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Agriculture waste residue (corn stalk), a rich source of reducing sugars explored in the present study for the production of bioethanol using hydrolytic enzymes and fermenting yeast cocktails. Corn stalk pulp was biologically pretreated using hydrolytic enzymes cocktail of ligninase, cellulase and xylanase produced from Bacillus sp. PHS-05, Bacillus subtilis CP-S66 and Bacillus safensis XP-S7 with 2.34 ± 0.28 U/ml, 6.89 ± 0.36 U/ml and 11.9 ± 0.22 U/ml enzyme activities respectively. This biological pretreatment of corn stalk pulp resulted into 51.41 ± 0.34 % removal of lignin and 77.43 ± 2.44 % extraction of reducing sugar (C5 & C6). The changes occur in corn stalk pulp after enzymatic saccharification was confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Corn stalk sugar hydrolysate was co-fermented into 0.77 ± 0.06 g/g bioethanol with yield of 26.6 ± 0.46 g/kg of biomass, using Kluyveromyces marxianus MTCC 1498 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further , purity (94.27 %) and volumetric productivity (0.20 ± 0.04 g/L/h) of bioethanol was confirmed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Present findings provide valuable insight to obtain second generation biofuels to solve energy crisis, and environmental problems besides boosting socioeconomic prosperity through sustainable management of agro-residues. [Display omitted] • Lignocellulosic corn stalk residue held great potential for bioethanol production. • Enzymatic pretreatment resulted in 51.41 ± 0.34 % lignin removal from corn stalk pulp. • Saccharification of corn stalk pulp hydrolysate released 77.43 ± 2.44 % C5&C6 sugars. • Co-fermentation of C5 & C6 sugars resulted into 26.6 ± 0.46 g bioethanol/Kg of biomass. • Volumetric productivity of bioethanol was 0.20 ± 0.04 g/L/h with 94.27 % purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the importance and need to identify criteria and indicators (C&I) for sustainable landscaping using native plants in Qatar. The conditions for operationalizing the criteria and indicators approach are being incorporated into sustainable development practices and management planning in Qatar. This paper aims to develop criteria and related indicators for strengthening the global sustainability assessment system (GSAS) in order to provide a holistic approach for sustainable environmental assessment and the enhancement of ecosystem services. A total of 50 potentially native plant species were prioritized and categorized based on the following different parameters: weather conditions tolerated (temperature, humidity, and rainfall), multiple use value (ecological, economical, and medicinal), standard crown size (≤50 cm and ≥50 cm) and water requirement (moist, moderate, and dry). Diverse local stakeholders as well as international experts were consulted to rank the plant species, and concluded that these prioritized native species are fit for sustainable landscaping as opposed to the exotic plant species which are imported from different geo-climatic zones. Environmental, social, economic, human, and policy sustainability aspects were considered, along with 12 criteria and 49 related indicators which were identified by promoting the use of potential native plants for sustainable landscaping in Qatar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing nitrogen-fixing legumes in desert land could enhance rangeland productivity and help in soil reclamation. However, detailed information about germination and seedling performance of many desert legumes species is still lacking. We investigated these plant characteristics for five native legumes of the Arabian Desert in Qatar: Crotalaria aegyptiaca , Crotalaria persica , Rhynchosia minima , Senna alexandrina and Senna italica . Germination of the species was tested under laboratory conditions using different temperature and light treatments: 15/25, 20/30 and 25/35 °C, in either continuous darkness or cycles of 12 h light/12 h darkness. The germination percentage recorded under the different temperature and light conditions was very low. Therefore, four scarification treatments, water soaking (12 and 24 h) and concentrated sulfuric acid application (5 and 10 min), were applied. The scarification treatments improved the germination of all the species. However, the different species did not equally respond to the scarification treatments tested. In general, the treatments with sulfuric acid were the most effective. Subsequent seedling survival and growth were evaluated under greenhouse and field (nursery) conditions. All the studied species exhibited higher seedling survival inside (69–96%) than outside the greenhouse (53–89%). Regarding growth, these species did not show much difference in terms of shoot and root length when placed in the greenhouse or the nursery. However, the species showed differences in biomass allocation (aboveground vs. belowground biomass) between greenhouse and nursery but with species-specific responses. The information provided here on scarification requirements and seedling survival and biomass allocation as dependent on the growth environment is helpful for conservation and landscape agencies interested in using these species for conservation, restoration and landscaping projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climbing species display contrasting germination responses to light and temperature. • Seed mass is a good predictor of the germination-light requirement. • Species from coniferous mixed forest were greatly affected by temperature regimes. • Seasonal changes in temperature drive germination timing. Climbing plants may be classified as lianas (woody) or vines (herbaceous). This grouping is not taxonomic but is useful for functional ecology. We evaluated seed germination of three liana and four vine species from the Chinese subtropical forest zone. Seeds were collected from different environments (abandoned agricultural land, broadleaf forest, coniferous mixed forest) and seed traits characterized (seed fresh mass, seed shape index, water gain). Germination tests were conducted under different temperature regimes: 5/10, 10/20, 20/30, 25/35, 35/40 °C under light and dark conditions. Additionally, we tested the relationships of germination responses (germination percentage, mean germination times, and relative light-germination index) with seed traits. The two species from abandoned agricultural land (Glycine max subsp. soja and Ipomoea triloba) had impermeable seed coats and reached only intermediate values of germination percentage, from 20 to 40% in the tested temperatures, with little effect from light regimes. In the broadleaf forest, Ipomoea nil also had impermeable seeds, but reached 91% of germination under 25/35 °C. Seeds of I. nil were the largest ones (4.8 g per 100 seeds), and there was a positive relationship of seed mass with G%. Seeds of Kadsura longipedunculata (liana) had low G% under all tested temperatures, probably related to some dormancy type, which requires further investigation. Species from coniferous mixed forest were greatly affected by temperature regimes, and Coptosapelta diffusa (the smallest seeds) had also the most light-dependent germination. Light-germination index had thus a significant/negative relationship with seeds mass. Environmental factors may help to explain the distribution of seed traits in our study, but further research should examine a larger set of species to better understand regeneration ecology of climbing plants in contrasting ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dots (QDs) are getting special attention due to their commendable optical properties and applications. Conventional metal-based QDs have toxicity and non-biodegradability issues, thus it becomes necessary to search for renewable precursor molecules for QDs synthesis. In recent years, biomass-based carbon rich QDs (CQDs) have been introduced which are mainly synthesised via carbonization (pyrolysis and hydrothermal treatment). These CQDs offered higher photostability, biocompatibility, low-toxicity, and easy tunability for physicochemical properties. Exceptional optical properties become a point of attraction for its multifaceted applications in various sectors like fabrication of electrodes and solar cells, conversion of solar energy to electricity, detection of pollutants, designing biosensors, etc. In recent years, a lot of work has been done in this field. This article will summarize these advancements along in a special context to biomass-based QDs and their applications in energy and the environment. [Display omitted] • Quantum dots (QDs) are nanostructures having optical and fluorescence properties. • Biomass-based QDs are non-toxic, biodegradable, and easy to fabricate. • This article discusses various methods reported for carbon quantum dots synthesis. • Application of QDs in the area of energy and bioremediation are reviewed in detail. • Challenge to control QDs properties and future direction in this area provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Relatively few studies have investigated mistletoe infestation of tree species in urban settings, and even fewer considered infestation of alien tree species. Here, mistletoe infestation incidence and intensity were studied in Durban, South Africa. The relationship of infestation to tree CBH and height was examined in detail for the mistletoe species Erianthemum dregei. Although E. dregei is known to have a wide range of host taxa, we report E. dregei infestation on 27 new host species for the first time. E. dregei occurred on 30 host species with a preference for the alien host tree Melia azedarach in our study area. The relationship between infestation and CBH indicated that the trees (irrespective of species) of ≥200cm were more susceptible to the mistletoe attack. The implications of this pattern, as well as those of high host diversity and especially of infestation of alien trees are discussed in a conservation perspective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we obtain some common fixed point theorems for occasionally weakly compatible mappings on a set together with the function without using the triangle inequality and assuming symmetry only on the set of points of coincidence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• New insights and update in the research of psychrophilic enzymes. • Adaptation strategies and specific features of psychrophilic organism. • Exploitation of adaptive features of psychrophiles for commercial applications. • Role of psychrophilic enzymes in industrial processes. • In depth analysis of various applications of psychrophilic enzymes. Biocatalysts are the backbone of bioprocessing industries that are going through a phase of transition with reference to the requirement of extraordinary enzymes for various biochemical processes. This transition is well reported and documented by various researchers through elucidation of different features and applications of mesophilic and thermophilic enzymes. However, there is little information available about psychrophilic enzymes and their involvement in industrial processes. Therefore, understanding the features and functions of psychrophilic enzymes could suggest some of their novel applications in various industries such as food, agriculture, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and waste management etc. Currently, different industries are looking for such novel psychrophilic enzymes to develop efficient biochemical processes that will help to reduce the reaction time, lower the energy inputs and as well as be eco-friendly. These bioprocesses will help to increase the profit margin by reducing the overall cost of the final products. This review article will provide new insights in technical and scientific analysis of psychrophilic microbes, their enzymes and low energy biochemical processes that are useful in various industries for the production of valuable products. It will also further strengthen the understanding of academia and industry about these ubiquitous biocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The morphology and distribution of leaf trichomes of Tetradenia riparia were studied using light and scanning microscopy. Three morphologically distinct types of trichomes were observed on T. riparia leaf surfaces: glandular capitate (short and long stalked), peltate and non-glandular. The glandular and non-glandular trichomes were present in abundance on both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Young leaves were densely covered with trichomes; however, the density of trichomes decreases progressively with leaf maturity. This suggests that the trichomes are established early in leaf differentiation and their density decreases with leaf development and age. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salinity is a major issue affecting photosynthesis and crop production worldwide. High salinity induces both osmotic and ionic stress in plant tissues as a result of complex interactions among morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. Salinity, in turn, can provoke inactivation of some enzymes in the Calvin-Benson cycle and therefore affect the fine adjustment of electron transport in photosystem I and carbon related reactions. Here, we used three contrasting Jatropha curcas genotypes namely CNPAE183 (considered tolerant to salinity), CNPAE218 (sensible), and JCAL171 (intermediate) to understand salinity responses. By performing a long-term (12 months) experiment in land conditions, we investigated distinct mechanisms used by J. curcas to cope with threatening salinity effects by analyzing gas exchange, mineral nutrition and metabolic responses. First, our results highlighted the plasticity of stomatal development and density in J. curcas under salt stress. It also demonstrated that the CNPAE183 presented higher salt-tolerance whereas CNPAE218 displayed a more sensitive salt-tolerance response. Our results also revealed that both tolerance and sensitivity to salinity were connected with an extensive metabolite reprogramming in the Calvin-Benson cycle and Tricarboxylic Acid cycle intermediates with significant changes in amino acids and organic acids. Collectively, these results indicate that the CNPAE183 and CNPAE218 genotypes demonstrated certain characteristics of salt-tolerant-like and salt-sensitive-like genotypes, respectively. Overall, our results highlight the significance of metabolites associated with salt responses and further provide a useful selection criterion in during screening for salt tolerance in J. curcas in breeding programmes. Schematic summary model showing metabolic and physiologic responses to salt (NaCl) and plant mitochondria and chloroplast in J. curcas. Ions Na+ and Cl− were translocated by leaves through xylem. In the leaves, these ions provokes NaCl stress symptoms triggering oxidative ionic and osmotic stress on cells. Once inside the chloroplast the Na+ ions provokes downregulation of many Calvin-Benson cycle enzymes (e.g. Rubisco, Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, Sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphatase, transketolase, Ribulose 5-phosphate isomerase)1. This leads to the inhibition of the conversion of ribose 5-phosphate to Ribulose 5-phosphate by Ribulose 5-Phosphate Isomerase and ultimately to the downregulation of photosynthesis only in J. curcas salt-sensitive like plants (here referred as CNPAE183). Notably, in J. curcas salt-tolerant like plants (here referred as CNPAE218) a maintenance of photosynthesis occurs and it resulted in healthy foliage and fruiting. Once in mitochondria, Na+ ions appears to stimulate a complex metabolic reprograming that involved enhanced glycolysis, increase on the tricarboxylic cycle acid intermediates coupled with the synthesis of amino acids and organic acids. Abbreviations: TCA, tricarboxylic acid cycle; 1 = downregulation of Calvin-Benson cycle enzymes proposed by Lin et al. (2018) and Sivakumar et al. (2000). [Display omitted] • Jatropha curcas used combined protection mechanism to stabilize photosystems; • Differential changes promoted by tolerant-like plants may help to select elite genotypes; • Stomata regulate the transpiration force affecting physiological responses; • CNPAE218 is a promising candidate in the plant breeding based on its responses; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnobotanical relevance Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D. Don (Melanthiaceae) is valued as a traditional medicinal herb in the Himalayan region. Applications include treatment of cancer, hypertension, neurasthenia, giddiness, arthritis, dysentery, inflammation, sepsis and reproductive disorders. Its range is highly specific, and limited to cold, shaded and moist habitats at 2400-3500 m a.s.l. Rhizomes are gathered from wild populations for trade, and this has recently emerged as a significant source of income among indigenous people of the Indian Himalayan region. Aim To assess the impact of changing rhizome prices on T. govanianum in the Indian Himalayan region by observing the status of existing populations and assessing the typical methods used for gathering and trade of rhizomes. Material and methods Ecological attributes were assessed in 17 sites from Tirthan Valley (Himachal Pradesh), Munsiyari and Tunghnath (Uttarakhand). Socio-economic attributes assessed through communal focus groups and interviews with 579 medicinal plants gatherers and 19 traders, using semi-structured open ended questionnaires. Results Population decline was highest in Munsiyari, followed by Tirthan Valley and Tunghnath, indicating that the species may become locally extinct in some areas. Methods used for gathering did not consider regeneration. Conclusion Gathering of T. govanianum from wild populations is unselective and unmanaged, raising the potential threat of local extinctions. Sustainable utilization and effective conservation is needed to protect the species and maintain community incomes. A status of ‘threatened’ is justified for the species in the Indian Himalayan region, due to its slow life cycle, specific habitat requirement, low population density, and commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: CC chemokine receptor-3 (CCR3) is involved in angiogenic processes. Recently, CCR3 was accounted to participate in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and CCR3 targeting was reported to be superior to standard antivascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) administration when tested in an artificially induced CNV in animals. As human CCR3 studies are lacking in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients we sought to determine if CCR3 has any association with inflammatory processes that occur in CNV. A total of 176 subjects were included on the basis of inclusion criteria. Real time PCR was used to analyze the single nucleotide polymorphism in CCR3 of AMD (115) and normal controls (n=61). Genotype frequency was adjusted for possible confounders like cigarette smoking, alcohol, meat consumption and other risk factors. Chi-square test was used for analysis of polymorphism. The genotype distribution of CCR3 (rs3091250) polymorphism was significantly different in AMD patients in the Indian population. GT (heterozygous) and TT (homozygous) at the rs3091250 SNP increased risk of AMD as compared to the GG genotypes (OR=4.8, CI 95%=2.2–10.8 and OR=4.1, CI 95%=1.6–10.1 respectively). Subgroup analysis of AMD patients in wet and dry revealed no significant differences. There was no significant difference for rs3091312 in AMD and control group. A significant association between AMD and CCR3 (rs3091250) polymorphism localized on chromosome 3p21.3 was detected. The results suggest the possible contribution of rs3091250, a new predisposing allele in AMD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Synthesis of Graphene Oxide (GO) functionalized MnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles. • Covalent immobilization of LiP on MnFe 2 O 4 @GO to fabricate nanobiocatalyst. • Structural and magnetic characterization of nanobiocatalyst. • Functional and stability profiling of nanobiocatalyst for dye decolourization. • LiP biocatalyst with improved reusability, metal ion and organic solvent tolerance. In view of the potential applications of immobilized enzymes, partially purified Lignin Peroxidase (LiP) from Pseudomonas fluorescens LiP-RL5 was immobilized on Graphene Oxide functionalized MnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles (10 nm, synthesized by sol-gel auto-combustion) to fabricate a new hyperactive and thermostable nanobiocatalyst and thereafter characterized by using standard techniques. Immobilized LiP was quite stable at 50 °C with the half-life of 14 h and showed higher tolerance towards various metal ions and solvents than free LiP. Immobilized LiP retained 50% of enzyme activity even after nine consecutive runs. When tested against various textile dyes, the immobilized LiP was found quite effective with higher dye decolourization efficiency (up to 88%) within 1 h of incubation at 30 °C. The results of this research effort confirmed that the immobilization of LiP and fabrication of nanobiocatalyst increase the efficacy, stability, and reusability of the enzyme which could be efficiently utilized under harsh industrial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]