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Cirrhinus mrigala is an important edible fish with a significant aquaculture contribution in Southeast Asian countries. The current study aims to enhance our understanding of the developmental biology of Cirrhinus mrigala, which is crucial for implementing sustainable fish farming practices. To induce spermiation and ovulation in Cirrhinus mrigala brooders, the synthetic hormone Ovaprim® (GnRH + dopamine inhibitor) was administrated as a single injection dose of 0.2 mL/kg to males and 0.4 mL/kg to females. After induction, the fish spawned, and the eggs produced were fertilized artificially and cell division commenced successfully. The characteristics of each larval developmental stage were closely observed and recorded using a time-lapse imaging technique. The fertilized eggs were spherical, demersal, and non-adhesive throughout their incubation period. The spawned eggs ranged in diameter from 2.1 mm to 2.13 mm and possessed circular yolk sacs. The gastrula stage initiated approximately 4 h after fertilization, with 25% of the yolk sphere covered by blastoderm, reaching 75% coverage at the end of the gastrula stage, approximately 6 h post fertilization. Organogenesis was marked by the formation of notochord and the visibility of rudimentary organs such as the heart, eyes, and gills, followed by tail movement, which was observed at the time of hatching. Compared to other cyprinid fishes, C. mrigala exhibited distinct features at certain stages of embryonic development. Blood circulation was observed to start at the onset of hatching. The lengths of the newly hatched larvae ranged from 2.9 to 3.2 mm, smaller than other reports on induced breeding in carps. The findings of the present study provide a detailed reference for the embryonic development of C. mrigala, which will assist its future research endeavors and large-scale seed production for sustainable aquaculture.

Molecular hydrogen is renowned as an odorless and colorless gas. The recommendations developed by China suggest that the inhalation of hydrogen molecules is currently advised in COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogens have been confirmed after numerous clinical trials and animal-model-based experiments, which have expounded that the low molecular weight of hydrogen enables it to easily diffuse and permeate through the cell membranes to produce a variety of biological impacts. A wide range of both chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, which may include sepsis, pancreatitis, respiratory disorders, autoimmune diseases, ischemia-reperfusion damages, etc. may be treated and prevented by using it. H2 can primarily be inoculated through inhalation, by drinking water (which already contains H2), or by administrating the injection of saline H2 in the body. It may play a pivotal role as an antioxidant, in regulating the immune system, in anti-inflammatory activities (mitochondrial energy metabolism), and cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) by reducing the formation of excessive reactive O2 species and modifying the transcription factors in the nuclei of the cells. However, the fundamental process of molecular hydrogen is still not entirely understood. Molecular hydrogen H2 has a promising future in therapeutics based on its safety and possible usefulness. The current review emphasizes the antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen molecules along with the underlying principle and fundamental mechanism involved, with a prime focus on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). This review will also provide strategies and recommendations for the therapeutic and medicinal applications of the hydrogen molecule.

Naturally occurring curcumin can be used for the treatment of corneal bacterial infections with its limitation of poor solubility. Aim of the present study was to enhance solubility and permeation of curcumin for the treatment of corneal bacterial infections. For increasing solubility, curcumin and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) complex (1:3) was prepared by fusion melting method. Phase solubility studies were used for the calculation of Gibbs free energy of curcumin. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied for optimization of Curcumin (CUR), PEGylated Curcumin (PEG-CUR), penetration enhancer cremophore (CR). Optimized ointments were further evaluated by mucous permeation, membrane permeability and cell toxicity studies by Transwell cell, ussing chamber and Caco-2 cells respectively. Antibacterial test was also performed by agar well diffusion method. Solubility of PEG-CUR was increased up to 93±3.2% as compared to pure curcumin and content uniformity was in the range of 95-110%. Curcumin permeation from PEG-CUR ointment was increased up to 12 folds. No toxicity of Caco-2 cells for PEG-CUR even after 24h was observed. Activity index of pure CUR, PEG-CUR ointment with or without CR against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was 97±2.3, 96±1.6, 95±2.5% respectively. Ointment with solubility enhanced PEG-CUR and cremophore can be used as a promising tool for the treatment of corneal bacterial infections.

Abstract Today, global focus of research is to explore the solution of energy crisis and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural countries, bulk quantities of watermelon peels (WMP) are disposed-off in environment as waste in Pakistan and appropriate management of this waste is the need of hour to save environment from pollution. The work emphasizes the role of ethanologenic yeasts to utilize significant sugars present in WMP for low-cost bioethanol fermentation. Dilute hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of WMP was carried out on optimized conditions employing RSM (response surface methodology) following central composite design (CCD). This experimental design is based on optimization of ethanologenesis involving some key independent parameters such as WMP hydrolysate and synthetic media ratio (X1), incubation temperature (X2) and incubation temperature (X3) for maximal ethanol yield exploiting standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) as well as experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensisY34) yeasts. The results revealed that maximal ethanol yields obtained from S. cerevisiae K7 was 0.36±0.02 g/g of reducing sugars whereas M. cibodasensisY34, yielded 0.40±0.01 g ethanol/g of reducing sugars. The yeast isolate M. cibodasensisY34 appeared as promising ethanologen and embodies prospective potential for fermentative valorization of WMP-to-bioethanol.

Modern day civilization is dependent on energy generation by fossil fuels. But the major drawback of using fossil fuels is environmental pollution. Microalgae are potential candidate for production of various products of interest, such as proteins, mini food, pigments and triglycerides that can be converted into biofuels. Lignocellulosic feedstocks are the most abundantly available raw material of plants that can serve as a promising feedstock for cultivating bacteria, fungi, yeasts and microalgae to produce biofuels and other value-added products. Owing to the abundant availability of these low/no cost substrates, can be utilized as feedstocks for cultivating microalgae to generate biogas/biodiesel. Likewise, there is much room to exploit defatted algal biomass to be used as animal/fish feed and oil producing/accumulating genes knowledge in future to produce high and good quality biodiesel and biogas.

Climate change has become a global phenomenon having severe ramifications on socio-economic sectors such as agriculture, water resources, environment and health. The effects of changing climate are much more prominent on developing economies as compared to the implications on well-developed industrial powers. Pakistan is one of the struggling agricultural economies confronting the issues of food insecurity as a consequence of profound climatic conditions. Notable changes in climatic factors such as temperature can have a direct effect on Growing Degree Days (GDD) and may alter the growing season length (GSL). Growing season length is an important factor in ensuring that each crop developmental stage has a sufficient period for the transition to the next developmental stage. Lengthening or shortening of GSL can have dire threats to crop development and ultimately, production. This study has been conducted to assess the changes in GSL in response to the variability in daily maximum and minimum temperatures with a base temperature of 5°C across Northern, Central and Southern Pakistan. RCP 4.5 and 8.5 have shown an increase of 2°C and 5.4°C in minimum and maximum temperatures, respectively.

Abstract Background Biofuels obtained from first-generation (1G) sugars-starch streams have been proven unsustainable as their constant consumption is not only significantly costly for commercial scale production systems, but it could potentially lead to problems associated with extortionate food items for human usage. In this regard, biofuels’ production in alkali-thermophilic environs from second-generation (2G) bio-waste would not only be markedly feasible, but these extreme conditions might be able to sustain aseptic fermentations without spending much for sterilization. Results Present investigation deals with the valuation of ethanologenic potential of locally isolated moderate alkali-thermophilic fermentative bacterium, Bacillus licheniformis KU886221 employing sugarcane cane bagasse (SCB) as substrate. A standard 2-factor central composite response surface design was used to estimate the optimized cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymatic hydrolysis of SCB into maximum fermentable sugars. After elucidation of optimized levels of fermentation factors affecting ethanol fermentation using Taguchi OA L27 (3^13) experimental design, free cell batch culture was carried out in bench-scale stirred-tank bioreactor for ethanol fermentation. Succeeding fermentation modifications included subsequent substrate addition, immobilized cells fibrous-bed bioreactor (FBB) incorporation to the basic setup, and performance of in situ gas stripping for attaining improved ethanol yield. Highest ethanol yield of 1.1406 mol ethanol/mol of equivalent sugars consumed was obtained when gas stripping was performed during fed-batch fermentation involving FBB under aseptic conditions. Despite the fact that under non-aseptic conditions, 30.5% lesser ethanol was formed, still, reduced yield might be considered influential as it saved the cost of sterilization for ethanol production. Conclusion Effectual utilization of low-priced abundantly available lignocellulosic waste sugarcane bagasse under non-aseptic moderate alkali-thermophilic fermentation conditions as directed in this study has appeared very promising for large-scale cost-effective bioethanol generation processes.

Recently, mushroom production and cultivation of various bioactive components through submerged cultivation has drawn considerable attention of global community. Submerged cultivation is far more effective than fruiting bodies in bioreactors during which culture conditions can also be controlled. Various studies entail that it is possible to grow a wide variety of edible mushroom strains in submerged liquid cultures that yield a high content of biomass and bioactive substances, including enzymes, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, by using such an approach that is safe for use in the food industry. This review will focus on the traditional methods and enlists various bioactive compounds that were frequently derived from the edible mushrooms while providing an extensive explaination about the submerged cultivation methods. In addition, the current study will also highlight the application of various culture conditions such as an increase or decrease in pH, inoculum sizes, temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and their subsequent impact on biomass production and the total yield of bioactive compounds. Current study would plausibly lead to the further exploitation of mushroom mycelia by the food industries and thus would definitely find their appropriate application as nutraceuticals, food supplements, and flavoring agents. Application and efficacy of lacto-fermentation and submerged cultivation would definitely produce safe, high-quality yield of biomass and bioactive substances by increasing the concentration of the amino acids that give food its umami flavors or by calculating the desired level of substances or components which make food inedible. This would encourage the food authorities to authorize mushroom-based high-quality bioactive substances encompassing nutraceutical content, which is crucial, most particularly for the food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A comprehensive report about the embryonic development of Cirrhinus mrigala is portrayed. Cirrhinus mrigala embryonic development is classified into 22 stages. A time-lapse imaging technique was utilized for a better understanding and display of the results. The current findings will provide profound insights into future research endeavors and the large-scale seed production of C. mrigala.Cirrhinus mrigala is an important edible fish with a significant aquaculture contribution in Southeast Asian countries. The current study aims to enhance our understanding of the developmental biology of Cirrhinus mrigala, which is crucial for implementing sustainable fish farming practices. To induce spermiation and ovulation in Cirrhinus mrigala brooders, the synthetic hormone Ovaprim® (GnRH + dopamine inhibitor) was administrated as a single injection dose of 0.2 mL/kg to males and 0.4 mL/kg to females. After induction, the fish spawned, and the eggs produced were fertilized artificially and cell division commenced successfully. The characteristics of each larval developmental stage were closely observed and recorded using a time-lapse imaging technique. The fertilized eggs were spherical, demersal, and non-adhesive throughout their incubation period. The spawned eggs ranged in diameter from 2.1 mm to 2.13 mm and possessed circular yolk sacs. The gastrula stage initiated approximately 4 h after fertilization, with 25% of the yolk sphere covered by blastoderm, reaching 75% coverage at the end of the gastrula stage, approximately 6 h post fertilization. Organogenesis was marked by the formation of notochord and the visibility of rudimentary organs such as the heart, eyes, and gills, followed by tail movement, which was observed at the time of hatching. Compared to other cyprinid fishes, C. mrigala exhibited distinct features at certain stages of embryonic development. Blood circulation was observed to start at the onset of hatching. The lengths of the newly hatched larvae ranged from 2.9 to 3.2 mm, smaller than other reports on induced breeding in carps. The findings of the present study provide a detailed reference for the embryonic development of C. mrigala, which will assist its future research endeavors and large-scale seed production for sustainable aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing "energy from waste" appeared as the most engrossed research area to find out global solutions for waste disposal and energy production. Watermelon peels (WMPs) are discarded as bulk waste in the whole oriental region that demands appropriate disposal to save environment from pollution. This study investigates the potential of yeast employing WMPs that embodies significant sugars to be fermented into ethanol. For this purpose, WMPs were subjected to dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis under optimized conditions (6% H2SO4 at 50 °C for 60 min) elucidated by response surface methodology (RSM) of central composite design (CCD). The experimental design dealt with the optimization of fermentation influencing independent parameters which included pretreated WMP hydrolysate, synthetic medium ratio (X1), hydrolysis temperature (X2), and incubation period (X3) for maximal ethanol yield while employing standard (Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7) and experimental (Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34) yeast isolates. The significance of the model for experimental yeast was envisaged by 6.22 F value (0.0060 P), 0.8616 R2 and 8.393 adequate precision. The optimized parameters were found as 52.03 mL WMP hydrolysate concentration at 29.46 °C after an incubation period of 15 days. Maximal ethanol yield (g/g reducing sugars) obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7 was 0.33 ± 0.05, while Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34 showed as 0.38 ± 0.01. From this research, the ethanologenic and ethanol tolerant potential of yeast Metchnikowia cibodasensis Y34 is apparent to valorize WMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic material like melon peels can be a potent source of bioethanol and it can be exploited to combat the increasing energy demands. In the current study, dried and powdered melon peel waste was hydrolyzed by dilute H2SO4 into monomeric sugars and then fermented by different yeast strains to produce bioethanol. The parameters for dilute H2SO4 hydrolysis of substrate were optimized by response surface methodology for three variable factors, i.e., X1, acid concentration (2–6%); X2, hydrolysis temperature (50–100 °C); and X3, hydrolysis time (30–60 min). The responses were reducing sugars and total sugars. According to the results of biochemical tests, 89.6 ± 0.03 g/L was the highest reducing sugars with significant values of F (3.98), p (0.0258), and R2 (0.7994). Maximum total sugars were recorded as 225.90 ± 0.09 g/L having significant F, P, and R2 values of 3.23, 0.0477, and 0.7849, respectively. The optimum conditions for maximum yield of reducing and total sugars were X1 (6%), X2 (50 °C), and X3 (60 min). For ethanologenesis, one standard yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7, while two experimental yeasts belonging to the genus Metschnikowia were used. Maximum ethanol yield (0.39 ± 0.006 g/g) with 78.21% fermentation efficiency was estimated on the 6th day by Metschnikowia cibodasensis Y34. The findings of the study will provide an insight for converting cellulosic wastes into energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single session of trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the cerebellum and M1 has any advantages over one another or sham stimulation in terms of balance, gait and lower limb function. A total of 66 patients who had experienced their first ever stroke were recruited into three groups for this double-blinded, parallel, randomized, sham-controlled trial: cerebellar stimulation group (CbSG), M1 stimulation group (MSG) and sham stimulation group (SSG). A single session of anodal tDCS with an intensity of 2 mA for a duration of 20 min was administered in addition to gait and balance training based on virtual reality using an Xbox 360 with Kinect. Balance, gait, cognition and risk of fall were assessed using outcome measures before intervention (T0), immediately after intervention (T1) and an hour after intervention (T2). Across group analysis of all outcome measures showed statistically non-significant results (p >.05) except for Six Minute Walk Test (p value T0 =.003, p value T1 =.025, p value T2 =.016). The training effect difference showed a significant difference in balance, gait and cognition, as well as cerebral and cerebellar stimulation, in comparison to sham stimulation (p <.05). The risk of falls remained unaffected by any stimulation (p >.05). In addition to Xbox Kinect-based rehabilitation training, a single session of anodal tDCS to the M1 or cerebellum may be beneficial for improving lower limb function, balance and gait performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular hydrogen is renowned as an odorless and colorless gas. The recommendations developed by China suggest that the inhalation of hydrogen molecules is currently advised in COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogens have been confirmed after numerous clinical trials and animal-model-based experiments, which have expounded that the low molecular weight of hydrogen enables it to easily diffuse and permeate through the cell membranes to produce a variety of biological impacts. A wide range of both chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, which may include sepsis, pancreatitis, respiratory disorders, autoimmune diseases, ischemia-reperfusion damages, etc. may be treated and prevented by using it. H2 can primarily be inoculated through inhalation, by drinking water (which already contains H2), or by administrating the injection of saline H2 in the body. It may play a pivotal role as an antioxidant, in regulating the immune system, in anti-inflammatory activities (mitochondrial energy metabolism), and cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) by reducing the formation of excessive reactive O2 species and modifying the transcription factors in the nuclei of the cells. However, the fundamental process of molecular hydrogen is still not entirely understood. Molecular hydrogen H2 has a promising future in therapeutics based on its safety and possible usefulness. The current review emphasizes the antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen molecules along with the underlying principle and fundamental mechanism involved, with a prime focus on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). This review will also provide strategies and recommendations for the therapeutic and medicinal applications of the hydrogen molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review. I Hydrology i was able to uphold its high standards for published papers due to the outstanding efforts of our reviewers. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Kirkuk University Journal for Scientific Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of different percentages of animal and plant origin dietary lipids level on growth performance and body composition of major carps. Four plant and animal origin fats supplemented experimental diets of different levels of lipids viz. 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% were made. Twenty-one treatments were made with different levels of animal, plant and combination of animal and plant dietary lipids, where twenty fingerlings were stock in each experimental tank. Animalbased saturated (ABS), unsaturated (ABUS), plant-based monounsaturated (PBMU), polyunsaturated (PBPU) and the combination diets were prepared using different percentages of animal and plant based dietary lipids. Growth performance (weight gain, total length and fork length)and food conversion ratio was recorded monthly. The body composition in terms of crude protein, crude ash, crude fat and moisture were determined. Results showed that weight gain, total length and fork length in cirrhinus mrigalawas significantly higher as compared to other two carp species. Significant (p < 0.05) increase in both parameters at 6% and 9%dietary lipid levels as compared to the fish fed on 0% and 3%. The Cirrhinus mrigala showed significantly higher crude protein in 6% ABS dietary lipids followed by Labeo rohita and Catla catla. The significant higher moisture content and crude ash were recorded in L. rohita in 3% ABUS and 9% animal and 6% plant dietary lipids, whereas, C. catla showed the significant higher crude fat contents in 9% ABUSdietary lipids. In conclusion, C. mrigala shows significant improvement in growth performance. Similarly, fishes fed on animal-based dietsand in combination diet, showed consistently significant (p < 0.05) increase in crude protein, crude fat, moisture and crude ash with the increasing levels of dietary lipids from 0 to 9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Balance and gait impairments are major motor deficits in stroke patients that require intensive neuro-rehabilitation. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation is a neuro-modulatory technique recently used in stroke patients for balance and gait improvement. Majority of studies focusing on tDCS have assessed its effects on cerebral motor cortex and more recently cerebellum as well but to our best knowledge the comparison of stimulating these two regions in stroke patients is not investigated so far. Objective: The current study aimed to compare the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on cerebellar and cerebral motor cortex M1 in stroke patients. Materials and methods: This double-blinded, parallel, randomized, sham controlled trial included 66 patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke were recruited into three groups; Cerebellar stimulation group (CbSG), M1 Stimulation Group (MSG), and Sham stimulation group (SSG). A total of three sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation were given on consecutive days in addition to non-immersive virtual reality using Xbox 360 with kinect. Anodal tDCS with an intensity of 2 mA was applied for a duration of 20 min. Primary outcome measures berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), BESTest Balance Evaluation-Systems Test (BESTest) and secondary outcomes measures montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini mental state examination (MMSE), Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JHFRAT), twenty five feet walk test (25FWT), six minute walk test (6MWT), and tDCS Adverse Effects was assessed before initiation of treatment (T0) and at the end of third session of stimulation (T1). Results: The results of between group's analysis using mean difference showed a significant difference with p-value <0.05 for balance (BBS, TUG, BESTest), walking ability (6MWT, 25FWT), risk of fall (JHFRAT). Cognitive function did not show any significant change among the groups for MoCA with p-value >0.05 but MMSE was improved having significant p-value (p = 0.013). However, 6MWT and 25FWT showed non-significant results for both between group and within group analysis. In pairwise comparison both the cerebellar and cerebral stimulation groups showed Significant difference with p-value <0.05 in comparison to sham stimulation; BBS (cerebellar vs. sham p ≤ 0.001, cerebral vs. sham p = 0.011), TUG (cerebellar vs. sham p = 0.001, cerebral vs. sham p = 0.041), Bestest (cerebellar vs. sham p = 0.007, cerebral vs. sham p = 0.003). Whereas for JHFRAT only cerebellar stimulation in comparison to sham and motor cortex stimulation showed significant improvements (cerebellar vs. M1 p = 0.037, cerebellar vs. sham p = 0.037). MMSE showed significant improvement in M1 stimulation (M1 vs. cerebellar p = 0.036, M1 vs. sham p = 0.011). Conclusion: Findings of the study suggest anodal tDCS stimulation of the cerebellum and cerebral motor cortex both improves gait, balance and risk of fall in stroke patients. However, both stimulation sites do not induce any notable improvement in cognitive function. Effects of both stimulation sites have similar effects on mobility in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine microbes are known for their bioactive compounds in various industries. Similarly, marine bacteria are vital in sustainability of aquaculture around the world. Despite its essential role in synthesis of bioactive compounds, commercial use of marine bacteria as probiotics in aquaculture industry is the neglected sector in the world. Few developed countries are utilizing the probiotics in aquaculture industry while rest of the world has not considered it as an option. Probiotics can target wide spectrum of issues in aquaculture industry from reducing pollutants to a source of disease treatment that can be exploited accordingly. Marine bacteria are selected via rigorous processes to isolate potential probiotic. These probiotics are known for targeting various sites for competition, chemicals present in the environment, produce inhibitory substances to prevent fungal, bacterial, viral infection, augment stress conditions, and boost immunity. In this review we will highlight the importance of marine bacteria as potential source of probiotics in aquaculture industry. We aimed to highlight the challenges faced by aquaculture industry to emphasize the gravity of this issue. Finally, we stress on the advantages on marine probiotics and the methods that can be employed to identify potential probiotics. Marine bacteria are identified via series of processes involving pre-experimental screening in which the marine bacteria are isolated, cultured and tested for its activities in favor of host health. Second is experimental screening in which the microbe is delivered to aquaculture host and the results are observed. If the results are substantially robust in terms of improving health, the probiotic is approved for final screening tests. Finally, in postexperimental screening, the marine bacteria are identified to its strain level and assessed whether it has the potential to be used as probiotics and can be produced as mass culture. Further research is essential to identify promising bacteria and effectively utilize them in the aquaculture culture industry. It is crucial to aware farmers regarding the economic importance of aquaculture at an industrial scale to boost economy but produce quality seafood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of a newly introduced insecticide, Malathion on the health of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix fish. The fish serve as valuable biomarkers for ecological harm caused by toxins, especially as they are a significant source of protein and easily accessible. The current study focuses on histopathological alterations, nuclear changes in erythrocytes, and DNA damage in fish brain after exposure to Malathion at environmentally relevant concentrations. The research aimed to assess the potential toxicity of Malathion on fish health, utilizing histological examinations and genetic toxicity assessments through micronuclei and s. Freshwater fish were exposed to Malathion for 18 days under constant pH, temperature and hardness conditions. The study involved sacrificing fish on the 6th, 12th, and 18th days of exposure for tissue and blood sample collection. Histological examinations revealed significant alterations in the fish brain, including necrosis of neurons, cytoplasmic vacuolization, edema, and congestion of neural cells. The severity of these changes increased with higher Malathion concentrations and longer exposure periods. The micronuclei and Comet assays were employed to evaluate genetic toxicities, providing insights into the potential harm posed by Malathion to fish health. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the impact of environmental pollutants on aquatic ecosystems and emphasize the necessity for effective monitoring and mitigation strategies. The observed histopathological alterations and genetic toxicities highlight potential risks associated with Malathion exposure, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the environmental consequences of new insecticides. The results showed significant morphological changes in red blood cells, severe histological changes and DNA damage in brain tissues of exposed fish.Thus, malathion in water have toxic effects on fish therefore its seepage into aquatic bodies should be carefully monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this modern era due to multidimensional problems associated with petrochemical fuels, the scientific community is showing a burgeoning interest in microalgae due to their potential applications which are indispensable for economic amelioration. Microalgae are a fundamental source of oils and various other biomolecules that can be used in the production of biofuels and various other value-added bioproducts. However, implication of microalgae-based biofuels is not economically viable due to various factors. One of these prime reasons is the cost associated with its harvesting. This review focuses on various harvesting techniques applied to microalgae in the last 2/3 decades, presenting the main benefits and drawbacks of each method to allow the selection of appropriate method(s) for economically harvesting microalgal biomass. According to this review, use of any single technique is not viable for harvesting microalgal biomass. However, keeping in view the morphological characteristics of the microalgae, growth density, utility purpose of the harvested biomass, harvesting scale and physico-chemical characteristics of the production medium, these techniques should be applied in suitable combinations to obtain fruitful results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-industrial wastes can be processed into valuable products. Successively, current investigation is an effort to optimize the acid hydrolysis of pomegranate peels waste (PPW) using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) for ethanol production. Concentration of sulfuric acid, temperature, and time of hydrolysis were used as dependent variables, whereas reducing sugars, total carbohydrates, extractives, weight loss, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin contents were recorded as responses for PPW decomposition. The highest glucose level of 0.56 ± 0.04 mg mL−1 (with 5% acid concentration at 100 °C for 30 min) and carbohydrate contents of 1.53 ± 0.07 mg mL−1 (with 3% acid concentration at 75 °C for 45 min) were obtained. Subsequently, detoxification of hydrolysate was conducted employing 2.5% activated charcoal that reduced 62% of phenolic compounds. Detoxified hydrolysate was subjected to fermentation by ethanologenic yeasts: Metschnikowia sp. Y31, Metschnikowia cibodasensis Y34, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7 for 10 days experiment. Significant ethanol yield of 0.42 ± 0.08 g g−1 was noticed by Metschnikowia sp. Y31 on day 5 and 0.41 ± 0.07 g g−1 for Metschnikowia cibodasensis Y34 on day 2. The results demonstrated the hopeful prospect for bioethanologenesis using cellulosic wastes at marketable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring curcumin can be used for the treatment of corneal bacterial infections with its limitation of poor solubility. Aim of the present study was to enhance solubility and permeation of curcumin for the treatment of corneal bacterial infections. For increasing solubility, curcumin and polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) complex (1:3) was prepared by fusion melting method. Phase solubility studies were used for the calculation of Gibbs free energy of curcumin. Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was applied for optimization of Curcumin (CUR), PEGylated Curcumin (PEG-CUR), penetration enhancer cremophore (CR). Optimized ointments were further evaluated by mucous permeation, membrane permeability and cell toxicity studies by Transwell cell, ussing chamber and Caco-2 cells respectively. Antibacterial test was also performed by agar well diffusion method. Solubility of PEG-CUR was increased up to 93±3.2% as compared to pure curcumin and content uniformity was in the range of 95–110%. Curcumin permeation from PEG-CUR ointment was increased up to 12 folds. No toxicity of Caco-2 cells for PEG-CUR even after 24h was observed. Activity index of pure CUR, PEG-CUR ointment with or without CR against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was 97±2.3, 96±1.6, 95±2.5% respectively. Ointment with solubility enhanced PEG-CUR and cremophore can be used as a promising tool for the treatment of corneal bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the mixotrophic growth of the microalga Nannochloropsis sp. BR2 in sugarcane bagasse was analyzed and compared with its photoautotrophic cultivation. Nannochloropsis cultures cultivated mixotrophically in sugarcane bagasse showed significantly higher biomass productivity, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and protein contents of 63.28 mg L−1 d−1, 170.51 mg g−1 and 35.2% of dry weight, respectively, compared to the photoautotrophic cultivations with biomass productivity, FAME and protein contents of 51 mg L−1 d−1, 139.21 mg g−1 and 31.6% of dry weight. Whereas, total carotenoid during photoautotrophic cultivation was 5.833 mg g−1 and decreased to 4.542 mg g−1 in mixotrophic cultures. This can be explained by the additional carbon source in the form of sugars that are metabolized to the fatty acid building block acetyl-CoA, while photosynthetic pigments were less needed. Findings of this study demonstrate that acid-pretreated hydrolysate of lignocellulosic waste from sugarcane bagasse can be developed into a potential feedstock for efficient microalgal cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of eco‐friendly energy resources substituting conventional fossil fuels is the real challenge globally. Prospectively, current investigation accentuates the fermentative conversion of low‐cost lignocellulosic biomass waste, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) into bioethanol and biohydrogen exploiting thermophilic cellulolytic bacterium Clostridium thermocellum DSMZ 1313. Initially, the optimization of some key fermentation factors for bioethanol and biohydrogen productions was done in 150 ml serum bottles employing Taguchi orthogonal array L27 (3̂13) experimental design. Results elucidated that the most suitable factors for ethanologenesis were 70 g/L cellulose, 10 g/L corn‐steep liquor (CSL), 15 mg/L ferrous sulfate (FeSO4·6H2O), 1 g/L magnesium chloride (MgCl2·6H2O), pH 7, and 5 days incubation whereas for hydrogen fermentation were 60 g/L cellulose, 30 g/L CSL, 5 mg/L FeSO4·6H2O, 2 g/L MgCl2·6H2O, pH 7, and 3 days incubation. Quantitatively, 7.422 g/L ethanol and 56.891/50 ml hydrogen were produced from cellulose while 6.352 g/L ethanol and 51.685/50 ml hydrogen with H2SO4‐pretreated SCB (substituted with cellulose). Scaled‐up suspended‐cell fermentations in bench‐scale stirred‐tank bioreactor resulted in 11.77% increased ethanol yield (0.239 g ethanol/g of glucose) and twofold higher hydrogen volumes (106.88 ml hydrogen/g of glucose). The employment of SCB directly as substrate for biofuels production has appeared sustainable to meet the high global energy demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Overuse of the fossil fuels to fulfill existing energy requirements has generated various environmental problems like global warming. Emergence of environmental issues due to burning of the fossil fuel resources has provoked researchers to explore alternative sources of fuel. In this scenario, microalgal biofuels could present a promising alternative fuel if produced cost‐effectively without competing for freshwater resources and arable land. Aim of the present study was to grow microalgae by employing lignocellulosic waste for production of lipids. Scenedesmus dimorphus NT8c was chosen based on its ability to tolerate heat, rapid growth, and ease of harvesting by overnight settling. Biochemical composition and growth parameters of microalgae were analyzed when cultivated mixotrophically on sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate, a low‐value agricultural by‐product, that is, currently underutilized. Despite a slight increase in turbidity in the medium, S. dimorphus NT8c cultures raised mixotrophically in 5 g/L sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate displayed significantly higher growth rates compared to photoautotrophic cultivation with an overall biomass productivity of 119.5 mg L d−1, protein contents of 34.82% and fatty acid contents of 15.41%. Thus, microalgae cultivated mixotrophically are capable of photosynthesizing while metabolizing and assimilating organic carbon, significant increases of biomass and lipid productivity can be achieved. However, high supplementation with organic carbon can result in unfavorable levels of turbidity and bacterial growth, reducing microalgal biomass productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]