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[Display omitted] • Prostate tumor microenvironment, mtDNA/complement C3a positive feedback paracrine loop is actively involved in cancer-associated stromal fibroblastic co-evolution and subsequent cancer progression. • cmtDNA copy number and mutations in its genes might be considered potential prognostic biomarkers to understand the stages of cancer progression, cancer diagnosis, and treatment outcome. • Increase in cmtDNA copy number, decrease in cmtDNA size, and mutations of different mtDNA genes specifically MT-ND2, MT-ATP8, and MT-ATP6 (m.8993 T > G & m.8932C > T) are correlated with severity and progression of prostate cancer. • Such mtDNA characteristics may enhance the diagnostic and prognostic value when measured along with PSA level to determine prostate cancer stages, CRPC metastasis, and treatment outcome in comparison to PSA alone. Circulating DNAs are considered as degraded DNA fragments of approximately 50–200 bp, found in blood plasma, consisting of cell-free mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Such cell-free DNAs in the blood are found to be altered in different pathological conditions including lupus, heart disease, and malignancies. While nuclear DNAs are being used and being developed as a powerful clinical biomarker in liquid biopsies, mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) are associated with inflammatory conditions including cancer progression. Patients with cancer including prostate cancer are found to have measurable concentrations of mitochondrial DNA in circulation in comparison with healthy controls. The plasma content of mitochondrial DNA is dramatically elevated in both prostate cancer patients and mouse models treated with the chemotherapeutic drug. Cell-free mtDNA, in its oxidized form, induced a pro-inflammatory condition and activates NLRP3-mediated inflammasome formation which causes IL-1β-mediated activation of growth factors. On the other hand, interacting with TLR9, mtDNAs trigger NF-κB-mediated complement C3a positive feedback paracrine loop and activate pro-proliferating signaling through upregulating AKT, ERK, and Bcl2 in the prostate tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss the growing evidence supporting cell-free mitochondrial DNA copy number, size, and mutations in mtDNA genes as potential prognostic biomarkers in different cancers and targetable prostate cancer therapeutic candidates impacting stromal-epithelial interactions essential for chemotherapy response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photovoltaic effect plays a significant role in power generation by using solar PV modules. The two most popular types of PV panels majorly available in the market: Glass-to-Tedlar (GT) and Glass-to-Glass (G-G) type. Both G-T and G-G type of modules are rigid in structure due to the involvement of transparent glass cover on the top of the module. In order to have non rigid or flexible type of module, a module structure with aluminum as base and transparent plastic sheet at the top has been taken which is known as flexible type of PV module (F-Al). The use of plastic and aluminum makes these modules more flexible and lighter in weight as compared with G-T and G-G type of PV modules. The advantage of using F-Al PV module is that it can easily be modified into desired shapes. Initially, the mathematical modeling of F-Al PV module has been developed on Simulink. The different set of data for these three types of modules has been taken for analyzing the performance of these modules. The performance analysis of G-T type, G-G type and F-Al type of PV modules have been compared in terms of efficiency, cell temperature, daily energy production. The maximum electrical efficiency has been observed with G-G PV module. It is also observed that being with flexible nature, efficiencies of F-Al PV modules are almost comparable with G-T modules. The cell temperature of F-Al PV module and G-T PV module is found to be larger than G-G module. The daily electrical energy production was found to be more with G-G module in comparison to G-T and F-Al PV modules for a typical day in the month of April, 2019. It is also observed that due to flexible nature of F-Al module, efficiency is also converging faster towards regression line in comparison to G-G and G-T module. Further, efficiency and daily energy consumption of all three modules of PV panel are realized through artificial neural network (ANN). It is observed that least mean square error (MSE) is obtained with F-Al in comparison to G-G and G-T under the implication of ANN. Therefore, additional feature of least MSE for F-Al makes its preferable over others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, thus it was hypothesized that immunization of hens against MSTN would enhance post-hatch growth and muscle mass via suppression of MSTN activity by anti-MSTN IgY in fertilized eggs. This study investigated the effects of immunization of hens against chicken MSTN (chMSTN) or a MSTN fragment (Myo2) on the growth and muscle mass of offspring. In Experiment 1, hens mixed with roosters were divided into two groups and hens in the Control and chMSTN groups were immunized with 0 and 0.5 mg of chMSTN, respectively. In Experiment 2, hens in the chMSTN group were divided into chMSTN and Myo2 groups while the Control group remained the same. The Control and chMSTN groups were immunized in the same way as Experiment 1. The Myo2 group was immunized against MSTN peptide fragment (Myo2) conjugated to KLH. Eggs collected from each group were incubated, and chicks were reared to examine growth and carcass parameters. ELISA showed the production of IgYs against chMSTN and Myo2 and the presence of these antibodies in egg yolk. IgY from the chMSTN and Myo2 groups showed binding affinity to chMSTN, Myo2, and commercial MSTN in Western blot analysis but did not show MSTN-inhibitory capacity in a reporter gene assay. In Experiment 1, no difference was observed in the body weight and carcass parameters of offspring between the Control and chMSTN groups. In Experiment 2, the body weight of chicks from the Myo2 group was significantly lower than that of the Control or chMSTN groups. The dressing percentage and breast muscle mass of the chMSTN and Myo2 groups were significantly lower than those of the Control group, and the breast muscle mass of Myo2 was significantly lower than that of the chMSTN. In summary, in contrast to our hypothesis, maternal immunization of hens did not increase but decreased the body weight and muscle mass of offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telomere length is primarily controlled by the enzyme telomerase, but being chromatin structures, telomeres undergo epigenetic regulation for their maintenance and function. Altered telomere length among cancer cells combined with shorter telomere length in cancer-associated stromal cells, strongly implicated with progression to prostate cancer metastasis and cancer death and providing a novel target for therapeutics. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathways are well-recognized for their role in stromal-epithelial interactions responsible for prostate androgen responsiveness, promoting tumorigenesis. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We sought to establish a role for TGF-β in the regulation of telomere length in mouse and human prostate fibroblast. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based telomere length measuring methods are widely used due to their repeatability and reproducibility. Using real-time RT-PCR-based telomere length measuring method, we identified that TGF-beta regulates telomere length via increased expression of histone methyltransferase, Suv39h1, which in turn affected histone methylation levels at the telomeric ends. Moreover, treatment of DAPT and non-steroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide demonstrated that notch and androgen signaling co-operated with TGF-ß in regulating stromal telomere length. Telomere variation in tumor cells and non-tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment greatly facilitates the clinical assessment of prostate cancer; therefore, understanding stromal telomere length regulation mechanism will hold significant prospects for cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most developing countries still have various makes of petrol-driven cars dominating the overall passenger vehicle fleet. In such countries, the emission certification policy for in-use vehicles remains an area of concern, making the inspection and maintenance (I/M) program less effective. A thorough investigation of the exhaust emissions from such cars is required to explore and address this concern. This paper provides insights into the effects of vehicle variables on tailpipe emission parameters from an exclusively larger and heterogeneous dataset of in-use cars (n=1,580). Results showed that both vehicle variables such as age, mileage, emissions norm, and maintenance category, and two engine variables, i.e., aspiration type and fuel mixing conditions, had a significant and direct influence on tailpipe parameters, namely, CO, HC, CO2 , O2 , λ , and AFR (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, oxygen, lambda and air-fuel ratio respectively). Stronger correlations were found for the relatively larger (considering age, R2 for COidle=0.88 , HCidle=0.73 , λf.idle=0.74 , AFRf.idle=0.73 and considering mileage, R2 for COidle=0.75 , HCidle=0.67 , λf.idle=0.62 , AFRf.idle=0.61 for the whole dataset) and diverse make-wise (R2 values fared even better, 0.87–0.93 for CO and 0.69–0.77 for HC) data collected during the study. The present research provides a first-hand and comprehensive analysis of the effects of the stringency of emission norms and maintenance category on the exhaust emissions from in-use cars. The polynomial emission equations generated by this study can reliably predict the emission levels for CO and HC based on the age and/or mileage of cars. Further, the results recommend revised policies to upgrade the existing emission certification infrastructure and phasing out policy of cars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the heavy pollution load due to natural and anthropogenic activities, the Gomti River has been chosen to conduct this study. A total of eight parameters (pH, EC, TDS, TH, Chloride, DO, BOD, and Alkalinity) have been selected to assess the water quality. These parameters were measured at seven sampling stations (S1 to S7) for the years 2013 to 2017 in Lucknow city. The Weighted Arithmetic Index method was used to calculate the water quality index. The results of the study revealed that all of the water samples fall under the different categories of poor (50 to 75), very poor (75 to 100), and unsuitable (>100). During 2017, the recorded values of WQI were found in the range of 71.11 (minimum at S1) to 165.33 (maximum at S7), whereas in 2013 these were observed in the range of 67.90 (minimum at S1) to 143.63 (maximum at S7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study aims to identify the mediating role of demographic variables in the relationship between talent development practices and the employees' performance. The data was collected from 660 employees from hotel industry across North India, including budget and chain hotels. Partial regression analysis, was used to analyse the data. Perceived effectiveness of all five Talent development practices namely; Employee Welfare and Compensation, Training & Development, Career Advancement and Planning, and Performance Appraisal except work life balance, was found to be positively and significantly related to the Performance of Hotel employees based on their accomplishment of targets, on time, and overall performance. The study concluded that there is no significant mediating effect of demographic variables on the relationship between effectiveness of Talent development practices and performance of employees in hotels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study Cynodon dactylon leaves ethanolic extract and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were used to evaluate the anti-asthmatic activity, using various experimental in vivo and in vitro animal models. Ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon and its chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated for its anti-asthmatic activity by in vitro models (isolated guinea pig ileum preparation and isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation) in vivo models (Histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs and milk induced eosinophilia in mice model). Ethanolic extract of Cynodon dactylon and its ethyl acetate fraction at the concentration of 10 mg significantly antagonized the effect of histamine induced contraction on isolated guinea pig ileum preparation. Ethyl acetate fraction of Cynodon dactylon showed the maximum spasmolytic activity and significantly extended the latent period of convulsion as compared to standard (Ketotifen fumarate) upon histamine and acetylcholine exposure in a dose dependent manner. The study concluded that, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of Cynadon dactylon was shown significant anti-asthmatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the development and validation of a HPLC method for the quantization of Emtricitabine, Tenofovir, and Efavirenz in combined pharmaceutical formulations. The thermo C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column was used. UV detection was performed at 254 nm. The mobile phase consisted of 10mM KH2PO4: Methanol (pH 3.0 with OPA) in the ratio of 20:80v/v, at the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min in ambient temperature. The injection volume of sample was 20 μl. The validity and reliability of proposed methods were assessed by recovery studies. The recovery of added standards (80 %, 100 % and 120 %) was found at three replicate and three concentrations level. The value of % means just close to 100, SD and % RSD are less than two, indicate the accuracy of method. The Simplicity, Rapidly and Reproducibility of the proposed method completely fulfill the objective of this research work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted for the metagenomic analysis of stool samples from CRC affected individuals to identify biomarkers for CRC in Hainan, the only tropical island province of China. The gut microbiota of CRC patients differed significantly from that of healthy and reference database cohorts based on Aitchison distance and Bray–Cutis distance but there was no significant difference in alpha diversity. Furthermore, at the species level, 68 species were significantly altered including 37 CRC-enriched, such as, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Gemella morbillorum, Citrobacter portucalensis, Alloprevotella sp., Shigella sonnei, Coriobacteriaceae bacterium, etc. Sixty-seven different metabolic pathways were acquired, and pathways involved in the synthesis of many amino acids were significantly declined. Besides, 2 identified antibiotic resistance genes performed well (area under the receive-operation curve AUC = 0.833, 95% CI 58.51–100%) compared with virulence factor genes. The results of the present study provide region-specific bacterial and functional biomarkers of gut microbiota for CRC patients in Hainan. Microbiota is considered as a non-invasive biomarker for the detection of CRC. Gut microbiota of different geographic regions should be further studied to expand the understanding of markers, especially for the China cohort due to diverse nationalities and lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive monitoring of urban air pollution is paramount to better understand and work towards ameliorating hazardous air quality level in urban centres of India. This study aims at developing a multispectral empirical model useful in estimating the concentration of particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres (μm) or less in diameter (PM2.5) on a city-wide scale using Landsat 8 satellite's data over the metropolis of Delhi, India. The data pertaining to PM2.5 mass concentration as well as meteorological parameters like relative humidity and temperature were taken from the field observation stations of the Central Pollution Control Board in New Delhi conform to the date of data collection from Landsat 8 satellite. The ambient reflectance in the visible spectrum bands was measured and compared with the in-situ concentration of PM2.5 and the meteorological evidence acquired from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The correlation coefficient and root mean square error value were utilized to analyse the feasibility of the algorithm proposed. It can be concluded from the results that the aforementioned multispectral PM2.5 model can predict particulate matter concentrations with an adequate level of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal-epithelial interactions dictate cancer progression and therapeutic response. Prostate cancer (PCa) cells were identified to secrete greater concentration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) compared to noncancer epithelia. Based on the recognized coevolution of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) with tumor progression, we tested the role of cancer-derived mtDNA in a mechanism of paracrine signaling. We found that prostatic CAF expressed DEC205, which was not expressed by normal tissue-associated fibroblasts. DEC205 is a transmembrane protein that bound mtDNA and contributed to pattern recognition by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). Complement C3 was the dominant gene targeted by TLR9-induced NF-κB signaling in CAF. The subsequent maturation complement C3 maturation to anaphylatoxin C3a was dependent on PCa epithelial inhibition of catalase in CAF. In a syngeneic tissue recombination model of PCa and associated fibroblast, the antagonism of the C3a receptor and the fibroblastic knockout of TLR9 similarly resulted in immune suppression with a significant reduction in tumor progression, compared to saline-treated tumors associated with wild-type prostatic fibroblasts. Interestingly, docetaxel, a common therapy for advanced PCa, further promoted mtDNA secretion in cultured epithelia, mice, and PCa patients. The antiapoptotic signaling downstream of anaphylatoxin C3a signaling in tumor cells contributed to docetaxel resistance. The inhibition of C3a receptor sensitized PCa epithelia to docetaxel in a synergistic manner. Tumor models of human PCa epithelia with CAF expanded similarly in mice in the presence or absence of docetaxel. The combination therapy of docetaxel and C3 receptor antagonist disrupted the mtDNA/C3a paracrine loop and restored docetaxel sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic changes that drive cancer initiation and progression contribute to the co-evolution of the adjacent stroma. The nature of the stromal reprogramming involves differential DNA methylation patterns and levels that change in response to the tumor and systemic therapeutic intervention. Epigenetic reprogramming in carcinomaassociated fibroblasts are robust biomarkers for cancer progression and have a transcriptional impact that support cancer epithelial progression in a paracrine manner. For prostate cancer, promoter hypermethylation and silencing of the RasGAP, RASAL3 that resulted in the activation of Ras signaling in carcinoma-associated fibroblasts. Stromal Ras activity initiated a process of macropinocytosis that provided prostate cancer epithelia with abundant glutamine for metabolic conversion to fuel its proliferation and a signal to transdifferentiate into a neuroendocrine phenotype. This epigenetic oncogenic metabolic/signaling axis seemed to be further potentiated by androgen receptor signaling antagonists and contributed to therapeutic resistance. Intervention of stromal signaling may complement conventional therapies targeting the cancer cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty seven horses irrespective of age, sex and breed presented over a period of 10 months, at Teaching Veterinary Hospital, GADVASU were taken into study. On presentation, history about feeding practices, change in feed, extent of exercise, previous medical problem, foaling, stage of pregnancy and any other managemental change were recorded. Lack of proper deworming (55.3 %) was the main risk factor associated with colic followed by change in feeding practices (27.6 %), periparturient period (21.2 %), change in extent of work (14.9 %) and previous history of colic (10.6 %). After final diagnosis, all the cases were finally categorised into 4 groups viz; Impaction, inflammatory, spasmodic and miscellaneous. Impaction (36.1 %) and inflammatory (36.1 %) were the most common cause of colic followed by miscellaneous (14.8 %) and spasmodic (13 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • We monitored PM levels pre and post odd-even driving scheme in Delhi city, India. • We find that the scheme has reduced the PM 2.5 and PM 1 levels at traffic corridors. • The reduction of PM 1 is found higher than that of PM 2.5 during the days of scheme. • We find gross non-conformance towards NAAQS values for PM at traffic corridors. • Timely implementation of more stringent emission norms need to be ensured in Delhi. Abstract According to a global survey of 1600 cities by WHO in 2015, Delhi was found to be the most polluted city in the world, highlighting immediate need to bring in appropriate and effective measures to ensure a healthy air quality throughout the city. In a bid to do so, the odd-even driving scheme was implemented a few years ago in Delhi city on a trial basis requiring the vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers to run on alternative days with effect from 1st January 2016. Applied for the very first time in India and lasting on a pilot basis for 15 days and also referred to as Phase 1 of implementation, the scheme ended on 15th January 2016 with primary goal of assessing the extent to which such a scheme could serve as an effective measure to bring down and control the excessively high ambient air pollution levels. Other associated benefits, which the study considered, were decongestion of city roads, and promoting use of public transport system and carpooling, besides other alternative modes of transport. The paper presents a comparative analysis of particulate matter concentrations recorded before and during the implementation of odd-even scheme of Phase 1 for three key traffic corridors of the city. The study reports an average reduction of PM 2.5 of 5.73% and that of PM 1.0 of 4.70% in the ambient air across all the corridors during the days of implementation of scheme, which depicts a small but positive impact of the measure adopted towards abatement of urban air pollution in the megacity of Delhi. Capsule: The study finds that the odd-even driving scheme can help to reduce particulate matter levels compared to non-scheme days at traffic corridors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is an androgen-dependent disease subject to interactions between the tumor epithelium and its microenvironment. Here, we found that epigenetic changes in prostatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) initiated a cascade of stromal-epithelial interactions. This facilitated lethal prostate cancer growth and development of resistance to androgen signaling deprivation therapy (ADT). We identified a Ras inhibitor, RASAL3, as epigenetically silenced in human prostatic CAF, leading to oncogenic Ras activity driving macropinocytosis-mediated glutamine synthesis. Interestingly, ADT further promoted RASAL3 epigenetic silencing and glutamine secretion by prostatic fibroblasts. In an orthotopic xenograft model, subsequent inhibition of macropinocytosis and glutamine transport resulted in antitumor effects. Stromal glutamine served as a source of energy through anaplerosis and as a mediator of neuroendocrine differentiation for prostate adenocarcinoma. Antagonizing the uptake of glutamine restored sensitivity to ADT in a castration-resistant xenograft model. In validating these findings, we found that prostate cancer patients on ADT with therapeutic resistance had elevated blood glutamine levels compared with those with therapeutically responsive disease (odds ratio = 7.451, P = 0.02). Identification of epigenetic regulation of Ras activity in prostatic CAF revealed RASAL3 as a sensor for metabolic and neuroendocrine reprogramming in prostate cancer patients failing ADT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road transport emission has been on continuous rise due to revolution in the automobile industry and public mobility demand. Emissions from motor vehicles have been one of the primary pollution sources in the metropolitan area of Delhi having a noticeable impact on ambient air quality. Volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and carbonyl compounds are the major organic pollutants in urban environment. This objective of this study was to estimate the emission and concentration of Benzene, Total PAHs, and Total VOCs at 36 urban transport corridors of Delhi city. After analyzing the traffic scenario as well as toxic vehicular pollutants at all the transport corridor, the highest emission and concentration of Benzene, Total PAHs, and Total VOCs was found at ITO Bridge (3.71 Kg/Day; 13.86 µg/m3), ISBT Flyover (86.22 Kg/Day; 322.12 µg/m3) and Nizamuddin Bridge (516.44 Kg/day; 1929.33 µg/m3) respectively, whereas the Auchandi Road transport corridor showed the lowest emission as well as concentration of Benzene (0.21 Kg/Day; 0.78 µg/m3) and VOCs (26.91 Kg/day; 100.53 µg/m3). Due to comparatively very less traffic and restriction on the entry of heavy vehicles at Sansad Marg transport corridor, very low emission and concentration of PAH (11.31 Kg/day; 42.27 µg/m3) was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the air pollution and noise generated from fireworks are related to air quality and human health, the regulatory bodies had implemented the eco-friendly "Green Crackers" in megacity Delhi, India, to celebrate Diwali 2019 with the permission of a specific time slot (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.). The present study was conducted on a residential educational institute campus to evaluate the particle number size distribution (PNSD) of green cracker emissions. During the Diwali event period, the high peak of particle number concentration (PNC) reached 1.7 × 105 # cm−3 with a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of ∼44 nm. The average PNC increment on Diwali day was 138% and 97% compared to pre (October 26, 2019) and post (October 28, 2019) Diwali period, respectively, including 468%, 142%, 65%, 75% on pre-Diwali and 485%, 110%, 32%, 26% on post- Diwali 2019 period in terms of Nucleation mode (10 nm < D p < 20 nm), Small Aitken mode (20 nm < D p < 50 nm), Large Aitken mode (50 nm < D p < 100 nm), and Accumulation mode (100 nm < D p < 1000 nm), respectively. Unlike traditional firework emissions, green crackers had a high UFP/N total ratio of 0.72, including Nucleation mode-0.35, Aitken mode-0.30, and Accumulation mode 0.35, distinguishing it from other pre-and post-Diwali particle number size distribution-dN/dlogDp curves. These observations indicate that green crackers emit more particles with smaller diameters than traditional crackers. Recommendations for using green crackers for Diwali celebrations may be an option if lower size-diameter particle emission could be controlled by changing the material composition of the green crackers. More research studies need to be conducted to assess atmospheric emissions of green crackers and their health impacts to evaluate whether they are better or worse than traditional crackers. [Display omitted] • Green crackers emit more particles on the lower size diameter when compared to traditional crackers. • UFP/N total ratio is higher than 0.7, while traditional fireworks have <0.6. • Green Crackers for Diwali celebrations could be an alternative in years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study inspects the traffic-induced gaseous emission dispersion characteristics from the urban roadside sites in Delhi, India. The concentration of pollutants viz. CO, NO 2 and SO 2 along with traffic and ambient atmospheric conditions at five selected local urban road sites were simultaneously measured. A developed General Finite Line Source Model (GFLSM) was used to predict the local roadside CO, NO 2 and SO 2 concentrations. A comparison of the observed and predicted values emission parameters using GFLS model has shown that the predicted values for SO 2 , CO and NO 2 at all the selected local urban roadside locations are found to lie within the error bands of 5%, 6%, and 7% respectively. A high level of agreement was found between the monitored and estimated CO, NO 2 and SO 2 concentration data. From the study, it has also been established that the developed model exhibits the capability of reasonably predicting the characteristics of gaseous pollutants dispersion from on-road vehicles for the urban city air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities around the globe are urbanizing at a fast rate and are facing the critical challenges of managing economic development and inclusive growth. This scenario is particularly troublesome in developing countries where secondary cities are growing at an unprecedented rate but lack the institutional capacity to manage urbanization. Secondary cities are tier II cities below primary cities in the urban hierarchy. To examine the unique challenges and opportunities facing secondary cities, we trace Pune's urban growth. Pune is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra, India and is emerging as an industrial and educational hub. The presence of large industrial and educational sectors has resulted in massive urban population growth, including a large migrant population from rural areas. This massive growth is straining Pune's critical infrastructures. First, we trace Pune's urban history in terms of social, economic, administrative, and environmental planning and development. Second, we examine key urban challenges faced by the city. We find that while the city of Pune is moving towards becoming a megacity, it still has a chance to change its trajectory to become one that is more sustainable, equitable, and just. However, to evolve into a sustainable and equitable city, Pune's urban planners need to pay careful attention to several urbanization issues. This profile offers insights regarding the unique challenges faced by secondary cities in developing countries and discusses policy implications to transform secondary cities into catalysts for economic growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delhi has a population of 16.75 million and is increasing at a rapid rate. This increase in population has enhanced the need for public transport. In Delhi, this need for public transport is served mainly by buses, auto rickshaws, a rapid transit system, taxis and suburban railways. Delhi has one of the highest road densities in India. Buses are the most popular means of transport catering to about 60% of the total demand. In order to meet the transport demand in Delhi, the State and the Union government started the construction of a mass rapid transit system, including the Delhi Metro. By the application of various data and public response, the paper accentuates the qualitative discussion on impacts of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) corridor on land use and social aspects of lives of residents and road users. It also proposes certain mitigating measures for that meticulous condition. The analysis and survey outcome explain about the exceeded level of noise level as compared to CPCB standards. The share of public transport in total noise pollution is smaller than private but still exceeds the standards. Such problem demands the design of noise barrier along the corridor to curb the noise pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is increasing interest in phytoestrogens as potential alternatives to synthetic selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in the prevention and therapy of breast cancer. The present study is aimed at determining whether dietary glycine soya (Glycine max seeds; GS), which is rich in phytoestrogens, can enhance the anti breast cancer efficacy of the SERM tamoxifen (TAM) and the effect of TAM and GS, either alone or in combination, on DMBA-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis in rat. For determination of enhancing effect, rats bearing palpable 7, 12-dimethylbenz[α] anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors were treated with TAM (10mgkg−1/day) while being fed AIN-93G diet with or without added GS (3×104 mgkg−1), and the tumor growth was monitored up to 5weeks of treatment. For determining the effect on hepatocarcinogenesis, DMBA-initiated rats were exposed to TAM and dietary GS as above for 6weeks during promotion stage in a medium-term bioassay, and the development of placental form of glutathione-S-transferase (GST-P)-expressing preneoplastic liver lesions was quantified. Exposure to both TAM and dietary GS enhanced the anti tumor efficacy of TAM via a combination of tumor cell apoptosis (determined by TUNEL) and inhibition of tumor cell proliferation (determined by PCNA immunostaining) and suppressed the growth of GST-P-positive liver lesions. The findings show that dietary GS enhances the therapeutic efficacy of TAM against mammary tumors and minimizes TAM’s hepatocarcinogenesis promotion potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A 20-mer single-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ssODNs) was covalently probed onto the nanocomposite electrode, made up of an indium-tin oxide (ITO) glass surface coated with chitosan (CHIT), which is bonded with carboxyl functionalized thiol capped gold nanoparticles (gold-mercaptopropionic acid, Au-MPA NPs). The prepared CHIT/Au-MPA/ITO and the ssODNs/CHIT/Au-MPA/ITO electrodes were characterized with FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). TEM micrograph of the composite electrode showed that Au-MPA NPs had the diameter ranging from 4 to 16nm. The ssODNs/CHIT/Au-MPA/ITO electrode showed a linear increase in the amperometric current with an increasing concentration of the single-stranded target complementary ODNs (cODNs) within the range of 0.03–325fM. The ssODNs/CHIT/Au-MPA/ITO electrode exhibited a sensitivity of 0.572μA/fM with a response time of 12s. The ssODNs/CHIT/Au-MPA/ITO electrode had a shelf life of ∼182 days, when stored at 4°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Centchroman is a non-steroidal oral contraceptive and has been found to be a candidate drug for breast cancer exhibiting partial to complete remission of lesions in 40.5% of breast cancer patients. The therapeutic efficacy of centchroman was monitored alone and together with glycine soya on growth of 7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene-induced breast tumor in rat. The tumor regression was monitored at different doses of centchroman alone ranging from 0 to 10mgkg−1 and with glycine soya from 1×104 to 5×104 mgkg−1 per day until 5weeks treatment. An optimum tumor treatment opus was established with varying treatment parameters including doses of therapeutic agents and treatment period. The tumors were found to be static with a strong anti-estrogenic effect. Overall our study shows that both centchroman and glycine soya alone and jointly combat with breast cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Isoniazid (INH) is a first-line antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However it has a serious limitation of being hepatotoxic. Delineating the mechanism underlying INH-induced hepatotoxicity may be beneficial in devising ways to counteract its toxic manifestations. Studies in human hepatoma HepG2 cells have indicated that INH exposure causes induction of apoptosis. This study was aimed at identifying the key components/pathways of the INH-induced apoptotic pathway using HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of INH (6.5, 13, 26, and 52 mM). Hydrogen peroxide (0.3 mM) served as positive control. After incubating for specific time intervals cells were harvested and evidences of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were sought. The findings indicated that INH exposure causes increased ROS generation along with alteration in levels of enzymatic antioxidants such as Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, and Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase. Altered Bcl-2/Bax content, cytochrome- c translocation, caspase activation, and DNA fragmentation emphasized involvement of apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is amongst a family of evolutionarily conserved enzymes, involved in a multi-turnover process that results in NO as a product. The significant role of NO in various pathological and physiological processes has created an interest in this enzyme from several perspectives. This study describes for the first time, cloning and expression of a NOS-like protein, baNOS, from Bacillus anthracis, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for causing anthrax. baNOS was expressed in Escherichia coli as a soluble and catalytically active enzyme. Homology models generated for baNOS indicated that the key structural features that are involved in the substrate and active site interaction have been highly conserved. Further, the behavior of baNOS in terms of heme–substrate interactions and heme-transitions was studied in detail. The optical perturbation spectra of the heme domain demonstrated that the ligands perturb the heme site in a ligand specific manner. baNOS forms a five-coordinate, high-spin complex with l-arginine analogs and a six-coordinate low-spin complex with inhibitor imidazole. Studies indicated that the binding of l-arginine, N ω-hydroxy-l-arginine, and imidazole produces various spectroscopic species that closely correspond to the equivalent complexes of mammalian NOS. The values of spectral binding constants further corroborated these results. The overall conservation of the key structural features and the correlation of heme–substrate interactions in baNOS and mammalian NOS, thus, point towards an interesting phenomenon of convergent evolution. Importantly, the NO generated by NOS of mammalian macrophages plays a potent role in antimicrobicidal activity. Because of the existence of high structural and behavioral similarity between mammalian NOS and baNOS, we propose that NO produced by B. anthracis may also have a pivotal pathophysiological role in anthrax infection. Therefore, this first report of characterization of a NOS-like protein from a pathogenic bacterium opens up avenues for further studies in understanding the importance of this protein in pathogenicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The inspection/maintenance programmes exist in most countries, aiming at vehicular emission reduction through exhaust emission monitoring and compliance policy to the extant norms. However, considering the absence of an intra-vehicle approach, the higher success rate of vehicles towards compliance policy remains a grey area. The paper attempts to examine this issue through the application of an exhaust emission index (EEI) for petrol-driven cars. The study observed two different scales finding that the Bharat Stage emission norm scale method reports lower ranges of EEI compared with the linear scale (LS) method (EEImin-BSNS = 1.12 and EEImin-LS = 1.25; EEImax-BSNS = 20.70 and EEImax-LS = 29.54). The LS method and the maximum operator form of aggregation are recommended as these can find the highest number of non-compliant cars (21.81% and 12.03% of the 'poor' class, respectively) in the whole fleet tested. The EEI gives a more scientific approach to vehicular emission evaluation, like what the air quality index does in the case of the ambient air quality. It helps vehicle owners know their car's emission status as a quick reference index (EEI). The accurate status of such emission further helps the policymakers affect the better phasing-out norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chitooligosaccharide (COS) and chlorella polysaccharide (CPS) have been used as feed supplements in the poultry industry for improving growth performance and immunity. However, the benefits of these prebiotics on the gut health of chickens when used in early nutrition are unknown. This study evaluated the effects of in ovo feeding of COS and CPS on the cecal microbiome, metabolic pathways, and fermentation metabolites of chickens. A total of 240 fertile eggs were divided into 6 groups (n =4; 10 eggs/replicate): 1) noinjection control, 2) normal saline control, 3) COS 5 mg, 4) COS 20 mg, 5) CPS 5 mg, and 6) CPS 20 mg injection. On day 12.5 of egg incubation, test substrate was injected into the amniotic sac of eggs in respective treatments. The hatched chicks were raised for 21 D under standard husbandry practices. On day 3 and 21, cecal digesta were collected to determine microbiota by shotgun metagenomic sequencing and short-chain fatty acids by gas chromatography. The cecal microbial composition was not different (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups on day 3 but was different (P < 0.05) on day 21. At the species level, the polysaccharide-utilizing bacteria including Lactobacillus johnsonii, Bacteroides coprocola, and Bacteroides salanitronis were higher in the COS group, whereas the relative abundance of some opportunistic pathogenic bacteria were lower than those in the CPS and control groups. At the functional level, the pathways of gluconeogenesis, L-isoleucine degradation, Lhistidine biosynthesis, and fatty acid biosynthesis were enriched in the COS group. In addition, propionic acid content was higher (P < 0.05) in the COS group. A network based on the correlation between the COS and other factors was constructed to illuminate the potential action mechanism of the COS in chicken early nutrition. In conclusion, in ovo inoculation of COS 5 mg showed positive effects on the cecal microbiota, metabolic pathways, and propionic acid, thus can be used as in ovo feeding to modulate the gut health of chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness and cost implications are always top factors for policy makers while deciding upon the appropriate air pollution abatement measures. The present study aimed to understand the actual particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) patterns during different phases of COVID-19 lockdown periods and depict their spatial distributions covering the 36 major areas in Delhi, India. Drastic visible reduction in both the pollutants was found during lockdown phase 1 and 2. Average PM2.5 reductions of 41.97%, 39.24%, 56.04%, and 56.77% were recorded comparing lockdown and/or study period with the years 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, respectively. Similar average reduction of PM10 to the magnitude of 51.72%, 48.95%, 48.24%, and 49.00% was found for the referred years. However, the reduction during the before-lockdown period of 2018 and 2019 and the year 2020 did not follow such radical reduction returning the values for PM2.5 as 7.66–14.88% and that for PM10 as 12.86–20.67%. The geospatial maps generated for Delhi city followed the similar findings at macro level depicting huge reduction in PM distribution classes for the study period. For instance, the percent surface area under "moderately high" polluted due to PM2.5 came down to 0.61 during lockdown phase 2 from 13.96 during January 2020. Further, about 15 of the 36 locations reported compliance to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for either of the pollutants during the study period. Nevertheless, such reductions are short-lived because the levels went up again in the years 2021 and 2022 (except similar lockdowns) as the situation got back to normal daily life activities postlockdown. Although, lockdown may be imposed in case of severe ambient air quality in a densely populated megacity like Delhi, it remains a temporary or quick-fix solution, to be looked as a last line of defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a set of infectious diseases that primarily affect low-income countries situated near the equator. Effective diagnostic tools hold the key to stemming the spread of these infectious diseases. However, specificity is a major concern associated with current diagnostic protocols. In this regard, electrochemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) biosensors could play a crucial role, as highlighted by renewed interest in their research. The purpose of this study was to highlight the current scenario for the design and development of biosensors for the detection of NTDs related pathogens. This review highlights the different types of factors involved and the modifications used to enhance sensor properties. Design/methodology/approach: The authors discuss the potential of electrochemical DNA biosensors as efficient, affordable diagnostic tools for the detection of pathogens associated with NTDs by reviewing available literature. This study discusses the biosensor components, mainly the probe selection and type of electrodes used, and their potential to improve the overall design of the biosensor. Further, this study analyses the different nanomaterials used in NTD-based electrochemical DNA biosensors and discusses how their incorporation could improve the overall sensitivity and specificity of the biosensor design. Finally, this study examines the impact such techniques could have in the future on mass screening of NTDs. Findings: The findings provide an in-depth analysis of electrochemical DNA biosensors for the detection of pathogens associated with NTDs. Originality/value: This review provides an update on the different types and modifications of DNA biosensors that have been designed for the diagnosis of NTD-related pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realizing the dominance of petrol-driven passenger cars of MUL over the fleet of cars in India, a case study of different models of petrol-driven passenger cars of Maruti reporting at an authorized service station of M/s R.K.B.K. Automobiles, Gorakhpur was taken up and the tailpipe emissions along with individual vehicle-related parameters were monitored for idle and fast idle test conditions. The outcome of the study relating to the effect of various vehicle-related parameters on CO and HC emissions of petrol-driven passenger cars of Maruti has led to the useful inferences, which can be used not only for predicting the emission of vehicles with respect to vehicle age and mileage, but also for automobile manufacturing sector to help them produce such environmentally benign petrol-driven passenger cars having long-lasting compliance of pollution control systems with respect to vehicle age and mileage of the petrol-driven passenger cars in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic and chromium are the most common environmental toxicants prevailing in nature. Hence, the present study endeavors to investigate the salutary effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Biochanin A (BCA), and Phloretin (PHL) on the combined neurotoxic impact of arsenic and chromium in the Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Sodium meta-arsenite (100 ppm) and potassium dichromate (75 ppm) were given orally in conjugation with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg), BCA & PHL (50 mg/kg each) in accordance with body weight per day for the 2 weeks experimental duration. Weight reduction was figured out in the exposed toxic group of arsenic and chromium in contrast with the comparison group (control), and with the selected anti-oxidants treatment, it rose significantly to the basal status (p < 0.05). The concentration of arsenic and chromium was reduced significantly (p < 0.001) amidst all the natural compounds co-medicated groups. Anti-oxidant indicators, viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl content (PCC), were found elevated, with reduction observed in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione s-transferase (GST), and total thiols (TT) in the arsenic and chromium, co-exposed mice. The alterations in redox homeostasis were well corroborated with the estimations of cholinesterase's enzymes (p < 0.05) along with DNA fragmentation assay and altered Nrf2 signaling. The administration of CoQ10, BCA, and PHL ameliorated the effects of arsenic and chromium induced oxidative stress in the exposed mice. Our research unfolds the remedial outcome of these natural compounds contrary to the combined arsenic and chromium associated-neurotoxicity in the experimental model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic and chromium are the most common environmental toxicants prevailing in nature. Hence, the present study endeavors to investigate the salutary effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Biochanin A (BCA), and Phloretin (PHL) on the combined neurotoxic impact of arsenic and chromium in the Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Sodium meta-arsenite (100 ppm) and potassium dichromate (75 ppm) were given orally in conjugation with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg), BCA & PHL (50 mg/kg each) in accordance with body weight per day for the 2 weeks experimental duration. Weight reduction was figured out in the exposed toxic group of arsenic and chromium in contrast with the comparison group (control), and with the selected anti-oxidants treatment, it rose significantly to the basal status (p < 0.05). The concentration of arsenic and chromium was reduced significantly (p < 0.001) amidst all the natural compounds co-medicated groups. Anti-oxidant indicators, viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl content (PCC), were found elevated, with reduction observed in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione s-transferase (GST), and total thiols (TT) in the arsenic and chromium, co-exposed mice. The alterations in redox homeostasis were well corroborated with the estimations of cholinesterase's enzymes (p < 0.05) along with DNA fragmentation assay and altered Nrf2 signaling. The administration of CoQ10, BCA, and PHL ameliorated the effects of arsenic and chromium induced oxidative stress in the exposed mice. Our research unfolds the remedial outcome of these natural compounds contrary to the combined arsenic and chromium associated-neurotoxicity in the experimental model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Understanding the mechanism underlying the regulation of the androgen receptor (AR), a central player in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), holds promise for overcoming the challenge of treating CRPC. We demonstrate that the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 targets a select pool of NCOR1-bound, transcriptionally-inactive AR for ubiquitin-dependent degradation, thereby promoting expression of select AR target genes implicated in lipid metabolism, cell motility, and proliferation. Siah2 is required for prostate cancer cell growth under androgen-deprivation conditions in vitro and in vivo, and Siah2 inhibition promotes prostate cancer regression upon castration. Notably, Siah2 expression is markedly increased in human CRPCs. Collectively, we find that selective regulation of AR transcriptional activity by the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 is important for CRPC development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Despite the unquestionable public health benefits of immunization, rare incidents of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) remain a cause of concern. Following few deaths after vaccination in a village of Jharkhand, India, an epidemiological investigation was carried out by the experts of a medical college to find out the cause of deaths and recommend state health further to prevent such incidences in future. Materials and Methods: The epidemiological investigation was conducted as a field study which comprised of observational visit of the AEFI site, key interviews of all stakeholders, verbal autopsy and desk review of all related documents to immunization. All relevant laboratory and autopsy investigations were done to exclude or include all possible causes. Results: On investigation, it was noted that there were five children who developed symptoms of severe gastro-enteritis within six hours of vaccination out of the total thirteen vaccines from the single immunization site and four of them died within 24 hr of vaccination suggestive of features of Toxic shock syndrome. All had a common exposure of Measles vaccine and Vitamin A giving hint towards contamination of vaccine during reconstitution or administration of vaccine. In autopsy findings, there was no external injury reported and the laboratory findings of vaccine vial didn't reveal any significant findings. The attack rate of the event was 100% and case fatality rate was 80%. Conclusion: From investigation, it was concluded that the events are due to Immunization error related reaction (a type of AEFI) and causality association tool also classified the event to be consistent causal association to immunization. There is dire need of refresher training for service providers on various aspects of AEFI to avoid recurrences of such events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhagic cystitis is an inflammatory and ulcerative bladder condition associated with systemic chemotherapeutics, like cyclophosphomide. Earlier, we reported reactive oxygen species resulting from cyclophosphamide metabolite, acrolein, causes global methylation followed by silencing of DNA damage repair genes. Ogg1 (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase) is one such silenced base excision repair enzyme that can restore DNA integrity. The accumulation of DNA damage results in subsequent inflammation associated with pyroptotic death of bladder smooth muscle cells. We hypothesized that reversing inflammasome-induced imprinting in the bladder smooth muscle could prevent the inflammatory phenotype. Elevated recruitment of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b to the Ogg1 promoter in acrolein treated bladder muscle cells was validated by the pattern of CpG methylation revealed by bisulfite sequencing. Knockout of Ogg1 in detrusor cells resulted in accumulation of reactive oxygen mediated 8-Oxo-dG and spontaneous pyroptotic signaling. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), restored Ogg1 expression in cells treated with acrolein and mice treated with cyclophosphamide superior to the standard of care, mesna or nicotinamide-induced DNA demethylation. SAHA restored cyclophosphamide-induced bladder pathology to that of untreated control mice. The observed epigenetic imprinting induced by inflammation suggests a new therapeutic target for the treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic congenital nystagmus (ICN) is the most common form of oculomotor disorder characterized by involuntary bilateral ocular oscillations. Primarily the disease is an ocular anomaly but the pathophysiology is associated with neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics in the brain. In the current study, a three generation North Indian family affected with X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus (XLICN) was recruited. Our aim was to identify the causal mutation for ICN in the family by screening the candidate gene, FERM domain containing-7 ( FRMD7 ). This gene has been implicated in XLICN as it regulates neuronal cytoskeletal proteins and neurite outgrowth in the developing brain. Therefore, the entire protein coding region, including splice junctions, 5′ UTR and 3′ UTR of FRMD7 was screened by PCR-Sanger sequencing. Targeted sequencing revealed a novel A to G transition in the exon seven (c.556A > G), resulting in a conservative substitution of methionine by valine at codon 186 (p.M186V). A cohort of healthy individuals was also checked for presence of the putative causal variant by allele specific PCR. All the affected males and carriers in the family shared this variant; however, this was absent in the unaffected males as well as 100 unrelated healthy individuals. Further, protein homology modeling revealed that the change p.M186V might destabilize the interaction between the FERM-M and FERM-C domains. The in silico prediction supports pathogenicity of the mutation; nevertheless it needs in vivo validation in the future. This is the first genetic investigation of XLICN in a North Indian family where we report a novel causal mutation c.556A > G (p.M186V) in the gene FRMD7 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoesterases are involved in the degradation of organophosphorus compounds. Although phosphomonoesterases and phosphotriesterases have been studied in detail, studies on phosphodiesterases are rather limited. In our search to find novel phosphodiesterases using metagenomic approach, we cloned a gene encoding a putative phosphodiesterase (PdeM) from the metagenome of the formation water collected from an Indian coal bed. Bioinformatic analysis showed that PdeM sequence possessed the characteristic signature motifs of the class III phosphodiesterases and phylogenetic study of PdeM enabled us to identify three distinct subclasses (A, B, and C) within class III phosphodiesterases, PdeM clustering in new subclass IIIB. Bioinformatic, biochemical and biophysical characterization of PdeM further revealed some of the characteristic features of the phosphodiesterases belonging to newly described subclass IIIB. PdeM is a monomer of 29.3 kDa, which exhibits optimum activity at 25°C and pH 8.5, but low affinity for bis(pNPP) as well as pNPPP. The recombinant PdeM possessed phosphodiesterase, phosphonate-ester hydrolase and nuclease activity. It lacked phosphomonoesterase, phosphotriesterase, and RNAse activities. Overexpression of PdeM in E.coli neither affected catabolite respression nor did the recombinant protein hydrolyzed cAMP in vitro, indicating its inability to hydrolyze cAMP. Although Mn2+ was required for the activity of PdeM, but addition of metals (Mn2+ or Fe3+) did not induce oligomerization. Further increase in concentration of Mn2+ upto 3 mM, increased α-helical content as well as the phosphodiesterase activity. Structural comparison of PdeM with its homologs showed that it lacked critical residues required for dimerization, cAMP hydrolysis, and for the high affinity binding of bis(pNPP). PdeM, thus, is a novel representative of new subclass of class III phosphodiesterases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Azospirillum brasilense harbors two redox-sensitive Zinc-binding anti-sigma (ZAS) factors (ChrR1 and ChrR2), which negatively regulate the activity of their cognate extra-cytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factors (RpoE1 and RpoE2) by occluding their binding to the core enzyme. Both pairs of RpoE-ChrR control responses to photooxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the two RpoE-ChrR pairs cross-talk while responding to the stress. Results: In silico analysis showed a high sequence similarity between ChrR1 and ChrR2 proteins, but differences in redox sensitivity. Using in silico and in vitro methods of protein-protein interaction, we have shown that both ChrR1 and ChrR2 proteins physically bind to their noncognate RpoE proteins. Restoration of the phenotypes of chrR1::Tn5 and chrR2::Km mutants related to carotenoid biosynthesis and photooxidative stress tolerance by expressing chrR1 or chrR2 provided in vivo evidence for the cross-talk. In addition, up- or down-regulation of several identical proteins by expressing chrR1 or chrR2 in the chrR1::Tn5 mutant provided another in vivo evidence for the cross-talk. Innovation: Although multiple redox-sensitive ZAS anti-σ factors occur in some Gram-positive bacteria, no cross-talk is reported among them. We report here, for the first time, that the two ZAS anti-σ factors of A. brasilense also interact with their noncognate σ factors and affect gene expression. Conclusion: The two redox-sensitive ZAS anti-σ factors in A. brasilense may interact with their cognate as well as noncognate ECF σ factors to play an important role in redox homeostasis by facilitating recovery from the oxidative stress. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 20, 42-59. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the particle number concentrations and size distributions in the ultrafine and fine-sized regimes over a polluted megacity, New Delhi (28.75° N, 77.12° E), India. The experiments were conducted during the periods (April–May 2020) of strict social and travel restrictions (lockdown) imposed by the Government of India aiming to contain the spread of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The different phases of the COVID-19 lockdown witnessed restrictions of varying magnitudes with the significant cessation of anthropogenic sources, viz. , industrial, road, railways, and air traffic emissions. Using this unique opportunity, the impact of varying urban emissions on particle number size distributions and new particle formation events were examined. The mean total number concentrations were in the range of ~ (2–3.5) x 104 cm−3 and depicted a gradual increase (~26%) with progressive unlock of the anthropogenic activities. At the same time, accumulation particle concentrations were doubled. However, ultrafine particles (UFP) (diameter < 100 nm) dominated (50–88%) the total number concentrations during most of the days and several new particle formation (NPF) events resulting in elevated (2–5 fold) UFP concentrations were observed. Subsequently, the particles grew to larger sizes with rates ~3.31–8.37 nm h−1. The NPF events occurred during the daytime, and during the events, a clear enhancement in the concentrations of [H 2 SO 4 ] proxy (2–3.5 × 107 molecules cm−3; 2–3 orders higher than the non-event values) suggesting the role of strong gas-phase photochemistry. Also, some of the NPF events were associated with increased odd oxygen concentrations [O x = O 3 +NO 2 ], indicating the regional nature of the precursors and participation of VOC precursors in nucleation/growth. Interestingly, different classes of NPF events were seen during the strictest lockdown period, whereas more frequent and well-defined NPF events were witnessed when anthropogenic activities were opened up with conditional relaxations. These events demonstrated the competition between source strengths of precursor vapors from anthropogenic activities and primary particles acting as condensation sink restricting NPF. This study highlighted that urban pollution mitigation policies need to consider ultrafine particles emanating from the secondary aerosol formation process from traffic emissions. Temporal variation of particle number size distribution (PNSD) during the study. The arrows on the bottom indicate the new particle formation events. [Display omitted] • The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on fine and ultrafine particle concentrations is examined over the megacity, New Delhi. • Several new particle formation (NPF) events during the lockdown period were noticed. • NPF events highlighted the balance between precursor vapor sources and condensation sink. • Notable contribution from traffic emissions to UFP bursts with progressive relaxation of lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the course of our search for new anti-breast cancer agents, substituted phenanthrenes with basic amino side chains were synthesized and some of them showed remarkable antiproliferative activity against ER +ve MCF-7 cell line with IC50 in the range of 3.53–22.25μM. One of the compounds 15ca showed anti-breast cancer activity in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced hormone-dependent mammary tumor in rat and the activity was comparable to that shown by tamoxifen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Medicinal or herbal plants are widely used for their many favourable properties and are generally safe without any side effects. Saponins are sugar conjugated natural compounds which possess a multitude of biological activities such as medicinal properties, antimicrobial activity, antiviral activity, etc. Saponin production is a part of the normal growth and development process in a lot of plants and plant extracts such as liquorice and ginseng which are exploited as potential drug sources. Herbal compounds have shown a great potential against a wide variety of infectious agents, including viruses such as the SARS-CoV; these are all-natural products and do not show any adverse side effects. This article reviews the various aspects of saponin biosynthesis and extraction, the need for their integration into more mainstream medicinal therapies and how they could be potentially useful in treating viral diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, HSV, rotavirus etc. The literature presents a close review on the saponin efficacy in targeting mentioned viral diseases that occupy a high mortality rate worldwide. This manuscript indicates the role of saponins as a source of dynamic plant based anti-viral remedies and their various methods for extraction from different sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ECF41 is a large family of bacterial extracytoplasmic function (ECF) s factors. Their role in bacterial physiology or behavior, however, is not known. One of the 10 ECF s factors encoded in the genome of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245, RpoE10, exhibits features characteristic of the typical ECF41-type s factors. Inactivation of rpoE10 in A. brasilense Sp245 led to an increase in motility that could be complemented by the expression of rpoE10. By comparing the number of lateral flagella, transcriptome, and proteome of A. brasilense Sp245 with those of its rpoE10::km mutant, we show here that this ECF41-type s factor is involved in the negative regulation of swimming motility and biogenesis of lateral flagella of A. brasilense Sp245. The genome of A. brasilense Sp245 also encodes two OmpR-type regulators (LafR1 and LafR2) and three flagellins, including Laf1, the major flagellin of lateral flagella. Elevated levels of laf1 transcripts and Laf1 protein in the rpoE10::km mutant indicated that RpoE10 negatively regulates the expression of Laf1. The elevated level of LafR1 in the rpoE10::km mutant indicated that LafR1 is also negatively regulated by RpoE10. The loss of motility and Laf1 in the lafR1::km mutant, complemented by lafR1 expression, showed that LafR1 is a positive regulator of Laf1 and motility in A. brasilense. In addition, upregulation of laf1::lacZ and lafR1::lacZ fusions by RpoE10 and downregulation of the laf1::lacZ fusion by LafR1 suggest that RpoE10 negatively regulates swimming motility and the expression of LafR1 and Laf1. However, LafR1 positively regulates the swimming motility and Laf1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]