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Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain molds and fungi that contaminate various food commodities, posing serious adverse effects on humans and animals. Aflatoxin, ochratoxin, trichothecene, fumonisin, zearalenone, patulin, and citrinin are some of the major mycotoxins affecting food and feed. The scientific community has focused on regulating food and feed materials due to their potential risks. Conventional techniques for mycotoxin detection have certain limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and speed. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to revolutionize mycotoxin detection. This review provides an overview of nanotechnology‐based detection methods for mycotoxins in food and feed, discussing the basic aspects of mycotoxins, their health hazards, and conventional methods. It also explores various nanosensors and nanodevices developed to improve the sensitivity, selectivity, and speed of mycotoxin detection, thereby enhancing food safety and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insecticides are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, medicine, and industry, as well as domestically. Increased insecticide application has been attributed to higher agricultural productivity and lower infield and postharvest crop loss in the twentieth century. Malathion is a very commonly used organophosphorus (OP) insecticide applied in over 100 food crops in agriculture and post-harvest storage. Different species of Aspergillus have shown their efficiency to degrade OP chemicals. A malathion tolerant Aspergillus niger MRU01, developed by prolonged malathion exposure, was tested for its efficiency to remove malathion as well as three other commonly used OP insecticides, viz., parathion, chlorpyrifos and dimethoate. The tolerant strain showed growth efficiency as well as enhanced production of phosphatases and esterase enzyme as compared to untreated and treated wild type (A. niger ATCC16404). The removal of malathion was 29% and 68%, in the wild type and the tolerant strain, respectively during five days. The tolerant strain was also able to remove dimethoate (63%) and chlorpyrifos (54%) with high efficiency while a low rate of removal of parathion (33%) was observed. The strain can be tested in the microcosms more specifically for bioremediation of other OP insecticides before its application in the field. The malathion tolerant Aspergillus niger MRU01 grew efficiently in the presence of 500 μM malathion. Treatment of the fungus with malathion and other OP insecticides – parathion, chlorpyrifos, and dimethoate – caused enhanced expression of phosphatases and esterases. The tolerant A. niger MRU01 strain had significantly lower mycelia concentrations of insecticides than of the wild type A. niger ATCC16404. Degradation of insecticides by the tolerant strain was significantly higher than by the wild type indicating its broad spectrum of tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of chemotherapy with immunotherapy has been proposed to have better clinical outcomes in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). On the other hand, chemotherapeutics is known to have certain unwanted effects on the tumor microenvironment that may mask the expected beneficial effects of immunotherapy. Here, we have investigated the effect of gemcitabine (GEM), on two immune checkpoint proteins (PD-L1 and PD-L2) expression in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). Findings of in vitro studies conducted by using in-culture activated mouse pancreatic stellate cells (mPSCs) and human PDAC patients derived CAFs demonstrated that GEM significantly induces PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in these cells. Moreover, GEM induced phosphorylation of STAT1 and production of multiple known PD-L1-inducing secretory proteins including IFN-γ in CAFs. Upregulation of PD-L1 in PSCs/CAFs upon GEM treatment caused T cell inactivation and apoptosis in vitro. Importantly, Statins suppressed GEM-induced PD-L1 expression both in CAFs and PCCs while abrogating the inactivation of T-cells caused by GEM-treated PSCs/CAFs. Finally, in an immunocompetent syngeneic orthotopic mouse pancreatic tumor model, simvastatin and GEM combination therapy significantly reduced intra-tumor PD-L1 expression and noticeably reduced the overall tumor burden and metastasis incidence. Together, the findings of this study have provided experimental evidence that illustrates potential unwanted side effects of GEM that could hamper the effectiveness of this drug as mono and/or combination therapy. At the same time the findings also suggest use of statins along with GEM will help in overcoming these shortcomings and warrant further clinical investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amalgamation of target-based approach along with chemo and/or radiotherapy could be an effective strategy to combat pancreatic cancer (PC). ATAD2 (ATPase family AAA domain containing 2) is a potential oncoprotein and a poor prognostic factor in PC. ATAD2 inhibition sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) to gemcitabine (GEM). ATAD2 silencing also enhances radio-sensitivity in lung cancer cells. We therefore hypothesise that ATAD2 suppression along with application of GEM and radiation could show additive/synergistic response in reducing PC progression. At first, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis are carried out to investigate ATAD2 expression upon irradiation in PCCs (BxPC3, and PANC1). Colony forming assay is performed to analyse the radio-sensitization effect of ATAD2 suppressed PCCs in absence and presence of GEM. To evaluate the consequences of irradiation, expression of markers for DNA damage and repair as well as apoptosis and autophagy are also assessed. Results indicate that ATAD2 is elevated in irradiated PCCs. Silencing ATAD2 sensitizes PCCs to radiation. Survival fraction analysis of PCCs shows that combination treatment of GEM and radiation (with minimal doses) is more effective when ATAD2 is suppressed. Further, when GEM-radiation combination is applied to ATAD2 silenced PCCs, expression of DNA damage marker like γH2AX is induced, whereas DNA damage repair proteins (pChk1, and pChk2) are downregulated. Moreover, ATAD2 suppressed PCCs are more susceptible to apoptosis and autophagy in presence of radiation and GEM. Collectively, these findings support our hypothesis and demonstrate that targeting ATAD2 enhances efficacy of GEM-radiation treatment in PCCs. [Display omitted] • ATAD2 is upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) upon irradiation. • ATAD2 silencing enhances radiosensitivity of gemcitabine (GEM) treated PCCs. • ATAD2 inhibition elevates radiation induced DNA damage in GEM treated PCCs. • Knockdown of ATAD2 enhances radiation induced apoptosis in GEM treated PCCs. • ATAD2 suppression induces autophagy in GEM-radiation exposed PCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on two breeds of dog namely Labrador retriever and German shepherd to investigate the different haematological parameters. Blood samples were collected from these two breeds of dog, and haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were investigated. Though literatures on haematological profiling of dogs are in record, a comparative study between two breeds namely Labrador retriever and German has not been explained adequately. So, this study was undertaken to establish a comparative analysis of haematological parameters of two breeds of dog. Sex-wise variations in the haematological values as well as a significant correlation between different parameters have been reported in these two breeds of dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The growth and development of plants are significantly affected by abiotic stress, ultimately influencing their quality and yield. Further, the effects of global warming and alterations in rainfall patterns are leading to substantial losses in crop productivity. • The stressors disrupt cellular redox homeostasis, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in plants. • Gasotransmitters, such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide, emerge as crucial signaling molecules in response to abiotic stress. • These gasotransmitters play a key role in modulating cellular activities, interacting with signal transduction components, boosting antioxidant enzyme activity, and enhancing plant tolerance to diverse stress conditions. • The article aims to familiarize readers with the production and interaction of gasotransmitters in plants under abiotic stress, emphasizing their potential in developing climate-smart cultivars for improved agriculture production in the face of changing climate scenarios. The growth and development of plants are significantly affected by abiotic stress, ultimately influencing their quality and yield. Further, the effects of global warming and alterations in rainfall patterns are leading to substantial losses in crop productivity. The detrimental effects of such stress include the disruption of cellular redox homeostasis, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and oxidative stress in different cellular compartments, leading to their accumulation in various regions of the plant. This accumulation ultimately causes deleterious effects on proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and DNA, which can result in membrane impairment and cell death. To counter these stressors and maintain essential balance, plants employ various mechanisms. Notably, the study of gasotransmitters in plants has garnered substantial attention, particularly in the context of abiotic stress. Gasotransmitters, a class of signaling molecules, play a crucial role in the functioning of plants under stress conditions. Examples of gasotransmitters include carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide. Furthermore, when plants experience combined stress, these gasotransmitters modulate cellular activities by interacting with other components of signal transduction. These gasotransmitters, in turn, boost the activity of several antioxidant enzymes, mitigate ROS harm, and enhance plant tolerance to diverse stress conditions. Therefore, the primary goal of this article is to familiarize readers with the production of gasotransmitters in plants, triggered by abiotic stress. Additionally, the interaction of gasotransmitters in plants under abiotic stress is discussed. Hence, understanding the specific and multifactorial stress conditions in which gasotransmitters are produced and exploring the crosstalk between various gasotransmitters can help elucidate how plants withstand multiple abiotic stresses effectively. Thus, due to their promising potential in agriculture, gasotransmitters are expected to find widespread adoption in the near future to enhance agriculture production through developing climate-smart cultivars, especially in the context of changing climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association of microbes in different cancers' initiation and progression is very old and is still considered as an emerging field in cancer biology. Knowledge about the functional link between different microbes and cancer has enabled us in taking preventive measures against different cancers like gastric and cervical cancer. In the recent past, various clinical and experimental studies have shown presence of certain specific microorganisms in different cancer tissues that were not addressed before. Importantly, availability of certain animal models have helped in establishing the functional association between microbes and cancers. In this particular review, we have briefly summarized the role of commonly known microbes in various cancers and importantly discussed about the recent contribution of metagenomics analysis in this particular field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial mediated volatilization of arsenic by anaerobic digestion method was studied using cultures of methanogenic bacteria. Cow dung was utilized as the major substrate for the bacterial growth during arsenic volatilization. Effect of contact time showed that arsenic volatilization followed a linear kinetics up to 40 days and thereafter the kinetics was negligible. Arsenic volatilization was fitted to 1st order plot and the reaction rate constant "k" calculated to be 0. 0282 mg/L/day. The regeneration time of the bacteria was found to be 53.3 hour. The effect of substrate (cow dung) was studied to measure the arsenic volatilization and it was observed that substrate concentration of 25 g/L could volatilize about 35% of arsenic. However, higher substrate concentration decreased arsenic volatilization rate, which may be due to formation of methane that inhibits higher doses of arsenic and led to the formation of non-volatile compounds. The maximum uptake was found to be 1.08 mg of As(V)/g of substrate. The effects of different organic acids on arsenic mobilization have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liquid–liquid extraction of aluminium(III) from sulphate medium using sodium salt of Cyanex 272 and D2EHPA in kerosene have been studied. The influences of the following parameters were investigated: equilibrium pH, extractant concentration, organic/aqueous phase ratio, temperature and diluent type. Extraction of Al(III) increased with increasing equilibrium pH and extractant concentration. Maximum Al(III) extraction was achieved in the equilibrium pH range of 3.2–3.6 and 3.5–4.2 for Na-Cyanex 272 and Na-D2EHPA, respectively. Temperature had a positive effect on Al(III) extraction in case of Na-Cyanex 272. On the other hand, when Na-D2EHPA was used, increasing temperature had negligible effect on Al(III) extraction. Aliphatic diluents were preferred compared to aromatic diluents because of higher extraction, good separation factor, short equilibrium time and good phase separation. Quantitative Al(III) extraction efficiency was achieved with 0.30M extractant in two stages, at an aqueous:organic (A:O) phase ratio of 1:1. Complete stripping of Al(III) from the loaded organic containing 2.4g/L Al(III) was carried out using 1.0M H2SO4 at an A:O phase ratio 1:1 in a single stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper reports leaching studies on a complex Cu–Ni–Co–Fe matte with cupric chloride in an acidic and strong brine solution. The influences of cupric chloride, NaCl, HCl, time and temperature have been studied. The role of sulphate and carbon tetrachloride in the leaching medium has been evaluated with respect to metal extraction efficiency. On the basis, it has been possible to define a suitable combination of process parameters for leaching out most of the associated copper, nickel and cobalt values and to generate a solution low in iron. Copper and nickel extractions were found to be fast and reached equilibrium within 2h, compared to cobalt, which need prolonged leaching to reach equilibrium. Whereas, after an initial fast reaction rate, iron concentration in leach solution slowly decreased with time. Under optimum conditions (Cu(II) 70gL−1, temp. 120°C, NaCl 300gL−1, HCl 0.5M, 6h), 95.2% Cu, 98.4% Ni, 83.6% Co and 16.8% Fe were extracted to the leach solution. The leaching process was found to be enhanced by elevated temperature, high chloride and Cu(II) concentrations. The metal extractions were unaffected up to 10g SO4 in the leaching medium. The presence of CCl4 did not improve the metal extraction efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spent catalyst generally contains valuable metals like Mo, Co, Ni on a supporting material, such as γ-A12O3. In the present study, a two stage alkali/acid leaching process is proposed to selectively target molybdenum and cobalt/nickel separately to facilitate the downstream processing. Prior to the leaching, the spent catalyst was calcined at 500°C to remove C and S; and to convert metal sulphides to metal oxides. 98% Mo, 93% Co and 90% Ni was effectively recovered by this process. The sulphuric acid leaching of spent catalyst, previously treated by alkali solutions to remove Mo, yielded a solution rich in Ni, Co and Al. In order to recover Co and Ni, the Al impurity must be eliminated. The extraction and stripping of Al has been carried out using the organo-phosphinic extractant, Cyanex 272 diluted in carbon tetrachloride. Quantitative Al extraction efficiency was achieved with 1.0M Cyanex 272 in two stages at an aqueous:organic (A:O) phase ratio of 1:1 and equilibrium pH of 3.2. Complete stripping of Al from the loaded organic was carried out using 2M H2SO4 at an A:O phase ratio of 1:1. The extraction reaction proceeded via the cation exchange mechanism and the extracted species was assumed to be AlA3.3HA. The extraction of Al was carried out in the presence of various ions to ascertain the tolerance limit of individual ions. The regenerated solvent was successfully used for 8 cycles without any significant loss of extraction efficiency, suggesting that Cyanex 272 is extremely stable under present experimental conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The oxidative ammonia/ammonium sulphate leaching of an artificial matte was carried out to investigate the extraction behavior of copper, nickel, and cobalt. The composition of the synthetically prepared Cu–Ni–Co–Fe matte was: 24.9% Cu, 35.1% Ni, 4.05% Co, 11.5% Fe, and 24.5% S. The major mineral phases associated with the matte were: CuFeS2, CuS2, (FeNi)9S8, (FeNi)S2, Ni9S8, Ni3S2, (CoFeNi)9S8 and Co metal. To optimize the leaching conditions, parameters like oxygen partial pressure, temperature, concentration of leaching reagents and time were studied. Under optimum leaching conditions (2 M NH4OH+2 M (NH4)2SO4, 213 psi pressure, 200 °C and 1 h), 93.8% Cu, 85.3% Ni and 76.5% Co were effectively recovered. From the X-ray diffraction analysis, the partially undissolved Cu, Ni and Co phases were assumed to be CuFeS2, (FeNi)9S8 and (CoFeNi)9S8, respectively. The iron present in the CuFeS2 phase was mostly converted to goethite [α-FeO(OH)], as the CuFeS2 phase dissociated and subsequently remained in the residue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Steady-state experiments were conducted on arsenic (V) removal from contaminated groundwater using two different grades of bauxite ore. The materials considered were refractory grade bauxite (RB) with high alumina and low iron content and feed bauxite (FB) with moderate alumina and high iron content. Adsorption studies were carried out for different parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, As(V) concentration and reaction time to establish optimum conditions. RB was found to be the better adsorbent compared to FB with a maximum As(V) adsorption capacity of 1.49 mg As(V)/g compared to 1.26 mg As(V)/g of FB. Both the adsorbents showed similar type of behavior with varying magnitude. As(V) adsorption was independent of the ionic strength suggesting an inner-sphere surface complexion mechanism. The kinetics of the As(V) adsorption could be best explained by pseudo-second-order rate equation. The adsorption was found strongly pH dependent, with maximum adsorption over a wide range of pH ∼ 4.0 to 7.5. The column study results showed that at a adsorbent bed depth of 30 cm and feed flow rate of 50 ml/h, the RB was capable of treating 256 bed volumes of As(V) contaminated water (Co = 1.79 mg/L) before breakthrough (Ce = 0.01 mg/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the adsorptive behavior of As(V) ions with kaolinite, montmorillonite and illite in aqueous medium as a function of As(V) concentration, pH, contact time and temperature. As(V) adsorption on studied clays were pH dependent and maximum adsorption were achieved in the pH range 2. 0–5. 0. The adsorption data gave good fits with Langmuir isotherm and yielded Langmuir monolayer capacity of 0. 86, 0. 64 and 0. 52 mg As(V) /g of kaolinite, montmorillonite and illite, respectively. An increase in adsorption temperature resulted in a decrease in the amount of As(V) adsorbed. The results of leaching study showed that, kaolinite was very active clay constituent regarding both As(V) adsorption and mobility. The electrokinetic behavior of both the kaolinite and montmorillonite were modified in the presence of As(V). The shift in isoelectric point indicated that adsorption involves inner sphere surface complexation and strong specific ion adsorption. Kaolinite was successfully tested as an adsorbent for the removal of arsenic from two contaminated groundwater samples containing arsenic in the range 1. 36–1. 41 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of pyro and hydrometallurgical process has been proposed to selectively recover molubdenum, cobalt and aluminium from the spent catalyst containing 12. 3% Mo; 31. 8% Al; 2. 38% Co; 9. 5% S and 2. 9% C. Before a two-stage alkali-acid leaching process to selectively target Mo, Co and Al from the uncrushed sample, the spent catalyst was calcined at different temperatures. Characterization of different calcined samples was carried out by different instrumental analysis like XRD, TG/DTA, IR and SEM in order to understand the structural changes and dissolution behavior of spent catalyst. It was found that calcination at 500°C preferred for spent catalyst roasting since the surface and pore structures obtained by roasting at this temperature facilitated dissolution of calcined spent catalyst in the leachant. Mo was selectively separated and recovered from the leach liquor by carbon adsorption method; whereas, Al and Co were separated by an organo-phosphinic-based extractant, Cyanex 272. In the whole process, 95. 9% Mo, 89. 6% Co and 39. 8% Al was recovered from the spent catalyst. Finally, a complete process flowsheet has been presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was broadly divided into two parts: first, the efficiency of synthetically prepared ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite to adsorb dissolved organic matter (DOM) was tested as a function of time, pH and ionic strength and its effects on specific surface area was found. In the second part, the effect of DOM concentration and solution pH was studied to elucidate the influence of this two parameters on As(V) leachability from As(V) loaded ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite. It was found that both pH and ionic strength had significant influence on DOM adsorption. The behavior and magnitude of adsorption was significantly different for both the materials. In general, the efficiency of Al-ferrihydrite to adsorb DOM was better compared to ferrihydrite. Results indicated that ligand exchange was the dominant interaction mechanism for DOM adsorption on ferrihydrite and Al-ferrihydrite. The study also suggested a strong potential for DOM to mobilize As(V) from the studied materials. At pH 5.0, DOM concentrations of 2.5 and 5.0 mg C/L had negligible effect on As(V) leachability. With increasing DOM concentration from 10 to 30 mg C/L, increased the As(V) leachability into the solution. Net release from ferrihydrite was up to 1.07 mg/g (5.75%) of the total adsorbed arsenic. The corresponding figure for Al-ferrihydrite was 1.47 mg/g (6.30%). As the primary mechanisms for the arsenic release from solid phases we identified two different types of mechanisms i.e., dissolution of the solid phase and competition between arsenic and organic anions for sorption sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The acidified ferric chloride leaching of an artificial matte was carried out to investigate the extraction behaviour of copper, nickel, and cobalt. The composition of the synthetically prepared Cu–Ni–Co–Fe matte was: 24.95% Cu, 35.05% Ni, 4.05% Co, 11.45% Fe, and 24.5% S. The major mineral phases of the matte were: CuFeS2, CuS2, (FeNi)9S8, (FeNi)S2, Ni9S8, Ni3S2, (CoFeNi)9S8 and Co metal. The effects of time (0–7h), temperature (30–90°C), FeCl3 (0.5–2.0M) and HCl (0.1–0.5M) concentrations were studied with and without the presence of an organic solvent (CCl4). The Cu extraction was fast compared to Ni and Co and reached equilibrium within 3h in FeCl3 medium. The extraction of all the three metals increased with increase of temperature. The effect was found to be the maximum for Co, followed by Ni and Cu. Under optimum conditions (1.5M FeCl3, 0.3M HCl, 90°C and 7h), 99.5% Cu, 93.2% Ni and 85.2% Co was extracted to the solution. When carbon tetrachloride was added to the reaction medium, the extraction of metals increased due to the solubilisation of elemental sulphur coated around the sulphide mineral particles. From the XRD study the undissolved Ni phase was found to be (FeNi)9S8 and undissolved Co phase was cobalt metal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The efficiency of manganese wad to adsorb As(V) was tested as a function of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial As(V) concentration. The effect of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the adsorption properties of As(V) and stability of As(V) bearing manganese wad was also studied. The major mineral phases found in the manganese wad were goethite, hematite, lithiophorite, and gibbsite. Under optimum conditions (pH 6.5, adsorbent dose 30g/L), As(V) was lowered to 0.42, 0.18, and 0.05mg/L from 10, 5, and 2.5mg/L, respectively, in the solution. Adsorption capacity was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model and found to be 2.15mg/g adsorbent. The presence of DOM had significant negative effects on As(V) adsorption in the whole pH range studied, whereas the corresponding data for DOM adsorption in presence of As(V) were pH dependent. Leaching studies showed that DOM could extract maximum 4.16mg/L (4.40%) of the adsorbed As(V) under optimum conditions from As(V) loaded manganese wad residue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anterior mediastinal teratoma can externally compress the pulmonary artery, which can present with symptoms of pulmonary stenosis rarely. We have reported a case of a 47-year-old male with immature mediastinal teratoma presenting as pulmonary stenosis. Initial physical examination revealed an ejection systolic murmur in the pulmonary area. With suspicion of valvular heart disease, the patient was referred to our cardiology department. Chest X-ray shows mass just above the left hilar zone. Two-dimensional echocardiography shows a mediastinal mass compressing the pulmonary trunk causing an obstruction. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of thorax and magnetic resonance study confirmed the mediastinal mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the mass suggestive of immature teratoma. The patient was transferred to the cardiothoracic vascular surgery department for further management. Mediastinal mass can mimic valvular heart disease with symptoms of cardiovascular pathology. Proper investigations for diagnostic clarity and prompt management are crucial in these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The increasing smoking population in Africa necessitates intensified tobacco cessation services. Assessing nicotine dependence with tools such as the heaviness of smoking index (HSI) aids in cessation efforts. This study evaluated the association between HSI and quit attempts and quit intentions among African cigarette smokers. Methods: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data from eight African countries collected between 2011 and 2018 were analysed. The time to first smoke (TTFS) and number of cigarettes per day (CPD) were used to estimate the HSI score and dependence level. The association between HSI dependence level and quit attempts and quit intentions was evaluated using likelihood ratios (LR). Results: Among 2,399 daily cigarette users, 1,618 (67.5%) were exclusive cigarette users. The average and median CPDs were 8.27 ± 8.3 and 5 (IQR: 2–18), respectively, with Ethiopia having the highest mean CPD (11.6). In Ethiopia, 51.5% of exclusive and 42% of nonexclusive users had low dependence (HSI < 2), whereas 43.9% and 31.3% of other African countries had low dependence. The association between low dependence and quit attempts was significant only for exclusive cigarette smokers in Ethiopia, with LR of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.08–1.93). The association between low dependence and quit intentions was significant in Ethiopia for both exclusive (LR = 1.42) and nonexclusive (LR = 1.53) users. None of the LR estimates were > 10 or < 0.1. Conclusion: The association between low dependence (HSI < 2) and quit behaviour was limited in African settings, highlighting the complex interplay between usage patterns, dependence assessment, and quit behaviour. A contextual tool for assessing nicotine dependence tailored to African settings is warranted for effective smoking cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The livelihood patterns of indigenous tribal communities residing in the Ghumsur forests are intricately interwoven with their dependence on forest-related activities. However, the degradation of forest ecosystems, particularly the incidence of forest fires, exerts a profound impact on the socio-economic dynamics and resilience of these communities. Consequently, an exigent need arises to comprehensively elucidate, evaluate and comprehend the nuanced characteristics of these areas concerning the complex interplay between forest fires and livelihoods. Methods: A thorough investigation was conducted to evaluate livelihood vulnerability to forest fires in the Ghumsur North Division forests. This assessment utilized the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), incorporating 34 indicators condensed into six factors for a comprehensive composite index. The factors represented various aspects of vulnerability and were based on tangible indicators reflecting the complexity of livelihood vulnerability. Data sources were primarily used, with indicators standardized on a scale from 0 to 1, where values near 1 indicated higher vulnerability. Result: The Gallery sub-region is particularly vulnerable due to factors like poor infrastructure, increased reliance on forests, close proximity to forested areas, socio-economic fragility and exposure to extreme weather events. It's crucial to improve adaptive capacity in fire-affected regions to reduce vulnerability to forest fires. Tailored policy interventions should focus on sector-specific development programs and involve communities in adaptation planning to address the link between livelihoods and susceptibility to forest fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf ontogeny of tropical evergreen tree species lasts several months with changes in size, shape, colouration and internal tissue distribution of leaves. Leaf initiation in Saraca asoca generally occurs once in a year during February–April, followed by very limited leafing thereafter. We measured the rate of photosynthesis, chlorophyll a fluorescence, energy quenching and PSII functions during the leaf ontogeny process. Observations were taken up to 35 days after opening of lamina (DAOL). Significant increase in the synthesis and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments but negative net photosynthesis was noticed during initial days of the ontogeny. The leaf moved from heterotrophy to autotrophy with gradual improvement of PSII functions. The ratio of intercellular CO2 (C i) and ambient CO2 (C a) showed significant change at ≥11 DAOL. Increase in the age of the leaf (between 5 and 28 DAOL) caused decrease in O-J rise and corresponding increase in J-I and I-P rise as well as of fluorescence maximum (F M) of the OJIP curve. The improvement of the electron transport components of the donor side of PSII was seen with increase in the functional oxygen evolving complex. The functional improvements of the donor and acceptor side of PSII during leaf ontogeny are discussed. The leaf ontogeny in Saraca asoca usually occurs once in a year and involves variation in PSII function. The developing leaves metabolically switch from heterotrophy to autotrophy. During leaf development, the carotenoids are accumulated earlier than chlorophylls. With the development of leaf, the PSII function improves leading to increased efficiency of oxygen evolving complex and photoelectron transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exchange of CO2 between the air–water interfaces of estuaries is crucial from the perspective of the global carbon cycle and climate change feedback. In this regard, we evaluated the air–water CO2 exchanges in two major estuaries—the Mahanadi estuary (ME) and the Dhamra estuary (DE) in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal, India. Biogeochemical properties of these estuarine waters were quantified in three distinct seasons, namely, pre-monsoon (March to May), monsoon (June to October), and post-monsoon (November to February). The significant properties of water, such as the water temperature, pH, salinity, nutrients, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a (chl a), and photosynthetic pigment fluorescence of phytoplankton, were estimated and correlated with CO2 fluxes. We found that the ME acted as a source of CO2 fluxes in the monsoon and post-monsoon, while DE acted as a sink during the monsoon. The stepwise regression model showed that the fluxes were primarily driven by water temperature, pH, and salinity, and they correlated well with the phytoplankton characteristics. The chl a content, fluorescence yield, and phycobilisomes-to-photosystem II fluorescence ratios were major drivers of the fluxes. Therefore, for predicting air–water CO2 exchanges precisely in a large area over a seasonal and annual scale in the estuaries of the Bay of Bengal, India, critical key parameters such as water temperature, pH, salinity, chl a, and fluorescence yield of phytoplankton should be taken into consideration. However, the responses of phytoplankton, both in terms of production and CO2 capture, are critical research areas for a better understanding of air–water CO2 exchanges in coastal ecology under climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial blight is a serious threat to rice production, causing about 50% reduction in grain yield. In the present investigation, we have used chlorophyll fluorescence technique to assess the structural and functional characteristics of chloroplast in a susceptible rice variety, treated with different concentrations of salicylic acid (a multifaceted hormone) and infected with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Results from various physiological (chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence) and biochemical parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities) and disease index, suggested that treatment of plants with twomM salicylic acid has provided best protection to plants from bacterial blight disease thereby inducing resistance against the pathogen. The fieldtrial has also been carried out, and in comparison to diseased plants, an increase in different yield parameters was observedin diseased plants treated with twomM salicylic acid. So, salicylic acid treatment alters the physiology of plants and provides a useful way of crop protection, especially in thecase of bacterial blight. The study has been carried out in the net house and confirmed underthefield condition, on how priming with salicylic acid inducesdefenceagainst BB disease (by modulating photosystem II activity) and the effects of salicylic acid treatment on rice grain yield of BB infected plants. • Bacterial Blight disease of rice, results in huge annual rice yield loss. • Priming with salicylic acid modulates the Photosystem II and antioxidant enzymes activity in rice plants. • Plant productivity was not adversely affected, in diseased plants treated with salicylic acid. • Salicylic acid application provided an ecofriendly alternative way to manage BB disease of rice plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The polarization process during LCD manufacturing generates wastewater containing significant amounts of valuable elements such as iodine and boron. The present paper outlines a process to recover iodine value from wastewater using oxidative precipitation followed by a solvent extraction (SX) technique. With H 2 O 2 as an oxidant, 95% of iodine was precipitated out at a pH of 0.9 from a wastewater bearing 10.2 g/L of iodide and 0.82 g/L of boron. The remaining iodine, which could not be precipitated due to its low concentration, was recovered by SX using xylene as an organic solvent diluted in kerosene. Quantitative extraction and stripping were achieved using 0.05 M xylene and 0.1 M ascorbic acid at O:A ratios of 1:3 and 6:1, respectively. The purity rates of the iodine produced by the precipitation and SX routes were 99.3% and 99.8%, respectively. The highest separation factor achieved by the iodine‑boron system was 28,900 at an equilibrium pH value of 0.5. The present process is economically and environmentally friendly and therefore, can be used as an alternative industrial technique to recover iodine from wastewater. Highlights • Process was developed to recover iodine from LCD industry waste water. • Quantitative recovery of I 2 by combination of oxidative precipitation and SX route. • H 2 O 2 was used as oxidant for oxidative precipitation of I 2. • Boron was not precipitated with iodine with the optimized conditions. • Purity of I 2 achieved by SX and precipitation was 99.8% and 99.3%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease across the world with 5 years survival rate less than 10%. ATAD2, a valid cancer drug-target, is overexpressed in pancreatic malignancy with high oncogenic potential. However, the mechanism of the upregulated expression of ATAD2 in pancreatic cancer is unknown. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) could potentially control target mRNA expressions, and are involved in cancer as tumor-suppressors, oncomiR or both, we examine the possibility of miRNA-mediated regulation of ATAD2 in pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs). Our in-silico approach first identifies hsa-miR-217 as a candidate regulator for ATAD2 expression. For further validation, luciferase reporter assay is performed. We overexpress hsa-miRNA-217 and assess cellular viability, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle progression in three different PCCs (BxPC3, PANC1, and MiaPaCa2). We find hsa-miRNA-217 has potential binding site at the 3′UTR of ATAD2. Luciferase assay confirms that ATAD2 is a direct target of hsa-miR-217. Overexpression of hsa-miR-217 drastically downregulates ATAD2 expression in PCCs, thus, corroborating binding studies. The elevated expression of hsa-miRNA-217 diminishes cell proliferation and migration as well as induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in PCCs. Finally, siRNA mediated ATAD2 knockdown or overexpression of hsa-miRNA-217 in PCCs showed inactivation of the AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, hsa-miR-217 abrogates pancreatic cancer progression through inactivation of the AKT signaling pathway and this might be partly due to miR-217 mediated suppression of ATAD2 expression. The application of hsa-miR-217 mimic could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients in near future. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Covishield and Covaxin vaccines have been introduced after rapid approval in India, the nation that has the second most COVID-19 cases globally. These vaccines have been administered in a 2-dose schedule since January 16, 2021. This study deals with the clinical profile of individuals who developed COVID-19 infection post COVID-19 vaccination. This is the first study of its kind in India. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: The study population was composed of individuals who were COVID-19 positive more than 4 weeks post vaccination and were compared with individuals who were COVID-19 positive within the first 4 weeks of vaccination. Data were collected in a digital questionnaire format and analyzed with SPSS version 23 software. Clinical features were profiled in detail. Chi-square analysis was done to find out the association of various demographic features with the severity of the disease. RESULTS: In the study population, fever was the most common symptom (75.1%), followed by anosmia (72.1%) and shortness of breath (16.3%). There was a lower incidence of fever, cough, dyspnea, and requirement of hospitalization in the study population compared with the control group and previous epidemiological data. The time required for complete recovery and disease severity was favorable in our study population. There was a significant correlation in the rate of hospitalization among the study group and the comparative group (P = .0001) and between the number of doses of COVID-19 vaccine and the lowest oxygen saturation recorded (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study should boost the ongoing initiative of maximizing the vaccinated population countrywide and emphasize the need for 2 doses of vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic prostate cancer, with no effective treatment, is among the leading causes of cancer-associated deaths in men. Overexpression of p38αMAPK has been observed in neuroendocrine prostate cancer patients and in both DU145 and PC-3 cell lines and represents a good drug target. Sulfonamide derivatives have shown biological activities against many human diseases, including cancer. CID-6033590, a sulfonylhydrazide compound, screened from PubChem database by molecular docking with p38αMAPK, was evaluated for anti-cancerous activities. CID-6033590 induced toxicity in both DU145 and PC-3 cells in a concentration and time-dependent manner with an IC 50 value of 60 μM and 66 μM, respectively. Sub-cytotoxic concentrations of the compound significantly induced S-phase cell cycle arrest, inhibited cyclinA/CDK2 complex and blocked cell proliferation. Further, CID-6033590 downregulated phosphorylation of p38MAPK (P-p38) as well as its downstream targets, Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2) and Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27). The compound increased ROS and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), downregulated Bcl-2 and survivin and cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3, indicating the induction of apoptosis. The evaluaion of the compound on noncancerous, human prostatic epithelial cell line RWPE-1, and healthy murine tissues yielded no significant toxicity. Taken together, we suggest CID-6033590 as a potential candidate for prostate cancer therapy. • In-silico screening and docking data indicated that CID-6033590 inhibited p38MAPK. • CID-6033590 exhibited IC 50 value of 60μM and 66μM in prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and PC-3 respectively. • 10μM CID-6033590 inhibited cyclin A/Cdk2 activity, induced proteasomal degradation of PCNA and arrested cells at S-phase. • 10 μM CID-6033590 induced BRCA1 and p21, inhibited p38MAPK signal transduction pathway and induced apoptosis. • Healthy tissues in mice were unaffected by CID-6033590 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary materials such as converter dusts from the copper smelters are rich in bismuth and other valuable metals. This paper describes an economically viable Bi recovery process from the converter dust by a hydrometallurgical method. The results showed that, Bi could be effectively leached out from the converter dust using a combination of H 2 SO 4 and NaCl as leaching reagent with a leaching efficiency of 92% under the optimum conditions. Small amount of impurities such as Ag, Pb, Te and Se were removed from the leach solution by SO 2 reduction. Bismuth was separated from the leach solution as crude BiOCl cake by hydrolysis method. The final bismuth product, Bi 2 O 3 was synthesized by NaOH treatment of the crude BiOCl cake at elevated temperature. The purity of the Bi 2 O 3 product was about 97.8%, As, Pb and Sb being the major impurities. Based on the feasibility study, the process was deemed technically feasible and its product commercially saleable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment plays a significant role in cancer progression. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is overexpressed in PDAC tissues and expressed by both cancer and stromal cells. The pathophysiological role of MIF in PDAC-associated fibroblasts or PSCs is yet to be elucidated. Here we report that the PSCs of mouse or cancer-associated fibroblast cells (CAFs) of human expresses MIF and its receptors, whose expression gets upregulated upon LPS or TNF-a stimulation. In vitro functional experiments showed that MIF significantly conferred a survival advantage to CAFs/PSCs upon growth factor deprivation. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of MIF also corroborated these findings. Further, co-injection of mouse pancreatic cancer cells with PSCs isolated from Mif-/- or Mif+/+ mice confirmed the pro-survival effect of MIF in PSCs and also demonstrated the pro-tumorigenic role of MIF expressed by CAFs in vivo. Differential gene expression analysis and in vitro mechanistic studies indicated that MIF expressed by activated CAFs/PSCs confers a survival advantage to these cells by suppression of interferon pathway induced p53 dependent apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A process was developed to recover nitric acid from the waste stream of wafer industry using solvent extraction technique. Tributyl phosphate (TBP) was selected among several extractants because of its better selectivity towards HNO3, overall superiority in operation, favorable physical properties and economics. The waste solution containing 260g/L CH3COOH, 460g/L HNO3, 113g/L HF and 19.6g/L Si was used as feed solution for process optimization. In the pre-treatment stage >99% silicon and hydrofluoric acid was precipitated out as Na2SiF6. Equilibrium conditions for HNO3 recovery were optimized from the batch test results as: four stages of extraction at an organic:aqueous (O:A) ratio of 3, four stages of scrubbing at O:A ratio of 5 and five stages of stripping at an O:A ratio of 1.5. The extraction of HNO3 was suppressed by the presence of acetic acid (HAc) in the feed solution. To examine the feasibility of the extraction system a continuous operation was carried out for 200h using a multistage mixer–settler. The concentration of pure HNO3 recovered was 235g/L with a purity of 99.8%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recovery of acetic acid (HAc) from the waste etching solution discharged from silicon wafer manufacturing process has been attempted by using solvent extraction process. For this purpose 2-ethylhexyl alcohol (EHA) was used as organic solvent. In the pre-treatment stage >99% silicon and hydrofluoric acid was removed from the solution by precipitation. The synthesized product, Na2SiF6 having 98.2% purity was considered of commercial grade having good market value. The waste solution containing 279g/L acetic acid, 513g/L nitric acid, 0.9g/L hydrofluoric acid and 0.030g/L silicon was used for solvent extraction study. From the batch test results equilibrium conditions for HAc recovery were optimized and found to be 4 stages of extraction at an organic:aqueous (O:A) ratio of 3, 4 stages of scrubbing and 4 stages of stripping at an O:A ratio of 1. Deionized water (DW) was used as stripping agent to elute HAc from organic phase. In the whole batch process 96.3% acetic acid recovery was achieved. Continuous operations were successfully conducted for 100h using a mixer-settler to examine the feasibility of the extraction system for its possible commercial application. Finally, a complete process flowsheet with material balance for the separation and recovery of HAc has been proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that increasingly is being studied in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Though murine models have been instrumental in understanding the functional role of MIF in different pathological conditions, the information obtained from these models is biased towards a specific species. In experimental science, results obtained from multiple clinically relevant animal models always provide convincing data that might recapitulate in humans. Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), is a clinically relevant animal model for multiple human diseases. Hence, the major objectives of this study were to characterize the structure and function of Mesocricetus auratus MIF (MaMIF) and finally evaluate its effect on pancreatic tumor growth in vivo. Initially, the recombinant MaMIF was cloned, expressed and purified in a bacterial expression system. The MaMIF primary sequence, biochemical properties, and crystal structure analysis showed greater similarity with human MIF. The crystal structure of MaMIF illustrates that it forms a homotrimer as known in human and mouse. However, MaMIF exhibits some minor structural variations when compared to human and mouse MIF. The in vitro functional studies show that MaMIF has tautomerase activity and enhances activation and migration of hamster peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Interestingly, injection of MaMIF into HapT1 pancreatic tumor-bearing hamsters significantly enhanced the tumor growth and tumor-associated angiogenesis. Together, the current study shows a structural and functional similarity between the hamster and human MIF. Moreover, it has demonstrated that a high level of circulating MIF originating from non-tumor cells might also promote pancreatic tumor growth in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]