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The mathematical formulations for transverse compression of a thin elastic disc are considered, including various boundary conditions along the faces of the disc. The mixed boundary conditions corresponding to the loading by normal stresses in absence of sliding are studied in detail. These conditions support an explicit solution in a Fourier series for the boundary layers localised near the edge of the disc and also do not assume making use of the Saint-Venant principle underlying the traditional asymptotic theory for thin elastic structures. As an example, an axisymmetric problem is studied. Along with the leading order solution for a plane boundary layer, a two-term outer expansion is derived. The latter is expressed through the derivatives of the prescribed stresses. Generalisations of the developed approach are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic behavior of the Vakhnenko-Parkes equation is examined in this manuscript. This is an important subject because of its implications for comprehending intricate mathematical models describing traveling wave phenomena and solitons. The construction of traveling wave solutions for the Vakhnenko-Parkes equation in closed form is the main issue addressed in the study. The modified auxiliary equation approach and the extended (G ′ G 2) -expansion method are used to address this because they are effective in producing precise solutions of a large class of nonlinear partial differential equations. A visual component to comprehending the behavior of the equation is added by employing 3D-surface graphs, 2D-line graphs, and contour plots to explore these solutions graphically. A variety of traveling wave behavior is observed from the obtained solutions. These results imply that the Vakhnenko-Parkes equation and its solutions are complex, offering important insights into the underlying dynamics. The proposed techniques are applied for the first time to study the considered model in this work. A comparison of the obtained results with the previous works is presented to confirm the significance and novelty of the reported results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the (2+1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable Burgers equation is investigated. By applying a certain unified method, some analytical solutions, involving rational functions, trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions, are achieved. In order to predict the wave dynamics, several three-dimensional and two-dimensional graphs and contour profiles are constructed. Bright, dark, periodic, kink, anti-kink, singular, singular periodic, bell-shaped waves are thus obtained. The dynamics of these solutions can be illustrated graphically by choosing appropriate values for the parameters involved. Due to the presence of arbitrary constants in these derived solutions, they can be used to explain a variety of qualitative traits present in wave phenomena. The approach is efficient to algebraic computation and it can be used to categorize a wide range of wave forms, as shown by the demonstrated soliton solutions. Travelling wave solutions are converted into solitary wave solutions when certain values are set for the parameters. Using the Wolfram program Mathematica, we sketch the figures for various values of the associated parameters in order to closely examine the obtained solitons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The (2+1)-dimensional extended Calogero–Bogoyavlenskii–Schiff equation appears in the mathematical description of physical phenomena in plasma physics, fluid dynamics and nonlinear optics. In this article, extended trial and modified auxiliary equation methods are utilized to observe the dynamical structures exhibiting the solitary wave behavior of the considered model. The traveling wave hypothesis is employed to extract explicit closed-form solution expressions. The presented methods show reliability and robust computational capabilities to investigate solitary waves. In order to investigate the physical behavior of these solutions, 3D, 2D and density plots are drawn for different values of parameters. The graphical observations depict kink soliton, dark–bright singular soliton and periodic wave solutions. The comparison of the outcomes of the proposed results with those obtained using prior techniques is made to confirm the usefulness of the proposed techniques. The presented study will be helpful to explain the wave propagation in many problems of plasma physics and fluid dynamics. Moreover, the reported solutions may help to understand optical wave transmission and aid in the development of optical devices. The results given in this study will contribute in the understanding of the behavior of waves in the higher-dimensional governing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) has been increasingly performed due to weight loss failure (WLF). Many revisional procedures have been proposed after primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (pLSG) failure, including ReSleeve gastrectomy (ReLSG), and laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB). Choosing the RBS post-pLSG failure represents a challenge. WLF without gastric tube (GT) dilation is undoubtedly converted to a malabsorptive procedure, but the presence of GT dilation makes it more difficult to select a RBS. This study aimed to compare two relatively simple revisional procedures after pLSG failure with dilated GT to help decision making on which procedure better done to which patient. Methods: Data of 52 patients who completed one year follow-up (FU) after their RBS (ReLSG: 27 or LOAGB: 25) for their failed pLSG were collected, assessed, correlated to weight loss (WL) and compared. Results: Mean operative time was 97 ± 18.4 min. with revisional LOAGB (RLOAGB) and 62 ± 11 min. with ReLSG. Six patients (11.5%) had seven postoperative procedure-specific complications. Significant hemorrhage occurred in three patients. Two cases of leakage were encountered with each procedure. LOAGB Patients had lower mean final weight (76.2 ± 10.5 vs 85.3 ± 13), lower mean Final BMI (26.4 ± 2.5 vs 29.7 ± 2.9) and higher mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL%) (83.6 ± 13.5% vs 60.29 ± 14.6%). All RLOAGB patients and 77.8% of ReLSG patients had EWL% > 50%. RLOAGB patients had higher EWL% compared to ReLSG (p < 0.001). Insufficient WL (IWL) patients had higher EWL% compared to weight regain (WR) patients (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Both procedures (RLOAGB and ReLSG) were relatively safe and effective in terms of WL. RLOAGB led to higher WL compared to ReLSG in all types of patients despite higher Caloric intake. IWL patients had more WL compared to WR patients. WL was not related to GT dilation type. Large-scale longer-FU studies are still needed. Trial registration: PACTR202310644487566 (retrospectively registered). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalized Sasa-Satsuma equation has many physical interpretations and applications in various field of science. Hence, it is essential to investigate the traveling wave behavior exhibited by the generalized Sasa-Satsuma equation to gain a deeper insight into the underlying physical systems. The primary focus of this work is to construct accurate closed form traveling wave solutions of the generalized Sasa-Satsuma equation using two analytical methods. The simplest equation method and the extended sinh -Gordon equation expansion method are used to study generalized Sasa-Satsuma model. These solutions include rational solutions, hyperbolic solutions and periodic solutions. The constraints for the existence and validity of the constructed solutions are also provided. Moreover, for appropriate parametric values, acquired findings are displayed via contour, 2D and 3D graphics that show the structural importance and nonlinear properties of the proposed model. The comparison of the obtained results with the existing literature show that some new soliton solutions of the given model are extracted by the application of the proposed methods. The proposed techniques are well-organized and efficient in getting exact solutions for many nonlinear evolution equations. The obtained solutions show that both technique are very effective in investigating the physical phenomena for the suggested model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript represents some solitary wave solutions to the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger equation studied for parabolic law of nonlinearity. Self phase modulation and inter-model dispersion are the main causes of perturbation terms. To investigate the model, we adopt two mathematical methods namely the generalized Kudryashov technique and the modified auxiliary equation technique. As a consequence, a collection of different soliton solutions including dark soliton, singular bright soliton, singular kink soliton, kink soliton and other solitary solutions are generated. The derived soliton solutions have the forms of hyperbolic, trigonometric, and exponential functions. This manuscript also includes the graphical representation of the soliton solutions in the form of 2D, 3D and contour plots. The parameter limitations that naturally arise are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three concentrations (1.25, 2.5, and 5 × 107 spores ml−1) (of the biocontrol fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum (strain AUMC 10620) were tested on citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans under in vitro and field conditions. Larvae and eggs were exposed to the fungal spores in vitro for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the findings were recorded at each time point. These results were compared with the application of the nematicide abamectin. Strain AUMC 10620 effectively reduced larval activity and egg hatching of T. semipenetrans under laboratory conditions. The highest concentration (5× 107 spores ml−1) of P. lilacinum, resulted in 89.01% immobility in the larvae, compared to abamectin, which resulted in 65.93% immobility after 48 h of exposure. These percentages of immobility were increased after 72 h of exposure (100 and 85.09%) when P. lilacinum at a concentration of 5 × 107 spores ml−1 and abamectin were used, respectively. On the other hand, the two other P. lilacinum concentrations (1.25, and 2.5 × 107 spores ml−1) affected the T. semipenetrans larvae to a lesser extent. The highest fungal concentration 5× 107 spores ml−1 inhibited the hatching of T. semipenetrans eggs in vitro with 71.34, 80, and 86.67% after 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment compared to the abamectin treatment which showed 76.67, 78, and 87% after the abovementioned periods, respectively. In addition, the application of P. lilacinum (5 × 107 spores ml−1) or abamectin under field conditions significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the population of the major nematode species (T. semipenetrans, Tylenchorhynchus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., and Pratylenchus spp.) infesting citrus after one, two, and three weeks of treatment compared to the control treatment but with no significant (P > 0.05) differences between the two treatments. Three weeks after the field application, the percentage of nematode reduction was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than the control treatment at concentrations of 5, 2.5, and 1.25 × 107 spores ml−1, respectively, by 78.42, 64.03, and 58.35%. It is evident from these results that the application of P. lilacinum strain (AUMC 10620) can be used in integrated pest management programs to control nematodes infesting citrus trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxylated functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) were prepared via nitric acid treatment. Decoration of FMWCNTs side walls with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed by mixing in silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution giving FMWCNTs-Ag. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites based on both pristine MWCNTs and its decorated form FMWCNTs-Ag in various contents (i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 wt%) were prepared in tetrahydrofuran solution followed by film casting. The obtained nanocomposites were specified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal analysis and dielectric properties measurements. The bacterial inhibition of the prepared film samples was also tested against Gram-positive (i.e., Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The data were explained in according with filler type and loading. XRD analysis confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of FCNTs-Ag in PVC matrix. TEM showed that large number of AgNPs were anchored to FCNTs surface. This was confirmed by Raman spectra. DMA illustrated that with increasing FCNTs-Ag content up to 5.0 wt%, higher storage and loss moduli as well as smaller tan δ values with shifting to higher Tg were obtained in comparison to composites with pristine CNTs. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that increasing CNTs and FCNTs-Ag contents in PVC matrix up to 5.0 wt% improved PVC thermal stability. Differential thermogravimetric analysis showed a delay in PVC degradation rate on the initial step for composites based on FCNTs-Ag. Dielectric properties measurements illustrated that PVC composites with FCNTs-Ag exhibited higher electrical conductivity as compared with those based on pristine CNTs, but with the same order of magnitude (10−8 Ω−1 cm−1). This indicates that the prepared composite films can be applicable as electrostatic dissipated materials as the range of such application is 10−9 to 10−5 Ω−1 cm−1. They also showed bacterial inhibition against the tested bacteria. This promises a potential use of the nanocomposites in medical fields as antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphite is a naturally abundant material and thus cost effective as a raw material. The layered structure of natural graphite like silicate clay materials, allows expansion and intercalation. Graphite was expanded by heating (i.e., at 900 °C), yielding expanded graphite (EG). EG was modified with tween 80 surfactant (50 wt%) obtaining modified expanded graphite (MEG). EG and MEG fillers were separately melt mixed at different loadings (i.e., 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 phr) with nitrile rubber (NBR) as a matrix. The influence of the prepared EG, MEG loading on curing, mechanical and electrical properties of NBR nanocomposites were investigated. TEM revealed the surfactant intercalation within EG layers. SEM showed a good dispersion of MEG (6 phr) in NBR matrix in comparison to EG with medium dispersion at the same loading. Heterogeneous dispersion of MEG (8 phr) was observed as filler agglomerations in the matrix. Curing characterizations reflected a faster cure rate with an increase in maximum and minimum torques and torques difference for compound with MEG (6 phr) in comparison to that with EG at the same content and unfilled NBR compound. Mechanical properties indicated nanocomposites reinforcement with 6 phr MEG supporting the curing characterizations. While Shore A hardness values were increased with filler content up to 10 phr. NBR nanocomposites filled with MEG exhibited higher values of permittivity έ, dielectric loss ε ″ and dc conductivity σ than those filled with EG. A slight increase in the dc conductivity was found with increasing filler content up to 6 phr. Beyond 6 phr (i.e., up to 10 phr) a sudden increase in the conductivity of the system was observed and its value in the order of 10–10 Ω−1 cm−1 reflected a promising application of these nanocomposites as antistatic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluating the serum levels of IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and IL-6 and genotyping of rs12252 SNP of IFITM3 gene among different categories of COVID-19 patients might aid in understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and contribute to developing disease-specific biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving a total of 84 COVID-19 patients confirmed by positive RT-PCR and 28 healthy controls. COVID-19 patients were recruited from the intensive care unit (ICU) and COVID unit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka. COVID-19 patients were categorized into moderate, severe, and critically ill groups according to the World Health Organization classification. The serum IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1α levels were measured by cytometric bead array assay by flow cytometry, and serum IL-6 level was detected by the chemiluminescence method. rs12252 SNP of the IFITM3 gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR RFLP). Results: The serum IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and IL-6 levels among critically ill COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than that in patients with moderate disease and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Genotype distribution for rs12252 (42 T/C) SNP of the IFITM3 gene between the different groups of COVID-19 patients and healthy controls showed that CC genotype was statistically associated with disease severity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: IP-10 and MCP-1, MIP-α, IL-6, and CC genotype of rs12252 (42 T/C) SNP of IFITM3 gene are associated with COVID-19 severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plane-strain motion of a flexural seismic metasurface in the form of a regular array of thin Kirchhoff plates attached to the surface of an elastic half-space is analysed. Two types of contact conditions, including simply supported plates and plates moving along horizontal rails are studied. Dispersion of time harmonic waves is investigated both asymptotically and numerically. A major effect of the contact conditions on metasurface behaviour is discovered. In particular, it is shown that frequency band gaps are not the feature of the array composed of simply supported plates. It is also demonstrated that the scaling laws, expressed through geometric and material problem parameters, drastically differ from each other for two considered setups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial control agents serve as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for the management of insect pests and plant pathogens. Naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa may be beneficial, pathogenic, or neutral to host plants. This review focuses on the potential role of useful microorganisms as biofertilizers or biopesticides in sustaining and enhancing crop production, and protection. It is necessary to highlight the advantages of the beneficial microorganisms to encourage farmers to use biological control agents and biofertilizers and reduce the excessive use of toxic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Here, we review the importance of using microorganisms in the agriculture sector for their potential role in fulfilling the nutritional requirements of plants, food safety, and sustainable crop production. Microorganisms can interact with the crop plants to improve their resistance to pathogen attack, plant growth, and development. Their metabolites have been recognized based on their precious excellent plant growth promotion, efficient biocontrol capabilities, successful mass production, appropriate formulation and availability for commercial application. Bio-complexes, including biofertilizers and biopesticides, promote growth and provide protection to plants against various biotic and abiotic stress through the production of plant growth regulators and siderophores, enhancement of nutrient uptake, increasing yield, and production of antagonistic compounds such as antibiotics, hydrolytic enzymes, hydrogen cyanide, and volatile organic compounds. This review sheds the light on the potential of employing microbial agents in agriculture as biofertilizers, biopesticides, nano-biofertilizers and nano-biopesticides to enhance plant productivity and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide (i.e., Fe2O3, ZnO and TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared and investigated by various techniques with the objective of synthesis of nanocomposites thin films based on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as a matrix. Different loadings of metal oxide NPs (i.e., 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 wt%) were incorporated in PVC followed by solution casting. The prepared film samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal and electrical measurements. Also, the antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive (i.e., Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results were discussed in relation to metal oxide NPs content and type. XRD of the prepared nanocomposite films was almost the same as that of mixed ZnO metal oxide NPs with an amorphous region of PVC. Raman spectra suggested that ZnO NPs were just physically inserted into PVC matrix. SEM revealed a homogeneous distribution of the NPs on using 10 wt% in PVC matrix, while the NPs agglomerations at higher content (i.e., 15 wt%) were formed. The dynamic mechanical results, as a function in temperature, indicated an increase in the storage and loss moduli and a decrease in loss factor tan δ with shifting to higher glass transition temperature, with increasing metal oxide NPs content up to 10 wt%. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that utilizing Fe2O3 and TiO2NPs in PVC matrix improved thermal stability of PVC in comparison with ZnO NPs with catalytic behavior and polymer decomposition acceleration. Metal oxide Nps increased the electrical conductivity of PVC, the electrical conductivity values were found to be in the order of 10−13 for ZnO, while it is in the order of 10−11 for Fe2O3 and TiO2. This finding is highly recommended such composites to be used in antistatic applications as the needed range for such application is 10−9–10−14Ω−1 cm−1. Metal oxide nanocomposites improved the antibacterial activity of PVC toward both types of bacteria and can be used as an effective antibacterial agent in biomedical healthy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thiazoles, thiazolidinones and azetidinones are highly ranked amongst natural and synthetic heterocyclic derivatives due to their great pharmaceutical potential. Results: New thiazolidinone and azetidinone class of bioactive agents based on 4-(2,7-dichloro-9H-fluoren-4-yl)thiazole moiety have been successfully synthesized. 4-(2,7-dichloro-9H-fluoren-4-yl)thiazol-2-amine was synthesized and allowed to react with various aryl/heteroaryl aldehydes to afford the corresponding Schiff base intermediates. The target thiazolidinone and azetidinone analogues have derived from Schiff bases by their reactions with thioglycolic acid and chloroacetyl chloride, respectively. The newly synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against some multidrug resistant strains and examined for cytotoxic activity against normal lung fibroblast (WI-38), human lung carcinoma (A549), and human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cell lines to develop a novel class of fluorene-based bioactive agents. The mode of action and the binding interaction of the synthesized compound with the active sites of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme were well identified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and molecular docking study. Conclusion: Some of the synthesized compounds showed remarkable activity against A-549 and MDA-MB-231 when compared to Taxol, which was used as a reference drug. 2,7-dichloro-9H-fluorene-based azetidinones are more efficient as antimicrobial and anticancer agents compared to dichloro-9H-fluorene-based thiazolidinones derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice bran protein (RBP) aggregates were prepared by heating of RBP solution at 90 °C for 4 h at pH 2, 7, or 11 and used for preparing of packaging films. The structure and properties of RBP aggregates and RBP-based films were characterized with sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism. The results showed formation of fibrillar, globular, and large molecular protein aggregates during the heating at pH 2, 7 and 11. The heat-aggregated RBP-based films exhibited lower opacity, moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability than those of untreated RBP-based films. Also, improved mechanical and thermal properties were found for the heat-aggregated RBP-based films. In addition, the heat-aggregated RBP-based film at pH 11 showed homogenous and smooth surface as well as compact appearance compared with the untreated RBP-based films or heat-aggregated RBP-based film at pH 2 or 7. Furthermore, the secondary structure of heat-aggregated RBP film exhibited an increase in β-sheet content and molecular interactions through non-covalent bonds. The obtained results indicated that formation of protein aggregates could improve physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of RBP-based film, especially at pH 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on the use of nanofluids in thermal energy devices, like solar collectors, has secured a high place in the scientific community of recent years. In the present study, the effects of clove-treated graphene nanoplatelet nanofluids on the performance of flat-plate solar collector were investigated. For this, the graphene nanoplatelets and clove buds were covalently functionalized using the one-pot technique. Zeta potential test was conducted to check the stability of the graphene nanoplatelets–water nanofluid and found highly stable for 45 days. In the next step, three different mass concentrations 0.025 mass%, 0.075 mass% and 0.1 mass% were synthesized. The thermal performance of flat-plate solar collector at these three concentrations of the nanofluids of three different mass flow rates 0.0133, 0.0200 and 0.0260 kg s−1 m−2 was investigated in the next step. The results revealed that the thermal performance of solar collector enhances with the increase in mass concentration and mass flow rates and decreases with an increase in reduced temperature parameter. The highest thermal performance of a solar collector has reached 78% at mass concentration 0.1 mass% and flow rate 0.0260 kg s−1 m−2 which is 18.2% higher than water at the same flow rate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns with the enhancement of a safe and clean procedure for remediation of water pollution. Cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers were prepared via electrospinning technique prior to surface modification with polyaniline/β-cyclodextrin (PANI/β-CD) nanocomposite. Morphology and structure of the modified CA nanofibers were characterized by different analysis like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). We studied the influence of modification of CA with PANI/β-CD nanocomposite for removal of cationic dyes from colored aqueous solution in dynamic batch mode. Methylene blue (MB) dye was selected as a cationic dye model for the study. The effects of various parameters like pH, nanosorbent dose, dye concentration and reaction time on the adsorption capacity were studied. Some mathematical isotherm and kinetic models have been utilized to investigate the adsorption mechanism of MB into the CA-PANI/β-CD nanofibers. The reusability of the CA-PANI/β-CD nanofibers was also verified in sequent cycles and rapid process was detected. Different real water samples like tap water, industrial wastewater, municipal wastewater and sea water were applied to test the MB removal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleogels were prepared from extra virgin olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and flaxseed oil with a mixture of β-sitosterol and stearic acid (Sit1:SA4, w/w) at concentrations of 15 and 20 g/100 g oil. The prepared oleogels were characterized by different methods to study the influence of oil type on the oleogel properties. The oil type influenced the colour and appearance of the oleogel. The flaxseed oil based oleogel showed lower oil loss and higher firmness than those of other oils based oleogels. The increase of gelator mixture from 15 to 20 g/100 g oil reduced the oil loss and improved the firmness of oleogel samples. The microscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering analyses showed different microstructures and crystallographic reflections for oleogels prepared from different oil types. Also, the oil type and concentration of gelator mixture influenced the melting and crystallization enthalpies of oleogel. Furthermore, different oils based oleogels showed varying values of viscosity, storage modulus (G’), and loss modulus (G”). Therefore, it can be concluded that the oil type and concentration of gelator influence the functional properties of oleogel and the flaxseed oil resulted in oleogel with good properties compared with other oils used in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To study the effect of Vitamin D3 supplementation on metabolic control in an obese type 2 diabetes Emirati population.Methods:This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted with 87 vitamin D-deficient obese, type 2 diabetic participants. The vitamin D-group (n=45) and the placebo group (n=42) were matched for gender, age, HbA1c and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH) D) at the baseline. The study was divided into two phases of 3 months each; in phase 1, the vitamin D-group received 6000 IU vitamin D3/day followed by 3000 IU vitamin D3/day in phase 2, whereas the placebo group (n=42) received matching placebo.Results:After supplementation, serum 25(OH) D peaked in the vitamin D-group in phase 1 (77.2±30.1 nmol/l, P=0.003) followed by a decrease in the phase 2 (61.4±18.8 nmol/l, P=0.006), although this was higher compared with baseline. In the placebo group, no difference was observed in the serum 25(OH) D levels throughout the intervention. Relative to baseline serum, parathyroid hormone decreased 24% (P=0.003) in the vitamin D-group in phase 2, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, C-peptide, creatinine, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, lipids, C-reactive protein or thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations compared with baseline in either group.Conclusions:Six months of vitamin D3 supplementation to vitamin D-deficient obese type 2 diabetes patients in the UAE normalized the vitamin D status and reduced the incidence of eucalcemic parathyroid hormone elevation but showed no effect on the metabolic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Endocannabinoids (ECs) have a role in obesity by affecting appetite and through peripheral effects. Obesity is associated with a dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).Objective:We aimed to determine the ECS in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) in obese subject and investigate the influence of diet-induced weight loss on this system.Design:The obese study participants underwent a 12 weeks diet regimen resulting in 10-12% weight loss. All study participants underwent fasting blood samples and AT biopsies from abdomen and gluteal region, the obese subjects both before and after weight loss.Setting and participants:A total of 21 healthy obese individuals (10 men/11 women, age 39.5±1.6 years, body mass index (BMI): 37.5±0.8 kg m−2) and 21 age- and gender-matched lean subjects (BMI: 23.8±0.4 kg m−2) were studied.Main outcome measures:The activity of ECS in AT was determined by measuring arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine/anandamide in AT by mass spectrometry and gene expressions of enzymes and receptors involved in the ECS.Results:The EC, 2-AG was reduced in obese individuals in the gluteal AT depot (P<0.01). Moreover, 2-AG increased in both depots in the obese subjects following weight loss (P<0.05). The gene expression of the CB1 was either not affected by the obese state (in the gluteal AT depot) or reduced (in the abdominal depot, P<0.05) and significantly affected by weight loss. The expression of the degrading enzymes FAAH, FAAH2, MGL and MGL2 was differently affected by obesity, AT depot and weight loss.Conclusion:We found reduced levels of 2-AG in subcutaneous AT in obesity, which increased after weight loss. In abdominal AT, the low CB1 expression was normalised after weight loss, whereas in gluteal AT the CB1 expression was reduced after weight loss. These findings support the concept of a dysregulated ECS in AT in association with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermokinetic parameters of the solid-state of poly( o-toluidine) (POT) doped with perchloric (HClO4) acid was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) under non-isothermal conditions. Molecular mechanics (MM) calculations suggest that the optimal geometric structure (OMG) of the HClO4-doped POT is at least four orders of magnitude more stable than the molecular geometric (MG) structure. These calculations indicate that the potential energy ( PE/kJ mol−1) of the OMG is about four (1.09·104) orders of magnitude lower than the MG structure of the same matrix. The empirical formula of the doped polymer is best represented by [POT-2HClO4·2H2O]n as substantiate by elemental analysis and MM calculations. The full polymer decomposition and degradation were found to occur in three stages during the temperature increase. The decomposition activation energy ( E d) of HClO4-doped POT matrix was calculated by employing different approximations. The heating rate (α) of the decomposition and the frequency factor ( K o) were calculated. A number of equations were used to evaluate the kinetic parameters. The mechanism of the degradation of the conducting polymer is explained on the basis of their kinetic parameters. A remarkable heating rate dependence of the decomposition rate was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phylogenetic relationships among the three species of Tinospora found in India are poorly understood. Morphology does not fully help to resolve the phylogeny and therefore a fast approach using molecular analysis was explored. Two molecular approaches viz Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay and restriction digestion of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA (PCR-RFLP) were used to evaluate the genetic similarities between 40 different accessions belonging to three species. Of the 38 random primers used only six generated the polymorphism, while as three out of 11 restriction enzymes used gave polymorphic restriction patterns. The average proportion of polymorphic markers across primers was 95%, however restriction endonucleases showed 92% polymorphism. RAPD alone was found suitable for the species diversions. In contrast PCR- RFLP showed bias in detecting exact species variation. The correlation between the two markers was performed by Jaccard's coefficient of similarity. A significant (r= 0.574) but not very high correlation was obtained. Further to authenticate the results obtained by two markers, sequence analysis of ITS region of ribosomal DNA (ITS1 and ITS2, including 5.8S rDNA) was performed. Three independent clones of each species T. cordifolia, T. malabarica and T. crispa were sequenced. Phylogenetic relationship inferred from ITS sequences is in agreement with RAPD data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the radial deformation and the corresponding stresses in a non-homogeneous hollow elastic cylinder rotating about its axis with a constant angular velocity is investigated. The material of the cylinder is assumed to the non-homogeneous and cylindrically orthotropic. The system of fundamental equations is solved by means of a finite difference method and the numerical calculations are carried out for the temperature, the components of displacement and the components of stress with the time t and through the thickness of the cylinder. The results indicate that the effect of inhomogeneity is very pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents comparative studies on the effects of herbicide atrazine on freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthyes auratus at Assiut, Egypt. The present study dealt with the alterations in the physiological effects of atrazine herbicide on two of the most important Nile fish, Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthyes auratus. The researchers investigated the hematological changes on some selected serum components and AChE. Fish exposed to atrazine in concentrations of 3 and 6 milligrams per liter showed some clinical signs such as rapid respiration and increased rate of gill cover movements, Slow down of reflexes and swimming movements and reduction in the feeding activities were also observable signs in exposed fish.

It is well known that the quality and quantity of bioactive metabolites in plants and microorganisms are affected by environmental factors. We applied heat stress as a promising approach to stimulate the production of antioxidants in four heat-tolerant bacterial strains (HT1 to HT4) isolated from Aushazia Lake, Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences indicated that HT1, HT3 and HT4 belong to genus Bacillus. While HT2 is closely related to Pseudooceanicola marinus with 96.78% similarity. Heat stress differentially induced oxidative damage i.e., high lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase levels in HT strains. Subsequently, heat stress induced the levels of flavonoids and polyphenols in all strains and glutathione (GSH) in HT2. Heat stress also improved the antioxidant enzyme activities, namely, CAT, SOD and POX in all strains and thioredoxin activity in HT3 and HT4. While GSH cycle (GSH level and GPX, GR, Grx and GST activities) was only detectable and enhanced by heat stress in HT2. The hierarchical cluster analysis of the antioxidants also supported the strain-specific responses. In conclusion, heat stress is a promising approach to enhance antioxidant production in bacteria with potential applications in food quality improvement and health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposite films based on polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at different weight ratios (i.e.0.0,0.5, 1.0,1.5, 2.0 wt%), were prepared by dispersion techniques. Cationic geminisurfactant and its monomeric form (0.01 wt%) were used as dispersants to achieve homogeneous and stable dispersionof CNTs in water and subsequent PVA/CNTs nanocomposites. Surface charge of CNTs in aqueous suspension with addition of the used dispersants were investigated by measuring its zeta potential. The structural and interaction studies have been analyzed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of the used surfactantson the separation and distribution of CNTs in PVA matrix was studied by visual characterization based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were evaluated and the results were discussed in relation with the CNTs content and surfactant type as dispersant. Surfactant effect improved the dispersion homogeneity of CNTs (at 1.0 wt%) within the polymer matrix. The physical interaction between. CNTs and PVA macromolecular chains resulting in nanocomposites with largely enhanced properties compared to those prepared with higher filler loading by avoiding the agglomeration phenomenon of nanotubes. On the other hand, the addition of CNTs by content up to 2 wt%, increases the electrical conductivity to be 10−6 Scm−1 at room temperature which highly recommends such composites to be used in electrostatic dissipation applications upon using gemini surfactant. Furthermore, useful nanosized capacitor structure based onnanocomposites containing its monomeric form, characterized by high permittivity and low dielectric loss, can be formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thiazoles, thiazolidinones and azetidinones are highly ranked amongst natural and synthetic heterocyclic derivatives due to their great pharmaceutical potential., Results: New thiazolidinone and azetidinone class of bioactive agents based on 4-(2,7-dichloro-9 H -fluoren-4-yl)thiazole moiety have been successfully synthesized. 4-(2,7-dichloro-9 H -fluoren-4-yl)thiazol-2-amine was synthesized and allowed to react with various aryl/heteroaryl aldehydes to afford the corresponding Schiff base intermediates. The target thiazolidinone and azetidinone analogues have derived from Schiff bases by their reactions with thioglycolic acid and chloroacetyl chloride, respectively. The newly synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against some multidrug resistant strains and examined for cytotoxic activity against normal lung fibroblast (WI-38), human lung carcinoma (A549), and human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cell lines to develop a novel class of fluorene-based bioactive agents. The mode of action and the binding interaction of the synthesized compound with the active sites of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme were well identified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and molecular docking study., Conclusion: Some of the synthesized compounds showed remarkable activity against A-549 and MDA-MB-231 when compared to Taxol, which was used as a reference drug. 2,7-dichloro-9 H -fluorene-based azetidinones are more efficient as antimicrobial and anticancer agents compared to dichloro-9 H -fluorene-based thiazolidinones derivatives., Competing Interests: Competing of interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2020.)