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Background: Aedes aegypti is the primary dengue vector, a significant public health problem in many countries. Controlling the growth of Ae. aegypti is the biggest challenge in the mosquito control program, and there is a need for finding bioactive molecules to control Ae. aegypti in order to prevent dengue virus transmission. Objective: To assess the mosquitocidal property of lawsone and its 3-methyl-4H-chromen-3-yl-1-phenylbenzo[6,7]chromeno[2,3,c]pyrazole-dione derivatives (6a-6h) against various life stages of Ae. aegypti. Besides, to study the mode of action of the active compound by molecular docking and histopathological analysis. Methods: All derivatives were synthesized from the reaction between 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, chromene-3-carbaldehyde, and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-pyrazol-5-one by using one pot sequential multicomponent reaction. The mosquito life stages were subjected to diverse concentrations ranging from 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10 ppm for lawsone and its derivatives. The structure of all synthesized compounds was characterized by spectroscopic analysis. Docking analysis was performed using autodock tools. Midgut sections of Ae. aegypti larvae were analyzed for histopathological effects. Results: Among the nine compounds screened, derivative 6e showed the highest mortality on Ae. aegypti life stages. The analyzed LC50 and LC90 results of derivative 6e were 3.01, 5.87 ppm, and 3.41, 6.28 ppm on larvae and pupae of Ae. aegypti, respectively. In the ovicidal assay, the derivative 6e recorded 47.2% egg mortality after 96-hour post-exposure to 10 ppm concentration. In molecular docking analysis, the derivative 6e confirmed strong binding interaction (-9.09 kcal/mol and -10.17 kcal/mol) with VAL 60 and HIS 62 of acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1) model and LYS 255, LYS 263 of kynurenine aminotransferase of Ae. aegypti, respectively. The histopathological results showed that the derivative 6e affected the columnar epithelial cells (CC) and peritrophic membrane (pM). Conclusion: The derivative 6e is highly effective in the life stages of Ae. aegypti mosquito and it could be used in the integrated mosquito management programme.

Background: The management of acute inflammation, which arises from complex biological responses to harmful stimuli, is an important determinant in recovery of the system from an otherwise detrimental outcome such as septicemia. However, the side effects and limitations of current therapeutics necessitate the development of newer and safer alternatives. Mollugo cerviana is a common medicinal herb of the Indian subcontinent and has been traditionally used for its fever mitigating, anti-microbial and hepatoprotective action. We have already reported the rich presence of radical scavenging phytochemicals in the plant extracts and their strong antioxidant properties. Objective: In the present study, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract (ME) of the areal parts of M. cerviana in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammatory cell culture model. Method: RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages cell were stimulated by the bacterial endotoxin LPS at a concentration of 1 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of ME were carried out. Results: M. cerviana extract concentration up to 150 µg/ml was found to be non-toxic to cells (MTT and NRU assay). LPS induces acute inflammation by binding to TLR-4 receptors, initiating downstream signalling cascade that result in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Extract treatment at 100 µg/ml suppressed LPS-induced gene expression (qPCR) and secretion (ELISA) of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the chemokine CCL2, indicating a dampening of the acute inflammatory cascade. LPS-induced elevation of ROS level (DCFDA method) was significant reduced by extract treatment. Nitric oxide production, as indicated by nitrite level, was significantly reduced post extract treatment. Conclusion: From this study, it is demonstrated that M. cerviana methanolic extract has potent anti-inflammatory effect in the in vitro acute inflammation model of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. There is not reported study so far on the anti-inflammatory properties of M. cerviana in an LPS-induced acute inflammatory model which closely mimics a human bacteremia response. Hence, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of this extract as a source of anti-inflammatory lead molecules.

The failure mechanisms of Oxide-Oxide ceramic matrix composites AS-N610 were studied at both room temperature and high temperature using tensile and fatigue tests with and without lateral and laminar notches. The unnotched coupons had an average tensile strength of 423 MPa with elastic modulus of 97 GPa at room temperature showing a perfect elastic behaviour whereas the laminar notched samples shown similar strength of 425 MPa with elastic modulus (98 GPa) revealing pseudo-ductile behaviour. A reduction in tensile strength of the oxide ceramic matrix composites was observed at high temperatures. Thermal shock experiments revealed that the retained strength of the samples quenched from 1100 °C deteriorated by ∼10 % (395 ± 15 MPa). In all samples fracture origin was observed on the mid plane showing a higher degree of fiber pull-out, delamination and pseudo ductile behaviour. FEA confirmed higher stress concentration on the areas of failures.

Secondary cell walls (SCWs) in stem xylem vessel and fibre cells enable plants to withstand the enormous compressive forces associated with upright growth. It remains unclear if xylem vessel and fibre cells can directly sense mechanical stimuli and modify their SCW during development. We provide evidence that Arabidopsis SCW-specific Fasciclin-Like Arabinogalactan-proteins 11 (FLA11) and 12 (FLA12) are possible cell surface sensors regulating SCW development in response to mechanical stimuli. Plants overexpressing FLA11 (OE-FLA11) showed earlier SCW development compared to the wild-type (WT) and altered SCW properties that phenocopy WT plants under compression stress. By contrast, OE-FLA12 stems showed higher cellulose content compared to WT plants, similar to plants experiencing tensile stress. fla11, OE-FLA11, fla12, and OE-FLA12 plants showed altered SCW responses to mechanical stress compared to the WT. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA-seq analysis revealed the up-regulation of genes and pathways involved in stress responses and SCW synthesis and regulation. Analysis of OE-FLA11 nst1 nst3 plants suggests that FLA11 regulation of SCWs is reliant on classical transcriptional networks. Our data support the involvement of FLA11 and FLA12 in SCW sensing complexes to fine-tune both the initiation of SCW development and the balance of lignin and cellulose synthesis/deposition in SCWs during development and in response to mechanical stimuli.

Single crystal of Sulphamic acid Lithium chloride (SALC), the inorganic nonlinear optical material was synthesized by slow solvent evaporation technique. PXRD analysis confirmed the grown crystal belong to orthorhombic structure to space group of Pbca. The vibrationally assigned frequencies of FTIR were obtained experimentally and compared with theoretical assigned values were calculated by DFT/B3LYP with 6–311++G(d,p) basis set by Gaussian 09 W software. The Vickers micro hardness study led to the evaluation of crystal belongs to hard category. The calculated FMO energy values indicate the charge transfer occurs within the molecule. The hyperpolarizability values of the grown molecule have been computed.

Semiorganic single crystals of L-Threonine Lithium Chloride were wealthy developed by slow evaporation method at ambient circumstances. The structure was illuminated by single crystal XRD technique and the structure be owned by orthorhombic system. Density functional theory computations using B3LYP/6-311++ G(d,p) base set gives optimized structural parameters of title compound. The Theoretically identified hyperconjugative molecular interactions are accountable for the stabilization of compound are obtain by NBO analysis. Besides, Mulliken atomic charges and molecular electrostatic potential were also executed.

In the present work the drying characteristics and proximate analysis of turkey berry (Solanum torvum) were analyzed under open sun drying and greenhouse drying with two different glazing materials (UV Polyethylene sheet and Drip lock sheet) under passive and active modes. The drying rate under different modes of drying are 18.73g/h in drip lock greenhouse active mode,12.50 g/h in UV polyethylene sheet greenhouse active mode,15.22 g/hin drip lock sheet greenhouse passive mode, 11.84 g/h in UV polyethylene sheet greenhouse passive mode and 10.65 g/h in open sun drying. Twelve mathematical models were chosen to determine the drying characteristics of Turkey berry. From the statistical analysis it is found that Modified Henderson and Pabis model is the best drying model describing thin layer drying characteristics of turkey berry in both open sun drying and green house drying. The goodness of the fit achieved is based on the values of coefficient of determination(R2), sum square error(SSE), root mean square error(RMSE) and reduced chi square (χ2).From the proximate analysis of dried turkey berry it is found that more amount of carbohydrate is retained in UV polyethylene greenhouse dryer under passive mode. In drip lock greenhouse dryer under passive mode the retention of vitamins such as protein, vitamin C and ash content showed a positive sign. In drip lock greenhouse dryer under active mode the retention of calcium, iron and dietary fibre is found to be high. Finally it is observed that more amounts of nutrients are retained in greenhouse drying than in open sun drying.

The evaluation of nano-priming effect with galactomannan stabilized Phyto-complexed calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), selenium oxyanion‑calcium hydroxide SeO-(Ca(OH)2), and selenium‑calcium hydroxide Se-(Ca(OH)2) nanocomposites was carried out in Vigna radiata (Green gram) seeds. The green source Cassia angustifolia seed rich in galactomannan and other phytoconstituents was detected experimentally and characterized with GC–MS, UV, FT-IR, NMR, XRD, and SEM studies. The highly active galactomannan and other biomolecules, enable their terminal oxygen and hydroxide groups to bind with calcium and selenium ions through bidentate and monodentate chelation, followed by bio-reduction. On the mild-thermal agitation, bio-stabilized (Ca(OH)2), SeO-(Ca(OH)2), and Se-(Ca(OH)2) nanocomposite coated with seed-derived biomolecules were precipitated under an alkaline condition. The size and morphological parameters of bio-fabricated nanocomposites were characterized to exhibit the spherical and hexagonal shape in nanoscale images of size 17.9 nm for (Ca(OH)2), 56.2 nm for SeO-(Ca(OH)2), and 69.3 nm Se-(Ca(OH)2). The sub-standard seed lot of Vigna radiata (Green gram) seeds (71%) was examined using synthesized nanocomposites at various concentrations, and the obtained physiological parameters in seedlings were compared with hydro-primed seeds. The nano-priming action of all the Phyto-complexed nanocomposites was predicted with a positive response, where the porous Se-(Ca(OH)2) possess high efficacy interaction on seed embryos and beneficially results at 90% germination.

Doping Dysprosium (Dy3+) (2 wt%) by employing one step and one pot hydro thermal method with TiO2 nano particles form a potential composition for photo catalysis. Dy3+ doped TiO2 nano particles are obtained using the methodical synthesis and the resulted product is subjected to various studies like XRD, HR-TEM and UV to understand its structure, morphology and the bandgap. The narrower bandgap resulted by the doped nano material proves to be better than its purest form (TiO2). It is acknowledged through UV analysis. The above synthesized material’s photo catalytic degradation is carried out against the organic and inorganic contaminations present in waste water.

The mechanisms by which proteins are targeted to the membrane of eukaryotic flagella and cilia are largely uncharacterized. We have identified a new family of small myristoylated proteins (SMPs) that are present in Leishmania spp and related trypanosomatid parasites. One of these proteins, termed SMP-1, is targeted to the Leishmania flagellum. SMP-1 is myristoylated and palmitoylated in vivo, and mutation of Gly-2 and Cys-3 residues showed that both fatty acids are required for flagellar localization. SMP-1 is associated with detergent-resistant membranes based on its recovery in the buoyant fraction after Triton X-100 extraction and sucrose density centrifugation and coextraction with the major surface glycolipids in Triton X-114. However, the flagellar localization of SMP-1 was not affected when sterol biosynthesis and the properties of detergent-resistant membranes were perturbed with ketoconazole. Remarkably, treatment of Leishmania with ketoconazole and myriocin (an inhibitor of sphingolipid biosynthesis) also had no affect on SMP-1 localization, despite causing the massive distension of the flagellum membrane and the partial or complete loss of internal axoneme and paraflagellar rod structures, respectively. These data suggest that flagellar membrane targeting of SMP-1 is not dependent on axonemal structures and that alterations in flagellar membrane lipid composition disrupt axoneme extension.

The present study focuses on the immunity and growth of Penaeus indicus fed with varying protein levels (25%, 30%, and 35%) in a biofloc based rearing system. A 120 days growth trial was carried out using juvenile Penaeus indicus (0.71 ± 0.01) with dietary protein level, 25% (LP), 30% (MP), and 35% (HP), and a control diet-fed with 35% acted as control group resulting in 4 treatments each with four replicates and were randomly assigned 16 tank units (7500 L each). A combination of different carbon sources (molasses, wheat flour, and rice bran in 2:1:1 ratio), yeast and a probiotic (Bacillus sp.) consortium were used for the development of biofloc. At the end of the trial, the growth parameters of shrimps viz., initial weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and daily growth coefficient (DGC) were computed. The results indicated that shrimp fed with medium (30%) protein (MP) diet recorded significantly (P 0.05) improved growth performance compared to high protein fed group (35%) and low protein (25%) fed group (LP) in a biofloc system and control group (35%). The immunological parameters such as hemagglutination activity (HA) assay, serum protein, lysozyme, phenol oxidase (PO), and inhibition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were observed in serum, plasma, and hemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS). The HA activity, PO activity in plasma was found to be higher in high protein fed animals, whereas medium protein resulted in enhanced PO activity in serum. Similarly, lysozyme and SOD were inhibited well in high protein fed animals compared to the low protein fed group. The vital immune genes's mRNA profiling showed a potential rise in the expressional pattern in MP and HP treatments compared to LP and control. BGBP (beta-1,3-glucan binding protein) and hemocyanin mRNA transcript levels were highly upregulated in the HP (5 fold) and moderately expressed in MP (2 fold) and LP (1-2 fold). The transcripts of peroxinectin, antimicrobial peptides like crustin showed significant upregulation in HP followed by in MP and LP and control. Likewise, other immune genes, such as SOD, prophenoloxidase (proPO), showed a similar trend in a marginal way, indicating immunomodulation in the biofloc groups. This study suggested that biofloc with high protein (35%) supplementation can substantially enhance the immune response of shrimps, although medium protein level (30%) is optimum for improving the survival, growth, and in turn economic return in Indian white shrimp.

Different phases of tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles were synthesised by hydrothermal method involving the extracts of avverhoea bilimbi, citrus limon and tamarindus indica as capping agents. These synthesized nanomaterials were characterized through X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, Transmission electron micrographs, diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence spectral techniques. The X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman spectra corroborate the formation of different crystal phases viz., monoclinic (m-WO3), orthorhombic (o-WO3) and hexagonal (h-WO3). The morphological and topographical studies were acquired from SEM and TEM images. The surface parameters were examined from BET isotherms. The absorption spectra reveal that the optical band gap energy is found to be higher for h-WO3. The adsorption of Cu(II) ions were found to be effective provided with optimum conditions and the adsorption capacity was found to be 174.5 mgg−1 by the h-WO3 nanoparticles. A study on Langmuir, Freundlich, D–R and Temkin isotherm models, deviation in D–R model implies that the adsorption is chemisorption process and follows pseudo-second order kinetics. The adsorption process is found to be spontaneous and exothermic from the thermodynamic parameters.

An imidazole based Schiff base (2-[(1H-imidazole-2-ylmethylene)-amino]-4-methyl-phenol) (IMP), with an imine unit, has been designed and characterized by various standard methods. The evaluation of the probe as a fluorogenic sensor for Zn2+ and a chromogenic sensor for Co2+ has been rationalized in terms of the PET mechanism. In the presence of Zn2+, a light yellow colored solution of IMP with maximum absorption of 364 nm becomes bright yellow with maximum absorption of 410 nm and a measurable fluorescent signal at 612 nm with bathochromic enhancement. The sensitivity of the fluorescent based assay (6.78 × 10-9 M) for Zn2+ is far below the limit in the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water (7.6 × 10-5 M) and therefore it is capable of being a practical system for the monitoring of Zn2+ concentrations in aqueous samples. Moreover, IMP showed a highly selective colorimetric response to Co2+ by displayed an obvious pink color upon addition of metal solution immediately without any interference from other ions. These results provide a new approach for selectively recognizing the two most important trace elements in the human body simultaneously, for Zn2+ by emission spectra and Co2+ by the naked eye.

Members of the Australian endemic plant genus Gastrolobium (Fabaceae) naturally accumulate fluoride (F) in the form of fluoroacetate when growing on soils with very low F status. However, it is unknown how Gastrolobium species respond to higher soil F concentrations, and what the interactions are between cations (Na+, Mg2+, K+, Ca2+) and anions (Cl−, F−, SO42−) in their leaves. In this study, we exposed G. bilobum, G. parviflorum and G. parvifolium to soils with different levels of soluble F− (as sodium fluoride solution applied to soil at 0, 1, 10, 50, 100 μg F g−1). The plants were grown for a period of 12 months before being harvested and acid- and water-extractable F in shoots analysed using ion chromatography. Gastrolobium leaves accumulated extremely high F with highest concentrations in young leaves in the highest treatment level. In G. parviflorum, the mean concentration of F in young leaves was >8000 μg g−1 for both methods of extraction, whereas G. parvifolium had 6940 and 3630 μg g−1 in young leaves for the water-soluble and acid extraction methods respectively. In young leaves of G. bilobum, the concentration of F was 1840 and 7970 μg g−1 for the water-soluble and acid extraction methods respectively. This study further revealed significant amounts of Cl− and SO42− in foliage of the studied species. Moreover, we found F− and SO42− to be positively correlated in young leaves of G. bilobum, but inversely related in its old leaves. These findings have shown for the first time the potential of Gastrolobium species to accumulate F in soils with high F concentrations, highlighting potential for applications in phytoremediation.

The printing conditions in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) affect the amount of induced residual stresses within the printed part and its dimensional accuracy. Among the thermoplastic feedstock for FDM, semi-crystalline polymers are more prone to part distortion due to crystallisation. Therefore, this study aims to numerically investigate the behaviour of semi-crystalline polymer under various FDM printing conditions (namely print speed and ambient temperature) and the resultant residual stress and warpage in the printed parts. For this, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the thermo-mechanical properties of the polymer under study (polypropylene), and the crystallisation kinetics are coupled with the evolving temperature and time during printing. The values of residual stress and warpage are calculated and compared for the bottom and top layers of the samples. From the results, it was observed that increasing the nozzle speed from 30 mm/s to 60 mm/s resulted in the bottom and top layers exhibiting a 15% and 13% decrease in residual stress, respectively. Similarly, a drop in warpage (~30%) was observed for both layers. The reduction in residual stress and warpage with increased printing speed is attributed to the improved heat transfer between the deposited roads and the reduced cooling rate. Increasing the ambient temperature from 25 °C to 75 °C resulted in a 2% and 3% decrease in residual stress in the bottom and top layers, respectively. In terms of warpage, an insignificant increase (~1%) was observed in both top and bottom layers. This is explained by the counter effects of reduced thermal gradients (i.e., lower cooling rate) and increased crystallisation on the overall amount of residual stress and warpage. 3D scanning of experimentally printed samples was used for verification of the simulation results, and good agreement between these is reported.

La norma ISO 9001:2015 promueve adoptar un enfoque basado en procesos, garantizando la mejora continua de las organizaciones. La investigación tuvo por objetivo mejorar la satisfacción de los servicios brindados en una empresa automotriz peruana empleando un Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad basado en ISO 9001:2015. Se aplicó un diseño de tipo pre-experimental de corte cuantitativo, con una muestra de 30 clientes, a quienes se aplicó un instrumento con respuestas tipo Likert para evaluar la calidad del servicio y satisfacción del modelo de proceso aplicado. Los resultados evidenciaron mejoras con respecto al índice de satisfacción de los clientes, asimismo se realizó exitosamente el rediseño y estandarización de los procesos de la empresa. Se concluye que el sistema influenció significativamente en la satisfacción de los servicios brindados por la empresa automotriz. The ISO 9001:2015 standard promotes the adoption of a process-based approach, guaranteeing the continuous improvement of organizations. The objective of the research was to improve satisfaction of the services provided in a Peruvian automotive company using a Quality Management System based on ISO 9001: 2015. A quantitative pre-experimental type design was applied, with a sample of 30 clients, to whom an instrument with Likert-type responses was applied to evaluate the quality of service and satisfaction of the applied process model. The results showed improvements concerningthe customer satisfaction index, as well as the redesign and standardization of the company's processes. It is concluded that the system significantly influenced satisfaction of the services provided by the automotive company.

An appropriate purification and quantification method has been developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in hydro alcoholic herbal extracts. For this, Bacopa monnieri, Camellia sinensis, Withania somnifera and Andrographis paniculata samples were extracted with modified solid-phase extraction (SPE) and the PAH were quantified using liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detector. Purification of herbal extract using hexane and acetone in the ratio of 1:1 followed by treatment with QuEChERS salt (6 g MgSO4 and 1.5 g sodium acetate) improved the recovery rate of PAH. Silica SPE, which accomplishes solvent exchange to hexane by cleanup method, was developed to reduce the matrix effect and quality of the result obtained was increased. The developed method can be used for regular monitoring and analysis of PAH in natural extracts so as to prevent contamination.

Aims: To investigate the effect of parthenolide on nucleolin in controlling the expression of miR-375 that induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer. Study Design: This study is an experimental study. Methodology: The cytotoxicity effect of parthenolide was tested by MTT assay for 48 h. Microscopic techniques were used to identify the morphological changes of the cell line. The expression of apoptotic and cell cycle regulatory genes was analyzed by the Real-Time PCR. The phase of cell cycle arrest was identified by Flow cytometry. Results: The obtained results indicated that parthenolide induced cytotoxicity and suppressed the proliferation by reducing the growth of LNCaP cells in 48 h. The microscopic analysis showed the alteration of cell morphology and increase of cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species. Parthenolide promotes apoptosis by the downregulation of nucleolin, Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax gene. Moreover, the flow cytometry assay showed the G1/G0 phase of cell cycle arrest. Conclusion: Parthenolide induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through nucleolin by the suppression of miR-375 in prostate cancer cells.

Macular degeneration (MD) causes central vision loss, removing input to corresponding representations in the primary visual cortex. There is disagreement concerning whether the cortical regions deprived of input can remain responsive, and the source of reported cortical responses is still debated. To simulate MD in controls, normally sighted participants viewed a bright central disk to adapt the retina, creating a transient ‘retinal lesion’ during a functional MRI experiment. Participants viewed blocks of faces, scrambled faces and uniform grey stimuli, either passively or whilst performing a one-back task. To assess the impact of the simulated lesion, participants repeated the paradigm using a more conventional mean luminance simulated scotoma without adaptation. Our results suggest our attempt to create a more realistic simulation of a lesion did not impact on responses in the representation of the simulated lesion. While most participants showed no evidence of stimulus-driven activation within the lesion representation, a few individuals (22%) exhibited responses similar to a participant with juvenile MD who completed the same paradigm (without adaptation). Reliability analysis showed that responses in the representation of the lesion were generally consistent irrespective of whether positive or negative. We provide some evidence that peripheral visual stimulation can also produce responses in central representations in controls while performing a task. This suggests that the ‘signature of reorganization of visual processing’, is not found solely in patients with retinal lesions, consistent with the idea that activity may be driven by unmasked top–down feedback.

Herein, we report the role of indium (In) on the carbon monoxide sensing of ZnO thin films using a low-cost spray pyrolysis technique. The decrease in crystalline size was observed from XRD studies and hexagonal wurtzite structure was confirmed. Photoluminescence and XPS studies proved the presence of various defects in the films. The gas-sensing properties of films toward carbon monoxide (CO) gas indicate that 15 wt% of In in ZnO thin films (IZO) exhibit high response (1.84) to a low concentration of the gas (1 ppm) at 300 °C compared to undoped ZnO (0.53). The observed high response of 15 wt% IZO can be mainly endorsed to the oxygen vacancy defects as observed from the photoluminescence and XPS analysis. Further, the high response is complemented by high surface area and smaller grain size (~ 13.1 nm) with well-defined grain boundaries as evident from SEM analysis as well as XRD studies.

Cadmium is a highly toxic environmental pollutant that is known to show lethal effects on the macro- and microorganisms. The current study is aimed at the isolation and screening of cadmium-resistant bacteria from contaminated soil samples collected from the rhizosphere region wet land paddy fields near Katpadi, Vellore. Cadmium concentration in the rhizosphere soil samples was estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and was found to be 2.59 mg/kg. A total of four morphologically distinct bacterial colonies were isolated and named VITATJM1, VITATJM2, VITATJM3 and VITATJM4. Maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) studies were also performed to establish the maximum concentration of Cd at which the bacteria can survive. The cultures were able to tolerate a maximum cadmium concentration of up to 500 ppm. PGPR tests such as ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were performed, and cultures VITATJM1 and VITATJM4 were found to be strongly effective. Similarly, isolates were also capable of forming biofilms. Pot culture studies were performed using Pennisetum purpureum plants, with different concentrations of cadmium in combination with bacterial culture (VITATJM1 and VITATJM4) for 30 days. From the current study, it can be concluded that application of P. purpureum augmented with bacteria in the rhizosphere could be an effective strategy for the removal of cadmium.

Certain cyclic sulfates (e.g. 23) together with various of their precursor sulfites (e.g. 21 and 22) have been prepared from the corresponding chiral, non-racemic bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-2,3-diols (e.g. 20). Such diols are obtained by engaging the corresponding enzymatically derived and enantiomerically enriched or homochiral cis-1,2-dihydrocatechol (e.g. 10) or certain derivatives in either inter- or intra-molecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions. Other functionalities present within the title compounds can be chemoselectively manipulated without adversely affecting the associated sulfate residues.

Increased apoptosis sensitivity of alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells and increased apoptosis resistance of (myo)fibroblasts, the apoptosis paradox, contributes to the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The mechanism underlying the apoptosis paradox in IPF lungs, however, is unclear. Aging is the greatest risk factor for IPF. In this study, we show, for the first time, that ATII cells from old mice are more sensitive, whereas fibroblasts from old mice are more resistant, to apoptotic challenges, compared with the corresponding cells from young mice. The expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), an important profibrogenic mediator, was significantly increased in both ATII cells and lung fibroblasts from aged mice. In vitro studies using PAI-1 siRNA and active PAI-1 protein indicated that PAI-1 promoted ATII cell apoptosis but protected fibroblasts from apoptosis, likely through dichotomous regulation of p53 expression. Deletion of PAI-1 in adult mice led to a reduction in p53, p21, and Bax protein expression, as well as apoptosis sensitivity in ATII cells, and their increase in the lung fibroblasts, as indicated by in vivo studies. This increase was associated with an attenuation of lung fibrosis after bleomycin challenge. Since PAI-1 is up-regulated in both ATII cells and fibroblasts in IPF, the results suggest that increased PAI-1 may underlie the apoptosis paradox of ATII cells and fibroblasts in IPF lungs.

Successful gene knock-in by CRISPR-Cas9 in the mouse zygote requires three components; guideRNA, Cas9 protein and a suitable donor template, which usually comprises homology flanked insert sequence. Recently, long single stranded DNA (lssDNA) donors have emerged as a popular choice of DNA donor, outperforming dsDNA templates in terms of knock-in efficiency for gene tagging and generating conditional alleles. The generation of these donors can be achieved through several methods that may introduce errors in the sequence, result in poor yields, and contain dsDNA contamination. We have developed our own cost-effective lssDNA synthesis methodology that results in high purity, sequence verified, low contamination lssDNA donors. We provide a detailed methodology on the design and generation of such donors for gene tagging experiments and generating conditional alleles.

In this study, shells of sea crab and fungus Aspergillus niger were subjected for chitosan extraction which has been done following demineralization, deproteination and deacetylation. Chitosan yield from crab shell and fungi was 37.5% and 39.3% respectively and water binding capacity was 58.44% and 60.21% respectively. The extracted chitosan was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and subjected for antibacterial activity against Urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens – Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and E. coli. Chitosan of crab shell showed better antibacterial activity than fungal derived chitosan. Chitosan gel was prepared using the extracted chitosan where it was also showing good antibacterial activity.

Objective The present study was undertaken to determine whether vitamin D supplementation or maintaining sufficient vitamin D level reduces foot pain over 2 years in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A post hoc study was conducted from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial named the Vitamin D Effect on Osteoarthritis (VIDEO) study. Symptomatic knee OA patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels between 12.5 nmoles/liter and 60 nmoles/liter were included and randomly allocated to either monthly vitamin D3 or placebo treatment (1:1) for 2 years. Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI) was used to evaluate foot pain and disabling foot pain was defined as at least 1 of the 10 functional limitation items (items 1-9 and 11) being documented as on "most/every day(s)" in the last month. A repeated-measures, mixed-effects model was used to analyze the change of MFPDI scores between groups adjusting for potential confounders. Results A total of 413 patients with a mean age of 63.2 years (49.7% males) were enrolled and 340 completed the study. The mean MFPDI score was 22.8 ± 7.3, with 23.7% of participants having disabling foot pain at baseline. There were significant differences in MFPDI scores change between groups over 2 years, with more improvements in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group (-0.03 versus 1.30; P = 0.013) and more improvement in those maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels (n = 226) than those who did not (n = 114) (-0.09 versus 2.19; P = 0.001). Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation and maintenance of sufficient vitamin D levels may improve foot pain in those with knee OA.

Cannabis is a mostly dioecious multi-use flowering plant genus. Sexual dimorphism is an important characteristic in Cannabis-based commercial production systems, which has consequences for fibre, seed, and the yield of secondary metabolites, such as phytocannabinoid and terpenes for therapeutic uses. Beyond the obvious morphological differences between male and female plants, metabolic variation among dioecious flowers is largely undefined. Here, we report a pilot metabolomic study comparing staminate (male) and pistillate (female) unisexual flowers. Enrichment of the α-linolenic acid pathway and consensus evaluation of the jasmonic acid (JA) related compound 12-oxo-phytodienoicacid (OPDA) among differentially abundant metabolites suggests that oxylipin signalling is associated with secondary metabolism and sex expression in female flowers. Several putative phytocannabinoid-like compounds were observed to be upregulated in female flowers, but full identification was not possible due to the limitation of available databases. Targeted analysis of 14 phytocannabinoids using certified reference standards (cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (Δ9-THCAA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)) showed a higher total phytocannabinoid content in female flowers compared with the male flowers, as expected. In summary, the development of a phytocannabinoid-specific accurate-mass MSn fragmentation spectral library and gene pool representative metabolome has the potential to improve small molecule compound annotation and accelerate understanding of metabolic variation underlying phenotypic diversity in Cannabis.

Graphene‐based nanomaterials are gaining importance in biomedicine because of their large surface areas, solubility, and biocompatibility. Green synthesis is the most economical method for application, as it is rapid and sustainable. Biofunctionalized reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) nanosheets were synthesized using methanol extract of Turbinaria ornata, and bioreduction of graphene oxide was primarily confirmed and characterized using UV‐visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and further characterized by zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy. The FTIR spectra of TrGO showed a decrease in the band intensities of oxygen groups, thus confirming effective deoxygenation. The zeta potential value of −34.6 mV revealed that synthesized TrGO was highly stable. The cytotoxic effect of TrGO against MCF‐10A and MCF‐7 cells was ascertained using MTT assay, showed a greater cytotoxic effect on MCF‐7 cells. The IC50 of TrGO treatment against MCF‐7 was calculated to be 31.25 µg, which is onefold lower than the cytotoxic effect of methanolic extract of T. ornata (60.0 ± 1.14 µg/ml). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in cell viability between MCF‐10A and MCF‐7 cells in the treatment of TrGO. Hence, this study results in an efficient green reductant for producing rGO nanosheets that possess cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells.

Photocatalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid is a promising strategy for H2 generation. In this work, we report the use of crystalline iron phosphide (FeP) nanoparticles as an efficient and robust cocatalyst on CdS nanorods (FeP@CdS) for highly efficient photocatalytic formic acid dehydrogenation. The optimal H2 evolution rate can reach ∼556 μmol·h-1 at pH 3.5, which is more than 37 times higher than that of bare CdS. Moreover, the photocatalyst demonstrates excellent stability; no significant decrease of the catalytic activity was observed during continuous testing for more than four days. The apparent quantum yield is ∼54% at 420 nm, which is among the highest values obtained using noble-metal-free photocatalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation. This work provides a novel strategy for designing highly efficient and economically viable photocatalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation.

One-pot three-component synthesis of twelve different chromeno[2,3-b]indole derivatives were achieved by the condensation of β-naphthol, oxindole and various substituted aldehydes. Two more chromeno[2,3-b]indole derivatives were also synthesized through one-pot two-component condensation of salicylaldehyde with oxindole/chlorooxindole. Both the condensations were achieved by using Keggin-type heteropoly-11-molybdo-1-vanadophosphoric acid, H4[PVMo11O40] supported on montmorillonite K-10 clay for about 10% as catalyst under environmentally benign solvent-free reaction condition. Shorter reaction time, excellent yield of product, sustainability of catalytic material and simple workup procedure under green experimental conditions are the advantages of this protocol.

Solvent effects in aqueous media for the fast heterogeneous catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol were studied using two silver nanocatalysts. Binary and ternary silver nanocatalysts (BNC and TNC) u...

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Objectives To construct and evaluate a 64Cu production system that minimises the amount of costly 64Ni, radionuclidic impurities and nonradioactive metal contamination and maximises radiochemical and radionuclidic purity and molar activity; and to report analytical and quality control methods that can be used within typical PET radiochemistry production facilities to measure metal ion concentrations and radiometal molar activities. Methods Low volume was ensured by dissolving the irradiated nickel in a low volume of hydrochloric acid (

Background While clinical trial evidence has firmly established the efficacy of several atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) for treating bipolar depression, no randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) comparing AAPs have been conducted. This Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) compared the relative efficacy and tolerability of AAP monotherapy in adults with bipolar depression. Methods Efficacy measures included change in Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Improvement – Bipolar Disorder (CGI-BP), response, and remission. Multiple tolerability outcomes were examined. Results from random effects models were reported as difference in change from baseline for continuous variables or odds ratios for dichotomous variables. Treatments were ranked using the surface under the curve cumulative ranking probabilities. Number needed to treat (NNT) and harm (NNH) were calculated. Results Eighteen RCT’s met inclusion criteria of the systematic literature review. On change in MADRS, lurasidone (− 4.71 [95% Crl − 6.98, − 2.41]), quetiapine (− 4.80 [− 5.93, − 3.72]), olanzapine (− 4.57 [− 5.92, − 3.20]), and cariprazine (− 2.29 [− 3.47, − 1.09]) were more efficacious than placebo. Lurasidone was associated with a significantly greater odds of response (≥50% improvement in MADRS) compared to cariprazine (1.78 [95% Crl 1.08, 2.77]), aripiprazole (2.38 [1.38, 3.85]), and ziprasidone (2.47 [1.41, 3.98]), but was similar to olanzapine (1.68 [0.99,2.65]) and quetiapine (1.25 [0.78, 1.90]). For change in CGI-BP-S-overall score, lurasidone was significantly better than cariprazine (− 0.38 [95% Crl − 0.66,-0.10]) and ziprasidone (− 0.58 [− 0.91,-0.26]), but similar to quetiapine (− 0.08 [− 0.36, 0.19])and olanzapine (− 0.04 [− 1.41, 1.46]). Lurasidone (0.34 kg [95% Crl − 0.22, 0.89]) and aripiprazole (0.20 kg [− 0.59, 1.00]) had a similar weight change compared to placebo, but olanzapine (2.88 kg [2.40, 3.36]), quetiapine (1.17 kg [0.84, 1.49]), and cariprazine (0.65 kg [0.34, 0.96]) were associated with greater weight gain. The NNT for response was the lowest for lurasidone (NNT = 5) followed by quetiapine (NNT = 6), olanzapine (NNT = 10) and cariprazine (NNT = 12). Conclusions In this NMA in adults with bipolar depression, which evaluated change in depressive symptoms (assessed by MADRS) across short-term trials, the largest improvement versus placebo was observed for lurasidone, olanzapine and quetiapine with cariprazine, showing a smaller treatment effect. Aripiprazole and ziprasidone were ineffective for the treatment of bipolar depression. Improvement in CGI-BP-S score for lurasidone was larger than cariprazine and ziprasidone but similar to quetiapine and olanzapine. Based on short term studies lurasidone and aripiprazole had similar weight gain compared to placebo.

Polymer composite film containing expanded polystyrene wastes, poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), epoxidized neem oil and cassava starch was prepared by solution casting technique. The composite film was characterized by FTIR, NMR, X-ray diffraction, and FESEM analysis. The thermal stability of the polymer composite film was studied by TGA and DSC. Melting point, glass transition temperature and cold-crystallization temperature of the composite films were found to decrease with increasing percentages of epoxidized neem oil plasticizer, which point towards the enhanced segmental mobility of the polymer chain. TGA results show that plasticization has enhanced the thermal stability of the polymer composite. The prepared films show improved percentage elongation with moderate tensile strength and Young’s modulus. Soil burial test was adopted to check the biodegradability. The lower values of water absorption indicate the water-resistant nature of the films. This green synthetic approach offers a simple means of up-cycling waste thermocol in a cost-effective manner which imparts partial biodegradability with potential for packaging film and eliminates the usage of toxic chemicals.

Isoniazid is one of the most important antibiotics used for the treatment of tuberculosis. However, the associated side effects can be quite detrimental to human health, thus necessitating careful ...

The recent outbreak of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and the surge in accelerating the development of a vaccine to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed greater challenges to humanity worldwide. There is lack of research into the production of effective vaccines and methods of treatment against viral infections. As of now, strategies encompassing antiviral drugs and corticosteroids alongside mechanical respiratory treatment are in practice as frontline treatments. Though studies have reported that microalgae possess antiviral properties, only a few cases have presented the existence of antiviral compounds such as algal polysaccharides, lectins, aggluttinins, scytovirin, algal lipids such as sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), monogalactosyldiacylglycerides (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerides (DGDG), and algal biopigments especially chlorophyll analogues, marennine, phycobiliproteins, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin and allophycocyanin that are derived from marine and freshwater microalgae. Given the chemodiversity of bioactive compounds from microalgae and the present scenario, algal biotechnology is seen as a prospective source of antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that can be used to develop antiviral agents. Microalgae with potential as antivirals and microalgae derived functional compounds to treat viral diseases are summarized and can be used as a reference in developing algae-derived antivirals to treat SARS-CoV-2 and other similar viruses. © 2021, Editorial board of Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences. All rights reserved.

A copper-catalysed radiosynthesis of carbon-11 radiolabelled carboxylic acids was developed by reacting terminal alkynes and cyclotron-produced carbon-11 carbon dioxide ([11 C]CO2 ) in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU). A small library of 11 C-labelled propiolic acid derivatives were obtained with a total synthesis time of 15 min from end of bombardment (EOB) with a (non-isolated) radiochemical yield ranging from 7% to 28%.

In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic potential of Biochanin-A (BCA) (10 mg/kg BW/day) pretreatment for 30 days on lipid metabolic abnormalities, proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase expression in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. We measured the potential role of BCA on tissue and circulatory lipid profiles as well as on lipid metabolic enzymes: serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP1) and serum Matrix Metalloproteinases (particularly, MMP-2 and MMP-9) together with mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by RT-PCR analysis. Administration of ISO to rats significantly distorted their lipid metabolism and augmented inflammatory process, MMP expression and proteolytic activity. In addition, pretreatment with BCA of ISO-induced MI rats significantly reestablished the altered lipid metabolism and concealed the inflammation of cytokines. BCA suppressed the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs in ISO-induced MI in rats when compared to normal untreated MI rats. Hence, these results established that BCA could improve the pathological processes of myocardial remodeling which was confirmed by histopathology of heart in MI rats and might be an effective beneficial ingredient for the management of heart failure disorders.

As the introduction of concentrated cattle pour-on products containing abamectin, there have been veterinary reports of both fatal and non-fatal poisoning in New Zealand working dogs. Because these products are highly palatable to dogs, a toxic dose is readily ingested. The pharmacokinetic properties of abamectin in dogs are not published in the public domain. This information is important in understanding the processes of absorption and elimination when treating poisoned dogs and is useful in determining an appropriate treatment for poisoned dogs. The pharmacokinetic properties of abamectin administered orally to six healthy dogs (3 male and 3 female) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg were established. Plasma concentrations of abamectin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a fluorescence detector. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) for abamectin was 135.52 ± 38.6 ng/ml at 3.16 ± 0.75 h. The elimination half-life (T1/2 elim (h)) was 26.51 ± 6.86 h. The area under the curve (AUC 0-∞) was 3723.50 ± 1213.08 ng h/ml. The mean residence time (MRT) was 38.82 ± 8.93 h. These pharmacokinetic data provide helpful information regarding the treatment of poisoned dogs.

Transport of active species (i.e., ions) leaching from pigment particles incorporated in a polymer matrix is the main mechanism behind the anticorrosive performance of protective coatings. Understanding this mechanism is necessary for the effective design of the systems utilizing pigments less toxic than the most efficient chromate salts. It was demonstrated that anticorrosive pigment particles can themselves facilitate the transport of active species via the pathways formed after pigment leaching from a coating. It was also suggested that other paint components, e.g., certain additives, pigments, and fillers can be involved in the formation of transport pathways. Investigation of the possible influence of inert pigment (TiO2) on creating the pathways for chromate ion transport in polymer coatings was the primary objective of this work. In an experiment mimicking the transport of pigment species (i.e., chromate ions), a model epoxy coating containing particles of a single pigment (TiO2) was exposed to a chromate solution (aqueous, or with the addition of acetone as a polymer swelling agent). It was shown that the chromate ions can be transported in the epoxy film preferentially via the TiO2 particles/polymer matrix interface.

A 120-day experiment was conducted to understand the growth and immunomodulatory response of Penaeus vannamei reared in biofloc-integrated periphyton system–like natural substrates like bamboo (NS1), sugarcane bagasse (NS2), artificial substrates like polyvinyl chloride mat (AS1), agricultural shed net (AS2), and a control group without biofloc and substrate. Experiments were carried out in 500-L fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks at a stocking density of 100 nos/m3 (0.256 g). Shrimps reared in natural substrate-based treatments, (NS1 and NS2) recorded highest average body weight (ABW) and survival followed by artificial ones (AS1 and AS2), and were significantly higher (P

Mahaleb, which is a spice with culinary use in Eastern and Mediterranean countries, is a natural source of coumarin. Its presence in bakery ware has not yet been studied, despite the fact that it i...

Polymer-derived ceramics demonstrate great potential as lithium-ion battery anode materials with good cycling stability and large capacity. SiCNO ceramic nanoparticles are produced by the pyrolysis of polysilazane nanoparticles that are synthesized via an oil-in-oil emulsion crosslinking and used as anode materials. The SiCNO nanoparticles have an average particle size of around 9 nm and contain graphitic carbon and Si3N4 and SiO2 domains. Composite anodes are produced by mixing different concentrations of SiCNO nanoparticles, edge-functionalized graphene oxide, polyvinylidenefluoride, and carbon black Super P. The electrochemical behavior of the anode is investigated to evaluate the Li-ion storage performance of the composite anode and understand the mechanism of Li-ion storage. The lithiation of SiCNO is observed at ∼0.385 V versus Li/Li+. The anode has a large capacity of 705 mA h g-1 after 350 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g-1 and shows an excellent cyclic stability with a capacity decay of 0.049 mA h g-1 (0.0097%) per cycle. SiCNO nanoparticles provide a large specific area that is beneficial to Li+ storage and cyclic stability. In situ transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrates that the SiCNO nanoparticles exhibit extraordinary structural stability with 9.36% linear expansion in the lithiation process. The X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of the working electrode before and after cycling suggests that Li+ was stored through two pathways in SiCNO lithiation: (a) Li-ion intercalation of graphitic carbon in free carbon domains and (b) lithiation of the SiO2 and Si3N4 domains through a two-stage process.

In the contemporary era, our planet has been experiencing an unprecedented energy shortage and degradation of the environment. The exhaustion of crude oil reserves, fluctuation in fuel prices, and the escalating environmental pollution problems are driving the researchers worldwide to search for sustainable alternative fuels. This study discusses an enhanced protocol for the production of biodiesel using crude palm stearin (CPS), the nonedible solid portion of palm oil, through alkali-catalyzed transesterification. The significant physicochemical properties of CPS and palm stearin biodiesel (PSB) were analyzed by adopting American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test procedures and contrasted with the commonly used biodiesels, petro-diesel, and ASTM biodiesel standards. The kinematic viscosity, density, gross calorific value, and cetane number of PSB were noticed to be 0.566 cSt, 0.882 kg/m3, 38,676.90 kJ/kg, and 47.5, respectively. The fatty acid composition and the functional groups present in CPS and PSB were determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) techniques. GCMS spectra for PSB demonstrated a composition consisting of myristic acid, palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, elaidic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid in varying percentages. The conversion of triglycerides in the CPS into methyl esters in PSB was confirmed by the FTIR analysis. The results of thermogravimetric analyses were also in good agreement with GCMS and FTIR. The closeness of the estimated properties of PSB with petro-diesel and the conformance with ASTM standards indicate the prospective of PSB as an alternative fuel for compressed ignition engines.

Green synthesis of nano mixed metal oxides is very important due to their applications in various fields. In the present work nano copper oxide-nickel oxide mixed oxides (CuO–NiO MOs) were synthesized using an environmentally friendly aqueous extract of Mimusops elengi leaf. The synthesized mixed metal oxides were characterized by using UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). TEM and SEM showed that the mixed metal oxides formed as clusters and the nanoparticles had an average size of 30 nm. UV–Vis spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy authorized that the phytochemicals of leaf extract acted as capping agents for the synthesis of the mixed metal oxides. The extract of M. elengi leaf exhibited a significant role in the synthesis of mixed metal oxides and that also served as a reducing agent. Nano CuO–NiO MOs showed good antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial activity studies offered that the nano CuO–NiO MOs can be used in the medical field.

This work describes gold-catalyzed additions of vinyldiazo ketones to N-(o-alkynylphenyl)imines to yield 3-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-1H-indoles involving skeletal rearrangement; these new catalytic reactions are applicable to a wide range of substrates. We postulate a new mechanism involving an initial addition of diazo ketones to azomethine ylide intermediates to yield gold-containing N-alkylated indole intermediates that undergo proton-induced 1,3-group migrations, generating azallyl gold and allylic cation pairs.

Renewable energy called normal -butanol is a possible alternative fuel for automobile vehicles like some other possible fuel such as compressed natural gas ( CNG ) , liquid petroleum gas ( LPG ) , ethanol, and methanol. Bio-butanol or normal -butanol is also a meritable energy source to substitute for regular fossil fuels. The normal -butanol has recently started to use as a possible substitute fuel to regular fuels for internal combustion engines to attain eco-friendly and capital benefits. As compared to regular energy sources in internal combustion engines, normal -butanol has some benefits, so it shows the potential to decrease tailpipe emission and an increase in positive network delivery. The current work carried out to investigate the performance and emission characteristics of dual spark plug ignition engine fuelled with normal -butanol as additive fuel by adopting 10:1 and 10.5:1 compression ratio s . The experimental results reveal that when compared between 10:1 and 10.5:1 compression ratio s , brake power ( BP ) is increased by 3.5 % and 3.2 % for normal- B utanol 35 (nB35) blend and energy efficiency increased by 2.72 % and 2.14 % for nB35 blend at a part and full load for 10.5:1 compression ratio . The n-butanol create a greater impact on tailpipe emissions that the carbon monoxide ( CO ) decreased by 32 %, 29 %, and hydrocarbon ( HC ) reduced by 2.38 % and 2.22 % for nB35 blend at a part and full load condition respectively. The experimental results on dual spark ignition engine using n-butanol as additive fuel by varying compression ratio reveals that n-butanol can be a suitable replacement energy source for the automobile sector in the nearest future.

Author(s): Magbanua, MJM; Swigart, LB; Wu, H-T; Hirst, GL; Yau, C; Wolf, DM; Tin, A; Salari, R; Shchegrova, S; Pawar, H; Delson, AL; DeMichele, A; Liu, MC; Chien, AJ; Tripathy, D; Asare, S; Lin, C-HJ; Billings, P; Aleshin, A; Sethi, H; Louie, M; Zimmermann, B; Esserman, LJ; van 't Veer, LJ | Abstract: BackgroundPathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is strongly associated with favorable outcome. We examined the utility of serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing for predicting pCR and risk of metastatic recurrence.Patients and methodsCell-free DNA (cfDNA) was isolated from 291 plasma samples of 84 high-risk early breast cancer patients treated in the neoadjuvant I-SPY 2 TRIAL with standard NAC alone or combined with MK-2206 (AKT inhibitor) treatment. Blood was collected at pretreatment (T0), 3 weeks after initiation of paclitaxel (T1), between paclitaxel and anthracycline regimens (T2), or prior to surgery (T3). A personalized ctDNA test was designed to detect up to 16 patient-specific mutations (from whole-exome sequencing of pretreatment tumor) in cfDNA by ultra-deep sequencing. The median follow-up time for survival analysis was 4.8 years.ResultsAt T0, 61 of 84 (73%) patients were ctDNA positive, which decreased over time (T1: 35%; T2: 14%; and T3: 9%). Patients who remained ctDNA positive at T1 were significantly more likely to have residual disease after NAC (83% non-pCR) compared with those who cleared ctDNA (52% non-pCR; odds ratio 4.33, Pn= 0.012). After NAC, all patients who achieved pCR were ctDNA negative (nn= 17, 100%). For those who did not achieve pCR (nn= 43), ctDNA-positive patients (14%) had a significantly increased risk of metastatic recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 10.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-46.6]; interestingly, patients who did not achieve pCR but were ctDNA negative (86%) had excellent outcome, similar to those who achieved pCR (HR 1.4; 95% CI 0.15-13.5).ConclusionsLack of ctDNA clearance was a significant predictor of poor response and metastatic recurrence, while clearance was associated with improved survival even in patients who did not achieve pCR. Personalized monitoring of ctDNA during NAC of high-risk early breast cancer may aid in real-time assessment of treatment response and help fine-tune pCR as a surrogate endpoint of survival.