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Four yeast strains were isolated from the gut of stingless bee, collected in Churdhar, Himachal Pradesh, India. Physiological characterization, morphological examination, and sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) genes, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene revealed that the four strains isolated from the gut of stingless bee belonged to the Debaryomyces clade. Strain CIG-23HT showed sequence divergence of 7.5% from Debaryomyces nepalensis JCM 2095T, 7.8% from Debaryomyces udenii JCM 7855T, and Debaryomyces coudertii JCM 2387T in the D1/D2 domain. In the ITS region sequences, strain CIG-23HT showed a 15% sequence divergence from Debaryomyces nepalensis JCM 2095T and Debaryomyces coudertii JCM 2387T. In 18S rRNA gene sequence, the strain CIG-23HT showed 1.14% sequence divergence from Debaryomyces nepalensis JCM 2095 and and Debaryomyces coudertii JCM 2387, and 0.83% sequence divergence from Debaryomyces hansenii NRRL Y-7426. Strain CIG-23HT can utilize more carbon sources than closely related species. The findings suggest that strain CIG-23HT is a novel species of the genus Debaryomyces, and we propose to name it as Debaryomyces apis f.a., sp. nov. The holotype is CBS 16297T, and the isotypes are MTCC 12914T and KCTC 37024T. The MycoBank number of Debaryomyces apis f.a., sp. nov. is MB836065. Additionally, a method using cresol red and Bromothymol blue pH indicator dyes was developed to screen for lipase producers, which is more sensitive and efficient than the currently used phenol red and rhodamine B dye-based screening methods, and avoids the problem of less differentiable zone of hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a green synthesis was used for the structural design of the nanomaterials and used as an effective photocatalyst to address water pollution issues in the environment. Sunlight-active n–n heterojunction of TiO2-coupled-CdS (TiO2-CdS) was synthesized by using seed extract of Sapindus mukorossi (commonly found plant in India) and employed for the removal of toxic and persistent colorant industrial pollutants congo red (CR) and rhodamine B (RB). Microscopic and spectroscopic techniques of synthesized nanocomposite revealed the high crystallinity and particle size in nanorange. The TiO2-CdS nanocomposite showed maximum degradation (CR 95%; RB 93%) at minimum concentration of pollutant (25 mgL−1) with catalytic dose (15 mg) and at neutral pH within 5 h. Owing to higher surface area (91.7 m2g−1), lower band-energy (1.9 eV) and negative zeta potential (− 26.3 mV) result into excellent photocatalytic efficiency. The degradation followed first-order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption in both the cases. The presence of active radicals during the photocatalysis process caused rapid degradation, which was backed up by scavenger analysis. The breakdown of harmful contaminants into safer metabolites, which were then mineralized, was demonstrated by GC–MS analysis. The charge separation was supported by photoluminescence and UV-reflectance studies. Reusability of green synthesized nanophotocatalyst for multiple times (n = 8) confirmed its sustainability and high suitability for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on detection and analysis of rip currents through a low-cost smartphone-based beach monitoring system (SBMS) by taking the advantage of multiple in-built cameras and on-board memory. The famous tourist destination, Rama Krishna (RK) beach, in East coast of India has been chosen for the study, as it is experiencing high number of drownings (525 causalities since 2006). Videos of 20-min duration were collected covering different time frames of 2022 and an open-source Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox (QCIT) toolbox has been used to process the videos. Rectified Timex images are generated and utilised to analyse the morphodynamic changes of the beach. Several rip currents have been observed along the coast, with strongest being maximum length of 242 m with a width of 55 m. Beach modal states have been computed to determine the rip current hazard associated with it. Sequential transect data indicated the existence of waves at infra-gravity motions within the rip current channels. During the study period, the beach is dominated by Transverse Bar and Rip (TBR) beach type, which is known for its rip current danger. Rhodamine dye experiments have been conducted to practically measure the strength of the rip currents using video data and field data synergistically. The study is first of its kind in exploring the potential application of low-cost smartphones to scientifically monitor rip currents at any beach. Our study would help in further extending this work for beach sites and can be applied to projects where limited funds are available. We suggest to apply this methodology as a preliminary study before setting up permanent video monitoring station. • Introducing a low-cost Smartphone-based Beach Monitoring System (SBMS). • Rip current detection and speed estimation from Timex images and Rhodamine B Dye. • Morphodynamical beach state and rip current risk estimation. • Identification of potential Rip current hotspot zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Vernonia cinerea Less. (VC) of the family Asteraceaes is considered as the sacred plant; ‘ Dasapushpam ’ which is ethnopharmacologically significant to the people of Kerala in India. In fact, VC has been used in the traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda) for the treatment of various ailments including cancer. Materials and methods Cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract of VC (VC-ET), petroleum ether fraction (VC-PET), dichloromethane fraction (VC-DCM), n-butyl alcohol fraction (VC-BT), and rest fraction (VC-R) was evaluated in cervical carcinoma (HeLa), lung adenocarcinoma (A549), breast cancer (MCF-7), and colon carcinoma (Caco-2) cells using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The apoptotic effects of VC-DCM were assessed in cancer cells using Annexin V assay. The effects of VC-DCM on multi-drug resistance (MDR) transporters in HeLa, A549, MCF-7, and Caco-2 cells were evaluated using flow cytometry based functional assays. Similarly, drug uptake in cancer cells and sensitization of cancer cells towards chemotherapeutic drugs in the presence of VC-DCM were studied using Daunorubicin (DNR) accumulation assay and SRB assay, respectively. Results Cytotoxicity assay revealed that the enriched fraction of VC (VC-DCM) possessed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in human epithelial cancer cells (HeLa, A549, MCF-7, and Caco-2). Further, treatment of cancer cells (HeLa, A549, MCF-7, and Caco-2) with VC-DCM led to a significant increase in both early and late apoptosis, indicating the induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, VC-DCM significantly inhibited functional activity of MDR transporters (ABC-B1 and ABC-G2), enhanced DNR-uptake in cancer cells, and sensitized cancer cells towards chemotherapeutic drug-mediated cytotoxicity, thus indicating the ability of VC-DCM to reverse MDR in cancer and enhance the cytotoxic effects of anticancer drugs. Conclusions A methodological investigation on the anti-cancer properties of Vernonia cinerea Less. (VC) revealed that an enriched fraction of VC (VC-DCM) possessed cytotoxic effects, triggered apoptosis, inhibited MDR transporters, enhanced drug uptake, and sensitized cancer cells towards anticancer drug-mediated cytotoxicity in human epithelial cancer cells. Thus, VC appears to be promising for an effective treatment of various drug-resistant human epithelial cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The chemical composition of the hydrodistillate of aerial parts of Cymbopogon jawarancusa, a natural grass considered as major forage for animal nutrition, used in food because of the presence of sufficient concentration of minerals like calcium and potassium was analysed by capillary GC–FID, GC–MS and 13C NMR. Seventeen constituents representing 97.8% of the total oil with piperitone (58.6%) and elemol (18.6%) as major constituents were identified. In vitro cytotoxicity of the oil and its constituents on human cancer cell lines THP-1 (leukemia), A-549 (lung), HEP-2 (liver) and IGR-OV-1 (ovary) was evaluated by Sulphorhodamine-B assay. The oil was found to be more potent than its components against cancer cell lines tested with IC50 of 6.5μg/ml (THP-1), 6.3μg/ml (A-549), 7.2μg/ml (HEP-2) and 34.4μg/ml (IGR-OV-1). Antioxidant activity of oil and its constituents was evaluated by DPPH assay. In conclusion, the results demonstrate potent cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of oil, and its components like piperitone, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene and β-elemene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The adulteration of food has progressed from being a simple means of fraud to a highly sophisticated and lucrative business. Hence the present study was undertaken to identify the adulteration in different food products available in the twin cities of Hyderabad & Secunderabad. Chilli powder samples showed the presence of metanil yellow (8%) added colour (92%) and saw dust (48%). Dry ginger samples (8.33%) showed the presence of an un-permitted coloured dye ultramarine blue. The sweet meat samples showed the presence of aluminum foil (4.3%) instead of silver foil. Coconut burfi samples contained unpermitted color orange II and cotton candy and floss candy showed the presence of rhodamine B. The total percentage of adulteration in the food samples was found to be 49.41%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae), a non-rasayana immunomodulatory Indian medicinal plant, used traditionally as an anthelmintic, in dysentery, leprosy, blood diseases, leucorrhea, and menorrhagia. Objective: To investigate the effect of ethanol extract of W. fruticosa flowers on non-specific immune responses in mice. Materials and methods: In vitro immunomodulatory activity of the extract was examined on murine peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction, lysosomal enzyme activity, nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase) and on proliferation of bone marrow cells by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, while the in vivo potential on macrophages and bone marrow cells was evaluated by using carbon clearance test and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression, respectively. Results: Significant increase in the release of myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide lysosomal enzyme and superoxide from macrophages along with significant increase in phagocytic index in carbon clearance test indicate stimulatory activity of the extract on macrophages. The extract also demonstrated 60% increase in bone marrow cell proliferation and offer protection towards cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression which represents the stimulation of bone marrow activity. Discussion: Significant increase in mediators released from macrophages and phagocytic index in carbon clearance test suggests the release of cytokines from macrophages and stimulation of reticulo-endothelial system. Proliferation of bone marrow cells indicates the plausible release of colony stimulating factors, which further stimulates the immune system through generation of immune cells. Conclusion: The result described here indicates the immunostimulatory activity of ethanol extract of W. fruticosa flowers by stimulating non-specific immune responses, macrophages and bone marrow cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which characterizes the adsorptive effects of baryte on the basic dye Rhodamine B. Adsorbent baryte and Rhodamine B, along with other chemicals from the Mumbai, India-based chemical company Qualigens Fine Chemicals, such as the hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide pellets, underwent batch adsorption experimentations using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It shows that the baryte is an effective adsorbent for Rhodamine B.

Gram husk and groundnut shell are cheap and abundantly available agricultural waste materials in India. A systematic study on the adsorption of some model dyes from aqueous solution on these low-cost adsorbents has been attempted. Model dyes used were Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B, Congo Red, Eosine Y and Metanil Yellow. Equilibrium, kinetics and column experiments were performed. Effects of different process variables have been studied. Equilibrium data fitted well in Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. A model using Freundlich equation has been developed for interpretation of kinetic data. Other models such as Lagergren equation and pseudo second order equation were also used. Of these models, pseudo second order equation was found to be the most satisfactory. Column experiments were carried out with gram-husk and Rhodamine B. The data could be correlated well with BDST model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]