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Nowadays researchers are much interested in bioceramics for their use as biological implants. Researchers have succeeded to derive few bioceramic materials which show good biological response with living tissues. Few of the bioceramics are zirconia, hexagonal boron nitride and hydroxyapatite. Herein, the effects of zirconia nanoparticles and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets in hydroxyapatite powder on the structural, mechanical, and biological properties were investigated. In this study, the formation of a potential composite with desired mechanical and biological properties is strongly anticipated. The present study is also proposed to provide further faces to improve osteogenic properties of the scaffolding material without altering the established mechanical and biological properties. Three different compositions in the system [(95-x)HAp-x(ZrO2)-5hBN] (x = 10, 20, 30) were prepared using a simple solid-state reaction technique. In the samples, significant phase was identified for HAp [Calcium Phosphate Hydroxide: Ca5(PO4)3(OH)]. SEM analysis of the composites revealed well-connected and uniform distribution of ZrO2 and HAp nanoparticles on h-BN sheets. The composite samples 65H30Z5B9h (65HAp-30ZrO2-5hBN sintered at 900 °C) and 65H30Z5B1T (65HAp-30ZrO2-5hBN sintered at 1000 °C) showed improved mechanical and tribological behaviors. These samples exhibited excellent mechanical properties like compressive strength, Young's modulus, toughness and density. The obtained values were 2.154 MPa, 0.0182 MPa, 553.82 MJ/m3, 2.29 g/cm3 for 65H30Z5B9h and 3.798 MPa, 0.0832 MPa, 231.59 MJ/m3, 2.31 g/cm3 for 65H30Z5B1T respectively. Cytotoxicity of the composites was studied on Drosophila fly and Mice calvarial osteoblasts cells at five different concentrations. Toxic effect of the composite 65H30Z5B1T on the fly was confirmed by phenotypic observations, trypan blue staining, pupal count, and larval crawling speed. Composite 65H30Z5B1T was found to be toxic in this study, but the composite 65H30Z5B9h was not. Further, cell viability, alkaline phosphates, and mineralization tests confirmed non-toxic property and enhanced osteogenic activities for the composite sample 65H30Z5B9h.

Background Beetroot is a health-promoting vegetable packed with essential components like vitamins, minerals, nitrates, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, triterpenes, and betalains. These bioactives are responsible for the pharmacological properties of beetroot along with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is also utilized as a natural colorant or additive in products like desserts, ice cream, and yogurt. Scope and approach In the current review nutritional aspect of beetroot has been discussed, and the article aims at giving an overview of processing and preservation of beetroot by using thermal processing techniques, freezing, microwave, ultrasounds, high-pressure processing, high-pressure carbon dioxide, pulsed electric field, cold plasma and irradiation along with encapsulation of beetroot extracts using spray drying and freeze drying. In addition, the article also covers different beetroot value-added products like jam, jelly, powder, chips, yogurt, candy, ice cream, ready-to-drink juice, wine, and noodles. This review is the first of its kind to summarize and discuss various processing techniques and value addition methods for beetroot used in different works of literature, making it easy for food processors and scientists to have a glance. Key findings and conclusions Though thermal processing techniques do inactivate microbes and enzymes in beetroot, they degrade the bioactive and colouring compounds present. Processing techniques like microwave, ultrasounds, high-pressure processing, high-pressure carbon dioxide, cold plasma technology, pulsed electric field, and irradiation can help in increasing its shelf life along with aiding extraction, drying, and bringing modifications in food matrix without affecting the bioactives present in beet. Freezing as a pretreatment has been found to be effective in reducing drying time. Beetroot can also be converted into stable microcapsules using spray dryer and freeze dryer. Converting beetroot into more convenient forms like jam, jelly, powder, chips, and other products can help consumers to get their nutrition from these different products. Value addition can also help in increasing its market opportunities and economic value.

In this work, we are reporting the facile synthesis of double perovskite oxide materials LnBa0.5Sr0·5Co1·5Fe0·5O6 (LnBSCF, Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd) using citrate-nitrate based sol-gel method. These double perovskite oxide materials exhibit bifunctional catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The phase formation and structure of the prepared oxides have been determined by powder X-ray diffraction, SEM analysis. Presence of various phases is analyzed and quantified by mean of Le-Bail refinement of XRD profiles. SEM analyses confirm the morphology and composition of prepared catalysts. Electrochemical measurements, e.g. Linear Sweep Voltammetry, Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy were used to study catalytic performance of prepared catalyst towards both oxygen evolution and oxidation reduction reactions in alkaline solution. Better catalytic performance was obtained in case of double perovskites as compared to parent perovskite for both reactions. Best catalytic performance was observed for Gd based double perovskite.

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in postmenopausal women globally. This study determined the mechanism through which coelogin stimulates osteoblastogenesis and its osteoprotective and bone regenerating potential. Coelogin effect on primary calvarial osteoblast cells was determined by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, osteoblast survival, and apoptosis and protein expression studies. The osteoprotective effect of coelogin was also evaluated on osteopenic adult female Swiss mice. At autopsy, bones were collected for dynamic and histomorphometry studies. Serum samples were also collected for assessment of serum parameters. Coelogin treatment led to increased osteoblast proliferation, survival, differentiation, and mineralization in osteoblast cells. Coelogin supplementation to Ovx mice promoted new bone formation, prevented Ovx-induced deterioration of bone microarchitecture, and enhanced bone regeneration. In addition, signaling studies revealed that coelogin treatment activates the ER-Erk and Akt-dependent signaling pathways which stimulate the osteoblastogenesis in osteoblast cells.

Mixed viral infections are common in fields and frequently exacerbate disease severity via synergistic interactions among individual viral genomic components leading to major crop loss. Two predominant species of tomato-infecting begomoviruses, Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Tomato leaf curl Gujarat virus (ToLCGuV), are known to cause severe leaf curl disease of tomato in India. Previously, we have demonstrated asymmetric synergism between these two distinct begomovirus species during mixed infection in solanaceous hosts. In the present study, we have identified the underlying proteins that positively regulate asymmetric synergism and their effect on plant defense machinery. During co-infection, the AC2 and AV2 of ToLCGuV enhanced ToLCNDV DNA accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana as well as in their natural host, tomato. Furthermore, we found that AC2 and AV2 of ToLCNDV and AV2 of ToLCGuV play a critical role in suppression of post transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) machinery. Taken together, AC2 and AV2 encoded proteins of ToLCGuV are the crucial viral factors promoting asymmetric synergism with ToLCNDV. KEY POINTS: • Begomoviral suppressors play vital roles in viral synergism. • AC2 and AV2 of ToLCGuV asymmetrically enhance ToLCNDV accumulation. • AC2 and AV2 of ToLCNDV and ToLCGuV AV2 are major PTGS suppressors.

A new random copolymer derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline, vanillin, 4-hydroxyacetophenone and formaldehyde was synthesized using conventional condensation polymerization. This copolymer further characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C NMR-DEPT, GPC, BET, DSC and TG-DTG. The apparent activation energy of resin by using Friedman methods and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) were 19.8 and 16.3 kJ mol−1, respectively. The three-dimensional diffusion (D3) decomposition mechanisms for the solid state thermal decomposition of copolymer have been observed from the Craido method and master plots. The copolymer resin could be used in the prevention of infections linked to medical devices.

Thermoplastic composites of polylactic acid (PLA)-hydroxyapatite (HAp)-chitosan (CS) (in 91-8-1% weight proportion) is one of the acceptable composition/proportions for preparation of biomedical scaffolds (printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM)) in tissue engineering applications. But hitherto, little has been reported on the repair of PLA-HAp-CS based orthopedic scaffolds, especially in case of minor surface cracks observed post-surgery (maybe because of residual stresses/accident, etc.) from mechanical, thermal, in-vitro, in-vivo, and morphological analysis viewpoint. In this study, the 3D printed scaffolding structures of PLA-HAp-CS (3D printed on FDM) were further joined by friction stir spot welding (FSSW) process for minor repairs (such as surface cracks). The joints formed by the FSSW process were subjected to mechanical, thermal, cytotoxicity (by in-vitro, in-vivo analysis) and morphological analysis. The study results suggest that joints prepared using the consumable tool in FSSW have good mechanical, thermal stability, a good range of biocompatibility, and suitable tissue engineering applications. For FSSW of 3D printed scaffolding structures of PLA-HAp-CS, 1000 rpm tool rotational speed, 4 mm consumable plunge depth, and 40 s stirring time are the optimized set of process parameters. The results are also supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.

The experiment was carried out 2015-16 in Mango orchard at Fruit Research Station Kuthulia, College of Agriculture Rewa (M.P). The study revealed that the Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and fruit quality of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) cv. Dashehari with 7 treatments in Randomized Block Design with three replications, Observations were recorded on growth yield & quality parameters. The maximum plant height was recorded (9.59m) in Treatment T4, RDF + Foliar spray of 0.4% Zinc sulphate + 0.2% copper sulphate + 0.2% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage) followed by (9.03m) treatmentT5, RDF + Zinc sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage. The maximum plant spread was recorded (Mean of N-S 11.93m E-W 12.87) in treatment T2, RDF + Zinc sulphate 200 g + Copper sulphate 100 g + Boric scid 100 g (soil application) in basin after harvest. The maximum number of fruits per plant was recorded (288.00) in treatment T5, RDF + Zinc sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage) However the maximum tree volume (1100.79 m3) was recorded in treatment T4, RDF+ Zinc sulphate 0.4%+ Copper sulphate 0.2% + Boric acid 0.2%(2 spray at just before flowering and marble stage). The maximum length and width of fruit were recorded (10.67cm), (5.97cm) in treatment T5, RDF+ Zinc sulphate 100g + Copper sulphate 50g + Boric acid 50g (soil application) + Zinc sulphate 0.2%+ Boric acid 0.1%(2 spray at just before flowering and marble stage). The maximum fruit yield was recorded (64.04kg/tree) in treatment T5, RDF + Zinc sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage). The minimum fruit yield was recorded (29.55kg)in treatment T7control RDF only. The maximumpulp percentage was recorded (79.94%) in treatment T5, RDF+ Zinc sulphate 100g + Copper sulphate 50g + Boric acid 50g (soil application) + Zinc sulphate 0.2%+ Boric acid 0.1%(2 spray at just before flowering and marble stage) The maximum acidity was recorded (0.26%) in treatment T4, RDF + Foliar spray of 0.4% Zinc sulphate + 0.2% copper sulphate + 0.2% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage).The maximum total soluble solids (TSS) was recorded(21.13 0Brix) T5, RDF + Zinc Sulphate 100 g + Copper sulphate 50 g + Boric acid 50 g (soil application) in basin after harvest + Foliar spray of 0.2% Zinc sulphate + 0.1% Boric acid (2 Spray at just before flowering and marble stage).

Niobium is an important constituent of Zr-Nb alloys being used widely in the nuclear industries as fuel claddings and pressure tubes. In this article, MD based simulations are performed to obtain grain boundary (GB) energies in ∑3 symmetrical and asymmetrical tilt grain boundaries (ATGBs) along tilt axis. Grain boundary energies are also obtained analytically by utilizing the equation establishing the relationship between inclination angle and grain boundary energy for ATGBs. It is observed that in both the cases the GB energies increase with the increase in inclination angle of the ATGBs. The increase in the GB energy follows the same trend with a little offset between the results obtained analytically and MD based simulations. The offset between both the results can be attributed to the limitations of the potentials employed for the simulations. MD based simulations thus provide an accurate method to calculate the GB energies.

Equimolar reaction of di-n-butyltin(IV) complexes of bidentate Schiff bases of the type [(n-Bu)2Sn(sb)Cl] with sodium salt of mono-functional bidentate ligands in THF-benzene solution affor...

In ordinary Michaelis–Menten kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, the enzymatic velocity decreases with the increase in the off dissociation rate constant of the enzyme-substrate complex. In this work, we study the role of the off dissociation rate constants in single-molecule enzymatic reactions in which both the free enzyme and the enzyme-substrate complex undergo slow conformational fluctuations. By applying our theoretical formalism, we calculate the enzymatic velocity and show that there can be an increase in the reaction velocity with the off rate constant dependence which is not very intuitive. From our analytical calculations, we can establish a region of the parameter space and subsequently explore a range of substrate concentration where the enzymatic velocity is accelerated with an increase in the off rate constant. Further, we study the role of the substrate unbinding rate constants on the randomness parameter, which is a measure of the dynamic disorder present in the system.

Traditional antibiotic susceptibility testing methods take several days to confirm and start disease treatment. The lack of new antibiotics or drugs warrants a need for optimization of current diagnostic tools for immediate antibiotic susceptibility testing. We present a rapid screening method to evaluate the response of bacteria to antibiotics based upon the electrochemical measurement of live bacterial cell metabolic activity using an electroactive redox dye, resazurin. A thin film of Pt deposited over a glass substrate using the direct current sputtering technique was used as a working bio-electrode for electrochemical readouts. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy was carried out to characterize the Pt thin film. We tested the efficacy of the method using two different strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC-700603) and Escherichia coli (ATCC-25922), against ampicillin, kanamycin and tetracycline. The dye, on incubation with viable bacteria, undergoes reduction and lowers the corresponding peak current value. However, in the presence of an effective antibacterial agent, reduction did not occur due to bacterial cell death and absence of a reducing environment. The electrochemical changes in peak current values were monitored using the differential pulse voltammetry technique and interpretation of the results obtained was based upon changes in peak current values. Our results depict a new methodology where a concentration of 104 cells/mL cells can be detected in less than 4 h. The results were also compared with the conventional disc diffusion method for susceptibility testing which has a bacterial incubation time of 18–24 h. The method can potentially be used for monitoring the susceptibility of bacterial strains towards existing antibacterial agents in an easy, rapid, reliable and inexpensive manner without any pre-cultivation of bacteria.

Signaling pathways like Wnt play a vital part in all aspects of skeletal development which include osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Inactivation of Wnt signaling pathway leads to bone-related disorders, whereas activation of Wnt signaling pathway can cure bone pathologies like osteoporosis. Certain microRNA(s) have been identified that commune with Wnt signaling molecules to regulate osteogenesis. In this study we reported the identification of miR-409-5p as a suppressor of osteogenesis by targeting Lrp-8 which is a positive effector of Wnt signaling. Our study showed that overexpressing miR-409-5p inhibits osteoblast differentiation whereas obstructing miR-409-5p expression by anti-miR-409 promotes osteoblast functions and matrix mineralization. Using tools like targetscan and 3'-UTR luciferase reporter assay, Lrp-8 was confirmed as a straight target of miR-409-5p. By over expressing miR-409-5p, a repression of canonical Wnt/β catenin signaling was observed. These observations were strengthened by the fact that silencing of miR-409-5p in ovariectomized estrogen deficient Balb/c mice restored the loss of trabecular bone microarchitecture and suppressed bone resorption. Thus, targeting miR-409-5p may be helpful in increasing bone density in conditions like post menopausal osteoporosis.

Images of retina of high quality with a wide field is a powerful form of classifying and detecting retinal diseases. These are preventable however can jeopardize vision. Retinal cameras dependent on cell phones hold guarantee to expand admittance to retinal symbolism, however various characteristics of picture and protected area of view will diminish their value. Our paper proposes fundus camera dependent on your own cell phone that can take photographs of the focal retina as well as the fringe retina at a plana standards. This may be demonstrated well as a methodology less expensive to the camera zeroing in on fundus pictures.

Decellularized corneas obtained from other species have gained intense popularity in the field of tissue engineering due to its role to serve as an alternative to the limited availability of high-quality donor tissues. However, the decellularized cornea is found to evoke an immune response inspite of the removal of the cellular contents and antigens due to the distortion of the collagen fibrils that exposes certain antigenic sites, which often lead to graft rejection. Therefore, in this study we tested the hypothesis that cross-linking the decellularized corneas with chondroitin sulfate may help in restoring the distorted conformationation changes of fibrous matrix and thus help in reducing the occurrence of graft rejection. Cross-linking of the decellularized cornea with oxidized chondroitin sulfate was validated by ATR-FTIR analysis. An in vitro immune response study involving healthy monocytes and differentiated macrophages with their surface marker analysis by pHrodo red, Lysotracker red, ER tracker, and CD63, LAMP-2 antibodies confirmed that the cross-linked decellularized matrices elicited the least immune response compared to the decellularized ones. We implanted three sets of corneal scaffolds obtained from goat, i.e., native, decellularized, and decellularized corneas conjugated with chondroitin sulfate into the rabbit stroma. Histology analysis, three months after implantation into the rabbit corneal stromal region, confirmed the restoration of the collagen fibril conformation and the migration of cells to the implanted constructs, affirming proper graft integration. Hence we conclude that the chondroitin sulfate cross-linked decellularized corneal matrix may serve as an efficient alternative to the allograft and human cadaveric corneas.

Evolution alters in gene sequence and/or genetic construction that change in mechanisms for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Plants synthesize a different array of lineage-specific specialized (secondary) metabolites for the fitness of the plants as defense against herbivores and microbes and also as signal factors to entice pollinators and fruit dispersers. The evolution of secondary metabolites also depends on alteration in the enzymatic manipulation of primary precursors. Plant metabolites play a vital role in plant adaptation, in human nutrition and medicine. The diversification of plant metabolic enzymes and primary metabolism evolves potential compounds for cellular homeostasis in selection pressure that is usually supposed to be conserved over the plant kingdom. The enormous changes in chemical diversity of secondary metabolites are occurred during evolution, which play vital role in treatment of severe diseases including cancer. This chapter explains the evolution of secondary metabolites through various evolutionary events occurring in plant system.

Transthyretin acts as a best protein target for which the medication could be intended as an inhibitor to treat the disease. Various flavonoids and alkaloids were retrieved from Azadirachta indica plant as an agent to bind the pockets of the protein. In order to investigate the binding patterns of flavanoids and alkaloids against Transthyretin (PDB ID: 1ICT) and to use simulations of molecular docking and molecular dynamics, the current in- silico research was performed. The molecular docking result indicates that Quercetin (CID: 5280343) binds to the region of active Transthyretin. pkCSM and molinspiration were used to analyse all of the candidate’s properties. For the molecular dynamic simulation studies the best compound Quercetin has been chosen. The Molecular Dynamics Simulations analysis showed that 3000 ps of Transthyretin and Transthyretin-Quercetin complex were stable. Finally, the in silico research predicts that Quercetin may serve as a good inhibitor for the treatment of the disease and that its therapeutic potential may be demonstrated by further in vitro and in vivo studies.

The study reports a theranostic nature of rno-miR-300 (miR300) in the osteoblast functioning, by influencing the signaling pathway(s), associated with osteoblast differentiation. Excessive expression of miR300 suppresses osteoblast functions. Smad3 served as a validated target for miR300, on homology-based computational analysis and experimental testimony, which activates β-catenin, and subsequently potentiates Runx2. The impact of miR300 on the Smad3/β-catenin/Runx2 signaling interactions in the induction of osteoblast differentiation was scrutinized by immunoblotting and in vivo miRNA antagonism. Overexpression of miR300 in the rat calvarial osteoblasts decreases the protein levels of Smad3, β-catenin and Runx2. Besides, in vivo silencing of miR300 in the neonatal pups and adult rats by AntimiR300 abolishes the suppressing action of miR300 on the osteoblast differentiation and expressions of Smad3/β-catenin/Runx2 axis. MicroCT studies showed improved trabecular microarchitecture in the AntimiR300 transfected ovariectomised rat model compared to sham and negative control. Furthermore, expression levels of miR300 were evaluated in serum samples from an independent set of 30 osteoporotic patients followed by a Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) based analysis for the diagnostic efficiency of miR300. Interestingly, the results exhibited high levels of miR300 (p 0.0001) in the serum samples from osteoporotic patients relative to non-osteoporotic subjects (AUC = 0.9689). Thus, miR300 negatively regulates the differentiation of osteoblasts by targeting crosstalk among Smad3, β-catenin and Runx2, unveiling an enormous ability to serve as a therapeutic target for bone-related disorder management strategies. Besides, miR300 may potentially function for the diagnosis of osteoporosis as a non-invasive biomarker.

The precise execution of mitotic spindle orientation in response to cell shape cues is important for tissue organization and development. The presence of astral microtubules extending from the centrosome towards the cell cortex is essential for this process, but little is understood about the contribution of astral microtubule dynamics to spindle positioning, or how astral microtubule dynamics are regulated spatiotemporally. The mitotic regulator Cdk1-CyclinB promotes destabilization of centrosomal microtubules and increased microtubule dynamics as cells transition from interphase to mitosis, but how Cdk1 activity specifically modulates astral microtubule stability, and whether it impacts spindle positioning, is unknown. Here we uncover a mechanism revealing that Cdk1 destabilizes astral microtubules to ensure spindle reorientation in response to cell shape. Phosphorylation of the EB1-dependent microtubule plus-end tracking protein GTSE1 by Cdk1 in early mitosis abolishes its interaction with EB1 and recruitment to microtubule plus-ends. Loss of Cdk1 activity, or mutation of phosphorylation sites in GTSE1, induces recruitment of GTSE1 to growing microtubule plus-ends in mitosis. This decreases the catastrophe frequency of astral microtubules, and causes an increase in the number of long astral microtubules reaching the cell cortex, which restrains the ability of cells to reorient spindles along the long cellular axis in early mitosis. Astral microtubules must thus not only be present, but also dynamic to allow the spindle to reorient in response to cell shape, a state achieved by selective destabilization of long astral microtubules via Cdk1.

Niobium is an important nuclear material. Zirconiumwhen alloyed with niobium, attains significantly improved mechanical properties. In this article, molecular dynamics based simulations are carried out to study the effect of symmetrical tilt grain boundary on nucleation and growth in bi-crystal of bcc niobium.

In this article, molecular dynamics based simulations were carried out to study the fracture toughness of single crystals of niobium (Nb) and zirconium (Zr). Separate set of simulations were performed with different orientations of crack plane in Nb and Zr. In each case, efforts were made to align the crack front with principal planes of corresponding crystal structure, that was bcc for Nb and hcp for Zr. Deformation in single crystal of Nb and Zr was governed either by twinning or emergence of dislocations from the crack tip and surfaces. The deformation mechanism in single crystal of Nb and Zr also helps in governing the overall toughness of the material, while deforming via twinning leads to higher change in the crack length, whereas dislocations emerging from the crack tip blunts the opening and improves the toughness.

The nature and coordination sites of the Schiff base 3,3′-(1E,1′E)-(1,3-phenylenebis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)dinaphthalen-2-ol (APHN) were tuned by its selective reduction to design a highly efficient fluorescent probe, 3,3′-(pyridine-2,6-diylbis(azanediyl))bis(methylene)dinaphthalen-2-ol (RAPHN). The structures of APHN, RAPHN, and the RAPHN–Fe3+ complex were satisfactorily modeled from the results of density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations. RAPHN worked in pure aqueous medium as a turn on–off–on probe of Fe3+ and F−. The fluorescence nature of the probe in the presence and absence of Fe3+/F− was regulated by a set of mechanisms including –CHN isomerization and LMCT. A 2 : 1 (M : L) binding stoichiometry was established from a fluorescence Job's plot and further substantiated from HR–MS studies. The limits of detection of RAPHN for Fe3+ and RAPHN–Fe3+ for F− were found to be 2.49 × 10−7 M and 1.09 × 10−7 M, respectively. The RAPHN probe caused no cytotoxicity in gut tissue of Drosophila even at high concentrations. The probe displayed excellent bioimaging applications for detection of Fe3+ and F− in gut tissue of Drosophila. A combinatorial logic gate was constructed for the proper understanding of the working principle of RAPHN.

Presently, an emerging disease (COVID-19) has been spreading across the world due to coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). For treatment of SARS-CoV2 infection, currently hydroxychloroquine has been suggested by researchers, but it has not been found enough effective against this virus. The present study based on in silico approaches was designed to enhance the therapeutic activities of hydroxychloroquine by using curcumin as an adjunct drug against SARS-CoV2 receptor proteins: main-protease and S1 receptor binding domain (RBD). The webserver (ANCHOR) showed the higher protein stability for both receptors with disordered score (-38.84 kcal/mol) had greater than hydroxychloroquine (-35.87 kcal/mol) in case of S1 receptor binding domain. Therefore, this study suggested that the curcumin could be used as combination therapy along with hydroxychloroquine for disrupting the stability of SARS-CoV2 receptor proteins

Octanoic acid is a medium-chained saturated fatty acid found abundantly in the ketogenic dietary supplements containing medium chained triglycerides (MCT) along with decanoic acid. The MCT ketogenic diet is commonly consumed for weight loss but has also showcased neuroprotective potential against neurodegenerative disorders. However, recent clinical findings have reported a critical disadvantage with the long-term consumption of ketogenic diet i.e. bone loss. The following study was employed to investigate whether the two major components of MCT diet also possess bone loss potential as observed with classical ketogenic diet. Swiss albino mice aged between 10 and 12 weeks, were divided into 3 treatment groups that were administered with oral suspensions of octanoic acid, decanoic acid and a combination of both for 4 weeks. Bone specific markers, microarchitectural parameters, using micro computed tomography, and biomechanical strength were analyzed. Remarkably deleterious alterations in the trabecular bone microarchitecture, and on bone markers were observed in the octanoic acid treated groups. Our results suggest significant negative effects on bone health by octanoic acid. These findings require further investigation and validation in order to provide significant clinically relevant data to possibly modify dietary composition of the MCT ketogenic diet.

Luminescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) prepared from aqueous beetroot extract were developed as unique fluorescent nanomaterials for in vivo live animal imaging applications. Blue (B) and green (G) emitting environmentally benign CQDs (particle size of 5 nm and 8 nm, respectively) exhibited bright fluorescence in aqueous medium and were found to be biocompatible, photostable and non-toxic in animal models. The in vivo imaging and toxicity evaluation of both CQDs were performed for the first time in the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model, which revealed consistent fluorescence in the gut tissues of the worms without exerting any sign of toxic effects on the nematodes. The in vivo bio-distribution of G-CQDs given by tail vein injection in live BALB/c mice showed optical signals in the lower abdominal regions, mainly in the intestine, and cleared from the body through faeces. The tremendous potential shown by these eco-friendly CQDs in the C. elegans and mice models advocates new hopes for greener CQD nanomaterials as diagnostic tools in the biomedical field.

Beetroot is rich in various nutrients. Hence the present study was conducted to develop a ready to serve (RTS) drink using beetroot juice. The juice of beetroot was extracted and added with different concentrations of sugar and citric acid to optimize the best-suited combination of ingredients. Standardization of RTS was done using ranking sensory evaluation test. Two variants of ginger and black pepper flavor were also prepared and standardized. The standardized amount of ingredients after sensory analysis for RTS was found to be 17.7% juice content, 7.5% sugar and 0.1% citric acid. The black pepper variant was standardized at 0.4% black pepper in the original product and the ginger variant standardized at 1.5% ginger extract. The beetroot drink and its variants having an optimized amount of ingredients were analysed for their physico-chemical properties. Shelf life analysis for a period of one month was also carried out.

Various types of pigments are produced by different bacterial species and play multifunctional role including their role as a protective agent against environmental stresses. The present study deals with the isolation and characterization of melanin pigment from bacteria. Three isolates showed pigment production and identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae S-1, Alcaligenes faecalis PBI and Enterobacter sp. ABI on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The maximum production of brown pigment (λmax 405 nm) was attained after 6 days of growth in liquid medium containing 3 g L−1 of l -tyrosine. Solubility test, FTIR and ESI-MS analysis suggested the nature of pigment as melanin. Identity of pigment type from all the three bacteria was made by HPLC analysis, results showed the presence of homogentisic acid (HGA), a precursor of pyomelanin. All the bacteria showed high activity of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) suggesting its role in HGA synthesis. PCR amplification of gene(s) also showed the presence of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (hppD) gene coding for HPPD enzyme suggesting its role in pyomelanin synthesis. This study deals with only three bacterial isolates, isolation of such pigment from a large number of bacteria growing in harsh habitats may prove useful in finding novel type of melanin.

Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) complexed with sodium iodide (NaI) is synthesized to investigate the ionic conductivity of alkaline-based polymer electrolytes. In this article, we report the modification of electrical properties of a new ion-conducting polymer electrolyte, namely, PVP complexed with NaI. Modification of polymer electrolyte was carried out before and after the exposure of films by bombarding them at different fluences with respect to Li3+ ion beam at 60 MeV. The preparation and detailed characterization of PVP:NaI is being reported. Further, a correlation with conductivity and dielectric constant has also been established. The modulation in the conductivity is explained in terms of number of charge carriers ( n) and its mobility ( μ), which confirms the behavior of the polymer electrolyte as an alternative strategy to improve the conductivity.

A new Schiff base tcph, derived from 2-thiophene carboxylic acid hydrazide, has been synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. The molecular structure of the compound has also been determined by X-ray crystallography. The tcph acts as a selective Al3+ and F− induced OFF-ON-OFF type of probe in aqueous media. The 1:1 binding stoichiometry between probe and Al3+ has been established from Job’s plot and further supported by ESI–MS studies. The limit of detection of Al3+ ions is determined by 3σ methods, which is found to be 1.35 × 10−9 M. The coordination environment for the tcph-Al3+ complex is delineated by NMR titration and DFT calculations. Detailed insights of probe–metal interaction mechanism have been studied by density functional theory (DFT) as well as time dependent–DFT calculations. MTT assay of the probe on live SiHa cells suggests no serious cytotoxicity in cells even at higher concentration. The probe tcph and its tcph-Al3+ complex have also been successfully applied to detect Al3+ and F− ions in living cells (SiHa cells), respectively.

We report the role of miR-1187 in regulation of osteoblast functions. Over-expression of miR-1187 inhibited osteoblast differentiation. Target prediction analysis tools and experimental validation by luciferase 3' UTR reporter assay identified BMPR-II and ArhGEF-9 as direct targets of miR-1187. ArhGEF-9 activates Cdc42 which has a major role in actin reorganization. BMP-2 also induces actin polymerization. Role of miR-1187 in actin reorganization was determined by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and in vivo gene silencing studies. Reduced protein levels of BMPR-II, activated Cdc42, and downstream signaling molecules were observed in miR-1187-transfected osteoblasts. miR-1187 over-expression resulted in decreased actin polymerization. Additionally, P-cofilin, which does not bind F-actin, was decreased in miR-1187-transfected cells. These results were corroborated by administration of BMPR-II exogenously in miR-1187-transfected osteoblasts. Silencing of miR-1187 in neonatal mice mitigated all the inhibitory effects of miR-1187 on actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. Importantly, in vivo treatment of miR-1187 inhibitor to ovariectomized BALB/c mice led to significant improvement in trabecular bone microarchitecture. Overall, miR-1187 functions as a negative regulator of osteogenesis by repressing BMPR-II and ArhGEF-9 expression thus suppressing non-Smad BMP2/Cdc42 signaling pathway and inhibiting actin reorganization. miR-1187 functions as a negative regulator of osteogenesis by repressing BMPR-II expression, which in turn, suppresses non-Smad BMP2/Cdc42 signaling pathway, thus inhibiting actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. Silencing of miR-1187 significantly improves trabecular bone microarchitecture. As miR-1187 exerts a negative regulatory role in osteoblasts function, hence, we propose that therapeutic approaches targeting miR-1187 could be useful in enhancing the bone formation and treatment of pathological conditions of bone loss.

Efficacious pesticide formulations having prolonged activity with minimal environmental risks is imperative for sustainable agriculture. Control release formulation is a prudent approach towards efficient pesticide utilization with reduced environmental implications. This work embodies an innovative easy-to-prepare pesticide formulation using chitosan (Cht)-alginate (Alg)-cenosphere (Cn) composite hydrogel beads for the sustained release of imidacloprid (IMI) with added advantage of UV safeguarding of pesticide, direct on-field application and upscalability. The IMI@Cht-Alg-Cn beads showed high encapsulation efficiency of around 80%, owing to their hollow structure and porous crosslinked network. Around 80% release of pesticide over a period of 72 hr substantiates a slower release profile under different pH conditions mimicking different soil types. Excitingly, leaching study reveal a two fold slow pesticide loss of 12 % compared to a commercial formulation. Subsequent validations in a model plant system (Vigna unguiculata) signify on-field universal applicability of the efficacious formulation. A long-term safety assessment study involving a human skin cell line (HaCaT), a plant model (Vigna radiata), soil-dwelling bacteria (E. coli and B. subtilis) and a non-targeted aquatic model organism (Daphnia magna) advocates a safe-by-design approach of the hydrogel beads. A 100% efficacy against Aphis crassivora (cowpea aphid) over 48 hrs compared to commercial formulation and technical grade of IMI suggest its suitability for on field application. This work merits sustainable pesticide use by providing application-based proofs and qualifies as a potential pesticide formulation for sustainable pest management.

Background Osteoporosis is an asymptomatic bone disorder leading to altered bone microarchitecture, mineralization and strength. Musa paradisiaca has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. Its impact on postmenopausal osteoporosis has not been investigated yet. Purpose The intention of the current study was to evaluate the bone regeneration and osteoprotective potential of extract and fraction of M. paradisiaca flower in ovariectomized (Ovx) Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, a model of post-menopausal bone loss. The study also aims to identify osteogenic compounds from active fraction. Methods Ethanolic extract (MFE) and butanolic fraction (MFE-Bu) from flower of M. paradisiaca were prepared and their efficacy was tested in rat femur osteotomy model at different doses. Effective dose from both extract (250 mg/kg) and fraction (50 mg/kg) were taken for study in osteopenic bone loss model. PTH was taken as reference standard (20 µg/kg/twice a week). Bones were harvested at autopsy for dynamic and static histomorphometry. Serum was collected for ELISA. Pure compounds were isolated from butanolic fraction (MFE-Bu), and were assessed for their osteogenic effect. Results MFE and MFE-Bu were observed for their potential in bone healing and prevention of bone loss. Both MFE and MFE-Bu promoted new bone regeneration at injury site as assessed by microCT and calcein dye labeling studies. These also led to restoration of bone microarchitecture deteriorated as a result of osteopenia and improved bone biomechanical properties. Extract as well as the fraction exhibited dual bone anabolic and anti-resorptive properties where they elevated serum procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), a bone formation marker and suppressed serum C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1), a bone resorption marker. As many as four osteogenic compounds were isolated from MFE-Bu. Oleracein-E was found to be the most potent osteogenic agent based on osteoblast differentiation, mineralization assays, qPCR and protein expression studies. Conclusion Our studies demonstrates that ethanolic extract from the flower of M. paradisiaca and its butanolic fraction exhibit dual osteogenic and anti-resorptive potential, and have an advantage over PTH which though promotes bone formation but is also bone catabolic in nature.

Objective: Kaempferol, a natural flavonol present in various traditional medicinal plants, is known to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to study the adju...

In this article, molecular dynamics based simulations were performed to investigate structure, energy and tensile behaviour of niobium (Nb) bi-crystals containing symmetric and asymmetric tilt grain boundaries. Six symmetric and four ∑5 asymmetric tilt grain boundaries about 〈1 0 0〉 as tilt axis were generated in molecular dynamics based environment. Minimum grain boundary (GB) energy for each configuration was predicted, and subsequently the bi-crystal was subjected to tensile loading. The strengthening of bi-crystals in conjunction with dislocation evaluation was studied with the help of atomistic simulations, and results were further fitted with Taylor’s work hardening expression. Simulations help in elucidating the effect of GBs and dislocations on the mechanical behaviour of Nb bi-crystals.

A series of new 6H-benzofuro[3, 2-c]chromenes (BFC, pterocarpans) with structure-activity relationships were investigated for their potential use in osteoporosis treatment. One of the BFCs 3-piperidylethoxypterocarpan 20 promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization at a dose as low as 1 pM via activation of ER/P38MAPK/BMP-2 pathway. When evaluated for in-vivo osteogenic activity in female Sprague-Dawley rats, BFC 20 increased bone mineral density and new bone formation, compared with control at 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg/body weight by oral gavage for 30 days. The compound was devoid of any uterotrophic effect and led to the new bone formation in adult ovariectomized osteopenic rats. BFC 20 compound also inhibited bone resorption by reducing Ovx induced increase in urinary CTx, thus exhibiting both bone anabolic and anti-catabolic action. Finally, BFC 20 treatment to Ovx rats led to improved trabecular microarchitectural restoration and exhibited therapeutic potential as a dual acting anti-osteoporotic agent for the management of osteoporosis.

In this article, molecular dynamics based simulations were performed to study the effect of radiation induced defects on the mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of a single crystal of niobium. Niobium is an important constituent of zirconium based alloys employed as fuel cladding and pressure tubes in nuclear reactors. Overall, simulations were divided in two broad sections, initially, displacement cascade was generated with varying PKA parameters to study defect formation in single crystal of niobium. Later, the same defected crystal was subjected to tensile loading to study deformation mechanism of niobium containing these radiation induced defects.

Balance between adipocyte and osteoblast differentiation is the key link of disease progression in obesity and osteoporosis. We have previously reported that formononetin (FNT), an isoflavone extracted fromButea monosperma, stimulates osteoblast formation and protects against postmenopausal bone loss. The inverse relationship between osteoblasts and adipocytes prompted us to analyse the effect of FNT on adipogenesis andin vivobone loss, triggered by high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. The anti-obesity effect and mechanism of action of FNT was determined in 3T3-L1 cells and HFD-induced obese male mice. Our findings show that FNT suppresses the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts, through down-regulation of key adipogenic markers such as PPARγ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and inhibits intracellular TAG accumulation. Increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation accompanied by stabilisation ofβ-catenin were attributed to the anti-adipogenic action of FNT.In vivo, 12 weeks of FNT treatment inhibited the development of obesity in mice by attenuating HFD-induced body weight gain and visceral fat accumulation. The anti-obesity effect of FNT results from increased energy expenditure. FNT also protects against HFD-induced dyslipidaemia and rescues deterioration of trabecular bone volume by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorbtion caused by HFD. FNT’s rescuing action against obesity-induced osteoporosis commenced at the level of progenitors, as bone marrow progenitor cells, obtained from the HFD mice group supplemented with FNT, showed increased osteogenic and decreased adipogenic potentials. Our findings suggest that FNT inhibits adipogenesis through AMPK/β-catenin signal transduction pathways and protects against HFD-induced obesity and bone loss.

The structural modifications of pregnenolone have been described via the introduction of heterocyclic moieties at C-17 position by limiting the acyl group. Novel heterocyclic analogues of pregnenolone have been synthesized by using Friedlander and Claisen-Schmidt reactions, and the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their osteogenic activity. Among the synthesized derivatives, four compounds showed significantly increased ALP activity. Among all four active compounds, the novel compound 3a has shown significant bone matrix mineralization and mRNA expressions of osteogenic marker genes, BMP2, RUNX-2 and OCN at 1pM concentration.

In the present study, 36 Asian rice cultivars/landraces were evaluated against M. graminicola under in vitro conditions using soilless Pluronic gel medium. The cultivars/genotypes Phule Radha, EK 70, LK 248 and Khalibagh showed significantly reduced nematode infection, endoparasitic development, and derived multiplication factor indicating the presence of resistance, while Halvi Sal 17 was found to be most susceptible. Performance of selected genotypes showing resistance/susceptibility under in vitro conditions was further confirmed in soil which also revealed Phule Radha to be highly resistant and Halvi Sal 17 as the most susceptible genotype. Further, expression profile of plant defense responsive genes related to MAPK pathway, phytohormones, PR-proteins and callose and lignin synthesis were quantified in Phule Radha (the most resistant) and Halvi Sal 17 (the most susceptible) at 2 and 6 days post nematode inoculation. Significant upregulated expression of several defensive genes was observed in the resistant cultivar Phule Radha in contrast to insignificant expression in the susceptible varieties. The resistant genotype identified in the present study will be highly promising for resistance breeding in rice against M. graminicola.

The current study was emphasized to assess the effect of malathion on root system (cell division and kinetics of the root elongation) and stress related parameters in Allium cepa L. The roots were exposed to different concentrations (0.05, 0.13, 0.26, 0.39 and 0.52 g/L) of malathion for different treatment periods (4, 8 and 18 h). The results revealed that malathion application affected the growth rate and cell division in root tips. The root elongation kinetics were impaired at 0.13 to 0.52 g/L concentrations. Reduction in tissue water content (TWC) indicated the limited osmotic adjustment due to membrane damage. Further, a decrease in sucrose content was observed in contrast to the accumulation of proline (upto 0.39 g/L). Moreover, malathion exposure elevated the levels of lipid peroxidation followed by changes in antioxidant enzymes status. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were down-regulated whereas the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were up-regulated except in 0.52 g/L malathion. The molecular docking study of malathion with CAT, GST, SOD, APX and GR also supported of above results for their activity. All these physiological responses varied with increasing malathion concentration and duration of treatment. The single cell gel electrophoresis results showed that all concentrations of malathion induced DNA damage in root cells. The findings depicted that malathion application induces cytotoxic and phytotoxic effects mediated through oxidative stress and subsequent injuries.

The orientation of the mitotic spindle is a crucial process that defines the axis of cell division, contributing to daughter cell positioning and fate, and hence to tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. Pathological conditions associated with spindle orientation defects primarily include neuro-developmental disorders, while direct contributions to tumorigenesis are still under investigation. The trimeric NuMA/LGN/Gαi complex, the major determinant of spindle orientation, acts by anchoring to the cell cortex astral microtubules (MTs) and dynein motors, and exerting pulling forces on the spindle poles. Multiple mitotic kinases contribute to correct spindle orientation by regulating NuMA localization [7-9]. We and others have described a role for the Aurora-A centrosomal kinase in the targeting of NuMA to the cell cortex in metaphase. Aurora-A is frequently overexpressed in cancer, together with its major activator TPX2, raising the question as to whether spindle orientation is among the processes downstream the Aurora-A/TPX2 signaling axis that may be altered under pathological conditions. Here we have investigated the role of TPX2 in the Aurora-A-mediated regulation of NuMA and in spindle orientation. We show that in cultured human cells, the interaction with TPX2 is required for Aurora-A to exert these functions. We also show that Aurora-A, TPX2 and NuMA are part of a macromolecular assembly at spindle MTs, and that the Aurora-A/TPX2 complex favors the interaction between Aurora-A and NuMA, suggesting that TPX2 acts as a platform for Aurora-A regulation of NuMA at spindle MTs. Interestingly, we found that the excess of TPX2 does not influence NuMA localization, but induces a “super-alignment” of the spindle axis to the substrate, both in transformed and non-transformed cells. Conversely, an excess of Aurora-A induces spindle misorientation. We show that these opposite effects are both linked to altered MT dynamics. Overall our results highlight the importance of TPX2 for spindle orientation and suggest that distinct cellular components regulating spindle orientation are differentially sensitive to unbalanced levels of Aurora-A, TPX2 or the Aurora-A/TPX2 complex.

The wide expansion of nanotechnology in consumers, industrial, medical, and food products has raised a concern over the scientific community regarding their potential risk to human and the environment. Plant root is exposed to these nanoparticles (NPs) through sludge application and wastewater irrigation processes. The behavior and interaction of NPs in the soil, pore water, and rhizosphere play an important and central role in governing uptake. To this end, the current work critically reviewed the behavior of NPs in soil and root environment and tried to understand the effect of interaction on uptake and the possible pathways for NP uptake in edible plants. In addition, the current knowledge gaps in the current perspective on NP and soil interaction, NP-root interaction, etc. had been compiled after conducting the literature survey. The review of literature indicated that knowledge gaps exist for the following components: (1) size of nanoparticles in soil, (2) mobility of NPs in soil, (3) aggregation in pore water and root, (4) change in surface charge in pore water and root environment, (5) effect of type of nanoparticle on uptake in edible plants, (6) type of plant on NP uptake, (7) mechanism of NP uptake in plants, and (8) multiple generational effects on NPs in plants. Based on the available literature, more studies on exposure of NPs to edible plants in environmentally relevant conditions are recommended. In addition, a multidisciplinary integrated approach to understand soil-nanoparticle-plant nexus is needed. The uptake of NPs in edible plants is directly dependent on its interaction with soil and root zone of plants. Therefore, this review highlighted on the status of knowledge, identified important data gaps, and suggested future research directions.

Multiple applications of nanoparticles (NPs) could result in their potential release into agricultural systems and raised concerns about food safety. The NPs once released in the environment may interact with numerous pollutants, including other NPs. Present study assessed the impact of a single (CuO and ZnO NPs) and binary mixture (CuO+ZnO NPs) on the germination of Raphanus sativus seeds with a wide range of exposure concentration (0-1000 mg/L). Both the NPs have shown a deleterious effect on seeds at exposure concentration greater than 10 mg/L. Antagonistic interaction between effects of CuO and ZnO NPs on seeds was noticed for all the exposed concentrations. CuO NPs showed higher absorption capacity on the seedling surface than ZnO NPs. Internal uptake of Zn in ZnO NP-exposed seedlings was found to be greater than that due to CuO NP-exposed seedlings. Three different types of exposure adversely affected seed germination (reduction in root length, shoot length, and fresh weight). Reduction in growth parameters (length and weight) with concentration was compared using log-logistic dose-response model of "DRC" package of the "R" software, and EC50 was determined. As per EC50 values, the toxicity of CuO NPs was found to be maximum followed by CuO+ZnO NPs and then minimum for ZnO NPs. Seedlings accumulated Cu and Zn metals, and higher uptake was recorded for Zn (reported as mg/g seedling dry weight). The order of toxicity was found as CuO NPs > binary mixture (CuO+ZnO) NPs > ZnO NPs. Exposure concentration greater than 10 mg/L resulted in significant toxicity and uptake in germinated seedlings. These findings indicated that exposure of the mixture of NPs during germination might give different effects and thus, further attempts could prove quite beneficial to the literature.