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Objective To compare the clinical profile of long-term survivors and non-survivors with T1D(T1D) in India. Research design and methods This is a retrospective study of 76 individuals with T1D who had survived for at least 40 years ('survivors') and 51 individuals with T1D who had died with shorter duration of diabetes ('non-survivors'), from diabetes clinics in different cities of India. Prevalence of complications in both groups and causes of death of the non-survivors were analyzed. Retinopathy was diagnosed by retinal photography; chronic kidney disease (CKD) by urinary albumin excretion (micro- or macroalbuminuria) and estimated glomerular filtration rate; peripheral vascular disease (PVD) by Doppler measurement of ankle-brachial pressure index; coronary artery disease (CAD) based on history of myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization and neuropathy by biothesiometry. Results Mean glycated hemoglobin (8.4±1.5 vs 10.7±2.2%, p

Hydrogen peroxide is a green propellant which apart from space propulsion is used in various industrial applications. Though hydrazine was used initially, the nature of hydrazine which is a toxic, carcinogenic and hazardous fuel resulted in various space agencies’ interest in green propellants. The essential step for high test peroxide (HTP) as a green mono propellant realization is on development of a reliable, effective, long life catalytic beds which are not affected by catalytic poisoning and impurities. In the present study, a 3D model is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics software to know the catalytic decomposition of 30% hydrogen peroxide flowing inside a 3 mm diameter 300 mm length channel. The effect of annular silver catalyst (I.D – 1.6 mm, O.D. – 2 mm, length 10 mm) on decomposition rate is studied in detail. The positioning of silver catalyst bed and number of beds increased the reaction rate with varying pressure drop. Among the variations simulated, the 4 catalyst model gives the better performance and gets decomposed to a greater extent. This model will help in the design of a micro thruster which can operate efficiently with low pressure drop.

The present work describes a technique to develop silver nanoparticles decorated calcium titanate–titania (AgNPs-CT-TiO2) nanostructured layer over Ti6Al4V alloy powder by simple chemical and heat treatment approach. The NaOH solution and heat treatment form a uniform porous nano-network morphology of sodium titanate and subsequent calcium nitrate treatment transforms it into calcium titanate along with rutile TiO2. However, simultaneous treatment with calcium and silver nitrate solution allows the incorporation of both calcium and silver ions over the nano-network morphology leading to the formation of AgNPs decorated calcium titanate along with anatase TiO2 (AgNPs-CT-TiO2@Ti6Al4V) that collectively induces biocompatibility towards MG 63 osteoblast-like cells as well as antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Thus modified AgNPs-CT-TiO2@Ti6Al4V alloy powders were subsequently blended with polymethyl methacrylate to develop a composite scaffold using NaCl as a porogen. This composite could be used as a scaffold or bone cement in various bone tissue engineering applications.

CRISPR-Cas systems are RNA-guided nucleases that provide adaptive immune protection in bacteria and archaea against intruding genomic materials. Cas9, a type-II CRISPR effector protein, is widely used for gene editing applications since a single guide RNA can direct Cas9 to cleave specific genomic targets. The conformational changes associated with RNA/DNA binding are being modulated to develop Cas9 variants with reduced off-target cleavage. Previously, we showed that proline substitutions in the arginine-rich bridge helix (BH) of Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpyCas9-L64P-K65P, SpyCas92Pro) improve target DNA cleavage selectivity. In this study, we establish that kinetic analysis of the cleavage of supercoiled plasmid substrates provides a facile means to analyze the use of two parallel routes for DNA linearization by SpyCas9: (i) nicking by HNH followed by RuvC cleavage (the TS (target strand) pathway) and (ii) nicking by RuvC followed by HNH cleavage (the NTS (nontarget strand) pathway). BH substitutions and DNA mismatches alter the individual rate constants, resulting in changes in the relative use of the two pathways and the production of nicked and linear species within a given pathway. The results reveal coordinated actions between HNH and RuvC to linearize DNA, which is modulated by the integrity of the BH and the position of the mismatch in the substrate, with each condition producing distinct conformational energy landscapes as observed by molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, our results indicate that BH interactions with RNA/DNA enable target DNA discrimination through the differential use of the parallel sequential pathways driven by HNH/RuvC coordination.

Background Finger millet is the most important food grain in the world for its nutritional benefits. Finger millet is genetically and geographically diverse and widely spread in the African and Asian sub-continent. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to analyze the genetic diversity using ISSR genetic markers using 15 ISSR primers. Results About 23 genotypes of widely cultivated finger millet cultivars of economically important ones were characterized and the ISSR markers were critically analyzed for their performance with parameters such as polymorphic information content (PIC), effective multiplex ratio (EMR), marker index (MI), and resolving power (RP). In this study, 175 loci were scored across the 23 cultivars of finger millet, and out of these 173 loci (98%) were polymorphic, revealing the suitability of these loci for genetic diversity analysis with ISSR marker. The average number of polymorphic loci per primer was 11.50 with varying sizes from 100 bp to 2500 bp. ISSR primers that showed higher polymorphism were found to have higher EMR and MI values up to 15.30 and 13.44, respectively. Conclusion High degree of polymorphism supported with distinct differences of all the marker parameters revealed the suitability of ISSR markers for determining the genotypic differences based on ISSR markers among the 23 genotypes of finger millet. The possible application of the ISSR marker in the conservation and management of finger millet genetic resources is discussed.

In the present study, Enterococcus faecium MC-5 isolated from the fish gut was cultured in the MRS broth to produce exopolysaccharide (EPS). The maximum EPS production was optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with three different factors which include sucrose, ammonium nitrate and pH. RSM result predicted that maximum EPS (16.48 g/L) production could be attained by supplementing 30 g/L sucrose and 15 g/L ammonium nitrate in the MRS broth with the initial pH of 6.407. The EPS produced was subjected to purification by column chromatography techniques. Monosaccharide analysis by HPLC confirmed the presence of fructose monomer. The purified EPS MC-5 showed a molecular weight of 24 kDa. The purified EPS was further characterized by FT-IR and NMR which confirmed the presence of β-(2,6) fructofuranoside units and suggested that the EPS MC-5 is a levan-type polysaccharide. Congo red analysis suggested that the EPS MC-5 possesses a triple-helix structure whereas the SEM images showed that the EPS has a porous and globular structure. The EPS was found to be semi-crystalline through XRD analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis showed EPS MC-5 possesses higher thermal stability having a degradation temperature of 338.13 °C. The EPS MC-5 exhibited excellent antioxidant activities and showed promising antibiofilm activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio anguillarum. The present study is the first report of levan-type EPS production by Enterococcus faecium sp., which has been characterized for its physicochemical and biological properties. These properties associated with EPS MC-5 suggested that it can serve as a potential ingredient or supplement in the food system with significant health benefits.

The low thermal conductivity of Phase Change Materials (PCM) reduces its performance and remains a challenging issue. In the present study, modified nano copper oxide powder (CuO) with various weight percentages is dispersed into paraffin wax to form Nano-PCM composites (NPCM). Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis showed the uniform dispersion of modified CuO and spherical in structure. Diffraction Scanning Calorimeter analysis (DSC) showed a trivial difference in the melting point of PCM and NPCM. The peak melting temperature of PCM was 18.56°C and for NPCM with 1% concentration was 17.14°C. The thermal conductivity of NPCM in solid and liquid states was high when compared to that of pure PCM. The thermal conductivity of NPCM with a 1% concentration is enhanced by 52% in a solid state and 20% in a liquid state. Solidification/Melting experiments conducted at different bath temperatures such as 15°C, 17°C, and 19°C for PCM and NPCM revealed that the solidification period and melting period reduced with an increase in concentrations of modified Nano CuO due to augmented heat transfer rates. The solidification time for NPCM with 1% concentration is reduced by 18.33% for discharging temperature 25°C, and melting time are reduced by 16.6% for charging temperature.

Heterocyclic compounds possessing the thiophene nucleus have attracted tremendous interest in the field of medicinal chemistry due to their promising pharmacological properties. A series of new thi...

Objectives Bisphenol is one of the commercial chemical compounds which finds application in the manufacture of phenol, polyesters, polycarbonates, epoxy resins, etc. Bisphenol A is the most commonly found bisphenol derivative, although there are various analogues such as Bisphenol S, Bisphenol B, Bisphenol C, Bisphenol E, Bisphenol AF, which vary with their structures. Bisphenols majorly get into us by means of food as they are found in food packaging and beverage containers and can be easily absorbed by the body. They can make way into the body systems either by direct means like skin contact or by indirect means through food that is stored in a bisphenol-coated containers. Exposure of the human system to this compound may bring about mild to adverse ailments ranging from skin irritations to infertility. Pigmentation disorder is one such health condition that occurs due to melanocyte destruction and is caused by bisphenol exposures. They interact with various proteins and enzymes that have been involved in the melanocyte synthesis pathway, thereby disrupting their normal functions. Methods In silico analysis has been done to predict the interaction and other descriptive binding parameters when the bisphenol derivatives BPA. BPB, BPC, BPE, BPS and BPAF have been docked with some of the essential proteins for melanin synthesis such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1(TRP-1), dopachrome tautomerase/tyrosinase-related protein-2(TRP-2). Results The interaction has been quantified with the binding energies, and the interacting amino acid residues have also been identified. The results showed strong interactions for both the proteins TRP-1 and TRP-2 with BPA. BPB, BPC, BPE, BPS and BPAF. Conclusions The risk and threats caused by the commercial products made of bisphenol are at higher levels, and thereby, the need for a safe and desirable alternative has been insisted.

Craters have been observed upon irradiation by single ion impacts of Ar monomer and Ar dimer ions with 35 keV/atom in monolayer graphene on copper at a fluence of 1 × 1012 atoms/cm2. The observed craters at the ion impacts are in the underlying copper substrate, which pull down the graphene layer conformally towards them, introducing disorder into graphene. The number density of craters per atom produced by Ar-monomers is higher than that of Ar-dimer ions. In the ion impact region, disorder is high, and graphene is metallic in both Ar-monomer and dimer irradiation. In the ion impact region of dimer irradiated graphene, local density of states is higher and there is a shift in Dirac point position by +0.07 eV and a bandgap opening of 0.25 eV in the ordered region ∼15 nm away from the ion impact. Microscopic ripples in graphene are not observed in the case of monomer irradiation while they are present in the case of dimer irradiation with a reduced wavelength. Isotropic compressive strain is introduced by the ion impacts and it is larger for Ar-dimer irradiation. The combined effects of compressive strain along with breaking the equivalence between A and B sublattice of graphene is attributed to the opening of the band gap in graphene.

To develop advanced anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIB), an extensive research effort is being employed. The effort focuses much on silicon-based anodes due to its high theoretical capacity. However, drawbacks exist such as low practical capacity, limited lithium diffusion, volume expansion, and stress-induced material damage, which retard the utilization of Si in LIB. To circumvent the above-stated issues, we developed a hetero-structure using silicon nitride (Si3N4) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as an anode for LIB. The developed Si3N4@MoS2 hetero-structure exhibits excellent initial capacity with better cycling stability than the pristine Si3N4. The tremendous electrochemical performance is attributed to (i) the formation of hetero-structure, as well as enhanced surface area (ii) The Si3N4@MoS2 forms a suitable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) by improving the electrode wettability attributed to its high polar nature (iii) The structural advantage of Si3N4@MoS2, it shortens the Li+transport path and improves the charge transfer and (iv) The highly abundant active sites of Si3N4@MoS2 improve the electrochemical performances.

The synthesis, characterization and photoluminescent properties of four cyclometalated (C N)-type gold(III) complexes bearing a bidentate diacetylide ligand, tolan-2,2'-diacetylide (tda), are reported. The complexes exhibit highly tunable excited state properties and show photoluminescence (PL) across the entire visible spectrum from sky-blue (λPL =493 nm) to red (λPL =675 nm) with absolute PL quantum yields (PLQY) of up to 75 % in solution, the highest PLQY found for any monocyclometalated Au(III) complex in solution. As a consequence of the use of the strongly rigidifying diacetylide bidentate ligand, a significant increase in the excited state lifetimes (τ0 =16-258 μs) was found in solution and in thin films. The complexes showed remarkable singlet oxygen generation in aerated solution with absolute singlet oxygen quantum yield (ϕ1Δ ) values reaching up to 7.5×10-5 and singlet oxygen lifetimes (τ01Δ ) in the range of 66-95 μs. Furthermore, the radiative and non-radiative rates of singlet oxygen were determined using the ϕ1Δ and τ01Δ values and correlations are drawn between the formation of singlet oxygen and its interaction with cyclometalated (C N) gold(III) complexes.

Calcium signaling via mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex coordinates mitochondrial bioenergetics with cellular energy demands. Emerging studies show that the stability and activity of the pore-forming subunit of the complex, MCU, is dependent on the mitochondrial phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), but how this impacts calcium-dependent mitochondrial bioenergetics in CL-deficiency disorder like Barth syndrome (BTHS) is not known. Here we utilized multiple models of BTHS including yeast, mouse muscle cell line, as well as BTHS patient cells and cardiac tissue to show that CL is required for the abundance and stability of the MCU-complex regulatory subunit MICU1. Interestingly, the reduction in MICU1 abundance in BTHS mitochondria is independent of MCU. Unlike MCU and MICU1/MICU2, other subunit and associated factor of the uniporter complex, EMRE and MCUR1, respectively, are not affected in BTHS models. Consistent with the decrease in MICU1 levels, we show that the kinetics of MICU1-dependent mitochondrial calcium uptake is perturbed and acute stimulation of mitochondrial calcium signaling in BTHS myoblasts fails to activate pyruvate dehydrogenase, which in turn impairs the generation of reducing equivalents and blunts mitochondrial bioenergetics. Taken together, our findings suggest that defects in mitochondrial calcium signaling could contribute to cardiac and skeletal muscle pathologies observed in BTHS patients.

The device performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) mainly depends on the sensitizers. Ruthenium sensitizers have played a vital role in the DSSCs to improve power conversion efficiency. However, the absorbance spectra of most Ru-sensitizers limited up to 600 nm, which maybe prohibiting further improvement of short-circuit current density (Jsc). To address this problem, TER-HDT was designed and synthesized by incorporating hexyl dithiafulvalene (HDT)-substituted bipyridine as an ancillary ligand and [2,2′:6′,2′'-terpyridine]-4,4′,4′'-tricarboxylic acid as anchoring ligand together. The synthesized TER-HDT was systematically studied and characterized by spectroscopic (proton NMR, Mass analysis), optical (UV-absorbance and photoluminescence), electrochemical and theoretical techniques. The novel sensitizer TER-HDT absorption tailed up to 900 nm, which originated from the enhanced intermolecular charge transfer in conjunction with efficient intra and intermolecular interactions. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels TER-HDT are suitable for electron injection and regeneration which may help to achieve high efficiency.

Ointments are widely used as topical medication as a mode of transdermal drug delivery for treatment of skin lesions. In this study, Tridax procumbens infused oil (oil phase) and Gelatin stabilized silver nanoparticle (Aqueous phase) were blended with natural biosurfactant extracted from Lactobacillus casei (MT012285) to prepare an ointment for topical wounds. GC–MS of infused oil showed the presence of pentadecanoic acid and 1,19-eicosadiene. FT-IR studies show the presence of aliphatic and amino group of biosurfactant from L. casei confirm the presence of lipopeptide, which can form stable W/O emulsion in ointment. The prepared ointment shows higher microbial reduction capacity on clinical pathogens tested namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further, herbal-nano-ointment exhibits minimal hemolytic action on human red blood cells at 100 µg/mL. At higher concentration of 4.0 mg/mL of ointment low cytotoxic effect on L929 fibroblastic cell line was observed. Cell migration rate of 62% was recorded at 24 h using wound scratch assay. Based on the study we find that biosurfactant-based nano-topical ointment from T. procumbens oil with G-AgNPs, has low cytotoxic effect and a high cell migration rate and hence can be used in the topical application for treatment of wound.

In this research work, an attempt was made to reinforce AA7168 aluminium alloy with Boron Carbide (B4C) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) through compos casting technique. Tribological test were performed ...

Background: Ocean acts as a wealthy resource of biological diversity producing prospective novel metabolites from the organisms present in the environment. Novel bioactive compounds from Echinoderms mainly from sea stars have been extensively studied procuring rich diverse compounds which exhibits in vitro cytotoxicity comparable to or better than those of the potent anticancer drug. These sea stars which reside in the benthic region serves as their habitat and they are therefore predators and persistently being attacked by various organisms subsequently they acclimatize the survival approach to defend themselves from the external pathogens. Since these metabolites are obscured as a metabolic product during their endurance an initial evaluation of these compounds is necessary to assess human risk. Objectives: The present study focuses in vitro toxicity evaluation of isolated sterol like isolate from echinoderm sea star Stellaster equestris by incorporating hemolytic, chromosomal aberration assay and the cell viability tryphan blue exclusion assay against human peripheral blood. Methods: The in vitro toxicity evaluation was studied against the human peripheral blood collected from the healthy donors with the defined concentration of the sterol like compound from the sea star Stellaster equestris. The hemolytic, cell viability trypan blue exclusion method and chromosomal aberration assay were performed to check the hemolytic, mutagenic and genotoxic effect against the lymphocytes and the red blood cells. Results and Discussion: The result suggested that the hemolytic assay and the cell viability assay even in a dose dependent manner were non-hemolytic and percentage of the viability was not affected due to the exposure of the compound. The absence of genotoxicity was evident for the chromosomal aberration assay indicated that the isolated compound from the sea star Stellaster equestris might be considered as effective novel compound.

This work attempts to resolve one of the key issues related to the design and development of sustained-release spherule of aspirin for oral formulations, tailored to treat COVID-19. For that, in the Design of Experiments (DOE) an arbitrary interface, “coating efficiency” (CE) is introduced and scaled the cumulative percentage coating (CPC) to get predictable control over drug release (DR). Subsequently, the granules containing ASP are converted to spherules and then to Ethyl cellulose (EC) Coated spherules (CS) by a novel bed coating during the rolling (BCDR) process. Among spherules, one with 0.35 mm than 0.71 mm shows required properties. The CS has a low 1200 angle by Optical Microscopy (OM), smooth surface without cracks by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and better flow properties (Angle of repose 29.69 ± 0.780, Carr's index 6.73 ± 2.24%, Hausner's Ratio 1.07 ± 0.03) than granules and spherules. Once certain structure-dependent control over release is attained (EC coated spherules shows 10% reduction in burst release (BR) than uncoated spherules showing a release of 80–91%) the predictability is achieved and Design of space (DOS) by DOE (CE-70.14%and CPC-200% and DR-61.54%) is established. The results of DOE to experimentally validated results were within 20% deviation. The aspirin is changing its crystal structure by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) from Form-I to Form-II showing polymorphism inside the drug reservoir with respect to the process. This CE and CPC approach in DOE can be used for delivery system design of other labile drugs similar to aspirin in emergency situations., Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image

High-nuclearity Mn complexes have attracted significant scientific attention due to their fascinating magnetic properties and their relevance to bioinorganic systems and catalysis. In this work, we demonstrate how the strong binding characteristics of phosphonate ligands can be coupled with sterically hindered carboxylate groups to influence the symmetry of Mn coordination clusters. We describe the structure of two high-nuclearity Mn coordination cages, {Mn12} and {Mn15}, synthesized using this approach. These cages are structurally related to the truncated tetrahedral geometry and adopt rare topological features of Archimedean and Johnson-type solids. Their structural attributes distinctively influence their magnetic properties and electrocatalytic H2O oxidation characteristics.

The diethylenetriamine (DETA) organic moiety was anchored covalently on the surface of silica gel to obtain a surface-modified adsorbent abbreviated as Si-DETA. The adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The adsorption behavior of uranium on Si-DETA was studied as a function of pH of the aqueous phase, duration of contact time, and concentration of uranium in the aqueous phase. The kinetics of uranium adsorption on Si-DETA was fitted with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. The adsorption isotherm obtained from uranium loading was fitted into popular models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and D-R adsorption isotherms. The statistics of fitting revealed that the Langmuir adsorption model obeyed the adsorption data. The performance of the adsorbent was also evaluated under dynamic conditions by passing feed solution containing uranium in a buffered solution and seawater into a fixed bed column containing Si-DETA. The results were compared with those obtained in a batch mode. The study showed the possibility of using Si-DETA for the separation and recovery of uranium from aqueous waste and seawater.

A series of thiophene bearing pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazine and pyridine moieties were synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR, mass spectroscopic analytical techniques. In vitro antimicrobial activit...

2-amino-3-cyano substituted 1,8-naphthyridines has been developed in the presence of starch sulfuric acid (SSA catalyst using aminopyridine, malononitrile, and aromatic aldehydes via Knoevenagel condensation and Michael addition followed by intramolecular cyclization. The SSA catalyst could selectively be converted amino pyridine into 1,8-naphthyridines with good yield in a short period of time at room temperature. This catalyst can be efficiently reused several times without loss of its sustainable activity. Index Terms: Starch sulfuric acid, naphthyridines, biodegradable solid catalyst, heterogeneous acid catalyst

Isomers of C11H8 have been theoretically examined using density functional theory and coupled-cluster methods. The current investigation reveals that 2aH-cyclopenta[cd]indene (2), 7-ethynyl-1H-indene (6), 4-ethynyl-1H-indene (7), 6-ethynyl-1H-indene (8), 5-ethynyl-1H-indene (9), and 7bH-cyclopenta[cd]indene (10) remain elusive till date in the laboratory. The puckered low-lying isomer 2 lies at 9 kJ mol-1 below the experimentally known molecule, cyclobuta[de]naphthalene (3), at the fc-CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ//fc-CCSD(T)/cc-pVDZ level of theory. 2 lies at 36 kJ mol-1 above the thermodynamically most stable and experimentally known isomer, 1H-cyclopenta[cd]indene (1), at the same level. It is identified that 1,2-H transfer from 1 yields 2H-cyclopenta[cd]indene (14) and subsequent 1,2-H shift from 14 yields 2. Appropriate transition states have been identified, and intrinsic reaction coordinate calculations have been carried out at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. Recently, 1-ethynyl-1H-indene (11) has been detected using synchrotron-based vacuum ultraviolet ionization mass spectrometry. 2-Ethynyl-1H-indene (4) and 3-ethynyl-1H-indene (5) have been synthetically characterized in the past. While the derivatives of 7bH-cyclopenta[cd]indene (10) have been isolated elsewhere, the parent compound remains unidentified till date in the laboratory. Although C11H8 is a key elemental composition of astronomical interest for the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the interstellar medium, none of its low-lying isomers have been characterized by rotational spectroscopy though they are having a permanent dipole moment (μ ≠ 0). Therefore, energetic and spectroscopic properties have been computed, and the present investigation necessitates new synthetic studies on C11H8, in particular 2, 6-10, and also rotational spectroscopic studies on all low-lying isomers.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a chorioretinal disorder of the eye characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina at the posterior pole of the eye. CSCR results from the accumulation of subretinal fluid (SRF) due to idiopathic defects at the level of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) that allows serous fluid from the choriocapillaris to diffuse into the subretinal space between RPE and neurosensory retinal layers. This condition is presently investigated by clinicians using invasive angiography or non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. OCT images provide a representation of the fluid underlying the retina, and in the absence of automated segmentation tools, currently only a qualitative assessment of the same is used to follow the progression of the disease. Automated segmentation of the SRF can prove to be extremely useful for the assessment of progression and for the timely management of CSCR. In this paper, we adopt an existing architecture called SegCaps, which is based on the recently introduced Capsule Networks concept, for the segmentation of SRF from CSCR OCT images. Furthermore, we propose an enhancement to SegCaps, which we have termed as DRIP-Caps, that utilizes the concepts of Dilation, Residual Connections, Inception Blocks, and Capsule Pooling to address the defined problem. The proposed model outperforms the benchmark UNet architecture while reducing the number of trainable parameters by 54.21%. Moreover, it reduces the computation complexity of SegCaps by reducing the number of trainable parameters by 37.85%, with competitive performance. The experiments demonstrate the generalizability of the proposed model, as evidenced by its remarkable performance even with a limited number of training samples. Graphical abstract is mandatory please provide.

The radiolytic stability of aqueous solutions containing two different bis-1,2,4-triazines was studied under static gamma irradiation. Sulphophenyl derivatives of bis-1,2,4- triazinyl pyridine (SO3-Ph-BTP) and bis-1,2,4-triazinylbipyridine (SO3-Ph-BTBP) were dissolved in 0.1 M and 1 M HNO3 solutions and the impact of gamma irradiation was assessed by the measurement of distribution ratios of Am(III) and Eu(III) using irradiated samples. The results were compared for two different organic solvents containing N,N,N’,N’-tetraoctyldiglycolamide (TODGA) or N,N-didodecyl-N’,N’-dioctyldiglycolamide (D3DODGA). The separation efficiency of all the systems remained unchanged when the absorbed dose was 100 kGy, and gradually decreased at 200 kGy and 500 kGy. The radiolytic degradation was more apparent for SO3-Ph-BTBP in comparison to SO3-Ph-BTP at higher acidity. The degradation of sulphonate groups in the molecules was evidenced in ATR-FTIR spectral studies.

A preliminary phytochemical screening of the EtOH extract of the Pithecellobium dulce fruit peel showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponin and polyphenols. Notable amounts of phenolics and flavonoids were observed in the fruit peel extract. P. dulce fruit feel extract could potentially prevent the ROS damage and oxidative stress. The crude extract displayed higher DPPH (92.44%) and ABTS (94.51%) radical-scavenging activities. The GC–MS analysis of fruit peel extract revealed the presence of 36 bioactive compounds with pinitol, L-Rhamnose and 1, 5-anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2, 3-diulose being the dominant compound and these might be responsible for the maximum radical-scavenging activities. Among these bioactive compounds, Pinitol was explored with the best drug-likeness properties with suitable pharmacokinetic properties. Docking and dynamics studies of GRP78-pinitol complex showed the minimized binding affinity (−6.8 kcal/mol) and exhibited the stable binding mode. The present results showed that the three lead compounds of P. dulce may act as noble inhibitors for GRP78 and the compounds can be re-designed and synthesized for potential anticancer activity.

Background COVID-19 pneumonia has been associated with severe acute hypoxia, sepsis-like states, thrombosis and chronic sequelae including persisting hypoxia and fibrosis. The molecular hypoxia response pathway has been associated with such pathologies and our recent observations on anti-hypoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of whole aqueous extract of Adhatoda Vasica (AV) prompted us to explore its effects on relevant preclinical mouse models. Methods In this study, we tested the effect of whole aqueous extract of AV, in murine models of bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis, Cecum Ligation and Puncture (CLP) induced sepsis, and siRNA induced hypoxia-thrombosis phenotype. The effect on lung of AV treated naïve mice was also studied at transcriptome level. We also determined if the extract may have any effect on SARS-CoV2 replication. Results Oral administration AV extract attenuates increased airway inflammation, levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-6, HIF-1α and improves the overall survival rates of mice in the models of pulmonary fibrosis and sepsis and rescues the siRNA induced inflammation and associated blood coagulation phenotypes in mice. We observed downregulation of hypoxia, inflammation, TGF-β1, and angiogenesis genes and upregulation of adaptive immunity-related genes in the lung transcriptome. AV treatment also reduced the viral load in Vero cells infected with SARS-CoV2. Conclusion Our results provide a scientific rationale for this ayurvedic herbal medicine in ameliorating the hypoxia-hyperinflammation features and highlights the repurposing potential of AV in COVID-19-like conditions.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a synthetic polymer widely used for industrial applications and having negative impacts on the environment. In this work, we present a novel, potent PVA degrader, MBB8, i...

Introduction: Wound healing is a multifaceted biological process, and diabetic wounds add more complexity to it. In diabetic wounds, the combination of chloroform fractions of Achyranthes aspera L. (A.aspera) leaves with β-Glucans has not been investigated. The additive effect of these two (A.aspera + β-Glucans) would benefit the inflammatory phase of diabetic wounds, as improper treatment will lead to chronic injuries. Therefore, the goal of this research work was to assess the in-vivo wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of chloroform fractions of A.aspera leaves and β-Glucans in a variety of wound models in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analyses of A.aspera were conducted to identify various phytoconstituents in the test extract. Acute and sub-acute dermal toxicity tests of A.aspera were carried out on mice and rats, respectively, to see whether there were any abnormalities. Excision and incision wound models, cotton pellet-induced granuloma models, rat paw edema and burn wounds were used to test wound healing and anti-inflammatory actions. To induce diabetes, streptozotocin (STZ) was administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 65 mg/kg (i.p.). A.aspera (10% w/w) and β-Glucans (2% w/w) ointments were tested separately and in combination for wound healing activities. Silver sulfadiazine (1 % w/w) ointment was used to treat the positive control groups. Excision wound model rats that had been treated with basic ointment were used as negative controls, as were incision wound model rats that had not been treated. A.aspera (400 mg/kg, po) and β-Glucans (30 mg/kg, po) were tested separately and in combination for anti-inflammatory efficacy. Positive control groups were given indomethacin (10 mg/kg, po) for cotton pellet-induced granuloma and rat paw oedema models. Negative controls for both anti-inflammatory activity models were provided 2% Tween 80. The groups were made up of six rats, and the treatments were given topically and orally to assess wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. The levels of hydroxyproline and hexosamine and the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the granulation tissue were measured in excision wound model. Healed excision wound skin was examined histopathologically. Results: The A.aspera and β-Glucans combination resulted in a significant percentage of wound contraction and a shorter epithelialization time (P

N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) cyclometalated gold(III) complexes remain very scarce and therefore their photophysical properties remain currently underexplored. Moreover, gold(III) complexes emitting in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum are rare. In this work, a series of four phosphorescent gold(III) complexes was investigated bearing four different NHC monocyclometalated (C C*)-type ligands and a dianionic (N N)-type ancillary ligand ((N N)= 5,5'-(propane-2,2-diyl)bis(3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole) (mepzH(2))). The complexes exhibit strong phosphorescence when doped in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at room temperature, which were systematically tuned from sky-blue [lambda(PL)= 456 nm, CIE coordinates: (0.20, 034)] to green [lambda(PL)= 516 nm, CIE coordinates: (0.31, 0.54)] by varying the monocyclometalated (C C*) ligand framework. The complexes revealed high quantum efficiencies (fPL) of up to 43% and ex- cited-state lifetimes (tau(0)) between 15-266 ms. The radiative rate constant values found for these complexes (k(r)= 10(3)-10(4) s(-1)) are the highest found in comparison to previously known best-performing monocyclometalated gold(III) complexes. Density functional theory (phi(FT)) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations of these complexes further lend support to the excited-state nature of these complexes. The calculations showed a significant contribution of the gold(III) metal center in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of up to 18%, which was found to be unique for this class of cyclometalated gold(III) complexes. Additionally, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) were fabricated by using a solution process to provide the first insight into the electroluminescent (EL) properties of this new class of gold(III) complexes.

Silymarin, a flavonolignan, derived from Silybum marianum, family Asteraceae has long been used as a hepatoprotective remedy. Silymarin has cytoprotective activities due to its antioxidant property and free radical scavenging activity. The pharmacokinetic studies of past three decades revealed that silymarin has poor absorption, rapid metabolism especially by Phase II metabolism and ultimately poor oral bioavailability. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in edible vegetables and fruits, It is a potent antioxidant and shows a wide range of biological functions. Quercetin improves blood levels and efficacy of number of drugs since it is P-Glycoprotein inhibitor and also inhibits drug metabolizing enzymes. Both silymarin and quercetin were, poorly soluble in the water shows low bioavailability. The advanced type of formulation like polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) can be successfully utilised for bioavailability enhancement and targeting the Silymarin-quercetin to hepatocytes. A controlled release PNPs of silymarin-quercetin were prepared by spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion (SESD) method using Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) as biodegradable polymer, D-alpha-tocopheryl poly (ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate (TPGS) used as a solubilizer, as an emulsifier. TPGS as an emulsifier and further as a matrix material blended with PLGA was used to enhance the encapsulation efficiency and improve the drug release profile of nanoparticles. Different formulations with various drug: polymer ratios and volume and concentration of surfactant, centrifugation time were evaluated. The effect of formulation parameters such as drug/polymer ratio, volume and surfactant content were evaluated. The surface morphology and size of the nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release profiles of nanoparticles were determined using UV spectrophotometry. The nanoparticles prepared with combination of both the drugs in this study were spherical with size range of 100–200 nm. It was shown that TPGS was a good emulsifier for producing nanoparticles of hydrophobic drugs and improving the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading and drug release profile of nanoparticles. Although the amount of the TPGS used had a significant effect on the nanoparticle size and morphology, the drug loading and release profile of nanoparticles

A novel TiO2 nanoparticle was prepared through green synthesis using Calotropis gigantea (CG) leaf extract. Morphological analysis showed dispersed spherical CG-TiO2 nanoparticles with an average size of 42 nm. The prepared catalyst was used for the degradation of metformin (a widely used diabetic medicine) by solar photocatalysis. A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was used to explore the effect of independent variables, i.e., pH 3–7, metformin concentration 1–10 mg/L, and catalyst (CG-TiO2) dosage 0.5–2.0 g/L. A maximum metformin degradation of 96.7% was observed under optimum conditions i.e., pH = 9.7, initial metformin concentration = 9.7 mg/L and catalyst dosage = 0.7 g/L, with ∼86% mineralization efficiency. A quadratic model with an error

The research article presents the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of amoxicillin functionalized with AgNPs with low toxicity and good antimicrobial property which can be produced with silver nitrate and amoxicillin drug in an environmentally friendly method. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to characterization by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The biological evaluation was carried out with the help of agar well diffusion using E. coli, minimum inhibitory concentration, DPPH radical scavenging assay, reducing power activity, total antioxidant activity, and anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Hep-G2 cancer cell lines. The average particle size of the synthesized nanoparticles was 35.50 ± 0.23 nm. The drug release kinetics was carried out to analyze the release of amoxicillin from the AgNPs. The present study clearly establishes the synthesis and the application of amoxicillin functionalized silver nanoparticles to be utilized as an important tool to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Background: Osteochondral defects, if left untreated, do not heal and can potentially progress toward osteoarthritis. Direct gene transfer of basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) with the clinically adapted recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors is a powerful tool to durably activate osteochondral repair processes. Purpose: To examine the ability of an rAAV-FGF-2 construct to target the healing processes of focal osteochondral injury over time in a large translational model in vivo versus a control gene transfer condition. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Standardized osteochondral defects created in the knee joints of adult sheep were treated with an rAAV human FGF-2 (hFGF-2) vector by direct administration into the defect relative to control (reporter) rAAV- lacZ gene transfer. Osteochondral repair was monitored using macroscopic, histological, immunohistological, and biochemical methods and by micro–computed tomography after 6 months. Results: Effective, localized prolonged FGF-2 overexpression was achieved for 6 months in vivo relative to the control condition without undesirable leakage of the vectors outside the defects. Such rAAV-mediated hFGF-2 overexpression significantly increased the individual histological parameter “percentage of new subchondral bone” versus lacZ treatment, reflected in a volume of mineralized bone per unit volume of the subchondral bone plate that was equal to a normal osteochondral unit. Also, rAAV-FGF-2 significantly improved the individual histological parameters “defect filling,”“matrix staining,” and “cellular morphology” and the overall cartilage repair score versus the lacZ treatment and led to significantly higher cell densities and significantly higher type II collagen deposition versus lacZ treatment. Likewise, rAAV-FGF-2 significantly decreased type I collagen expression within the cartilaginous repair tissue. Conclusion: The current work shows the potential of direct rAAV-mediated FGF-2 gene therapy to enhance osteochondral repair in a large, clinically relevant animal model over time in vivo. Clinical Relevance: Delivery of therapeutic (hFGF-2) rAAV vectors in sites of focal injury may offer novel, convenient tools to enhance osteochondral repair in the near future.

Background: It is well known that almond and tea is best known to prevent Diabetes mellitus due to its abundant source of polyphenols. Also, probiotics also have been used in the treatment of Diabetes. This study is focused on the combined effect of all these three ingredients through the process of fermentation. Objective: The aim of this present study is to develop, analyse sensory parameters in human volunteers for optimisation and evaluate the antidiabetic efficiency of Fermented Almond milk tea (FAMT) both in vitro and in vivo analysis. Study Design: Development of FAMTàOptimisation of FAMT based on sensory analysis from 25 human participantsà In vitro antidiabetic analysis of FAMT extract à Animal studies. Place and Duration: The research work was conducted during November, 2019 to March, 2020 at the Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Post Bag No.1, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Kancheepuram Dt, TN-602117, India. Materials and Methods: FAMT was prepared by optimisation of different formulation based on sensory analysis recorded from 25 healthy human volunteers. The FAMT extract was prepared and was used for the in vitro analysis and phytochemical screening. The animal study was performed with 30 Albino Wistar rats which were divided into 5 groups under preventive regimen. Group I was healthy normoglycemic control group. Group II served as positive control. Group III received metformin (350 mg/kg bw, p.o) for 28 days. Group IV received 5% Fermented almond milk for 28 days. Group V received 5% FAMT for 28thday. All groups except Group I received single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg bw, i.p) on the 29th day for the induction of Diabetes mellitus. After 7 days from induction, animals were anaesthetized and blood was drawn for the evaluation of plasma glucose and serum TG, cholesterol & insulin. Results: It was observed that FAMT (8:2) was favoured by the participants more than other formulations. FAMT was found to contain Saponins, flavonoids and phenol. The total poly phenol of FAMT (373 ± 3.0 μg/ml) was high than Fermented almond milk (232.5 ± 2.50 μg/ml). The DPPH scavenging, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibiting percentage of FAMT (59 ± 4%,52 ± 3%, 50 ± 4% respectively) was high when compared to fermented almond milk (32 ± 2%,34 ± 2% and 45 ± 2% respectively). From animal studies it was significantly observed that plasma glucose (P

Understanding of exciton dynamics in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is of great importance due to their immense application potential on various photonic devices. In this work, we demonstrate hot...

CuInSe2 thin films were deposited on ITO glass substrate by one-step electrochemical deposition (ECD) method without and with complexing agents like tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and triethanolamine (TEA) at different temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirm the as-deposited CuInSe2 thin films at 85 °C without and with complexing agents belong to the tetragonal crystal structure with the dominant peak representing the (112) plane. The single crystallized CuInSe2 thin films show Raman spectra with a dominant A1 mode at 174 cm−1. Raman spectra analysis conform that doesn’t peak present secondary phases like Cu2S and In2S3. AFM images of the as-deposited thin films show adherent, compact, and crack-free surface. The (αhν)2 fall is sharper in CuInSe2 thin films with TEA complex than the TMAH complex due to better crystallinity. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) study, we found that CuInSe2 thin film with TEA complex acquires a very slighter charge transfer resistance (Rct) of 32 Ω when compared with CuInSe2 thin film samples deposited with and without TMAH. Also, photoelectrochemical investigation signifies that CuInSe2 thin films deposited with TEA complex exhibit engendering better photocurrent response and more rapid relocation of photo-induced charge carriers in contrast to the other thin films fabricated with TMAH. We observed from cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies that redox reaction of iodide/triiodide (I−/I−3) optimized using CuInSe2 thin film with TEA complex delivers superior electrocatalytic performance than the films with TMAH.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are the most commonly used natural polymers for biomaterial synthesis. However, their low dispersibility, conductivity, and poor compatibility with the hydrophobic matrix hinder their potential applications. Therefore, we grafted sulfate half-ester and carboxylic functional groups onto CNC surfaces (S-CNC and C-CNC) to overcome these shortcomings. The effect of the dopants, surfactant ratios, and properties of CNCs on the thermal stability, conductivity, and surface morphology of polyaniline (PANI)-doped CNC nanocomposites were investigated through emulsion and in situ polymerization. The higher electrical conductivity and well-dispersed morphology of SCNC–PANI30 (1.1 × 10−2 S cm−1) but lower thermal stability than that of CCNC–PANI30 (T0: 189 °C) nanocomposites are highly related to dispersibility of S-CNCs. However, after 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) was added, the conductivity and thermal stability of SCNC/PANI increased up to 2.5 × 10−1 S cm−1 and 192 °C with almost no particle aggregation because of the increase in charge dispersion. The proposed biodegradable, renewable, and surface-modified S-CNC and C-CNC can be used in high-thermal-stability applications such as food packaging, optical films, reinforcement fillers, flexible semiconductors, and electromagnetic materials.

We have developed a supramolecular (close form) [2]pseudorotaxane polymer containing the green-emissive (λem = 523 nm) BODIPY-based pillar[5]arene host and the non-emissive spiropyran (SP)-based cyano guest (close form), which can be converted to a red-emissive (λem = 630 nm) merocyanine (MC)-based guest (open form) upon UV exposure as well as turned into a bi-fluorophoric host–guest polymer with ratiometric PL emission of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) behavior in THF/water solution (60% H2O, v/v). The equal host–guest molar ratio and the formation of the [2]pseudorotaxane polymer can be further verified using 1H NMR titration, Job's plot analysis, DOSY and ITC experiments. Hence, the bi-fluorophoric host–guest (with the MC open form) polymer possessed the highest red-emission of the MC acceptor, which was also confirmed using TRPL measurements to possess the shortest lifetime of 0.37 ns and the best FRET efficiency of 83.5%. Since the MC unit could react with CN− to induce a non-emissive quenching process, the mono-fluorophoric guest would show turn-off PL behavior and detect cyanide ions with a corresponding limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.94 μM. In comparison, the optimal LOD value of 0.48 μM toward CN− anion could be achieved by our bi-fluorophoric host–guest polymer via the FRET-OFF process. Therefore, cyanide detection and cell viability tests using the open form of the [2]pseudorotaxane polymer suggest useful bio-imaging applications in living cells.

A regioselective [3+2] cyclisation reaction between 2-arylidene-1,3-indanedione and ethyl 2,3-butadienoate catalysed by triphenylphosphine has been demonstrated to synthesize functionalised spirocyclic cyclopentenes. The reaction tolerated various electron-rich and electron-deficient aryl substituted 2-arylidene-1,3-indanediones with high to excellent chemical yields (up to 99%) and moderate to good regioselectivity (up to 5 : 1). DFT studies have also been carried out to understand the regioselective nature of this reaction. The results of Frontier molecular orbital calculations and the activation energy (Ea) favour the formation of compound 3a via γ-attack compared to that of 4a via α-attack.

Pure alumina powder is synthesized by solid state reaction method, wherein aluminium nitrate nano hydrate is annealed for 3 h at 1000 °C in muffle furnace. Carbon nano cones, as a reinforcer, are added to pure alumina in different weight proportions such as 0.5%, 2.5% and 4% and annealed at 1000 °C for 3 h in nitrogen atmosphere. The synthesized samples were characterized using XRD, SEM and DRS techniques to estimate crystallite size, interplanar distance and band gap. SEM reveals the surface morphologies of all samples and a rough estimate of crystallite sizes varying from few nm to 15 µm.

Physicochemical properties of lemongrass biodiesel and diesel engine parameters fueled with nanoparticles (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide, and Alumina) added in diesel/biodiesel blended have been investigated, in which zinc oxide nanoparticles was green synthesized from ldenlandia leaf. The synthesized Zno Nps was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X Ray Diffraction and FT-IR study. Each nanoparticles has own weightage of 50 ppm in 30% blend of lemongrass biodiesel/diesel. The performance, exhaust emission and combustion characteristics were performed for each lemongrass biodiesel nanoparticles blend using diesel engine and validation was carried out between each lemongrass biodiesel blends with diesel and ANOVA analysis was done to found out the dependency of parameters. It was concluded that characterization of ZnO, TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles such as XRD, SEM and FT-IR was conformed their behavior in anatase phase along with lemongrass oil also characterized by FT-IR. From ANOVA table, B3050ZnO has major significant dependence for brake thermal efficiency over 3%. It was concluded that lemongrass biodiesel with green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles has better performance, emission and combustion characteristics over 5% among other two nano-additives.

For diagnosing and annihilating cancer in the human body, herein, we have adopted a one pot convenient synthetic protocol to synthesize a library of half sandwich Ru(ii)-p-cymene-N^N complexes under continuous sonication and isolated their regioisomers by preparative thin layer chromatography followed by justification of stability using DFT. The present work has resulted in a library of ruthenium arene complexes and their isolated regioisomers following environmentally benign green processes and their screening of anticancer activity in terms of cytotoxicity and selectivity against cancer cell lines where [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl{2-(5,6-dichloro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)quinolone}] (11j) has been elicited to be significantly more potent as well as selective in Caco-2 and HeLa cell lines than the normal HEK-293 cell line compared to cisplatin and it has even shown marked cytotoxicity against the more aggressive HT-29 colorectal cancer cell line being capable of producing oxidative stress or arresting the cell cycle. Moreover, these types of Ru(ii)-arene complexes exhibited excellent binding efficacy with DNA and the compounds [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl{5-chloro-2-(6-(4-chlorophenyl)pyridin-2-yl)benzo[d]thiazole}]PF6 (8l4), [(η6-p-cymene)Ru-2-(6-(benzofuran-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl)-5-chlorobenzo[d]thiazole (8l9) and [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl{2-(6-nitro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinolone}]Cl (11f') and might be applied for cancer theranostic treatment due to their good fluorescence properties and remarkable potency.

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the predominant processes in additive manufacturing technique in which polymer materials are printed. Polyether ether Ketone (PEEK) is one such polymer which in its pure form has elastic modulus of 4 GPa and its composites have still more higher elastic modulus values of up to 15 GPa. An increased tensile strength of the material and its composites results in increased mechanical strength. The material has higher thermal, chemical stability along with bio compatibility making it suitable for high temperature, corrosive environments and for biomedical applications. The cost of FDM printers using PEEK material is relatively high when compared with other 3D printers. Digital printing of the PEEK polymer material requires special design of the nozzle arrangements along with preheating mechanisms. This is because of the controlled thermal environments required during the printing process. The present work aims at understanding the thermal and fluid flow characteristics of the PEEK material when passing through a commercial nozzle. Experiments are done along with a validated numerical model using COMSOL Multiphysics to avoid thermal degradation of the P.E.E.K material during the melt extrusion process.

The impact of tin (IV-Sn4+) doping into rhombohedral barium titanate (BaTiO3) towards the enhancement of second harmonic generation (SHG) was studied. XRD analysis confirms retention of rhombohedral symmetry in Sn4+ doped BaTiO3. UV-Vis absorption study reveals that Sn4+ doping has no significant effect on the optical band gap of BaTiO3. Raman spectrum portrays that undoped and Sn4+ doped BaTiO3 nanopowder exhibits Raman active modes of rhombohedral symmetry. The studies displays that Sn4+ doped BaTiO3 has created non-centrosymmetry, which could be utilized for enhancement in SHG and possibility to improve the efficiency in rhombohedral BaTiO3 based solar cells.

The solution growth single crystal structure of Sulphamic acid Lithium chloride (SALC) was done by means of X-ray diffraction method and it confirms the crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system with the space group of Pbca. The various vibrational assignment of SALC was observed through experiment FTIR technique. UV–vis-NIR absorption studies were performed to know the optical behaviours and Photoluminence (PL) spectra were obtained to investigate the optical properties. The electrical properties were observed from dielectric studies at room temperature. The third order nonlinear of the grown crystal was made with Z-scan technique.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by progressive lung tissue remodeling and disproportionate deposition of collagenous proteins with limited therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether curcumin inhibits bleomycin (BLM)-induced increases in synthesis, degradation and cross-linking of lung collagen in rats. Following a single intratracheal instillation of BLM to rats (0.75 U/100 g, sacrificed 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 days post-BLM), lung collagen synthesis (determined by incorporation of 3H-proline) and deposition (determined by lung hydroxyproline content) progressively increased at days 7, 14 and 28 post-BLM injection. Lung lavage fluid hydroxyproline and collagenase levels (a measure of collagen turnover) were increased in BLM rats compared with control groups. In addition, BLM instillation resulted in increased concentrations of collagenase and collagenolytic cathepsin in the lungs. Furthermore, increased cross-linking (as determined by aldehyde content of acid soluble collagen), and decreased susceptibility of fibrotic lung insoluble collagen to denaturing agents occurred in BLM-injured lungs. Significant increases in alveolar macrophage (AM) release of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were noted at various time points (days 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 post-BLM) during the development and progression of lung fibrosis in rats. Curcumin treatment to BLM rats (300 mg/kg 10 days before and daily thereafter throughout the experimental time period) was associated with marked reductions in lung collagen synthesis and deposition, BALF and lung collagenase activity, BALF hydroxyproline content and lung collagenolytic levels. Additionally, reduced levels of collagen cross-linking and enhanced susceptibility of insoluble lung collagen to denaturing agents were observed in curcumin-treated BLM rats. Finally, curcumin inhibited BLM-induced increases in AM production of TGF-β1. Our data demonstrate for the first time that curcumin prevents fibrotic deposits by modulating collagen turnover, assembly and deposition in BLM-instilled rat lungs, and that curcumin treatment protects against BLM activation of macrophages by suppressing the release of TGF-β1.