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Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant sources is one of the most environmentally sound, economically safer, and operationally simple approaches compared with their physiochemical methods. In this work, we have developed the biogenic synthesis of Ag nanoparticles using the aqueous peel extract of Punica granatum L. fruit, which mitigates the requirement for any hazardous reagents or toxic chemicals. The ultraviolet‐visible spectrum confirmed the formation of Ag@PPE NPs with an absorption peak at 420 nm. The X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms that the biosynthesized Ag@PPE NPs are crystalline, with a crystallite size of 9.23 nm. SEM and TEM images revealed the spherical morphology of Ag@PPE NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 20 nm. The biosynthesized Ag@PPE NPs were explored as antimicrobial agents against both Gram‐positive (CA‐MRSA) and Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria as well as Candida albicans (ATCC 14053). The mean zone of inhibition against the CA‐MRSA group was 15.34 ± 2.5 mm, while it was 12.33 ± 1.5 mm against E. coli. In this study, Ag@PPE NPs demonstrated strong antibiofilm activity and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the catalytic applicability of the synthesized Ag@PPE NPs has been investigated for the oxidative hydroxylation of differently substituted aryl boronic acids into phenols at room temperature. The reaction proceeded efficiently in a short reaction time, and the desired products were obtained with high to excellent yields (82%–94%). Notably, the nanocatalyst can be recovered in five consecutive runs without decreasing its catalytic performance. The plausible mechanism of this ipso‐hydroxylation reaction is well presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dinuclear cadmium(II) complex, [Cd2(Hhqc)2(H2O)4] (H3hqc=4,8‐dihydroxyquinoline‐2‐carboxylic acid) was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, elemental analyses and thermo‐gravimetric studies. The metal centers are found to be six coordinated with distorted pentagonal pyramidal geometry around them. The complex shows few significant intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions to produce a three dimensional supramolecular network comprising of T8(2) water tapes. Besides these non‐covalent interactions few other supramolecular interactions are also involved within the molecular dimer like π⋅⋅⋅π stacking, Cd⋅⋅⋅π etc. They have been analyzed using DFT calculations, MEP surface analyses and NCI plot index analyses. The detailed study highlights the complex interplay of π‐stacking, H‐bonding, and spodium interactions in stabilizing the dimers of complex, which providing precious insights into their energetic and structural characteristics. Further more, the catalytic efficiency of the synthesized complex has been investigated as an effective heterogeneous catalyst in the Knoevenagel condensation reactionunder solvent‐free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two monomeric octahedral complexes {[Ni(N(CN)2)2(bpy)2]2·H2O (1) and [Mn(N(CN)2)2(bpy)2] (2) where bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine} were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, UV–visible, and IR spectra. The geometry optimization through DFT measurements predicts that both the complexes have similar monomeric structures with hexa‐coordinated metal centers having a couple of bpy and mononegative dca anions and thus satisfying the octahedral geometry. Moreover, it is found that the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps are ΔE = 4.981 and 5.563 eV for complexes 1 and 2, respectively, which are responsible for the stabilization of the complex formation. The calculated absorption bands are located at 304 and 235 nm, which are in excellent agreement with the experimental result. Moreover, the DFT study of the electronic spectra of both complexes shows that the calculated absorption bands are in well agreement with the experimental results. In the electrical studies, direct current (dc) measurements on the copper/complex (1 or 2)/copper structure confirm a definite development in the device current with applied bias. Complex 1 has shown better electrical conductance compared to complex 2 based on the reduction of device resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, large quantity of animal byproducts is generated from the slaughter of food animals, but there is lack of research articles related to drying of these byproducts and its use as pet food. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of utilization of intact whole buffalo liver by drying for pet treat, evaluating its shelf life and palatability. The intact liver surface was superficially sliced, and the surface was pierced. Thereafter, the livers were pretreated in 3% sugar and 4% salt solution (1 : 3 w / v) for 3 h followed by microwaving for 4 min and hot air drying at 60°C for 40 h (designated as T2L). The livers which were dried the same as T2L except surface piercing were referred as T1L, whereas the livers dried only using hot air oven were referred as control (CL). The moisture and protein contents of the dried CL and T2L were found to be 28.46% and 14.29% and 43.85% and 52.76%, respectively. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) image of T2L revealed the presence of few low as well as high molecular weight protein bands which were absent in CL and T1L indicating a comparatively lower level of protein degradation in T2L. The shelf life of T1L and T2L samples based on microbiological and lipid oxidation analyses was found to be more than 60 days at 25 and 4°C. Palatability studies using dogs showed that all dried samples were highly palatable. Thus, it could be concluded that intact buffalo liver could be dried using surface slicing, with/without piercing followed by salt and sugar pretreatment, 4 min microwaving, and hot air drying at 60°C for 40 h. Future study should focus on the sensory properties such as aroma, texture, and flavor and sensory analysis of the dried liver by human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is a promising chemical and a useful feedstock for the synthesis of several industrial products. The current commercial process of MEG production utilizes petroleum feedstock (ethylene) and an expensive catalyst, and the yield is low. Syngas is an attractive alternate feedstock for MEG. Syngas to MEG proceeds in two steps: the self‐closing, green step of carbonylation of alkyl nitrile to produce dialkyl oxalate, and further hydrogenation of oxalate to MEG. Many reviews which focused on catalyst development, reaction mechanisms, and process variables were published earlier. The present work covers the developments in the syngas‐to‐MEG synthesis process after 2014. It overviews the performance of novel catalyst systems reported in literature. A discussion on reaction pathways and kinetic models is also presented. This work will provide useful insight into syngas‐to‐MEG conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian leopards kept in zoos are fed solely on carabeef on bone (CBB) diets. Carabeef contains lesser or no carotenoids. Hence, the captive Indian leopard diets are suspected to be deficient in carotenoids while their wild counterparts acquire these pigments from their natural prey. Lutein is a vital carotenoid that plays its role as an antioxidant and immunomodulator. This experiment investigates the effect of lutein supplementation on antioxidant status, immunity, and stress in captive Panthera fusca fed CBB diets. Nine leopards were used based on 3 × 3 replicated Latin square designs in the experiment. Groups CON, LUT20, and LUT40 were supplemented with 0, 20, and 40 ppm of lutein, respectively. Each experiment comprised of 10 days of wash‐out period, 11 days of adaptation, and 4 days of collection. Digestibility of crude protein (CP) was higher (p <.01) in groups LUT20 and LUT40. Serum concentration of protein, globulin, urea (p <.05), total carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity, and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) index were higher (p <.001) in groups LUT20 and LUT40. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum concentration of immunoglobulin were higher (p <.001) in group LUT20. Serum concentration of malonaldehyde (MDA) and fecal concentration of cortisol decreased (p <.001) in groups LUT20 and LUT40. Serum concentration of total immunoglobulin (µg/ml) and LTT were higher in group LUT20. Fecal concentration of cortisol (ng/g) was lower in LUT20 and LUT40. The study concludes that supplementation of lutein at 20 ppm would improve antioxidant status and immunity and alleviate stress in captive Indian leopards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude oils contain chloride impurities, including some organic components termed as 'organic chloride'. Owing to the high dissociation energy of the C‐Cl bond, organic chlorides are very difficult to remove during the desalting process unlike inorganic chloride salts. Failure to properly remove organic chlorides could have a significant adverse effect on petroleum refinery equipment in terms of corrosion during crude oil processing. Therefore, stringent specification of organic chlorides is being maintained throughout the refining process to avoid corrosion‐related incidents. Generally, a guard bed column is used for the removal of organic chlorides in the downstream of the refining process. Guard bed columns are comprised of metal oxide‐based components that operate at a very high temperature. In contrast, a phase transfer catalyst (PTC)‐based process for organic chloride removal at the upstream of the refining process is established up to lab‐scale and with model compounds only. This review is aimed to highlight the technical challenges associated with organic chloride contamination in refining processes and plausible methods and techniques available for smooth refining operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Converting CO2 to renewable fuels via clean and cost‐effective chemical processes is very desirable for the sustainable development of green civilization. The electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECO2R) to ethanol using renewable energy is a green and effective strategy for addressing global warming and energy shortage issues. But, simultaneous generation of multiple gaseous & liquid products and low catalytic activities are limiting the technology's practical use in the short term. In this study, recent scientific developments in ECO2R for selective production of ethanol are reviewed which include both theoretical and experimental aspects. The reported electro‐catalysts are categorized into different groups and the performance of these electro‐catalysts/electrodes is summarized. The effect of electro‐catalysts' composition & its morphology, applied potential, type of electrolyte, metal loading, reactor configuration, etc. are comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, the present status & challenges and future prospects are presented to help in future design and planning of high‐performance electro‐catalysts for ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left bundle branch (LBB) area pacing emerged as a promising alternative to His bundle (HB) pacing in difficult cases of physiological pacing and failed cases of cardiac resynchronization. So, it is important to understand ECG features of LBB area pacing in various subsets of patients. Objective: We wanted to find out different morphological patterns and characteristic ECG features of LBB area pacing. Method: Medtronic 3830 pacing lead was used to pierce the interventricular septum 1‐2 cm distal towards the RV cavity to a previously placed electrophysiology catheter at distal HB region to reach the LBB area in the right anterior oblique (RAO) 30 degree projection. We observed paced QRS morphology in lead V1 and paced QRS duration. Results: We have analyzed ECG features of 60 patients who had undergone LBB area pacing and 60 patients with RV apical pacing. LBB area pacing resulted in narrower‐paced QRS complex than conventional RV apical pacing. In patients with baseline LBBB QRS shortening from LBB area pacing was more in comparison to patients with RBBB (34.45 ± 8.07 ms vs 19.78 ± 10.24 ms, P value.004). Paced QRS morphological pattern in lead V1 was most commonly qR pattern followed by Qr pattern. Conclusions: LBB area pacing results in narrower‐paced QRS duration than RV apical pacing. The morphological pattern is most commonly a qR or Qr pattern in lead V1. Patients with baseline RBBB showed lesser paced QRS shortening in comparison to patients with baseline LBBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An economically efficient and operationally simple ligand‐free protocol for the chemoselective oxidation of benzylic alcohols to carbonyl compounds has been developed using alumina‐supported nickel nanoparticles as a stable recyclable heterogeneous catalyst along with potassium tert‐butoxide in the presence of aerial oxygen as an eco‐friendly oxidant. The aliphatic alcohols remained unaffected under the present condition. Excellent chemoselectivity has also been demonstrated through intermolecular and intramolecular competition experiments. This protocol accommodates a diverse range of substituents with the tolerance of various sensitive moieties during the reaction. The catalyst could be recovered by filtration and reused consecutively without any significant loss in the catalytic activity. Moreover, the heterogeneity of the catalyst has also been established by the "hot filtration method (Sheldon's test)". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study nutrient and mineral utilization in greater one‐horned rhinoceros fed season‐specific diets. Nine adult greater one‐horned rhinoceros (774–2407 kg BW) of Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna, Bihar, India, were used in this experiment. Three digestion trials of 60‐d duration were conducted per animal, out of which 55 days was adaptation period and 5 days was collection period. The amount of concentrate was kept constant during all the trials. Green fodder sources were sugarcane, berseem (Trifolium alexndrinum) and chari (Sorghum bicolor) during trials I, II and III respectively. Green fodders were offered 20% in excess of previous day's intake in the afternoon. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was higher (p <.01) in group II as compared to other groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was lowest (p <.01) in group I, followed by group III, and the highest value was observed in group II. Apparent digestibility of Ca and P was lower in greater one‐horned rhinoceros fed sugarcane and sorghum as green fodder source. In spite of this, sugarcane and sorghum‐based diets were able to meet the requirement of Ca, P, Fe and Mn. Berseem supplied Ca in excess of requirement. All the diets were deficient in Zn. Hence, a suitable supplement of Zn should be added to the conventional zoo diet of greater one‐horned rhinoceros. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of gradual replacement of dietary buffalo meat on the bone (BMB) with chicken carcass (CC) on nutrient utilization, serum cortisol, and total serum antioxidant profile of zoo‐housed Indian leopard. Twelve adult leopards were randomly distributed into a replicated Latin square design comprising three treatments, three periods, four animals, and three sequences. Leopards in group T1 were fed normal zoo diet of BMB. On the basis of dry matter, 10% and 20% of BMB was replaced with CC in groups T2 and T3, respectively. Each experimental period comprised 21 days. During each period, a digestion trial of 4‐day collection period was conducted after an adaptation period of 17 days. On Day 21 of each experimental period, blood was collected from all the animals by puncturing the ventral coccygial vein. Intake and apparent digestibility of major nutrients were similar among the groups. Replacement of 20% BMB with addition of CC increased (p < 0.001) the calculated supply of I, niacin, and vitamin A. Carotenoid intake increased (p < 0.01) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of cortisol decreased (p < 0.01) whereas serum concentration of total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of antioxidant enzymes increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. It was concluded that replacement of 20% of BMB with CC increased antioxidant profile. This may reduce oxidative stress in zoo‐housed Indian leopards without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization. HIGHLIGHTS: Replacement of 20% buffalo meat on the bone (BMB) with addition of chicken carcass (CC) increased (P<0.001) the calculated supply of iodine, niacin and vitamin A. Carotenoid intake increased (P<0.01) with increased level of CC in the diet.Serum concentration of cortisol decreased (P<0.01) while serum concentration of total carotenoids (TC) increased (P<0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet.Serum concentration of antioxidant enzymes increased (P<0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. It was concluded that replacement of 20% of BMB with CC increased antioxidant profile. This may reduce oxidative stress in zoo-housed Indian leopards without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of green forages on feed consumption, nutrient and mineral utilization in Golden pheasants (GP). Twenty-seven female GP (BW 617-635 g) were randomly distributed into three groups of nine birds each in an experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD). Birds in group T1 were fed a conventional zoo diet containing 1.4% green forages; however, the diets of the birds in groups T2 and T3 contained 2.7% and 5.0% of green forages, respectively. Intake of total carotenoids increased with increased level of green forages in the diet. Apparent retention of N, Ca, and Zn was higher in GP laying hens fed diet containing 5.0% green forages as compared to those fed conventional diet containing 1.4% green forages. Results of the present study indicate that inclusion of 5% green forage in the diet of GP would improve the utilization of N, Ca, and Zn without any adverse effect on intake and utilization of other nutrients. Data related to nutrient intake, basal endogenous losses (BEL) and coefficient of retention (COR) of N, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn are novel and may be of use for future research. Zoo Biol. 35:522-532, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find out the optimum level of crude protein (CP) in the diet of captive Lady Amherst's pheasants (LAP) on molt, 18 male birds were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized block design. The CP content of the diets of birds in groups I, II, and III was 13.4, 16.5, and 19.1%, respectively. Intake and apparent balance of nitrogen increased linearly ( P < 0.001) as CP content of the diet increased. Intake and utilization of energy, calcium, and phosphorous were similar among groups. Body mass change and growth rate of feathers were significantly ( P < 0.01) lower in group I as compared to groups II and III. There was a positive co-relationship between ME intake and change in body weight ( R2 = 0.89, F = 126.4, P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicates that LAP can maintain body mass when ME supply is 122.2 Kcal/kg BW0.75/d. Linear relationships between intake and apparent retention of N, Ca, and P as expressed on mg/kg BW0.75/d were all significant. Apparent nitrogen retention, and mean feather growth rate was lower in birds fed diet containing 13.4% CP. Feeding of the diets containing 16.5% CP resulted in improved retention of nitrogen, and mean feather growth rate. Further increase in dietary concentration of CP to 19.1% showed no further improvement. It was concluded that a diet containing 16.5% CP would be optimum for Lady Amherst's pheasants during molt. Zoo Biol. 35:51-60, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conglutinin, a collagenous C-type lectin, acts as soluble pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in recognition of pathogens. In the present study, genes encoding neck and carbohydrate recognition domain (NCRD) of conglutinin in goat and blackbuck were amplified, cloned, and sequenced. The obtained 488 bp ORFs encoding NCRD were submitted to NCBI with accession numbers KC505182 and KC505183. Both nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences were analysed with sequences of other ruminants retrieved from NCBI GenBank using DNAstar and Megalign5.2 software. Sequence analysis revealed maximum similarity of blackbuck sequence with wild ruminants like nilgai and buffalo, whereas goat sequence displayed maximum similarity with sheep sequence at both nucleotide and amino acid level. Phylogenetic analysis further indicated clear divergence of wild ruminants from the domestic ruminants in separate clusters. The predicted secondary structures of NCRD protein in goat and blackbuck using SWISSMODEL ProtParamonline software were found to possess 6 beta-sheets and 3 alpha-helices which are identical to the result obtained in case of sheep, cattle, buffalo, and nilgai. However, quaternary structure in goat, sheep, and cattle was found to differ from that of buffalo, nilgai, and blackbuck, suggesting a probable variation in the efficiency of antimicrobial activity among wild and domestic ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial 12S rRNA has proven to be a useful molecular marker for better conservation and management of the endangered species. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene has proven to be a reliable and efficient tool for the identification of different Indian deer species of family cervidae. In the present study, mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequence of mouse deer (Moschiola indica) belonging to the family Tragulidae was characterized and analysed in silico for its use in species identification. Genomic DNA was isolated from the hair follicles and mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was amplified using universal primers. PCR product was cloned and sequenced for the first time. The sequence of mouse deer showed 90.04, 90.08, 90.04, 91.2, 90.04, and 90.08% identities with sika deer, sambar, hog deer, musk deer, chital, and barking deer, respectively. Restriction mapping in Lasergene (DNAstar Inc., Madison, WI, USA) revealed that mouse deer mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequence can be differentiated from the other deer species in PCR-RFLP using RsaI, DdeI, BsrI, and BstSFI. With the help of predicted pattern, mouse deer can be identified using genomic DNA from a variety of biomaterials, thereby providing molecular aid in wildlife forensics and conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TLR9 plays pivotal role in innate immune responses through upregulation of costimulatory molecules and induction of proinflammatory cytokines like type I interferons including interferon alpha (IFNA). The present study characterized IFNA cDNA and predicted protein sequences in goat and black buck. Response of the PBM cells to TLR9 agonist CpG ODN C and Phorbol Myristate Acetate (PMA) was evaluated by realtime PCR. IFNA coding sequences were amplified fromleukocyte cDNA and cloned in pGEMT-easy vector for nucleotide sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed 570 bp, IFNA ORF encoding 189 amino acids in goat and black buck. Black buck and goat IFNA has 92.1% to 94.7% and 93% to 95.6% similarity at nucleotide level, 86.3% to 89.5% and 70.9% to 91.6% identity at amino acid level with other ruminants, respectively. Nonsynonymous substitutions exceeding synonymous substitutions indicated IFNA evolved through positive selection among ruminants. In spite of lower total leukocyte count, the innate immune cells like monocytes and neutrophils were more in black buck compared to goat. In addition, CpG ODN C-stimulated PBM cells revealed raised IFNA transcript in black buck than goat. These findings indicate sturdy genetically governed immune system in wild antelope black buck compared to domestic ruminant goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]