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Monascus‐fermented rice (MFR) has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for the revitalization of blood, digestion problems, and cardiovascular disorders. Through a biotechnological approach, MFR is produced by the solid‐state fermentation of rice by Monascus spp. MFR has remarkable therapeutic properties as it contains several bioactive compounds, and dimerumic acid is one of the important siderophore‐based antioxidant fermentative metabolites found in it. This study aimed to screen out the medium composition for the production of dimerumic acid (DMA) and evaluate its antioxidant potential. Different strains of Monascus purpureus Microbial Type Culture Collection & Gene Bank (MTCC) 410, 369, 1090 and Monascus ruber MTCC 1880, 2326 and Monascus pilosus CBS 286.34, CBS 290.34 with different solid substrate were screened for maximum yield of DMA. Solid‐state fermentation of long‐grain rice (Oryza sativa) by Monascus pilosus CBS 290.34 was the best for DMA production. The optimized medium parameters in rice for the highest yield of DMA were glucose (75.13 mg/g), soya extract (19.33 mg/g), malt extract (35.14 mg/g), and calcium carbonate (0.29 mg/g). The predicted values for medium parameters were in good agreement with the experimental data. MFR enriched with DMA showed potent antioxidant and lipid lowering capacity in both in vitro and in vivo. It can be explored further for the development of nutraceuticals as a natural antioxidant.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in hemodialysis patients. We aimed to evaluate non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors: homocysteine, high sensitive C-reactive protein, oxidized LDL antibodies, phosphate, and red cell distribution width in chronic kidney disease patients under maintenance hemodialysis along with traditional cardiovascular risk factors like age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, among others. A total of 78 diagnosed chronic kidney disease patients under maintenance hemodialysis visiting a tertiary care center were included in the study, of which 59% were male. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 79.5% of the participants, with the median homocysteine level being 28.43 μmol/L. The median hsCRP level was 4.74 mg/L, and 59% and 24.4% of the total participants were at high and moderate cardiovascular risk respectively. The median oxidized LDL antibody level was 4235 U/mL, which is within the reference range. The median red cell distribution width was 14.05%, which is within the normal range. Left ventricular hypertrophy, a common cardiovascular disease in such patients, was found in 55.13% of the participants. Serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, whereas serum C- reactive protein level was significantly lower in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. The mean serum phosphate was 6.23 mg/dL (i.e. higher than normal) and hyperphosphatemia was seen among 76.9% of the patients. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 years, which is distinctly lower when compared to the hemodialysis patients in the Western population. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and anemia were 95%, 18.25%, and 92.3%, respectively.

The application of silver nanoparticles in various sectors including health related field is remarkably profound. Nowadays, the research of synthesizing metal nanoparticles (MNPs) using plant extracts is fascinating field as it offers the eco-friendly and cost-effective method for nanoparticle synthesis. In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic extract of B.asiatica and C. fistula regarding their ethnomedical importance. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). UV-vis spectroscopy exhibited the characteristic Surface Plasmon Peak of silver nanoparticle~420 nm.FTIR data were measured to get a preliminary idea on the functional groups responsible for the stabilization of AgNPs. XRD data confirmed the natural crystal structure with a face centered cubic of AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was assessed by testing promptly available gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterial strain and antioxidant activity was calculated by DPPH assay. The overall outcomes of the studies concluded that the application of the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs of B. asiaticaas an antioxidant and antibacterial agent is more potent showing IC50 value 65.1±1.30 μg/mL and the highest zone of inhibition 15 mm in diameter against S. aureus.

Green chemistry refers to the design of chemical product and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized successfully from AgNO3 through a simple green synthetic route using Ageratina adenophora leaf extract which acts as both reducing and capping agents. As synthesized AgNPs were characterized with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. XRD study shows crystalline nature of silver nanoparticles and average particle size was calculated as 24 nm using Debye Scherrer equation. Functional group responsible for the reduction of silver ion was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Hydroxyl group, amine group, aliphatic amine group were detected from FTIR analysis. Further, the green synthesized nanoparticles were found to be highly toxic against bacteria: Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli showing zone of inhibition of 11 mm and 9 mm, respectively. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 9(2): 128-132.

Realizing an increasing need for a novel antibiotic, this study was carried out to screen antibacterial metabolites producing actinomycetes from 15 soil samples collected from Taplejung. Antibacterial metabolites producing actinomycetes were confirmed by primary screening and secondary screening. Macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics were used for presumptive identification of probable actinomycetes genera. The potential isolate was cultured in starch casein broth for production of possible antibacterial compound. The antibacterial compound was extracted from fermented broth using organic solvents like ethyl acetate, n-butanol, chloroform, dichloromethane, and methanol. Among 24 isolates, only one (T18) showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) test-bacteria. The isolate was considered as Streptomyces spp based on microscopy and various biochemical, and physiological characteristics. Extracted antibacterial metabolite showed antibacterial activity with a MIC value of 1.2 mg/mL against E. coli (ATCC 25922). The chromatogram in Thin Layer Chromatography showed only one spot exhibited by extract with Rf value 0.87 suggested that the isolate produced a compound that was completely different from the spot with Rf value 0.94 produced by gentamicin (standard). This study revealed the distribution of the potent antibacterial metabolite producing actinomycetes in the soils of Taplejung.

This study was conducted to assess biomass and carbon stock along slopes in Depard community forest, Manahari-6, Makwanpur district of Nepal. In Nepal, carbon stock estimation has been less practiced in community forest. A random sampling method was applied in this study to collect biophysical data i.e. DBH and height by non-destructive method to estimate the quantity of tree biomass and carbon stock. 21 sample plots with 1% sampling intensity were established within the study area. The circular area of 250 m2 was predetermined with the radius of 8.92 m for this study. Secondary data were collected through published and unpublished literature. Data were pooled and analyzed with SPSS software. The total biomass and carbon stock were calculated to be 1381.30 t/ha and 649.21 t/ha, respectively. The biomass and carbon stock were highest (563.12 t/ha and 242.42 t/ha) in 0-5% slope, and lowest in >20% of slope (334.75 t/ha and 143.60 t/ha). The difference of biomass and carbon in slopes may be due to the accumulation of more organic matter and other minerals in the less sloped areas through rainfall, landslide.

The aim of the present work is to extend the temperature range of phosphor thermometry as a diagnostic tool using the protective properties of thin flexible ceramic strips of Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ). Previous investigations demonstrated adequate optical transmission properties for thermometry between 90°C and 700°C using 405 nm diode laser excitation. Here, YAG:Dy was selected for extending the range of applications to a higher temperature, nearing 1200°C and monitoring the 4I15/2 → 6H15/2 transition at 456 nm. Temperature dependent luminescence was observed, utilizing light emitting diode (LED) excitation at 365 nm, from ambient to 1200°C with a strong temperature dependence at temperatures exceeding 900°C.

We determine a radius of convergence for an efficient iterative method with frozen derivatives to solve Banach space defined equations. Our convergence analysis use \(\omega-\) continuity conditions only on the first derivative. Earlier studies have used hypotheses up to the seventh derivative, limiting the applicability of the method. Numerical examples complete the article.

A promising adsorbent, charred water hyacinth (CWH) for the removal of Ca(II) from the aqueous solution was explored by heat treatment of water hyacinth followed by chemical activation with acidified zinc chloride (ZnCl2). The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Batch adsorption techniques were conducted for Ca(II) adsorption to assess the adsorption isotherm, effect of pH, contact time, initial Ca(II) concentration, adsorbent doses, and adsorption kinetics. The SEM micrograph illustrates the rough and irregular surface morphology and EDX spectra confirm the successful adsorption of Ca(II) on the adsorbent surface. The equilibrium adsorption data better fitted to the Freundlich isotherm model having a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 319.75 mg/g. The highest percentage of adsorption was found at pH 1.5. The adsorption of Ca(II) by CWH decreased at the higher metal concentration and lower adsorbent doses. The adsorption of Ca(II) ions onto CWH followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. . Overall, these results suggested that the as-prepared CWH can be used as an eco-friendly, economical and efficient alternative for the removal of Ca(II) from the aqueous solution.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has been shown to induce plant defense responses to different plant pathogens, including reducing northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, penetration and increasing plant mass in tomato. We wanted to further evaluate NAD that are effective against the more economically important species, M. incognita and whether NAD treatments of tomato seedlings in transplant trays can protect plants in the field. Different NAD concentrations (1 mM, 0.1 mM and 0.01 mM) and three application timings (pre; post; pre and post inoculation) were evaluated in growth room and greenhouse trials. The highest tested NAD concentration (1 mM) suppressed second-stage juveniles (J2) infection for all three application methods. Root gall ratings at 30 days after inoculation (DAI) were also suppressed by 1 mM NAD compared to the other two concentrations, and egg mass number was significantly suppressed for all concentrations and application timings compared to the non-treated control. The rate of 1 mM NAD for all three application timings also improved plant growth at 30 DAI. Long-term effects of 1 mM NAD (pre, pre + post, or post applications) on nematode infection, growth and yield of tomato were evaluated in two additional experiments. All NAD applications suppressed root galls after 60 days, but only the pre + post 1 mM NAD application suppressed gall severity at 105 days, as well as suppressed egg counts by 50% at 60 DAT. No significant difference in plant biomass and fruit yield after 105 days was observed among the treatments. Two field trials were conducted in spring and fall 2020 using tomato seedlings (cv. HM 1823) treated with two different NAD concentrations (1 mM and 5 mM in spring; 5 mM and 10 mM in fall) and transplanting seedlings in fumigated (chloropicrin ± 1,3-dichloropropene) and non-fumigated plastic-mulch beds. No significant impact of NAD in terms of reducing RKN severity or overall tomato growth and production was seen in fumigated beds, but in non-fumigated beds 5 mM NAD slightly increased early fruit yield in spring, and 10 mM NAD reduced root-knot soil populations in fall.

Unnatural amino acids have gained significant attention in protein engineering and drug discovery as they allow the evolution of proteins with enhanced stability and activity. The incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins offers a rational approach to engineer enzymes for designing efficient biocatalysts that exhibit versatile physicochemical properties and biological functions. This review highlights the biological and synthetic routes of unnatural amino acids to yield a modified protein with altered functionality and their incorporation methods. Unnatural amino acids offer a wide array of applications such as antibody-drug conjugates, probes for change in protein conformation and structure–activity relationships, peptide-based imaging, antimicrobial activities, etc. Besides their emerging applications in fundamental and applied science, systemic research is necessary to explore unnatural amino acids with novel side chains that can address the limitations of natural amino acids.

In this study a convergence analysis for a fast multi-step Chebyshe-Halley-type method for solving nonlinear equations involving Banach space valued operator is presented. We introduce a more precise convergence region containing the iterates leading to tighter Lipschitz constants and functions. This way advantages are obtained in both the local as well as the semi-local convergence case under the same computational cost such as: extended convergence domain, tighter error bounds on the distances involved and a more precise information on the location of the solution. The new technique can be used to extend the applicability of other iterative methods. The numerical examples further validate the theoretical results.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase, regulates basic cellular functions and is a major target for anticancer therapeutics. The carboxyl-terminus domain is a disordered region of EGFR that contains the tyrosine residues, which undergo autophosphorylation followed by docking of signaling proteins. Local phosphorylation-dependent secondary structure has been identified and is thought to be associated with the signaling cascade. Deciphering and distinguishing the overall conformations, however, have been challenging because of the disordered nature of the carboxyl-terminus domain and resultant lack of well-defined three-dimensional structure for most of the domain. We investigated the overall conformational states of the isolated EGFR carboxyl-terminus domain using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer and coarse-grained simulations. Our results suggest that electrostatic interactions between charged residues emerge within the disordered domain upon phosphorylation, producing a looplike conformation. This conformation may enable binding of downstream signaling proteins and potentially reflect a general mechanism in which electrostatics transiently generate functional architectures in disordered regions of a well-folded protein.

Background and Aim: In repeat breeding, a sexually mature cow fails to conceive even after three or more consecutive inseminations despite being without any clinically detectable reproductive anomalies. This is a major cause of economic loss in livestock farms, particularly in developing countries, where humans and livestock directly compete for food, and the mineral content of animal feed is rarely checked. This study investigated the association between systemic iron, phosphorus, and total protein and estrous cyclicity in crossbred Holstein Friesian cows. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 10 normal cyclic and 10 repeat breeder cows 12 h after the onset of estrus. Serum was separated, and iron, phosphorus, and total protein were quantified with spectrophotometry, using standard controls for all three measurement parameters (iron, phosphorus, and total protein). Results: Iron and phosphorus levels were significantly (p

A survey and field experiment were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of commercial insecticides against tomato leaf miner [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)] under farmer‘s field condition in Palpa, Nepal from February 2018 to April 2018. It consists of seven treatments replicated three times. The treatments included: Abamectin 0.15% EC (dose: 0.3ml/liter), Imidachloprid 17.8% SL (dose: 0.3ml/liter), Spinosad 45% SC (0.3ml/liter), Azadirachtin 300 ppm (5ml/liter), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (0.3ml/liter), Emamectin benzoate 5% SC (2gm/liter) and control. Treatments were applied two times at 12 days interval. From the farmer survey, Tuta absoluta was identified as the major production problem of the study area. The field experiment revealed that there was a significant effect of insecticides in larval mortality and damage reduction. The lowest percentage of leaves damage was obtained in spinosad followed by chlorantraniliprole and emamectin benzoate and the lowest fruits damage was obtained in chlorantraniliprole followed by spinosad and emamectin benzoate. Similarly, the lowest larval population in both leaves and fruits was observed in chlorantraniliprole followed by spinosad and emamectin benzoate. Average mining in infested leaves and fruits was found non-significant at all days of observation. The rate of larval population reduction over control was found highest in chlorantraniliprole followed by spinosad and emamectin benzoate. Thus, chlorantraniliprole, spinosad and emamectin benzoate were superior insecticides for management of Tuta absoluta in the field condition.

Synthesis, characterization, and ultrafast dynamics of porphyrin- and zinc porphyrin-based nanomaterials are reported. Spherical nanoparticles composed of a group of uniform materials based on orga...

In our study, we report Near-field electrospinning as a novel method of patterning and tuning suspended graphene channel. As a proof of concept, a resistive sensor has been fabricated for the detection of air carrying NH3 gas vapors. The suspended graphene channel, performing as the primary sensing element, changes its resistivity when NH3 molecules are absorbed on the surface of the graphene, effectively functioning as scattering centers. By utilizing the Near-field electrospinning for the deposition of the functional fibers, not only the width of the bridge but also the chemical doping effect on graphene can be readily tuned through the adjustment of process parameters and implementation of a wide range of polymers. About 78 % boost in sensitivity is confirmed when the width of suspended graphene channel is decreased from 15 μm to 5 μm. The presented process is expected to provide a simple, cost-effective and one-step precise manufacturing method by easily creating suspended graphene channels for a wide range of sensing applications not just limited to gas detection.

The crystal of the melaminium salt C3H7N6 +·NCCH2COO−·H2O was produced by mixing melamine with cyano­acetic acid in aqueous solution. The melaminium cations are inter­connected by N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming tapes. These tapes of melaminium cations develop a three-dimensional network through multiple donor–acceptor hydrogen-bonding inter­actions between the cyano­acetate anions and water mol­ecules., The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2,4,6-tri­amino-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium cyano­acetate monohydrate, C3H7N6 +·NCCH2COO−·H2O, consists of a melaminium cation, a cyano­acetate anion and a water mol­ecule, which are connected to each other via N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating an eight-membered ring. In the crystal, the melaminium cations are connected by two pairs of N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming tapes along [110]. These tapes develop a three-dimensional network through N—H⋯O, O—H⋯O, N—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the cations, anions and water mol­ecules.

Angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL)8 has been implicated in metabolic syndrome and reported to regulate adipose FA uptake through unknown mechanisms. Here, we studied how complex formation of ANGPTL8 with ANGPTL3 or ANGPTL4 varies with feeding to regulate LPL. In human serum, ANGPTL3/8 and ANGPTL4/8 complexes both increased postprandially, correlated negatively with HDL, and correlated positively with all other metabolic syndrome markers. ANGPTL3/8 also correlated positively with LDL-C and blocked LPL-facilitated hepatocyte VLDL-C uptake. LPL-inhibitory activity of ANGPTL3/8 was >100-fold more potent than that of ANGPTL3, and LPL-inhibitory activity of ANGPTL4/8 was >100-fold less potent than that of ANGPTL4. Quantitative analyses of inhibitory activities and competition experiments among the complexes suggested a model in which localized ANGPTL4/8 blocks the LPL-inhibitory activity of both circulating ANGPTL3/8 and localized ANGPTL4, allowing lipid sequestration into fat rather than muscle during the fed state. Supporting this model, insulin increased ANGPTL3/8 secretion from hepatocytes and ANGPTL4/8 secretion from adipocytes. These results suggest that low ANGPTL8 levels during fasting enable ANGPTL4-mediated LPL inhibition in fat tissue to minimize adipose FA uptake. During feeding, increased ANGPTL8 increases ANGPTL3 inhibition of LPL in muscle via circulating ANGPTL3/8, while decreasing ANGPTL4 inhibition of LPL in adipose tissue through localized ANGPTL4/8, thereby increasing FA uptake into adipose tissue. Excessive caloric intake may shift this system toward the latter conditions, possibly predisposing to metabolic syndrome.

Solar-based water sanitation is an environmentally friendly process for obtaining clean water that requires efficient light-to-heat-to-vapour generation. Solar-driven interfacial evaporation has potential, but the inability to control interfacial evaporators for solar tracking limits efficiency at large solar zenith angles and when using optical concentration. Furthermore, clogging affects the efficiency of the device. Here, we create a super-wicking and super-light-absorbing (SWSA) aluminium surface for efficient solar-based water sanitation. The measured evaporation rate exceeds that of an ideal device operating at 100% efficiency, which we hypothesize resulted from a reduced enthalpy of vaporization within the microcapillaries. Limited solar absorber–water contact for water transport minimizes heat losses to bulk water and maximizes heat localization at the SWSA surface. The device can be mounted at any angle on a floating platform to optimize incident solar irradiance and can readily be integrated with commercial solar-thermal systems. With a design that is analogous to bifacial photovoltaic solar panels, we show a 150% increase in efficiency compared with a single-sided SWSA. Given the open capillary channels, the device surface can be easily cleaned and reused. Using the SWSA surface to purify contaminated water, we show a decrease in the level of contaminants to well below the WHO and EPA standards for drinkable water. Solar-driven interfacial evaporation can be a sustainable process to obtain clean water but device efficiency and simplicity need improving. This study presents a super-wicking and super-light-absorbing aluminium surface with increased efficiency, a simple structure and strong performance.

The NUDIX hydrolase NUDT15 was originally implicated in sanitizing oxidized nucleotides but was later shown to hydrolyze the active thiopurine metabolites, 6-thio-(d)GTP, thereby dictating the clinical response of this standard-of-care treatment for leukemia and inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, its physiological roles remain elusive. Here, we sought to develop the first small-molecule NUDT15 inhibitors to elucidate its biological functions, and potentially for improving NUDT15-dependent chemotherapeutics. Lead compound TH1760, demonstrated low-nanomolar biochemical potency through direct and specific binding into the NUDT15 catalytic pocket and engaged cellular NUDT15 in the low-micromolar range. We further employed thiopurine potentiation as a proxy functional read-out and demonstrated that TH1760 sensitized cells to 6-thioguanine through enhanced accumulation of 6-thio-(d)GTP in nucleic acids. A biochemically validated, inactive structural analog, TH7285, confirmed that increased thiopurine toxicity is via direct NUDT15 inhibition. In conclusion, TH1760 represents the first chemical probe for interrogating NUDT15 biology and potential therapeutic avenues.

Ni(OH)2 doped with cerium cations was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and its electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic behavior was determined by the corresponding suitable techniques. Ni(OH)2 films doped with different Ce proportions were evaluated in a KOH support electrolyte solution by cyclic voltammetry. Scan-rate dependent voltammograms displayed pseudo-capacitive behavior while the charge transfer resistance of Ce-doped samples was determined through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The calculated charge transfer resistance value was 132 Ω for Ni(OH)2 containing 350 μmoles of Ce. Chronoamperometry under intermittent UV light was employed to measure the photo-response of nanomaterials. The experimental results indicated that the photocurrent of Ni(OH)2 containing 350 µmoles of Ce was ten times greater than that of pure Ni(OH)2. Photocatalytic activity of the powders was demonstrated under UV light irradiation accomplishing 83% of methyl orange degradation after 140 min of reaction with pseudo-first-order kinetics and the calculated degradation rate constant was 0.0125 min− 1. The results evidenced the electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activity of the synthesized materials, which sets them as suitable materials for a wide range of promising photo-based applications.

Purpose: In experimental models of equine joint-injury and osteoarthritis synovial fluid (SF) composition (proteoglycan-4, hyaluronan) can vary, along with changes to SF mechanical function (lubric...

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is empowering, reliable, and ecofriendly technology for harvesting energy which can be assessed from the fact that PV panels with total electricity generation capacity of 505 GW have been installed by the end of 2018. Thin-film solar cells based on copper indium gallium selenide (CIGSe) are promising photovoltaic absorber material owing to an alternative to crystalline silicon (c-Si)-based solar cells because of the huge potential for low-cost solar electricity production with minimal usage of raw materials. The efficiency record of 23.4% was achieved recently in CIGSe solar cells, which was comparable to c-Si solar cells (27.6%). The manufacturing cost of $0.34/W is expected for 15% efficient CIGSe module. The present review article discusses the perspectives of CISe/CIGSe-based thin-film solar cells with the focus on absorber material. Different vacuum and non-vacuum techniques for fabricating these materials are discussed along with the operation of solar cells and their manufacturability. The working mechanism of CIGSe solar cells with the characteristic features of the open-circuit voltage and current density as well as the factors influencing the efficiency in different fabrication techniques are reviewed. Moreover, some strategies toward the improvement of solar cells performance contemplating modified deposition are reviewed. Furthermore, how these strategies can be executed in order to make it cost effective methods is also discussed in detail. Prevailing constrictions for the commercial maturity are deliberated, and future perspectives for improvement at lab as well as industrial scalabilities are outlined.

This study presents results from the City of St. Petersburg's (Florida) Southwest Water Reclamation Facility. This high-rate BNR plant (SRT ~ 5 days; HRT NO 3 - + NO 2 - ) concentrations occurs mainly via SND by operating the aerated zone at low DO, but still achieving near-complete ammonium ( NH 4 + ) removal. Despite the low DO operation, very good bioP performance is achieved. Full-scale performance data and detailed bench-scale testing were conducted to assess the nitrogen and phosphorus removal at low DO conditions. Full-scale results showed that the plant achieves effluent total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations of approximately 2.0 mgN/L and 0.5 mgP/L, respectively, at an average influent C:N ratio of 7:1 mgCOD:mgN. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Simple anaerobic-aerobic (A/O) process demonstrated combined N and P removal Ammonia oxidation was not hampered by low DO ( 1.5 mg/L) is necessary Heterotrophic consumption of nitrite at low DO was the key to the out-selection of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria.

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer that decouples the absorber layer and window layer in thin-film solar cells was synthesized by two different chemical bath deposition (CBD) techniques with varying deposition parameters. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that the CdS thin film crystallizes in a stable hexagonal wurtzite structure having a preferential orientation along (002) reflection plane with a crystallite size varying from 20 to 40 nm. First longitudinal optical phonon mode was identified at Raman shift of 305 cm−1. Uniform, granular, continuous, and smooth surface with an average grain sizes (

Microbial cellulases have become the mainstream biocatalysts due to their complex nature and widespread industrial applications. Here, homogeneous endoglucanase GluCB31 from Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum CBS31 was studied. GluCB31 was purified to 17.68-fold with an 8.33% yield and a specific activity of 1066.37 U/mg. Biochemical properties of GluCB31 were performed and the results are as follows; molecular mass of 35 kDa with an optimum pH at 7.5 and temperature at 50°C. GluCB31 was immobilized in calcium alginate gel and it exhibited the highest activity at 10°C higher temperature than soluble enzyme, as the entrapment in alginate gel made GluCB31 more stable. Kinetic studies showed the Vmax of 1293.33 ± 2.51 U/mg and Km of 0.0183 mg/mL. Enzymatic activity was activated by Tween-20 (106.7%), Tween-80 (111.6%), Triton X-100 (142.3%), SDS (135.5%), Mg++ (185.7%), Cu++ (167.6%), Zn++ (153.7%), Mn++ (106.3%), Ba++ (181.9%), Ni++ (107.2%) while inhibited by Fe++ (15.8%), β-mercaptoethanol (46.8%), EDTA (54.5%). Enthalpy, free energy, and entropy of activation were calculated to be 38.526 kJmol-1, 44.187 kJmol-1, and -17.518 Jmol-1K-1 respectively. Also, ΔGE-S and ΔGE-T were found to be -10.75 kJmol-1 and -45.92 kJmol-1 respectively. A low ΔS, ΔGE-S, and ΔGE-T values were signified enzyme-catalyzed reaction occurs at a fast rate and the existence of the enzyme in its stable state. Cellobiose was the major end product of hydrolysis. These attributes of GluCB31 demonstrated the diversity of catalytic activities and serve in various biotechnological processes, thus deserve to be developed as a bio-industrial agent.

Fluviatile sediments comprising a 600-m-thick sequence of the Lower and Middle Siwaliks in the Karnali area in Nepal exhibit a distinct zonation revealed by magnetic and geochemical properties. Four magneto-chemical zones (MCZ1–MCZ4), each about 150 m thick and 400 kyr in duration, provide new insights into Himalayan tectono-climatic events during the Tortonian (Miocene) stage. They exhibit contrasting magnetic susceptibility and isothermal remanence due to differences in magnetic mineral types (magnetite, haematite, and goethite) and concentrations. Oddnumbered zones with higher goethite/(goethite + haematite) ratio, a moisture proxy, indicate wetter conditions in the source area, while the even-numbered zones, virtually without goethite, suggest drier conditions. Chemical indices of alteration/ weathering and proxies for hydraulic sorting and mobility derived from the major element compositions also reveal contrasts among these zones. The middle of the MCZ2–MCZ3 zone, with a transitional magneto-chemical signature, is the best candidate for the Lower-to-Middle Siwaliks contact, rather than the field-based boundary placed 18 m up-section at the base of the thick salt-and-pepper sandstone bed. The transition records an increase in river energy and associated accelerated erosion of the Himalayan gneiss zone as the source of coarse-grained material. We suggest a scenario, whereby climate change from drier to wetter (with higher precipitation) conditions affects erosional processes (i.e., weathering, disaggregation and particle transport on the hillslope) prevailing in a large catchment and influencing the depositional modes. KEYWORDS chemical index of alteration, climate, geochemistry, goethite, magnetism, Siwalik, Sub- Himalaya

An intermittently aerated, pilot scale biological nitrogen removal process was operated in modified Ludzack Ettinger (MLE) and fully intermittent aeration (all reactors aerated) configurations. The process was fed both A-stage effluent (ASE), and primary clarifier effluent (PCE), which differ in chemical oxygen demand (COD) composition. The objective was to determine the effects of influent carbon fractionation and reactor configuration on nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) out-selection and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal during intermittent aeration. TIN removal was affected by both the type and amount of influent COD, with particulate COD (pCOD) having a stronger influence than soluble COD (sCOD). NOB out-selection was lowest in the MLE configuration, regardless of the feed, and highest in fully intermittent configuration with A-stage feed. During fully intermittent operation with A-stage effluent feed, nitrite accumulation correlated positively with influent particulate COD concentration, and correlated negatively with ex situ NOB activity rates. In addition, ex situ denitrification batch tests showed that nitrite was consumed faster than nitrate when NOB rates were low. These observations suggested that pCOD improved heterotrophic competition for nitrite, leading to ammonia oxidation rates higher than nitrite oxidation rates. Therefore, the influent COD fractions should be tailored to achieve the desired nitrogen removal goals downstream.

Cuprous oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by the reduction of copper sulphate pentahydrate salt at different concentration using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent, polyethylene glycol-6000 as a stabilizer by simple, chemical co-precipitation methods and the effect of concentration on particle size were also studied. The crystalline size and phase of Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) were authenticated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), morphology and structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental analysis was carried out by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The concentration-dependent antimicrobial properties of Cu2O NPs were studied for a different strain of bacteria. XRD and selected area electron diffraction studies (SAED) patterns confirmed the formation of face-centered-cubic Cu2O nanoparticles with size 4.77 nm and 8.02 nm at two different concentrations of 0.01 M and 0.1 M CuSO4, respectively. SEM and TEM images showed that the nanoparticles were uniform, in the form of clusters, and homogeneously distributed. EDX confirmed that synthesized nanoparticles were in pure form having copper and oxygen ratio 3:1 based on the atomic percentage of the chemical species. Cu2O nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli). The antibacterial activities of Cu2O NPs were found to be concentration-dependents and large bactericidal effect were seen for Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria at higher concentrations of Cu2O NPs.

Enteric-coated formulations using Eudragit® polymers have been extensively used for delivering drugs to the lower gastrointestinal tract. However, these drug-delivery systems cannot accurately deliver the therapeutic cargoes to colon because of early degradation of the polymers at alkaline pH of the small intestine. Here, we describe a precise method of delivering drugs to inflammation sites in colon using an oral drug delivery system. Tacrolimus (FK506)-loaded microspheres were prepared using a thioketal-based polymer that releases drug in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are abundantly produced at the sites of inflammation in acute colitis. Orally-administered FK506-loaded thioketal microspheres (FK506-TKM) led to a substantial accumulation of FK506 in inflamed colon and effectively alleviated dextran-sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis. At the molecular level, FK506-TKM significantly inhibited infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in colon and differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th1 and Th17 cells in colon-draining mesenteric lymph nodes via restricting dendritic cell migration from colon. Our findings indicate orally-administered thioketal-based drug delivery system as a promising means of treating acute inflammatory bowel diseases.

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is instrumental for mitotic entry and progression. Plk1 is activated by phosphorylation on a conserved residue Thr210 in its activation segment by the Aurora A kinase (AURKA), a reaction that critically requires the co-factor Bora phosphorylated by a CyclinA/B-Cdk1 kinase. Here we show that phospho-Bora is a direct activator of AURKA kinase activity. We localize the key determinants of phospho-Bora function to a 100 amino acid region encompassing two short Tpx2-like motifs and a phosphoSerine-Proline motif at Serine 112, through which Bora binds AURKA. The latter substitutes in trans for the Thr288 phospho-regulatory site of AURKA, which is essential for an active conformation of the kinase domain. We demonstrate the importance of these determinants for Bora function in mitotic entry both in Xenopus egg extracts and in human cells. Our findings unveil the activation mechanism of AURKA that is critical for mitotic entry., Tavernier et al. decipher the mechanism by which the intrinsically disordered protein Bora, phosphorylated by Cyclin-Cdk, potentiates AURKA activity towards Polo-like kinase 1. Furthermore, they demonstrate the importance of this mechanism for timely mitotic entry in Xenopus and human cells.

This study explored the underlying synergy between titanium dioxide nanotube (TNT) and carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid fillers in cellulose triacetate (CTA)-based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for natural gas purification. The CNT@TNT hybrid nanofillers were blended with CTA polymer and cast as a thin film by a facile casting technique, after which they were used for single gas separation. The hybrid filler-based membrane depicted a higher CO2 uptake affinity than the single filler (CNT/TNT)-based membrane. The gas separation results indicate that the hybrid fillers (TNT@CNT) are strongly selective for CO2 over CH4 and H2 over CH4. The increment in the CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 selectivities compared to the pristine CTA membrane was 42.98 from 25.08 and 48.43 from 36.58, respectively. Similarly, the CO2 and H2 permeability of the CTA-TNT@CNT membrane increased by six- and five-fold, respectively, compared to the pristine CTA membrane. Such significant improvements in CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separation performance and thermal and mechanical properties suggest a feasible and practical approach for potential biogas upgrading and natural gas purification.

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the sole bidirectional gateway for nucleocytoplasmic transport. Despite recent progress in elucidating the NPC symmetric core architecture, the asymmetrically decorated cytoplasmic face, essential for mRNA export and a hotspot for nucleoporin-associated diseases, has remained elusive. Here, we report a composite structure of the entire human cytoplasmic face obtained by combining biochemical reconstitution, crystal structure determination, docking into cryo-electron tomographic reconstructions, and physiological validation, accounting for a third of the NPC’s mass. Whereas an evolutionarily conserved ∼540 kDa hetero-hexameric cytoplasmic filament nucleoporin complex is anchored by species-specific motifs above the central transport channel, attachment of the pentameric NUP358 bundles depends on the double-ring arrangement of the coat nucleoporin complex. Our results and the predictive power of our composite structure provide a rich foundation for elucidating the molecular basis of mRNA export and nucleoporin diseases.One sentence summaryAn interdisciplinary analysis established the near-atomic molecular architecture of the cytoplasmic face of the human nuclear pore complex.

Fis (Factor for Inversion Stimulation) is a global regulator that is highly expressed during exponential growth and undetectable in stationary growth. Quorum sensing (QS) is a global regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in response to cell density and growth phase. In V. parahaemolyticus, a marine species and a significant human pathogen, the QS regulatory sRNAs, Qrr1 to Qrr5, negatively regulate the high cell density QS master regulator OpaR. OpaR is a positive regulator of capsule polysaccharide (CPS) formation required for biofilm formation and a repressor of swarming motility. In Vibrio parahaemolyticus, we showed, using genetics and DNA binding assays, that Fis bound directly to the regulatory regions of the qrr genes and was a positive regulator of these genes. In the Δfis mutant, opaR expression was induced and a robust CPS and biofilm was produced, while swarming motility was abolished. Expression analysis and promoter binding assays showed that Fis was a direct activator of both the lateral flagellum laf operon and the surface sensing scrABC operon, both required for swarming motility. In in vitro growth competition assays, Δfis was outcompeted by wild type in minimal media supplemented with intestinal mucus, and we showed that Fis directly modulated catabolism gene expression. In in vivo colonization competition assays, Δfis was outcompeted by wild type, indicating Fis is required for fitness. Overall, these data demonstrate a direct role for Fis in QS, motility, and metabolism in V. parahaemolyticus.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we examined the role of Fis in modulating expression of the five-quorum sensing regulatory sRNAs, qrr1 to qrr5, and showed that Fis is a direct positive regulator of QS, which oppositely controls CPS and swarming motility in V. parahaemolyticus. The Δfis deletion mutant was swarming defective due to a requirement for Fis in lateral flagella and surface sensing gene expression. Thus, Fis links QS and surface sensing to control swarming motility and, indirectly, CPS production. Fis was also required for cell metabolism, acting as a direct regulator of several carbon catabolism loci. Both in vitro and in vivo competition assays showed that the Δfis mutant had a significant defect compared to wild type. Overall, our data demonstrates that Fis plays a critical role in V. parahaemolyticus physiology that was previously unexamined.

The study of the effects associated with the compatibility of the components of the hybrid filler with polymer matrix, which ultimately decide on achieving mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with better gas separation properties, is essential. Herein, a facile solution casting process of simple incorporating CeO2@GO hybrid inorganic filler material is implemented. Significant improvements in material and physico-chemical properties of the synthesized membranes were observed by SEM, XRD, TGA, and stress-strain measurements. Usage of graphene oxide (GO) with polar groups on the surface enabled forming bonds with ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles and CTA polymer and provided the homogeneous dispersion of the nanofillers in the hybrid MMMs. Moreover, increasing GO loading concentration enhanced both gas permeation in MMMs and CO2 gas uptakes. The best performance was achieved by the membrane containing 7 wt.% of GO with CO2 permeability of 10.14 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity 50.7. This increase in selectivity is almost fifteen folds higher than the CTA-CeO2 membrane sample, suggesting the detrimental effect of GO for enhancing the selectivity property of the MMMs. Hence, a favorable synergistic effect of CeO2@GO hybrid fillers on gas separation performance is observed, propounding the efficient and feasible strategy of using hybrid fillers in the membrane for the potential biogas upgrading process.

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) possess the unique properties and inherent characteristics of their component polymer and inorganic fillers, or other possible types of additives. However, the successful fabrication of compact and defect-free MMMs with a homogeneous filler distribution poses a major challenge, due to poor filler/polymer compatibility. In this study, we use two-dimensional multi-layered Ti3C2Tx MXene nanofillers to improve the compatibility and CO2/CH4 separation performance of cellulose triacetate (CTA)-based MMMs. CTA-based MMMs with TiO2-based 1D (nanotubes) and 0D (nanofillers) additives were also fabricated and tested for comparison. The high thermal stability, compact homogeneous structure, and stable long-term CO2/CH4 separation performance of the CTA-2D samples suggest the potential application of the membrane in bio/natural gas separation. The best results were obtained for the CTA-2D sample with a loading of 3 wt.%, which exhibited a 5-fold increase in CO2 permeability and 2-fold increase in CO2/CH4 selectivity, compared with the pristine CTA membrane, approaching the state-of-the-art Robeson 2008 upper bound. The dimensional (shape) effect on separation performance was determined as 2D > 1D > 0D. The use of lamellar stacked MXene with abundant surface-terminating groups not only prevents the aggregation of particles but also enhances the CO2 adsorption properties and provides additional transport channels, resulting in improved CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity. ispartof: MEMBRANES vol:12 issue:10 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

Due to the high affinity of ceria (CeO2) towards carbon dioxide (CO2) and the high thermal and mechanical properties of cellulose triacetate (CTA) polymer, mixed-matrix CTA-CeO2 membranes were fabricated. A facile solution-casting method was used for the fabrication process. CeO2 nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.32, 0.64 and 0.9 wt.% were incorporated into the CTA matrix. The physico-chemical properties of the membranes were evaluated by SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, TGA, DSC and strain-stress analysis. Gas sorption and permeation affinity were evaluated using different single gases. The CTA-CeO2 (0.64) membrane matrix showed a high affinity towards CO2 sorption. Almost complete saturation of CeO2 nanoparticles with CO2 was observed, even at low pressure. Embedding CeO2 nanoparticles led to increased gas permeability compared to pristine CTA. The highest gas permeabilities were achieved with 0.64 wt.%, with a threefold increase in CO2 permeability as compared to pristine CTA membranes. Unwanted aggregation of the filler nanoparticles was observed at a 0.9 wt.% concentration of CeO2 and was reflected in decreased gas permeability compared to lower filler loadings with homogenous filler distributions. The determined gas selectivity was in the order CO2/CH4 &gt, CO2/N2 &gt, O2/N2 &gt, H2/CO2 and suggests the potential of CTA-CeO2 membranes for CO2 separation in flue/biogas applications.

Phage therapy is one of the most promising alternatives to antibiotics as we face global antibiotic resistance crisis. However, the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of phage therapy are largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the PK/PD of a locally isolated virulent novel øKp_Pokalde_002 (Podoviridae, C1 morphotype) that infects carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(Kp56) using oral and intraperitoneal (IP) route in a mouse model. The result showed that the øKp_Pokalde_002 rapidly distributed into the systemic circulation within an hourviaboth oral and IP routes. A higher concentration of phage in plasma was found after 4 h (2.3 x 105PFU/ml) and 8 h (7.3 x 104PFU/ml) of administration through IP and oral route, respectively. The phage titer significantly decreased in the blood and other tissues, liver, kidneys, and spleen after 24 h and completely cleared after 72 h of administration. In the Kp56 infection model, the bacterial count significantly decreased in the blood and other organs by 4–7 log10CFU/ml after 24 h of øKp_Pokalde_002 administration. Elimination half-life of øKp_Pokalde_002 was relatively shorter in the presence of host-bacteria Kp56 compared to phage only, suggesting rapid clearance of phage in the presence of susceptible host. Further, administration of the øKp_Pokalde_002 alone in healthy mice (viaIP or oral) did not stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). Also, treatment with øKp_Pokalde_002 resulted in a significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) caused by bacterial infection, thereby reducing the tissue inflammation. In conclusion, the øKp_Pokalde_002 possess good PK/PD properties and can be considered as a potent therapeutic candidate for future phage therapy in carbapenem-resistantK. pneumoniaeinfections.

Antibiotics, nowadays, are not only used for the treatment of human diseases but also used in animal and poultry farming to increase production. Overuse of antibiotics leads to their circulation in the food chain due to unmanaged discharge. These circulating antibiotics and their residues are a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), so comprehensive and multifaceted measures aligning with the One Health approach are crucial to curb the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance through the food chain. Different chromatographic techniques and capillary electrophoresis (CE) are being widely used for the separation and detection of antibiotics and their residues from food samples. However, the matrix present in food samples interferes with the proper detection of the antibiotics, which are present in trace concentrations. This review is focused on the scientific literature published in the last decade devoted to the detection of antibiotics in food products. Various extraction methods are employed for the enrichment of antibiotics from a wide variety of food samples; however, solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques are often used for the extraction of antibiotics from food products and biological samples. In addition, this review has scrutinized how changing instrumental composition, organization, and working parameters in the chromatography and CE can greatly impact the identification and quantification of antibiotic residues. This review also summarized recent advancements in other detection methods such as immunological assays, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based assays, and biosensors which have emerged as rapid, sensitive, and selective tools for accurate detection and quantification of traces of antibiotics.