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The inter-ionic relationships of groundwater present in a region as well as various chemical and physical factors all have an impact on the geochemistry of groundwater in an aquifer. To assess the factors influencing the geochemical composition of groundwater in the eco-sensitive area of Western Ghats, Kerala, India, various weathering, and ionic indices were analyzed. Results show groundwater ranges from soft to extremely hard and acidic to alkaline, with high Mn and Fe levels. WQI analysis found 7% of samples unfit for drinking due to Fe/Mn contamination in the southeast part of the study area. Main water types are CaHCO 3 (46%) and CaMgCl. Geochemical modeling indicates silicate and carbonate weathering, cation exchange, and reverse ion processes influence the aquifer. Groundwater is often supersaturated with iron minerals, saturated with carbonate minerals, and undersaturated with sulfate and chloride minerals. Cluster analysis (CA) revealed that NO 3 - and K + are derived from anthropogenic sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) resulted in three factors. Factor 1 is for geogenic processes, while Factors 2 and 3 imply the anthropogenic and weathering of iron-rich minerals. Hierarchical cluster analysis defines anthropogenic input, silicate and carbonate weathering, and different patterns of mineralization in the groundwater. The study underscores the need for comprehensive management to protect groundwater quality, considering the complex interplay of natural processes and human factors., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Using biochar to adsorb and degrade organic contaminants has attracted increasing attention due to its relatively low cost and high efficiency. In this work, two magnetic biochars were synthesized by pyrolyzing a mixture of naturally occurring hematite or goethite mineral and pine needle biomass. The biochar composite was characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and surface area analyzer. The result demonstrated iron minerals have been deposited on carbon surfaces and been reduced to magnetite or wustite minerals. In comparison to the unmodified biochar, the iron mineral-modified biochar had better sorption ability, likely because the iron mineral particles on the carbon surface served as additional sorption sites for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal. After modification, the biochar also showed higher persulfate activation capacity with radical generation: at 4 h, neutral pH, 67.5 and 77.9% of persulfate is activated with hematite and goethite modified biochar, where only 11.7% persulfate is activated by unmodified biochar. With persulfate, goethite-modified biochar showed better SMX removal capacity than hematite-modified biochar with about 79% of SMX removed in 4 h. Solution chemistry such as pH and co-exist humic acid can affect SMX removal by affecting iron minerals. Because the magnetized biochar can be easily isolated and removed with external magnets, it can be used in various contaminant removal applications., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The variations in the protein profile of aortic-valvular (AVE) and endocardial endothelial (EE) cells are currently unknown. The current study's objective is to identify differentially expressed proteins and associated pathways in both the endothelial cells. We used endothelial cells isolated from the porcine ( Sus scrofa ) aortic valve and endocardium for the profiling of proteins. Label-free proteomics was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our proteomics analysis revealed that 29 proteins were highly expressed, and 25 proteins were less expressed in the valve than the endocardial endothelium. The cell surface markers, such as CD63, ICAM1, PECAM1, PROCR, and TFRC, were highly expressed in EE. In contrast, CD44 was highly expressed in AVE. The pathway analysis showed that metabolic process-related proteins and extracellular matrix-related proteins were enriched in valves. Differential enrichment of signaling pathways was observed in the endocardium. The hemostasis function-related proteins were increased in both endothelial cells. The proteins and pathways enriched in aortic-valvular and endocardial endothelial cells revealed the distinct phenotype of these two closely related cells.

The SRY gene is considered as the key player in the male sexual differentiation and developmental pathway. SRY gene mutations account for ~15% of 46,XY disorders of sexual development patients, and majority of them resides within the HMG domain of the protein. In this study, we report a novel missense mutation within the HMG domain of SRY gene, and an A-to-T transition causes E89V amino acid substitution in a 15-year-old female patient with 46,XY karyotype and complete gonadal dysgenesis. Moreover, three-dimensional analysis of protein-DNA complex showed that the replacement of highly hydrophilic glutamic acid residue with a hydrophobic residue like valine would have an impact on the structure of protein. In conclusion, we identified a novel SRY mutation in a 46,XY female patient with complete gonadal dysgenesis, and based on the protein modelling, we propose that the identified mutation could impair normal function of the SRY protein., (© 2019 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

We examined the hitherto unexplored role of mitochondrial transporters and iron metabolism in advancing metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in the heart during long term pressure overload. We also investigated the link between mitochondrial dysfunction and fluctuation in mitochondrial transporters associated with pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was induced in 3-month-old male Wistar rats by constriction of the aorta using titanium clips. After sacrifice at the end of 6 and 15 months after constriction, tissues from the left ventricle (LV) from all animals were collected for histology, biochemical studies, proteomic and metabolic profiling, and gene and protein expression studies. LV tissues from rats with LVH had a significant decrease in the expression of ABCB7 and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mt-OXPHOS) enzymes, an increased level of lipid metabolites, decrease in the level of intermediate metabolites of pentose phosphate pathway and elevated levels of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial iron, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy-related proteins. Knockdown of ABCB7 in H9C2 cells and stimulation with angiotensin II resulted in increased ROS levels, ferritin, and transferrin receptor expression and iron overload in both mitochondria and cytoplasm. A decrease in mRNA and protein levels of mt-OXPHOS specific enzymes, mt-dynamics and autophagy clearance and activation of IGF-1 signaling were also seen in these cells. ABCB7 overexpression rescued all these changes. ABCB7 was found to interact with mitochondrial complexes IV and V. We conclude that in chronic pressure overload, ABCB7 deficiency results in iron overload and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to heart failure.

Endocardial endothelium, which lines the chambers of the heart, is distinct in its origin, structure, and function. Characterization studies using genomics and proteomics have reported molecular signatures supporting the structural and functional heterogeneity of various endothelial cells. However, though functionally very important, no studies at protein level have been conducted so far characterizing endocardial endothelium. In this study, we used endothelial cells from pig heart to investigate if endocardial endothelial cells are distinct at the proteome level. Using a high-throughput liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteome profiling and expression, we identified sets of proteins that belong to specific biological processes and metabolic pathways in endocardial endothelial cells supporting its specific structural and functional roles. The study also identified several transcription factors and cell surface markers, which may have roles in the specificity of endocardial endothelium. The detection of sets proteins preferentially expressed in endocardial endothelium offers new insights into its role in the regulation of cardiac function. Data are made available through ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD009194.

Adipogenesis is a complex biological process involving synchronised interplay of different nuclear receptors. Aberration in the process leads to obesity and associated disorders. Addressing the complexity of molecular mechanisms, we worked on characterising the changes in NR1C3/PPARγ-, NR1H3/LXRα- and NCoAs/SRCs-associated microRNA, genes and proteins during different time points of adipogenesis. Glucose uptake of differentiating cells was checked at selected time points with FACS. Observations on gene expression pattern pointed a correlation in adipogenic-related genes and increased expression of PPARγ, but not LXRα. Western blot experiments also supported the gene expression pattern. MicroRNAs that vary during adipogenesis was selected using bioinformatics tools and database. Real-time PCR-based experiments showed a change in the expression of mmu-mir-23a-3p, 206-3p, 17-3p, 126a-3p and 1a-3p. Mmu-mir-23a-3p showed a gradual decrease in expression corresponding to the progression of adipogenesis. MicroRNA 23a-3p and 1a-3p showed positive association to the mRNA levels of NCoA1 and 3. Overall, the study elaborates time-dependent variations in nucleic acid and protein expression during adipogenesis in accordance to fatty acid and glucose metabolism.

We evaluated the cardioprotective effect of Amalaki Rasayana (AR), a rejuvenating Ayurvedic drug prepared from Phyllanthus emblica fruits in the reversal of remodeling changes in pressure overload left ventricular cardiac hypertrophy (LVH) and age-associated cardiac dysfunction in male Wistar rats. Six groups (aging groups) of 3 months old animals were given either AR or ghee and honey (GH) orally; seventh group was untreated. Ascending aorta was constricted using titanium clips in 3 months old rats (N = 24; AC groups) and after 6 months, AR or GH was given for further 12 months to two groups; one group was untreated. Histology, gene and protein expression analysis were done in heart tissues. Chemical composition of AR was analyzed by HPLC, HPTLC and LC-MS. AR intake improved (P < 0.05) cardiac function in aging rats and decreased LVH (P < 0.05) in AC rats as well as increased (P < 0.05) fatigue time in treadmill exercise in both groups. In heart tissues of AR administered rats of both the groups, SERCA2, CaM, Myh11, antioxidant, autophagy, oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle proteins were up regulated. ADRB1/2 and pCREB expression were increased; pAMPK, NF-kB were decreased. AR has thus a beneficial effect on myocardial energetics, muscle contractile function and exercise tolerance capacity.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically established and highly evolving treatment modality for cancer. PDT utilizes a light responsive drug called photosensitizer that selectively destroys tumor cells upon light irradiation. Squaraines are a class of dyes possessing all favorable characteristics of a photosensitizer and have been considered to be a potent candidate for next generation PDT. In this study we chose an iodo derivative of squaraine called diiodo-squaraine (bis(3, 5-diiodo-2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)squaraine) which has been reported for its tumor specificity but least studied for its cellular and molecular functions. Our studies revealed that the iodo derivative of squaraine possess maximum photodynamic activity in human breast cancer cells MDA- MB- 231 and had very little cytotoxicity in normal breast cells MCF-10A. We analyzed its pro and anti-apoptotic events initiated by oxidative stress exploring a proteomic approach and delineated other critical molecular pathways and key proteins involved in regulating the complex network of cellular response upon PDT. Our study showed that, diiodo- squaraines predominantly accumulate in mitochondria and induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Our study also reveals the novel mechanistic role of diiodo-squaraines to induce oxidative stress there by activating both protective and death inducing pathways post PDT., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Background: Millions of interventional pain procedures are performed each year in the United States. Interventional pain physicians commonly administer radiocontrast media (RCM) under fluoroscopy for these procedures. However, RCM can cause various types of hypersensitivity or allergic type reactions, in an acute or delayed fashion. Furthermore, some patients report a prior history of hypersensitivity reactions to RCM when presenting to the interventional pain clinic. Both scenarios present challenges to the interventional pain physician., Objective: To describe the various types of hypersensitivity reactions to RCM, as well as strategies to prevent and manage these reactions, within the context of interventional pain practice., Method: A review of the literature from 1975 through 2011 regarding allergic type reactions to RCM, as well as iodine, and shellfish allergy, was undertaken in an effort to review and develop recommendations on managing these patients presenting to the interventional pain clinic. Keywords used in the literature search were: radiocontrast media, contrast allergy, contrast reaction, iodine allergy, shellfish allergy, and fluoroscopy. The included articles were concerned with the basic or clinical science of contrast allergy, including the physiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of such reactions. Meta-analysis, review articles, and case reports addressing contrast media reactions were also included. Articles which discussed contrast media reactions in a peripheral fashion were excluded., Results: In reviewing the literature, it is apparent that the mechanisms and pathophysiology of RCM hypersensitivity reactions are still being characterized, which should soon lead to improved screenings, as well as prevention and treatment strategies. Many common themes are described throughout the literature regarding patient risk factors, testing, prevention,diagnosis, and treatment of RCM allergic-type reactions., Limitations: The current review did not perform a meta-analysis of the available data, as most of the available articles were trials that were randomly controlled. Therefore, the conclusions of the present article are general, and qualitative in nature., Conclusion: Although the mechanisms of various RCM allergic-type reactions are not entirely understood, the interventional pain physician should have a basic understanding of patient risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these reactions. The current review allowed for prevention and treatment strategies for managing patients with RCM hypersensitivity reactions.

A protocol has been developed for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of sisal (Agave sisalana Perr. ex. Engelm). Embryogenic callus cultures were initiated from young shoots raised in vitro from the stem portion of the bulbil on medium supplemented with 1-2 mg l(-1) kinetin (KN) and 0.2-0.5 mg l(-1) alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid plus KN or 1-1.5 mg l(-1 )benzylaminopurine (BAP) or 0.25-0.5 mg l(-1 )2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid plus BAP or 0.5-1.0 mg l(-1) KN. Embryos at various developmental stages (globular-, heart- or torpedo-shaped) produced mature and germinating embryos on being transferred to a new medium containing 0-0.25 mg l(-1 )KN. After 28 days, a maximum of 76% germinated embryos was obtained on a medium supplemented with 0.1 mg l(-1) KN. The capacity for embryogenesis remained constant in the callus upon subculturing on the same medium for more than 48 months. Histological observations showed a distinct multicellular origin for most of the somatic embryos as they developed from epidermal, sub-epidermal and inside callus cells, while a few of them originated from a superficial callus cell. Plantlets regenerated from embryos were transferred to the field where their survival rate was 100%.