramps (48.5%), stomach ache (32%), headache (31%), vomiting (53%), nausea (53%), sleep disturbance (27%), bloating (26.5%), and malaise (26%). A statistically significant difference (p = 0.040) was detected in sleep disturbance: 20.4% of patients in group A and 33.3% of patients in group B. The average satisfaction score was 3.02 ± 1.03 over 4 (Group A) and 3.04 ± 0.99 over 4 (Group B) (p = 0.896). The average BBPS was 8.07 ± 1.14 (Group A) and 8.28 ± 1.0 (Group B) (p = 0.162). Conclusion The two administrations were almost similar in term of satisfaction and BBPS. As multiple factors like age, sexe, comorbidities may contribute in altering how much a given drug is safe and efficace, more research is needed to choose the best 3regimen for each patient.

Phosphorus (P) is a key component that limits plant growth. P is a limited resource; hence, effective P management is needed to increase plant P consumption from the soil and reduce P input levels through fertilization. In light of these difficulties, the goal of this review is to investigate the role of soil electrokinetics (SEKs)—a physicochemical approach—as the main approach in our in-depth analysis of publication history across six P-management research search engines to ensure sustainable management. This review covers the management of P using the SEKs from a number of perspectives, such as P injection in soil to improve bioremediation efficiency; P specific and synergistic separation from other related elements; increasing plant P availability and reusing it as fertilizer; and P removal from soil and sewage sludge. In terms of P adsorption, after seven days on kaolin, no organic P adsorption was observed, while inorganic P adsorbed to a maximum of 73% after six days. This implies that in low-permeability soils, the organic P source can be a practical source of P during in situ bioremediation. With the use of chemical additives, the specific and synergistic separation of P from/with other elements was made possible. When compared to the region near the cathode, P availability for the plant was higher in the vicinity of the anode electrode. P can be recycled and used as fertilizer. The iron electrodes result in a noticeably greater removal of phosphate than titanium electrodes. Further research is required to offer a technical solution for the proper handling of P, as there has been little research on P management from many perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we described the biofabrication of samarium oxide nanoparticles (HT‐Sm2O3 NPs) by applying the aqueous fruit extract of Hyphaene thebaica was utilized as an eco‐friendly chelating agent. The prepared NPs were subjected to various physicochemical properties and potential in biomedical applications. X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed sharp peaks that corroborated with the Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS) card no. 00–042‐1464. Crystallite size obtained from Debye–Scherrer approximation and Williamson–Hall (W–H) plot was 28.73 and 69.3 nm, respectively. Optical bandgap was calculated by employing Kubelka–Munk (K–M) function and was found to be ~4.58 eV. Raman shift was observed at 121, 351, 424—, and 561 cm−1. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed two major peaks positioned at 360 and 540 nm. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) analysis of HT‐Sm2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) showed that they predominantly have spherical to cuboidal shapes. Additionally, the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern presented spotty rings, indicating a high level of crystallinity in these NPs. The potential nanomedicine applications were studied using diverse bioassays using different treatments. The antioxidant activity demonstrated 45.71% ± 1.13% inhibition at 1000 μg/mL. Brine shrimp lethality assay revealed the highest cytotoxicity of 46.67% ± 3.33% at 1000 μg/mL and LC50 value of 1081 μg/mL. HT‐Sm2O3 NPs exhibited inhibition of angiogenesis (20.41% ± 1.18%) at of 1000 μg/mL. MTT assay results indicated that HT‐Sm2O3 NPs exhibit inhibitory effects on cell lines. Specifically, these NPs showed an IC50 value of 104.6 μg/mL against 3T3 cells. Against MCF‐7 cells, the NPs demonstrated an IC50 value of 413.25 μg/mL. Additionally, in the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the newly synthesized NPs showed an IC50 value of 320 μg/mL. The antidiabetic assessment through α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibition assays revealed, an IC50 value of 380 μg/mL for α‐glucosidase and 952 μg/mL for α‐amylase was calculated. Overall, our study suggested that the Sm2O3 NPs possess moderate anticancer, cholinesterase inhibition, and antidiabetic potential, however, needs further assessment. Research Highlights: In this work, nano‐samaria is synthesized using an eco‐friendly and green approach.The nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as Raman, HR‐TEM, FTIR, DRS, XRD, and so on, and the applications were studied using multiple in vitro bioassays for Diabetes, Alzheimer, and Cancer.The nano‐samaria revealed good potential for potential biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

هدفت الدراسة إلى تحليل أثر تمكين المرأة على توزيع لدخل في العراق بافتراض وجود علاقة تأثير مهمة بين تمكين المرأة (اقتصادياً وتعليمياً) وتوزيع الدخل فيه. ولقياس تأثير تمكين المرأة في العراق على توزيع الدخل فقد تم اجراء انحدار توزيع الدخل المتمثل بمعامل جيني على متغيرات تمكين المرأة. تم استخدام نموذج ARDL لتقدير تأثير تمكين المرأة على توزيع الدخل، وقد أخذت النماذج المقدرة بالاعتبار تأثير حصة الفرد من الناتج المحلي الاجمالي ومربع الناتج المحلي الاجمالي لبيان امكانية أن تكون العلاقة غير خطية بين التنمية الاقتصادية وتوزيع الدخل. كشفت النتائج أن للتمكين الاقتصادي والتعليمي للمرأة في العراق تأثير توزيعي مهم، فمع المزيد من التمكين يتراجع معامل جيني (أي يتحسن توزيع الدخل). أثبتت نتائج تأثير حصة الفرد من الناتج المحلي الإجمالي ومربعه وجود علاقة غير خطية بين التنمية الاقتصادية وطريقة توزيعه. هذه النتيجة متوافقة مع فرضية كوزنتس التي تؤكد ان التنمية الاقتصادية تؤدي إلى زيادة تفاوت توزيع الدخل في مراحلها الأولى، بينما يميل التفاوت للانخفاض في مراحله المتقدمة، وإن العلاقة تأخذ شكل مقلوب حرف (U).

Diosmin, a potent bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruits, has gained significant attention for its anticancer potential, reflecting a critical need in the ongoing battle against cancer. Amidst increasing cancer incidence, the quest for safer and more effective treatments has brought diosmin to the forefront, given its unique pharmacological profile distinct from other flavonoids. Diosmin's anticancer mechanisms are multifaceted, involving apoptosis induction, angiogenesis inhibition, and metastasis prevention. Extensive research encompassing cellular studies, animal models, and limited clinical trials underscores its efficacy not only against cancer but also in managing chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids, attributing to its anti‐inflammatory properties. Furthermore, diosmin exhibits low toxicity and complements conventional chemotherapy, proposing its utility as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment protocols. The review delves into the specific anticancer advantages of diosmin, distinguishing it from the broader flavonoid category. It provides a detailed analysis of its implications in preclinical and clinical settings, advocating for its consideration in the oncological therapeutic arsenal. By juxtaposing diosmin with other herbal medicines, the review offers a nuanced perspective on its role within the wider context of natural anticancer agents, emphasizing the need for further clinical research to substantiate its efficacy and safety in oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve spiro thiazolidinone compounds (A–L) were synthesized via either conventional thermal or ultrasonication techniques using Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The modification of the traditional procedure by using Fe2O3 nanoparticles led to enhancement of the yield of the desired candidates to 78–93% in approximately half reaction time compared with 58–79% without catalyst. The products were fully characterized using different analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The structure of the two derivatives 4-phenyl-1-thia-4-azaspirodecan-3-one (A) and 4-(p-tolyl)-1-thia-4-azaspirodecan-3-one (B) were also determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The two compounds (A and B) were crystallized in the orthorhombic system with Pbca and P212121 space groups, respectively. In addition, the crystal packing of compounds revealed the formation of supramolecular array with a net of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The energy optimized geometries of some selected derivatives were performed by density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP). The reactivity descriptors were also calculated and correlated with their biological properties. All the reported compounds were screened for antimicrobial inhibitions. The two derivatives, F and J, exhibited the highest levels of bacterial inhibition with an inhibition zone of 10–17 mm. Also, the two derivatives, F and J, displayed the most potent fungal inhibition with an inhibition zone of 15–23 mm. Molecular docking investigations of some selected derivatives were performed using a B-DNA (PDB: 1BNA) as a macromolecular target. Structure and activity relationship of the reported compounds were correlated with the data of antimicrobial activities and the computed reactivity parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]