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Chitin, a polysaccharide that occurs abundantly in nature after cellulose, has attracted the interest of the scientific community due to its plenty of availability and low cost. Mostly, it is derived from the exoskeleton of insects and marine crustaceans. Often, it is insoluble in common solvents that limit its applications but its deacetylated product, named chitosan is found to be soluble in protonated aqueous medium and used widely in various biomedical fields. Indeed, the existence of the primary amino group on the backbone of chitosan provides it an important feature to modify it chemically into other derivatives easily. In the present review, we present the structural properties of chitin, and its derivatives and highlighted their biomedical implications including, tissue engineering, drug delivery, diagnosis, molecular imaging, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing. We further discussed the limitations and prospects of this versatile natural polysaccharide. • Chitin is the second most available polysaccharide on earth. • Often, it is insoluble in common solvents that limit its applications. • The structural properties of chitin and its derivatives, define its applications. • They are promising materials for future applications as versatile polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study describes the effect on properties of palm kernel shell (PKS) and Mukah Balingian (MB) coal by thermal pretreatment. The PKS and MB coal were torrefied and preheated, respectively in a fixed-bed reactor at different temperatures. The pretreated samples were analysed for mass and energy yield, proximate, ultimate and functional group analysis. The thermal and kinetic studies of the upgraded materials were conducted using thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). The results showed that the properties of pretreated samples were improved with increasing heating temperature. The oxygen content and O/C ratio of upgraded samples were decreased by increasing the heating temperature. The reduction of oxygenated peak in the functional group analysis indicates that the thermal pretreatment has cleaved the oxygen and hydrogen bonding. The upgraded PKS at torrefaction temperature of 270 °C demonstrated that activation energy of 100.34 kJ/mol with the highest mean reactivity of 0.86. MB coal at preheated temperature of 250 °C showed activation energy of 122.35 kJ/mol with the highest mean reactivity of 0.063. Thus, from the analysis of upgraded samples, the torrefied PKS at 270 °C and preheated MB coal at 250 °C demonstrated a good quality feedstock to be used in thermal conversion such as in co-gasification. Highlights • Physical and thermal properties of upgraded biomass and low rank coal were evaluated. • The pretreatment was studied at temperatures ranging from 210 to 290 °C. • Properties of pretreated samples enhanced with increasing heating temperature. • The pretreatment improved the activation energy and reactivity. • Torrefied PKS at 270 °C and preheated MB at 250 °C shown a good quality feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Asparaginase from B. aryabhattai leads to acrylamide reduction in food model. • Immobilized enzyme pretreatment showed 99% reduction in acrylamide formation. • Asparaginase nanoconjugates showed threefold increase in thermal stability. • Asparaginase nanoconjugates retained 90% activity after 5th cycles of pretreatment. Abstract Acrylamide is a potent carcinogen and neurotoxin formed by the Maillard reaction when l -asparagine reacts with starch at high temperature. It is formed in food materials mainly deep fried and bakery products. Enzymatic pretreatment of these food products with asparaginase enzyme leads to reduction in acrylamide. However, enzymatic process is quite expensive due to high cost, low catalytic efficiency as well as problem with enzyme reusability. Present work deals with these problems by exploring l -asparaginase from Bacillus aryabhattai. Asparaginase enzyme was immobilized on APTES modified magnetic nanoparticles. It was found to be more than three-fold increase their thermal stability from free enzyme and retained 90% activity after fifth cycle. The immobilized enzyme also showed better affinity towards its substrate. During pretreatment of asparagine in a starch-asparagine food model system and it was clearly demonstrated that asparaginase nanoconjugates had reduced the formation of acrylamide by more than 90% within 30 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Ammonium and manganese may cause the aesthetic deterioration of drinking water quality if their penetration into the water intake is not controlled. The current physical chemical methods may be unable to treat polluted raw water alone, so a biological method is used to bolster the current physical capabilities. In this study, the biological removal of ammonium and manganese was performed using a slow sand biofilter (SSB) and optimized based on a central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM). RSM was used to study the interaction among the process variables, namely, the feed concentration of ammonium (NH 4 -N) and manganese (Mn), the aeration rate (AR) and retention time (RT). The optimum conditions suggested by the response model were 2.01 mg NH 4 -N/L and 3 mg Mn/L feed concentrations, a 6 L/min AR and a 9.45 h RT. The condition resulted in an 89% and 98% reduction of ammonium and manganese, respectively. The microbial community attached on the SSB was identified using a polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) method. Eight strains were obtained and identified as closest to Clostridium sp. , Desnuesiella sp. , Aeromonas sp. , Pseudoalteromonas sp. , Romboutsia sp., and Plasticicumulans sp. Of the bacteria identified in the community, Aeromonas sp. is known to have the ability to oxidize ammonium, and Pseudoalteromonas sp. is involved in oxidation of soluble Mn2+ to insoluble Mn4+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol oxidase(ChOx) enzyme isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA(ChOxP) and Rhodococcus erythropolis MTCC 3951(ChOxR) strains as well as a commercial variant produced by Streptomyces sp . (ChOxS) were immobilized on silane modified iron(II, III)oxide magnetic nanoparticles(MNP) by covalent coupling methods. The nanobiocatalysts in case of ChOxP, ChOxR and ChOxS, retained 71, 91 and 86% of cholesterol oxidase activity respectively, as compared to their soluble counterparts. The catalytic efficiency of the immobilized enzymes on nanoparticles was more than 2.0 times higher than the free enzyme. They also showed enhanced pH and thermal stability. After 10 cycles of operation, the MNP-bioconjugates retained 50, 52 and 51% of residual activity in case of ChOxP, ChOxR and ChOxS respectively. The presence of enzyme on nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR, SEM and TEM. The nanobiocatalysts were used for the biotransformation of cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol to 4-cholesten-3-one and 4-cholesten-3, 7-dione respectively, which are industrially and medically important steroid precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, Aspergillus niger cellulase was immobilized onto functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via carbodiimide coupling. MWCNTs offer unique advantages including enhanced electronics properties, a large edge to basal plane ratio, rapid electrode kinetics and it’s possess higher tensile strength properties due to their structural arrangements. The immobilization was confirmed by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SEM (scanning electron microscope). The bionanoconjugates prepared under optimized condition retained 85% activity with improved pH and thermal stability. The t 1/2 of immobilized cellulase at 70 °C was four fold higher than free enzyme. The Km value indicates that affinity of bionanoconjugates towards substrate has increased by two times. The preparation could be reused ten times without much loss in enzyme activity. The enhanced catalytic efficiency, stability and reusability makes it useful for efficient cellulose hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrotoschisis is an uncommon congenital urogenital anomaly with a defect in the scrotum causing protrusion of testis through the scrotal wall. This is the 20th case reported and 1st from Indonesia. A male newborn admitted with a complaint mass protruding from his left hemiscrotum. Mass was described with spherical shaped, red base, yellowish membrane, smooth and firm boundaries with no sign of testicular torsion. Patient was diagnosed with left unilateral scrotoschisis. Patient was managed with surgical debridement, scrotal exploration and orchidopexy. The patient was managed with drain insertion to monitor signs of infections. Patient was stable and discharged, hence testicular function monitoring was planned in line with further growth assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to improve catalytic efficiency of Trichoderma reesei cellulase for enhanced saccharification. The cellulase was immobilized on two nanomatrices i.e. magnetic and silica nanoparticles with immobilization efficiency of 85% and 76% respectively. The nanobioconjugates exhibited increase in V max , temperature optimum, pH and thermal stability as compared with free enzyme. These could be efficiently reused for five repeated cycles and were stable in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazoliumacetate [EMIM][Ac], an ionic liquid. Ionic liquids (IL) are used as green solvents to dissolve lignocellulosic biomass and facilitate better saccharification. The cellulase immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles was used for in situ saccharification of [EMIM][Ac] pretreated sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw for two cycles. The structural deconstruction and decrease in biomass crystallinity was confirmed by SEM, XRD and FTIR. The high hydrolysis yields (∼89%) obtained in this one-pot process coupled with IL stability and recycled use of immobilized cellulase, potentiates its usefulness in biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multipurpose magnetic nanobiocatalyst is developed by conjugating Pectinex 3XL (a commercial enzyme containing pectinase, xylanase and cellulase activities) on 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane activated magnetic nanoparticles. The nanobiocatalyst retained 87% of pectinase, 69% of xylanase and 58% of cellulase activity after conjugation on modified nanoparticles as compared to their soluble counterparts. Thermal stability data at 70 °C showed increase in enzyme stability after conjugation to nanoparticles and the kinetic parameters (K m and V max ) remain unaltered after immobilization. The immobilized enzyme system can be successfully used upto 5th cycle after that slight decrease in enzyme activities was observed. The nanobiocatalyst retained high pectinase activities in organic solvents and chemical reagents as compared to free enzymes. DLS data shows that the nanoparticles size increases from 63 nm to 86 nm after immobilization. Atomic Force Microscopy data confirms the deposition of enzymes on the nanoparticles. The nanobiocatalyst was used for the clarification of pine apple and orange juice and was also used for the production of bioethanol. Hydrolysis of pretreated wheat straw produced 1.39 g/l and 1.59 g/l after treatment with free Pectinex 3xL and nanobiocatalyst respectively. The concentration of bioethanol also increases by 1.4 fold as compared to the free enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present work was to effectively remediate grease waste by Penicillium chrysogenum . For efficient degradation, grease waste was pre-treated using various lipases, among them lipolase was the best. The pretreated grease was used as a substrate by P. chrysogenum resulting into the production of fatty acids. Process was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) using four variables viz ; FeCl 2 (mM), spore concentration (spores/ml), time period (days) and amount of grease (g). The optimized conditions viz; FeCl 2 1.25 mM, culture amount 5 × 10 11 spores/ml and time period 16 days led to the production of 6.6 mg/g fatty acid from 10.0 g of pre-treated grease mixed with 5.0 g wheat bran in 10.0 ml czapek-dox medium under solid state fermentation. The fermented media was extracted with hexane and subjected to GCMS analysis, which showed the presence of higher amount of palmitic acid. It was purified by crystallization method and 2.8 g of palmitic acid was recovered from 1.0 kg grease waste in tray fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal wastes, particularly hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], are generated from anthropogenic activities, and their increasing abundance has been a research concern due to their toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Exposure to these dangerous pollutants could lead to chronic infections and even mortality in humans and animals. Bioremediation using microorganisms, particularly bacteria, has gained considerable interest because it can remove contaminants naturally and is safe to the surrounding environment. Bacteria, such as Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis , can reduce the toxic Cr(VI) to the less toxic trivalent chromium Cr(III) through mechanisms including biotransformation, biosorption and bioaccumulation. These mechanisms are mostly linked to chromium reductase and nitroreductase enzymes, which are involved in the Cr(VI) reduction pathway. However, relevant data on the nitroreductase route remain insufficient. Thus, this work proposes an alternative metabolic pathway of nitroreductase, wherein nitrate activates the reaction and indirectly reduces toxic chromium. This nitroreductase pathway occurs concurrently with the chromium reduction pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we describe a simple procedure for the biosynthesis of nanosilver and gold by the reduction of silver nitrate and auric chloride respectively using a nanobiocatalyst. The nanobiocatalyst was prepared by covalent coupling of alpha amylase on (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) modified iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The nanobiocatalyst retains 77% of its activity as compared to free alpha amylase. The nanobiocatalyst can be used up to three consecutive cycles for the synthesis of nano silver and gold. The biosynthesized nanoparticles after each cycle were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, Dynamic Light Spectroscopy (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Silver and gold nanoparticles of same morphology and dimensions were formed in each cycle. The procedure for synthesis of nanoparticles using an immobilized enzyme is eco-friendly and can be used repeatedly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Agricultural land-uses have significant effects on native avian biodiversity. • Monofunctional croplands provide little opportunities for biodiversity conservation. • Agroforestry orchards support greater bird diversity than industrial plantations. • Incorporating fruit trees can improve avian biodiversity in monoculture plantations. The suitability of agricultural matrices to support biodiversity, including birds, varies depending on agricultural land-use. In Southeast Asia, monoculture plantations of oil palm and rubber tree have replaced the native rainforests and displaced forest biodiversity. Compared to such single functionality plantations, agroforestry orchards may provide a more complex habitat for biodiversity via polyculture and less intensive farming practices. However, little is known about the conservation value of agroforestry orchards for biodiversity. Here, we investigated the effects of different agricultural habitats on avian biodiversity in Peninsular Malaysia. Using point count method, we assessed bird community in three focal agricultural habitats (i.e., agroforestry orchards, oil palm, and rubber tree plantations). From 6,248 bird encounters, we recorded 110 species comprising 43 families. Bird species richness and abundance were significantly greater in agroforestry orchards than the other two agricultural habitats. Bird abundance was similar in oil palm and rubber tree plantations, but the latter supported significantly more species. Agricultural land-use type had significant effects on certain bird dietary groups (i.e., frugivores, insectivores, omnivores, and granivores). Overlap in bird species composition between habitats was rather evident, though some bird groups were more represented than others in the different habitat types. Our key findings may imply the importance of habitat heterogeneity in relation to vegetation structural complexity (as commonly found in fruit orchards) on farmland birds. Our data suggest that incorporating diverse native fruit trees into large-scale monoculture plantations could promote habitat heterogeneity and floristic composition, which can improve bird conservation and ecosystem services (e.g., pest insect control). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, biosurfactant-producing fungi isolated from crude oil sludge were tested to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in contaminated sludge. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed, and the phylogenetic tree based on the fungi genomic sequence was constructed using MEGA-X software and had identified the isolated fungi as Aspergillus terrus isolate Shu1 and Aspergillus fumigatus isolate Shu2 species. A. fumigatus isolate Shu2 showed a better potential of biosurfactant-producing fungi compared to A. terrus isolate Shu1, based on qualitative (parafilm, drop collapse, oil spreading, emulsion index) and quantitative (surface tension) analyses. Further TPH degradation by A. fumigatus isolate Shu2 was done under two conditions with the absence of additional nutrition and with additional nutrition for 45 days. Gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) analysis showed TPH degradation by A. fumigatus of approximately 57 ± 2% in the first 16 days of treatment. The addition of nutrients inside the system had significantly increased (p < 0.05) the total removal of TPH up to 63 ± 2% (6% higher) within the 16 days. These findings suggest that A. fumigatus isolate Shu2 is a good potential as biosurfactant-producing fungi and is capable of degrading TPH from contaminated sludge. This study also verified that the TPH content of hydrocarbon-contaminated sludge was significantly reduced in the treatment with the presence of additional nutrient. [Display omitted] • Two native isolates were isolated from Malaysian real crude oil sludge. • The isolates were identified as Aspergillus terrus isolate Shu1 and Aspergillus fumigatus isolate Shu2. • fumigatus isolate Shu2 has the potential to produce biosurfactant. • fumigatus isolate Shu2 had successfully removed 57% of TPH from the contaminated sludge. • The presence of nutrients had significantly increased the degradation of TPH by 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates fuel demand models for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) and uses the demand elasticities obtained to predict future levels of road transport CO 2 greenhouse gas emissions. Data for the municipalities constituting the AML and the period 1993–2010 are analysed using static and dynamic panel data models to measure the relative importance of fuel price, income, vehicle stock, the price of public transport, and the availability of urban and suburban rail networks on fuel demand. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the Portuguese context to produce fuel demand elasticities for a specific metropolitan area, as opposed to the estimation of country-level aggregate elasticities. Our findings indicate that the elasticity of fuel demand with respect to fuel price ranges between −0.48 and −0.72 in the short run and between −1.19 and −1.82 in the long run. Income elasticities are found to range between 0.51 and 0.54 in the short run and between 1.26 and 1.37 in the long run. The elasticity of fuel demand with respect to vehicle stock (keeping population constant) is 0.57 in the short run and 1.43 in the long run. There is only weak evidence of a reduction in fuel demand as a result of a decrease in the price of public transport, and no effect of greater availability of rail networks. Based on the elasticities estimated, we predict road transport CO 2 emissions for the AML according to different macroeconomic scenarios. The results indicate that the emissions target is only achieved in the scenario of poor economic performance. In the presence of medium and strong economic growth, fuel prices would need to increase by about 7% and 11% per year respectively in order to meet the emissions target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper estimates demand elasticities for diesel fuel in the UK using static error correction and dynamic ADL time series cointegration models. While there are studies focusing on elasticities in the road transport sector, most have either looked at petrol demand or have used road transport fuel demand. Our findings indicate that the income elasticities for diesel fuel, both in the short- and the long-run are significantly higher, and the long run price elasticity is relatively lower as compared to those reported in studies using fuel or petrol demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impairs mental ability development and interrupts neurocognitive function. This neuropathological condition is depicted by neurodegeneration, neural loss, and development of neurofibrillary tangles and Aβ plaques. There is also a greater risk of developing AD at a later age for people with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes. In the biomedical sciences, effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease is a severe obstacle. There is no such treatment to cure Alzheimer's disease. The drug present in the market show only symptomatic relief. The cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood and the blood-brain barrier restricts drug efficacy are two main factors that hamper research. Stem cell-based therapy has been seen as an effective, secure, and creative therapeutic solution to overcoming AD because of AD's multifactorial nature and inadequate care. Current developments in nanotechnology often offer possibilities for the delivery of active drug candidates to address certain limitations. The key nanoformulations being tested against AD include polymeric nanoparticles (NP), inorganic NPs and lipid-based NPs. Nano drug delivery systems are promising vehicles for targeting several therapeutic moieties by easing drug molecules' penetration across the CNS and improving their bioavailability. In this review, we focus on the causes of the AD and their treatment by different approaches. [Display omitted] • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impairs neurocognitive ability. • Major hypotheses about causes of AD are cholinergic, amyloid, tau hypothesis. • Diagnostic biomarkers for neurological disordersincludes Aβ and tau proteins, Fyn kinases etc. • Calcium signaling, TDP-43, BACE1, angiotensin converting enzyme are active molecular targets against AD. • Stem cell therapy and nanodrug delivery might be a promising candidate for AD therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites of plants which find application in human disease therapy. • Stability and degradation of phytochemicals in the GI tract is a challenge which can be overcome by nano-conjugation. • Various types of organic and inorganic nanocarriers are employed for nanoformulations. • Biomedical applications of phytochemical nanoformulations include use as nanomedicine, antimicrobials and diagnostic agents. In recent times, phytochemicals encapsulated or conjugated with nanocarriers for delivery to the specific sites have gained considerable research interest. Phytochemicals are mostly plant secondary metabolites which reported to be beneficial for human health and in disease theraphy. However, these compound are large size and polar nature of these compounds, make it difficult to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), endothelial lining of blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and mucosa. Moreover, they are enzymatically degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, encapsulation or conjugation of these compounds with nanocrriers could be an alternate way to enhance their bioefficacy by influencing their gastrointestinal stability, rate of absorption and dispersion. This review presents an overview of nanocarriers alternatives which improves therapeutic value and avoid toxicity, by releasing bioactive compounds specifically at target tissues with enhanced stability and bioavailability. Future investigations may emphasize on deciphering the structural changes in nanocarriers during digestion and absorption, the difference between in-vitro and in-vivo digestion simulations, and impact of nanocarriers on the metabolism of phytochemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse plant life has been affected by the tropical environment, which includes high humidity and lots of rainfall. This research aimed to discover local plants to be used as biocoagulants in the treatment of coffee effluent. Three species of native plants were chosen: Trichantera gigantea (ketum ayam), Manihot esculenta (cassava plant) and Piper sarmentosum (kaduk). Coffee effluent was chosen because it has high total suspended solids (TSS), contributing to increasing turbidity that exceeds the allowable regulation limits. The coagulation-flocculation method was applied to remove these suspended solids and turbidity in the effluent using a jar test. These potential biocoagulants were extracted using distilled water before being screened and characterized to measure their amount of protein and polysaccharide contents using the Bradford and acid extraction approaches. The protein content for M. esculenta showed the greatest value (87.9 mg/g), while T. gigantea revealed the highest amount of polysaccharide extracted (37.0 mg/g). The optimum operating parameters were set at 300 rpm and 5 min for rapid mixing and then 180 rpm and 30 min for respective slow mixing with 30 min settling time. The findings show that P. sarmentosum was the best biocoagulant with the highest removal of TSS and turbidity at 51.0% and 66.9%, respectively. The mass ratio used in P. sarmentosum was lower when compared to other biocoagulants, which is 45.9 mg biocoagulant/g TSS, with the protein and polysaccharides contained in this biocoagulant were 11.6 mg/g and 34.0 mg/g, respectively. • Plant leaves as biocoagulant/flocculant agent in treating coffee industry effluent • Distilled water was used to extract proteins and polysaccharides from plant leaves • P. sarmentosum leaves contained highest protein with 11.6 ± 0.19 mg/g • Turbidity and total suspended solids were removed up to 66.9% and 51.0%, respectively • P. sarmentosum shows a great performance at a ratio of 45.9 mg biocoagulant/g TSS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are primarily anthropogenic compounds found in water at trace concentrations and mostly still ignored. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are two popular categories of CECs. PPCPs are persistent in the environment and capable of disrupting the physiology of target receptors. PPCPs are reported to be overused daily and exposed to aquatic environment via multiple routes, including municipal and industrial effluent. Nevertheless, there is a lack of a comprehensive summary of PPCPs removal techniques, particularly in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). While WWTPs are inefficient at removing PPCPs, they serve as primary barriers to the spread of CECs. This paper reviews and highlights the conventional treatment technologies involved for PPCPs removal in WWTPs as well as comparison with phytotechnology in the wastewater treatment field to combat the disconcerting occurrence of PPCPs. Operating parameters in applying phytotechnology, including retention time and aeration requirement as well as major challenges for phytoremediation of PPCPs are evaluated. Fate of PPCPs (focused on ibuprofen and paracetamol) are discussed in detail during treatment using constructed wetland. The results validated concerns regarding the prevalence of PPCPs and the good potential of using constructed wetland as tertiary treatment in WWTP to avoid further spreading of PPCPs to the environment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the global food processing industry, accidental contamination of pork components is widespread, and this occurrence raises concerns about the integrity of health-conscious vegan products, the potential health risks associated with allergenic reactions, and the intricate legal complexities surrounding fraudulent labeling practices. Such practices involve misrepresenting food labels and the deceptive substitution of non-porcine ingredients with pork counterparts. This review aims to thoroughly assess methods for detecting proteins derived from pork and innovative biosensor technologies designed for identifying porcine DNA in food products. It delves into the prevalent problem of detecting porcine DNA in food products within the international food processing sector. It provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of various techniques for detecting pork-based proteins. These techniques encompass electrophoresis, immunoassay, chromatography, and spectroscopy, meticulously examining their applicability and relevance. Additionally, it explores the potential of cutting-edge biosensor technologies in identifying porcine DNA in food products, demonstrating a commitment to remaining at the forefront of scientific innovation. Various biosensors, including electrochemical, optical, luminescence, and colorimetric, are scrutinized for their potential impact on the industry. Significantly, this review goes beyond merely listing methods and technologies. It takes the extra step of critically evaluating the strengths and limitations of each approach, providing a well-rounded perspective. Finally, future trends in detection technologies related to pork derivatives are discussed. Incorporating micro/nanofiber and artificial intelligence into biosensors can enhance their sensitivity, accuracy, and capacity to detect and identify pork proteins in food. Consequently, it offers valuable insights into the current status of porcine species identification and the promising developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing number of deaths related to sepsis has become a major concern for past few years. Sepsis is a complex pathological reactions that is explained by series of host response to microbial insult. The resulted systemic reactions are manifested by early appearance of proinflammatory cytokines leading to hyperinflammatory phase which is followed by septic shock and death of the patient. The present study has revealed that antibiotics are not self-sufficient to control the complex mechanism of sepsis. Moreover prolonged and unnecessary administration of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance to pathogens. In addition to this, immunosuppressive medications are selective and have targeted approach to certain study population. Drugs from herbal origin have shown to possess a mammoth of immunomodulatory potential by suppressing proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines exhibiting no or minimal unwanted secondary responses. Concomitantly, herbal plants tend to modulate oxidative stress level and haematological imbalance during inflammatory diseased conditions. Natural compounds have gained much attention for the treatment of several clinical complications. Considering the promising responses of medicinal plants with less/no side effects and easy procurement, comprehensive research on herbal plants to treat sepsis should be contemplated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has the potential to increase crop yields on degraded, tropical soils. It can be readily produced in rural community settings using low-cost technology and is most economically feasible if produced from local biomass or waste residues. Biochar was produced from Leucaena biomass using low-cost pyrolysis and sequential pot experiments were then conducted in Malaysia on three degraded soils. We first evaluated the effect of Leucaena biochar on yields of Amaranthus , a leafy vegetable crop and measured changes to soil pH and nutrient availability over two growth cycles. We then tested whether any yield response to biochar was dependent upon the rate of biochar or fertilizer application. We found that biochar application at 30 t ha−1 with maximal fertilizer increased yields between 17 and 53% on very strongly acidic soil. Biochar added at 15 t ha−1 with maximal fertilizer increased yield by 54% on strongly acidic soil whilst there was no significant yield response on fertilized, slightly acidic soil. Unfertilized biochar treatments showed small yield responses across all soils over 2 growth cycles (9–11%), but yields were much lower than in fertilized treatments. Biochar also decreased short-term N availability when applied with fertilizers, which may improve nitrogen retention and substantially increased soil pH. This may reduce mobility of Fe, Mn and Al ions, which were negatively associated with yield. Our results suggest that Leucaena biochar can elicit a positive crop yield response but only when combined with fertilizer additions on very strongly to strongly acidic tropical soils. • Low cost Leucaena biochar improved crop yield only on very acidic tropical soils. • Biochar reduced short term soil N availability, potentially improving N retention. • Increased yield was associated with high soil Mg and low Fe, Mn and Al availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of petroleum-contaminated soil to a less toxic medium via physical and chemical treatment is too costly and requires posttreatment. This review focuses on the employment of phytoremediation and mycoremediation technologies in cleaning hydrocarbon-contaminated soil which is currently rare. It is considered environmentally beneficial and possibly cost-effective as it implements the synergistic interaction between plants and biosurfactant producing mycorrhiza to degrade hydrocarbon contaminants. This review also covers possible sources of hydrocarbon pollution in water and soil, toxicity effects, and current technologies for hydrocarbon removal and degradation. In addition to these problems, this review also discusses the challenges and opportunities of transforming the resultant treated sludge and treating plants into potential by-products for a higher quality of life for future generations. [Display omitted] • Phytoremediation and mycoremediation are preferable over the chemical treatments. • Plant and fungi contribute to effective hydrocarbon removal. • A synergistic symbiosis of plant-mycorrhiza enhances hydrocarbon removal. • Treating plants can potentially be used as a source of cellulose. • Treated sludge can be reclaimed as construction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT. Prolonged use of synthetic herbicides to control weeds may cause adverse effects on the environment and human wellbeing. As a mitigation effort, commercial oil palm growers have been encouraged to adopt livestock integration as a holistic approach to manage weeds. Previous studies have suggested utilizing a multi-species livestock grazing may optimize the grazing impacts in silvopastoral agroforestry systems. Present study examined the effects of small ruminant grazing (i.e., goats, sheep and multi-species) on undergrowth vegetation with the following specific objectives: 1) to investigate the effects of small ruminant grazing treatments on undergrowth vegetation composition in oil palm plantations; 2) to examine the variables (canopy cover, grazing treatments, and cycles) that influenced undergrowth vegetation (species richness, coverage, height, and dry weight) in oil palm plantations. We established quadrats on experimental plots to detect changes in undergrowth vegetation composition, species diversity, coverage, height, and dry weight resulting from different grazing treatments. We found that undergrowth vegetation composition varied between different grazing treatments. The multi-species livestock grazing effectively supress unwanted weeds (i.e., woody broadleaves) compared to single–species livestock grazing (i.e., goats, sheep). The use of single-species livestock grazing is likely to cause oil palm growers to use herbicides to control undesirable weeds. Hence, we concluded managing undergrowth vegetation in oil palm plantations using multi-species livestock grazing is a practical approach, and it should be fine-tuned for example by choosing livestock species based on the targeted objectives and the grazing sequence that will be practiced to regenerate the oil palm silvopastoral system. Multi-species livestock grazing can reduce oil palm growers' dependence on synthetic herbicides for weed control and optimize land use in oil palm plantation sector. On the other hand, the use of single species, whether goat or sheep-only, has caused unwanted undergrowth to increase after several grazing rotations have been carried out. Therefore, the use of multi-species grazing is a promising biological tool to reduce synthetic herbicide application in environmentally-sustainable oil palm plantations. [Display omitted] • The potential of using small ruminants to control weeds biologically in oil palm plantations has been overlooked. • We examine the effects of small ruminant grazing and browsing on undergrowth vegetation composition. • Undergrowth community composition varied significantly between grazing treatments. • Multi-species livestock grazing effectively controls undergrowth and woody broadleaves in oil palm plantations. • Silvopastoral agroforestry can reduce the use of synthetic herbicides and optimize land use in oil palm agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As coffee is becoming a daily beverage, the coffee processing industry keeps expanding due to the perpetual demands from the global community. Alas, this great demand has also led to large production of wastewater. Coffee processing mill effluent is characterised as acidic wastewater, with high content of organic compounds, pungent odours and colours. It threatens aquatic life, human health and the environment. Thus, there is an urge to seek appropriate methods to treat the effluents so that they comply with regulated environmental limits before dismissal. Realising the importance of green technology and sustainability, the United Nations have initiated a proactive plan known as Sustainable Development Goals to be implemented by nations around the globe to ensure better future for tomorrow. This manuscript outlines a review of coffee processing and its generated wastes, conventional wastewater treatments and current practices. Based on the compiled data, this review aims to highlight the valorisation of coffee processing mill effluent treatment by introducing an environmentally friendly integrated treatment system while adopting the 'zero-waste discharge concept'. This integrated system consists of natural coagulation-flocculation, natural adsorption and phytoremediation to treat specific contaminants in respective effluents. Highlighting the 'zero-waste discharge concept', all by-products from the proposed system can be reclaimed as secondary resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae have been identified as one of the new feedstocks for renewable energy production. The conversion of microalgae into various valuable products has also been increasing in the last decade. Microalgae harvesting, one of the most important stages in microalgae production, has been studied and reviewed by many researchers. However, most harvesting methods still utilize chemicals during the process, which make harvested biomass not directly ready for food/feed production and pharmaceutical-related processes. Biocoagulants/bioflocculants are emerging compounds that can be used during the harvesting of microalgae because their existence does not introduce toxicity in the harvested biomass. Considering its potential to produce ready-to-use biomass, biocoagulants/bioflocculants have a bright future in microalgal biomass production processes. This review article highlights simultaneous wastewater treatment and microalgal biomass production as an emerging method in accommodating a circular economy paradigm. This paper juxtaposes the utilization of chemical-based coagulants/flocculants and biocoagulants/bioflocculants in harvesting microalgae. Biodegradability, effectiveness, harvested biomass characteristics, and potential of medium reuse are emphasized in the discussion. The agglomeration mechanisms of microalgae during harvesting, recent advances in the microalgal biomass conversions, and future challenges related to the utilization of biocoagulants/bioflocculants are also described in detail. Microalgae harvesting by using biocoagulants/bioflocculants is a feasible and promising environmentally friendly technology for microalgal biomass production. [Display omitted] • Performances of microalgae harvesting using biocoagulants/bioflocculants are discussed. • Cultivation of microalgae using wastewater is discussed. • Mechanisms of microalgae harvesting are elaborated. • Conversion of microalgae biomass into valuable products are highlighted. • Future challenges on algae harvesting using biocoagulants/bioflocculants are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of aquaculture products and effluents by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from the direct chemical use in aquaculture activities or surrounding industries is currently an issue of increasing concern as these CECs exert acute and chronic effects on living organisms. CECs have been detected in aquaculture water, sediment, and culture species, and antibiotics, antifoulants, and disinfectants are the commonly detected groups. Through accumulation, CECs can reside in the tissue of aquaculture products and eventually consumed by humans. Currently, effluents containing CECs are discharged to the surrounding environment while producing sediments that eventually contaminate rivers as receiving bodies. The rearing (grow-out) stages of aquaculture activities are issues regarding CECs-contamination in aquaculture covering water, sediment, and aquaculture products. Proper regulations should be imposed on all aquaculturists to control chemical usage and ensure compliance to guidelines for appropriate effluent treatment. Several techniques for treating aquaculture effluents contaminated by CECs have been explored, including adsorption, wetland construction, photocatalysis, filtration, sludge activation, and sedimentation. The challenges imposed by CECs on aquaculture activities are discussed for the purpose of obtaining insights into current issues and providing future approaches for resolving associated problems. Stakeholders, such as researchers focusing on environment and aquaculture, are expected to benefit from the presented results in this article. In addition, the results may be useful in establishing aquaculture-related CECs regulations, assessing toxicity to living biota, and preventing pollution. [Display omitted] • Stages of aquaculture activities are discussed. • Source of CECs in aquaculture activities are elaborated. • CECs impact on safety, health and environment are highlighted along with regulations. • Conventional wastewater units to treat CECs compound in aquaculture wastewater are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crisis on water resource and environmental pollution are forcing to upgrade conventional technology of wastewater treatment for water recycle and reuse. Coagulation–flocculation is the common wastewater treatment that has shown efficient removal performance based on various coagulants from metal-to plant-based compounds. Dosage application is the widely used method to apply coagulant in coagulation–flocculation treatment. This study introduces a new ratio-based approach using theoretical calculation for coagulant dosing in wastewater treatment. A comparative study of total suspended solid removal performance by dosage-based application versus ratio-based approach is performed by evaluating the R 2 value. A demonstration on the dosage-based application versus ratio-based approach efficiencies is presented through a simulation of sludge production. Comparative analysis and simulation indicate that ratio-based approach has higher R 2 value and lower sludge production with low coagulant usage compared with dosage-based application for the same influent characteristic. Merits, limitations, applicability, and future approaches for ratio-based approach are detailed for upcoming research directions and technological development. [Display omitted] • Performance of metal- & plant-based coagulants in wastewater treatment is elaborated. • Ratio-based approach is proposed to substitute the dosage-based coagulant dosing. • Interrelation analysis is presented by comparing the R 2 value. • Coagulant saving and reduction of sludge are obtained through simulation. • Wastewater characteristics and database are obstacles for ratio-based application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, characterization, adsorption, and antibacterial activities of silver-based hybrid nanocomposite, Ag/Ag 2 O/ZrO 2 /GL, is being reported herein. The composite was synthesized by incorporating silver and zirconium oxides nanoparticles into organic framework derived from abundant fruit bearing medicinal plant leaves of Psidium guajava. The prepared composite was characterized by employing several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to establish the morphology, and the functional sites at the surface. It was investigated for the adsorption of methylene blue dye from water which revealed that 2.0 g L−1 of Ag/Ag 2 O/ZrO 2 /GL could clean solution having 10–60 mg L−1 concentrations in 120 min contact time. The process of dye adsorption was found to be endothermic and spontaneous on the basis of thermodynamic parameters. The investigation further revealed that the Freundlich isotherm explained adsorption data satisfactorily. The reaction followed pseudo-second order kinetics and which was controlled by intraparticle diffusion step. The thermodynamics, isothermal, and kinetics studies suggest that combination of electrostatic and physical adsorption was responsible for the methylene blue removal from water by Ag/Ag 2 O/ZrO 2 /GL. The equilibrium partition coefficient and adsorption capacity were 50.6 L g−1 and 4.95 mg g−1, respectively at 10 mg L−1 concentration with significant reusability. The material showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Image 1 • Ag/Ag 2 O/ZrO 2 /GL was prepared by incorporating Ag and Zr into guajava framework. • Ag/Ag 2 O/ZrO 2 /GL was investigated for adsorption and antibacterial applications. • Its potential as adsorbent was accounted through the partition coefficient. • Schematic mechanism of adsorption of Methylene blue is given herein. • Application of Ag/Ag 2 O/ZrO 2 /GL is found as efficient technology for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two native duckweeds (Lemna minor and Azolla pinnata) were cultivated in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) to extract nutrients from the effluent. Five grams of A. pinnata and 2 g of L. minor were transferred to 2 L POME (Initial concentrations: 198 mg/L COD, 4.3 mg/L nitrates, pH 9.53, 4 mg/L phosphate, 2.98 mg/L ammonia) with four different dilutions (2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%) under greenhouse conditions. Samples of POME were taken every two days up to 10 days. Growth parameter, phosphate, ammonia, nitrates, pH, and COD were monitored within 10 days to select the most suitable growth medium for both plants. Results showed that 2.5% POME dilution had positive effect on L. minor growth and A. pinnata (wet weight increased by 8.7 g and 9.8 g, respectively), with all plants able to survive until the final day of exposure. The highest removal of ammonia was accomplished in 5% POME dilution by A. pinnata (98%) and L. minor (95.5%). The maximum phosphate removal was obtained in 10% POME dilution with 93.3% removal by A. pinnata and 86.7% by L. minor. Significant COD removal in 15% POME was obtained by L. minor (78%) and A. pinnata (66%). Both plants responded positively to the phytoremediation process, especially for A. pinnata which showed significant decreases in all parameters. The nutrient extraction by both plants from POME showed a positive effect on growth parameter, which has further promising potential to be used as animal feedstock. Image 1 • This is the first report on POME - Azolla pinata - Lemna minor - livestock interaction. • Palm oil mill effluent (POME) gave positive effect on A. pinata and L. minor growth. • POME enhanced the carbohydrate and protein content in A. pinata and L. minor. • Potential of A. pinata and L. minor as a livestock after treating POME were reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketoprofen treatments on HEK 293 cells at environmentally relevant concentrations caused cytotoxicity effects as listed on the right side of the figure. • Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used in medicine. • Inefficient ketoprofen removal could risk human health and environments. • HEK293 cells treated with ketoprofen < 30 μg/L showed insignificant cytotoxic effects. • However, the treated cells did manifest the behaviour of cancer cells. • Upregulation of COX-1 expression among the treated cells might indicate inflammation. Inefficient ketoprofen removal from pharmaceutical wastewater may negatively impact the ecosystem and cause detrimental risks to human health. This study was conducted to determine the cytotoxicity effects of ketoprofen on HEK 293 cell growth and metabolism, including cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) expression, at environmentally relevant concentrations. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated through the trypan blue test, DNS assay, MTT assay, and the expression ratio of the COX-1 gene. The results of this study show insignificant (p > 0.05) cytotoxic effects of ketoprofen on cell viability and cell metabolism. However, high glucose consumption rates among the treated cells cause an imitation of the Warburg effect, which is likely linked to the development of cancer cells. Apart from that, the upregulation of COX-1 expression among the treated cells indicates remote possibility of inflammation. Although no significant cytotoxic effects of ketoprofen were detected throughout this study, the effects of prolonged exposure of residual ketoprofen need to be evaluated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]