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In the present study, ultraviolet radiation C (UV-C) was used as a pretreatment tool for the optimal recovery of biofuel precursors from algae Chlorella vulgaris. The pretreatment efficiency of UV-C with fixed light intensity (1.173 mWcm−2) on 1.5 gL-1 algal biomass was observed at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 h of irradiation by measuring the released sugar content and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD). The UV-C pretreated algal cells were also analyzed through impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence microscope, and digital images to assess the degree of cell wall disintegration. The released sugar content reached a maximum of 73.61 mg L-1 at 10 h of exposure, whereas the maximum sCOD of 190 mg L-1 was achieved at 20 h exposure. Image analysis indicated that the chlorophyll content declined exponentially from 7.21 to 0.14 µgmL-1 with UV-C exposure. An increase in UV-C exposure time resulted in decreased impedance and increased conductance. The SYTOX green fluorescence also increased with 10 h of exposure, followed by a decline. Therefore, the cell wall stability gets compromised and the permeability increases with increment in UV-C exposure. This triggers extensive release in cell wall sugar content with exposure. Further exposure destabilizes the cell wall leading to discreet breakage. This breakage disperses internal content to bulk liquid, causing elevated sCOD with reduced sugar content. The present study showed that UV-C to be a potential pretreatment strategy to release precursors to derive biofuels such as biohydrogen, bioethanol and others. [Display omitted] • UV-C pretreatment of algal biomass can efficiently recover biofuel precurosors. • Sugar content and COD concentration increase first 10 h of pretreatment. • A delayed-death effect of UV-C radiation occurs with increasing dosage. • A real-time impact of UV-C radiation using SYTOX green fluorescence is tested. • Electrical impedance is a suitable way to monitor the pretreatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein synthesis in all the living cells is mediated by a large protein-RNA complex called the ribosome. These macromolecular complexes can range from 2.5 (prokaryotes) to 4.2 MDa. (eukaryotes) in size and undergo various conformational transitions during protein synthesis to translate the genetic code into the nascent polypeptide chains. Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and image processing methods have provided numerous detailed structures of ribosomes from diverse sources and in different conformational states resolved to near-atomic resolutions. These structures have not only helped in better understanding of the translational mechanism but also revealed species-specific variations or adaptations in the ribosome structures. Structural investigations of the ribosomes from Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm) and its closely related pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) lead to the identification of two additional ribosomal proteins named as bS22 and bL37 and several unique extensions in ribosomal-protein and ribosomal-RNA. Hibernation Promoting Factor (HPF) bound structure of Msm ribosome, termed as the hibernating ribosome, possibly indicates a new mechanism of ribosome protection during dormancy. These studies enabled the identification of the mycobacteria-specific ribosomal features and provides an opportunity to understand their function and target them for further drug-discovery purposes. Here we review the unique structural features identified in Msm ribosome and their possible implications in comparison to a well-studied Escherichia coli (Ec) ribosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2011, France and Germany banned pioglitazone due to a concomitant risk for bladder cancer. There has been continued debate about this topic. Therefore, we present a detailed analysis of data from individual case safety reports of pioglitazone use (PG-ICSRs) associated with bladder cancer reported worldwide and in India. Data from PG-ICSRs reported by the National Coordination Centre's Pharmacovigilance Programme of India, as well as over 131 World Health Organization member countries in the Uppsala Monitoring Centre's VigiLyze pharmacovigilance database system, from January 1, 1967, to March 4, 2018, were collected. Comparisons between data from global and Indian PG-ICSRs were made by applying filters such as country, bladder cancer, age group, gender, time period, information component, and data mining. Among the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported with pioglitazone use worldwide, bladder cancer and related terms were the most highly reported (43%). The most frequently co-reported concurrently used drug was metformin, which was included in 25% and 40% of overall and bladder cancer–specific PG-ICSRs, respectively. Suspected bladder cancer–specific pioglitazone-related reactions were reported in 27 countries, with 8548 serious and 1858 fatal cases and an information components value of 9.15. The Americas had the highest relative percentage of suspected bladder cancer in PG-ICSRs (53%), while the prevalence was much lower in India (2%). In both cohorts, men over the age of 45 years constituted the most highly reported population. India has a very low prevalence of reported overall and bladder cancer–specific pioglitazone-related ADRs compared to Europe and the Americas. Possible explanations for the difference in reporting rates include variance in genetic makeup, low BC risk factor, pioglitazone prescription at a lower therapeutic dose, greater use of chemopreventive spices in the diet, higher frequency of metformin as a concurrent drug, and under-reporting of ADRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an established fact that the existence of measurement errors (M E) vitiates the conventional properties of the estimators. The impact of correlated measurement errors (C M E) was first assessed by Shalabh and Tsai (2017) using classical ratio and product estimators. This article makes a modest attempt to suggest some classes of robust estimators of population mean in the presence of C M E. The bias and mean square error of the suggested estimators are reported with the first-order approximation and the efficiency conditions are derived. The theoretical results are extended with the help of a simulation study executed over a hypothetically rendered population. Apart from this, the effect of M E on the suggested estimators is also studied both theoretically and empirically. • To examine robustness of the proposed estimators under correlated measurement errors. • To provide a comparative study. • To provide an empirical study using real and artificially generated populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the global population growth and economic development, energy demand has increased worldwide. Countries take steps to improve their alternative and renewable energy sources. Algae is one of the alternative energy sources and can be used to produce renewable biofuel. In this study, nondestructive, practical, and rapid image processing techniques were applied to determine the algal growth kinetics and biomass potential of four algal strains, including C. minutum, Chlorella sorokiniana, C. vulgaris, and S. obliquus. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine different aspects of biomass and chlorophyll production of those algal strains. Suitable non-linear growth models, including Logistic, modified Logistic, Gompertz, and modified Gompertz models, were employed to determine the growth pattern of algae. Moreover, the methane potential of harvested biomass was calculated. The algal strains were incubated for 18 days, and the growth kinetics were determined. After the incubation, the biomass was harvested and assessed for its chemical oxygen demand content and biomethane potential. Among the tested strains, C. sorokiniana was the best in biomass productivity (111.97 ± 0.9 mg L−1d−1). The calculated vegetation indices, namely; colorimetric difference, color index vegetation, vegetative, excess green, excess green minus excess red, combination, and brown index values showed a significant correlation with biomass and chlorophyll content. Among the tested growth models, the modified Gompertz shows the best growth pattern. Further, the estimated theoretical CH 4 yield was highest for C. minutum (0.98 mL g−1) compared to other tested strains. The present findings suggest that image analysis can be used as an alternative method to study the growth kinetics and biomass production potential of different algae during cultivation in wastewater. [Display omitted] • Growth of C. sorokiniana , C. vulgaris , C. minutum , and S. obliquus were compared. • C. sorokiniana outperformed in terms of biomass production in municipal wastewater. • Pioneering attempts on algal growth kinetics using image analysis. • Among the tested growth models, modified Gompertz shows the best fit. • Optimal theoretical CH 4 for C. minutum was 0.98 mL g−1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addressing the ever-increasing global demand and limiting the dependency on exhaustible fossil fuels led to the foundation for renewable energy research. Biomass obtained from algae seems as a promising feedstock for biofuel production. For the optimal recovery of biofuel, pretreatment of algal biomass is a primary element. This review discusses different biological routes of pretreatment used for algal feedstock, including whole-cell, fungal, and bacterial pretreatments. This manuscript also extensively covers enzymatic pretreatment and its approaches toward augmenting enzyme performances and enhancing biofuel production. Additionally, mutagenesis approaches by rational, semi-rational, and de novo designs using bioinformatics and biotechnological tools are also discussed. Furthermore, how chemical modification of enzymes using non-canonical amino acids and organo-metallo cofactors improve biofuel production is highlighted. Bioprospecting for biofuel production is an important area of research that contributes to sustainable and renewable energy development using screening of natural habitats, genetic modifications, synthetic biology, and metagenomics approaches. This study gives insight into different biomass pre-treatment and biofuel production methods, especially biogas, biohydrogen, and bioethanol. Furthermore, the review explores the comparative assessment of biological pretreatment of algal biomass and shows that biological processes can result in better biofuel yield from algal biomass. [Display omitted] • Algal cells are rich in fuel precursors, but their recovery is challenging. • Effective recovery strategy is needed for optimal biofuel production. • Biological route of biomass pretreatment seems promising for biofuel generation. • Enzymes play a key role in sustainable biofuel recovery from algal biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the diet composition and microplastic contamination in six fish species collected from the creek area of northeastern Arabian Sea. The results show that the diet of the fish is mainly composed of shrimps, algae, fish, and zooplankton, with microplastics constituting up to 4.83 % (Index of Preponderance) of their diet. The average abundance of microplastics ranges from 5.82 to 7.69 items per fish, and their ingestion is influenced by seasonal variation, gut fullness, and trophic level. Microplastic contamination has no significant effect on the condition factor and hepatosomatic index of the fish species. However, polymer hazard index indicates that microplastic pollution in fish is associated with a low to high risk factor, which might cause potential harm to aquatic lives and higher vertebrates via food chain. Therefore, this study highlights the need for immediate attention and effective regulations to reduce microplastic pollution to protect marine life. • The current study characterizes the diet composition of selected fish species using the vacuity index (VI), index of preponderance (%IOP), and trophic level (TrL). • The most preferred prey items of the studied fishes are shrimps followed by algae, fish, and zooplankton. • The mean abundance of microplastics (MPs) in the selected fishes ranges from 5.82 to 7.69 items/individual. • Microplastic contamination has no significant effect on condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (HSI). • The polymer hazard index reveals a low to high level of threat associated with microplastic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs are the most spectacular underwater creation of nature. It enhances ecosystem functioning and marine biodiversity while also ensuring the livelihood of millions of coastal communities worldwide. Unfortunately, marine debris poses a serious threat to ecologically sensitive reef habitats and their associated organisms. Over the past decade, marine debris has been regarded as a major anthropogenic threat to marine ecosystems and gained scientific attention around the globe. However, the sources, types, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are hardly known. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current status of marine debris in various reef ecosystems across the world, with special emphasis on its sources, abundance, distribution, species impacted, major categories, potential impacts and management strategies. Furthermore, the adhesion mechanisms of microplastics to coral polyps, diseases caused by microplastics and are also highlighted. • Adhesion mechanisms of microplastic to coral polyps cause coral diseases. • Marine debris inhibit the growth of mutualistic algae Symbiodinium. • Marine debris causes immune system damage and oxidative stress to corals. • Floating plastics act as a carrier of invasive coral pathogen. • Marine litter diminished aesthetic appeal, causes economic loses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Xylaria has been reported as a rich source of biologically active secondary metabolites. In the present study, an endophytic fungus Xylaria psidii has been isolated from the leaf sample of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr., characterized on the basis of its morphological features and sequence data for the ITS region (KU291350) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Biological screening of ethyl acetate extract of Xylaria psidii displayed a potential therapeutic effect on pancreatic cancer cells.Hypothesis: This study was designed systematically to explore Xylaria psidii, an endophytic fungus for the identification of biologically active secondary metabolites against pancreatic cancer cells.Methods: While exploring the bioactive secondary metabolites, a sensitive and reliable LC-MS based dereplication approach was applied to identify four compounds A-D from fungal extract. Further bioactivity guided isolation of fungal extract yielded two major metabolites 1 and 2. The structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by detailed spectroscopic analysis including MS, NMR, IR and UV data and similarity with published data. Xylarione A (1) is new whereas (-) 5-methylmellein (2) is reported for the first time from X. psidii. Both the isolated compounds were screened for their effect on the viability and proliferation against a panel of cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MIA-Pa-Ca-2, NCI-H226, HepG2 and DU145) of different tissue origin.Results: Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxicity against pancreatic cancer (MIA-Pa-Ca-2) cells with IC50 values of 16.0 and 19.0 µm, respectively. The cell cycle distribution in MIA-Pa-Ca-2 cells, confirmed a cell cycle arrest at the sub-G1 phase. Cell death induced by 1 and 2 displayed features characteristic of apoptosis. Flow cytometry based analysis of 1 and 2 using Rhodamine-123 displayed substantial loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in a concentration dependent manner by both the compounds.Conclusion: Results conclude that the isolated compounds 1 and 2 are responsible for the activity shown by crude ethyl acetate extract and may act as potential leads for medicinal chemists for designing more potent analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AP9-cd, a novel lignan composition from Cedrus deodara has significant anticancer potential, and to further enhance its activity, it was lucratively encumbered into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These nanoparticles were formulated by micro-emulsion technique with 70% drug trap competence. AP9-cd-SLNs were regular, solid, globular particles in the range of 100–200 nm, which were confirmed by electron microscopic studies. Moreover, AP9-cd-SLNs were found to be stable for up to six months in terms of color, particle size, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment. AP9-cd-SLNs have 30–50% higher cytotoxic and apoptotic potential than the AP9-cd alone. The augmented anticancer potential of AP9-cd-SLNs was observed in cytotoxic IC 50 value, apoptosis signaling cascade and in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) model. AP9-cd-SLNs induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells via both intrinsic and extrinsic pathway. Moreover, the dummy nanoparticles (SLNs without AP9-cd) did not have any cytotoxic effect in cancer as well as in normal cells. Consequently, SLNs of AP9-cd significantly augment the apoptotic and antitumor potential of AP9-cd. The present study provides a podium for ornamental the remedial latent via novel delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat for mankind having an extensive socio-economic impact. However, it is considered as an unfortunate event with some positive environmental effects where nature is retrieving itself. The water quality index in different places of the world was reported to be improved during the lockdown, which in turn whipped up the regenerative process of fishes, sea turtles, marine mammals, and aquatic birds. Additionally, ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves and coral reefs were also seen rejuvenating during COVID-19 seal off. But these favourable implications are temporary as there is an unexpected surge in plastic waste generation in the form of PPE kits, face masks, gloves, and other healthcare equipment. Moreover, the outbreak of the pandemic resulted in the complete closure of fishing activities, decline in fish catch, market disruption, and change in consumer preference. To address these multidimensional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, government organizations, NGOs, and other concerned authorities should extend their support to amplify the positive impacts of the lockdown and reduce the subsequent pollution level while encouraging the fisheries sector. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (Cr) is considered as the most common ubiquitous pollutant for aquatic animals including fish. An experiment was conducted to determine the acute and chronic toxicity of Cr, pH and high temperature in Anabas testudineus. Lethal concentration (LC 50) of Cr alone was determined as 55.02 mg L−1, Cr and low pH 48.19 mg L−1 and Cr, low pH and high temperature 47.16 mg L−1. The chronic toxicity of low dose of Cr, pH and high temperature (1/10th and 1/20th of LC 50) was designed to execute the experiment for 72 days. The stress enzymes and biomarkers were determined viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, lipid peroxide, acetylcholine esterase, cortisol, HSP-70, blood glucose, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and malate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, ATPase and genotoxicity in this study. We had also studied the integrated biomarker response (IBR), which revealed that Cr toxicity enhanced with concurrent exposure to pH and high temperature. All the biochemical attributes were significantly altered with exposure to Cr alone and with low pH and high temperature except gill SOD. Further, thermal tolerance was also determined, and results revealed that thermal tolerance was significantly reduced with exposure to Cr alone and Cr and low pH exposure in A. testudineus. The present study concluded that, the chronic toxicity of Cr is enhanced with low pH and high temperature and it has led to understanding the multi-approach of Cr toxicity which affect, stress biomarkers, cellular metabolic stress and thermal tolerance of A. testudineus. [Display omitted] • LC 50 of Cr, Cr and pH, Cr, pH and temperature in Anabas was 55.02, 48.19, 47.61 mg L−1. • Low dose (1/10th and 1/20th) of Cr, pH and temperature causes oxidative stress, LPO in A. testudineus. • Exposure to Cr alone and with low pH and high temperature induce genotoxicity. • Pre-reared under Cr alone and with low pH reduced thermal tolerance of Anabas. • Pre-reared under Cr, pH and temperature enhanced CTmax and LTmax in Anabas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymatic pretreatment is emerging as an efficient tool for the extraction of biofuel precursors from algal biomass. However, yardsticks for end-use directed selection of optimal pretreatment conditions are not yet identified. The present study, for the first time, reveals different optimal conditions for algal biomass solubilization and sugar release. Algal biomass pretreatment optimization was carried out using the Taguchi method. Crude enzyme from Aspergillus fischeri was found effective for pretreatment of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Maximum sugar yield (190 mg g−1 biomass) from algal biomass was observed at a substrate concentration of 4 g L-1, with a 5% enzyme load at temperature 60°C, pH 5.5, and shaking speed of 80 rpm. In contrast, maximum sCOD (1350 mg g−1 biomass) was obtained at 2 g L−1 substrate concentration with enzyme load of 20% v/v, at 60°C, pH 4, and shaking speed of 100 rpm. Hence, the first set of conditions would be more beneficial for bioethanol production. Whereas another set of conditions would improve the biofuel production that requires maximum solubilization of algal biomass, such as fermentative methane production. Overall, the present observations established that process conditions required for enzymatic pretreatment of algal biomass should be selected according to the desired biofuel type. [Display omitted] • Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus sp. and Aspergillus fischeri were tested for enzymatic activity. • Maximum enzyme activity of 0.343 FPU ml−1 was seen in A. fischeri. • Key parameters for microalgae pretreatment were optimized using Taguchi Method. • Enzymatic pretreatment conditions are crucial to obtain desired biofuel type. • A mechanism for the recovery of optimal COD/sugar release was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of present study was to investigate the effect of NAC on experimental chronic hepatotoxicity models induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TAA). CCl4 toxicity was induced by administering 200μl CCl4 (diluted 2:3 in coconut oil)/100g body weight, p.o., twice weekly for 8 weeks. TAA toxicity was induced by administering 150mg/kg b. wt. of TAA i.p., twice weekly for 8 weeks. NAC treatment was started along with toxicants (CCl4 and TAA) for 8 weeks and continued for further 4 weeks. Self reversal group was kept without any treatment for 4 weeks after completion of toxicant treatments. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Bilirubin were measured in serum. Hydroxyproline (HP), lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione (GSH) were determined in liver samples by colorimetric methods. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP 450 2E1), activity was determined as hydroxylation of aniline in liver microsomes. General examination and histological analysis were also performed. Serum markers of liver damage (AST, ALT, ALP and Bilirubin) were increased by CCl4 and TAA intoxication (p <0.001), whereas co-treatment with NAC reversed such changes (p <0.001). HP was enhanced in toxicant groups (p <0.001 in CCl4 and TAA), but inhibited by NAC (p <0.001). LPO was increased while as GSH, CAT and GPx decreased by the administration of CCl4 and TAA (p <0.001); co-administration of NAC restored these liver markers to normal levels (p <0.001). Biochemical determinations were corroborated by general and histological findings. Keeping in view the biochemical and histopathological studies, it was concluded that CCl4 and TAA are strong hepatotoxic agents that produce liver fibrosis with close proximity to human etiology (micronodular cirrhosis) and NAC has a significant protective activity against CCl4 and TAA. NAC has also been validated as a model against oxidative burden in chronic liver pathology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, the bioaccumulation of chromium, manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, arsenic, strontium, cadmium, tin, antimony and lead in tissues of thirty marine fish species collected from New Ferry Whorf, Sassoon dock and Versova fishing harbour in Mumbai, India, were analysed. The bioaccumulation patterns of these twelve elements were determined to assess pollution biomarkers based on cellular and oxidative stresses. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-s-transferase, glycolytic enzymes viz. lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase, protein metabolism enzymes viz. aspartate transferase and alanine transferase, and lipid peroxidation were significantly higher in muscle and gill tissues. The activities of the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholine esterase in muscle and brain tissues was inhibited due to pollution. This study suggested that biochemical attributes such as oxidative stress enzymes, cellular biomarkers, neurotransmitter enzymes and metal and metalloid contamination could be successfully employed, even at low concentrations, as reliable biomarkers for biomonitoring of contaminated marine ecosystems. • Metals and metalloids were determined in fishes collected from fishing harbours. • Metal and metalloid concentrations were determined to be well within the safe level. • Exposure to metals and metalloids in fishes results in elevated stress biomarkers. • Oxidative and cellular metabolic enzymes act as bioindicators of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia toxicity in water bodies is a global problem. Different approaches have been adopted to get the ammonia concentration in water back to permitted level (0.5 mg L−1 for aquaculture and 5 mg L−1 for environmental discharge). The existing techniques are elaborate and time consuming, often not economically viable. This study reports a single unit packed bed biofilm reactor-based treatment of Aquaculture Effluent (AE) and non-AE using a pure culture of Bacillus albus ASSF01 from environmental origin as inoculum. The strain could reduce an initial ammonia concentration of 1.7 mg L−1 to 4.7 mg L−1 to a final ammonia concentration of 0.5 mg L−1 within 12–16 h while that of 27 mg L−1, 47 mg L−1 and 100 mg L−1 to 5 mg L−1 within 42 h, 48 h, and 98 h under immobilized condition respectively. Upon scaling up the operation to 9.5 L at ambient temperature, the strain could maintain its efficiency along with simultaneous reduction of nitrite from 0.30 mg L−1 to the accepted level of 0.01 mg L−1. The parameters optimized during batch mode operation using Response surface methodology were also applicable for continuous mode operation. The isolate under immobilized condition could remove ammonia at a concentration of 7.92 mg kg−1 of matrix from Luria Bertani broth while 41.6 mg kg−1 of matrix from minimal medium indicating it to be suitable for environmental application. This study reports a rapid, single unit bacterial biofilm based stable continuous mode treatment strategy for ammonia removal from effluent ensuring environmental protection. [Display omitted] • Bacillus albus ASSF01 is an efficient ammonia remover and stable biofilm former. • It removes ammonia from Aquaculture Effluent from 3.2 mg L−1 to 0.5 mg L−1 in 14 h. • The isolate could reduce nitrite from 0.30 mg L−1 to 0.01 mg L−1 during treatment. • Continuous mode biofilm based treatment strategy ensures environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unmonitored surge in the usage of the internet recently has led to internet addiction. This cross-sectional study intends to find out the comorbidities associated with internet addiction in students of health science in India. Proper screening methods should be used for prompt detection and management of internet addiction, and awareness of internet addiction should increase. [Extracted from the article]

• Algal biomass: potential feed stock for energy cultivation. • Recent advancement in biomass harvesting & different biomass pretreatment modules. • Pinch out alternative strategies to provide sustenance to algal technology. • Superiority of biological techniques involved in harvesting, pretreatment and conversion is discussed. Algae are fast-growing, microscopic, and eukaryotic organisms that can perform photosynthesis, and simultaneously fix atmospheric CO 2. Algal cells contain high quantity of biofuel precursors such as starch and lipid granules. In the past decades, microalgal biomass has emerged as a potential feedstock for bioenergy generation. In the current scenario, it is being extensively explored to produce liquid (bioethanol, biodiesel) and gaseous (biomethane, biohydrogen) fuels. Algal technology has four crucial aspects including strain selection and its cultivation, harvesting techniques, conversion routes, and pretreatment of biomass. The quality and quantity of biomass, available media source, cultivation system as well as environmental conditions collectively help in the selection of the specific algal strain. Despite several in-depth attempts, there are various hurdles and limitations to make algal biofuel technically and economically viable. To meet the operational and economic feasibility, a collective approach is desirable. The present state-of-the-art review deals with all four crucial aspects of algal technology. The manuscript especially covers the significant methods of harvesting, energy conversion, and pretreatment. Moreover, it also revels the advantage of biological agent mediated harvesting, energy conversion and the pretreatment of algal biomass for sustainable biofuel recovery. The prime objective of this review is to give an insight into the aspects of algal technology to promote collective research in the area of algal biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper examined whether nebivolol protects the heart via nitric oxide (NO) synthase and NO-dependent signaling in an in vivo model of acute myocardial infarction. Background: Beta3-adrenergic receptor (AR) activation promotes endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and NO bioavailability. We hypothesized that specific beta3-AR agonists would attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury via eNOS activation and increased NO bioavailability. Methods: Mice were subjected to 45 min of myocardial ischemia in vivo followed by 24 h of reperfusion (R). Nebivolol (500 ng/kg), CL 316243 (1 μg/kg), BRL-37344 (1 μg/kg), or vehicle (VEH) was administered at the time of R. Myocardial area-at-risk (AAR) and infarct size (INF)/AAR was measured at 24 h of R. Cardiac tissue and plasma were collected to evaluate eNOS phosphorylation, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and nitrite and nitrosothiol levels. Results: Nebivolol (500 ng/kg) reduced INF/AAR by 37% (p < 0.001 vs. VEH) and serum troponin-I levels from 41 ± 4 ng/ml to 25 ± 4 ng/ml (p < 0.05 vs. VEH). CL 316243 and BRL-37344 reduced INF by 39% and 42%, respectively (p < 0.001 vs. VEH). Nebivolol and CL 316243 increased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser-1177 (p < 0.05 vs. VEH) and increased nitrite and total nitrosylated protein levels. Nebivolol and CL 316243 significantly increased myocardial nNOS expression. Nebivolol failed to reduce INF after MI/R in beta3-AR −/−, eNOS−/−, and in nNOS−/− mice. Conclusions: Our results indicate that beta3-AR agonists protect against MI/R injury. Furthermore, the cardioprotective effects of beta3-AR agonists are mediated by rapid eNOS and nNOS activation and increased NO bioavailability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study describes the anti-cancer activity of P19, an analog of parthenin. P19 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells and inhibited cell proliferation with 48h IC50 of 3.5μM. At 10mg/kg dose, it doubled the median survival time of L1210 leukemic mice and at 25mg/kg it inhibited Ehrlich ascites tumor growth by 60%. Investigation of the mechanism of P19 induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells revealed that N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and s-methylisothiourea (sMIT) could reverse several molecular events that lead to cell death by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) formation. It selectively produced massive NO in cells while quenching the basal ROS levels with concurrent elevation of GSH. P19 disrupted mitochondrial integrity leading to cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. P19 also caused caspase-8 activation by selectively elevating the expression of DR4 and DR5. All these events lead to the activation of caspase-3 leading to PARP-1 cleavage and DNA fragmentation. However, knocking down of AIF by siRNA also suppressed the apoptosis substantially thus indicating caspase independent apoptosis, too. Further, contrary to enhanced iNOS expression, its transcription factor, NF-κB (p65) was cleaved with a simultaneous increase in cytosolic IκB-alpha. In addition, P19 potently inhibited pro-survival proteins pSTAT3 and survivin. The multi-modal pro-apoptotic activity of P19 raises its potential usefulness as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]