Search

Preliminary studies on the phytochemicals and extracts of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and aqueous of Cassia fistula leaves were examined for antifungal activity using agar cup and broth dilution methods. Although all five extracts showed promising antifungal activity against Candida albicans (12.6 mm), C. krusei (13.3 mm), C. parapsilosis (14.0 mm), and C. tropicalis (14.3 mm), yet maximum activity was observed in methanol extract followed by ethanol and aqueous extracts. Petroleum ether and ethanol extracts, showed zone of inhibition against all the three species of Aspergillus with highest zone of inhibition for A. fumigatus (12.0 mm). MIC values for most of the extracts ranged from 0.75 to 3.0 mg/mL; while the least MFC value was observed at 6.0 mg/mL. Result of MFC showed that at concentration 6.0 mg/mL, 75% of the test Candida species were killed while rests 25% were inhibited at same concentration. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, protein and amino acids, saponins and triterpenoids in different extracts. These results reveal the antifungal activity of C. fistula leaves extracts which may be useful in treatment of candidiasis and aspergillosis. However, further studies with purified fractions or bioactive compounds responsible for antifungal activity need to be evaluated.

This paper reports improvement in the tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of ADG‐NH2/Epoxy/CFRP composites at low filler content. Five symmetrical CFRP composite laminates were prepared through wet layup process assisted by vacuum bagging technique with varying wt% proportions (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) of ADG‐NH2/Epoxy. Tensile tests, short beam shear test and flexural tests were carried out as per ASTM D3039, ASTM D2344 and ASTM 790‐10 respectively to assess the effect of the ADG‐NH2 functionalized nano additives on their mechanical properties. The variation in ILSS were studied for varying temperatures (room temperature, 35, 50, 75, 85, & 100°C for each type of ADG‐NH2/Epoxy wt% (neat, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 & 1)) of ADG‐NH2/Epoxy/CFRP composites. The ILSS was enhanced up to ∼27% for 0.5 wt% of ADG‐NH2 reinforced CFRP at room temperature but reduced with the higher concentrations (0.75 wt% & 1 wt%). It was observed that ILSS reduced with gradual temperature variations up to 100°C w.r.t room temperature. But an increment was observed up to 0.5 wt% for ADG‐NH2 for all temperature. Form the test results, it has been recorded an improvement in mechanical properties that is, the elastic modulus by ∼18%, ultimate tensile strength by ∼21%, % elongation at break by∼19% and toughness by∼28% for the 0.5 wt% of ADG‐NH2 graphene nano additive reinforced CFRP composite laminates as compared to neat epoxy CFRP laminates. Results also show the augmentation in the Max load by ∼24%, flexural strength by ∼33%, flexural modulus by ∼43%, and flexural strain by ∼26% were observed for the 0.5 wt% of ADG‐NH2 graphene nano additive reinforced CFRP composite laminates as compared to neat epoxy CFRP composite laminates. Fractographic studies of fractured surface using SEM analyses shows better adhesion mechanisms which supports the augmentation in mechanical properties with addition of amine functionalized graphene to CFRP laminate. Highlights: Reinforcement of amine functionalized (ADG‐NH2) graphene in the epoxy matrix and incorporation with carbon fibers to enhance the interfacial and flexural properties.Evaluation of temperature effects on interlaminar shear strength properties of amine functionalized CFRP compositesImprovements in tensile, ILSS and flexural properties observed for a low percentage (0.5 wt%) of ADG‐NH2 graphene reinforced CFRP composite laminates.Use of aerospace grade epoxy and resin with amine functionalized graphene for further use in aerospace industry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Odisha experiencing sporadic outbreaks of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) throughout the year. There is a scarcity of available literature on PPR in Odisha till today. This is the first ever detail investigative approach in the state undertaken with an objective to corelate the epidemiological risk factors, haemato-biochemical and pathological changes in natural field outbreaks occurring in eight different districts. Methods: Fourteen field outbreaks of PPR were evaluated clinically as well as epidemiologically and confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood, serum, faecal and tissue samples were collected to observe haemato-biochemical and pathomorphological changes to asses disease severity. Result: Present study concluded an overall mortality rate of 46.81%. Chi-square analysis revealed significant highest prevalence among 7-12 months (46.13%) age, Ganjam breed (45.51%) and females (80.49%). Frequent migration among the border areas along with poor management and helminthic infection was major precipitating factor. There was polycythemia along with neutrophilia and lymphopenia. Significant increase in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), K+ and Ca+2 along with creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) BUN was observed in affected flocks. Antero-ventral consolidation of lungs, syncytia and presence of both eosinophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies were major pathological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer stem cell (CSC) and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) transforms conversion of normal cells in the tumor microenvironment into CSC which is the main cause of embryogenesis, carcinogenesis and metastasis. Methods: Nineteen canine patients with recurrent transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) and metastasis of inguinal lymph node were the subjects of present study. Preoperative work up and clinical staging involving radiography, ultrasonography, hematobiochemical analysis and histopathology or biopsy were done to confirm the type of cancerous tissue. Tumor tissues were collected in ice cold RPMI-1640 and phosphate buffer solution. Flow cytometry analysis was performed following established protocol from surgically excised tissue sample. Trypan blue dye exclusion test was done to quantify the live/dead cell count. CD24PE, CD44FITC, CD133APC and EpCAM antibody with conjugates were chosen markers for flow cytometry analysis. Result: Nineteen canine patients were diagnosed with Transmissible Venereal tumor (TVT) (common sexually transmitted disease in male dog) through biopsy of excised surgical tissue following Haematoxylin and Eosin staining protocol. Recurrence was seen even after adjuvant chemotherapy with Vincristine injection @ 0.25 mg/m2 at weekly interval for 5 weeks. Trypan blue dye exclusion test confirms 98% live cell count in transmissible venereal granuloma after digestion and incubation for flow cytometry. Flow cytometry analysis of the cells from the TVT showed surface biomarkers for EpCAM+ cells, EpCAM CD24+ cells, EpCAM CD44+ cells, EpCAM CD133+ indicating cells with CSC and EMT properties. Presence of CSC and EMT cells in this patient was responsible for chemoresistance, distant metastasis and recurrence. Identification of specific CSC in a malignant cancer will yields deeper insight into biological aspects of metastasis and formulation of targeted therapy in fighting with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theileriosis is the most important common vector (Tick) born and hemoprotozoan diseases (TBDS) which pose a serious threat to the livestock population in terms of mortality, reduced milk yield and lowered draft power. A total 1900 cases were suspected for theileriosis on the basis of clinical signs and out of these a total of 950 cases were found positive for theileriosis on the basis of blood smear examination. As per the stages of pregnancy and lactation, the cases were classified as cows in early pregnancy, cows in late pregnancy, cows in post parturient stage, cows in early and late lactation period. The cows in post parturient period were more susceptible to theileriosis. The incidence was higher in 2-6 years of age group, post monsoon period and mostly in cross bred animals. In most of the cases the clinical signs observed were reduced appetite, non-remittent fever, lacrimation and salivation and infrequent signs like swollen lymphnodes, respiratory symptoms and reduced milk yield. Haematological values of PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC were significantly low in post parturient cows, followed by cows in late pregnancy, in early lactation, early pregnancy and late lactation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the research output of protein folding published in the last five years, from 2018-2022. The source data are retrieved from the SCOPUS database and analyzed using MS Excel and VOS Viewer software. The VOSViewer software is mainly used for networking and visualization to understand the research pattern. A total of 12515 documents on protein folding are retrieved and considered for the study. The research finds that Uversky, V.N. was the most prolific protein folding author with the highest 42 publications and top 2560 global citations. The most productive countries in this field is the USA (4443 publications), followed by China (1791 publications), and Germany (1197 publications). The four hot keywords in protein folding research are protein binding, protein conformation, and metabolism, but protein folding is a burning author keyword. Most articles have been published by the CNRS (Centre National de la RechercheScientifique). This study will benefit future researchers worldwide in understanding the research pattern of protein folding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the global scientific literature on Molecular Docking (MD). MDis a keyapproachusedinbioinformatics to identify and developnovel compounds towards drug discovery. This study uses the bibliometric method to analyze scientific data covered in the Scopus database from 2013 to 2022 using MS Excel, R Studio, andVOS Viewer software. A total of 12173 documents on Molecular Docking were retrieved and considered for the study. The paper provides an in-depth evaluation of the research output of MD. The research found that MuthuS.was a most prolific author in MD scientific research, with 98 publications that received 1481 global citations. The most productivecountries in this field areIndia (4020 publications), followedbyChina (2675 publications), Saudi Arabia (1362 publications) and Egypt (1071 publications). The hot keywords in MD research are molecular modelling, molecular docking simulation, unclassified drug and controlled study, but Molecular Docking is the burning author keyword. The finding also shows that the publications are increasing consistently from 2013 onwards. Most articles have been published in the 'Journal of Molecular Structure'. As it is an emerging and a trending topic, it has scope for further studies. This study will benefit future researchers and practitioners worldwide in understanding the research pattern on MD and identifying the other key areas related to the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the development of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), lightweight and durable materials play a crucial role for extended high‐altitude flights. Nanoparticle‐reinforced polymer composites meet these requirements, exhibiting resistance to environmental degradation. Despite their potential, the outstanding specific strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures of graphene–epoxy nanocomposites have not been fully realized due to inadequate dispersion and spatial orientation within epoxy matrices. Our recent research has introduced a mathematical framework aimed at optimizing alignment parameters for graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Fe3O4‐attached GNP under a weak DC magnetic field. Subsequently, nanocomposites reinforced with GNP and aligned Fe3O4–GNP nanoparticles were fabricated using optimized parameters, and their alignment was characterized using various techniques. The current study examines the influence and comparative impact of alignment and weight percentage (wt%) loading of both nanoparticles on various mechanical properties, including tensile and compressive strength, along with failure mechanisms. It was observed that both GNP and aligned Fe3O4–GNP enhance the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, particularly notable improvements from aligned Fe3O4–GNP. The Young's modulus of GNP nanocomposites increased by 17%, while aligned Fe3O4–GNP contributed significantly to a 31% enhancement in the Young modulus. Highlights: Epoxy nanocomposites featuring well‐dispersed GNP and Fe3O4–GNP nanoparticles.Proper alignment of Fe3O4–GNP within the epoxy nanocomposite was achieved.Mechanical properties improved with GNP and aligned Fe3O4–GNP incorporation.The aligned Fe3O4–GNP exhibits advanced potential for engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pyometra is the most common genital affections observed in bitches around the globe in-spite of advancement of disease diagnosis and treatment. Paucity of available literature regarding pyometra in canines in Odisha prompted to undertake an in-depth analysis on determinants linked to epidemiology, haemato-biochemical, clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging in pyometra bitches. Methods: During the period 2019-20, a total of 148 bitches were screened for canine pyometra in and around Bhubaneswar, Odisha on the basis of clinical signs, haematology and diagnostic imaging. Uterus was collected after ovario-hysterectomy and processed for histopathology through routine haematoxylin and eosin staining. Result: The overall incidence of pyometra was 15.54% with 4% mortality rate. Present study recorded a significant higher occurrence of pyometra in older bitches (>7 year, 78.26%), smaller breeds like Spitz (47.82%), nulliparous bitches (60.86%) and dogs in dioestrus stage (82.60%). Haematological examinations revealed anaemia with marked leucocytosis and neutrophilia. There was significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP and BUN concentrations in affected bitches. Enlarged uterus with hypo echoic tubular structures containing mostly echogenic fluids were constant findings through ultrasonography. Flabby uterine horns with thick and corrugated endometrial wall containing profuse mucopurulent exudates were seen during necropsy. Chronic inflammatory response leading to intense haemorrhages and hyperaemia were constant microscopic changes. The most common isolated pathogen in canine pyometra was Escherechia coli (67.5%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has been hailed by scientists as the "wonder material" of the 21st century. Despite the impressive mechanical and electrical qualities of graphene in its unprocessed state, graphene‐based epoxy nanocomposites can only be used as a structural material on a small scale. The random dispersion and orientation of graphene in epoxy cause the failure. Magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles are synthesized and solvo‐thermally attached to the graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) surfaces in order to utilize our recently model's suggested optimized alignment parameters. Solution with properly dispersed nanoparticles, that is, Fe3O4‐GNP within epoxy, is exposed to the magnetic field (0.05 T). Morphology, microstructure, and magnetic properties of GNP, Fe3O4, and Fe3O4‐GNP nanoparticles have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The aforementioned characterization method, optical microscopy, and studying the fracture surface morphology confirmed the alignment. The fabricated aligned Fe3O4‐GNP nanocomposite is best used as a functional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) is a highly malignant disease mostly invading regional lymph nodes at the time of disease diagnosis. Methods: Twenty- two cases of Apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) were treated during five years. Contrast radiography with Iohexol and Lipidol were carried out to detect primary anal sac mass and regional lymph node through indirect lymphography technique. For clinical staging, ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration cytology, histopathology of both primary tumor mass and regional lymph node were performed. Closed anal Sacculectomy was performed as curative therapy for anal sac adenocarcinoma. Result: The median age and weight of dogs at presentation were 8.4 years and 20.9 kg, respectively. Diagnostic radiology, histopathology and biochemical assay confirm twenty-two cases of anal sac adenocarcinoma and medial iliac lymph node to be sentinel lymph node. Carcinoma was of unilateral occurrence in all the dogs. Four (18%) dogs had hypercalcemia and twelve (54%) had metastases to the regional lymph nodes with clinical signs of tenesmus or constipation, polyuria -polydipsia and anorexia. Apocrine gland Adenocarcinoma of anal sac was found to initially metastasize to the medial iliac lymph node. Survival times of dogs treated with the surgical procedure only (8 out of 22 dogs) were appreciably longer than the dogs with therapeutic only. Animals with metastasis to regional lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy had poor prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the effects of damage (delamination) on the structural vibration characteristics of spar wingskin joints (SWJs) made with curved laminated composites are investigated. Three dimensional finite element analysis is employed to evaluate the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the joint structure considered. Virtual elements are implemented in the delamination region to prevent inter element penetration. The effectiveness of the finite element analysis technique used is validated with available results. Additionally, the effects of various parameters such as delamination size, curvature effect (shallowness angle), laminate stacking sequence, overlap length, and material anisotropy (modular ratio) on the free vibration responses of the curved SWJ are analyzed in details. The present delamination modeling and simulated results could serve as guidelines in designing curved laminated composite joint structures with/without delaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magno-elastic coupling characteristics in giant magnetostrictive thin films depend on a myriad of factors, comprising variability in Young’s modulus, thermally induced pre-stresses, the direction of the applied magnetic field and the substrate to film thickness ratio, demagnetization field etc. Due to the aforementioned reasons, the giant magnetostrictive thin films usually display characteristics that may contrast with the bulk giant magnetostrictive materials. This work studies magnetostrictive film on a compliant substrate using a generalized 3-D magneto-thermoelastic nonlinear constitutive model with the elasticity theory to include such stimuli sensitive coupled magneto-thermoelastic response. The numerical simulation of the magnetostrictive film on the compliant substrate in the form of a cantilever shows good agreement with the existing experimental data. The substrate and film thickness ratio effect on the thermal strain, Young’s modulus, magnetization and magnetostriction of films was meticulously analyzed. It has been revealed that the magneto-elastic responses rely strongly on the substrate-to-film thickness ratio. Thus, it is possible to obtain the tunable properties by controlling the composite film's thickness ratio in the design state of smart devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]