Search

Incidence rates of Lyme borreliosis, a tickborne disease attributed to infection by Borrelia species, are increasing, and limitations to existing treatments potentiate the possibility of severe outcomes. Nevertheless, there are no licensed vaccines for Lyme borreliosis prevention in humans. This study investigated the immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of VLA15, an investigational outer surface protein A (OspA)-based Lyme borreliosis vaccine that has previously shown safety and immunogenicity when administered as a primary vaccination series, following a primary VLA15 vaccination series. We report the results of the booster phase of a randomised, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 2 study that enrolled healthy adults aged 18–65 years from five US clinical study centres to receive 135 μg or 180 μg VLA15 or placebo at months 0, 2, and 6 in the main study phase. Participants who received 180 μg VLA15 in the main study phase and did not have relevant protocol deviations were eligible for the booster phase (months 18–30). Participants were randomly reassigned (2:1) to receive an intramuscular injection of a VLA15 booster or placebo 1 year after the completion of primary vaccination (month 18) via a randomisation list generated by an unmasked statistician with a block size of six. Individuals involved in data safety monitoring, rerandomisation, vaccine handling, and vaccine accountability were unmasked; the study sponsor and statisticians were only unmasked after analysis of data up to 1 month after booster administration. All other individuals remained masked throughout the booster phase. The outcomes for the booster phase were the immunogenicity (evaluated in the booster per-protocol population) and safety (evaluated for all participants who received the booster) of the booster dose up to month 30. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03970733) and is completed. Between Feb 4 and March 23, 2021, 58 participants (28 men and 30 women) were screened, randomly assigned, and received VLA15 (n=39) or placebo (n=19). One participant in the placebo group was lost to follow-up. The IgG geometric mean titres for each OspA serotype (serotypes 1–6) in the VLA15 group peaked at 1 month after the booster dose (1277·0 U/mL [95% CI 861·8–1892·3] to 2194·5 U/mL [1566·8–3073·7] vs 23·6 U/mL [18·1–30·8] to 36·8 U/mL [26·4–51·3] in the placebo group [p<0·0001 for all serotypes]), remained elevated at month 24 (137·4 U/mL [95·8–196·9] to 265·8 U/mL [202·9–348·2] vs 22·3 U/mL [17·7–28·0] to 29·1 U/mL [20·8–40·6] in the placebo group; p<0·0001 for all serotypes), and declined by month 30 (54·1 U/mL [38·6–75·7] to 101·6 U/mL [77·6–133·1] vs 21·9 U/mL [18·0–26·6] to 24·9 U/mL [19·0–32·6] in the placebo group; p<0·0001 for all serotypes except serotype 1 [p=0·0006]). Solicited local adverse events were reported more frequently in the VLA15 group (35 [92%, 95% CI 79–97] of 38 participants) than the placebo group (six [32%, 15–54] of 19 participants; p<0·0001) after booster vaccination. There was no significant difference in the frequency of solicited systemic adverse events between groups (20 [59%, 42–74] of 34 participants in the VLA15 group vs six [38%, 18–61] of 16 participants in the placebo group). Related unsolicited adverse events (none severe) were reported by two (5%, 1–17) of 39 participants in the VLA15 group and none (0%, 0–17) of 19 participants in the placebo group. There were no severe solicited local or systemic adverse events or deaths during the study. A booster dose of VLA15 is safe and induces substantial anamnestic immune responses against all six OspA serotypes. As with previously investigated OspA-based Lyme borreliosis vaccines, waning immune responses were observed with VLA15, and annual boosters might therefore be required. Valneva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of solar energy into hydrogen energy via photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is one of the most promising approaches for generation of clean and sustainable hydrogen energy in order to address the alarming global energy crisis and environmental problems. To achieve superior PEC performance and solar to hydrogen efficiency (STH), identification, synthesis, and development of efficient photoelectrocatalysts with suitable band gap and optoelectronic properties along with high PEC activity and durability is highly imperative. With the aim of improving the performance of our previously reported bilayer photoanode of WO 3 and Nb and N co-doped SnO 2 nanotubes i.e. WO 3 -(Sn 0.95 Nb 0.05)O 2 :N NTs, herein, we report a simple and efficient strategy of molybdenum (Mo) doping into the WO 3 lattice to tailor the optoelectronic properties such as band gap, charge transfer resistance, and carrier density, etc. The Mo doped bilayer i.e. (W 0.98 Mo 0.02)O 3- (Sn 0.95 Nb 0.05)O 2 :N revealed a higher light absorption ability with reduced band gap (1.88 eV) in comparison to that of the undoped bilayer (1.94 eV). In addition, Mo incorporation offered improvements in charge carrier density, photocurrent density, with reduction in charge transfer resistance, contributing to a STH (∼3.12%), an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE ∼ 8% at 0.4 V), including a carrier density (N d ∼ 7.26 × 1022 cm−3) superior to that of the undoped bilayer photoanode (STH ∼2%, ABPE ∼ 5.76%, and N d ∼5.11 × 1022 cm−3, respectively). The substitution of Mo6+ for W6+ in the monoclinic lattice, forming the W–O–Mo bonds altered the band structure, realizing further enchantments in the PEC reaction and charge transfer kinetics. Additionally, doped bilayer photoanode revealed excellent long term PEC stability under illumination, suggesting its robustness for PEC water splitting. The present work herein provides a simple and effective Mo doping approach for generation of high performance photoanodes for PEC water splitting. New Mo doped bilayer photoanodes showing efficient photoelectrocatalytic activity in acid mediated water splitting. [Display omitted] • Bilayer nanotubes of Mo doped WO 3 and (Sn 0.95 Nb 0.05)O 2 :N studied as a photoanode. • Bilayer with Mo offers superior charge transfer kinetics and photocurrent density. • Mo incorporation enhances the optoelectronic properties. • Composite bilayer photoanode exhibits solar to hydrogen efficiency of ∼3.12%. • Bilayer photoanode displays excellent photoelectrochemical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic relapsing disorders, including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which affects an increasing number of people worldwide. In the last few decades, the scientific world has witnessed many developments in IBD management by controlling debilitating symptoms and remaining in remission for more protracted periods. Even so, we still have a large population suffering from active IBD. An individual's quality of life (QoL) can be severely affected by IBD, like any other chronic illness. In this article, we have reviewed factors influencing the QoL in IBD patients, including chronic pain, diet, physical activity, and psychological factors like depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. We also discussed the mechanisms of diet-microbial-immune system interaction, currently available dietary therapies for active CD and UC, and early psycho-social interventions that can reduce the disease burden and improve QoL in IBD patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising and environmentally benign approach for generation of hydrogen using solar energy with minimum greenhouse gas emissions. The development of semiconductor materials for photoanode with superior optoelectronic properties combined with excellent photoelectrochemical activity and stability is vital for the realization of viable commercial development of PEC water splitting systems. Herein, we report for the very first time, the study of nanoscale bilayer architecture of WO 3 and Nb and N co-doped SnO 2 nanotubes (NTs), wherein WO 3 NTs are coated with (Sn 0.95 Nb 0.05 )O 2 :N-600 (annealed in NH 3 at 600 °C) layer of different thicknesses, as a potential semiconductor photoanode material for PEC water splitting. An excellent long term photoelectrochemical stability under illumination in the acidic electrolyte solution combined with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (STH) of ∼3.83% (under zero applied potential) is obtained for the bilayer NTs, which is the highest STH obtained thus far, to the best of our knowledge compared to the other well studied semiconductor materials, such as TiO 2 , ZnO and Fe 2 O 3 . These promising results demonstrate the excellent potential of bilayer NTs as a viable and promising photoanode in PEC water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin is an important adipocytokine secreted chiefly by fat containing adipocytes, and plays a crucial role in glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Alterations in adiponectin levels have been shown to directly affect lipid and glucose metabolism that further increase the synthesis of lipids, free fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines. Changes in adiponectin levels also contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the role of adiponectin and its molecular mechanisms in metabolic syndrome. Clinical improvement in adiponectin levels have been shown to positively modulate lipid and glucose metabolism, thus further substantiating its role in regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Currently adiponectin is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome, although more research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms controlling adiponectin levels, including dietary and lifestyle interventions, that may target adiponectin as a therapeutic intervention in metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic effect of goethite recovered from iron-ore mining mud was studied in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Characterization of material recovered from mining mud confirms the recovery of iron oxide as goethite. Heat treated goethite (550 °C) and untreated raw goethite were coated on stainless-steel anode of MFC-1 and MFC-2, respectively; whereas, unmodified stainless-steel anode was used in MFC-3 (control). Fivefold increment in power was obtained in MFC-1 (17.1 W/m 3 at 20 Ω) than MFC-3 (3.5 W/m 3 ). MFC with raw goethite coated anode also showed enhanced power (11 W/m 3 ). Higher Coulombic efficiency (34%) was achieved in MFC-1 than control MFC-3 (13%). Decrease in mass-transport losses and higher redox current during electrochemical analyses support improved electron transfer with the use of goethite on anode. Cheaper goethite coating kinetically accelerates the electron transfer between bacteria and anode, proving to be a novel approach for enhancing the electricity generation along with organic matter removal in MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the development of ceramic separator (CS) made from red soil blended with cation exchanger, Montmorillonite and Kaolinite, for its application in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The separators were characterized in terms of conductivity, oxygen, acetate and proton diffusion, and ion transport ability. Performance of MFCs using different CS was evaluated under batch mode of operation. MFC M-20 (CS blended with 20% Montmorillonite) exhibited maximum power density of 7.5 W/m 3 which was 48% higher than MFC without exchanger (Control) and 30%, 9%, 27% higher than MFC M-10 (10% Montmorillonite), MFC M-15 (15% Montmorillonite), MFC K-20 (20% Kaolinite), respectively. Coulombic efficiency of MFC M-20 (30%) and MFC K-20 (23%) was higher compared to control (18%). Use of cation exchangers improved properties of ceramic separators compared to control. Higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) of Montmorillonite (150 meq/100 g) resulted in 4 fold decrease in charge transfer resistance (3.4 Ω) and 1.8 fold increase in conductivity (5.56 × 10 −4 S/cm) of CS as compared to Kaolinite. This study demonstrates that Montmorillonite incorporated CS proved to be suitable alternative to replace costly polymeric membrane to increase power output of MFC at reduced cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste activated sludge was digested in anodic compartment of dual chambered clayware microbial fuel cell (MFC). Performance of MFC was evaluated using oxygen (MFC-1) and hypochlorite (MFC-2) as cathodic electron acceptors. Power production of 8.7 W/m 3 was achieved using hypochlorite as catholyte, which was two times higher than using oxygen (4.2 W/m 3 ). Total chemical oxygen demand of sludge was reduced by 65.4% and 84.7% in MFC-1 and MFC-2, respectively. Total and volatile suspended solids reductions were higher in MFC-2 (75.8% and 80.2%, respectively) as compared to MFC-1 (66.7% and 76.4%, respectively). Use of hypochlorite demonstrated 3.8 times higher Coulombic efficiency (13.8%) than oxygen. Voltammetric and impedance analysis revealed increase in reduction peak (from 8 to 24 mA) and decreased polarization resistance (from 42.6 to 26.5 Ω). Hypochlorite proved to be better cathodic electron acceptor, supporting rapid sludge digestion within 8 days of retention time and improved power production in MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of scalable air–cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) of 26 L volume, made from clayware cylinder with multiple electrodes, was evaluated. When electrodes were connected in parallel with 100 Ω resistance ( R ext ), power of 11.46 mW was produced which was 4.48 and 3.73 times higher than individual electrode pair and series connection, respectively. Coulombic efficiency of 5.10 ± 0.13% and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 78.8 ± 5.52% was observed at R ext of 3 Ω. Performance under different organic loading rates (OLRs) varying from 0.75 to 6.0 g COD L −1 d −1 revealed power of 17.85 mW (47.28 mA current) at OLR of 3.0 g COD L −1 d −1 . Internal resistance ( R int ) of 5.2 Ω observed is among the least value reported in literature. Long term operational stability (14 months) demonstrates the technical viability of clayware MFC for practical applications and potential benefits towards wastewater treatment and electricity recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Major breakthrough in MFC research is disinfection with hypochlorite catholyte. [•] Simultaneous secondary treatment and disinfection can be achieved in MFCs. [•] Power generation increases by increasing available chlorine dose from 0.67 to 3g/L. [•] At Cl2 dose of 3g/L Coulombic efficiency of 26% and 6 fold more power is produced. [•] Both the chambers of MFC were effectively used for pollutant removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Performance of MFC was compared using NaOCl solution and aerated water in cathode. [•] NaOCl solution as catholyte demonstrated higher organic matter removal. [•] Power produced using NaOCl was 9 times more as compared to aeration in cathode. [•] Partial regeneration of HOCl makes it sustainable catholyte than other chemicals. [•] Improved Tafel kinetics supports practical use of MFC using NaOCl catholyte. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mutations in Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (mtSOD1) cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS), a neurodegenerative disease resulting from motor neuron degeneration. Here, we demonstrate that wild type SOD1 (wtSOD1) undergoes palmitoylation, a reversible post-translational modification that can regulate protein structure, function, and localization. SOD1 palmitoylation was confirmed by multiple techniques, including acyl-biotin exchange, click chemistry, cysteine mutagenesis, and mass spectrometry. Mass spectrometry and cysteine mutagenesis demonstrated that cysteine residue 6 was the primary site of palmitoylation. The palmitoylation of FALS-linked mtSOD1s (A4V and G93A) was significantly increased relative to that of wtSOD1 expressed in HEK cells and a motor neuron cell line. The palmitoylation of FALS-linked mtSOD1s (G93A and G85R) was also increased relative to that of wtSOD1 when assayed from transgenic mouse spinal cords. We found that the level of SOD1 palmitoylation correlated with the level of membrane- associated SOD1, suggesting a role for palmitoylation in targeting SOD1 to membranes.Wefurther observed that palmitoylation occurred predominantly on disulfide-reduced as opposed to disulfide-bonded SOD1, suggesting that immature SOD1 is the primarily palmitoylated species. Increases in SOD1 disulfide bonding and maturation with increased copper chaperone for SOD1 expression caused a decrease in wtSOD1 palmitoylation. Copper chaperone for SOD1 overexpression decreased A4V palmitoylation less than wtSOD1 and had little effect on G93A mtSOD1 palmitoylation. These findings suggest thatSOD1palmitoylation occurs prior to disulfide bonding during SOD1 maturation and that palmitoylation is increased when disulfide bonding is delayed or decreased as observed for several mtSOD1s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Myocardial infarction is associated with persistent muscle damage, scar formation and depressed cardiac performance. Recent studies have demonstrated the clinical significance of stem cell-based therapies after myocardial infarction with the aim to improve cardiac remodeling and function by inducing the reconstitution of functional myocardium and formation of new blood vessels. Stem cell homing signals play an important role in stem cell mobilization from the bone marrow to the ischemic cardiac environment and are therefore crucial for myocardial repair. To date, the most prominent stem cell homing factor is the chemokine SDF-1α/CXCL12. This protein was shown to be significantly upregulated in many experimental models of myocardial infarction and in patients suffering from ischemic cardiac diseases, suggesting the involvement in the pathophysiology of these disorders. A number of studies focused on manipulating SDF-1α and its receptor CXCR4 as central regulators of the stem cell mobilization process. Targeted expression of SDF-1α after myocardial infarction was shown to result in increased engraftment of bone marrow-derived stem cells into infarcted myocardium. This was accompanied by beneficial effects on cardiomyocyte survival, neovascularization and cardiac function. Thus, the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis seems to be a promising novel therapeutic approach to improve post-infarction therapy by attracting circulating stem cells to remain, survive and possibly differentiate in the infarct area. This review will summarize clinical trials of stem cell therapy in patients with myocardial infarction. We further discuss the basic findings about SDF-1α in stem cell recruitment and its therapeutic implications in experimental myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A systematic multi-disciplinary design approach to the optimum tailoring of composite materials is a challenging design optimization problem. It involves the tailoring of composite material properties as per the design requirements. While designing any component, typical cost or weight reduction involves the use of optimization together with corresponding analysis. Depending upon various performance requirements, different types of analyses become the design drivers. Often in practice, such design drivers are dealt with separately, allowing the design to iterate until all the constraints are satisfied. However, these all-design drivers act as separate black box units with very tight interfaces, which could lead to quite inefficient designs. Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) establishes a link between numerous parameters concerning various disciplines. The main objective of this study is to review the different MDO frameworks applied to the design optimization of composite materials and structures by various researchers and to compare their capabilities and constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The performance of Ricardo E6 engine using biodiesel obtained from mahua oil (B100) and its blend with high speed diesel (HSD) at varying compression ratio (CR), injection timing (IT) and engine loading (L) has been presented in this paper. The brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) increased, whereas brake thermal efficiency (BTE) decreased with increase in the proportion of biodiesel in the blends at all compression ratios (18:1–20:1) and injection timings (35–45° before TDC) tested. However, a reverse trend for these parameters was observed with increase in the CR and advancement of IT. The BSFC of B100 and its blends with high speed diesel reduced, whereas BTE and EGT increased with the increase in L for the range of CR and IT tested. The differences of BTEs between HSD and B100 were also not statistically significant at engine settings of ‘CR20IT40’ and ‘CR20IT45’. Thus, even B100 could be used on the Ricardo engine at these settings without affecting the performance obtained using HSD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this work, simulations have been performed for three phase stirred dispersions using computational fluid dynamics model (CFD). The effects of tank diameter, impeller diameter, impeller design, impeller location, impeller speed, particle size, solid loading and superficial gas velocity have been investigated over a wide range. The Eulerian multi-fluid model has been employed along with the standard k– turbulence model to simulate the gas–liquid, solid–liquid and gas–liquid–solid flows in a stirred tank. A multiple reference frame (MRF) approach was used to model the impeller rotation and for this purpose a commercial CFD code, FLUENT 6.2. Prior to the simulation of three phase dispersions, simulations were performed for the two extreme cases of gas–liquid and solid–liquid dispersions and the predictions have been compared with the experimental velocity and hold-up profiles. The three phase CFD predictions have been compared with the experimental data of Chapman et al. [1983. Particle–gas–liquid mixing in stirred vessels, part III: three phase mixing. Chemical Engineering Research and Design 60, 167–181], Rewatkar et al. [1991. Critical impeller speed for solid suspension in mechanical agitated three-phase reactors. 1. Experimental part. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research 30, 1770–1784] and Zhu and Wu [2002. Critical impeller speed for suspending solids in aerated agitation tanks. The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering 80, 1–6] to understand the distribution of solids over a wide range of solid loading (0.34–15wt%), for different impeller designs (Rushton turbine (RT), pitched blade down and upflow turbines (PBT45)), solid particle sizes (120–) and for various superficial gas velocities (0–10mm/s). It has been observed that the CFD model could well predict the critical impeller speed over these design and operating conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The performance of biodiesel obtained from mahua oil and its blend with high speed diesel in a Ricardo E6 engine has been presented in this paper together with some of its fuel properties. These properties were found to be comparable to diesel and confirming to both the American and European standards. Engine performance (brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency and exhaust gas temperature) and emissions (CO, smoke density and NO x ) were measured to evaluate and compute the behaviour of the diesel engine running on biodiesel. The reductions in exhaust emissions and brake specific fuel consumption together with increase brake power, brake thermal efficiency made the blend of biodiesel (B20) a suitable alternative fuel for diesel and thus could help in controlling air pollution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A central composite rotatable design was used to study the effect of methanol quantity, acid concentration and reaction time on the reduction of free fatty acids content of mahua oil during its pretreatment for making biodiesel. All the three variables significantly affected the acid value of the product, methanol being the most effective followed by reaction time and acid catalyst concentration. Using response surface methodology, a quadratic polynomial equation was obtained for acid value by multiple regression analysis. Verification experiments confirmed the validity of the predicted model. The optimum combinations for reducing the acid level of mahua oil to less than 1% after pretreatment was 0.32 v/v methanol-to-oil ratio, 1.24% v/v H2SO4 catalyst and 1.26h reaction time at 60°C. After the pretreatment of mahua oil, transesterification reaction was carried out with 0.25 v/v methanol-to-oil ratio (6:1 molar ratio) and 0.7% w/v KOH as an alkaline catalyst to produce biodiesel. The fuel properties of mahua biodiesel so obtained complied the requirements of both the American and European standards for biodiesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The dynamic environment within the bioreactor and in the purification equipment is known to affect the activity and yield of enzyme production. In the present work, the effect of hydrodynamic flow parameters and and interfacial flow parameters ( and ) on the activity of lipase has been comprehensively investigated in bubble column reactors. Lipase solution was subjected to hydrodynamic flow parameters in 0.15 and 0.385 m i.d. bubble column reactors over a wide range of superficial gas velocity (-). The flow parameters were estimated using an in-house CFD simulation code based on – approach. The extent of lipase deactivation in both the columns was found to increase with an increase in hydrodynamic and interfacial flow parameters. However, at equal value of any of these parameters, the extent of deactivation was different in the two columns. The rate of deactivation was found to follow first order kinetics. An attempt has been made to develop rational correlations for the extent of deactivation as well as for the deactivation constant. The rate of deactivation was found to be depending on the average turbulent normal stress and interfacial flow parameters such as bubble diameter and bubble rise velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A technique to produce biodiesel from mahua oil (Madhuca indica) having high free fatty acids (19% FFA) has been developed. The high FFA level of mahua oil was reduced to less than 1% by a two-step pretreatment process. Each step was carried out with 0.30–0.35 v/v methanol-to-oil ratio in the presence of 1% v/v H2SO4 as an acid catalyst in 1-hour reaction at 60°C. After the reaction, the mixture was allowed to settle for an hour and methanol–water mixture that separated at the top was removed. The second step product at the bottom was transesterified using 0.25 v/v methanol and 0.7% w/v KOH as alkaline catalyst to produce biodiesel. The fuel properties of mahua biodiesel were found to be comparable to those of diesel and conforming to both the American and European standards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In biochemical process industries, the dynamic environment within the bioreactor and in the purification equipment is known to affect the enzyme activity and yield of enzyme production. This has drawn our attention to examine the effect of various flow parameters on the deactivation behavior of enzyme in stirred tank reactor. In the present work, cellulase deactivation was investigated in and 0.57m i.d. stirred vessels with single and dual impeller. Enzyme solution was subjected to hydrodynamic stress using various types of impeller and impeller combinations over a wide range of power consumption (). The effects of tank diameter, impeller diameter, blade width, blade angle and number of blades were studied on the extent of deactivation. The results have been compared with the previously published literature. Attempts have been made to relate the extent of deactivation with the flow pattern (maximum and average value of turbulent energy dissipation rate, average shear rate and average turbulent normal stress). The extent of cellulase deactivation has been found to correlate well with the average turbulent normal stress within the stirred vessel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Deactivation of Hen egg white lysozyme and lipase from Aspergillus oryzae at the gas–liquid interface was comprehensively investigated in three different contactors, viz., bubble column, stirred vessel and falling film. Deactivation experiments were carried out over a wide range of power consumption (0.098<(PG/V)<4.80 kW/m3), gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient (0.035) and gas–liquid interfacial area (20). A two-step series mechanism has been proposed and the major deactivation was found to be due to the first step. The rate was found to be first order and the rate constant was found to correlate well with the liquid side mass transfer coefficient. Further, the extent of enzyme deactivation was found to be depending upon gassed power consumption per unit volume. The structural change of deactivated lysozyme after exposure to air–water interface was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim Inspite of availability of a variety of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes, little is known about their effects on other systems. Normalization of glucose metabolism by these drugs may consequently affect the secretory function in adipocytes. Secretory adipocytokines like adiponectin and leptin are emerging as novel therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study was undertaken to analyze the effects of commonly used Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (OHAs) alone, or in combination with other drugs and/or insulin on circulatory adiponectin and leptin levels, lipid profile, and blood pressure in diabetic subjects. Methods The study was undertaken at IRSHA and Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College and Hospital, MS, India. Clinically diagnosed T2DM subjects and age, gender matched healthy controls were recruited. Fasting blood was collected from each subject and the blood samples were analyzed for circulatory adipocytokines and lipid parameters using commercial kits. Results Serum adiponectin levels were significantly increased while leptin significantly decreased in diabetic men ( p < 0.05) and women ( p < 0.001) on OHA, as compared to healthy controls. Triglyceride levels significantly decreased ( p < 0.05) in diabetic men, however, they remained unchanged in women despite same drug treatment. Serum HDL and LDL levels ( p < 0.001) were significantly lower in diabetic women as compared to healthy women. Systolic ( p < 0.05) and diastolic ( p < 0.001) blood pressure was significantly high in diabetic men but remained unchanged in women. Conclusions Frequently used OHAs significantly improve circulatory levels of adipocytokines. Selecting best treatment option for each patient is a key, and 2012 European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and ADA guidelines recommend diabetes treatment to be individualized depending on various socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. We recommend regular analysis of circulatory adipocytokines in T2DM patients to help clinicians select the best treatment option to normalize levels of these important therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• System dynamics modelling for impact of climate change on renewable sources. • Eight climate change scenarios to predict biomass yield and bioethanol availability. • Availability of biomass feedstocks predicted to decrease by one-fourth by 2060. • Switchgrass identified as a sustainable source over corn for future use of bioethanol. The availability of bioethanol, a promising renewable alternative to fossil fuels depends on the supply of biomass produced from agricultural resources. The study attempts a system dynamics modelling approach to explore the implications of greenhouse gas concentration trajectories associated with climate change on bioethanol supply chains. Eight different climate change scenarios are simulated spanning over a 40-year horizon to predict biomass yield and bioethanol availability, by considering first generation (corn) and second generation (switchgrass) ethanol feedstocks. The developed model is used to assess the extent of potential disruptions resulting from global warming. Cascading effect of climate change risk is evident through decreased yield and production, and increased shortages at end customer in the bioethanol supply network. The results indicate that, if climate change risk is not adequately mitigated and current used source of ethanol (corn) continues to be leveraged, the bioethanol availability may decrease by one-fourth by the year 2060. The comparative study encourages exploring the increased use of switchgrass as a sustainable feedstock for renewable energy. Developed insights support identifying effective climate change mitigation policies and sustainable investment decisions for the reduction in carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First successful study of supercritical instability including wall thermal energy storage effects which is in good agreement with experiments. • Detailed analysis of wall heat on parallel channel topology. • Precise predictions of period of oscillation with and without inclusion of wall. • 1D-Linear, frequency domain model. One-dimensional (1-D) numerical simulations were carried out of two vertical heated parallel- channel experiments using a linear frequency domain approach to investigate the wall energy storage effect on the system's stability boundary for supercritical water up-flow. Oscillatory instability boundaries of the experimental cases with two different wall thicknesses, uniform and non-uniform power distributions are produced, assessed and discussed. In all, 31 cases were examined. These instability predictions with wall energy storage effects are compared with experimental data and other numerical results obtained without wall heat effects. There is improved agreement on the stability boundary predictions when the wall energy storage effect is included; however, all results fall within the experimental uncertainty. There is a cancellation effect of the wall energy storage in two parallel channels compared to a single channel. Consequently, the effect of wall energy storage is relatively small for the experiments modeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self anodization of metal to form their hydroxides and then doped oxides is the versatile technique among the most widely used techniques. Very little work is found in the literature regarding the preparation of Ru doped copper oxide by this method and their use for supercapacitor applications. Here in copper hydroxide thin films were prepared via a self anodization of copper strips in 1 M NaOH bath, followed by Ru doping by the cathodization of these samples in different concentrations of RuCl 3 aqueous bath. The typical Ru doped copper hydroxide sample was further annealed at different temperatures to get their oxide forms. All annealed samples were found polycrystalline in nature. SEM supports to the surface morphological change of copper oxide samples with Ru addition. Variation in hydrophilic nature of the samples with annealing temperature was observed. The electrochemical properties of these samples were studied in 1 M aqueous NaOH electrolyte by means of cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and EIS. All prepared samples exhibited pseudo capacitive behaviour. Sample deposited for 30 min using 0.005 M Ru concentration and there after annealed at 673K shows highest specific capacitance 7700 F/g at 2 mV/s in 1 M NaOH. Image 1 • 2 step electrodeposition Anodization followed by cathodization, has been carried to form the Ru incorporated copper oxide. • Modified morphology and hence the electrochemical performance with Ru incorporation is observed. • Improved stability with Ru incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The impact of fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) and disease duration on type 2 diabetes in Indian population is still unclear. The present study examines gender-dependent effects of FBG and disease duration on lipid profile, adipocytokines and related biochemical parameters in diabetic individuals. Methods Type 2 diabetic individuals (n = 100) were classified depending on FBG: patients with normal FBG (Glucose < 126 mg/dl) and patients with high FBG (Glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl); and disease duration: ≥0–≤3 yr, >3–≤7 yr, >7 yr. Results Males with high FBG had significantly higher serum glucose, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and waist hip ratio (WHR) than males with normal FBG. Females with high FBG had significant increase in serum glucose, adiponectin and creatinine while decrease in leptin levels than females with normal FBG. Males with high FBG had higher WHR, superoxide dismutase, SGOT, SGPT and lower adiponectin, leptin than females with high FBG. Significant positive association was observed between glucose and cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL and urea in males with high FBG. With chronic diabetes for >7 yr, males had increased systolic blood pressure, glucose, LDL, urea and low catalase activity as compared to other disease duration groups. However, females had higher adiponectin, creatinine and lower body mass index and cholesterol. Conclusions High FBG in males adversely affects lipid profile, adipocytokines and liver function. Some of these effects exacerbate as disease progresses. Higher adiponectin may have desirable effects on metabolic markers in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Type 2 diabetes mellitus has assumed pandemic proportions worldwide. Aggressive management of hyperglycemia in diabetics is a primary goal of treatment. We have previously reported favorable effects of oral hypoglycemic agents on adipocytokines. Aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of adipocytokines with anthropometric measures and biochemical parameters in type 2 diabetics. Methods Clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetics and age, gender matched healthy volunteers were recruited for study. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, waist-circumference, hip-circumference were recorded and BMI, waist-hip ratio were calculated. Fasting blood samples were collected from participants and sera were analyzed for glucose, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, insulin, adiponectin and leptin. Correlation of adipocytokines with anthropometric and biochemical parameters was assessed in healthy and diabetic individuals. Results BMI and WHR in diabetics were significantly higher than healthy population. BMI did not show significant association with adipocytokines. Diabetic males with WHR ≥ 0.9 showed negative association with adiponectin and positive association with leptin. WC did not show significant association with adipocytokines in males. Irrespective of WC, healthy females exhibited positive association with leptin. Diabetic females with WC ≥ 88 cm showed leptin to be positively associated with WC. Such association of adipocytokines with WHR was not detected in females. Conclusions Body fat distribution can be considered as a parameter in assessing adipokine imbalance. Central adiposity is a better measure of adipokine imbalance than BMI. Abdominal obesity in diabetics correlates with altered levels of adipocytokines indicating its importance in diabetic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim As diabetes mellitus is multi-factorial disease, use of several oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) is the main stay of pharmacological treatment. The treatment has become more challenging and controversial as OHAs are heterogeneous in their mode of action that causes unwanted side effects. Complementary approaches such as use of medicinal plants and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities are therefore imperative. A vast literature has independently documented the effects of OHAs, medicinal plants and PUFA for management of diabetes. In the present article, we have reviewed the current literature to describe the effects of commonly used OHAs, their mechanisms of action and reported controversies. The antidiabetic potential of herbs and/or formulations and omega-3 PUFA with its potential benefits and mode of action is also discussed. Methods PUBMED, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library etc., were searched for relevant articles using appropriate terms (until February 2015). Human and animal studies were selected for the review. Data extraction was carried out by one author and checked by second author. Results There is still controversy over the safety profile of OHAs. Medicinal herbs with hypoglycemic activities are increasingly sought because of its natural origin, active constituents and minimal side effects. The current literature suggests that supplementation with PUFA improves macro- and microvascular complications. Conclusion There is a need for best possible individualized treatment based on variations in biochemical parameters with combinational therapy of nutritional/herbal supplementations. Such a combination may be helpful for better management of diabetes and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area of non-noble metals based electro-catalysts with electrochemical activity and stability similar or superior to that of noble metal electro-catalyst for efficient hydrogen production from electrolytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a subject of intense research. In the current study, exploiting theoretical first principles study involving determination of hydrogen binding energy to the surface of the electro-catalyst, we have identified the (Cu 0.83 Co 0.17 ) 3 P: x at. % S system displaying excellent electrochemical activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Accordingly, we have experimentally synthesized (Cu 0.83 Co 0.17 ) 3 P: x at. % S (x = 10, 20, 30) demonstrating excellent electrochemical activity with an onset overpotential for HER similar to Pt/C in acidic, neutral as well as basic media. The highest electrochemical activity is exhibited by (Cu 0.83 Co 0.17 ) 3 P:30 at. % S nanoparticles (NPs) displaying overpotential to reach 100 mA cm −2 in acidic, neutral and basic media similar to Pt/C. The (Cu 0.83 Co 0.17 ) 3 P:30 at. % S NPs also display excellent electrochemical stability in acidic media for long term electrolytic and PEC water splitting process [using our previously reported (Sn 0.95 Nb 0.05 ) O 2 : N-600 nanotubes (NTs) as the photoanode]. The applied bias photon-to-current efficiency obtained using (Cu 0.83 Co 0.17 ) 3 P:30 at. % S NPs as the cathode electro-catalyst for HER in an H-type PEC water splitting cell (∼4%) is similar to that obtained using Pt/C (∼4.1%) attesting to the promise of this exciting non-noble metal containing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess whether an oxygen saturation (Spo 2) target of 85%-89% compared with 91%-95% reduced the incidence of the composite outcome of death or major disability at 2 years of age in infants born at <28 weeks' gestation. Study design: A total 340 infants were randomized to a lower or higher target from <24 hours of age until 36 weeks’ gestational age. Blinding was achieved by targeting a displayed Spo 2 of 88%-92% using a saturation monitor offset by ±3% within the range 85%-95%. True saturations were displayed outside this range. Follow-up at 2 years' corrected age was by pediatric examination and formal neurodevelopmental assessment. Major disability was gross motor disability, cognitive or language delay, severe hearing loss, or blindness. Results: The primary outcome was known for 335 infants with 33 using surrogate language information. Targeting a lower compared with a higher Spo 2 target range had no significant effect on the rate of death or major disability at 2 years’ corrected age (65/167 [38.9%] vs 76/168 [45.2%]; relative risk 1.15, 95% CI 0.90-1.47) or any secondary outcomes. Death occurred in 25 (14.7%) and 27 (15.9%) of those randomized to the lower and higher target, respectively, and blindness in 0% and 0.7%. Conclusions: Although there was no benefit or harm from targeting a lower compared with a higher saturation in this trial, further information will become available from the prospectively planned meta-analysis of this and 4 other trials comprising a total of nearly 5000 infants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The identification and development of novel non-noble metals based electro-catalyst exhibiting excellent electrochemical activity and stability than noble metal electro-catalyst is important for commercial development of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Such non-noble electro-catalyst with unique electronic structure and superior electrochemical performance will immensely contribute to lowering the capital cost of PEMFCs. Herein, we have identified solid solution electro-catalysts of WO 3 and IrO 2 for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs exploiting theoretical first principles approaches. The theoretical results were experimentally validated by generation of nanostructured (W 1-x Ir x )O y (x = 0.2, 0.3; y = 2.7–2.8) electro-catalysts for ORR. (W 0.7 Ir 0.3 )O y demonstrated ∼43% improved electrochemical activity than Pt/C with similar loading at 0.9 V ( vs RHE), respectively. Moreover, single full cell PEMFC study revealed an acceptable ∼81% improved maximum power density for (W 0.7 Ir 0.3 )O y than Pt/C combined with excellent long term stability. These results thus, show the potential of (W 0.7 Ir 0.3 )O y as ORR electro-catalyst for replacing of Pt/C in PEMFCs and direct methanol fuel cells on the additional grounds of superior methanol tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The distribution of buoyant solid particles in agitated suspensions has been studied. The investigation was carried out in a baffled vessel characterised by an aspect ratio equal to four and stirred with four radial impellers. Dilute suspensions of single-sized spherical particles of expanded polystyrene (density equal to 90.7kg/m3) in water were used. Solid concentration was measured with a non-intrusive optical technique. Measurements were performed along the axis of the reactor to obtain steady-state vertical profiles (that increase from the vessel base to the top) as well as at fixed elevations to determine their transient after a pulse of solids injected at the bottom. Both the steady-state profiles and the transient concentration curves were interpreted in terms of the axial dispersion model with sedimentation. By data treatment the rising velocity in the agitated system could be determined, which proved to be significantly smaller than the rising velocity in a still liquid. The ratio of these two velocities is in reasonable agreement with a correlation of the ratio of the settling velocities for heavy particles with the ratio of the Kolmogorov microscale to particle diameter established in the past. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]