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Optimal cell spreading and interplay of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), inflammatory cells, and cell adhesion molecules (CAM) are critical for progressive atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. The role of vitronectin (VTN), a major cell attachment glycoprotein, in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we attempt to examine the pathological role of VTN in arterial plaque progression and inflammation. We found that, relative expression analysis of VTN from the liver of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Knockout mice revealed that atherosclerotic progression induced by feeding mice with high cholesterol diet (HCD) causes a significant downregulation of VTN mRNA as well as protein after 60 days. Promoter assay confirmed that cholesterol modulates the expression of VTN by influencing its promoter. Mimicking VTN reduction with siRNA in HCD fed ApoE Knockout mice, accelerated athero‐inflammation with an increase in NF‐kB, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 at the site of the plaque along with upregulation of inflammatory proteins like MCP‐1 and IL‐1β in the plasma. Also, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐12 expression were increased and collagen content was decreased in the plaque, in VTN deficient condition. This might pose a challenge to plaque integrity. Human subjects with acute coronary syndrome or having risk factors of atherosclerosis have lower levels of VTN compared to healthy controls suggesting a clinical significance of plasma VTN in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. We establish that, VTN plays a pivotal role in cholesterol‐driven atherosclerosis and aortic inflammation and might be a useful indicator for atherosclerotic plaque burden and stability.

The control on magnetization via applied electric field is the centre of attention in multiferroic materials for the achievement of technological device applications. The bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) is best multiferroic material which has the ferroelectric as well as weak magnetic nature simultaneously in the single phase near the room temperature. There are many unsolved problems in the path of the actual device applications of multiferroic BiFeO3 (BFO) due to the transformation of several scientific progresses into technical innovations. So, there is a need to solve these complications via focused research movements, which may convert this useful material into actual device applications. This review article is mainly concentrated on look over the recent advances on technological achievements and challenges in BFO via the magnetoelectric coupling and presents the latest devices achievements.

This paper presents synthesis and study of Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) and nickel doped bismuth ferrite (BiFe1-xNixO3) nanoparticles. The synthesis of BiFeO3 and BiFe1-xNixO3 (x = 0.02, 0.04) are done by Sol-Gel method. After synthesis the samples of pure and transition metal ion (Ni) doped bismuth ferrite have been studied by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and Raman Spectroscopy. Optical properties are studied by using UV–vis spectroscopy using different wavelengths (range 300–800 nm). Photocatalytic properties are also studied by degradation of MB dye using prepared samples as photocatalyst. XRD patterns shows that all the prepared samples are crystalline and crystallinity increased by Ni-doping and shifts in XRD peaks by Ni-doping shows the distortion in the structure of BFO. Raman spectroscopy also indicates the rhombohedral distorted structure of Ni-doped BFO in R3C space group. FESEM micrographs shows that Ni-doped BFO has polyhedral and spherical shape grains and Ni doping cause reduction in grain size. Optical band gap reduced due to Ni-doping is shown by the UV–Vis spectroscopy results and Tauc’s plots. The increase in reduction of MB dye due to Ni-doping shows the enhanced photocatalytic properties of BFO by Ni doping.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of effect of varying levels of boron and sulphur on yield and nutrient uptake of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) grown in a Mollisol. The experiment was conducted under factorial completely randomized design with three replications and consisted of six levels of each of boron (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg kg−1soil and two foliar sprays of 0.2% boron) and sulphur (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 mg kg−1soil). The different doses of sulphur and boron and their interaction had significant effect on seed and stover yields, B and S concentrations and uptake by linseed crop indicating a differential requirement of boron and sulphur by the crop. The highest seed yield was recorded under the combined application of 2 mg B kg−1 soil and 60 mg S kg−1 soil.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of seven decontamination processes in reducing the pesticide mixture load of six insecticides (quinalphos, profenophos, ethion, lambda-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid) from chili (Capsicum annuum L.). In the control treatment, the pesticide residues were extracted without following any decontamination procedure. The extraction of the insecticides from chili was initiated after 48 h of pesticide mixture spray and was done using the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method. The quantitative analysis of four insecticides, namely quinalphos, profenophos, ethion, and lambda-cyhalothrin, was done by coupled gas chromatography-electron capture detection and that of imidacloprid and acetamiprid by high-performance liquid chromatography-UV detection. The results depicted reduction of pesticide residues in all the decontamination treatments compared with the control, although it varied for different insecticides. Solutions of 1 and 5% NaCl and 5% CH3COOH served as efficient decontaminants in removal of quinalphos, profenophos, ethion, and lambda-cyhalothrin residues from chili to ca. 90%, whereas for imidacloprid and acetamiprid there was a mild decontamination only (33.33 to 52.44%). The solutions of 5% NaHCO3 and 0.01% KMnO4 were effective only in removing lambda-cyhalothrin residues from the chili crop, but for all other pesticides the decontamination was not much pronounced. HIGHLIGHTS

The development of smart negative electrode materials with high capacitance for the uses in supercapacitors remains challenging. Although several types of electrode materials with high capacitance in energy storage have been reported, carbon-based materials are the most reliable electrodes due to their high conductivity, high power density, and excellent stability. The most common complaint about general carbon materials is that these electrode materials can hardly ever be used as free-standing electrodes. Free-standing carbon-based electrodes are in high demand and are a passionate topic of energy storage research. Electrospun nanofibers are a potential candidate to fill this gap. However, the as-spun carbon nanofibers (ECNFs) have low capacitance and low energy density on their own. To overcome the limitations of pure CNFs, increasing surface area, heteroatom doping and metal doping have been chosen. In this review, we introduce the negative electrode materials that have been developed so far. Moreover, this review focuses on the advances of electrospun nanofiber-based negative electrode materials and their limitations. We put forth a future perspective on how these limitations can be overcome to meet the demands of next-generation smart devices.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical analysis of Andrographis panniculata. It is a traditional medicinal plant and it is commonly known as kalmegh. A. paniculata have number of pharmacological properties like, anticancer, antiheptotoxicity, Anti-diabetic & anti-inflammation. The crude and ethanolic extract of the plant was analyzed. The phytochemical screening of both the extracts were positive for alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was applied for estimation of organic elements namely Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn. HPLC analysis shows the presence of possible main compounds in both the prepared extract.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of NovaMin™ (SHY-NM) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) (tooth mousse plus™) on enamel remineralization using DIAGNOdent® and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methodology: Eighty-six natural permanent maxillary first premolars were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 43 each, Group A (NovaMin™) and Group B (CPP-ACPF). All the samples were assessed using DIAGNOdent® (KaVo) at the baseline, after demineralization, and remineralization after 7 days. Two samples were randomly selected from each group after remineralization to evaluate the surface changes using SEM at × 1000 and × 2000. Results: The mean value of remineralization was highest for Group A NovaMin™ (6.56 ± 0.93) compared to Group B, CPP-ACPF (tooth mousse plus™) (6.02 ± 1.09). The maximum demineralization to remineralization value within the groups showed that the mean values in Group B CPP-ACPF (7.02 ± 3.02) was higher than Group A NovaMin™ (6.42 ± 2.21). The difference in remineralizing potential between the groups and demineralization to remineralization value in within-group comparison was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: On comparing Group A NovaMin™ and Group B CPP-ACPF, Group B CPP-ACPF showed a higher amount of remineralization than Group A NovaMin™. From the present study, it can be inferred that both the experimental groups have the potential for remineralization.

Sheath blight disease caused by the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani kuhn is one of the most devastating diseases of rice plant. The disease is controlled mostly by management practices and spraying of fungicides like validamycin. However, the development of pesticide resistance in pathogens has become a cause of concern. In addition, the application of pesticides has adverse environmental effects. Thus, efforts are being made to look for biogenic compounds that could be used for disease control. In this context, the present in silico docking study was carried out to find out the effective biogenic compounds found in plants that could antagonize the pectate lyase enzyme, which is one of the most important plant cell wall degrading enzymes. The compounds selected for the study are active ingredients of plant extracts that have been found to have antagonizing effects against R. solani. The amino acid sequence available for R. solani pectate lyase protein was retrieved from the Uniprot database (entry no. A0A0B7F4Q0) and the three-dimensional model was generated using Swiss-model server. The compounds were docked with the protein using Autodock 4.2 tool. The docking study showed that the binding energies varied between − 2.47 and − 7.79. Validamycin which is used for controlling sheath blight disease had a binding energy of − 2.47. The compounds d-5-Avenasterol (− 7.79), β-sitosterol (− 7.72), gedunin (− 7.59), nimbiol (− 7.16), cycloartenol (− 6.98), stigmasterol (− 6.76), nimbolide (− 6.33) were among the compounds with high binding affinity (low binding energy). Among the amino acids, GLU-217, ARG-326, ASP-228 were found to be predominantly involved in the H-bonding formation. Among the compounds, gedunin, nimbiol, nimbolide met all the criteria for pesticide set by the Tice rule. The compounds gedunin, nimbiol, nimbolide found in the neem plant belong to the chemical class triterpenoid (limonoids), are slightly hydrophilic in nature and soluble in alcohols, ketones and esters. The preliminary findings suggest that these compounds could be used for preparing formulations for controlling the sheath blight disease of rice.

Low Zn in staple food grains like rice is closely related to large scale Zn malnutrition in many countries of the World. Zinc biofortification of rice grains by some cost effective agronomic method is important for low income farmers. To explore the possibility of enhancing the bioavailability of Zn in rice grains besides higher yields of two cultivars, the combinations of varying Zn fertilizer doses with or without inoculation of rhizobacteria consortium under split plot design set up were evaluated in two years field trials. Microbial inoculation + 5 kg Zn ha-1 to I year rice crop resulted in the highest number of effective tillers, grain yields, Zn concentration and uptake in grains and straw and total Zn uptake in both years. Grain yield of rice during two years increased by 19.7-27.9 and 17.1-20.4 percent over control under treatments receiving microbial inoculation + 5 kg Zn ha-1 to I year rice and 5 kg Zn ha-1 alone to I year rice crop, respectively. The highest concentration of Zn (10.9-19.1 mg kg-1) and the lowest concentration of phytic acid (18.5-25.3 g kg-1) in dehulled rice grains were recorded with soil application of 5 kg Zn ha-1; however, the values were at par with those observed under microbial inoculation + 5 kg Zn ha-1 (12.0-17.0 mg Zn kg-1 and 19.2-26.9 g phytic acid kg-1). The percent utilization of soil applied Zn increased with microbial inoculation in both the years and it was relatively higher in NDR 359 as compared to PD 16.

A safe use of herbicide in the environment can be assessed by it’s adsorption – desorption behavior in soil. In the present work laboratory studies were performed to examine adsorption-desorption b...

Polymer nanocomposites with vital reinforcements of conductive fillers have evinced as next-generation high-performance materials with multi-functional applications. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of thermally stable, highly electrically conducting polyaniline multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PANI/MWCNT) nanocomposites doped in two different protonic acids, i.e. hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4). The doping acids significantly affect the electric and dielectric properties of conducting polymer nanocomposites. The paper probes in the synergistic effects of MWCNTs and the effect of doping acid on the thermal stability, conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites based on PANI nanofibres. The structural, morphological, optical, thermal and electrical properties were evaluated through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and two-point probe technique. Ascribed to the high interfacial interaction between PANI and MWCNT, and considering the effect of doping acids, nanocomposites with high thermal stability, enhanced conductivity and high dielectric constant that can store large electrical charges have been synthesized by surfactant-assisted, in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline, in the presence of potassium persulfate as oxidant. The micellar structure of surfactant assists the dispersion of MWCNTs as well as the formation of PANI/MWCNT tubular structures. The effect of surfactant below and above critical micelle concentration was also studied. This complete study would affirm such a nanocomposite which procures excellent electrical and dielectric properties for microelectronic applications.

In this paper, the experimental analysis of two types of corrugated plate solar collector (CPSC) using water as working fluid has been done. Two similar designs and dimensions of CPSC but different materials of absorber plates have been investigated, the collector1 is copper and collector 2 is aluminium. The performance of energy, exergy and total heat loss coefficient of CPSC were analysed and compared. Thermal performance of CPSC depends on many parameters such as outlet collector temperature, absorber plate temperature, temperature difference, inlet collector temperature, atmospheric temperature, mass flow rate (MFR), solar radiation, wind speed and absorber plate material. The three MFR values of 0.0167 kg/s, 0.025 kg/s and 0.033 kg/s were considered in this experimental setup. The thermal performances of these two types of solar collectors were investigated. Also, a comparison between the performance of these two types of solar collector at various MFR was done. Experimental results show that the use of copper-based CPSC could improve the thermal efficiency compared to the use of aluminium based CPSC. The maximum energy and exergy of copper and aluminium based CPSC was found at MFR 0.033 kg/s. Results show that as the water MFR is increased from 0.0167 kg/s to 0.033 kg/s, the thermal efficiency of collector made of copper and aluminium increases.

Background: Febrile convulsions are the most common provoked seizures affecting children. Low magnesium level leads to cell and membrane excitability thereby causing seizures. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the role of serum sodium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in children with simple febrile seizures (SFSs). Materials and Methods: This was a case–control study done in children admitted in the pediatric ward. Children with SFSs were taken as cases while children with fever but without seizures served as controls. After obtaining informed consent, details of each child were recorded, which included age, sex, seizure details (duration, type), nature of the febrile illness, and history of febrile seizures (FSs). Estimation of serum sodium, zinc, magnesium, and calcium was done. Results: The present study included 120 subjects, out of which 60 were cases and 60 were controls. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. In our study, there was no significant difference in the levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in cases with FSs and controls. Although the serum zinc levels were in the normal range, majority of the children with SFS had serum zinc levels toward the lower range of normal which was statistically highly significant. Conclusion: Our study found that SFSs occurred more frequently in boys. The levels of serum calcium and magnesium were normal and did not correlate with SFS. Low serum zinc level had a direct correlation with SFS, although this level was within the defined normal range.

Green synthesis of silver nano-particles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate was carried out using purple-colored rice leaves' extracts containing higher phenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. The efficacy of synthesized AgNPs was tested against rice diseases and investigation was carried out to check negative effect of AgNPs on soil microbes. Substantial reduction of total anthocyanins, total phenols, and total flavonoids was observed in reaction mixture during AgNP formation indicating the role of secondary metabolites on AgNP formation and stabilization. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopic images and FTIR spectral analysis of AgNPs confirmed the presence of elemental silver encapped by biomolecules. The optimized reaction parameters for synthesis of AgNPs from silver nitrate were (a) 48 h of incubation, (b) 9:1 (v/v) 1 mM AgNO3:plant extract, and (c) room temperature at 20-30 °C. Zeta potential and hydrodynamic particle sizes of synthesized AgNPs were ranged between - 16.61 to - 29.45 mV and 36-107 nm, respectively, at different time of incubation. AgNPs could control effectively Rhizoctonia solani and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae and Helminthosporium oryzae. AgNPs at higher concentration could cause negative effect on microbial biomass carbon and soil enzymes for distant future. But the negative effects of AgNP solution (10% of 1 mM AgNPs) were comparable to commercial fungicide, carbendazim. The synthesized AgNPs with desirable characters were effective against a number of disease-causing pathogens in rice, and it can be recommended as broad-spectrum pesticide.

The concept of molecular electronic devices (MEDs) has evolved since the first theoretical report was published in 1974. This theoretical article laid the foundation for understanding charge-transport phenomena by utilizing either a single molecule or numerous molecules sandwiched between two electrical conductors. Since then, many research groups have engaged in molecular junction fabrication using a variety of molecules including organic, inorganic, and organometallic molecules, polymers, and biomolecules that can mimic the electronic functions of traditional silicon-based devices. To date, most of these molecular junctions have been constructed using well-explored molecular assemblies of thiolated derivatives adsorbed mostly on Au substrates. However, the Au-S bond is not considered to be a true covalent bond in view of its surface bond energy, which is ∼1.9 eV, much less than pure covalent bond energy. Additionally, Au-S interfaces suffer from poor reactivity and instability over time; thus, they are not suitable for real world applications. Therefore, an alternative approach for the fabrication of molecular electronic junctions must be envisioned to address all the difficulties mentioned above. Herein, we summarize the most recent experiential outcomes to demonstrate how electrochemical techniques can be employed to form robust molecular layers on various substrates including Au, ZnO, SnO2, H-terminated Si, and conductive carbon electrodes that are suitable for the fabrication of reliable molecular electronics devices for charge-transport studies. This fascinating electrochemical technique is appropriate for producing not only homostructure but also heterostructure molecular layers with desired thicknesses. We also discuss the pros and cons of the electrochemical process for growing molecular layers in the Conclusion and outlook section.

One hundred rice genotypes released for different ecologies such as upland, irrigated, lowland and saline were evaluated for 12 quality characters like Hulling(%), Milling(%), Head rice recovery(%), Kernel length(cm), Kernel breadth(cm),Length breadth ratio, Volume expansion ratio, Elongation ratio and Amylose content(%) etc. Analysis of variance showed high significant difference among the genotypes. Milling(%) is very good in all the genotypes and ranged from 74.5(PR113) to 81.3 (Improved Lalat). HRR (%) is highest in Bhanja (72.0) and lowest in Konark(42.5). Intermediate amylase content are in most of the genotypes except GR 103(27.1),IR 64 MAS(27.86) WGL32100(27.3), WGL32183(27.5)and Purnendu (27.9). Water uptake ranged from 77.5(WGL 32100) to 342.5(PR116) indicating very wide variation. Elongation ratio is > 2.0 in Sudhir, Sashi, Bindli. PCV is always greater than GCV indicating less influence of environment. Hulling (%) is positively significantly correlated with Milling (%) and kernel breadth and negatively significantly correlated with L/B ratio, volume expansion ratio.

In this study, the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution were examined using activated charcoal derived from Sapindus trifoliate L fruit biomass in continuous fixed-bed column studies. The activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was prepared by treating the fruit powder using concentrated nitric acid solution. Experiments were performed to investigate the effect of bed height and initial concentration on the breakthrough and saturation times. The breakthrough and saturation time increases with increase in bed height and initial concentration of chromium solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity of S. trifoliate L charcoal for hexavalent chromium was found to be 1.719 mg/g in the bed height 15 cm and initial concentration 10 mg/L, respectively. Column data required at various conditions were explained using Bohart-Adams and Thomas model. Two models were found to be suitable to describe the definite part of the dynamic behaviour of the column with regard to bed-height and initial concentration of hexavalent chromium. On comparison of Adjusted R2 and estimated standard error, the Thomas model was found to best-fitted model and can be used to predict the adsorption of the hexavalent chromium in fixed-bed column studies. Activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was characterised by SEM-EDX and FTIR analysis. Highlights Fixed bed column adsorption is a potential technology for removal of toxicants from water.; The maximum adsorption capacity of charcoal was found to be 1.719 mg/g.; Activated S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal was characterised by SEM and FTIR analysis.; S. trifoliate L fruit charcoal is low-cost with considerable high adsorption capacity.; Thomas model was found to be the best-fitted model to predict the fixed bed adsorption.

Molecules are fascinating candidates for constructing tunable and electrically conducting devices by assembling either single or ensemble of molecules between two electrical contacts followed by current-voltage (I-V) analysis which is often termed 'molecular electronics'. Recently, there has been also an upsurge of interest in spin-based electronics or spintronics across the molecules offering an additional scope to create ultra-fast responsive devices with less power consumption and lower heat generation using the intrinsic spin property rather than electronic charge. Researchers have been exploring this idea of utilizing organic molecules, organometallics, coordination complexes, polymers, and biomolecules (proteins, enzymes, oligopeptides, DNA) in integrating molecular electronics and spintronics devices. Although several methods exist to prepare molecular-thin films on a suitable electrode, the electrochemical potential-driven technique emerges as highly efficient in various aspects. The key focus of this review is to describe recent advances in the electrochemical potential-driven growth of nanometric molecular films of various molecules on technologically relevant substrates, including non-magnetic and magnetic electrodes to investigate the stimuli-responsive charge and spin transport phenomena. Although there have been several bottlenecks with the scaling-up, fabrication and operational mechanism, still we foresee that the molecular devices can hold the potentials to compete against physical and economic barriers for commercial success soon.

Association between rice grain characteristics and Sitophilus oryzae development were deciphered through laboratory experiments. Among the different physical characteristics evaluated, significant and negative correlation of 100 seed weight was observed with weevil emergence (r = − 0.53) and susceptibility index (r = − 0.51). Hence, 100 seed weight was found out to be important characteristics of grain. Similarly, hardness of the grain delayed weevil emergence (r = − 0.41) and reduced the grain weight loss (r = − 0.245). Biochemical characteristic of grain, like protein was found positively associated with weevil emergence (r = 0.741) and negatively associated with median developmental period (r = − 0.537). Amylose being an important component of grain had negative relation with weevil emergence (r = − 0.007); median development period (r = − 0.093). Among different varieties tested, Cross-12 was found to be moderately resistant compared to others. It was the only variety having long broad grain and recorded highest 100 seed weight indicating size of the substrate could hinder the development of weevils. The aim of the current study is to decipher the association of development of S. oryzae and physico-chemical characteristics of grain governing it.

Antioxidant properties of four common green algal genera viz. Cladophora glomerata, Chaetomorpha aerea, Rhizoclonium crassipellitum, and Pithophora cleveana collected from Sunderban areas of Eastern India were tested in controlled and nutrient stress conditions. Experimental algae were exposed to growth media with variations in nitrate and NaCl salt concentrations from 0 to 1500 ppm level for a period of 21 days. A dose-dependent upregulation in total phenols, flavonoids, pigment, and antioxidant property in relation to % DPPH activity and % ferrous ion chelating activity was observed. Maximum phenol content was observed for algal biomass exposed to 1500 ppm nitrate stress conditions (52.55 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g DW-16.48 ± 0.041 mg GAE/g DW) with Rhizoclonium showing the maximum contents. In the case of total flavonoid content, maximum upregulation was noted in the hypersaline conditions and Pithophora showed the highest contents amongst all (71.8 ± 0.21 mg QE/g DW). The highest carotenoid contents were observed in 750 ppm stress condition. Optimally stressed algal biomass having maximum carotenoid levels and high antioxidant levels were selected as fish feed ingredients, based on dose- and time-dependent two-way Anova and Tukeys test (750 ppm nitrate, 7 days). The processed biomass was included as fish feed ingredient to study the nutritive effects on goldfish (Carassius auratus). Algal feed (AF) was prepared from algal biomass only, which was further mixed with the commercial feed (CF) in varying proportions to formulate three different types of value-added feed (VAF). The experimental feed (25% VAF, 50% VAF, 75%VAF and AF) were tested against commercial feed (control) for 30 days in artificially aerated static aquaria system. The feed type formulated as 50% VAF was found to be most effective in terms of skin pigmentation, growth, and antioxidant activities of experimental fishes showing almost (1.44–4-folds increase) compared to the control setup. Statistically significant results were obtained regarding nutritive properties of experimental feed and fishes using PCA and Tukeys test respectively. Body weight gain and specific growth rate also changed significantly in experimental fishes.

Large scale deficiency of Zn results in low crops yields and the problem of Zn malnutrition in humans and livestock. To economize crop production on Zn deficient soils, two-year field experiments were undertaken with two wheat varieties to evaluate the performance of seed inoculation with a consortium of three bacterial strains in combination with varying doses of Zn fertilizer applied to 1 year rice crop on yields, Zn concentration and Zn uptake of wheat. Seed coating of wheat with bacterial consortium significantly increased grain yields, Zn concentration and uptake in grains and straw and total Zn uptake over the control. It also helped to increase the apparent recoveries of soil applied Zn fertilizer to 1 year rice by succeeding wheat crops and DTPA extractable Zn in soil after 2 year wheat in comparison to the control. Seed inoculation in combination with low dosage of Zn also significantly decreased phytic acid: Zn ratio but increased methionine concentration in wheat grains.

Soil fertility management requires a precise assessment of nutrient release from organic amendments to decide the rates and frequency of application. Time-dependent release of some macro- and micro-nutrients from farmyard manure, mushroom compost, poultry manure, vermi-compost, biogas slurry and biochar of Lantana sp. was studied during 120 days incubation through entrapment of released nutrients on ion exchange resins. Highest total concentration of K, Ca, Mg and S was in farmyard manure, Fe and Mn in mushroom compost, P, Zn and Cu in biogas slurry and B in biochar. Farmyard manure had the highest C:N ratio (34.2), while other organic amendment had C:N ratio

Introduction: Beta-thalassemia major is the most common chronic hemolytic anemia. It is a well-comprehended fact that the toxic effects of iron overload particularly the cardiomyopathy are the major complication that roots from beta-thalassemia major children. Therefore, timely diagnosis is crucial to optimize the long-term gain. Objective: The objective of the study is to find the cutoff level of serum ferritin for early diagnosis of cardiac iron overload. Materials and Methods: This study was an observational analytical cross-sectional diagnostic study which was conducted from November 2016 to October 2018. With due approval of Institutional Ethics Committee and after taking proper informed consent from the parents and/or legal heir, 105 thalassemic children were enrolled in the study by simple consecutive sampling after satisfying the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. In this study, two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography was used to detect cardiac iron overload. Serum ferritin levels were estimated, and cutoff values were calculated for each of the echocardiographic parameters of cardiac iron overload, i.e. ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated with considering p

Introduction: The renal involvement has been reported in Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and recently in Plasmodium vivax infection. Although malaria is highly endemic in the rural locality of Odisha and a significant proportion of severe malaria causes acute renal complication, there is no definite study on the survival of malarial acute kidney injury (AKI) in children of the setup of the current study. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the survival of malarial AKI in children. Methods: A prospective analytical study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2018 in the postgraduate department of pediatrics, of a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Children with smear-positive and/or quantitative buffy coat (QBC) positive malaria were included in the study. All the relevant data (age, gender, duration of hospital stays, stages of AKI, signs, and symptoms of AKI, serum urea and creatinine, electrolytes, and routine hemogram) were collected, validated and results were analyzed in terms of one-way ANOVA and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results: Out of 202 malarial cases, 50.4% (102) cases were found to be suffering from malarial AKI. Out of 102 malarial AKI children, 68% were affected due to falciparum infection, 12% due to vivax, and rest 20% due to mixed infection. The median duration of survival in days between three stages of AKI was significant as evidenced by Tarone-Ware Chi-square=48.365 (df=2), p=0.000. Conclusion: Mortality was 6% and all of these deaths belong to Stage 3 AKI; furthermore, the morbidities are more in Stage 3 as compared to other stages.

Ganoderic acid has been known as a key bioactive constituent in Ganoderma lucidum, commonly used for preventing and treating hepatopathy of various etiologies. This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of ganoderic acid loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in d -galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Ganoderic acid loaded solid lipid nanoparticles was prepared by solvent injection technique and prepared formulation was characterized for various parameters and final formulation evaluated for its hepatoprotective study in Wistar rats. The prepared optimized formulation presented particle size of 122.7 ± 8.6 nm with polydispersity index of 0.27 ± 0.03 and zeta potential of −18 ± 1.4 mV. The drug loading, entrapment efficiency and nanoparticle yield were found to be 21.6 ± 1.23%, 70.16 ± 3.21% and 60.5 ± 2.75%, respectively. In vitro release study of ganoderic acid from nanoparticles at pH 7.4 exhibited biphasic release pattern with an initial burst release followed by a sustained release. Treatment of rats with prepared formulation significantly restored the levels of serum hepatic markers and antioxidant enzymes as compared to free ganoderic acid in d -galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Histopathological examination also supported a marked hepatoprotective effect of prepared formulation. In conclusion, nano-formulation of ganoderic acid has significantly attenuated markers of hepatic damage compared to free ganoderic acid and may represent a potential hepatoprotective nano-formulation for amelioration of d -galactosamine induced liver injury.

The inner membrane complex (IMC) is a defining feature of apicomplexans comprising of lipid and protein components involved in gliding motility and host cell invasion. Motility of Plasmodium parasites is accomplished by an actin and myosin based glideosome machinery situated between the parasite plasma membrane (PPM) and IMC. Here, we have studied in vivo expression and localization of a Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) IMC protein 'PfIMC1l' and characterized it functionally by using biochemical assays. We have identified cytoskeletal protein 'actin' and motor protein 'myosin' as novel binding partners of PfIMC1l, alongside its interaction with the lipids 'cholesterol' and 'phosphatidyl-inositol 4, 5 bisphosphate' (PIP2). While actin and myosin compete for interaction with PfIMC1l, actin and either of the lipids (cholesterol or PIP2) simultaneously bind PfIMC1l. Interestingly, PfIMC1l showed enhanced binding with actin in the presence of calcium ions, and displayed direct binding with calcium. Based on our in silico analysis and experimental data showing PfIMC1l-actin/myosin and PfIMC1l-lipid interactions, we propose that this protein may anchor the IMC membrane with the parasite gliding apparatus. Considering its binding with key proteins involved in motility viz. myosin and actin (with calcium dependence), we suggest that PfIMC1l may have a role in the locomotion of Plasmodium.

A series of experiments were carried out using conventional solar still, modified solar stills with stone chips (MSS1), sand stones (MSS2), and calcium oxide (MSS3) for the period of May 2016–Apr 2...

Robust opto-electroactive monolayers of three different RuII–terpyridyl complexes with amino and pyridyl termination are fabricated on SiOx-based substrates using siloxane-based attachment chemistry and either pyridyl or amine linkage to the preliminary prepared template. The UV–vis spectra of these monolayers display the characteristic metal-to-ligand charge-transfer bands, with a bathochromic shift compared to the spectra of the respective metalloligands dissolved in acetonitrile solution. This shift is notably larger for the pyridyl-linked monolayers compared to the amino-linked film, correlating qualitatively with the molecular grafting density. Cyclic voltammograms of the monolayers covalently attached onto indium tin oxide electrodes show reversible switching between the two redox states (Ru2+ to Ru3+ and vice versa), with a typical one-electron redox behavior. The sensing response of the monolayers to a series of different metal ions was tested, with the amino-decorated films showing a particularly...

Cooperative catalysis on solid surfaces relies primarily on two or more catalytic partners being close enough to each other to sustain the catalytic cycle. We describe here the synthesis and preliminary investigation of discrete homo-oligomers as flexible scaffolds to inflect the intersite distance and blur the compositional heterogeneity in a silica-grafted catalytic triad.

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OBJECTIVE: We waimed to investigate whether H2S can relieve the myocardial fibrosis caused by doxorubicin through Keap1-Nrf2. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (Control); DOX model group (DOX); H2S intervention model group (DOX+H2S); H2S control group (H2S). DOX and DOX+H2S group were injected with doxorubicin (3.0 mg/kg/time) intraperitoneally. Both of the Control group and H2S groups were given normal saline in equal volume, 2 weeks later, DOX+H2S and H2S group were controlled with NaHS (56 μmol/kg/d) through the abdominal cavity, while the Control and DOX group were injected with normal saline of the same dosage intraperitoneally. RESULTS: Myocardial injury and myocardial cell apoptosis were significantly increased, the H2S content in myocardial tissue was remarkably down-regulated, the expression levels of MDA, Keap1, caspase-3, caspase-9, TNF-α, IL1β, MMPs and TIMP-1 in rat myocardial tissue was significantly up-regulated (P< 0.05), and the expression levels of GSH, NQO1, Bcl-2 were down-regulated compared with those of control group. The above results can be reversed by the DOX+H2S group. There is no statistically significant difference between the Control group and the H2S control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that H2S can improve DOX-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats, and the keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis may be involved in the mechanism.

Background: Expression of the heat shock proteins (Hsp) is responsible for the protection from adverse climatic changes particularly heat stress in Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Although, with advancement of molecular techniques, Hsp70 protein has been isolated but this protein needs to be characterized by both physicochemically and structurally for the functional annotation of fish genome. So this current study was undertaken with aim of generation of various protein models and also for thorough physiochemical characterization of this protein.Methods: In this study, Hsp70 protein of common carp was characterized by both physiochemical and structurally through insilco platform and as the crystal structure of this protein is not available, protein models were created though homology modelling upon Modeller version 9.21, Phyre2 and Swiss-model and then the generated predicted models were evaluated through Rampage, Errat, Verify 3D, ProQ and ProSA analysis.Result: Our investigation showed that this protein is very stable, hydrophilic with no disulphide bonds and the protein models which were generated from this study, are of good quality with z value of - 9.58, -9.48 and -10.93 and quality factor of 82.56, 59.43 and 95.27 respectively. So this study was concluded that the generated Hsp70 protein models would provide an avenue for the other researchers for development of high-throughput gene function assignment in fish.

Substituted phenols, such as 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), that are present in industrial wastewaters are considered as priority pollutants due to their toxic effects. Their removal by biosorption presents an eco-friendly, cost-effective method. The kinetics of removal of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP by untreated Nostoc sp. (UNB) and Fe-treated Nostoc sp. biomass (FNB) were studied at three different pH (4.0, 7.0 and 9.0). The highest sorption of both phenols (2.28 mg 4-NP and 1.51 mg 2,4-DCP g−1) coupled with the lowest cumulative percentage desorption was recorded with FNB at pH 7.0. The sorption of both phenols by UNB and FNB was best accounted for by pseudo-second-order kinetics. Compared to UNB, FNB had significantly higher equilibrium sorption capacities for both phenols at all the three pH values and also higher sorption rate constants of 4-NP at pH 4 and 9 and of 2,4-DCP at pH 4 and 7. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that –OH and COO− groups of UNB interacted with Fe+3. The sorption of 4-NP and 2,4-DCP on UNB was likely through H-bonding/structural cation bridging with the phenolic group, while their sorption onto FNB appeared to be a complexation reaction with very low reversibility.

The efficient (site-specific) management of soil nutrients is possible by understanding the spatial variability in distribution of phyto-available nutrients (here after called available nutrients) and identifying the soil management zones (MZs) of agricultural landscapes. There is need for delineating soil MZs of agricultural landscapes of the world for efficient management of soil nutrients in order to obtain sustainability in crop yield. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to understand the spatial distribution pattern of available micronutrients (zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)), available sulphur (S), and soil properties (soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC) and organic carbon (SOC) content) in soils of intensively cultivated Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of India and to delineate soil MZs for efficient management of soil nutrients. Totally, 55101 soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were obtained from 167 districts of IGP during 2014 to 2017 and were analysed for different soil parameters. Soil pH, EC and SOC content varied from 4.44 to 9.80, 0.02 to 2.13 dS m-1 and 0.10 to 1.99%, respectively. The concentration of available Zn, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and S varied from 0.01 to 3.27, 0.01 to 3.51, 0.19 to 55.7, 0.05 to 49.0, 0.01 to 5.29 and 1.01 to 108 mg kg-1, respectively. Geostatistical analysis resulted in varied distribution pattern of studied soil parameters with moderate to strong spatial dependence. The extent (% area) of nutrient deficiencies in IGP followed the order: S > Zn > B > Mn > Cu > Fe. Principal component analysis and fuzzy c-means clustering produced six distinctly different soil MZs of IGP for implementation of zone-specific soil nutrient management strategies for attaining sustainability in crop yield. The developed MZ maps could also be utilized for prioritization and rationalization of nutrients supply in IGP of India.

In the present scenario, conducting and lightweight flexible polymer nanocomposites rival metallic and inorganic semiconducting materials as highly sensitive piezoresistive force sensors. Herein, we explore the feasibility of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) nanocomposites impregnated in different polymer matrixes, envisioned as highly efficient piezoresistors in sensor applications. Polymer nanocomposites are selectively designed and fabricated using three different polymer matrixes, i.e., polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), and epoxy resins with ideal reinforcement of VACNTs to enhance the thermal stability, conductivity, compressibility, piezoresistivity, and sensitivity of these nanocomposites. To predict the best piezoresistive force sensor, we evaluated the structural, optical, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and piezoresistive properties of the nanocomposites using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), I-V measurements, compressive stress-strain measurements, hysteresis, sensitivity, and force studies. The results demonstrate that the PDMS/VACNT nanocomposite is capable of sustaining large force with almost complete recovery and enhanced sensitivity, thereby fulfilling the desirable need for a highly efficient conductive and flexible force sensor as compared to PU/VACNT and epoxy/VACNT nanocomposites.

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) plays a critical role in removing cholesterol from the arterial wall. However, very few reports directly relate chronic inflammation and RCT with atherosclerosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate clinical implications of significantly altered circulating proteins in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the manifestation of atherosclerotic events. Using a case-control design, more than 2500 proteins in both STEMI and healthy control subjects were identified by Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Quantitative proteomics study revealed downregulation of 26 proteins while expression of 38 proteins increased significantly in STEMI subjects compared to healthy controls. Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that most of the identified proteins were related to chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and RCT. Altered proteins such as AZGP1, ABCA5, Calicin, PGLYRP2, HAVCR2 and C17ORF57 were further validated by Western blotting analysis of human plasma. Pathophysiological significance was studied using macrophage derived foam cell for their critical role in RCT which indicated the imbalance of RCT via the interaction of AZGP1 with CD36. In summary, this study revealed a unique relationship of some novel proteins apparently responsible for impaired RCT and chronic inflammation leading to atherothrombosis and myocardial infarction. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study we identified ≥2500 unique circulating proteins in healthy control and clinically diagnosed STEMI subjects among which 423 proteins were found to be common in both the groups. We further show 64 proteins significantly different between healthy control and STEMI subjects. Proteomic analyses reveal a panel of proteins associated with atherosclerosis and STEMI. One of the proteins, AZGP1, an adipokine, is likely to act as the missing link between chronic inflammation and cholesterol transport. Deregulation of reverse cholesterol transport might be orchestrated by AZGP1, CD36, ABCA5, and PPARɣ in STEMI subjects. The present study employs shotgun and quantitative proteomics followed by in vitro validations demonstrating a biochemical basis for reverse cholesterol transport in the local milieu of the luminal wall of the artery which are critical for plaque build-up and atherosclerosis.

Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS), whereby helical molecules polarize the spin of electrical current, is an intriguing effect with potential applications in nanospintronics. In this nascent field, the study of the CISS effect using paramagnetic chiral molecules, which could introduce another degree of freedom in controlling the spin transport, remains so far unexplored. To address this challenge, herein we propose the use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of helical lanthanide-binding peptides. To elucidate the effect of the paramagnetic nuclei, monolayers of the peptide coordinating paramagnetic or diamagnetic ions are prepared. By means of spin-dependent electrochemistry, the CISS effect is demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance measurements for both samples. Additionally, an implementation of the standard liquid-metal drop electron transport setup has been carried out, and this process helped to demonstrate the peptides' suitability for solid-state devices. Remarkably, the inclusion of a paramagnetic center in the peptide increases the spin polarization as was independently proved by different techniques. These findings permit the inclusion of magnetic biomolecules in the CISS field and pave the way to their implementation in a new generation of (bio)spintronic nanodevices.