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Chandipura virus (CHPV), a cytoplasmic RNA virus, has been implicated in several outbreaks of acute encephalitis in India. Despite its human health relevance, how CHPV interacts with the host signaling machinery remains obscure. In response to viral infections, mammalian cells activate RelA/NF-κB heterodimers, which induce genes encoding interferon-β and other immune mediators. Therefore, RelA is generally considered to be an antiviral transcription factor. However, RelA activates a wide spectrum of genes in physiological settings and there is a paucity of direct genetic evidence substantiating antiviral RelA functions. Using mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we genetically dissected the role of RelA in CHPV pathogenesis. We found that CHPV indeed activated RelA, and RelA deficiency abrogated the expression of interferon-β in response to virus infections. Unexpectedly, infection of Rela-/- fibroblasts led to a decreased CHPV yield. Our investigation clarified that RelA-dependent synthesis of pro-survival factors restrained infection-inflicted cell death, and that exacerbated cell death processes prevented multiplication of CHPV in RelA-deficient cells. Chikungunya virus, a cytopathic RNA virus associated also with epidemics, required and Japanese Encephalitis Virus, which produced relatively minor cytopathic effects in fibroblasts, circumvented the need of RelA for their propagation. In sum, we documented a pro-viral function of the pleiotropic factor RelA linked to its pro-survival properties. RelA promoted the growth of cytopathic RNA viruses by extending the life span of infected cells, which serves as the replicative niche of intracellular pathogens. We argue that our finding bears significance for understanding host-virus interactions and may have implications for antiviral therapeutic regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annealing of periodic mesoporous organosilica supported with bismuth (Bi@PMOS) and cerium (Ce@PMOS) nanoparticles was carried out to derive bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanosheets. The hydrothermal sol-gel method was used to synthesize hexagonal Bi@PMOS and Ce@PMOS. These PMOS provided an opportunity for bismuth and cerium to retain a hexagonal configuration alongside their traditional crystalline phases (tetragonal and cubic) in Bi2O3 and CeO2 nanosheets. All produced materials were found to be dynamic under sunlight irradiation for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). However, the Bi2O3 and CeO2 nanosheets showed better potential and photo-catalytic performances than Bi@PMOS and Ce@PMOS due to the presence of the unique blend of crystalline phases. The synthesized Bi@PMOS, Ce@PMOS, Bi2O3, and CeO2 were structurally characterized by FTIR and XRD techniques. These showed characteristic vibrations of successfully loaded bismuth and cerium with hexagonal symmetry. EDX results confirmed the elemental detection of bismuth and cerium, while SEM images revealed the nanosheets in the synthesized materials. The optical response and detection of reactive species were carried out by photoluminescence (PL) and showed emissions at 700 nm. The PL data were also used to calculate band gaps of 3.72, 3.70, 3.35, and 2.88 eV for Ce@PMOS, Bi@PMOS, CeO2, and Bi2O3, respectively. A UV/visible spectrophotometer scanned the photocatalytic competences of the synthesized nanomaterials through the degradation of MB and MO dyes. Then, 10 mg of Bi@PMOS and Ce@PMOS degraded 15 mg and 8.4 mg of MB and 10.8 mg and 8 mg of MO, respectively, in 20 mg/L solutions. However, equivalent quantities of Bi2O3 and CeO2 (10 mg of each) exhibited more efficient photocatalysis of the 20 mg/L solutions of MB and MO, degrading 18.4 mg and 15.4 mg, and 12.4 mg and 17 mg, respectively, in only 1 h. The Bi2O3 and CeO2 photocatalysts were regenerated and their photodegradation results were also recovered. Bi2O3 and CeO2 showed only 10% and 8% (for MB), and 8% and 10% (for MO) decline in catalytic efficiency, respectively, even after four consecutive recycles. These results demonstrate that these materials are dynamic, long-lasting photocatalysts for the rapid degradation of azo dyes in contaminated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of flexible and wearable optoelectronic devices, demanding the superior, reliable, and ultra‐long cycling energy storage systems. But poor performances of electrode materials used in energy devices are main obstacles. Recently, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are considered as emerging and potential candidates as electrode materials for battery devices. Herein, we have discussed the recent methods for the fabrication of SACs for rechargeable metal‐air batteries, metal‐CO2 batteries, metal‐sulfur batteries, and other batteries, following the recent advances in assembling and performance of these batteries by using SACs as electrode materials. The role of SACs to solve the bottle‐neck problems of these energy storage devices and future perspectives are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have threatened COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, predominantly against the delta (B.1.617.2) variant, in addition to the cellular immune response to vaccination.Methods: We did a test-negative, case-control study at two medical research centres in Faridabad, India. All individuals who had a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection between April 1, 2021, and May 31, 2021, were included as cases and individuals who had a negative RT-PCR test were included as controls after matching with cases on calendar week of RT-PCR test. The primary outcome was effectiveness of complete vaccination with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The secondary outcomes were effectiveness of a single dose against SARS-CoV-2 infection and effectiveness of a single dose and complete vaccination against moderate-to-severe disease among infected individuals. Additionally, we tested in-vitro live-virus neutralisation and T-cell immune responses to the spike protein of the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and VOCs among healthy (anti-nucleocapsid antibody negative) recipients of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.Findings: Of 2379 cases of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, 85 (3·6%) were fully vaccinated compared with 168 (8·5%) of 1981 controls (adjusted OR [aOR] 0·37 [95% CI 0·28-0·48]), giving a vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection of 63·1% (95% CI 51·5-72·1). 157 (6·4%) of 2451 of cases and 181 (9·1%) of 1994) controls had received a single dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (aOR 0·54 [95% CI 0·42-0·68]), thus vaccine effectiveness of a single dose against SARS-CoV-2 infection was 46·2% (95% CI 31·6-57·7). One of 84 cases with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 was fully vaccinated compared with 84 of 2295 cases with mild COVID-19 (aOR 0·19 [95% CI 0·01-0·90]), giving a vaccine effectiveness of complete vaccination against moderate-to-severe disease of 81·5% (95% CI 9·9-99·0). The effectiveness of a single dose against moderate-to-severe disease was 79·2% (95% CI 46·1-94·0); four of 87 individuals with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 had received a single dose compared with 153 of 2364 participants with mild disease (aOR 0·20 [95% CI 0·06-0·54]). Among 49 healthy, fully vaccinated individuals, neutralising antibody responses were lower against the alpha (B.1.1.7; geometric mean titre 244·7 [95% CI 151·8-394·4]), beta (B.1.351; 97·6 [61·2-155·8]), kappa (B.1.617.1; 112·8 [72·7-175·0]), and delta (88·4 [61·2-127·8]) variants than against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 (599·4 [376·9-953·2]). However, the antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses were conserved against both the delta variant and wild-type SARS-CoV-2.Interpretation: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine remained effective against moderate-to-severe COVID-19, even during a surge that was dominated by the highly transmissible delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. Spike-specific T-cell responses were maintained against the delta variant. Such cellular immune protection might compensate for waning humoral immunity.Funding: Department of Biotechnology India, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research India, and Fondation Botnar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) endures a combination of metal scarcity and toxicity throughout the human infection cycle, contributing to complex clinical manifestations. Pathogens counteract this paradoxical dysmetallostasis by producing specialized metal trafficking systems. Capture of extracellular metal by siderophores is a widely accepted mode of iron acquisition, and Mtb iron-chelating siderophores, mycobactin, have been known since 1965. Currently, it is not known whether Mtb produces zinc scavenging molecules. Here, we characterize low-molecular-weight zinc-binding com- pounds secreted and imported by Mtb for zinc acquisition. These molecules, termed kupyaphores, are produced by a 10.8 kbp bio- synthetic cluster and consists of a dipeptide core of ornithine and phenylalaninol, where amino groups are acylated with isonitrile- containing fatty acyl chains. Kupyaphores are stringently regulated and support Mtb survival under both nutritional deprivation and intoxication conditions. A kupyaphore-deficient Mtb strain is unable to mobilize sufficient zinc and shows reduced fitness upon infection. We observed early induction of kupyaphores in Mtb-infected mice lungs after infection, and these metabolites dis- appeared after 2 wk. Furthermore, we identify an Mtb-encoded isonitrile hydratase, which can possibly mediate intracellular zinc release through covalent modification of the isonitrile group of kupyaphores. Mtb clinical strains also produce kupyaphores during early passages. Our study thus uncovers a previously unknown zinc acquisition strategy of Mtb that could modulate host–pathogen interactions and disease outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Cancer continues to grow in number. Knowing the epidemiology helps in prevention and treatment. Existing hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) provide little data of private sector including patients for medical tourism. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of cancer at a tertiary center in the private sector in North India for all cancer patients. Materials and Methods Cases were ascertained from the Oncology Outpatient Department of Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017, and from pathology database since July 2015. They were abstracted into National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) core pro forma. We conducted a descriptive analysis of distribution by age, gender, nationality, site, stage, and treatment. Results Among the 15,850 confirmed cases, 8,034 (51%) were males. Nearly 1.8% of patients were pediatric (<15 years) and 30.1% geriatric (>65 years). A high proportion of patients (13%) came from outside India and 27% from outside Delhi-National Capital Region. The most common cancers in males were prostate (10.9%), lung (10%), and mouth (7.6%). Stomach was the most common site of cancer in international male patients. Four of the top ten cancers in males were of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum). The most common cancers in females were breast (37.4%), ovary (7.1%), and corpus uteri (5.6%). Tobacco-related cancers accounted for 36.9% of cancers in males and 11.3% in females. The composite stage in males was IV in 54%, followed by stage III (21%), stage II (15%), and stage I (10%). In females, stage IV was 33%, stage III was 23%, stage II was 28%, and stage I was 16%. As registry included outpatient record visits and pathology records, not all registered patients received treatment at Max Super Specialty Hospital. Overall, 49.8% of male patients and 49.7% of female patients received treatment at Max Super Specialty Hospital. Data quality metrics matched other national HBCRs. Conclusion We highlight the differences from other NCRP HBCRs, with prostate cancer being the top cancer in males and gastrointestinal cancers forming major proportion among all. Socioeconomic status of our patients, referral bias, and international medical tourism could be responsible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of effective photocatalyts for H 2 generation. • Alternative and sustainable renewable energy sources. • Synergism between Ag 2 S/Cu 2 S co-catalysts on CdZnS. • Replacement of costly catalysts with cheaper options. • Environmental friendly and green fuel production approach. Photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting is one of the effective ways to fulfill future energy demands. In current study, Ag and Cu were simultaneously incorporated into CdZnS through hydrothermal reaction to synthesize 1 % Ag 2 S/Cu 2 S codoped-CdZnS. The catalysts were characterized via XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, UV–Vis/DRS, XPS, BET, PL and EIS techniques. It has been observed that 1 % Ag 2 S/Cu 2 S is optimized amount of dopants that enables CdZnS to produce hydrogen with 9.76 mmol g−1h−1 rate. This amount of H 2 is 3 times higher than that of bare CdZnS (2.91 mmol g−1h−1). Photocatalytic activity shown by 1 % Ag 2 S/Cu 2 S-CdZnS is due the incorporation of Ag and Cu which exist in the form of Ag 2 S and Cu 2 S clusters respectively and causes synergistic effect during photoreaction. During the photoreactions, oxidation half reactions occur at Ag 2 S, while reduction half reaction at Cu 2 S (i.e. conversion of H+ ions to H 2). On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that Cu 2 S acts as reduction co-catalyst while Ag 2 S serves as oxidation co-catalyst in water reduction reaction. This work could offer efficient and low cost photocatalysts for hydrogen production from the water splitting reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Matrine ameliorated CCl4-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviour. • Matrine suppressed the neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. • Matrine reduced the levels of cortisol and ammonia. • Matrine increased the expression of GFAP, BDNF and VEGF in the hippocampus. • Matrine prevented the DNA damage of the hippocampal neuron. Acute or chronic liver injury is associated with hyperammonemia which induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, reduced neurogenesis, and apoptosis are critical factors for the development of anxiety and depression. The present study was aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of matrine against acute liver injury in the rodent model. Acute liver injury in mice was induced by administration of the acute hepatotoxic dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (1 ml/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment of mice with matrine (50 mg/kg i.p.) remarkably ameliorated CCl4-induced anxiety and depression-like behavior as evident from the results of open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test (EPM), light-dark box test (LDB), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Moreover, matrine significantly inhibited CCl4-induced neuroinflammation in mice by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the hippocampus (HC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). CCl4-induced oxidative stress was reduced by matrine due to its potential to enhance the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrite level in the PFC and HC of mice brain. Matrine remarkably reduced the levels of corticosterone, ammonia, AST, ALT, and creatinine. Matrine pretreatment remarkably ameliorated CCl4-induced morphological liver injury. Acute pretreatment of matrine enhanced neurogenesis by increasing the number of GFAF (glial fibrillary acidic protein) positive astrocyte, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the hippocampus of CCl4-treated mice. Pretreatment of matrine inhibited apoptosis and DNA damage in the hippocampus. The present data revealed that hyperammonemia produced due to liver injury induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, reduced neurogenesis and apoptosis in the hippocampus, thus, resulting in anxiety and depression. Taken together, the present results suggested that matrine has a significant antidepressant and anxiolytic effects through modulation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, reduced neurogenesis and apoptosis induced by CCl4 administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • 25-MHA attenuates bacteria-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors. • 25-MHA prevents neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. • DNA damage of hippocampal neuron was protected by 25-MHA. • 25-MHA also prevents increase in serum cortisol level. Abstract Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases like anxiety and depression. 25-Methoxyhispidol A (25-MHA) is a triterpenoid isolated from the immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliate. Recently, its crude extracts have been shown to exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study investigated the effect of 25-MHA (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) against bacteria-induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors in mice. Mice were challenged intraperitoneally (i.p.) with LPS (0.83 mg/kg), S. aureus and E. coli after 30 min of 25-MHA treatment. 25-MHA (10 mg/kg) significantly mitigated the anxiety-like behavior as indicated by the results of elevated plus maze test, open field test, and light-dark box test. It also demonstrated the anti-depressant like effect by significantly reducing the immobility time in tail suspension test and forced swim test. The oxidative stress was reduced by pretreatment with 25-MHA, improving the antioxidant enzymes level such as glutathione, glutathione sulfo-transferase, and catalase. Similarly, 25-MHA attenuated the bacterial infection induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the interleukin- 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus regions. Pretreatment of 25-MHA also decreased the cortisol level and prevented changes in the thickness of the granular layer in the dentate gyrus. It also inhibited the DNA damage in hippocampus region as analyzed by comet assay. Hence, present results demonstrated that 25-MHA possesses anti-anxiety and anti-depressant activities due to the ability to reduce neuroinflammatory, oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by the administration of LPS, E. coli , and S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous catalysts have emerged as potential alternatives to their homogenous counterparts, since they could successfully overcome the shortcomings encountered in homogenous catalytic trans-esterification of tri-acyl glycerides. In the present study, application of pure as well as doped CaO derived from waste chicken egg shells was studied for conversion of oil into biodiesel. Waste eggshells were calcined at 900 °C to get CaO which was then incorporated into transition metals by incipient wet impregnation method. The catalyst prepared has been characterized by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The basicity and surface area of catalysts were ascertained in order to figure out the catalytic activity. The conversion of oil to Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) has been confirmed by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and the percentage yield of eucalyptus biodiesel was verified by Gas chromatography with Flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The catalytic property of these mixed metal oxides has been studied in trans-esterification of Eucalyptus Oil. Zn-CaO (waste egg shell) was observed to be the most promising catalyst providing with appreciable yield of bio-diesel (FAME) among all the three catalysts. Transesterification was carried out at different process variables to optimize the best reaction conditions. Employing waste chicken egg shell derived CaO doped with transition metals (Zn, Cu) as catalyst puts forward the economic and efficient scheme for trans-esterification of Eucalyptus oil for biodiesel generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) into fine-chemicals is the most instant approach for balancing the atmospheric CO 2 level. • Herein, the recent advances in the product efficiency of CO 2 RR for metal oxide electrocatalysts are summarized. • The interface and vacancy defect engineering strategies, used to improve CO 2 RR performance are overviewed. • Overlooking the metal sites of metal oxide-based catalysts, M−O (metal–oxygen bond) active sites are discussed. The electrochemical reduction of CO 2 into fine chemicals, assisted with renewable energy, is the most instant approach for balancing the atmospheric CO 2 level, as well as for storing solar energy as chemical energy. Due to their easy synthesis and good performance, metal oxides are attractive as electrocatalysts for the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR). In this review article, we concise the recent advances in the product efficiency of CO 2 RR for metal oxide electrocatalysts. It is here worth noticing that, overlooking the metal sites of metal oxide-based catalysts, we only considered the M−O (metal–oxygen bond) active sites for discussion. Further, recent strategies, such as advanced morphologies development and interface and vacancy defect engineering, used to improve the CO 2 RR performance, are also overviewed. By covering the critical role of catalysts (M−O) structure in efficiency and stability, this review also provides some future aspects for the design and development of efficient metal oxide-based electrocatalysts for CO 2 RR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported interferon gamma secretion by human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in response to recombinant E. coli-expressed Rv1860 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) as well as protection of guinea pigs against a challenge with virulent MTB following prime-boost immunization with DNA vaccine and poxvirus expressing Rv1860. In contrast, a Statens Serum Institute Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG-SSI) recombinant expressing MTB Rv1860 (BCG-TB1860) showed loss of protective ability compared to the parent BCG strain expressing the control GFP protein (BCG-GFP). Since Rv1860 is a secreted mannosylated protein of MTB and BCG, we investigated the effect of BCG-TB1860 on innate immunity. Relative to BCG-GFP, BCG-TB1860 effected a significant near total reduction both in secretion of cytokines IL-2, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, and up regulation of co-stimulatory molecules MHC-II, CD40, CD54, CD80 and CD86 by infected bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC), while leaving secreted levels of TGF-β unchanged. These effects were mimicked by BCG-TB1860His which carried a 6-Histidine tag at the C-terminus of Rv1860, killed sonicated preparations of BCG-TB1860 and purified H37Rv-derived Rv1860 glycoprotein added to BCG-GFP, but not by E. coli-expressed recombinant Rv1860. Most importantly, BMDC exposed to BCG-TB1860 failed to polarize allogeneic as well as syngeneic T cells to secrete IFN-γ and IL-17 relative to BCG-GFP. Splenocytes from mice infected with BCG-SSI showed significantly less proliferation and secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-17, but secreted higher levels of IL-10 in response to in vitro restimulation with BCG-TB1860 compared to BCG-GFP. Spleens from mice infected with BCG-TB1860 also harboured significantly fewer DC expressing MHC-II, IL-12, IL-2 and TNF-α compared to mice infected with BCG-GFP. Glycoproteins of MTB, through their deleterious effects on DC may thus contribute to suppress the generation of a TH1- and TH17-dominated adaptive immune response that is vital for protection against tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Viral load in upper respiratory tract samples were below the detection levels by day 8. • Saliva samples were not as efficient in detecting viral RNA as Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. • Neutralizing antibodies correlated with reduction in viral load. • Mild COVID-19 infections show absence of inflammatory markers but increase in IL-7 and IL-8. • Patients recovered in the absence of detectable antibodies suggesting a protective role for innate immunity and T-cell responses. Over 90% of the COVID-19 patients manifest mild/moderate symptoms or are asymptomatic. Although comorbidities and dysregulation of immune response have been implicated in severe COVID-19, the host factors that associate with asymptomatic or mild infections have not been characterized. We have collected serial samples from 23 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms and measured the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in respiratory samples and markers of inflammation in serum samples. We monitored seroconversion during the acute phase of illness and quantitated the amount of total IgG against the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 and estimated the virus neutralization potential of these antibodies. Viral load decreased by day 8 in all the patients but the detection of viral RNA in saliva samples did not correlate well with viral RNA detection in nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples. 25% of the virus-positive patients had no detectable neutralizing antibodies in the serum and in other cases, the efficiency of antibodies to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 B1.1.7 strain was lower as compared to the circulating virus isolate. Decrease in viral load coincided with increase in neutralizing antibodies and interferon levels in serum. Most patients showed no increase in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β or IL-6, however, elevated levels of IL-7 and other inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-8 was observed. These data suggest that most mild infections are associated with absence of inflammation coupled with an active innate immune response, T-cell activation and neutralizing antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of porous materials is very attractive due to their various applications in era of water purification. The other advantage is due the structural and functionality of stable MOFs-based porous materials. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are spongy like structures that are composed of transition metals coordinately linked or protected via ligands may be responsible for the active centers and large surface area. In this mini review, we have emphasized the development of water stable Zr-MOFs that have been potentially used as emerging adsorbents for cationic and anionic contaminants in water. The main focus of this review is on the detail study of stability as well as the factors affecting the stability of Zr-based MOFs, including the adsorbent capacities, thermodynamics and kinetic studies. Moreover we have discussed the introduction of metal ions to organic linkers having more replaceable atoms that makes them more reliable adsorbents than other conventional adsorbents. Of note the Zr-MOFs exhibit as an emerging platform for the cost effective, eco-friendly approach and interesting adsorbent-adsorbate interactions for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors represent the predominant electrochemical power sources and energy storage devices. High-capacity and long-life electrode materials are essential for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs) with high power density and high energy density. Herein, FeCo-Nx doped hollow shelled polyhedrons excessively covered with a 3D network of carbon nanotubes (FeCo–N x @CNTs) have been successfully developed and investigated as one of the most promising materials for lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. We developed a self-template strategy to synthesize a series of FeCo–N x @CNTs via one step carbonization process of Fe doped ZIF-67 MOF. Such a FeCo-Nx doped 3D network of carbon nanotubes effectively tolerates the volume strain and prevents the metal nanoparticles aggregation. In the interim, the 3D network of porous N-doped carbon nanotubes agrees fast electron transport to accomplish remarkably excellent rate capability. Consequently, the FeCo–N x @CNTs-1.5 shows excellent electrochemical activity for Li-ion hopping in LIBs and SCs. Additionally, this effort also unveils the synergistic effect of the iron doping on the Li-ion storage capability. Image 1 • FeCo-Nx doped hollow shelled polyhedrons excessively covered with 3D network of carbon nanotubes. • A self-template strategy to synthesize a series of FeCo–N x @CNTs was developed. • The 3D framework of carbon nanotubes on hollow shell polyhedron allow fast reversible reaction. • CNTs provides numerous channels for Li-ions hopping and fast kinetics. • FeCo–N x @CNTs-1.5 shows excellent electrochemical activity for Li-ion hopping in LIB and SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to elucidate the effect of shear and cooling process on structural, thermomechanical, and physical properties of polymer melt, excess entropy, a thermodynamic quantity is calculated from radial distribution function generated from equilibrated parts of the molecular simulation trajectories. The structural properties are calculated, which includes the density of polypropylene melt, end to end distance, radius of gyration of the polypropylene polymer chain, and monomer-monomer radial distribution function. Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation was employed to investigate the role of the applied shear rate on the properties of polypropylene. Furthermore, a range of cooling rates were employed to cool the melt. Thermomechanical properties, such as Young's modulus, and physical properties, such as glass transition temperature, were determined for different cases. Results showed that slow cooling and high shear substantially improved the Young's modulus and glass transition temperature of the i-PP. Furthermore, a two-body contribution to the excess entropy was used to elucidate the structure-property relationships in the polymer melt as well as the glassy state and the dependence of shear and cooling rate on these properties. We have used the Rosenfeld excess entropy-viscosity relationship to calculate the viscous behavior of the polymer under a steady shear condition., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

We previously reported interferon gamma secretion by human CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in response to recombinant E. coli-expressed Rv1860 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) as well as protection of guinea pigs against a challenge with virulent MTB following prime-boost immunization with DNA vaccine and poxvirus expressing Rv1860. In contrast, a Statens Serum Institute Mycobacterium bovis BCG (BCG-SSI) recombinant expressing MTB Rv1860 (BCG-TB1860) showed loss of protective ability compared to the parent BCG strain expressing the control GFP protein (BCG-GFP). Since Rv1860 is a secreted mannosylated protein of MTB and BCG, we investigated the effect of BCG-TB1860 on innate immunity. Relative to BCG-GFP, BCG-TB1860 effected a significant near total reduction both in secretion of cytokines IL-2, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, and up regulation of co-stimulatory molecules MHC-II, CD40, CD54, CD80 and CD86 by infected bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDC), while leaving secreted levels of TGF-β unchanged. These effects were mimicked by BCG-TB1860His which carried a 6-Histidine tag at the C-terminus of Rv1860, killed sonicated preparations of BCG-TB1860 and purified H37Rv-derived Rv1860 glycoprotein added to BCG-GFP, but not by E. coli-expressed recombinant Rv1860. Most importantly, BMDC exposed to BCG-TB1860 failed to polarize allogeneic as well as syngeneic T cells to secrete IFN-γ and IL-17 relative to BCG-GFP. Splenocytes from mice infected with BCG-SSI showed significantly less proliferation and secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-17, but secreted higher levels of IL-10 in response to in vitro restimulation with BCG-TB1860 compared to BCG-GFP. Spleens from mice infected with BCG-TB1860 also harboured significantly fewer DC expressing MHC-II, IL-12, IL-2 and TNF-α compared to mice infected with BCG-GFP. Glycoproteins of MTB, through their deleterious effects on DC may thus contribute to suppress the generation of a TH1- and TH17-dominated adaptive immune response that is vital for protection against tuberculosis.