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Understanding on the bioavailability of silicon (Si) in intensively cultivated agricultural ecosystem still remains a challenging topic which requires attention by the scientific community. Monosilicic acid (soluble Si) and polysilicic acid (insoluble Si) affect various physicochemical properties of the soil. Thus, quantification of plant available silicon (PAS) content is a crucial step in order to understand the Si-mass balance for a particular region. The main objectives of this study were to quantify the vertical distribution of the PAS content in soils of four different agro-climatic zones of Karnataka and to evaluate the relationship between the physico-chemical properties of soils and PAS content. Four agro-climatic zones of Karnataka namely southern dry zone (SDZ), southern transition zone (STZ), coastal zone (CZ) and central dry zone (CDZ) were chosen for this study. The PAS content extracted by 0.01 M CaCl2 and 0.5 M CH3COOH is referred to as dissolved silicon (DSi) and adsorbed silicon (AdSi), respectively. Irrespective of the crop, SDZ and CDZ have medium DSi content (between 20 to 40 mg kg−1) and STZ and CZ have high DSi content (more than 40 mg kg−1). Irrespective of the crop, lowest DSi and AdSi concentration was recorded in SDZ and CZ, respectively. The AdSi content was generally higher than DSi content. On an average, the AdSi content was 2.4 and 4 times higher than DSi in CDZ and SDZ soil profiles of rice, respectively. In case of soil profiles of sugarcane, 2.6 and 4 times higher AdSi content compared to DSi were noticed in CDZ and SDZ, respectively. The depth wise increase in either DSi or AdSi content can be substantiated by the pH effect. Correlation studies indicated that irrespective of the crop, with increase in pH the release of AdSi and DSi content to the solution significantly increased and decreased, respectively. This study also suggested that PAS is essentially released from the finer fractions of soils rather than coarser fractions. Irrespective of the crop, a positive correlation existed between DSi and total organic carbon (TOC) content, whereas TOC correlated negatively with AdSi content. This study suggested that TOC and inorganic carbon (IC) may act as the main and/or potential source of DSi and AdSi content in soil, respectively.

Slag-based gypsum (SBG) is a synthesized product of steel industry. SBG has better plant nutritional value in terms of sulphur (S), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), silicon (Si) and traces of other micro-nutrients. Field experiments were conducted with randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate the effect of SBG over commercial gypsum (CG) on nutrient availability, uptake and yield of rice in Mandya and Chamarajanagara soils. In both the soil conditions, application of 750 kg SBG ha−1 recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield of rice compared to CG and control treatments. Application of SBG significantly increased the exchangeable calcium, magnesium (Mg) and available sulphur content of both the soils. Exchangeable sodium (Na) content decreased with increased application of SBG and CG in both the soils. Higher content of diethylene triamine pentaacetate (DTPA) extractable micronutrients in both the soils was noticed with the application of 750 kg SBG ha−1 when compared to other treatments. Higher uptake of nutrients was recorded with the application 750 kg SBG ha−1 when compared to other treatments. In conclusion, application of SBG increased the nutrient availability, uptake and yield of rice in both the soils when compared to CG application and it can be a promising alternative source to many commercial and natural gypsum sources in modern day rice farming.

Silicon (Si) and Plant growth regulators (PGR’s) are known to induce resistance against various insect pests. A study was conducted to determine the effect of Si and PGR’s on biology and induced resistance in maize against recently invaded fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. Different foliar silicic acid (FSA), gibberellic acid (GA3) and jasmonic acid (JA) at different concentrations and combinations were evaluated. The larvae fed on plants treated with FSA, FSA + GA3 and jasmonic acid exhibited lower larval, pre-pupal and pupal weight, whereas no effect of gibberellic acid alone on these parameters. Application of FSA at 2 ml L−1and GA3 0.5 mg plant−1 significantly decreased the larval weight (18.38 mg at 5th day, 219.35 mg at 10th day), pre-pupal weight (168.64 mg), pupal weight (158.22 mg) and larval survival (70.00%), fecundity (500.20 eggs/female) and fertility (62.68%). Male longevity was decreased by all the treatments except with the application of GA3 and JA and female longevity was unaffected by JA. The biological parameters of S. frugiperda were negatively correlated with increase in Si, phenols and tannins and potassium concentration in leaves. The study conclusively demonstrated significant negative effect on various biological parameters of FAW when plants were treated with Si and PGR’s.

Al6061 alloy reinforced multiwall carbon nanotubes composites is manufactured by powder metallurgy process. Microstructure of samples is investigated using scanning electron microscope to check the distribution of carbon nanotubes in aluminium alloy. Micro hardness, impact strength and ultimate tensile strength of Al6061 alloy and Al6061 alloy - multiwall carbon nano tubes composites are examined. Micrograph of composites shows better dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes in Al6061 alloy. Addition of multiwall carbon nanotubes improved the hardness, impact strength and ultimate tensile strength of matrix. Hardness of Al6061 increased up to 18.6% by reinforcing 1.5 wt% of multiwall carbon nanotubes in Al6061 alloy. Impact strength and ultimate tensile strength increased up to 66.6and 11.93% respectively by adding 1.5 wt% of reinforcements in Al6061 alloy. 1.5 wt% of multiwall carbon nanotubes in aluminium 6061 alloy offered better mechanical properties compared to Al6061 alloy and 1.5 wt% reinforced Al6061 composites.

Background Guggulutiktaka ghritam is an ayurvedic medicine which has been traditionally used to treat various chronic inflammatory conditions. However, the mechanism of action of the Ayurvedic medication in control of inflammatory conditions has not been clearly evaluated. Objective In the current study, the effect of the Guggulutiktaka ghritam extract (GTG) on the lipoxygenase pathway and in the production of proinflammatory cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation was studied. Materials and methods The effect of GTG in the production of leukotriene was determined by enzyme inhibition studies on 12- lipoxygenase. The assay was carried out by ferrous oxidation of xylenol orange (FOX assay) and was compared to a positive control nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The effect of GTG on the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in monocytes were studied. For this, the monocytes were pretreated with various concentrations of GTG and subsequently stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β produced were quantified by ELISA and the results were compared to positive controls Rolipram and Dexamethasone respectively. The gene expression studies were carried out using qRT-PCR. The IC50 values were calculated and evaluated statistically. Results The result indicates that GTG in comparison to the positive control Nordihydroguaiaretic acid significantly reduced the activity of 12- lipoxygenase. Also, there was significant inhibition in the production of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS stimulated monocytes pretreated with GTG as compared to positive control Rolipram and Dexamethasone. There was significant downregulation of IL-1β gene in LPS stimulated monocytes pretreated with GTG as compared to control. These changes are further supported by Raman spectra obtained for GTG treated and untreated cells. Conclusion The study revealed that GTG is a leukotriene and cytokine inhibitor. The inhibition in the production of cytokines may be due to the down-regulation of genes for TNF-α and IL-1β. The study provides a scientific validation on the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of this traditionally used medicine. Identification of bioactive molecules would aid in developing newer therapeutics for control of chronic inflammation., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Guggulutiktaka ghritham (GTG) has multiple targeted actions in controlling inflammation. • GTG treatment decreases the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and inhibits lipoxygenase activity. • Studies indicate a simple and easy protocol to evaluate efficacy of drugs or natural products.

Aluminium metal matrix composite (AMC’s) gives a large impact in the field of applications of the military, and aerospace due to their improved mechanical and physical properties. The present work investigates the effects of adding Silicon Carbide (SiC) to Al6061 alloy. The percentage of SiC was varied by 3, 5, 7 wt%. The composites were fabricated by the stir casting process. The fabricated composites were analyzed for morphological and mechanical tests. From the results, it was found that the addition of SiC by 7 wt% resulted in enhanced properties.

The growth rate of agricultural production is reducing worldwide every year due to mainly biotic and abiotic stresses including plant diseases. Various organic and inorganic methods are being used to protect plants from disease causing pathogens. Among them, use of pesticides is the most prevalent one incurring millions of dollars on pesticides globally for control of plant diseases. In recent years, environmental hazards and ill effects caused by indiscriminate use of pesticides have been widely discussed. Therefore, agriculture scientists are finding an alternative antimicrobial compounds such as nanoparticles for the management of diseases with least adverse effect on nature and ecosystem. Herein we reviewed the synthesis, antimicrobial efficacy and compatibility of silver nanoparticles which could help to develop the novel technology for crop protection.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Baljigapade, Chikkaballapur taluk and district, which comes under the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka during Kharif season 2018. The experimental plot in the field was laid out following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fourteen treatments and three replications. The treatments included two levels of N and P2O5 (20 and 30 kg ha-1) and three levels of K2O (10,20 and 30 kg ha-1). Farmyard manure was applied at the rate of 6.25 t ha-1 to all the treatments except absolute control. Results indicated that application of 30 kg N+30 kg P2O5+30 kg K2O ha-1 with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) increased the micronutrient availability in soil N (150.29 kg ha-1), P2O5 (17.60 kg ha-1), K2O (160.84 kg ha-1). Application of FYM @ 6.25 t ha-1+30 kg N+20 kg P2O5 +20 kg K2O ha-1 significantly increased growth, yield, macronutrient content and uptake by brown top millet grain and straw against absolute control. The grain yield of browntop millet was increased by 61.46 percent in T10 and 59.07 percent in T9 as compared to the absolute control.

Objectives: The present systematic research is to design, develop clarithromycin nasal mucoadhesive microspheres for the utilisation in respiratory tract infection as alternative route of drug delivery. Methods: Current study designed to formulate, evaluated by using chitosan, beta cyclodextrin with modified emulsion lyophilisation method. 24 factorial design was used in optimization technique. Characterisation of prepared microspheres will be subjected for particle size and size distribution, drug entrapment study, in vitro drug diffusion studies and ex vivo mucoadhesion, surface morphology, zeta potential, infra-red radiation, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and stability studies. Results: The optimised formulation of predicted values of chitosan 0.604, Beta cylclodextrin 0.7633, Propeller Mixing Speed 9369 and Lyocycle temperatue of -42.8°C, Particle Size 14.06 μm, Entrapment efficiency 73.32%, Mucoadhesion 81.03 % and Maximum drug release 80.56%. Other finding results were satisfactory in control of quality attributes. Conclusion: Developed microspheres can be potential highlight on utilisation of clarithromycin as nasal drug delivery with beneficial as alternative dosage form for respiratory tract infections.

Slag-based gypsum (SBG) is a unique synthetic gypsum which is alkaline in nature, besides calcium (Ca) and sulphur (S); it contains appreciable amounts of iron (Fe), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of SBG as a source of S, Ca and Si for groundnut in comparison with natural gypsum (NG). The effect of different levels and time of application of SBG on soil fertility and yield and quality of groundnut were also studied. Field experiments were conducted with five treatments which includes two levels of SBG (500 and 625 kg ha−1) applied as basal and basal + split and one level of NG (500 kg ha−1) applied as basal. Basal and basal + split applications of SBG significantly increased the pod and haulm yield of groundnut, pH, electrical conductivity and plant-available nutrients in post-harvest soil. However, N:S ratio, kernel and protein yield and oil content did not vary with SBG application. Applied S, Ca and Si as SBG and their uptake were positively correlated with plant-available S, Ca and Si and pod, oil and protein yield of groundnut, respectively. Basal and basal + split applications of SBG resulted in a similar effect on soil fertility and yield and quality of groundnut. Findings from this study show that SBG can be a potential alternative for NG as a source of S, Ca and Si for groundnut production. Among the treatments, basal and basal + split applications of 625 kg SBG ha−1 substantially improved the fertility of soils and yield and quality of groundnut.

Histological staining facilitates the microscopic study of diseased tissues in clinical investigations. Staining by fluorescent dyes enhances the tissue contrast, highlighting the important features. Haematoxylin and Eosin staining protocol is the most common in the histopathological analysis of cells and tissues in cancer diagnosis. HE staining provides a visual representation of tissue abnormalities, distinguishing cell nuclei and acidophilic structures. Stain unmixing is an equally vital procedure which decomposes the multi-stained image into individual stain components. These components are essential for visual examination of the interaction between the dye and the specific tissues. This manuscript put forwards an original cell destaining approach based on a three factor Nonnegative Matrix Factorization which separates the H and E components from the HE stained image. The experimental results with standard datasets and performance metrics demonstrate the robustness of the method yielding better PSNR and SSIM values for stain separation compared to similar works in this context. The PSNR values around 30 dB are achieved by the proposed unmixing approach which is more than 10 dB compared to the benchmark approaches. Similarly, the SSIM values are obtained in the range 0.42–0.73, signifying strong structural elements. The proposed method can be further extended to study the interaction of other activators in the wound repair process under cancer progression.

Biochar is known to decrease the soil acidity and in turn enhance the plant growth by increasing soil fertility. Major objective of the present work was to understand the effect of biochar treatment on alleviation of soil aluminium (Al) toxicity and its role in enhancing plant growth parameters. Soil incubation study was conducted to understand the effect of biochar (Eucalyptus wood, bamboo, and rice husk) on soil pH, soluble and exchangeable Al in soil with and without Al addition. Another independent pot experiment with rice crop (Oryza sativa L. var. Anagha) was carried out for 120 days to examine the effect of biochars on soil properties and growth parameters of rice plants. Wood biochar application to soil at 20 t ha−1 was found to be highly consistent in decreasing soil acidity and reducing soluble and exchangeable Al under both studies. We conclude that wood biochar at higher dose performed better in reducing soluble and exchangeable Al in comparison to other biochars indicating its higher ameliorating capacity. However, rice husk biochar was effective under Al untreated soil, indicating the role of Si-rich biochars in enhancing plant growth.

Silicon (Si) and potassium are known to impart tolerance against numerous biotic stresses in crop plants. A study was conducted to determine the effect of diatomaceous earth (DE), a soil-applied Si source and soluble silicic acid, a foliar applied Si source at two levels of potassium for their efficacy against pink stem borer (PSB) incidence and damage in wheat under field conditions for two seasons. The effect of these Si sources and potassium levels on photosynthesis, yield, and related parameters were also studied. Soil application of DE @ 300 kg ha−1 significantly decreased the PSB incidence with the lowest percent white ear damage and recorded the highest grain yield of 3.31 t ha−1. Both soil and foliar applied Si sources along with potassium @ 36 kg ha−1 significantly enhanced the net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, intercellular CO2 concentration, spike length, spike weight, number of grains per spike, 1000 grains weight and significantly decreased the transpiration rate in contrast to untreated control (no Si application) and insecticidal check. Soil applied Si sources significantly enhanced plant-available Si content in soil solution and thereby Si content in stem tissues of wheat plants in contrast to foliar-applied Si sources. Maximum Benefit: Cost ratio (2.03) was recorded with soil application of DE @ 150 kg ha−1 which was more than recommended insecticidal check (1.74). Both Si sources proved significantly superior to insecticidal check in managing PSB in wheat under field conditions and improved photosynthesis, yield and related parameters, which can be integrated with other practices for sustainable, eco-friendly management of PSB in wheat.

Background: Poly (Methyl methacrylic acid) based materials are widely used for the fabrication of removable complete and partial denture prosthesis. Regular cleansing of these dentures may abrade the surface due to an inherent lack of adequate surface hardness. This roughness may adhere food to the denture surface, making it dirty and further cause stomatitis. Recently, antimicrobial activity of denture base materials incorporated with silver nanoparticles was studied, that may logically prevent microbial growth on the denture. However, the effect of these nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, which provide longevity to the prosthesis, was not substantiated. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of incorporating various concentrations of silver nanoparticles into heat-cure denture base resin materials, on their surface hardness. Materials and methods: Silver nanoparticles were incorporated at various concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 wt%) into three different heat-cure denture base materials. A total of 150 rectangular-shaped specimens (62 x 10 x 2.5), which comprises 50 samples from each of the three heat-cure acrylic resins were made using the compression moulding technique. Ten specimens (n=10) were allocated for each concentration such as control, 0.5wt%, 1.0wt%, 2.0wt% and 5.0wt% concentrations of silver nanoparticles. The microhardness was evaluated using the Vickers micro-hardness tester. The data were subjected to One way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests for statistical analyses. Results: Significant differences (p=0.000) were observed between the unmodified and modified denture base materials. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles can be considered as the favourable additives to increase the surface hardness of denture base materials.

Ceramics are increasingly being used in aerospace, and have been used in the engineering industry for many years. Because ceramic is generally lighter than metal alloys, EDM has long been used for conductive ceramic materials for their forming complex shaped holes and design of all kinds of industrial applications. Furthermore, a considerable number of engineering challenges can be expected regarding the processing of ceramic materials on a percentage of composition level. In order to examine the investigation of the material removal mechanism and surface topography at a different processing temperature in the limit of high-temperature 1200–1600 °C of silicon nitride (Si3N4) based advanced ceramic composites (ACC) and analyzing various process parameters of spark EDM. Establish the relationship between the geometrical tolerances, crack behavior, Thermal spalling, pores and craters were investigated. Furthermore, the advantage, disadvantage, application, and productivity introduced conductive ceramic composites has been explored. In this work we reviewed the EDM characteristics of Si3N4-TiN and Nickel-Titanium alloys and also comparative analyses of the microstructure; hardness and composition of Electrical discharge machined surfaces were discussed.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplementary betaine on growth performance, carcass traits and some blood parameters in broilers fed methionine deficient diets. a total of two hundred and seventy day-old commercial broiler chicks Cobb 400, were randomly allotted to nine treatments of six equal replicates and each replicate having five birds (9×6×5=270). Nine iso-nitrogenous and is-ocaloric diets consisting of a control diet (CD), 25% and 50% methionine deficient diet and with graded levels of betaine (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% levels) were formulated and fed to chicks from 1 to 42 days of age. The results revealed that supplementation of betaine at 0.3% level improved (

The metal hydrazine precursor of Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles was prepared through co-precipitation technique. Infrared spectrum of the precursor was showed the bridging bidentate nature of hydrazine. Multistep endothermic mass loss was observed from the thermogravimetric–differential thermogravimetric curves of the precursor. Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized from the precursor using thermal decomposition technique were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry and UV-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy which proposed the phase structure, morphology, magnetic and optical properties. An effective photocatalytic activity has shown by Ni0.9Mn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles on Congo red, malachite green, methylene blue, methyl red, rhodamine B and rose bengal under direct sunlight at different time intervals. The nanoparticles were magnetically separated and showed good recycling ability.

Summary Four experiments were conducted to study the effect of supplementing different concentrations of xylanase (Xyl) (3,200–24,000 u/kg) and α-amylase (Amy) (300–2,250 u/kg) to corn-soybean meal (SBM)–based diets on performance, carcass variables, and apparent ileal digestibility of energy (AIDE) in broiler chicken. Corn–SBM–based diet without the enzymes was kept as the control. Each diet was fed ad libitum from day 1 to 42 to birds in 10 pens (6′ × 4′5″), each containing 25 broiler male chicks. The carcass variables and AIDE were studied in experiment IV. The meta-analysis on performance data of 4 experiments indicated that feed intake reduced (8,000 X + 850 A and 16,000X + 1,700 A) feed efficiency (8,000 X + 850 A and 12,800X + 1,200 A) improved with supplementation of enzymes compared with the control group fed without the enzymes. The magnitude of response in performance variables was dependent on the dose of the enzymes. Enzymes supplementation quadratically improved the ready to cook yield and apparent ileal digestibility of energy. Based on the results, it is concluded that the performance and ready-to-cook yield of broilers can be improved with supplementation of Xyl and Amy in broilers fed corn-SBM–based diets. The improvement in broiler performance could partly be due to improvement in the apparent ileal digestibility of energy with supplemental enzymes.

Silicate slags are one of the most widely used silicon (Si) source in agriculture. Even though the agronomic significance of slags has been demonstrated in several crops, only a few attempts were made to evaluate these Si sources based on their chemical composition. The main objective of this study was to characterize different silicate slags based on their chemical properties and to explore the effect of these chemical properties on the yield, and Si uptake in wetland rice, and dissolution of Si into the soil. Slags were characterised for pH, calcium and magnesium content (alkalinity, A), silicon content, 5 day Na2CO3 + NH4NO3 extractable Si content, and alkalinity to Si ratio (A/Si). Greenhouse and incubation experiments were also conducted using different silicate slags and wollastonite applied at the rate of 300 kg Si ha−1. Slags with A/Si

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, characterised by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in obese adipose tissue. In this study, 3T3-L1 CM enhanced TNF-α and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 cells compared with LPS treated cells. However, treatment with Varanadi kashayam suppressed the inflammatory changes associated with RAW 264.7 cells. Subsequently, RAW CM used to stimulate adipocytes, resulting in decreased intracellular lipid content and reduced adipogenic markers after Varanadi kashayam treatment. The chemical profiling of Varanadi kashayam using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS identified 194 compounds by comparing their retention time, the experimentally measured exact mass of precursor, and fragmented ions, and fragmentation pattern with spectral library and reported literature. Collectively, Varanadi kashayam act as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic agent that could disrupt the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages. Hence it could be a better candidate for reducing inflammation associated with obese adipose tissue.

The diffusion bonding (DB) method is used in this investigation to connect high-temperature dissimilar materials. The existence of difficult-to-remove oxide coatings on the titanium surfaces, as well as the arrangement of breakable metallic interlayers and oxide enclosures inside the bond region, provides the most significant challenges during the transition from AISI304 to Ti-6Al-4V alloying. In addition, an effort was made to advance DB processing maps for the operational connection of Ti-6Al-4V to AISI304 alloys to improve their performance. Joints had been created by combining several process factors, such as bonding temperature (T), bonding pressure (P), and holding time (t), to create diverse designs. Based on the findings, database processing maps were created. This set of processing maps may be used as a rough guideline for selecting appropriate DB process parameters for generating virtuous excellent bonds between Ti-6Al-4V and AISI304 alloys. The maximum lap shear strength (LSS) was achieved at 800°C, 15 MPa, and 45 min.

Several silicon (Si) sources have been reported to be effective in terms of their effectiveness on rice growth and yield. Apart from that, it is crucial to understand the bioavailability of silicon...

New hetero annulated indoles were synthesized and structurally characterized by spectral means. In order to understand the nature of interactions of these molecules, we carried out molecular docking studies using the protein kinase CK2 inhibitors. The docking results provided some useful information for the futuredesign of more potent inhibitors. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated for all the new compounds by MTT assay against HeLa and compared with the standard drug ellipticine. All the compounds showed moderate to potent activity against the cell lines. The preliminary structure–activity relationships were carried out.

This study aimed to develop controlled release drug delivery of oral andrographolide encapsulated in microspheres, targeted against degenerative hepatic disorder. Ionotropic gelation technique was used to prepare andrographolide loaded Chitosan/Na-Alginate microspheres. The final drug formulation was optimized based on the statistical modeling used in the study. SEM, DSC, and XRD studies revealed a spherical formulation with a smooth surface morphology and increased thermal stability. Mean particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and cumulative drug release from the optimized formulation were observed to be 37.46 ± 2.3 μm, 88.13 ± 3.6%, and 93.04 ± 5.1%, respectively, and manifesting steady-state release profile up to 12 h with zero-order kinetics and Non-Fickian diffusional release. In-vivo studies show a remarkable effect in elevated liver enzyme levels, and hepatocellular necrosis in CCl4 intoxicated Wistar Rats. Findings from this study suggest that andrographolide microspheres could be a potential delivery system with high oral bioavailability and sustained drug release profile against hepatic necrosis.

Biological pigments or biochromes are substances produced by living organisms and have a color resulting from selective color absorption. A total of 37 isolates of Actinomycetes and 2 bacteria were isolated from 26 different soil samples collected from different habitats of Kerala. The isolates were screened for pigment production. The effect of pigment production by the strains on various carbon and nitrogen sources were analyzed. The test microorganisms gave maximum pigmentation on glycerol as carbon source and histidine as nitrogen source when they were taken in an optimum concentration of 1:1. For the extraction of microbial pigment, both the organisms were grown on cotton saturated basal medium. The use of these pigments as colouring agents for textile fabrics were demonstrated. Out of the seven different cloth materials (silk, jute, synthetic fiber, satin, shiffon, cotton and polyester) used, silk, jute and synthetic fiber had uptake of the colour of the pigment. Key words: Actinomycetes, pigments, glycerol, histidine, cotton.

To prepare the anticancer indoles, a series of substituted heteroannulated indole derivatives has been synthesized and characterized by spectral and elemental analysis. Subsequently they were evaluated for anticancer activity against cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line using MTT assay. Compounds 5c and 5d exhibit excellent activity with the IC50 value of 13.41 and 14.67 µM, respectively which is nearer to the standard cisplatin (IC50-13.20 µM). All the compounds were further screened for their antibacterial activity against five gram negative and two gram positive bacterial strains to assess their selectivity. In order to get more insight into the binding mode and inhibitor binding affinity, compounds (4a–5d) were docked with Human protein kinase CK2. Results suggested that the hydrophobic interactions in the binding pockets of human protein kinase CK2 exploited affinity of the most favorable binding ligands (4c and 5c: glide score = −7.011 and −6.974: E-model score = −50.6 and −50.865, respectively). The structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies demonstrated that the most potent compounds (5c, 5d) can be developed into precise the capability to treat cervical cancer.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. f. & Thomson, a known immunomodulatory agent extensively used in ayurveda, has not been effectively validated for the mechanisms involved in immunomodulation and the identification of the active principles. The bioactive fraction of T. cordifolia (TBF) in methanol was used for nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity, lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) dual inhibition and cytotoxicity studies. Production of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in dendritic cell (DC) suspensions treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also studied. The bioactive principles involved were identified with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometric (UPLC-Q-ToF MS/MS) system. The results indicate significantly higher potency of TBF as compared to positive standards for LOX/COX inhibition with moderate NO radical scavenging activity and the fraction was also found to be non-cytotoxic to monocyte cells. A significant inhibition was also observed in TNF-α and IL-1β production in LPS-treated DC suspensions as compared to standards, rolipram and dexamethasone, respectively. 11 compounds were identified from TBF by MS/MS system. The potent inhibition of LOX and COX enzymes with moderate NO scavenging was indicative of a free radical scavenging-independent mechanism of immunomodulation. Further investigations into the active principles identified would result in the development of lead candidates with potent therapeutic implications.

Context Protease supplementation increases the digestibility of protein, which enables reduction in the requirement of crude protein (CP) in the diet for optimum performance and egg quality in laying chickens. Aims An experiment was conducted to study the effects of protease supplementation (0 and 4000 u/kg) in diets containing three graded levels of CP on egg production, egg quality and nitrogen retention in layers. Methods Three diets with 15, 16.5 and 18% CP with uniform metabolisable energy (10.67 MJ/kg) were prepared. Each diet was supplemented with (4000 u/kg) or without protease in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Each diet was fed ad libitum to six replicates consisting of 88 white leghorn laying chickens in each from 53 to 72 weeks of age. Key results Supplementation of protease significantly (P < 0.05) improved performance (egg production, feed efficiency and bodyweight) and egg albumen quality (Haugh unit score). Layer performance was not affected by reducing the dietary CP from 18 to 15%. The interaction between CP level and protease supplementation did not influence the laying performance and egg quality parameters studied. Nitrogen retention reduced significantly (P < 0.05) with increase in dietary CP level from 15 to 18%. Supplementation of protease significantly (P < 0.05) improved the N retention. Conclusions The results suggested that 15% CP was adequate for optimum layer performance during the latter part of egg production phase (53 to 72 weeks of age). Protease supplementation improved the layer performance, egg albumen quality and nitrogen retention. Implications The results of this study will contribute for optimisation of dietary protein level in layer diet. Utilisation of dietary protein can be enhanced with protease supplementation which results in enhanced egg production and albumen quality in egg laying chickens.

A series of new pyrido-cyclopenta[1,2-b]indole derivatives were synthesized via Knoevenagel reaction and followed by reflux with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal. Their structures were investigated by spectral techniques and elemental analysis. In vitro antibacterial assessment against seven selected microorganisms evidenced that the compounds with halogen substituent have strong inhibitory action than that of the reference drugs. The antioxidant results were apparent that the compounds 5b, 5c, and 6c manifested explicit activity when compared with Butylhydroxyanisole and Vitamin-C. Cytotoxic activity analysis toward HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines was also assessed. Analogs 6c (IC50 values 15.1 μM and 18.6 μM) and 6d (IC50 values 17.4 μM and 20.7 μM) illustrated the interesting cytotoxicity activity. Molecular docking studies against p38 MAP kinase displayed a potential binding affinity with the receptor. Furthermore, in silico pharmacokinetic studies articulated the drug-likeness nature of the target compounds.

Using stir-casting, the hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites are prepared with the reinforcement of SiC and graphite particulates by varying equally 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight. The wear and frictional force for the prepared specimens were investigated through pin on disc wear testing machine. Exercising ANOVA technique, the wear rate and coefficient of friction was accomplished with the impact of applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance. Using Taguchi technique, experiments have been performed depending on the design of experiments. For analysis of data L9 Orthogonal array was preferred. Wear resistance and frictional force were influenced majorly with the reinforcement of graphite. The morphology of the depleted surfaces and the wear fragments were analysed to recognize the wear property. Distinguished to other percentages of reinforcements, 6% wt. of SiC and 6% wt. of graphite has demonstrated high wear resistance.

The foliar nutrition of silicic acid is considered to be a novel approach in enhancing the performance of many crops worldwide. The present study aimed to assess if the foliar application of silicon (Si) could influence the performance of soybean varieties with distinct crop duration, MAUS-2 (long duration) and KBS-23 (short duration). Field experiments were conducted in two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) of varied rainfall with foliar application of silicic acid @ 2 and 4 mL L−1 for three and two sprays each. The results showed significant enhancement in the yield, seed quality (protein and oil content), and uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and Si) by various parts viz., seed, husk, and haulm of both varieties with foliar nutrition of silicic acid. However, the short duration variety, KBS-23, responded well under low rainfall conditions (2016) with two sprays of foliar silicic acid @ 4 mL L−1 and MAUS-2 variety in the second season under higher rainfall (2017) with three sprays of foliar silicic acid @ 2 mL L−1, along with the recommended dose of fertilizer. This research revealed that the effectiveness of foliar silicic acid nutrition differs with the duration of the varieties, number of sprays given, and water availability in the soil during the cropping period.

Nanoparticle assisted therapeutics is an intensive area of interest among research communities but also pose serious questions of concern related to environment and its interactions in-vivo. Chitosan based vectorized biodegradable capsules had been widely studied as drug delivery systems and much more. Irrespective of the herculean tasks accompanied by several research communities over the aspect of translational nanomedicine, we still have a long way to go before any leap towards this common goal. Here we present our investigations over the generation of excited oxygen in a natural drug Curcumin as a result of interaction between chitosan polyelectrolyte microspheres surface decorated with nano silver. This could act as a potential system for applications related to photo dynamic therapy. The nano silver decorated Chitosan/TPP microcapsules induces two fold enhancement in the generation of Singlet Oxygen in Curcumin under UV irradiation. The Transmission Electron Microscopic images revealed that silver nano particles on the surface of the polyelectrolyte spheres were of spherical geometry, 16 nm in size and was uniformly arranged over the surface of the sphere.

Europium doped hydroxyapatite (EDA) nanorods with various concentrations of ionic silver functionalized on its surface were prepared using a facile hydrothermal method. Enhancement and quenching in luminescence of europium was observed depending upon the concentration of silver ions. The antibacterial activity of the samples with various concentrations of silver was studied and it was observed that the antibacterial activity increased with increase in concentration of silver ions. These ionic silver functionalized EDA nanorods were found highly biocompatible to L929 fibroblast cells but were toxic to MCF-7 breast cancer cells indicating that these nanoparticles can be effectively used for theranostic applications.

Soils and vegetable crops being irrigated with water from six lakes in Bengaluru, India were analysed using ICP-OES for heavy metals and characterized based on the permissible limits of the European Union (EU) and the Indian Standards (IS). Chromium, nickel and lead content in the soils ranged from 89.36 to 145.21, 0.90 to 19.17 and below detection limit to 0.31 mg kg–1 respectively. Among the total soil samples collected, 15%, 22%, 20%, 23%, 15% and 33% of the samples exceeded permissible limits of EU and IS for cadmium under Margondanahalli, Yele Mallappa Shetty, Hoskote, Varthur, Byramangala and Jigani lake respectively. All the crop samples analysed exceeded the EU standards for Cr, 25% for Ni, and none for Cd and Pb.

International audience; Background and aims Although Si is recognized as a beneficial element for crops, the determination of plant-available silicon (PAS) in soils has become challenging. A correlation between pH and PAS indicators has been reported in the literature due to the higher degree of weathering of acidic soil. We tested this hypothesis in the cultivated rice fields of Karnataka State, India, which exhibit gradients of pH and climate. Method Two hundred surface soil samples were collected from rice fields representing nine of the ten agro-climatic zones (ACZs) defined for Karnataka. We analyzed the Si extracted by calcium chloride (SiCC) and the Si extracted by acetate-acetic acid (SiAA) as PAS indicators. The samples were analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity. Forty subsamples were selected for mineralogical and chemical analysis. Results PCA of the 200 samples showed that PAS indicators and pH were positively correlated. SiAA was also positively correlated with electric conductivity (EC), CEC, and the silt fraction and negatively correlated with the sand fraction. A separation of the data arbitrarily made at pH 7.5 showed that below 7.5, the correlation between PAS indicators and pH was better than considering the whole 200 samples. The distribution of SiAA with pH matched the curve of adsorbed Si given in the literature. Soils characterized by low pH and high contents of sand, SiO2, Zr and Hf, showed a higher degree of weathering. They were preferentially located along the coast, where the rainfall is the most abundant. The depletion of PAS indicators was also in good agreement with the predominance of kaolinite instead of smectite, which characterizes a higher degree of desilication. Conclusion We demonstrated that the correlation between pH and PAS indicators is explained by natural Si depletion (weathering intensity) and the effect of Si adsorption. We suggest that at pH values up to 7.5, pH can be used as a proxy for PAS in similar types of pedo-climatic conditions.

The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of organic Se produced through Saccharomyces cerevisiae from sodium selenite in the diet of Vanaraja and commercial broiler chicken. The trial was conducted in day-old Vanaraja chicks (n=160), which were randomly distributed into 4 dietary groups having 5 chicks in each of 8 replicates. The basal diet (BD) was formulated and supplemented with calculated quantity of organic Se to formulate the different experimental diets and fed up to 5 weeks. The second experiment in day-old commercial broiler chicks (n=350), which were randomly distributed into 7 dietary groups having 5 chicks in each of 10 replicates. The experimental birds were fed BD (diet I) with 0.2 mg/kg organic Se (diet II), 0.4 mg/kg organic Se (diet III) and 0.6 mg/kg organic Se (diet IV), and BD with 0.2 mg/kg inorganic Se (diet V), 0.4 mg/kg inorganic Se (diet VI) and 0.6 mg/kg inorganic Se (diet VII) up to 6 weeks. The body weight gain during 5th week was higher (P Lass Than 0.05) in the birds fed with diet supplemented 0.3 mg/kg of the organic Se compared to the other groups. However, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among different groups did not vary (P>0.05) throughout the experiment. The activity of glutathione peroxidase was higher (P Lass Than 0.01) among the groups fed the diets containing organic Se (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/kg) compared to the control diet in experiment I. In experiment II, body weight gain and FCR at the end of the experiment were improved significantly (P Lass Than 0.01) in the group fed 0.2 mg/kg organic Se compared to control. Alanine transaminase, Aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides and cholesterol levels were lower in groups fed diets supplemented organic Se compared to control or inorganic Se fed groups. Whereas, glutathione reductase activity was significantly higher among the groups supplemented organic Se compared to other dietary groups. Based on the results it can be concluded that supplementing organic Se up to 0.3 mg/kg enhanced the body weight gain and anti-oxidant enzyme activity in Vanaraja and commercial broiler chicken.

The benefits of Si for crops is well evidenced but the biogeochemical cycle of Si in agriculture remains poorly documented. This study aims at identifying and quantifying the Si sources (primary and secondary soil minerals, amorphous silica, irrigation, Si-fertilizer) to rice plants. Field experiments were carried out with and without application of diatomaceous earth (DE) under rice and bare conditions to determine the water and dissolved mass balance in paddy fields (Karnataka, Southern India). The fate of the Si brought by irrigation (DSi) (uptake by rice, uptake by diatoms, adsorption) was assessed through a solute mass balance combined with silicon isotopic signatures. Above the ground-surface, about one third of the DSi flux brought by borewell irrigation (545 mmol Si.m(-2)) to bare plots and half of DSi in rice plots were removed from solution within minutes or hours following irrigation. Such rate is consistent with the rate of DSi adsorption onto Fe-oxyhydroxides but not with diatom blooms. In rice and rice + DE experiments, the isotopic fractionation factor ((30)epsilon) between bore well and stagnant water compositions is close to -1 aEuro degrees, i.e. the isotopic fractionation factor known for rice, indicating that above-ground DSi removal would be dominated by plant uptake upon adsorption. Within the soil layer, pore water DSi decreases much faster in rice experiments than in bare ones, demonstrating the efficiency of DSi rice uptake upon adsorption. Total irrigation-DSi to plant-Si would then represent 24 to 36% in rice experiments (over 1460 +/- 270 mmol Si m(-2) in biomass) and 15 to 23% in rice + DE ones (over 2250 +/- 180 mmol Si m(-2)). The delta Si-30 signature of whole plants was significantly different in the rice + DE plot analyzed, 0.99 +/- 0.07 aEuro degrees, than in the rice one, 1.29 +/- 0.07 aEuro degrees. According to these delta Si-30 signatures, the main Si source from the soil would be the amorphous silica pool (ASi). A slight contribution of DE to the rice plant could be detected from the Si isotopic signature of rice. The delta Si-30 signatures of the various soil-plant compartments, when associated to Si mass balance at soil-plant scale, constitute a reliable proxy of the Si sources in paddy fields. The solute Si balance is controlled by rice uptake in rice plots and by adsorption in bare ones. The main Si sources for the rice plants were soil ASi, irrigation Si and to a lesser extent Si fertilizer when it was applied.

The present investigation was undertaken (June 2014 to September 2014 ) to determine the effects of feeding low protein (16%) diets containing varied levels of lysine (Lys), methionine (Met) and threonine (Thr) on performance, anti-oxidant response and immune parameters in Dahlem Red (DR) chickens. A total of 200 DR layers (25 weeks) were distributed into 5 groups having 8 replicates with 5 birds in each replicate. Five experimental diets were formulated i.e., basal diet with Lys 0.63%, Met 0.28% and Thr 0.43% (Diet I), Lys 0.68%, Met 0.30% and Thr 0.46% (Diet II), Lys 0.73%, Met 0.32% and Thr 0.50% (Diet III), Lys 0.78%, Met 0.34% and Thr 0.53% (Diet IV), and Lys 0.83%, Met 0.37% and Thr 0.56% (Diet V). The feed intake during 29-32 weeks was significantly higher (P less than 0.05) in the group fed Diet III compared to the group fed Diet V. The egg production during 33-36 weeks was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher among the groups fed Diets II and III compared to the group fed Diet I. The better (P less than 0.01) feed efficiency was recorded among the groups fed Diet I, II and III compared to those fed Diets IV and V. However, cell mediated immune response, glutathione peroxidise, glutathione reductase activities among the various dietary groups did not differ among the groups. It is concluded that supplementing Lys 0.68%, Met 0.30% and Thr 0.46% to the moderately lower protein based diets is sufficient in achieving the optimal productive performance in Dahlem Red layers.

Doxorubicin (Dox) has been used for more than four decades to treat cancer, particularly solid tumours and haematological malignancies. However, the administration of this drug is a matter of concern in the clinical community, since Dox therapy is commonly associated with dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Attempts at alleviating drug generated cardiac damage using naturally occurring compounds with radical scavenging property are a promising area of research. p-Coumaric acid (pCA) is one such compound which has significant antiradical scavenging effect. This study aims to investigate the effect of pre and co-administration of pCA on mitigating or preventing Dox induced cardiotoxicity in vitro using H9c2 cardiomyoblast cell lines. Addition of pCA and Dox were performed for both treatment and control sets on H9c2 cells. Sulphorhodamine B assay was used to study the cytotoxic effect of pCA and Dox. The effect of the drug on cell morphology, cell viability and nuclear damage was studied using AO/EB and DAPI staining. ROS production was studied using DCFH-DA staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium levels were assessed by rhodamine 123 and Fura 2AM staining. pCA showed strong ABTS cation radical scavenging activity and FRAP activity in a dose dependent manner. The results showed that Dox has significant cytotoxic effect in a dose dependent manner while pCA, even at higher concentrations did not display any significant cytotoxicity on H9c2 cells. Both pre treatment and co- administration of pCA reduced the drug induced toxic effects on cell morphology and enhanced the number of viable cells in comparison to the Dox treated cells as evident from the AO/EB and DAPI staining images. The Dox induced ROS production was found to be significantly reduced in pCA pre-treated and co-administered cells. Dox induced changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular calcium levels were remarkably improved following pre and co-treatment of H9c2 cells with pCA. These results clearly suggest that pre-treatment and co-administration of pCA is a promising therapeutic intervention in managing Dox mediated cardiotoxicity.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green synthesized using ethanolic extract of fenugreek leaves and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy HRTEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) techniques. The HRTEM results revealed the formation of highly stable, mono dispersed, spherical shaped AgNPs with the size ranging from 20 to 30nm. The presence of flavonoids and their interaction with the AgNPs were confirmed using FTIR. Antibacterial activities of the AgNPs were studied against pathogenic gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The synthesized AgNPs displayed the enhancement of antibacterial activity against E. coli. The morphological changes in the bacterial cell membrane was observed using SEM analysis. Leakage of protein from the bacterial cells increased at every time intervals (2 and 4h). MTT assay was carried out for the AgNPs against human skin cell line (HaCaT). Interestingly, cytotoxicity of the synthesized AgNPs was less toxic to HaCaT cells as compared to bacteria cells, which suggests that the synthesized AgNPs by this method is eco-friendly in nature.

The unparalleled rate in population explosion and advancements in technology has created alarming impacts on the society. This has urged the need for vigilant and efficient data mining of these phenomena. Petroleum being an indispensible part of life has escorted to several detrimental results. Air and water are the major elements which fall prey to this. The present study involves rigorous scrutinizing with statistical analysis of test data carried out on water samples collected from petrol pumps and automobile service stations for the determination of nature of configuration. The samples were collected at regular time intervals and at the fixed place irrespective of the weather and climatic conditions that prevailed. The haphazardness or fuzziness of the amount of contamination present in water recipients due to petroleum products is being evaluated using regression analysis and the runs test. It is found that organic and inorganic chemicals are more in the collected sample that leads to chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the same was reduced using activated rice husk as an adsorbent. A case study involving its harmful effects on concrete is accessed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests.

Field experiments were conducted during Kharif season of 2009 on sandy loam soil at Doddajala, Bangalore, India of eastern dry zone soils of Karnataka to investigate the effect of silicon (Si) and nitrogen application on the growth and yield of rice, using Cv. BI-34, a medium duration genotype. The results revealed that higher grain and straw yield was noticed with application of calcium silicate at 2 t ha-1 along with application of N at 100 kg ha-1 recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) followed by silica gel at 500 kg ha-1 over RDF under both aerobic and wetland rice conditions. The combined application of Si sources along with Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) based N application of 75 kg N ha-1 (Basal 30 kg N ha-1+LCC) under aerobic and wetland rice recorded on par grain and straw yield compared to RDF alone. Combined application of silicon and nitrogen significantly increased the effective number of tillers, number of grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight. Higher agronomical efficiency (AEN), recovery efficiency (REN), Partial factor productivity (PFPN) values were noticed with LCC based application along with calcium silicate at 2t ha-1 under both aerobic and wetland rice. Key words: Rice, silicon, nitrogen use efficiency, leaf colour chart, real time N management.

Chitosan is a biopolymer which is biodegradable, biocompatible, non toxic and cationic in nature. Due to these interesting properties, it finds advanced applications in sensors, drug delivery vehicle and gene therapy etc., In this present work, the biocompatible Al2O3 Nano particles were embedded into Chitosan Polymer matrix by ultrasonication route. XRD and FTIR studies confirm the presence of Al2O3 nanoparticle in the Chitosan polymer matrix. The morphological, optical, electrical properties of the polymer nano composite films are carried out by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV- Vis, LCR and Impedance studies.

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a diagnostic method for amplification of DNA with rapid and minimal equipment requirement. In the present study, we applied the LAMP assay for rapid detection of cow components adulteration in buffalo milk/meat samples. The test can be completed within around 1 h 40 min starting from DNA extraction and can be performed in water bath without requirement of thermocycler. The cow DNA in buffalo samples were identified in the developed LAMP assay by either visualizing with SYBR Green I/HNB dyes or observing the typical ladder pattern on gel electrophoresis. The test can detect up to 5 % level of cow milk/meat mixed in buffalo counterparts. Due to the simplicity and specificity, the developed LAMP test can be easily adapted in any laboratory for rapid detection of cow species identification in livestock by products.