We are interested in development of the applications of alkynes in the synthesis of carbo- and heterocyclic compounds via their annulation with high-atom utilization and step-economy. In this presentation, we would like to report the recently developed protocols for the synthesis of natural products such as Precocene I (from Ageratum houstonianum), Cassiarin C (from Cassia siamea) from the cyclocondensation of alkynes with the activation of C-H bonds, and the synthesis of the drugs such as h5-HT2A antagonist and RITA. These synthetic protocols have the significant advantages of easily available starting materials, efficient and step-economic processes

Membrane proteins (MPs) account for 25-30% of proteomes and present over 70% of the pharmaceutical targets. MPs play key roles in the transport of a large panel of compounds through the cell membrane. The presence of MPs in the hydrophobic cell membrane makes them difficult to be isolated in their functional forms and to be crystallized for further steps to a 3D-structure resolution and ultimately to be used as targets in the structure-based drug design approaches. As a consequence, membranes proteins account for less than 5% of the 3Dstructures resolved. In this context, surfactants (detergents) are used as key components during the extraction and structural studies of MPs. Detergents are required for maintaining MPs in solution for crystallography needs. Unfortunately, major detergents tend to unfold these proteins as they are in fast-exchange equilibrium with micelles, weakening the compactness of the membrane region and leading to a partial-to-severe loss of functionality. Based on the concept that the vast majority of membranes proteins share a net enrichment in basic residues at the interface between membrane and cytoplasm, a property known as the positive-inside rule, we conceived a new class of detergents based on this feature, which, in addition to their capacity to interact with membranes proteins through hydrophobic interactions, will have the additional capacity to generate a network of salt bridges around the membrane region with these basic residues. Our main focus will deal with the design, the chemical synthesis and the outcome of new generation of detergents for the extraction, stabilization and crystallization of membrane proteins.

People are relying upon oil for primary energy and this will continue for a few more decades. Other conventional sources may be more enduring, but are not without serious disadvantages. The renewable energy resources are particularly suited for the provision of rural power supplies and a major advantage is that equipment such as flat plate solar driers, wind machines, etc., can be constructed using local resources. Without the advantage results from the feasibility of local maintenance and the general encouragement such local manufacture gives to the buildup of small-scale rural based industry. This communication comprises a comprehensive review of energy sources, the environment and sustainable development. It includes the renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency systems, energy conservation scenarios, energy savings in greenhouses environment and other mitigation measures necessary to reduce climate change. This study gives some examples of small-scale energy converters, nevertheless it should be noted that small conventional, i.e., engines are currently the major source of power in rural areas and will continue to be so for a long time to come. There is a need for some further development to suit local conditions, to minimise spares holdings, to maximise the interchangeability of the engine parts, and of the engine applications. Emphasis should be placed on full local manufacture. It is concluded that renewable environmentally friendly energy must be encouraged, promoted, implemented and demonstrated by a full-scale plant (device) especially for use in remote rural areas.