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Perinatal morbidity and mortality due to prelabour rupture of membranesPROM) is 18-20% and 21.4% respectively. Multiple risk factors are associated with the development of PROM. Limited data is available on the risk factors of term PROM and relation of its duration with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes from India. To assessfactors increasing the risk of PROM and effect of duration of rupture of membranes on fetomaternal outcome. Five hundred and ten patients presented with term PROM in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sultania Zanana Hospital, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) from December 2018 to February 2019 were studied. After the detailed history, sociodemographic details, risk factors for PROM and neonatal outcomes were recorded. PROM was more common in women with age 21-25years (73.3%), who were housewife (92.5%), were underweight (21.37%), were from the rural area (58.4%), belong to lower SES (62.8%) and were primigravida (59.2%). Majority were leaking for 13-24 hours (70.2%). Majority (85.64%) of patients had spontaneous onset of labour in less than 24 hours of PROM and 28(14.35%) went into spontaneous labour after 24 hours of PROM. Most common risk factor was malpresentation (46.52%) followed by history of PROM (30.04%), Polyhydramnios (13.19%), multiple pregnancy (10.99%) and febrile illness (6.96%). Out of 312 women who had vaginal delivery, labour was induced in 87.82% women. The most common indication for Caesarean section was previous 1 LSCS (13.1%), followed by fetal distress (8.6%), breech presentation (7.3%) and cephalopelvic disproportion (2.9%). Most of the women presenting with PROM were delivered vaginally (61.2%), while 38.8% women underwent caesarean section. Out of 529 babies, 6.24% were admitted in NICU. Majority of the neonates were admitted for 3 days (39.39%). PROM is associated with poor fetomaternal outcome and timely diagnosis and prompt management is required for better outcome.

The medicinal importance of fungi should not be ignored as it plays an important role in elds like Ayurvedic dravyaguna and pharmacognosy. Ganoderma lucidum was reported with rich medicinal properties due to having good number of medicinal compounds. Ganoderma lucidum, an oriental medicinal fungus showing a variety of biological activities like anticancer activity, anti-diabetic activity, hypoglycemic effect, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Candida, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Escherichia, Pseudomonas are leading pathogens present on ear, nose and throat region. In the present decades, there is a much gaining attention to scientists in green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The present paper provides information about the Medicinal properties and Economic importance AgNP from Ganoderma lucidum.

Introduction: Nutritional status at birth is assessed by using various anthropometric parameters and proportionality indices. Present study aims to assess the utility of CAN score in identifying fetal malnutrition (FM) which would have been missed by using anthropometry alone. We also aim at re-evaluating the cut-off value of CAN score for our population. Methods: Nutritional status of 411 neonates was assessed using anthropometric parameters, proportionality indices and CAN score. Effectiveness of each parameter in detecting FM was assessed and compared with CAN score cutoff < 25 as well as new found cut-off < 27 using appropriate statistical tools. Result: Mean (SD) of all anthropometric parameters were significantly less in FM group (p < 0.001). CAN score identified FM in 18.5% (76 / 411) babies whereas weight for GA identified 8.8% (36 / 411) babies as SGA and 91.2% as AGA (375 / 411); 12.3% (46 / 375) babies identified as AGA, were found to be malnourished by CAN score. Similar trend is seen with other parameters too. ROC curves show that AUC for birth weight, mid arm circumference, body mass index, Ponderal index, length and MAC / HC for determining FM was 0.891, 0.855, 0.837, 0.761, 0.749 and 0.714 in decreasing order. Birth weight with cut-off 2300 grams in a term newborn has maximum AUC making it the best marker for predicting FM. Present study identifies more FM by using modified CAN score cut off < 27 instead of < 25, 32.11% (132 / 411) and 18.5% (76 / 411) respectively. Conclusion: CAN score is a simple method to assess FM which does not require any sophisticated equipment or time-consuming calculations.

In the present work we report a facile method for the synthesis of Pt nanoparticles supported reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite by an in-situ chemical reduction. The incorporation of MWCNTs to rGO leads to decrease in agglomeration between rGO sheets due to π – π interactions and higher loading of Pt nanoparticles. In this process, a mixture of exfoliated graphene oxide, CNTs and chloroplatinic acid was treated with a mixture of hydrazine hydrate and ammonium hydroxide at 95° C in an oil bath for 1 h. Pt nanoparticles of 4-6 nm size were homogeneously dispersed on rGO-CNTs nanocomposite as revealed by TEM analysis. Cyclic voltammetry measurements depict an anodic current density of 11.74 mA/cm 2 that could be obtained using Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst and 6.2 mA/cm 2 using Pt/rGO catalyst during methanol oxidation, indicating that the catalytic activity of Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst is almost 2 times higher than that of Pt/rGO catalyst. The electrochemical stability of Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst was also found to be much higher as compared with that of Pt/rGO catalyst. Thus, Pt/rGO-CNTs catalyst has the potential to be used in the preparation of a promising anode material for direct methanol fuel cell. Copyright © 2016 VBRI Press

Climate change is an inevitable and urgent issue in the current world. African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a re-emerging viral animal disease. This study investigates the quantitative association between climate change and the potential spread of ASFV to a global extent. ASFV in wild boar outbreak locations recorded from 1 January 2019 to 29 July 2022 were sampled and investigated using the ecological distribution tool, the Maxent model, with WorldClim bioclimatic data as the predictor variables. The future impacts of climate change on ASFV distribution based on the model were scoped with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5) scenarios of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) bioclimatic data for 2050 and 2070. The results show that precipitation of the driest month (Bio14) was the highest contributor, and annual mean temperature (Bio1) was obtained as the highest permutation importance variable on the spread of ASFV. Based on the analyzed scenarios, we found that the future climate is favourable for ASFV disease; only quantitative ratios are different and directly associated with climate change. The current study could be a reference material for wildlife health management, climate change issues, and World Health Organization sustainability goal 13: climate action.

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) was first detected in South Korea on a pig farm in September 2019. Despite active preventive measures to control the spread of ASFV, outbreaks on pig farms and in wild boar have been increasing. In this study, we investigated the spatial contamination area using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) approach, and growth rate using a logistic diffusion model. On the basis of the ASFV outbreak locations recorded from September 17th, 2019, to May 20th, 2022, the MCP area for the second week was 618.41 km2 and expanded to 37959.67 km2 in the final week. The maximum asymptote of the logistic function was considered as the land area of South Korea, and we estimated logistic growth rates of 0.022 km2 per week and 0.094 km2 per month. Administrative bodies should implement preventive and quarantine measures for infectious diseases. The results of this study will be a reference for epidemiologists, ecologists, and policy makers and contribute to the establishment of appropriate quarantine measures for disease control and management.

Aspergillus flavus exploits diverse mechanisms to survive during exposure to antifungal agents including morphogenesis. Germination of dormant conidia involves cascades of reactions integrated into the signalling pathway. This study documents the effect of phytochemical-quercetin on A. flavus during germination of conidia using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant inhibition of conidial swelling of A. flavus in comparison to control was observed at 4 and 7 h Quantitative real-time PCR for genes from calcium signalling pathway and heat-shock proteins family showed up-regulation of heat shock (Hsp70 and Hsp90) and calcium signalling pathway genes (calcium-transporting ATPase and calmodulin) in response to quercetin at initial 4 h in comparison to control sample whereas up-regulation of Hsp70, calcineurin and transcription factor Crz1, were observed in both the treated samples. Gene encoding for calcium-kinase, cAMP, Rho-gdp, Plc and Pkc showed a constitutively higher level of expression in quercetin-treated sample in comparison to control at both time points. These data showed a clear response from genes encoding calcineurin-Crz1 signalling pathways and may find its application in the screening of antifungal agents. Abbreviations Hsp: Hear shock protein; MIC: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy; qRT-PCR: Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

species contain pathogenic and opportunistic fungal pathogens which have the potential to cause mycosis (invasive aspergillosis) in humans. The existing antifungal drugs have limitation largely due to the development of drug-resistant isolates. To gain insight into the mechanism of action and antifungal drug resistance in Aspergillus species including biofilm formation, we have reviewed protein data of Aspergillus species during interaction with antifungals drugs (polynes, azoles and echinocandin) and phytochemicals (artemisinin, coumarin and quercetin). Our analyses provided a list of Aspergillus proteins (72 proteins) that were abundant during interaction with different antifungal agents. On the other hand, there are 26 proteins, expression level of which is affected by more than two antifungal agents, suggesting the more general response to the stress induced by the antifungal agents. Our analysis showed enzymes from cell wall remodelling, oxidative stress response and energy metabolism are the responsible factors for providing resistance against antifungal drugs in Aspergillus species and could be explored further in clinical isolates. Also, these findings have clinical importance since the effect of drug targeting different proteins can be potentiated by combination therapy. We have also discussed the opportunities ahead to study the functional role of proteins from environmental and clinical isolates of Aspergillus during its interaction with the antifungal drugs. IPA: invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; IA: invasive aspergillosis; AmB: Amphotericin B; CAS: Caspofungin; VRC: Voriconazole; ITC: Itraconazole; POS: Posaconazole; ART: Artemisinin; QRT: Quercetin; CMR: Coumarin; MIC: minimal inhibitory concentration

Aspergillus flavus exploits diverse mechanisms to survive during exposure to antifungal agents including morphogenesis. Germination of dormant conidia involves cascades of reactions integrated into the signalling pathway. This study documents the effect of phytochemical-quercetin on A. flavus during germination of conidia using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant inhibition of conidial swelling of A. flavus in comparison to control was observed at 4 and 7 h Quantitative real-time PCR for genes from calcium signalling pathway and heat-shock proteins family showed up-regulation of heat shock (Hsp70 and Hsp90) and calcium signalling pathway genes (calcium-transporting ATPase and calmodulin) in response to quercetin at initial 4 h in comparison to control sample whereas up-regulation of Hsp70, calcineurin and transcription factor Crz1, were observed in both the treated samples. Gene encoding for calcium-kinase, cAMP, Rho-gdp, Plc and Pkc showed a constitutively higher level of expression in quercetin-treated sample in comparison to control at both time points. These data showed a clear response from genes encoding calcineurin-Crz1 signalling pathways and may find its application in the screening of antifungal agents. Abbreviations Hsp: Hear shock protein; MIC: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy; qRT-PCR: Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are the major contaminants known to produce aflatoxins in food crops (maize, cotton, corn, peanuts and oil-seed). Nowadays various modified cultural practices are being utilized and explored to overcome food contamination problem. The current study was aimed to evaluate the effect of phytochemicals (Ascorbic acid, Gallic acid, Caffeine and Quercetin) on toxigenic strains of A. flavus (MTCC 11866) and A. parasiticus (MTCC 8189) by Poisoned food plate technique and MTT assay (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium bromide). In comparison with control (Aspergillus spores without phytochemicals) a significant decrease in growth was observed with all the compounds. Quercetin showed strongest inhibitory effect with MIC50 at 36 µg/ml in A. parasiticus and MIC50 at 113 µg/ml in A. flavus. Caffeine showed good inhibitory effect in A. parasiticus (160 µg/ml) whereas Gallic acid showed good inhibitory effect in A. flavus (153 µg/ml). Ascorbic acid showed least effect among phytochemicals tested in both the Aspergillus species (322 µg/ml).

Platinum – cobalt (PtCo) alloy based highly efficient nano electro-catalysts on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix have been synthesized for the electro-oxidation of methanol, by chemical reduction method. Different molar ratio of Pt (IV) and Co (II) ions along with graphene oxide (GO) were reduced using ethylene glycol to obtain PtCo nanoparticles onto rGO sheets (Pt/rGO, PtCo (1:1)/rGO, PtCo (1:5)/rGO, PtCo (1:9)/rGO and PtCo (1:11)/rGO) with 20 wt. % metal and 80 wt. % rGO. The average particle size of PtCo nanoparticles onto rGO support was observed to be 2–5 nm using XRD and TEM analysis. The PtCo (1:9)/rGO nanocomposite catalyst exhibited ∼23 times higher anodic current density compare to commercially available Pt/C catalyst (1.68 mA/cm2) for methanol oxidation reaction. The peak power density of 118.4 mW/cm2 was obtained for PtCo (1:9)/rGO catalyst in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) at 100 °C, 1 bar, and 2 M methanol as anode feed, which is ∼3 times higher than that of Pt/C catalyst. The results indicate the potential application of synthesized nanocomposite catalyst in commercial DMFCs.

Studies on phytochemicals as anti-aflatoxigenic agents have gained importance including quercetin. Thus, to understand the molecular mechanism behind inhibition of aflatoxin biosynthesis by quercetin, interaction study with polyketide synthase A (PksA) of Aspergillus flavus was undertaken. The 3D structure of seven domains of PksA was modeled using SWISS-MODEL server and docking studies were performed by Autodock tools-1.5.6. Docking energies of both the ligands (quercetin and hexanoic acid) were compared with each of the domains of PksA enzyme. Binding energy for quercetin was lesser that ranged from − 7.1 to − 5.25 kcal/mol in comparison to hexanoic acid (− 4.74 to − 3.54 kcal/mol). LigPlot analysis showed the formation of 12 H bonds in case of quercetin and 8 H bonds in hexanoic acid. During an interaction with acyltransferase domain, both ligands showed H bond formation at Arg63 position. Also, in product template domain, quercetin creates four H bonds in comparison to one in hexanoic acid. Our quantitative RT-PCR analysis of genes from aflatoxin biosynthesis showed downregulation of pksA, aflD, aflR, aflP and aflS at 24 h time point in comparison to 7 h in quercetin-treated A. flavus. Overall results revealed that quercetin exhibited the highest level of binding potential (more number of H bonds) with PksA domain in comparison to hexanoic acid; thus, quercetin possibly inhibits via competitively binding to the domains of polyketide synthase, a key enzyme of aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway. Further, we propose that key enzymes from aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway in aflatoxin-producing Aspergilli could be explored further using other phytochemicals as inhibitors. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13205-019-1675-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus requires coordinated expression of regulatory and structural genes. Aflatoxin production is optimum at 24-30°C and inhibition occurs at temperature higher than 35°C. Chaperones or heat-sock proteins are involved in processing of cellular protein and heat-stress induced protein, hence, we studied the genes encoding for heat-shock proteins under the influence of temperature (30°C vs. 37°C). A. flavus isolates, aflatoxigenic (MTCC9367) and atoxigenic (MTCC11580) were grown in glucose minimal salt broth for 24 hours for expression profile of selected genes using quantitative real-time PCR. We monitored the expression profile of genes encoding for heat-shock proteins ( hsp98, hsp90 , hsp70 and hsp60 ) and regulatory gene of aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway aflR . We found the similar trend for heat-shock proteins gene expression except hsp70 in aflatoxigenic and atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus . Expression for hsp70 was found to be upregulated at 30°C (vs 37°C)in atox igenic isolate ( P

An accelerator-based 14-MeV neutron generator for fusion neutronics studies has been developed in Fusion Neutronics Laboratory (FNL) at Institute for Plasma Research (IPR). The generator is initially designed to produce a neutron yield of 1010 n/s and operated for 1.1 × 109 n/s. It will be further upgraded to the neutron yield of 1012 n/s. The neutron generator consists of various components such as 2.45 GHz ECR ion source, 300 kV linear accelerator, beam diagnostic system, TMP based vacuum system, solid tritium target, and control system. Various direct and indirect neutron detection techniques are deployed to evaluate the performance of the neutron generator in terms of neutron emission. These techniques include foil activation, alpha particle diagnostic, and He-3 proportional counter. The reaction rates for the foil activation are estimated using the Monte Carlo technique. Results of all independent diagnostics are obtained and compared. The paper describes the experimental setup and neutron diagnostics. It also describes the performance of the 14-MeV neutron generator highlighting its stability under continuous operation.

Aspergillus species contain pathogenic and opportunistic fungal pathogens which have the potential to cause mycosis (invasive aspergillosis) in humans. The existing antifungal drugs have limitation largely due to the development of drug-resistant isolates. To gain insight into the mechanism of action and antifungal drug resistance in Aspergillus species including biofilm formation, we have reviewed protein data of Aspergillus species during interaction with antifungals drugs (polynes, azoles and echinocandin) and phytochemicals (artemisinin, coumarin and quercetin). Our analyses provided a list of Aspergillus proteins (72 proteins) that were abundant during interaction with different antifungal agents. On the other hand, there are 26 proteins, expression level of which is affected by more than two antifungal agents, suggesting the more general response to the stress induced by the antifungal agents. Our analysis showed enzymes from cell wall remodelling, oxidative stress response and energy metabolism are the responsible factors for providing resistance against antifungal drugs in Aspergillus species and could be explored further in clinical isolates. Also, these findings have clinical importance since the effect of drug targeting different proteins can be potentiated by combination therapy. We have also discussed the opportunities ahead to study the functional role of proteins from environmental and clinical isolates of Aspergillus during its interaction with the antifungal drugs. Abbreviations: IPA: invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; IA: invasive aspergillosis; AmB: Amphotericin B; CAS: Caspofungin; VRC: Voriconazole; ITC: Itraconazole; POS: Posaconazole; ART: Artemisinin; QRT: Quercetin; CMR: Coumarin; MIC: minimal inhibitory concentration

An organization needs to comprehend their customers and clients conduct, inclinations, and future needs which rely on their past conduct. Web usage mining is an intuitive research point in which customers and clients’ session grouping is done to comprehend the exercises. This exploration examines the issue of mining and breaking down incessant example and particularly centered around lessening the quantity of standards utilizing shut example procedure and it likewise diminish filters the span of the database utilizing agglomerative grouping strategy. In the present work, a novel technique for design mining is introduced to tackle the issue through profile-based closed sequential pattern mining utilizing agglomerative clustering (PCSPAC). In this research, the proposed method is an improved version of Weblog mining techniques and to the online navigational pattern forecasting. In the proposed approach, first, we store the Web data which is accessed by the user and then find the pattern. Items with the same pattern are merged and then the closed frequent set of Web pages is found. Main advantage of our approach is that when the user next time demands for the same item then it will search only partial database, not in whole data. There is no need to take input as number of clusters. Experimental results illustrate that proposed approach reduces the search time with more accuracy.

Aspergillus species are the major cause of health concern worldwide in immunocompromised individuals. Opportunistic Aspergilli cause invasive to allergic aspergillosis, whereas non-infectious Aspergilli have contributed to understand the biology of eukaryotic organisms and serve as a model organism. Morphotypes of Aspergilli such as conidia or mycelia/hyphae helped them to survive in favorable or unfavorable environmental conditions. These morphotypes contribute to virulence, pathogenicity and invasion into hosts by excreting proteins, enzymes or toxins. Morphological transition of Aspergillus species has been a critical step to infect host or to colonize on food products. Thus, we reviewed proteins from Aspergilli to understand the biological processes, biochemical, and cellular pathways that are involved in transition and morphogenesis. We majorly analyzed proteomic studies on A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger to gain insight into mechanisms involved in the transition from conidia to mycelia along with the role of secondary metabolites. Proteome analysis of morphotypes of Aspergilli provided information on key biological pathways required to exit conidial dormancy, consortia of virulent factors and mycotoxins during the transition. The application of proteomic approaches has uncovered the biological processes during development as well as intermediates of secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathway. We listed key proteins/ enzymes or toxins at different morphological types of Aspergillus that could be applicable in discovery of novel therapeutic targets or metabolite based diagnostic markers.

Aspergillus species are the major cause of health concern worldwide in immunocompromised individuals. Opportunistic Aspergilli cause invasive to allergic aspergillosis, whereas non-infectious Aspergilli have contributed to understand the biology of eukaryotic organisms and serve as a model organism. Morphotypes of Aspergilli such as conidia or mycelia/hyphae helped them to survive in favorable or unfavorable environmental conditions. These morphotypes contribute to virulence, pathogenicity and invasion into hosts by excreting proteins, enzymes or toxins. Morphological transition of Aspergillus species has been a critical step to infect host or to colonize on food products. Thus, we reviewed proteins from Aspergilli to understand the biological processes, biochemical, and cellular pathways that are involved in transition and morphogenesis. We majorly analyzed proteomic studies on A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger to gain insight into mechanisms involved in the transition from conidia to mycelia along with the role of secondary metabolites. Proteome analysis of morphotypes of Aspergilli provided information on key biological pathways required to exit conidial dormancy, consortia of virulent factors and mycotoxins during the transition. The application of proteomic approaches has uncovered the biological processes during development as well as intermediates of secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathway. We listed key proteins/ enzymes or toxins at different morphological types of Aspergillus that could be applicable in discovery of novel therapeutic targets or metabolite based diagnostic markers.

Hydrothermal liquefaction is a favourable process to convert high moisture lignocellulosic biomass into alternative liquid oil. The merits of liquid fuels are widely known due to their high energy content, transportability and applicability. Among other thermochemical conversions, HTL allows biomass to be processed without drying at a temperature of a few hundred degrees lower than the one of required for pyrolysis. It is currently well-known that reaction temperature and reaction time affect biomass conversion and product yields during HTL, while adjusting the biomass concentration has correlated with energy savings for further upgrading steps. Rice husk was used for the production of bio-oil by HTL using water and ethanol as catalyst. The quality as well as quantity of bio-crude can be improved by two routes: One approach is catalytic hydrothermal processing with homogeneous catalysts such as alkali catalysts or organic acids, alcohols and another is heterogeneous catalysts such as zeolite or supported metal catalysts. Use of Catalysts in HTL process can increase the bio-oil yield form HTL process. Moreover, use of catalyst also resulted in the decrease in oxygen and nitrogen contents of bio-oil and consequently increases in its heating value.

The contamination of aflatoxins in maize or maize-related products synthesized by Aspergillus flavus causes severe economical loss and threat to human health. Use of eco-friendly phytochemicals has shown potential to inhibit secondary metabolites in Aspergillus species. Thus, A. flavus cultured in corn flour (CF) and corn flour with quercetin (CFQ) was used for protein extraction for proteome analysis using nLC-Q-TOF mass spectrometer. Proteome analysis revealed the expressions of 705 and 843 proteins in CFQ and CF, respectively. Gene Ontology Slim Categories (GOSC) of CF exhibited major transcriptional factors; involved in acetylation and deacetylation of histone proteins, carbohydrate metabolism, and hydrolase activity, whereas GOSC analysis of CFQ showed membrane transport activity, including both influx and efflux proteins. cAMP/PKA signaling pathway was observed in CFQ, whereas MAPK pathway in CF. To quantify biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in CF and CFQ, HPLC analysis at 7, 12, 24 and 48 h was carried out which showed decrease in AFB1 (1%) at 7–24 h in CFQ. However, remarkable decrease in AFB1 biosynthesis (51%) at 48 h time point was observed. Thus, the present study provided an insight into the mechanism of quercetin-mediated inhibition of aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus and raises the possibility to use quercetin as an anti-aflatoxigenic agent.

Stress (biotic or abiotic) is an unfavourable condition for an organism including fungus. To overcome stress, organism expresses heat-shock proteins (Hsps) or chaperons to perform biological function. Hsps are involved in various routine biological processes such as transcription, translation and posttranslational modifications, protein folding, and aggregation and disaggregation of proteins. Thus, it is important to understand holistic role of Hsps in response to stress and other biological conditions in fungi. Hsp104, Hsp70, and Hsp40 are found predominant in replication and Hsp90 is found in transcriptional and posttranscriptional process. Hsp90 and Hsp70 in combination or alone play a major role in morphogenesis and dimorphism. Heat stress in fungi expresses Hsp60, Hsp90, Hsp104, Hsp30, and Hsp10 proteins, whereas expression of Hsp12 protein was observed in response to cold stress. Hsp30, Hsp70, and Hsp90 proteins showed expression in response to pH stress. Osmotic stress is controlled by small heat-shock proteins and Hsp60. Expression of Hsp104 is observed under high pressure conditions. Out of these heat-shock proteins, Hsp90 has been predicted as a potential antifungal target due to its role in morphogenesis. Thus, current review focuses on role of Hsps in fungi during morphogenesis and various stress conditions (temperature, pH, and osmotic pressure) and in antifungal drug tolerance.

The contamination of aflatoxins in maize or maize-related products synthesized by Aspergillus flavus causes severe economical loss and threat to human health. Use of eco-friendly phytochemicals has shown potential to inhibit secondary metabolites in Aspergillus species. Thus, A. flavus cultured in corn flour (CF) and corn flour with quercetin (CFQ) was used for protein extraction for proteome analysis using nLC-Q-TOF mass spectrometer. Proteome analysis revealed the expressions of 705 and 843 proteins in CFQ and CF, respectively. Gene Ontology Slim Categories (GOSC) of CF exhibited major transcriptional factors; involved in acetylation and deacetylation of histone proteins, carbohydrate metabolism, and hydrolase activity, whereas GOSC analysis of CFQ showed membrane transport activity, including both influx and efflux proteins. cAMP/PKA signaling pathway was observed in CFQ, whereas MAPK pathway in CF. To quantify biosynthesis of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in CF and CFQ, HPLC analysis at 7, 12, 24 and 48 h was carried out which showed decrease in AFB1 (1%) at 7–24 h in CFQ. However, remarkable decrease in AFB1 biosynthesis (51%) at 48 h time point was observed. Thus, the present study provided an insight into the mechanism of quercetin-mediated inhibition of aflatoxin biosynthesis in A. flavus and raises the possibility to use quercetin as an anti-aflatoxigenic agent.

This survey presents the survey on motivation and suggestions from seniors to study Ph.D. direct after completion of masters study. This paper is prepared to form the survey, done on a Facebook closed group named “Ph.D. and Postdoc Positions”. The inquiry status was, “After Masters what are your suggestions: Ph.D. or Job”. The sample survey was done for 24 hours where 365 commentators commented on the post and found 49.45% of them suggested to do job directly after masters, other recommended to do Ph.D., Job & Ph.D. at the same time, do marry, self-business and others as travel, take rest and so on were 25.28% , 14.01%,5.22% ,3.02% and 3.02% respectively. According to the responses a dynamic mental model is formed to understand the entire suggestions.

Aspergillus flavus is the second most leading cause of aspergillosis. The ability of A. flavus to adapt within the host environment is crtical for its colonization. Onset of germination of conidia is one of the crucial events; thus, in order to gain insight into A. flavus molecular adaptation while germination, protein profile of A. flavus was obtained. Approximately 82 % of conidia showed germination at 7 h; thus, samples were collected followed by protein extraction and subjected to nLC-Q-TOF mass spectrometer. Q-TOF data were analysed using Protein Lynx Global Services (PLGS 2.2.5) software. A total of 416 proteins were identified from UniProt Aspergillus species database. Orthologues of A. flavus was observed in A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus, A. oryzae, etc. Proteins were further analysed in NCBI database, which showed that 27 proteins of A. flavus are not reported in UniProt and NCBI database. Functional characterization of proteins resulted majorly to cell wall synthesis and degradation, metabolisms (carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism), protein synthesis and degradation. Proteins/enzymes associated with aflatoxin biosynthesis were observed. We also observed Dicer-like proteins 1, 2 and autophagy-related proteins 2, 9, 18, 13, 11, 22. Expression of protein/enzymes associated with MAPK signalling pathway suggests their role during the germination process. Overall, the data present a catalogue of proteins/enzymes involved in the germination of A. flavus conidia and could also be applied to other Aspergillus species.

Invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus species (Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. terreus) is life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Understanding the innate and adaptive immune response particularly T-helper cells (TH-cells) against these Aspergillus species and how the different sub-set of TH-cells are regulated by differentiating cytokines at primary target organ site like lung, kidney and brain is of great significance to human health. This review focuses on presentation of Aspergillus through Antigen presenting cells (APCs) to the naive CD4(+) T-cells in the host. The production of differentiating/effector cytokines that activate following TH-cells, e.g., TH1, TH2, TH9, and TH17 has been reported in association or alone in allergic or invasive aspergillosis. Chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL1, and CCL20) and their receptors associated to these TH-cells have also been observed in invasive aspergillosis. Thus, further study of these TH-cells in invasive aspergillosis and other elements of adaptive immune response with Aspergillus species are required in order to have a better understanding of host response for safer and effective therapeutic outcome.

Efficient electro-oxidation of methanol using PtCo nanocatalysts supported reduced graphene oxide matrix as anode for DMFC