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Refereed/Peer-reviewed Dietary fiber is considered a strong intestinal protector, but we do not know whether dietary fiber protects against the long-lasting mucosal damage caused by ionizing radiation. To evaluate whether a fiber-rich diet can ameliorate the long-lasting pathophysiological hallmarks of the irradiated mucosa, C57BL/6J mice on a fiber-rich bioprocessed oat bran diet or a fiber-free diet received 32 Gray in four fractions to the distal colorectum using a linear accelerator and continued on the diets for one, six or 18 weeks. We quantified degenerating crypts, crypt fission, cell proliferation, crypt survival, macrophage density and bacterial infiltration. Crypt loss through crypt degeneration only occurred in the irradiated mice. Initially, it was most frequent in the fiber-deprived group but declined to levels similar to the fiber-consuming group by 18 weeks. The fiber-consuming group had a fast response to irradiation, with crypt fission for growth or healing peaking already at one week post-irradiation, while crypt fission in the fiber-deprived group peaked at six weeks. A fiber-rich diet allowed for a more intense crypt cell proliferation, but the recovery of crypts was eventually lost by 18 weeks. Bacterial infiltration was a late phenomenon, evident in the fiber-deprived animals and intensified manyfold after irradiation. Bacterial infiltration also coincided with a specific pro-inflammatory serum cytokine profile. In contrast, mice on a fiber-rich diet were completely protected from irradiation-induced bacterial infiltration and exhibited a similar serum cytokine profile as sham-irradiated mice on a fiber-rich diet. Our findings provide ample evidence that dietary fiber consumption modifies the onset, timing and intensity of radiation-induced pathophysiological processes in the intestinal mucosa. However, we need more knowledge, not least from clinical studies, before this finding can be introduced to a new and refined clinical practice.

Three-dimensional (3-D) printing is the method of forming a three-dimensional element by layering materials. 3-D printing is commonly done with a variety of materials such as ceramics, polymers and metals. Researchers are working to develop biodegradable additives for 3-D printing to provide sustainable additives. Biodegradable polymeric substances are taken into consideration ability 3-D printing substances because of their abundant assets and beneficial properties. Further, due to their multi-functional characteristics, they are also seen as probable contenders to replace petroleum-based polymeric materials. However, some of their properties are inferior to conventional synthetic polymeric materials. Hence, it is investigated by surveying advanced bio-waste polymer as reinforcement materials with polylactic acid (PLA) filaments for the polymer matrix in 3D printable filaments. The mechanical and thermal properties of polylactic acid filaments (PLA) with various types of fillers were examined in this review work. This overview mainly provides support for young researchers engaged in 3D printing using bio-filled composite materials in the area of PLA processing.

Polymer systems like epoxies are seldom used in the manufacturing of structures on their own since their mechanical properties are not very high. The matrix system of materials is availed by the process of thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer and the corresponding filler material or reinforcement used are of ceramic, metal, carbon, particulates or fibres. In this work hybrid fibre reinforced epoxy composites are fabricated and tested with the intention of improving the mechanical properties of the composites for use in various applications like automobiles, aerospace, civil engineering, military, motorsports etc. Samples of epoxy composites, reinforced with various combinations of carbon, glass, and nylon fibres have been prepared by varying the amount of one of the fibres, using hand layup technique. This technique involves placing layers of composite fibre in a sequence layup using epoxy matrix and hardener, then subjecting to uniform pressure under room temperature. The composite materials so produced are tested for their mechanical properties according to ASTM standards. With varying fibre contents, a notable variation in mechanical properties was observed. The samples fabricated by combining various quantities of different fibres, exhibited the best mechanical properties. The effect of hybridization and fibre content on the mechanical properties results in improved strength and stiffness for glass fibre and nylon fibre but reduces the impact strength, which can be improved by the addition of nylon fibre.

In this fast growing world, the demand for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and half of the goods are manufactured through the use of plastic. To cater to those, plastic goods are manufactured using different types of moulding process. Plastic injection moulding (PIM) is a technique of injecting molten plastic into a mould to form it. They are widely used to manufacture FMCG products like containers, remote cases, or other small, complex profiles. But sometimes these complex profile mouldings lack dimensional accuracy. The current study provides an understanding of the clear thermoplastic Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) material moulding for FMCG items utilizing an injection moulding machine. The transparent top sheath used in male/female deodorants can be considered in this investigation. For the purpose of minimizing weld-line width and sink-marks depth during injection moulding of commercial grade transparent thermo-plastic (Polymethyl Methacrylate), eight plastic injection moulding criteria were considered, namely melting temperature, mould temperature, cooling time, injection pressure, back pressure, holding pressure, ambient temperature, and holding time. In accordance with Taguchi's Design, the 27 experiments were piloted, and the factors were optimized using the Taguchi-based WASPAS method (Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment), the Ant Lion optimization algorithm, and analysis of variance to determine the most dominant parameter in the minimization of weld-line width and sink-mark depth of the plastic injection moulded part. It was discovered that the cooling time of the plastic injection moulded component is the most important element affecting the weld-line width as well as the depth of the sink-mark on the surface of the part.

Herbal medicines have great demand in the treatment of various kinds of illness. Ayurvedic system of medicine has consisted of many herbal sources in which ashwagandha one of them which are the very popular herbal sources. Many literature surveys suggest that ashwagandha is used as an immunomodulator, tranquilizer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and nootropic activity. Present research work explored the potential benefit of ashwagandha by designing suitable granules of its water extract. Further, it is characterized by various parameters and In-vitro drug release Keywords: Immunomodulator, Tranquilizers Ayurvedic, Ashwagandha, Granules

High capacitance Co-Co3O4 nanocomposite thin films have been synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using cyclic voltammetry (CV), combination of cyclic voltammetry and potentiostatic (CV PS −1.4 V and CV PS +1 V), and combination of cyclic voltammetry and pulse reverse potential (CV PRP) modes of electrodeposition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies reveal the presence of Co and Co3O4 phases for the four electrodeposition modes. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed an interesting morphology correlating the electrochemical and capacitance behavior, while the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra confirmed the varying quantities of Co and O in the Co-Co3O4 nanocomposite thin films. The presence of Co-O bonds were also confirmed by the attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra obtained on these films. The capacitance values of Co-Co3O4 composite thin films obtained by CV, CV PS −1.4 V, CV PS +1 V, and CV PRP, respectively, were found to be 1661, 1400, 1866, and 2580 F g−1 at an applied current load of 1 A g−1, while the capacitance retentions after 500 cycles under a high current load of 20 A g−1 for the same were 85.8%, 77.8%, 87.1%, and 90.5%, respectively. The high capacitance and their retention of the electrodeposited Co-Co3O4 nanocomposite thin films show potentials as high-performance supercapacitor electrode.

Optimization of process parameters for direct laser metal deposition of WC (88 wt%) and Co (12 wt%) mixed powder on SS304 substrate was carried out to obtain minimum dilution. The effect of process parameters on clad geometric elements was expressed through polynomial relations. A mathematical expression for dilution was developed in terms of clad geometric elements and then verified with experimentally obtained dilution. The regression analysis for each geometric element and dilution was also studied. To obtain an optimized set of process parameters four recently developed optimization algorithms were used, which was then followed by a confirmation test. Bonobo Optimizer algorithm was fast during the search for the globally optimum solution. A detailed macroscopic, microstructural, thermo-cycle and XRD analysis for the confirmed optimized run was carried out along with the comparison study. The hardness behaviour of clad tracks was also studied by comparing it with that of the substrate.

Effects of a novel dietary mixture of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) and omega-3-fatty acids i.e., Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on mitigating arsenic pollution, high-temperature stress and bacterial infection were investigated in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. To aim this, four isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were prepared: control feed (no supplementation), Se-NPs at 0.2 mg kg−1 diet with EPA + DHA at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% as supplemented diets. Fish were reared under normal condition or concurrent exposure to arsenic (2.65 mg L−1), and temperature (34 °C) (As + T) stress for 105 days. The experiment was conducted with eight treatments in triplicates. Response to various stresses i.e., primary (cortisol), secondary (oxidative stress, immunity, and stress biomarkers) and tertiary stress response (growth performance, bioaccumulation and mortality due to bacterial infection) were determined. Supplementation of dietary Se-NPs at 0.2 mg kg−1 diet and EPA + DHA at 0.2 and 0.4% reduced the primary stress level. Exposure to arsenic and temperature (As + T) and fed with control diet and EPA + DHA at 0.6% aggravated the cortisol level. Anti-oxidative enzymes (Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase) and immunity (Nitroblue tetrazolium, total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio, total immunoglobulin and myeloperoxidase) of the fish were augmented by supplementation of Se-NPs and EPA + DHA at 0.2 and 0.4%. Neurotransmitter enzyme, HSP 70, Vitamin C were significantly enhanced (p −1 and EPA + DHA at 0.2 and 0.4%. Whereas total lipid, cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were reduced (p −1 diet and EPA + DHA at 0.2 and 0.4%. Tertiary stress response viz. growth performance was also significantly enhanced with supplementation of Se-NPs at 0.2 mg kg−1 and EPA + DHA at 0.2 and 0.4% reared under As + T. Whereas arsenic bioaccumulation in fish tissues was significantly reduced with dietary supplementation of Se-NPs and EPA + DHA. Cumulative mortality and relative percentage survival were reduced with Se-NPs at 0.2 mg kg−1 and EPA + DHA at 0.2 and 0.4%. The investigation revealed that a novel combination of Se-NPs at 0.2 mg kg−1 and EPA + DHA at 0.4% followed by 0.2% has the potential to alleviate temperature stress, bacterial infection and arsenic pollution. Whereas diet containing Se-NPs at 0.2 mg kg−1 diet and EPA + DHA at 0.6% was noticeably enhanced the stress in P. hypophthalmus.

Effective recovery of phosphorus from municipal wastewater could be one of the best practical alternatives to protect aquatic environments from eutrophication and save natural phosphorus resources. This paper focuses on validating magnesium carbonate (MgCO(3))-based pellets combined with a bench-scale anoxic/aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) system for advanced phosphorus recovery from municipal wastewater. As the flow rate of wastewater into the MgCO(3) column decreased from 10 L/d to 2.5 L/d, the phosphorus recovery rate of the MgCO(3)-based pellets increased from 54.3 to 93.5%. However, the column’s severe clogging was found after a 13-days operation due to the high removal of total suspended solids (TSS) (~82%) through the MgCO(3) column. The anoxic/aerobic MBR introduction provided efficient removal of TSS, organic matter, and ammonia nitrogen before the MgCO(3) column. The combination of MBR with the MgCO(3) column achieved 73.1% phosphorus recovery from municipal wastewater without physical clogging. The P recovery capacity of the MgCO(3)-based pellets was maintained at 0.47 mg ortho-P/g MgCO(3)-based pellet during the continuous operation. Physical and chemical properties of MgCO(3)-based pellets before and after the experiment were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer.

In different engineering applications usage of Circular Aluminium & Mild Steel tubes as impact energy absorbers is encouraged. Impact energy absorbers (IEA) are one shot devices. In case of any accident or collision, kinetic energy emitted is dissipated with impact energy absorbers to minimize causality. Capacity of energy absorption during dynamic load conditions is high. Current study provides an insight on behavior of energy absorbers during axial load under quasi-static. Various stages of deformation of aluminium & steel tubes when compressed in uni-direction with quasi-static load between two flat plates is observed and energy absorption is calculated.

Various applications of nanoparticles stimulates the need for synthesising them. But, the conventional methods are usually hazardous and energy consuming. This lead to focus on “green synthesis “of...

The development of a nanoparticle-based optical platform has been presented as a biosensor for detecting target-specific plant virus DNA. The binding dynamics of gold nanoparticles has been studied on the amine-functionalized surface by the attenuated total reflection (ATR)-based evanescent wave absorption method monitoring the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The developed surface was established as a refractive index sensor by monitoring the LSPR absorption peak of gold nanoparticles. This nanoparticle-immobilized surface was explored to establish as a biosensing platform with target-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibody-antigen interaction. The IgG concentration-dependent variation of absorbance was correlated with the refractive index change. After successfully establishing this ATR configuration as an LSPR-based biosensor, the single-stranded DNA of the chilli leaf curl virus was detected using its complementary DNA sequence as a receptor. The limit of detection of this sensor was determined to be 1.0 μg/mL for this target viral DNA. This ATR absorption technique has enormous potential as an LSPR based nano-biosensor for the detection of other begomoviruses.

The drug can be released in a controlled manner using a gastro retentive dosage type. The main focus on the novel technological advances in the floating drug delivery method for gastric retention. The preparation of diacerein micro balloon is done by solvent diffusion method, using acrylic polymer like Eudragit S 100 and HPMC K4 M. The various evaluation of the prepared floating microsphere like its % yield, drug entrapment efficiency, particle size in-vitro dissolution, buoyancy, was studied. The floating microsphere was found to be spherical and range from 85 μm - 192 μm. Whereas the buoyancy in gastric mucosa between the range 30.5% -49.5%. The % yield and % entrapment efficiency were found under the range 61% - 82% and 45.1–84.1% respectively. The microsphere showed favorable in-vitro dissolution 76.8 to 94.45. The optimized formulation was found based on evaluation of floating micro-balloons, Formulation (M3E3) showed the best result as particle size 192 μm, DDE 84.1%, in vitro drug release 94.5%, and in vitro buoyancy 49.5%. all the formulations showed controlled release up to 24 hours.

Susceptibility (χijk) and conductivity (σijk) measurement techniques are used to determine the dielectric relaxation behavior of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) (j) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) (j) with phenol (k) dissolved in C6H6 (i) under S-Band, C-Band, X-Band and Ku-Band microwave fields at different temperatures (25, 30 and 35 °C) using Debye’s dielectric model. The possibility of relaxation times (τ2 and τ1) for inter and intra molecular rotation are predicted from measured data of $$\chi_{ijk}$$ $$\left( { = \varepsilon_{ijk}^{\prime} - \varepsilon_\infty{ijk} } \right)$$ , $$\chi_{ijk}^{\prime\prime}$$ (= $$\varepsilon_{ijk}^{\prime\prime}$$ ) and $$\chi_{0ijk}$$ (= $$\varepsilon_{0ijk}$$ − $$\varepsilon_\infty{ijk}$$ ) applying slope and intercept of linear plots of $$\frac{{\upchi }_{0ijk-}{\upchi }_{ijk}^{\prime}}{{\upchi }_{ijk}^{\prime}}$$ against $$\left(\frac{{\upchi }_{ijk}^{\prime\prime}}{{\upchi }_{ijk}^{\prime}}\right)$$ , which confirm mono relaxation behavior τ2 only for eight polar mixtures. The τ values are calculated from $$\chi_{ijk}^{\prime}$$ and $$\chi_{ijk}^{\prime\prime}$$ parts of complex susceptibility $$\chi_{ijk}^{\ast}$$ with variation of weight fraction (wjk) of solutes as and the linear slope of the imaginary against real parts of the complex susceptibility data. Similarly, relaxation times, τ, are also estimated from the ratio of slopes of imaginary $$\sigma_{ijk}^{\prime\prime} = \left( {\omega \in_{0} \in_{ijk}^{\prime} } \right)$$ and real $$\sigma_{ijk}^{\prime} = \left( {\omega \in_{0} \in_{ijk}^{\prime\prime} } \right)$$ parts of the complex conductivity $$\sigma_{ijk}^{\ast}$$ , as well as the linear slope of imaginary against real parts of the complex conductivity data. The τ values from both measurements are compared. The dipole moments $$\mu_{ijk}$$ values are estimated from both measurement techniques by applying Debye’s model of polar–non-polar liquid mixture under S-Band (3.8 GHz), C-Band (7.2 GHz), X-Band (10.5 GHz) and Ku-Band (17.6 GHz) microwave fields at 25, 30 and 35 °C. Various molecular associations are determined in terms of relaxation time τ and dipole moment µ to estimate different molecular interactions among polar molecules or polar–non-polar molecules. Thermodynamic energy parameters are also calculated using Eyring’s rate theory to predict molecular dynamics or nature of molecular environment surrounding the polar molecules DMF, DMA or phenol (p-cresol, p-chlorophenol, 2,4 dichlorophenol and p-nitrophenol). The existence of the Debye relaxation mechanism in all the systems under observation is validated by the estimated Debye factor from both of the measurement methods. The values of $$\gamma ={\Delta H}_{\tau }/{\Delta H}_{\eta }$$ indicates that most of the molecules behave as solid phase rotors. A new simple microwave sensor is proposed, designed from measured penetration depths at different temperatures under microwave field.

Electrospinning is emerging as a versatile technique nanofibers fabrication because due to their unique properties such as large surface area to volume ratio, porosity and maintaining moist wound environment, the nanofibers are able to deliver sustained drug release and oxygen to the wound for rapid healing of diabetic wound. The present work was aimed to prepare and evaluate silk fibroin-curcumin based nanofiber in combination with polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) which helped to strengthen the wound healing properties of nanofiber. Silk fibroin is a naturally occurring polymer was selected one polymer for making nanofibrous mat due to its unique properties such as biodegradability, permeability, oxygen supply and maintain moisture content in the wound. SEM results showed diameters of fibers varied in the range between 200 and 350 nm and their tensile strength ranged from 12.41 to 16.80 MP. The nanofibers were causing sustained release of curcumin for many hours. The in-vivo wound healing studies in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice showed rapid wound healing efficacy as compared to conventional formulations. Furthermore, the histopathological studies evidenced its ability to restore the normal skin structure and histological conditions of tissues. The silk fibroin-based nanofiber wound dressing, therefore appears to be an ideal preparation, in combination with curcumin, because it blends the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Therefore, it was concluded that the silk fibroin-based nanofiber loaded with curcumin has great healing potential in diabetic wound.

Graphene oxide (GO) synthesized via modified Hummers method was studied for adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) dyes from aqueous solutions. It is hypothesized that electrostatic interactions between dye molecules and surface of GO will facilitate charge carrier movements and degrade the dye in an efficient way. The as synthesized GO was characterized using various characterization techniques such as XRD, Raman, FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM and EDAX. The experimental results suggest that dye removal percentage will increase with increase in adsorbent dosage, time as well as solution pH and the process was exothermic in nature. The adsorption data at 293 K could be fitted by Langmuir equation with a maximum adsorption amount of 119.04, 102.4 mg/g and Langmuir adsorption equilibrium constant of 1.58, 0.867 L/mg for MB and MG dyes, respectively. The outcomes of present article will help not only to understand the adsorption characteristics of GO on MB and MG dyes but also paves path towards development of highly oxidized GO surface for degradation of complex dyes.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is a global health issue that can be alleviated by functional foods. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of composite oil (CO) of sesame seed oil (SSiO) and Vicia faba seed oil (SVfO) on inflammatory factors, ROS generation level, and cell apoptosis level on high lipid diet (HLD) induced hyperlipidemic rat model. METHODS: Hyperlipidemic rat model was developed by feeding HLD to the experimental rats for eight weeks. Male albino rats weighing around 200–210 g were randomly divided into three equal groups: group I: control, received a normal diet; group II: received HLD for eight weeks, and group III: received the HLD with CO orally. After 60 days of treatment, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-10; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-18, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell apoptosis were serially assessed. RESULTS: After eight weeks of CO treatment, TNF- α, IL-18, CRP, and oxidative ROS generation significantly decreased in CO treated group (group III) compared to group II. On the other hand, IL-10 levels significantly increased in CO treated group compared to group II animals. It was also observed that the percentage of the late apoptotic cell reduced considerably in the CO treated group (group III) compared to HLD-fed animals (group II). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the CO could prevent CVDs via suppressing oxidative stress, and ameliorating inflammation and apoptosis in hyperlipidemic rats.

Introduction and objective: Nephrectomy leads to derangement of renal function and various adaptive changes by the remaining kidney over a period of time. This study is performed to evaluate the amount of derangement of renal function in donor and radical nephrectomy, how much the remaining kidney adapts over a period of time and the time taken for stabilisation of renal function. Method: A total of 60 patients who underwent nephrectomy (Radical/Donor) were followed up for 12 months with serial estimation of renal function and was compared with preoperative renal function. Data was analysed with statistical analysis. Result: Patients who underwent radical nephrectomy had 37% initial decline in renal function which was later stabilised at 19% lower than baseline value. Patient who underwent donor nephrectomy had initially 39% decline in renal function which was later stabilised at 24% lower than normal. Conclusion: Removal of functional renal tissue led to reduction of renal function. This decline is more evident in the initial post-operative period and then begin to stabilise over months. The greater is the amount of normal tissue removed, the greater is the reduction of renal function and more time it will take to stabilise, increasing overall morbidity of the patient. This study suggests that even patients with normal GFRs should be followed up postoperatively to determine their ultimate renal functional outcomes.

Earlier we have reported mercury-induced alterations in functional dynamics of buck spermatozoa through free radicals-mediated oxidative stress and spontaneous acrosome reaction. Based on our earlier findings, we aimed to investigate the effect of mercury exposure on motility, kinematic patterns, DNA damage, apoptosis and ultra-structural alterations in goat spermatozoa following in vitro exposure to different concentrations (0.031–1.25 µg/ml) of mercuric chloride for 15 min and 3 h. Following exposure of sperm cells to 0.031 µg/ml of mercuric chloride for 3 h, livability and motility of sperms was significantly reduced along with altered kinematic patterns, significant increase in per cent necrotic sperm cells and number of cells showing DNA damage; and this effect was dose- and time-dependent. Contrary to up-regulation of Bax gene after 3 h in control group, there was significant increase in expression of Bcl-2 in mercury-treated groups. Transmission electron microscopy studies revealed rifts and nicks in plasma and acrosomal membrane, mitochondrial sheath, and collapsed mitochondria with loss of helical organization of mitochondria in the middle piece of spermatozoa. Our findings evidently suggest that mercury induces necrosis instead of apoptosis and targets the membrane, acrosome, mid piece of sperms; and the damage to mitochondria seems to be responsible for alterations in functional and kinematic attributes of spermatozoa.

Synthetic antimicrobial peptide fragment, 99mTc-Ubiquicidin 29–41, is shown to be sensitive and also specific for imaging bacterial infections. We undertook this study to explore the advantage of using a positron emission agent, 68Ga-DOTA-Ubiquicidin 29–41 (68Ga-DOTA-UBI), for detecting Staph-A infection in an animal model, and also evaluated its ability to distinguish a turpentine-induced sterile inflammation in an animal model. Pure Ga-68 was freshly eluted from a 68Ge/68Ga generator (IGG-100). DOTA-UBI (50 μg) was ra diolabeled with pure Ga-68 (500MBq) by incubating the reaction mixture at pH 4.5 for 10 min, 95°C. Rats were infected with Staph-A at the hind leg joint of rats to form bacterial abscess. Sterile inflammation was induced in the right thigh muscle by injecting 200 μl of 100% turpentine oil. Rats were injected intravenously with 10–15 MBq of tracer, and images were acquired at different time intervals with Siemens (Biograph mCT) positron emission tomography computed tomography scanner. The early images at 6 min postinjection clearly indicated mild uptake of the agent corresponding to the infection site, which increased dramatically at 20, 30, and 60 min postinjection. The target to background ratio (T/B) increased significantly over the same time period of study (1.6, 4.2, and 6.1, respectively). There was a mild uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-UBI at the site corresponding to sterile inflammation at 6 min postinjection, which was rapidly washed off as seen at 25 and 45 min images. The images indicated fast clearance of the agent from liver and soft tissues within 6 min. Control rats showed similar biodistribution of activity. The mild uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-UBI at the corresponding Staph-A infection lesion and very fast kinetics of clearance from the blood pool and soft tissues suggested a very high clinical potential for this agent. The absence of uptake of the agent at sterile inflammation site suggests that the agent may be useful in distinguishing infection from inflammation.

In this paper we present the modelling of a Silicon 1D solar cell using COMSOL Multiphysics software. This paper represents the variation of the parameters with respect to the concentration. It provides an overview of relative changes in the current, voltage and efficiency of a solar cell. A detail study of Silicon 1D solar cell has been done. With a donor concentration level of 5 × 10 17 cm - 3 an efficiency of 16.97% is obtained. The optimum efficiency of 18.78% and a fill factor of 92% is obtained atan acceptor concentration level of 5 × 10 20 cm - 3 and donor concentration level of 1 × 10 16 cm - 3 .Due to the change in concentration, the resistance changes. The change in resistance affects the open circuit voltage as well as fill factor.

A field trial was conducted to examine effects of substrates on yield of carp and SIS at Sukranagar Village, Chitwan district for 210 days in farmer’s pond. The experiment was designed with four treatments: T1 (carp only), T2 (carp+SIS), T3 (carp+substrate) and T4 (carp+SIS+substrate) with four replicates. Ponds were stocked with fingerlings of six carp species at a rate of 20,000 fish/ha and two Small indigenous fish species at a rate of 50,000 fish/ha in 1:1 ratio. Prior to stocking of fish, split bamboo mats were fixed in substrate ponds covering 2% of pond surface area to enhance periphyton growth. Carp were fed with dough of rice bran and mustard oil cake (1:1) at the rate of 3% BW daily while Grass carp was fed with grass and banana leaves at 50% BW. Growth and yield of Rohu and Common carp, combined net fish yield and gross margin were found higher (p

Nanocrystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst has been synthesized by a simple solution combustion method using zinc nitrate as the oxidizer and urea as the fuel. Effect of fuel to oxidizer ratio and ignition temperature on the mechanism of combustion synthesis, crystallinity, morphology, surface area, and optical properties were investigated by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Diffuse reflectance UV–Visible spectra and Photoluminescence analyses. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized materials was evaluated by degrading an azo dye at ambient temperature and solution pH. The prepared photocatalysts at the fuel-rich condition possess small crystallite size and more surface area; consequently, a higher photocatalytic dye degradation capability.The powder samples synthesized at the fuel-oxidant ratio of 1.8 and the ignition temperature at 400 °C have shown the maximum percentage (99%) of dye degradation in 180 min. The pseudo-first order photocatalytic dye degradation rate constant of a catalyst sample synthesized at the fuel-oxidant ratio of 1.8 was 0.0253 min−1and it is 3.14 and 2.88 times higher than that of samples synthesized at fuel-oxidant ratios of 0.6 and 1.The outcomes of the present article help to design more pronounced experiments for the synthesis of photocatalysts by varying ignition temperatures and fuel amounts.

Semiconductor nanomaterials with proper band edge alignments forming “heterostructure” assemblies have significant importance in water splitting, dye degradation, and other electrochemical studies. The formed heterojunction between material phases facilitates fast charge carrier transport and, thereby, improves electrochemical performance in associated processes. Herein, we report a type-II heterostructure combining TiO2 and ZnO nanomaterials for electrochemical crystal violet dye degradation studies. The rationale in choosing the above materials (TiO2, ZnO) in the present study includes stability, lack of toxicity, and high oxidation power, but they also facilitate fast charge carrier movements due to proper band edge alignments, forming a type-II heterostructure assembly. Cyclic voltammetry, combined with ultraviolet-visible analysis, was used to identify the cathodic and anodic peak currents and trace the exact mechanism of dye degradation. The electro-catalytic performance of TiO2/ZnO heterostructured materials fabricated on titania (Ti) substrate show higher performance, in comparison to all individual material interfaces, due to synergistic interaction and synchronized charge transport.

Climate change impact has disturbed the rainfall pattern worsening the problems of water availability in the aquatic ecosystem of India and other parts of the world. Arsenic pollution, mainly through excessive use of groundwater and other anthropogenic activities, is aggravating in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia. We evaluated the efficacy of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) and riboflavin (RF) to ameliorate the adverse impacts of elevated temperature and arsenic pollution on growth, anti-oxidative status and immuno-modulation in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Se-NPs were synthesized using fish gill employing green synthesis method. Four diets i.e., Se-NPs (0 mg kg−1) + RF (0 mg kg−1); Se-NPs (0.5 mg kg−1) + RF (5 mg kg−1); Se-NPs (0.5 mg kg−1) + RF (10 mg kg−1); and Se-NPs (0.5 mg kg−1) + RF (15 mg kg−1) were given in triplicate in a completely randomized block design. The fish were treated in arsenic (1/10th of LC50, 2.68 mg L−1) and high temperature (34 °C). Supplementation of the Se-NPs and RF in the diets significantly (p P. hypophthalmus.

India is an agrarian country with crops cultivated at a huge scale. Pesticides in recent times have caused serious health hazards in the population which are widely used by the farmers for the better yield of crops. Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide, which is widely used by the farmers. But, in the present times, it has caused serious health hazards in the exposed population causing various diseases, including cancer. Hence, the present study on animal aims to observe the protective effect of Withania somnifera against endosulfan induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Endosulfan at the dose of 3mg/Kg body weight per day was administered orally to Swiss albino mice for 4 weeks. Then after, W. somnifera at the dose of 1000 mg/Kg b.w. was orally administered for 4 weeks. Mice were sacrificed after the completion of the entire treatment. After dissection, the blood samples were collected for biochemical assay, especially for lipid profile analysis. The lipid profile study showed inclination in the Total cholesterol level (117±6.686 mg/dl), Cholesterol (LDL) (78.83±4.151mg/dl), level and Triglycerides level (60.83±2.613mg/dl), while declination in Cholesterol (HDL) (13.50±1.33mg/dl), level after Endosulfan exposure. But, upon W. somnifera treatment to the endosulfan treated group showed significant (p

This research paper demonstrates the synthesis of zero-dimensional (0D) porous cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by two different methods i.e. reflux and precipitation, followed by calcinations at different temperatures starting from 350 to 550 °C with an increment of 100 °C. The synthesized materials when calcined at different temperatures not only retain their structure, but also improve the crystalline nature. The maximum mean pore radius is found to be 4.15 nm for the sample calcined at 550 °C, synthesized by reflux technique, which is confirmed through SANS studies. The Cu (II)-O bond has been recorded in the range of 400 to 600 cm−1 and the peak of Cu-O has been observed at 603 cm−1 which is analyzed through FTIR spectra. The optical band gap of CuO is estimated to be 1.8 eV by diffused reflectance spectroscopic studies which indicate that the synthesized CuO nanoparticles are good photo-catalysts for phenol degradation within the wavelength range of visible-light. However, the polydispersity of the calcined materials gradually decreases with increase in temperature. It has been found from the Hall measurement that the synthesized CuO material is p-type in nature and I–V characteristics are linear in nature. As the Ohmic current mechanism is dominant, therefore the synthesized CuO material is an ideal candidate for sensor applications. The electrical conductivity of the CuO nanoparticles enhances when the measurement has been carried out in presence of phenol. It is seen that 450 °C calcined CuO shows highest degradation efficiency of phenol (98%) and phenol sensing.

The groundwater samples were found to be contaminated with high concentrations of uranium (U) in Punjab state as well as in few other locations of India. U being chemically toxic can deteriorate health when ingested. Hence, there is a need to remove U from contaminated water using an efficient, cheap and user friendly method. A study was initiated to investigate the efficiency of low-cost adsorbents in removing U from water. Seven adsorbents were screened for U removal efficiency, among which fly ash (FA) and tea waste (TW) were found to have better removal efficiency. Solid–liquid contact time and solution pH were optimized to establish conditions for better U removal efficiency. The U adsorption on FA and TW followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with rate constant values 4.63 g/mg/min and 15.63 g/mg/min, respectively. FA and TW had the highest U removal capability at pH 6 and pH 4, respectively. The U sorption data were fitted with Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The U adsorption on FA and TW is found to be a physical process with mean free energy (E) values less than 8 kJ/mol. Theoretically calculated maximum adsorption capacity values indicate that FA is a better adsorbent as compared to TW, which has been further confirmed experimentally. The U adsorption on both the adsorbents has interference from Ca2+ and no interference from Fe3+ at tested U concentrations. It is also found that FA and TW are effective in decontaminating U from spiked real groundwater samples to below the WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality, 4th ed, vol 1, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2011) limit.

Polymer systems like epoxies are not generally used in the manufacturing of structures on their own since they possess an ordinary level of mechanical properties. Hence, different reinforcing fibre...

The food demand in recent times has increased many folds. In order to augment the need for food, the agriculture practice is extensively carried out by the farmers and pesticides are widely used by them for the better yield of crops. Fishes are also cultivated by these farmers, and humans are consuming the fishes as they are very high nutritious food product. But, these pesticides through agricultural runoffs are contaminating the ponds as well the aquatic fauna like fish. The present research work deals with the evaluation of the protective effect of ascorbic acid on fenvalerate induced nephrotoxicity in Clarias batrachus. The pyrethroid pesticide- Fenvalerate EC 20% was administered directly in the water contained in the aquarium at the dose of 0.027 ppm, 0.042 ppm and 0.083 ppm respectively for 96 hrs hours after the dose calculation through LC50. Thereafter, ascorbic acid was administered orally by gastric intubation method at the dose of 200 mg/Kg body weight per day for 04 days to each pesticide treated group. The study revealed that, after the exposure of fenvalerate, there was significant damage at the biochemical levels like urea, creatinine, protein and albumin and histopathological study of kidney tissue in fish C. batrachus. But, after the administration of ascorbic acid, there was a significant restoration in the biochemical levels and in histopathology of the kidney of fish. The study concluded that Ascorbic acid possessed protective effect against fenvalerate induced toxicity in C. batrachus.

Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic agent, which causes liver and kidney damage when it is taken in high doses. It also has an adverse effect on reproductive system. Terminalia arjuna has a beneficial effect on hepato-protective properties. In this study, effect of green synthesized gold nanoparticles using Terminalia arjuna (AuNPs) has been evaluated for prevention of reproductive disorder in male Wistar rats. Then, experiment was conducted on 24 healthy male Wistar rats. Biochemical test such as sperm count, sperm viability, seminal fructose level, testicular cholesterol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and histopathological analysis revealed that co-administration of green synthesized AuNPs along with acetaminophen showed effective significant recovery in the reproductive disorder caused due to acetaminophen toxicity. Overall, the results emphasized the promising effect of green synthesized AuNPs against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats.