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Ethnomedicinal plants are a rich reservoir of active compounds with potent pharmacological properties. Therefore, plants could serve as a source for the discovery of active antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and are focused because of their low toxicity, economic viability, easy availability, etc. In this regard, phytochemical analyses, viz. β-carotene, total sugar, reducing sugar, vitamin C, total carotenoids, protein, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 20 ethnomedicinal plants of North East India (NEI) were evaluated in this study. The antibacterial activity against human pathogens and antioxidant potential of plant extracts was also demonstrated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC

PurposeWe aimed to develop a novel molecular imaging agent to monitor Multiple Myeloma (MM) using CD38, a target that has shown uniform expression in MM. However, only a few molecularly targeted imaging agents are available to take advantage of this high expression and the sensitivity of positron emission tomography (PET), and none of them fit into the standard clinical workflow. To address this, we developed and evaluated a first-in-class peptide-based radiotracer, [68Ga]Ga-AJ206, to non-invasively quantify CD38 levels in MM.Experimental designTo quantify CD38 levels non-invasively, we synthesized a peptide-based high-affinity binder, tested its affinity by surface plasmon resonance, and evaluated a gallium-68–labeled analog for in vitro specificity. We also performed in vivo distribution, pharmacokinetics, and CD38 specificity evaluations in MM preclinical models, and cross-validated imaging data with flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry-based analysis of CD38 expression.Results[68Ga]Ga-AJ206 demonstrated CD38 binding specificity with a dissociation constant (KD) of 19.1±0.99 nM and in vitro binding dependent on CD38 expression. PET imaging with [68Ga]Ga-AJ206 showed high contrast within 60 min and suitable radiation dose estimates for clinical use. Additionally, [68Ga]Ga-AJ206 detected CD38 expression in xenograft and disseminated disease models in a manner consistent with immunohistochemistry-based detection.Conclusions[68Ga]Ga-AJ206 exhibited the salient features required for clinical translation, providing CD38-specific high contrast images and detecting varying levels of CD38 expression in bone disease and soft tissue metastases.STATEMENT OF TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCEMultiple myeloma is a challenging bone marrow plasma cell disease that is associated with heterogenous responses and universal recurrence. While minimal residual disease monitoring by blood and invasive bone marrow samples have improved prognostication of disease recurrence, molecularly targeted non-invasive imaging options remain limited. Additionally, there is an unmet need for functional imaging agents to monitor the effects of new therapeutics targeting CD38 protein, which is highly expressed on MM cells. To address this gap, we report the development of a high affinity first-in-class gallium-68 labeled peptide radiotracer for CD38, [68Ga]Ga-AJ206. [68Ga]Ga-AJ206 provides high-contrast images by PET within the standard clinical workflow of 60 minutes. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the potential of [68Ga]Ga-AJ206 PET to measure varying levels of CD38 expression. Further development of this new radiotracer may complement existing technologies and improve prognostication and monitoring of therapy response in MM patients.

Ex vivo biodistribution of [68Ga]Ga-DK223 in mice bearing BFTC909 xenografts and treated with aPD-L1 antibodies for 120 h.

Purpose:Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) is currently ineffective in a majority of patients. Tumor drug exposure measurements can provide vital insights into mechanisms involved in the resistance of solid tumors to those therapeutics; however, tools to quantify in situ drug exposure are few. We have investigated the potential of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pharmacodynamics, quantified using PET, to inform on the tumor exposure of anti–PD-L1 (aPD-L1) therapeutics.Experimental Design:To noninvasively quantify PD-L1 levels, we first developed a novel peptide-based gallium-68–labeled binder, [68Ga]Ga-DK223, and evaluated its in vivo distribution, pharmacokinetics, and PD-L1 specificity in preclinical models of triple-negative breast cancer and urothelial carcinoma with variable PD-L1 expression. We then quantified baseline and accessible PD-L1 levels in tumors as a noninvasive pharmacodynamic measure to assess tumor exposure to two aPD-L1 antibodies (avelumab and durvalumab).Results:DK223 exhibited a KD of 1.01±0.83 nmol/L for PD-L1 and inhibited the PD-1:PD-L1 interaction in a dose-dependent manner. [68Ga]Ga-DK223 provides high-contrast PET images within 60 minutes of administration and detects PD-L1 in an expression-dependent manner in xenograft models. PD-L1 pharmacodynamics measured using [68Ga]Ga-DK223-PET revealed that avelumab and durvalumab had similar exposure early during therapy, but only durvalumab exhibited sustained exposure at the tumor.Conclusions:[68Ga]Ga-DK223 detected variable PD-L1 levels and exhibited salient features required for clinical translation. [68Ga]Ga-DK223-PET could be useful for quantifying total PD-L1 levels at baseline and accessible PD-L1 levels during therapy to understand drug exposure at the tumor, thus supporting its use for guiding and optimizing ICT.

The assembly of microorganisms over a surface and their ability to develop resistance against available antibiotics are major concerns of interest. To survive against harsh environmental conditions including known antibiotics, the microorganisms form a unique structure, referred to as biofilm. The mechanism of biofilm formation is triggered and regulated by quorum sensing, hostile environmental conditions, nutrient availability, hydrodynamic conditions, cell-to-cell communication, signaling cascades, and secondary messengers. Antibiotic resistance, escape of microbes from the body’s immune system, recalcitrant infections, biofilm-associated deaths, and food spoilage are some of the problems associated with microbial biofilms which pose a threat to humans, veterinary, and food processing sectors. In this review, we focus in detail on biofilm formation, its architecture, composition, genes and signaling cascades involved, and multifold antibiotic resistance exhibited by microorganisms dwelling within biofilms. We also highlight different physical, chemical, and biological biofilm control strategies including those based on plant products. So, this review aims at providing researchers the knowledge regarding recent advances on the mechanisms involved in biofilm formation at the molecular level as well as the emergent method used to get rid of antibiotic-resistant and life-threatening biofilms. [Image: see text]

Purpose: Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) is currently ineffective in a majority of patients. Tumor drug exposure measurements can provide vital insights into mechanisms involved in the resistance of solid tumors to those therapeutics; however, tools to quantify in situ drug exposure are few. We have investigated the potential of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pharmacodynamics, quantified using PET, to inform on the tumor exposure of anti–PD-L1 (aPD-L1) therapeutics. Experimental Design: To noninvasively quantify PD-L1 levels, we first developed a novel peptide-based gallium-68–labeled binder, [68Ga]Ga-DK223, and evaluated its in vivo distribution, pharmacokinetics, and PD-L1 specificity in preclinical models of triple-negative breast cancer and urothelial carcinoma with variable PD-L1 expression. We then quantified baseline and accessible PD-L1 levels in tumors as a noninvasive pharmacodynamic measure to assess tumor exposure to two aPD-L1 antibodies (avelumab and durvalumab). Results: DK223 exhibited a KD of 1.01±0.83 nmol/L for PD-L1 and inhibited the PD-1:PD-L1 interaction in a dose-dependent manner. [68Ga]Ga-DK223 provides high-contrast PET images within 60 minutes of administration and detects PD-L1 in an expression-dependent manner in xenograft models. PD-L1 pharmacodynamics measured using [68Ga]Ga-DK223-PET revealed that avelumab and durvalumab had similar exposure early during therapy, but only durvalumab exhibited sustained exposure at the tumor. Conclusions: [68Ga]Ga-DK223 detected variable PD-L1 levels and exhibited salient features required for clinical translation. [68Ga]Ga-DK223-PET could be useful for quantifying total PD-L1 levels at baseline and accessible PD-L1 levels during therapy to understand drug exposure at the tumor, thus supporting its use for guiding and optimizing ICT.

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease and early diagnosis is paramount for effective treatment. Molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) could provide an early diagnosis of PDAC to potentially improve survival. EphA2, a member of Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors, is a desirable target for PDAC detection as it is pro-oncogenic and expressed in > 90% of PDACs. Here, we report the development of a peptide-based PET imaging agent, [68Ga]AJ201, evaluation of its pharmacokinetics, and its potential to non-invasively detect variable EphA2 expression in moue models of PDAC. Methods: A bicyclic peptide, AJ201, was synthesized and its binding affinity for EphA2 was determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). AJ201 was labelled with Gallium-68 in high radiochemical yields and purity. In vitro uptake of the resulting [68Ga]AJ201 was carried out in different PDAC cell lines with variable EphA2 expression (Panc1, CFPAC1, Hs766T, and SU8686) and Jurkat cell line as a negative control. In vivo pharmacokinetic properties of [68Ga]AJ201 were evaluated by PET-MR imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies in different subcutaneous PDAC xenografts and in Panc1 orthotopic model (n=4-5/tumor). [68Ga]AJ201 in vivo specificity for EphA2 was confirmed by cross-correlative immunohistochemistry of xenografts and by co-injection of a blocking dose of non-radioactive AJ201 (1 mg/kg). Results: AJ201 binds human EphA2 with high affinity (KD ~ 0.2 nM). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed variable EphA2 expression in all the PDAC cell lines tested with Panc1 and CFPAC cell lines exhibiting highest and lowest expression, respectively. In vitro binding assays showed variable [68Ga]AJ201 uptake in all the PDAC cells and almost no uptake in the presence of 1 µM non-radioactive AJ201 and in negative control Jurkat cells. In vivo dynamic PET-MR imaging revealed high and specific uptake of [68Ga]AJ201 in Panc1 tumor xenografts within 5 min and retained for at least 90 min. In contrast, [68Ga]AJ201 exhibited fast clearance from normal tissues resulting in high contrast images at 60 minutes and a high tumor-to-muscle ratio of 25.8 ± 6.7. [68Ga]AJ201 uptake in tumors was reduced by > 80 % in mice receiving blocking dose, confirming the specificity of the radiotracer. Also, [68Ga]AJ201 PET provided high contrast images of orthotopic Panc1 tumors. Furthermore, [68Ga]AJ201 PET showed variable and expression dependent uptake in all the PDAC xenografts tested that was corroborated by EphA2 expression detected by IHC. Conclusion: [68Ga]AJ201 is an EphA2 specific high affinity peptide-based PET imaging agent that detects orthotopic PDAC in mouse models at 60 minutes and demonstrates potential to non-invasively detect PDAC in patients. Citation Format: Ajay Kumar Sharma, Kuldeep Gupta, Akhilesh Mishra, Sophia Chen, Gabriela Lofland, Todd Armstrong, Edward Gabrielson, Lei Zheng, Elizabeth M. Jaffee, Sridhar Nimmagadda. Non-invasive detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma using Ga-68 labelled epha2 targeting peptide [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 2768.

The paper deals with a multi-criteria analysis of stress intensity in the urban areas of India during COVID-19. For instance, a person may not be afraid of driving fast alone but might experience g...

Microbial lipids derived from oleaginous fungi are considered as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. We attempt to isolate a cellulolytic oleaginous fungi as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production. The fungus was identified by 5.8 S-ITS rRNA gene sequencing. The extracellular enzyme activities were recorded after every 24 h for 7 days. Nile red staining and fluorescence microscopy was used to visualise the lipid bodies within the fungal hyphae. A renewable heterogeneous base catalyst derived from Musa balbisiana cola peels was used for the transesterification of Penicillium citrinum PKB20 derived oil into biodiesel. GC-MS analysis was used to analyse the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile of the transesterified lipids. Penicillium citrinum PKB20 was isolated from detritus rich soil of Assam, India. The endoglucanase, xylanase and β-glucosidase enzyme activities were found to be 292.83 ± 0.29, 111.72 ± 0.45 and 6.54 ± 0.13 U/mg respectively. The specific enzyme activity for extracellular lipase was found to be 3.12 ± 0.16 U/mg. It could accumulate up to 60.61% of lipids in nitrogen-limited medium (7.34 ± 0.45 g/L biomass production). The extracted lipids were converted to biodiesel with 89.3% conversion efficiency. The predominant fatty acids were oleic acid (30.09%), palmitic acid (20.25%) and linoleic acid (33.14%) suggesting a balance between oxidative stability and cold flow properties for suitable biodiesel quality. Penicillium citrinum PKB20 was found to be a potential feedstock for biodiesel production with desirable fuel properties. The cellulolytic nature could be utilised for simultaneous lipid production directly on cellulosic substrates.

The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is the safest, ecofriendly, cost-effective, and non-hazardous approach of nanotechnology. In the current study, we described the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cuphea carthagenensis aqueous leaf extract as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. The study aims at the synthesis, characterization, optimization, and determination of the antibacterial activity of Cc-AgNPs against clinically important human pathogens. Coating of cotton fabrics with Cc-AgNPs and their efficacy against skin infection causing organisms was also evaluated. Furthermore, antioxidant activity, growth assay and time kill assay of Cc-AgNPs were also performed in the study. The biosynthesized Cc-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The spectroscopic and microscopic analysis demonstrated biosynthesis of face-centered cubic (fcc) crystalline spherical Cc-AgNPs with an average particle size of 10.65 ± 0.1 nm. Optimized peak synthesis of Cc-AgNPs was reported at pH7, 55 °C, 4 mM silver nitrate, and 5:45 (plant extract: silver nitrate). Cc-AgNPs exhibited potent antioxidant effect and antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The lowest MIC (15 μg/ml) and MBC (25 μg/ml) values were reported against S. typhimurium. The Cc-AgNPs coated fabrics demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against tested strains. This application could be helpful in wound healing management. Furthermore, the hemolytic analysis demonstrated that Cc-AgNPs exhibit non-toxic nature against Red Blood Cells (RBCs) at the tested concentrations. In conclusion, the investigation demonstrated a fast, stable, and eco-friendly approach to the biosynthesis of Cc-AgNPs along with their antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint protein targeted therapeutics have transformed cancer treatment but only a subset of patients derive benefit. To improve efficacy, a variety of combination therapies are being studied. Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used as a biomarker to guide many of those therapies. Non-invasive evaluation of therapy induced changes in PD-L1 levels in the whole body could provide insights to guide those therapies. Here, we investigated the potential of [18F]DK222, a novel PD-L1 binding positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent, to quantify PD-L1 levels and pharmacodynamics in humanized mouse modes. Methods: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), urothelial carcinoma (UC) and melanoma cell lines were screened by flow cytometry (FC) for PD-L1 expression and density. In vitro cell uptake assays, in vivo PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies were used to evaluate the specificity of [18F]DK222 to bind PD-L1 (n=5-6/tumor). To quantify immunotherapy induced changes in PD-L1, A375 melanoma xenografts were inoculated in NSG mice humanized with CD34+ cells. Mice were treated with either 5 mg/kg anti- PD-1; (pembrolizumab) or 5 mg/kg of anti-PD-1 + 4 mg/kg of anti- CTLA-4 (ipilimumab) (n=5) and [18F]DK222 PET was acquired before and 7 days after start of treatment. Tumor growth was monitored. FC of tumors was performed to measure changes in TME and immune cell infiltrates. Results: In vitro uptake of [18F]DK222 in NSCLC (H244 > H226 > A549) and UC (BFTC909 > T24 > SCaBER) correlated with PD-L1 density (R2=0.96). [18F]DK222 PET and biodistribution studies in mice with NSCLC and UC xenografts revealed high and variable tumor uptake at 60 min, which was in agreement with PD-L1 levels detected by IHC. These data established sensitivity of [18F]DK222 PET to quantify variable PD-L1 levels in vivo. We next sought to quantify therapy induced changes in PD-L1 levels. We observed higher [18F]DK222 uptake in tumors of mice treated with combination therapy compared to monotherapy (1.83 vs 0.47 %ID/cc). A significant delay in tumor growth was observed with combination therapy compared to monotherapy. Two out of five mice with highest increase in [18F]DK222 uptake in combination therapy group exhibited least tumor growth. Also, final tumor volumes negatively correlated with [18F]DK222 uptake (R2=0.33) irrespective of treatment regimen. FC analysis showed higher immune infiltrates (1320 vs 230 per milligram of tumor), PD-L1+ cells (6005 vs 2739/mg) and ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ cells (1.94 vs 0.47) in tumors treated with combination therapy compared with monotherapy. These observations confirmed that immunotherapy induced changes in PD-L1 levels in tumors can be quantified using [18F]DK222 PET. Conclusion: [18F]DK222 PET can effectively quantify variable PD-L1 levels in tumors. Moreover, [18F]DK222 PET exhibits the sensitivity to quantify PD-L1 pharmacodynamics to inform on tumor response to therapy. Citation Format: Akhilesh Mishra, Dhiraj Kumar, Kuldeep Gupta, Patrick M. Forde, Edward Gabrielson, Sridhar Nimmagadda. PD-L1 PET quantifies the pharmacodynamic effects of immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2477.

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult to diagnose and has dismal survival rates. Molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) could fulfill an unmet need and enable an early diagnosis of PDAC to potentially improve survival. EphA2, a member of Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors, plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis and development of an immune suppressive microenvironment in PDAC. We therefore developed a peptide-based PET imaging agent for EphA2, [68Ga]AJ201, and evaluated its pharmacokinetics and potential to non-invasively quantify variable EphA2 expression in PDAC. Methods: A Gallium-68 labeled EphA2 binding peptide, [68Ga]AJ201, was synthesized in high radiochemical yields and purity. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis was carried out to measure binding affinity. EphA2 expression was assessed in PDAC cell lines and tissues in CCLE and TCGA. EphA2 expression in seven PDAC cell lines (Panc1, AsPC1 BxPC3, CFPAC1, Hs766T, Panc1005, and SU8686) was validated by RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Those cell lines were then used for in vitro binding assays and the corresponding xenografts in NSG mice for PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies (n=4-5/tumor). Specificity of [68Ga]AJ201 was confirmed by co-injection of a blocking dose of non-radioactive AJ201 (1 mg/kg). Results: SPR analysis showed that AJ201 binds EphA2 with a high affinity (KD) of 0.2 nM. TCGA analysis revealed higher expression of EphA2 in PDAC vs healthy tissues. Flow cytometry analysis revealed high and variable EphA2 expression in all the PDAC cell lines tested with Panc1 exhibiting the highest levels. In vitro binding assays showed high and variable [68Ga]AJ201 uptake in all the PDAC cell lines and low uptake in the presence of 1µM non-radioactive AJ201 and in EphA2 negative Jurkat cells. Pharmacokinetics of [68Ga]AJ201 in mice with Panc1 tumors showed high contrast images of EphA2 expression at 60 minutes with a tumor/muscle ratio of 25.9±6.7. That high tumor uptake was significantly reduced in mice receiving blocking dose confirming the specificity of the radiotracer. Also, [68Ga]AJ201 PET quantified variable EphA2 expression in all the seven PDAC xenografts tested, with highest uptake observed in Panc1 tumor, followed by SU8686, and lowest in CFPAC1. Ex vivo biodistribution studies corroborated PET imaging findings. Conclusion: [68Ga]AJ201 is a EphA2 specific high affinity peptide-based PET imaging agent that provides high contrast PET images of PDAC by 60 minutes. [68Ga]AJ201 PET has the potential to non-invasively detect PDAC in patients. Citation Format: Kuldeep Gupta, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Akhilesh Mishra, Sophia Y. Chen, Gabi Lofland, Todd M. Armstrong, Lei Zhang, Elizabeth M. Jaffee, Sridhar Nimmagadda. Imaging pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using an EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase binding 68Ga-labeled peptide radiotracer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2481.

Syzygium cumini L. Skeels (Myretacae family) is a native plant of the Indian subcontinent which has wide socio-economical importance and is well known for its ant diabetic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the antibiofilm activity of purified fraction (EA) from S. cumini leaf extract against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The EA did not show any effect on growth of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus at the concentration of 900 µg/ml. At this concentration EA showed biofilm inhibition up to 86 ± 1.19% (***P

Background: Equine colic surgery is an expensive procedure and availability of reliable prognostic indicators aid in decision making process. This study aimed to evaluate clinical, hemato-biochemistry, ultrasonography, surgery and peritoneal cytology / intestinal histology as prognostic indicators (based on strangulating vs non-strangulating lesion) for equine colic surgery. Methods: Fifteen equines {13 females and 2 males; 5 Thoroughbred, 9 Marwari and one mule} operated for intestinal colic were investigated. The feeding history, pre and post-surgery clinical, hematological and biochemical findings were recorded. Pre and post-surgery ultrasonography, peritoneal cytology and intestinal histology were done. Three equine were euthanized intra-operatively and 12 were followed for short and long term outcome. Result: On surgery, three equine were diagnosed for strangulating (right dorsal displacement of large colon, large colon volvulus and small colon strangulation) and 12 for non-strangulating colic {impaction (3), fecalith (5), sand colic (2), foreign body (1) and small intestine ileus (1)}. Detection of polymorphonuclear cells alone or with lymphocytes on peritoneal fluid cytology was indicator of good prognosis. Feeding of wheat straw is major predisposing factor for non-strangulating colic in Marwari breed but had favorable surgical prognosis (7/9=77.78%). While Thoroughbreds, not on wheat straw, are susceptible to strangulating colic that require early referral for favorable surgical outcome. Prolonged capillary refill time, injected mucous membranes, absent borborygymi, high serum creatine kinase and glucose are poor prognostic indicators for colic surgery. Thoroughbred equine with severe pain, elevated levels of Hb, neutrophils, packed cell volume (PCV), serum glucose and low peritoneal total protein are indicators of strangulating lesion. The equine colic surgery bears a very good short term (10/12=83.33%) and excellent (10/10=100%) long term outcome.

Agricultural productivity has declined due to reduction in soil fertility, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, addition of plant stress molecules into the soil, prevalence of pathogenic microbes, and other environmental challenges. The increasing population size and their dependence on agriculture demand a substantial approach to overcome these problems. In this context, microbial biofilm has come up as an interesting alternative tool to combat the challenges faced by agriculture sector. A group of microorganisms, other than planktonic cells, attached to surfaces, living in close assemblies, showing altered phenotypes and regulated by quorum sensing, are termed as biofilms. The use of beneficial microbial biofilms for productive and environmental-friendly agriculture is gaining a lot of interest. This chapter attempts to provide an insight of use of microbial biofilm as biofertilizers, growth promoters, stress busters, biocontrolling agents, bioremediators, and nutrient mobilizers to enhance agricultural productivity.

Man has relied upon microalgae ever since millennia. The importance of microalgal biotechnology as an exclusive niche in the industrial state of affairs is undeniably indisputable. Microalgae have been used to produce a wide variety of high value exploitable commercial products/metabolites such as antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins, biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids), etc. Microalgae also hold great promise for the forthcoming biofuel industry. Microalgal biofuel are poised to be sustainable alternatives to conventional petro fuels; however, they need to overcome certain copious obstacles in order to compete in the international fuel market for an extensive commercial deployment. The scientific community is actively involved in research to establish microalgae as a biofuel podium. Progress made in this field is noteworthy, however, scientifically demanding and intellectually rigorous research seems to be the need of the hour. This article emphasizes on the non-energy and energy prospects of microalgal biomass with additional focus on the research gaps. This article aims to disseminate first-hand state-of-the-art information to help researchers, technocrats, venture capitalists, and policy makers in their futuristic endeavors pertaining to microalgal biotechnology.

Tocotrienols (T3) are vitamin E components that inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), a primary target for cholesterol management. T3 was extracted from rice bran (RBE) using ultrasonic energy keeping solute: solvent ratio, power and time on specific energy and T3 concentration as responses as per Box–Behnken Design. The lowest specific energy (52.38 ± 0.14 J mL−1) uptake by the sample was most effective in enhancing the concentration of T3 in RBE (199.34 ± 0.63 μg mL−1). In vitro HMGR kinetics and in silico binding interactions of the identified α-, δ- and γ-T3 fractions were studied. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed an uncompetitive mode of inhibition by α-T3, γ-T3, and RBE and a mixed mode of inhibition for δ-T3. γ-T3 showed lowest IC50 concentration (11.33 μg mL−1) followed by α-T3 (16.73 μg mL−1), RBE (20.45 μg mL−1) and δ-T3 (23.16 μg mL−1). Molecular docking studies highlighted the hydrogen bonding of δ-T3 with Gln766 and α- and γ-T3 with Met655 and Val805 amino acid residues at the NADPH binding site of HMGR. Results indicate the potential use of T3 enriched RBE optimally extracted using ultrasound as potent HMGR inhibitor.

The study was aimed at dairy cattle and buffaloes presented with the history of chronic diarrhea to isolate and detect Salmonella spp. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of diarrheic cattle. Isolation and identification of the microorganisms was performed and confirmed on the basis of their morphology, staining, cultural, biochemical tests and sero-typing. Salmonella positive animals presented variable degree and frequency of diarrhea. Salmonellosis was confirmed in seven per cent of cattle and buffaloes suffering from chronic diarrhea. The serotype detected in the 7 Salmonella strains was Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Reading. Salmonella isolates recovered from dairy cattle had relatively variable resistance to various antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates showed isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, ceftriaxone. Whereas 87.5 percent, 75.0 per cent and 62.5 percent susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and co-trimoxazole respectively. This study provides updated information on the bio-incidence and susceptibility patterns of Salmonella in dairy animals suffering chronic diarrhea. Isolation and serotyping of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Reading is new to the study and contribute to our understanding that there is shift in increases in susceptibility of dairy herds to acquire new strains.

Activity Recognition and Classification is one of the most significant issues in the computer vision field. Identifying and recognizing actions or activities that are performed by a person is a primary key goal of intelligent video systems. Human activity is used in a variety of application areas, from human-computer interaction to surveillance, security, and health monitoring systems. Despite ongoing efforts in the field, activity recognition is still a difficult task in an unrestricted environment and faces many challenges. In this paper, we are focusing on some recent research papers on various methods of activity recognition. The work includes three popular methods of recognizing activity, namely vision-based (using pose estimation), wearable devices, and smartphone sensors. We will also discuss some pros and cons of the above technologies and take a view on a brief comparison between their accuracy. The findings will also show how the vision-based approach is becoming a popular approach for HAR research these days.

Purpose Oleaginous yeasts can accumulate intracellular lipid bodies or triacylglycerides (TAGs) under nutrient limiting conditions. TAGs derived from those yeast strains are considered as an alternative to conventional plant-based oils for biodiesel production. In this study, we attempt to isolate and characterize yeast strains from selected traditional fermented foods of Manipur and Mizoram, India, and study their oleaginous attributes for biodiesel production. Method Fourteen potential oleaginous yeasts were isolated from fermented food samples of Manipur and Mizoram, India. The isolates were identified by 5.8S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA gene sequencing. Intracellular TAG accumulation by yeast cells were confirmed by Nile red fluorescence microscopy and spectrometry technique. The most promising isolates were evaluated for lipid accumulation having different initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios and also the full kinetic studies (depicting the glucose consumption, biomass, and lipid production) using optimum C/N ratio were estimated. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) profile of the transesterified lipids were analyzed by GC-MS. Results The identified yeast isolates belonged to seven different genera viz. Rhodotorula, Pichia, Candida, Saturnispora, Wickerhamomyces, Zygoascus, and Saccharomyces. Under nitrogen-limiting conditions, maximum biomass concentration of 5.66 ± 0.03 g/L and 4.713 ± 0.03 g/L was produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus FK09 and Pichia kudriavzevii FK02, respectively. The highest lipid concentration (g lipid/L fermentation broth) of 0.58 g/L was attained by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa R2, followed by Wickerhamomyces anomalus FK09 (0.51 g/L), and Zygoascus hellenicus FC10 (0.41 g/L). Rhodotorula mucilaginosa R2 exhibited the maximum lipid content (% lipid/g dry cell weight) of (21.63 ± 0.1%) after 96 h of growth. The C/N ratio of 40 and 20 was found to be optimum for R. mucilaginosa R2 and W. anomalus FK09 with a lipid content of 22.21 ± 0.4% and 12.83 ± 0.08% respectively. Conclusion Newly isolated yeast strains were obtained from traditional fermented food samples of Manipur and Mizoram, India. FAME analysis of the transesterified lipid extracts suggested the potential use of yeast-derived oil as an alternative to vegetable oil for biodiesel production.

The potential of mesophilic fermentative hydrogen-producing soil bacterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis B-6, was investigated to produce hydrogen from xylose and rice straw. This strain has the capability to utilize a variety of nitrogen and carbon sources for growth and H2 production. The better contrivance of H2 production was observed with carbon source xylose, a major fraction of lignocellulosic hydrolysate. The ambience for bio-H2 production was optimized. The maximum H2 yield was observed as 1.6 mol H2/mol xylose with a production rate of 345 mL H2/L.Day. The practical conversion of waste biomass to H2 by the strain was also investigated by batch fermentation of the acid hydrolysate of rice straw. The maximum H2 yield of 30 L/kg of rice straw was obtained from the hydrolysate prepared by treating 1% (w/v) rice straw with 0.5% (v/v) H2SO4. Thus, from this study, we found that the isolated strain Staphylococcus epidermidis B-6 is a potential candidate for fermentative H2 production and is used for the first time for the conversion of waste biomass into energy.

The development of high-performing nanocomposites of homogeneously dispersed graphene oxide in a waterborne polyester matrix with controlled interfacial interactions is a daunting challenge owing to the presence of strong cohesive energy in both. Thus, in this study, graphene oxide was functionalized with toluene diisocyanate and butane diol through a simple method and incorporated into the waterborne polyester matrix through a facile in situ bulk polymerization technique without using any compatibilizing agent or organic solvent for the first time. The thermoset of the nanocomposite was formed by curing it with hyperbranched epoxy of glycerol and poly(amido amine). The resultant thermosetting nanocomposites with 0.1–1 wt % functionalized graphene oxide exhibited significant enhancement in mechanical properties such as elongation at break (245–360%), tensile strength (7.8–39.4 MPa), scratch hardness (4 to >10 kg), toughness (17.18–86.35 MJ/m3), Young’s modulus (243–358 MPa), impact resistance (8.3 to >9.3 kJ/m), and thermostability. Further, the Halpin–Tsai model was used to predict the alignment of graphene oxide. The nanocomposite was also biodegradable against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strain. Furthermore, this nanocomposite exhibited strong catalytic activity for the aza-Michael addition reaction. Thus, the nanocomposite can be utilized as a high-performing sustainable material in different potential applications including as heterogeneous catalysts.