A new strategy for the synthesis of crucigasterin A,and cytotoxic activity of this compound and its related analogues

Stereoselective total synthesis of bioactive marine natural product crucigasterin A has been accomplished from commercially available and inexpensive l-(?)-malic acid as a starting material. Julia olefination and chelation controlled Grignard additions are the key steps involved in the present synthesis. Cytotoxic properties of crucigasterin A and its related analogues crucigasterins B and D have been evaluated. Crucigasterin A showed promising activities against both the human cervical cancer cell line and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line.     

Recent Advancement of p‐ and d‐Block Elements,Single Atoms,and Graphene‐Based Photoelectrochemical Electrodes for Water Splitting

Solar‐assisted photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting to produce hydrogen energy is considered the most promising solution for clean, green, and renewable sources of energy. For scaled production of hydrogen and oxygen, highly active, robust, and cost‐effective PEC electrodes are required. However, most of the available semiconductors as a PEC electrodes have poor light absorption, material degradation, charge separation, and transportability, which result in very low efficiency for photo‐water splitting. Generally, a promising photoelectrode is obtained when the surface of the semiconductor is modified/decorated with a suitable co‐catalyst because it increases the light absorbance spectrum and prevents electron–hole recombination during photoelectrode reactions. In this regard, numerous p‐ and d‐block elements, single atoms, and graphene‐based PEC electrodes have been widely used as semiconductor/co‐catalyst junctions to boost the performances of PEC overall water splitting. This review enumerates the recent progress and applications of p‐ and d‐block elements, single atoms, and graphene‐based PEC electrodes for water splitting. The focus is placed on fundamental mechanism, efficiency, cells design, and various aspects that contribute to the large‐scale prototype device. Finally, future perspectives, summary, challenges, and outlook for improving the activity of PEC photoelectrodes toward whole‐cell water splitting are addressed.     

An inventory of some herbal drugs of Myagdi district,Nepal

Eighty-one herbal drug species in 51 families and 77 genera are documented. These plants are represented by 3 families of pteridophytes (3.8%), 3 families of Monocotyledons (4.9%) and 45 families of Dicotyledons (91.3%). The medicinal value of 30 species (37%) has not been previously reported from other parts of Nepal. The preparation, utilization and Nepali names along with the scientific names and their role in local culture for healthcare are discussed.