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Emerging pollutants, like phytoestrogens, are gaining attention in the scientific community for their impact on aquatic organisms. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies examining their effects on tropical aquatic species. In this context, the objective of this study was to (i) conduct chronic ecotoxicological assays with the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter with two phytoestrogens, namely genistein and daidzein (both derived from soy plant), and compare the results to the synthetic estrogen 'estradiol valerate'; (ii) predict the potential risks of these phytoestrogens through an ecological risk assessment; and (iii) create a prioritization list of the most hazardous phytoestrogens using environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT criteria). The results of chronic exposure demonstrated the following order of toxicity: daidzein (IC50 = 2.60 mg/L); genistein (IC50 = 3.37 mg/L); and estradiol valerate (IC50 = 28.40 mg/L). The results classify genistein and daidzein as "toxic" and estradiol valerate as "harmful" to the sea urchin. The final ranking of the PBT approach in coastal waters was as follows: biochanin A (the highest priority), followed by formononetin, genistein, enterolactone, daidzein, estradiol valerate, coumestrol, and 8-prenylnaringenin. The dataset highlights the importance of environmental monitoring to track phytoestrogens in Latin American coastal areas, particularly in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cerium dioxide (CeO2) photocatalysts are used in treating environmental pollution and addressing the energy crisis due to their excellent oxygen storage capacities and abundant oxygen vacancies. In this paper, CeO2 precursors were synthesized with different water-alcohol ratios via a solvothermal method, and CeO2 photocatalysts with different Ce3+/Ce4+ ratios were obtained by changing the precursor calcination atmospheres (air, Ar) as well as the calcination time. The effects of CeO2 with different Ce3+/Ce4+ ratios in photocatalytic degradations of methylene blue under visible light were investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed that the surfaces of the samples calcined under Ar had higher Ce3+/Ce4+ ratios and oxygen vacancy concentrations, which reduced the band gaps of the catalysts and improved their utilization of visible light. In addition, the many Ce3+/Ce4+ redox centers and oxygen vacancies on the sample surfaces improved the separation and transfer efficiencies of the photogenerated carriers. The sample C2-Ar calcined under Ar showed a high adsorption capacity and excellent photocatalytic activity by removing 96% of the methylene blue within 120 min, which was more than twice the degradation rate of the sample (C2-air) prepared via calcination under air. Trapping experiments showed that photogenerated holes played a key role in the photocatalytic process. In addition, a synergistic photocatalytic mechanism for the Ce3+/Ce4+ redox centers and oxygen vacancies was elucidated in detail, and the sensitization of cerium dioxide by dyes aided the degradation of methylene blue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton is an essential resource in aquatic ecosystems, situated at the base of aquatic food webs. Plastic pollution can impact these organisms, potentially affecting the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The interaction between plastics and phytoplankton is multifaceted: while microplastics can exert toxic effects on phytoplankton, plastics can also act as a substrate for colonisation. By reviewing the existing literature, this study aims to address pivotal questions concerning the intricate interplay among plastics and phytoplankton/phytobenthos and analyse impacts on fundamental ecosystem processes (e.g. primary production, nutrient cycling). This investigation spans both marine and freshwater ecosystems, examining diverse organisational levels from subcellular processes to entire ecosystems. The diverse chemical composition of plastics, along with their variable properties and role in forming the "plastisphere", underscores the complexity of their influences on aquatic environments. Morphological changes, alterations in metabolic processes, defence and stress responses, including homoaggregation and extracellular polysaccharide biosynthesis, represent adaptive strategies employed by phytoplankton to cope with plastic-induced stress. Plastics also serve as potential habitats for harmful algae and invasive species, thereby influencing biodiversity and environmental conditions. Processes affected by phytoplankton-plastic interaction can have cascading effects throughout the aquatic food web via altered bottom-up and top-down processes. This review emphasises that our understanding of how these multiple interactions compare in impact on natural processes is far from complete, and uncertainty persists regarding whether they drive significant alterations in ecological variables. A lack of comprehensive investigation poses a risk of overlooking fundamental aspects in addressing the environmental challenges associated with widespread plastic pollution., (© 2024 The Author(s). Biological Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Cambridge Philosophical Society.)

Considering the anti-viral effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp), this study investigated the impact of Sp on impaired blood biomarkers of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19. Therefore, 104 patients (aged 48–66; 61.5% male) were randomly assigned to the Sp (daily consumption of 5 g) or placebo group for 2 weeks. Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the differences in blood test results between the control and intervention groups among patients with COVID-19. Our results showed significant differences in certain hematological tests, including a higher level of hematocrit (HCT) and a lower platelet count (PLT) in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The percentage of lymphocytes (Lym%) in serology testing was significantly different between the control and intervention groups (p = 0.03). In terms of biochemical test analyses, Sp supplementation was associated with reduced levels of both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.01). Furthermore, on day 14, the intervention group displayed significantly higher medians of serum protein, albumin, and zinc compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients supplemented with Sp had a lower BUN–albumin ratio (BAR) (p = 0.01). No immunological and hormonal differences were observed between groups following 2 weeks. Our analysis indicates that Sp supplementation may be effective in regulating some blood test abnormalities associated with COVID-19. This study was registered at ISRCTN as IRCT20200720048139N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, consumers are increasingly attracted to nutraceuticals, an important part of food considered propitious for human health. Therefore, consumers are willingly switching to nutraceuticals and are ready to pay the premium price. This review aims to identify various factors that govern consumer purchasing of nutraceutical products. The outcomes presented in the review provide a closer understanding of consumer attitudes toward buying behavior and their impact on the growth of the global nutraceutical market. The nutraceutical market has been identified depending on the type of nutraceuticals, forms, and regions governing the nutraceutical market. Factors such as health consciousness, knowledge about a product, product availability, price, marketing strategies, and social factors influence consumers' actual buying behavior toward nutraceutical products. A mini survey in Mumbai city of India was conducted to add practical data to the review, and factors affecting consumers' willingness to buy nutraceutical products were identified. It was observed that the decision‐making toward buying nutraceutical products was affected by gender, age, education level, and acculturation. It was also identified that the legislation governing nutraceuticals needs to be harmonized throughout many parts of the world, which restricts the growth of this sector to some extent. The findings elucidate that nutraceutical industries should overcome the regulatory barriers and focus on developing innovative products, which will keep current consumers intact and help increase the consumer base and thus expand the nutraceutical market globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is an energy-efficient technology that converts biomass with high moisture content, such as lignocellulosic material and aquatic biomass, into bio-oil which can be used as a precursor in the production of renewable biofuels. The current state of technology is mostly at a laboratory scale with relatively low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Most HTL research takes place in batch reaction systems, but there is growing interest in scaling up the technology through the use of continuous units. The process is influenced by several factors and operational parameters, which affect the performance of the process in terms of production and bio-oil quality. HTL is highly dependent on the type of biomass used. The main advantages in relation to other thermochemical processes is the possibility of using wet biomass, avoiding the high cost of the drying process. In this work several types of biomasses were studied, different types of micro algae (i. e. Spirulina, Chlorella Vulgaris, algae grown in industrial effluents), and grass. Growing microalgae has a significant cost in the production process of liquid biofuels. So, it was also tested algae cultivated in industrial effluents which has advantages from an economic and environmental point of view. Also, the grass wastes, have high moisture content and so its adequate to be process in HTL. In all the tests, four different products were obtained: gases, aqueous and organic (biocrude) products and solids. All these fractions were characterized to suggest their most favourable application. The gases were mainly composed of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrocarbons until C4. Bio oil composition was the parameter most affected by biomass type. So, when microalgae were used, it was observed higher content of nitrogenous compounds, like pyrroles, indoles, pyrazines and other nitrogen-containing compounds, probably formed from the protein fraction of the algae. In all the bio-oils it was also detected the presence of oxygenated compounds, such as ketones, esters, phenols, fatty acids, alcohols, that maybe were produced from the lipids and carbohydrates. Hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and aromatics compounds were also present. The composition of the biomass used has a higher effect on the bio-oil composition, so it is important an extensive characterization of the feedstock in order to select the best raw material to be used in HTL process depending on the intended application. This paper analyses the effect of biomass composition in the HTL to assess its viability to be used to produce biofuels or valuable chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new type of environmental pollutants, microplastics have caused many environmental problems, including biological effects and health risks, and gradually attracted worldwide attention. Microplastics with small particle sizes and large specific surface areas are easy to become the carriers of various pollutants, affecting the growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms. At the same time, they can be transmitted along the food chain, threatening the safety of aquatic ecosystems. However, the toxic mechanism of microplastics on aquatic organisms is not clear. Therefore, the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems remain largely unknown. Microalgae are the foundation of the aquatic food chain, as well as the basic components of the aquatic ecosystem and the key organisms that realize various ecosystem functions. Understanding the impact of microplastics on microalgae is helpful to assess its ecological risks. This paper comprehensively discusses the mechanism of microplastics on microalgae through different scales such as individual, population, community and ecosystem, and further summarizes the influencing factors of the toxicity of microplastics on microalgae, including concentration, particle size, shape, surface charge, and additives. On this basis, the current problems in the field of microplastics are proposed, and the direction and focus of future research are put forward. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis and data reference for future studies on the toxicity of microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic wastes released into the environment break down into fine particles due to exposure to meteorological events such as wind, precipitation, UV radiation, and abrasion. These smaller plastic particles, ranging between 1 µm and 5 mm, are called microplastics and they can be transported over longer distances with the aid of erosion, waste water discharges, winds, and currents. Aquatic habitats are the final sink for many pollutants including heavy metals, pesticides, nanoparticles, and microplastics released into environment. Thus, these pollutants are considered a major threat to aquatic life. In this study, we reviewed studies i: focusing on the type, size and the quantity of microplastics observed in freshwater and marine ecosystems, and ii: studies on the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms. The data gathered clearly indicates that microplastics are quite abundant in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Furthermore, nearly in all studies reviewed, microplastic uptake and alterations in several biochemical parameters depending on microplastic exposure are recorded. The studies also point out that microplastics will become a global serious health concern both for human beings and aquatic organisms in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical cotton production has drastically been increased in the past few years due to excessive use by medical health professionals especially in countries like India, which is among the top three exporters of cotton worldwide. The effluent generated from surgical cotton industries differ from textile effluents by the conspicuous absence of dyeing chemicals. This wastewater has a high concentration of suspended particles, COD, dissolved ions, organic carbon, and alkaline pH. Several studies have been published on the treatment of textile effluents and the degradation of dyeing chemicals, while the treatment studies on surgical cotton wastewater have been rarely reported in spite of their potential to cause pollution in receiving land/water bodies. Activated sludge microbes have been extensively studied and well documented in the treatment of several industrial effluent but does not match to the production of valuable biomass from algae. The global energy demand has prompted the scientific community to investigate and explore the possibility of using algae for energy production with simultaneous wastewater treatment. To the best of the authors' knowledge, no research articles have been published which compare the effectiveness of activated sludge microorganisms, microalgae, and macroalgae in removing contaminants from real wastewater. To date, there is a knowledge gap in understanding and selecting the right choice of biological system for effective and economical effluent treatment. In an attempt to minimize this gap, carbon removal by microalgae, macroalgae, and activated sludge microbes were investigated on real effluent from surgical cotton industries. It was observed that the strain of Chlorella vulgaris could dissipate 83% of COD from real wastewater, while consortia of macroalgae (consisting predominantly of Ulvaceae and Chaetomorpha) and activated sludge microbes could remove 81% and 69% of the carbon, respectively. The microalgal growth (in terms of wet weight) increased from 0.15 to 0.3 g, whereas the macroalgal wet weight increased from 1.5 to 3 g in over 7 days of batch experiments conducted in triplicates. This indicated the superlative performance of microalgae over activated sludge microbes in carbon dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deep seismic sounding study was carried out along the Alampur–Koniki–Ganapeswaram profile in the northern part of the Cuddapah basin in 1980. Acquired seismic data along this profile have been utilized in deriving crustal seismic structures using two modelling techniques: seismic ray trace modelling and tomographic inversion of first arrival travel time data. In the present study, we compare the results obtained from both these techniques and discuss the advantages of one over the other in the interpretation of the derived seismic model, as well as in the understanding of regional paleo-geodynamics. A major finding of the present study has been the clear identification of a mid-crustal synclinal feature below the Nallamalai basin, which is bounded by a high-velocity layer of 6.20 km/s on either side. This feature possibly represents the change in the metamorphic grade from the granitic–gneissic upper crust to the underlying greenschist facies rocks, similar to that exposed in the Nellore Schist Belt. We also found a prominent floating reflector, which mimics the mid-crustal synclinal feature at a little shallower depth. Tomographic study indicates that the greenschist facies rocks of the Nellore Schist Belt may possibly be protruding underneath the northern part of the Nallamalai basin at a depth of around 4000 m. On its eastern side of the basin, a high velocity (6.2–6.5 km/s) hidden ridge structure (Darsi–Addanki structural high) has been delineated, over which gravity anomalies are distinctively positive. This structure bounded by two major faults is located below the Nellore Schist Belt and Eastern Ghats Belt regions. This possibly corresponds to a collisional feature. It is formed by the coming together of the two continental terrains, east Antarctica and the eastern part of southern India during the Meso-Proterozoic period and may well be the continuation of a similar horst-like feature modelled below the Nellore Schist Belt region, along the Kavali–Udipi seismic profile. Velikonda thrust fault, which demarcates the Nallamalai Fold Belt from the Nellore Schist Belt region in the southern part of the Cuddapah basin, appears absent in the northern part. The crustal seismic structure derived based on the first arrival travel time inversion by ray tracing, clearly delineated compositionally varying stratigraphic layers. Also, shallow subsurface density interfaces and fault structures are well reflected. On the other hand, the major physiographic structural boundaries are better depicted in the tomographic velocity image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid wastes from domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors cause acute economic and environmental problems. These issues can be partly solved by anaerobic digestion of wastes, yet this process is incomplete and generates abundant byproducts as digestate. Therefore, cultivating mixotrophic algae on anaerobic digestate appears as a promising solution for nutrient recovery, pollutant removal and biofuel production. Here we review mixotrophic algal cultivation on anaerobic waste digestate with focus on digestate types and characterization, issues of recycling digestate in agriculture, removal of contaminants, and production of biofuels such as biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel and dihydrogen. We also discuss applications in cosmetics and economical aspects. Mixotrophic algal cultivation completely removes ammonium, phosphorus, 17β-estradiol from diluted digestate, and removes 62% of zinc, 84% of manganese, 74% of cadmium and 99% of copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising occurrence of emerging contaminants in sludges both inhibits the anaerobic digestion of sludges and induces health issues when sludges are recycled in agriculture, calling for methods to remove contaminants. Here we review emerging pollutants in wastewater treatment plants, before and after anaerobic digestion. We present their inhibitory effects and remediation methods to alleviate inhibition. Pharmaceuticals have been detected in about 50% of the sludge samples. Sewage sludge contaminants include 19% of diuretics, 16–21% of lipid-modifying agents, hydrochlorothiazide, diclofenac, furosemide, clarithromycin, atorvastatin, and carbamazepine. Levels of antibiotics, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and estrone range from 500 to 600 ng/g in sludges from wastewater treatment plants. Remediation methods comprise electrooxidation, ultrasonication, thermal hydrolysis, ozonation, and bioaugmentation. Fermenting the sludges with acidogenic bacteria reduces the level of emerging pollutants in the supernatant. Nonetheless, liquid digestates still contains emerging pollutants such as sunscreen octocrylene at 147 ug/L and acetaminophen at 58.6 ug/L. As a result, pretreatment of sludge containing emerging pollutants is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present the synthesis of binary CdAl 4 O 7 /CdO nanocomposites using green tea extracts and green chemistry methods for high-performance hydrogen storage. The green tea extract contains bioactive compounds (polyphenols) that act as reducing agents, which facilitate the reaction between metal ions and water. By examining the structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained substrates using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), it was demonstrated that the nanocomposites were successfully synthesized. We evaluated the electrochemical performance of the synthesized CdAl 4 O 7 /CdO nanocomposites using a three-electrode chronopotentiometry system. According to the results, the synthesized nanocomposites are capable of storing 1750 mAh/g of hydrogen at a constant current of 1 Amp. By using green tea extract as a natural structure-directing agent, the CdAl 4 O 7 /CdO nanocomposite can be developed more sustainably as high-performance hydrogen storage materials. Ultimately, this work contributes to the advancement of sustainable energy storage through the synthesis of a promising new material., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The effects of various parameter interactions on the textural structure of hydrochars produced via hydrothermal (HTC) and co-hydrothermal (Co-HTC) treatments of coal discards and sewage sludge (wastes), as well as the subsequent use of the hydrochars (HCs) synthesized for HIV drug (nevirapine and lamivudine) removal from wastewater, were investigated in this study. The HTC and Co-HTC process improved the carbon content of the raw material by 13.47%, 7.08%, and 30.65% for hydrochar coal tailing (HCT), hydrochar coal slurry (HCS), and hydrochar from coal–sewage blend (HCB), respectively. The Co-HTC-derived HCB had a high SBET of 20.35 m2/g and pore volume of 0.38 cm3/g, leading to significant adsorptive reductions of nevirapine (NEV) and lamivudine (LAM) (97.19% and 93.32%, respectively). HCT and HCS displayed high NEV and LAM adsorption capacities (50 mg g−1, 42 mg g−1 and 52 mg g−1, 41 mg g−1), respectively, despite being less effective than HCB (53.8 mg g−1, 42.8 mg g−1). In addition, the use of spent adsorption residues for energy storage applications was investigated further. The findings showed that spent adsorption residues are an effective carbonaceous material precursor to produce electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with the pollution impact of biomedical waste (BMW) generation due to the COVID-19 pandemic at both the global and national levels. This discussion is important in light of clear scientific evidence that, apart from the airborne transmission of the disease, the virus also survives on different surfaces and poses the risk of infection. Moreover, an investigation is conducted on BMW generation in tons/day in India during the COVID-19 period, with implications for future projection. Additionally, a pioneering study was conducted to estimate the usage of facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. This paper also provides a feasible solution, by adopting a modern perspective, towards managing BMW generated in the context of SARS-CoV-2 at isolation wards and crematoriums. Strategical approaches have been suggested for segregating and safely disposing BMW. The latest availability of disposal facilities is discussed based on source data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. Among the many disposal methods, incineration technologies are examined in depth. The impact of existing incineration technology on the environment and human health has been extensively studied. This study suggests strategies for controlling BMW generation during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we demonstrate six novel xanthene derivatives and their spectroscopic and chemical properties. The presented synthesis examination allowed us to obtain two different compounds during one step, with open and closed lactone rings substituted with different length alkyl chains. Increasing the reaction efficiency to 77% was obtained using the microwave-assisted method. Moreover, the modification of O-alkylation synthesis in an ecofriendly way using a ball mill led to achieving exclusively one opened ring product. All of the synthesized compounds showed different spectroscopic behaviors in comparison with the different organic dyes; the typical concentration quenching of luminescence was not observed. The relationship between the length of the alkyl chain and the time of luminescence decay is presented. Synthetized closed forms of dyes turned out to be promising leuco dyes. For the first time, an ionic liquid was used as a developer of synthesized xanthene derivatives (as leuco dyes), which led to obtaining an irreversible thermochromic marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of emerging contaminants in the environment, such as pharmaceuticals, is a growing global concern. The excessive use of medication globally, together with the recalcitrance of pharmaceuticals in traditional wastewater treatment systems, has caused these compounds to present a severe environmental problem. In recent years, the increase in their availability, access and use of drugs has caused concentrations in water bodies to rise substantially. Considered as emerging contaminants, pharmaceuticals represent a challenge in the field of environmental remediation; therefore, alternative add-on systems for traditional wastewater treatment plants are continuously being developed to mitigate their impact and reduce their effects on the environment and human health. In this review, we describe the current status and impact of pharmaceutical compounds as emerging contaminants, focusing on their presence in water bodies, and analyzing the development of bioremediation systems, especially mycoremediation, for the removal of these pharmaceutical compounds with a special focus on fungal technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a profound threat to human health across the world. A growing body of evidence suggests that dietary choice can support pandemic response efforts. This paper asks whether spirulina, a type of edible microalgae, may offer a means of reducing COVID-19 risk. This question follows from spirulina's observed antiviral effects vis-à-vis other viral diseases. Questions about possible complementary therapies remain important due to the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19, given major gaps to vaccine rollout and the proliferation of mutant variants. The paper is based on a narrative review of the academic literature relevant to this question. The 25 papers identified were grouped and summarised, then discussed. The evidence reported suggests spirulina may have prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 via several pathways, though further investigation is needed to verify the linkages identified. Incorporating spirulina into diet might thus offer a way to lower COVID-19 risk. This option may moreover be particularly helpful for at-risk populations, such as those in the Global South where many remain unvaccinated and food insecurity is widespread. This review reports findings in non-technical language and could inform actions by diverse stakeholders, including researchers, governments and households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a novel synthetic route to achieve ceria-based nanocatalysts with high catalytic activity and excellent stability was constructed by utilizing functional groups from surface ligands. The surface of ceria nanorods was functionalized with 3,4-dihydroxyhydrocinnamic acid (3,4-DHCA) to form self-assembled monolayers on their surfaces. Owing to the COO− group on the tail of ligands, the ceria nanorods are negatively charged with good colloidal stability in water. Then, Cu2+ was added to coordinate with the COO− group on the tail of ligands to form stable chelating complexes. After calcination, the Cu atoms are firmly anchored onto the surface of ceria nanorods with high dispersibility. Moreover, the Cu2+ coordinated ceria nanorods could adsorb PdCl42− anions by electrostatic forces onto coordinated copper sites. After calcination, Pd–Cu/CeO2 nanocatalysts with enhanced CO oxidation catalytic performance were obtained. This coordination strategy is further applied to other metal species such as Fe, Co, and Ni, which provides a great strategy for catalyst preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vital transition metal Cu(II) ion catalyzed reaction was encrypted in the synthesis of new coumarin tethered triazoles 6(a-i) using the substituted azidobenzenes and substituted 3-acetyl-2H-chromen-2-ones in the presence of oxidative potassium persulfate, and DMF as a solvent and C5-H source. The structure proofs of the new compounds were provided by the spectral analysis. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the target compounds indicate that compounds 6c and 6g of the series have potent inhibition against the tested bacteria and fungi species. Among the synthesized series compound 6g was found potent for α-amylase inhibition activity. Synopsis. Dimethylformamide was used as a solvent and C5-H source reagent in the synthesis of triazole rings. The reaction of substituted azides, 2(a-e) and substituted 3-acetyl-2-oxo-2H-chromenes, 5(a-b) in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cu(NO3)2 and an oxidant K2S2O8 was carried out under reflux conditions using an oil bath for 36-48 h. From the reaction mixture, the target compounds 6(a-i) were extracted with ethyl acetate. The synthesized coumarin-triazole hybrids, 6(a-i) were spectroscopically characterized and evaluated for antimicrobial and α-amylase inhibitory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crotalaria genus is extensively dispersed in tropical and subtropical provinces, and it is found to harbor antioxidant flavonoids. Response surface methodology-based optimization was carried out for the purpose of efficient extraction involving a suitable solvent which can maximize the yield along with higher total phenolic content and total flavonoid content (TFC). Optimization conditions for extraction of C.candicans flavonoids (CCF) based on variables such as solvent, solid-solvent ratio and extraction temperature were evaluated. The optimized conditions were found as Solvent i.e., Aqueous-ethanol (53.42%), Solid-solvent ratio (1:15.83 w/v) and temperature (44.42 °C) and resulted to obtain the TFC as 176.23 mg QRET/g C. candicans extract with the yield 27.42 mg CCF/g (C. candicans dry weight). LC-MS analysis of CCF, revealed the presence of seven major flavonoids. The antioxidant flavonoids were further used to functionalize the zero-valent silver (ZVAgF) and copper (ZVCuF) nanoparticles. The ZVAgF and ZVCuF were investigated using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry to confirm the presence of the zero valent metals and possible functional groups which capped the elemental metal. Further transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering method and zeta-potential studies were done to understand their respective structural and morphological properties. The efficacy of the as-prepared ZVAgF/ZVCuF as antibiofilm agents on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with the mechanism studies have been explored. The MRSA-colony count from the infection zebrafish (in vivo) model, portrayed a reduction of > 1.9 fold for ZVCuF and > twofold for ZVAgF, with no alteration in liver morphology when treated with ZVAgF, implying that the nanoparticles were safe and biocompatible., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

The rapid spread of COVID-19, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a worldwide health emergency. Unfortunately, to date, a very small number of remedies have been to be found effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, further research is required to achieve a lasting solution against this deadly disease. Repurposing available drugs and evaluating natural product inhibitors against target proteins of SARS-CoV-2 could be an effective approach to accelerate drug discovery and development. With this strategy in mind, we derived Marine Natural Products (MNP)-based drug-like small molecules and evaluated them against three major target proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus replication cycle. A drug-like database from MNP library was generated using Lipinski's rule of five and ADMET descriptors. A total of 2,033 compounds were obtained and were subsequently subjected to molecular docking with 3CLpro, PLpro, and RdRp. The docking analyses revealed that a total of 14 compounds displayed better docking scores than the reference compounds and have significant molecular interactions with the active site residues of SARS-CoV-2 virus targeted proteins. Furthermore, the stability of docking-derived complexes was analyzed using molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. The analyses revealed two hit compounds against each targeted protein displaying stable behavior, binding affinity, and molecular interactions. Our investigation identified two hit compounds against each targeted proteins displaying stable behavior, higher binding affinity and key residual molecular interactions, with good in silico pharmacokinetic properties, therefore can be considered for further in vitro studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work highlights the broad range of oxygen and nitrogen heterocycles and their applications in medicinal field. A facial approach has been developed for the synthesis of coumarinyl xanthenes and acridine derivatives via one pot multicomponent reaction using green chemical technique. All the isolated compounds were characterized by spectral analysis such as IR NMR and mass. Compounds were screened for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. While, biological activity results of synthesized coumarin derivatives are quite significant and contribute to the medicinal chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune function of the human body is highly influenced by the dietary intake of certain nutrients and bioactive compounds present in foods. The preventive effects of these bioactive ingredients against various diseases have been well investigated. Functional foods are consumed across various diverse cultures, in some form or the other, which provide benefits greater than the basic nutritional needs. Novel functional foods are being developed using novel bioactive ingredients such as probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and various phytoconstituents, which have a range of immunomodulatory properties. Apart from immunomodulation, these ingredients also affect immunity by their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The global pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 has forced the scientific community to race against time to find a proper and effective drug or a vaccine. In this review, various non-pharmacological interventions using nutraceuticals and functional foods have been discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Despite a plethora of research being undertaken to understand the immunity boosting properties of the various bioactive present in food, the findings are not translating to nutraceutical products in the market. Immunity has proved to be one of the most important factors for the health and well-being of an individual, especially when the world has been under the grip of the novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. The anti-inflammatory properties of various nutraceuticals can come out as potential inhibitors of the various inflammatory processes such as cytokine storms, usually being observed in COVID 19. This review gives an insight into how various nutraceuticals can help in the prevention of various diseases through different mechanisms. The lack of awareness and proper clinical trials pose a challenge to the nutraceutical industry. This review will help and encourage researchers to further design and develop various functional foods, which might help in building immunity., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

A series of semicarbazones, thiocarbazones, 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles bearing coumarin and pyrazole moiety have been synthesized. The new synthesized compounds were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Preliminary studies showed that among the synthesized new compounds, chloro-substituted thiosemicarbazone showed excellent activities against all tested organisms; at the same time, methyl substituted thiosemicarbazone showed greater activity against E. coli. Chloro-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole demonstrated greater DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities. Molecular docking studies indicate that 1,3,4-oxadiazoles and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles manifest better interaction with CAT (catalase) and GPx (glutathione peroxidase) than that with SOD (superoxide dismutase). Studies on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the synthesized compounds compared with those of their starting compounds are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocks eaten by wild animals on the Bolshoy Shanduyskiy kudur in the Sikhote-Alin region (Russian Federation) are zeolite-clay mineral complexes-products of weathering of zeolitized vitric tuffs of rhyolite composition, deposited in aqueous medium within the volcanic caldera of about 55 million years ago. By composition of rock-forming oxides, the tuffs refer to high-potassium calc-alkaline series. In trace elements of most favorite kudurites of the Bolshoy Shanduyskiy kudur, there are significantly increased contents of most of rare earth elements (2-5 times in comparison with surrounding rocks). The results of our analysis of geological and geochemical data on kudurs and kudurites in another part of the Sikhote-Alin, as well as on other regions of the world (particularly, in Africa and Indonesia), taking into account new data on the prevalence of rare earth elements in living matter and their medical and biological properties, enable us to consider the version of causal connection of the geophagy with rare earth elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CeO nanocubes having a narrow size distribution ranging from 30 to 50 nm were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. By tuning the hydrothermal treatment time, the morphology evolution between the nanospheres and nanocubes were observed. The structure and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, XPS, and FTIR. XPS spectra indicated that the cerium in the nanocrystals was predominantly tetravalent. The formation mechanism was discussed briefly. The photocatalytic of the as-prepared products was tested by the photocatalytic degradation of the RhB under UV illumination. The CeO nanocubes have potential application in photocatalytic degradation of RhB. The smaller size CeO nanocubes exhibit higher photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent mortality was observed in the larval rearing facility of marine clownfish, Amphiprion sebae Bleeker. Mortality resulted in 80% loss of larval stock. Moribund larvae showed clinical signs typical of viral nervous necrosis, such as uncoordinated, corkscrew-like swimming behaviour, hypersensitivity to stimuli, darkening of body and assembly into large groups, similar to bunches of grapes. The aetiology of the disease was confirmed by gross observation of clinical signs, histopathology and molecular diagnosis. Histological studies revealed severe vacuolation in the brain and in the bipolar and ganglion layers of the eye. Molecular diagnosis by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) specific to piscine nodavirus yielded a positive result. The partial nucleotide sequences of the PCR-amplified fragment were 97-98% similar to other betanodavirus isolates reported globally and more closely aligned with red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus ( RGNNV). This is the first report of susceptibility of clownfish, A. sebae, to betanodavirus and the presence of the RGNNV in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and synthetic coumarin derivatives have gained increased attention in the design of functional polymers and polymer networks due to their unique optical, biological, and photochemical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview over recent developments in macromolecular architecture and mainly covers examples from the literature published from 2004 to 2020. Along with a discussion on coumarin and its photochemical properties, we focus on polymers containing coumarin as a nonreactive moiety as well as polymer systems exploiting the dimerization and/or reversible nature of the [2πs + 2πs] cycloaddition reaction. Coumarin moieties undergo a reversible [2πs + 2πs] cycloaddition reaction upon irradiation with specific wavelengths in the UV region, which is applied to impart intrinsic healability, shape-memory, and reversible properties into polymers. In addition, coumarin chromophores are able to dimerize under the exposure to direct sunlight, which is a promising route for the synthesis and cross-linking of polymer systems under "green" and environment-friendly conditions. Along with the chemistry and design of coumarin functional polymers, we highlight various future application fields of coumarin containing polymers involving tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, soft robotics, or 4D printing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]