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In the present investigation, an ecofriendly magnetic inorganic-protein hybrid system-based enzyme immobilization was developed using partially purified laccase from Trametes versicolor (TvLac), Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and manganese (Mn), and was successfully applied for synthetic dye decolorization in the presence of enzyme inhibitors. After the partial purification of crude TvLac, the specific enzyme activity reached 212 U∙mg total protein−1. The synthesized Fe3O4/Mn3(PO4)2-laccase (Fe3O4/Mn-TvLac) and Mn3(PO4)2-laccase (Mn-TvLac) nanoflowers (NFs) exhibited encapsulation yields of 85.5% and 90.3%, respectively, with relative activities of 245% and 260%, respectively, compared with those of free TvLac. One-pot synthesized Fe3O4/Mn-TvLac exhibited significant improvements in catalytic properties and stability compared to those of the free enzyme. Fe3O4/Mn-TvLac retained a significantly higher residual activity of 96.8% over that of Mn-TvLac (47.1%) after 10 reuse cycles. The NFs showed potential for the efficient decolorization of synthetic dyes in the presence of enzyme inhibitors. For up to five reuse cycles, Fe3O4/Mn-TvLac retained a decolorization potential of 81.1% and 86.3% for Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 and xylene cyanol, respectively. The synthesized Fe3O4/Mn-TvLac showed a lower acute toxicity towards Vibrio fischeri than pure Fe3O4 nanoparticles did. This is the first report of the one-pot synthesis of biofriendly magnetic protein-inorganic hybrids using partially purified TvLac and Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-enzymatic strategies have shown improvement in bioconversion during cofactor regeneration. In this study, purified l-arabinitol 4-dehydrogenase (LAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (Nox) were immobilized via individual, mixed, and sequential co-immobilization approaches on magnetic nanoparticles, and were evaluated to enhance the conversion of l-arabinitol to l-xylulose. Initially, the immobilization of LAD or Nox on the nanoparticles resulted in a maximum immobilization yield and relative activity of 91.4% and 98.8%, respectively. The immobilized enzymes showed better pH and temperature profiles than the corresponding free enzymes. Furthermore, co-immobilization of these enzymes via mixed and sequential methods resulted in high loadings of 114 and 122 mg/g of support, respectively. Sequential co-immobilization of these enzymes proved more beneficial for higher conversion than mixed co-immobilization because of better retaining Nox residual activity. Sequentially co-immobilized enzymes showed a high relative conversion yield with broader pH, temperature, and storage stability profiles than the controls, along with high reusability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the mixed or sequential co-immobilization of LAD and Nox on magnetic nanoparticles for l-xylulose production. This finding suggests that selecting a sequential co-immobilization strategy is more beneficial than using individual or mixed co-immobilized enzymes on magnetic nanoparticles for enhancing conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total rate of plastic production is anticipated to surpass 1.1 billion tons per year by 2050. Plastic waste is non-biodegradable and accumulates in natural ecosystems. In 2020, the total amount of plastic waste was estimated to be 367 million metric tons, leading to unmanageable waste disposal and environmental pollution issues. Plastics are produced from petroleum and natural gases. Given the limited fossil fuel reserves and the need to circumvent pollution problems, the focus has shifted to biodegradable biopolymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polylactic acid, and polycaprolactone. PHAs are gaining importance because diverse bacteria can produce them as intracellular inclusion bodies using biowastes as feed. A critical component in PHA production is the downstream processing procedures of recovery and purification. In this review, different bioengineering approaches targeted at modifying the cell morphology and synchronizing cell lysis with the biosynthetic cycle are presented for product separation and extraction. Complementing genetic engineering strategies with conventional downstream processes, these approaches are expected to produce PHA sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a prerequisite for rotating machinery to operate effectively, rolling element bearings play an essential role. The focus of condition monitoring has initially been on defect identification, then on its measurement, and eventually on automatic defect prediction. The improvement in signal processing has made this breakthrough possible. The quality of characteristics taken from the bearing signals strongly impacts how effective these techniques are. Aiming to provide the researchers with the option to choose and implement the optimum signal analysis method, the authors have described numerous signal processing techniques used to diagnose faults in rolling element bearings. The research study examines several important studies and explains their relevance to locating rolling bearing defects. It analyzed recent research, ones from the past, and developments in the field of diagnosing bearing defects. The main goal of the research is to investigate different vibration signal processing and analysis methods for locating and evaluating bearing faults. After that, each of these subjects is rigorously analyzed in order to draw conclusions, spot new trends, and pinpoint areas that still need more research. This article is meant to serve as a guide for those who operate in the condition monitoring domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of ZrO2 as a catalytic promoter for nickel-based alumina supported catalysts has been studied for the hydrogen synthesis via glycerol steam reforming. Hydrogen is a promising contender of clean fuel and has a key significance in the quest of an environment-preservation, low emission and more sustainable energy approach. Glycerol is a by-product produced during production of biodiesel by trans-esterification of vegetable oils. The higher hydrogen content in glycerol makes it the potential renewable feedstock for hydrogen production. Steam reforming process is the best method available which is highest in energy efficiency and most importantly most economical. The production of catalysts was based on the wet impregnation and co-precipitation methods. The majority of the bulk and surface properties of different synthesized catalysts were considered and determined by several characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction technique, BET surface area and scanning electron microscopy. The performance of catalyst is based on glycerol conversion and hydrogen yield obtained from the steam reforming process taking place in the fixed bed catalytic reactor. The effect of different operating conditions like contact time, temperature, metal loading, and steam to glycerol ratio were investigated to produce maximum hydrogen and glycerol conversion. The results show that the incorporation of promoter 2 % ZrO2 improved the activity of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts significantly resulting 96 % glycerol conversion, 84 % hydrogen production and greater stability at contact time = 15 kg cat s/mol, temperature = 800 °C, steam to glycerol ratio = 9:1 mol/mol, and pressure = 1 atm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of renewable energy or biochemicals is gaining more attention to minimize the emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide for sustainable development. In the present study, the influence of copper (Cu)- and iron (Fe)-based nanoparticles (NPs), such as Cu, Fe3O4, and CuFe2O4, was evaluated during the growth of methanotrophs for inoculum preparation and on the development of a polymeric-matrix-based encapsulation system to enhance methanol production from simulated biogas (CH4 and CO2). The use of simulated biogas feed and the presence of NP-derived inoculums produce a remarkable enhancement in methanol production up to 149% and 167% for Methyloferula stellata and Methylocystis bryophila free-cells-based bioconversion, respectively, compared with the use of pure CH4 as a control feed during the growth stage. Furthermore, these methanotrophs encapsulated within a polymeric matrix and NPs-based systems exhibited high methanol production of up to 156%, with a maximum methanol accumulation of 12.8 mmol/L over free cells. Furthermore, after encapsulation, the methanotrophs improved the stability of residual methanol production and retained up to 62.5-fold higher production potential than free cells under repeated batch reusability of 10 cycles. In the presence of CH4 vectors, methanol production by M. bryophila improved up to 16.4 mmol/L and retained 20% higher recycling stability for methanol production in paraffin oil. These findings suggest that Cu and Fe NPs can be beneficially employed with a polymeric matrix to encapsulate methanotrophs and improve methanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biodegradable plastic. Numerous bacteria produce PHAs under environmental stress conditions, such as excess carbon-rich organic matter and limitations of other nutritional elements such as potassium, magnesium, oxygen, phosphorus, and nitrogen. In addition to having physicochemical properties similar to fossil-fuel-based plastics, PHAs have unique features that make them ideal for medical devices, such as easy sterilization without damaging the material itself and easy dissolution following use. PHAs can replace traditional plastic materials used in the biomedical sector. PHAs can be used in a variety of biomedical applications, including medical devices, implants, drug delivery devices, wound dressings, artificial ligaments and tendons, and bone grafts. Unlike plastics, PHAs are not manufactured from petroleum products or fossil fuels and are, therefore, environment-friendly. In this review, a recent overview of applications of PHAs with special emphasis on biomedical sectors, including drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, and biocontrols, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An unmet medical need remains for an effective dengue tetravalent vaccine that can be administered irrespective of previous dengue exposure. TAK-003, a dengue tetravalent vaccine, has demonstrated efficacy in an ongoing phase 3 trial in children and adolescents living in dengue-endemic areas, with an acceptable safety profile in both dengue-naive and dengue-exposed individuals. Methods Safety findings are presented herein from an integrated analysis of data for healthy 4–60-year-olds from two phase 2 and three phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of TAK-003 (TAK-003, n = 14 627; placebo, n = 7167). Safety evaluation included analyses of postinjection reactogenicity, unsolicited adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and deaths. Subgroup analyses were performed by age group, baseline serostatus, and gender. Results The most common local and systemic AEs were injection site pain (43% for TAK-003 and 26% for placebo) and headache (34% and 30%, respectively). Injection site AEs were mostly mild and resolved within 1–3 days. Unsolicited AEs and AEs leading to discontinuation occurred with similar frequency across both groups, while SAEs were fewer for TAK-003 recipients (6% vs 8% for placebo). Four of the 5 vaccine-related SAEs (which included hypersensitivity, dengue fever, and dengue hemorrhagic fever) occurred in the placebo group. No deaths were considered vaccine-related. Subgroup analyses showed no differences in safety by baseline serostatus or by gender, albeit analysis by age indicated greater local reactogenicity rates for adolescents (46% for TAK-003 and 28% for placebo) and adults (56% and 19%, respectively) than for children (37% and 25%, respectively). Conclusions No important safety risks were identified, and TAK-003 was well tolerated irrespective of age, gender, or baseline dengue serostatus in recipients aged 4–60 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation was conducted to study the effect of progestin and prostaglandin-based estrous synchronization protocol on estrus parameters, hormonal profile and vaginal cytology in Surti goats. Ten non-pregnant Surti goats were selected and subjected to estrus synchronization with intra-vaginal progesterone sponges (60 mg Medroxyprogesterone acetate, MAP) for 11 days followed by PGF2α injection (125 μg Cloprostenol). Whole blood was collected on day 0 (before treatment), day 5, 11 (after treatment), at proestrus, estrus and diestrus for analyzing progesterone as well as estrogen hormone concentration. The vaginal exfoliative cytology was studied at proestrus, estrus and diestrus. Estrus parameters such as induction rate was 100%, time of onset of estrus from PG injection was 29.70 ± 1.06 h and duration was 30.74 ± 0.19 h. Significantly higher population of parabasal cells and superficial cells were observed during proestrus, intermediate cells in diestrus and cornified cells during estrus. At estrus, level of progesterone was lowest and estrogen was highest. Combination of progestin and prostaglandin-based protocol is successful in synchronization of estrous cycle with 100% estrus induction rate in Surti goats. Further in addition to other signs, vaginal exfoliative cytology can also be used for determining different phases of estrous cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale usage of petro-chemical-based plastics has proved to be a significant source of environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. Microbes-based enzymes such as esterases, cutinases, and lipases have shown the ability to degrade synthetic plastic. However, the degradation of plastics by enzymes is primarily limited by the unavailability of a robust enzymatic system, i.e., low activity and stability towards plastic degradation. Recently, the machine learning strategy involved structure-based and deep neural networks show desirable potential to generate functional, active stable, and tolerant polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degrading enzyme (FAST-PETase). FAST-PETase showed the highest PET hydrolytic activity among known enzymes or their variants and degraded broad ranges of plastics. The development of a closed-loop circular economy-based system of plastic degradation to monomers by FAST-PETase followed by the re-polymerization of monomers into clean plastics can be a more sustainable approach. As an alternative to synthetic plastics, diverse microbes can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, and their degradation by microbes has been well-established. This article discusses recent updates in the enzymatic degradation of plastics for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria are associated with the human body and colonize the gut, skin, and mucous membranes. These associations can be either symbiotic or pathogenic. In either case, bacteria derive more benefit from their host. The ability of bacteria to enter and survive within the human body can be exploited for human benefit. They can be used as a vehicle for delivering or producing bioactive molecules, such as toxins and lytic enzymes, and eventually for killing tumor cells. Clostridium and Salmonella have been shown to infect and survive within the human body, including in tumors. There is a need to develop genetic circuits, which enable bacterial cells to carry out the following activities: (i) escape the human immune system, (ii) invade tumors, (iii) multiply within the tumorous cells, (iv) produce toxins via quorum sensing at low cell densities, and (v) express suicide genes to undergo cell death or cell lysis after the tumor has been lysed. Thus, bacteria have the potential to be exploited as anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biodiversity includes biotic and abiotic components that support all life forms by adapting to environmental conditions. Climate change, pollution, human activity, and natural calamities affect microbial biodiversity. Microbes have diverse growth conditions, physiology, and metabolism. Bacteria use signaling systems such as quorum sensing (QS) to regulate cellular interactions via small chemical signaling molecules which also help with adaptation under undesirable survival conditions. Proteobacteria use acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules as autoinducers to sense population density and modulate gene expression. The LuxI-type enzymes synthesize AHL molecules, while the LuxR-type proteins (AHL transcriptional regulators) bind to AHLs to regulate QS-dependent gene expression. Diverse AHLs have been identified, and the diversity extends to AHL synthases and AHL receptors. This review comprehensively explains the molecular diversity of AHL signaling components of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Chromobacterium violaceum, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and Escherichia coli. The regulatory mechanism of AHL signaling is also highlighted in this review, which adds to the current understanding of AHL signaling in Gram-negative bacteria. We summarize molecular diversity among well-studied QS systems and recent advances in the role of QS proteins in bacterial cellular signaling pathways. This review describes AHL-dependent QS details in bacteria that can be employed to understand their features, improve environmental adaptation, and develop broad biomolecule-based biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, statistically optimized production of thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus phytase was carried out in batch fermentation (1-L). An enhancement in phytase production was noted up to 3.3-folds as compared to unoptimized and using One Variable at a Time strategy. Phytase was purified up to 26-folds with a single band of ~ 62 kDa. The optimum activity of purified phytase was recorded at pH 5.5 and 65 °C. The kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, were observed to be, 0.75 mM, and 345 µmol/min/mg-protein,respectively. The activity was constrained by silver and mercuric ions and slightly increased by calcium ions. The phytase showed high dephytinization up to 78.7% of wheat flour (10 g) at a small reaction volume (30 mL). On up-scaling to 3-L reaction, a slight decrease in dephytinization to 72.5% was recorded. This is the first report where hyperactive purified phytase from thermotolerant A. fumigatus has been demonstrated to degrade wheat flour-based phytic acid up to a 3-L scale at the bioreactor level. This finding can be explored at a commercial scale for multi-dimensional future biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria are associated with the human body and colonize the gut, skin, and mucous membranes. These associations can be either symbiotic or pathogenic. In either case, bacteria derive more benefit from their host. The ability of bacteria to enter and survive within the human body can be exploited for human benefit. They can be used as a vehicle for delivering or producing bioactive molecules, such as toxins and lytic enzymes, and eventually for killing tumor cells. Clostridium and Salmonella have been shown to infect and survive within the human body, including in tumors. There is a need to develop genetic circuits, which enable bacterial cells to carry out the following activities: (i) escape the human immune system, (ii) invade tumors, (iii) multiply within the tumorous cells, (iv) produce toxins via quorum sensing at low cell densities, and (v) express suicide genes to undergo cell death or cell lysis after the tumor has been lysed. Thus, bacteria have the potential to be exploited as anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the industrial case study of effluent drying with a direct and hybrid heat recovery configuration is investigated for the purpose of improving heat recovery potential and understanding the influence of various design parameters on the performance indicators in the spray drying process. Initially, data collection and performance analysis of industrial spray dryer of effluent management is performed. Then, the effect of design variables such as recirculation ratios, mass flow rate of dry hot air, water vapor, temperature of the mixing chamber, and heat input on performance parameters (thermal efficiency, energy savings, and the sustainability index) are evaluated for several configurations of the spray drying unit used in effluent management. As an outcome, substantial improvement in energy efficiency (83%) and energy-saving (26%) was achieved for a spray drying system with a 70% recirculation ratio of exhaust air for a hybrid heat recovery configuration, which is approximately 2.5% higher than the direct heat recovery configuration and it is significantly higher than that without an energy recovery system. In addition, a significant reduction in the blower power and heat input is noted in the direct and hybrid heat recovery system. The sustainability index is higher for the hybrid heat recovery configuration, indicating it being the most environment friendly configuration. The absolute humidity in the exhaust air is kept constant during entire investigation for uniformity in analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen (H2), a clean and versatile energy carrier, has recently gained significant attention as a potential solution for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy systems. The yield and efficiency of the biological H2 production process primarily depend on sterilization conditions. Various strategies, such as heat inactivation and membrane-based sterilization, have been used to achieve desirable yields via microbial fermentation. Almost every failed biotransformation process is linked to nonsterile conditions at any reaction stage. Therefore, the production of renewable biofuels as alternatives to fossil fuels is more attractive. Pure sugars have been widely documented as a costly feedstock for H2 production under sterile conditions. Biotransformation under nonsterile conditions is more desirable for stable and sustainable operation. Low-cost feeds, such as biowaste, are considered suitable alternatives, but they require appropriate sterilization to overcome the limitations of inherited or contaminating microbes during H2 production. This article describes the status of microbial fermentative processes for H2 production under nonsterile conditions and discusses strategies to improve such processes for sustainable, cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the inorganic-protein hybrid strategy was employed for immobilization of laccase from Rhus vernicifera (Rvlac) using various metals calcium, cobalt, copper, and zinc (Zn). The efficient synthesis of hybrids for Rvlac immobilization was noted at 4 °C for incubation of 24 h. Among these hybrids, the maximum encapsulation yields (EY) of 90.1% and relative activity (RA) of 225% to free enzyme were recorded for Zn and Rvlac based inorganic-protein hybrids as Zn3(PO4)2-Rvlac. The upper optimum pH, and temperature values were observed of 4.0, and 45 °C after immobilization as compared to 3.5, and 40 °C for the free enzyme, respectively. After encapsulation, Rvlac showed a significant improvement up to 11.4-fold in pH and 5.7-fold in temperature the activity profiles. Free enzyme completely lost its activity at 60 °C after 2 h of incubation, whereas Zn3(PO4)2-Rvlac retained its residual activity of 56.7% under similar conditions. After ten cycles of reusability, Zn3(PO4)2-Rvlac possessed high residual activity of 90.8%. This study showed that the variation in the metal ions for immobilization of Rvlac as inorganic-protein hybrids significantly altered EY and RA. Also, Zn3(PO4)2-Rvlac proved more efficient as compared to free laccase that can be beneficially employed for biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Rhodococcus pyridinivorans cells containing hyperactive acyltransferase was immobilized on various macromolecules based-polymeric matrices and used to improve acetohydroxamic acid production. The calcium-alginate-based matrix retained the maximum residual activity up to 97.8% as compared to free cells (576 U/mg of dry cell weight). After immobilization, cells exhibited a significant improvement in their tolerance towards pH, temperature, and metal ions as potent enzyme inhibitors. Immobilized cells showed 25.5-fold higher thermal stability at 60 °C to control (free cells). Compared to free cells, immobilized cells exhibited a high bioconversion of acetamide and hydroxylamine-HCl to acetohydroxamic acid up to 96% molar conversion. Repeated bench-scale production at 3-L culture, immobilized cells showed 9.5-fold higher residual conversion as compared to control (100%), after five cycles of reuses. The product characterization achieved high purity (97%) of acetohydroxamic acid. This finding showed high feasibility to achieve efficient conversion that can be scaled up to the industrial level for biotechnological application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and pyrene excimer formation (PEF) experiments were conducted to characterize the local density profile inside a glycogen sample before (Glycogen) and after (Gly-β-LD) treatment with β-amylase. These experiments were conducted to assess whether the density at the periphery of the glycogen particles was very high to limit access to proteins involved in the metabolism of glycogen as predicted by the Tier model or low as suggested by the Gilbert model. SEC analysis indicated that the density inside the Glycogen and Gly-β-LD samples remained constant with particle size and was not affected by β-amylolysis. Analysis of the PEF experiments conducted on the Glycogen and Gly-β-LD samples labeled with 1-pyrenebutyric acid showed that the particles have a dense interior and loose corona. The conclusions reached by the SEC and PEF experiments agree with the Gilbert model and have implications for the association of glycogen β-particles into larger α-particles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a serious concern about the large amount of accumulated plastic waste all around the world. Synthetic polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE) are substantially present in the plastic waste generated. There are various methods reported to minimise such plastics waste with certain limitations. To overcome such limitations the present study have been carried out in which thermal decomposition of plastic waste of PET, PP, HDPE, and LDPE studied using a novel plasma pyrolysis reactor. The major objective of this work is to investigate the viability of the continuous plasma pyrolysis process for the treatment of various plastic wastes with respect to waste volume reduction and production of combustible hydrogen-rich fuel gas. The effect of temperature and feed flow rate on product gas yield, product gas efficiency, solid residue yield, and H 2 /CO ratio has been evaluated. The experiments have been carried out at different temperatures within the range of 700–1000 °C. Plasma pyrolysis system exhibited combustible hydrogen-rich gas as a product and solid residue. Liquid products have not been observed during plasma pyrolysis, unlike conventional pyrolysis. The reaction mechanism of plastic cracking has been discussed based on literature and products obtained in the present work. The effects of feed flow rate and temperature on exergy efficiency were studied using the response surface method. The mass, energy, and exergy analyses have also been carried out for all the experiments, which are in the range of 0.95–0.99, 0.48 to 0.77, and 0.30 to 0.69, respectively. [Display omitted] • Continuous plasma pyrolysis is used for the valorisation of various plastic wastes. • Fuel gas and solid products are observed during the process, no liquid products. • Mass, energy, and exergy analysis is carried out at various temperatures. • Significant amount of plastic waste volume reduction is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harmful effects on living organisms and the environment are on the rise due to a significant increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through human activities. Therefore, various research initiatives have been carried out in several directions in relation to the utilization of GHGs via physicochemical or biological routes. An environmentally friendly approach to reduce the burden of significant emissions and their harmful effects is the bioconversion of GHGs, including methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), into value-added products. Methanotrophs have enormous potential for the efficient biotransformation of CH4 to various bioactive molecules, including biofuels, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and fatty acids. This review highlights the recent developments in methanotroph-based systems for methanol production from GHGs and proposes future perspectives to improve process sustainability via biorefinery approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the medium requirements to increase the production of xylitol by using Candida tropicalis (CT) have been investigated. The technique of single addition or omission of medium components was applied to determine the nutritional requirements. The addition of amino acids such as Asp, Glu, Gln, Asn, Thr, and Gly had no significant effect on CT growth. However, in the absence of other metal ions, there was a higher concentration of cell growth and xylitol production when only Zn2+ was present in the medium. The analysis of various vitamins unveiled that biotin and thiamine were the only vitamins required for the growth of CT. Surprisingly, when only biotin was present in the medium as a vitamin, there was less growth of CT than when the medium was complete, but the amount of xylitol released was significantly higher. Overall, this study will increase the xylitol production using the single omission or addtion technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short and long sleep duration, later sleep midpoint, and greater intra-individual sleep variability are associated with lower physical activity, but previous research lacks objective and concurrent assessment of sleep and physical activity. This cross-sectional study examined whether sleep duration, midpoint, and variability in duration and midpoint were related to wrist actigraphy-measured physical activity. Participants were 2156 Hispanics/Latinos in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sueño Ancillary Study. Participants wore Actiwatch devices to measure sleep and physical activity via the wrist for ≥5 days. Physical activity was defined as minutes/day in the upper quartile of the sampling distribution's non-sleep activity, capturing light to vigorous physical activity. An inverse linear relationship between sleep duration and physical activity was found such that each additional sleep hour related to 29 fewer minutes of physical activity (B = −28.7, SE = 3.8), p <.01). Variability in sleep midpoint was also associated with physical activity; with each 1-hr increase in variability there were 24 more minutes of physical activity (B = 24.2, SE = 5.6, p <.01). In contrast, sleep midpoint and variability in duration were not associated with physical activity. Sensitivity analyses identified an association of short sleep duration and greater variability in sleep duration with greater accelerometry-derived moderate-to-vigorous physical activity measured at the HCHS/SOL baseline (M = 2.1 years before the sleep assessment). Findings help clarify inconsistent prior research associating short sleep duration and sleep variability with greater health risks but also contribute novel information with simultaneous objective assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Rhus vernicifera laccase (RvLac) was immobilized through covalent methods on the magnetic nanoparticles. Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles activated by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane followed with glutaraldehyde showed maximum immobilization yields and relative activity up to 81.4 and 84.3% at optimum incubation and pH of 18 h and 5.8, respectively. The maximum RvLac loading of 156 mg/g of support was recorded on Fe2O3 nanoparticles. A higher optimum pH and temperature of 4.0 and 45 °C were noted for immobilized enzyme compared to values of 3.5 and 40 °C for free form, respectively. Immobilized RvLac exhibited better relative activity profiles at various pH and temperature ranges. The immobilized enzyme showed up to 16-fold improvement in the thermal stability, when incubated at 60 °C, and retained up to 82.9% of residual activity after ten cycles of reuses. Immobilized RvLac exhibited up to 1.9-fold higher bisphenol A degradation efficiency potential over free enzyme. Previous reports have demonstrated the immobilization of RvLac on non-magnetic supports. This study has demonstrated that immobilization of RvLac on magnetic nanoparticles is very efficient especially for achieving high loading, better pH and temperature profiles, and thermal- and solvents-stability, high reusability, and higher degradation of bisphenol A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superheated steam is a vital drying media due to inherently passive, nonpoisonous, no fire risk, antioxidant, and compatible with food products with superb thermophysical properties than hot air. Moreover, it will improve energy efficiency by energy-saving due to reusing the energy from exhausted steam, mainly by recirculation, and the use of partial exhaust of excess steam for other operations reduces the additional energy requirement. Additionally, the specific heat at constant pressure for superheated steam is nearly double that of the hot air, reducing the quantity required for drying. In general, superheated steam as a drying medium instead of hot air has significant potential. In this study, past, present, and prospects of the superheated steam drying (SSD) are critically analyzed and are presented systematically, such as classification, working, and recent developments. This study also focused on various areas such as analytical modeling, experimental work, and pilot-test of SSD with covering energy recovery and energy efficiency. Out of different drying systems, Fluidized bed dryers, Vacuum dryers, Rotary dryers, Flash dryers, Impingement dryers, and Spray dryers applicable for SSD are discussed in details as the current stage of development and probable potential. The SSD is having bright future for diverse applications including vegetable drying and fruit processing, chemical process industries, wood drying, chemicals, dyestuff and pigments recovery, effluent drying, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CPAP effectiveness is limited by suboptimal adherence. Prior studies of adherence have focused on middle-aged men.Research Question: Does CPAP adherence vary by age and sex?Study Design and Methods: Telemonitoring data from a CPAP manufacturer database were used to assess adherence in patients initiating CPAP therapy between November 2015 and October 2018. Analyses were restricted to patients in the United States aged 18 to 90 years.Results: Across 789,260 patients initiated on CPAP (mean age, 55 ± 14 years; 58.2% male), overall adherence by US Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services criteria was 72.6%, but it varied dramatically by age and sex, ranging from 51.3% in 18- to 30-year-old women to 80.6% in 71- to 80-year-old men. Patterns of use over the first 90 days demonstrated that younger age groups had peak CPAP use by the 2nd night, with a subsequent decay in use, including abandonment of CPAP, which was greatest among 18- to 30-year-old women. In contrast, older patients steadily increase use, taking more than a week to maximize usage, and then they have much slower decays in use over time. Younger, but not older, patients have lower use of CPAP on weekends compared with weekday nights.Interpretation: CPAP adherence rates vary substantially by demographics, with 18- to 30-year-old women having the lowest adherence. The pattern of use over the first 90 days also varies substantially by age and sex. Further research to understand and address the causes of disparities will be crucial to maximizing the benefits of CPAP therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of health services is increasing in many countries. Most health service research exploring determinants of use has focused on adults and on secondary care. Less is known about factors associated with the use of the emergency department (ED) and general practice (GP) among young children.Objective: To explore factors associated with GP consultations and ED attendances among children under 5 in a single UK city.Methods: Cross-sectional exploratory study using anonymized individual-level health service use data for children aged 0-4 from 21 GPs in Southampton, UK, linked to ED data, over a 1-year period. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to explore the association of socio-demographic factors [using the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) to define socio-economic status] with high service use (defined as more than eight GP consultations and/or two ED attendances respectively).Results: Among 11 062 children, there were 76 092 GP consultations and 6107 ED attendances. Three thousand two hundred thirty-three (29%) children were high users of GP and 564 (5%) of ED services. Greater socio-economic deprivation was independently associated with high use of GP and ED services separately [odds ratios (OR) for most versus least deprived IMD quintile 1.45 (95% confidence interval, CI 1.20-1.75) and 2.21 (95% CI 1.41-3.46), respectively], and together [OR 2.62 (95% CI 1.48-4.65)].Conclusion: Young children are frequent users of health services, particularly GP. Socio-economic deprivation is an important factor. Parents, carers and health services may benefit from interventions that support families in their management of children's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of implementing standardized opioid prescribing guidelines on prescription patterns for acute pain after ophthalmic surgery in opioid-naïve patients. Quality improvement study. Ophthalmic surgeons in an academic department of ophthalmology. Postoperative opioid prescribing patterns were compared before and after the implementation of standardized opioid prescribing guidelines for ophthalmic surgery at an academic institution. Only prescriptions provided to opioid-naïve patients 18 years of age or older were included. Surgeons reached a consensus for standardized prescribing guidelines appropriate for the type of surgery within their subspecialty. Guidelines were disseminated in conjunction with postsurgical pain management education to all ophthalmologists in the department, including trainees. The frequency of opioid prescriptions, the quantity of opioid prescribed (converted to oral morphine equivalent [OME]), and opioid prescription refill rates were compared before and after intervention. Prescriptions with more than 80 OME, frequency of opioid prescriptions, mean OME, and refill rates. Of 5349 ophthalmic surgeries performed during the 2 assessment periods, 196 (3.7%) were associated with opioid prescriptions for acute postoperative pain. The frequency of opioid prescriptions decreased to 3.0% (81/2736) after intervention compared with 4.4% (115/2613) before intervention (P = 0.005). When opioids were prescribed, the mean OME decreased from 93 (range, 27–500) before intervention to 42 (range, 14–100) after intervention (P = 0.003). The number of prescriptions for more than 80 OME decreased from 56 (2.1%) before intervention to 4 (0.1%) after intervention (P < 0.001). Based on the standardized guidelines, 103 of the 115 (89.6%) preintervention opioid prescriptions would not have adhered to the guidelines, whereas 39 of the 81 (48.1%) postintervention prescriptions did not adhere to the guidelines (P < 0.001). The proportion of refill prescriptions did not differ before and after intervention (P = 0.44). The process of discussing postsurgical pain management and developing standardized opioid prescribing guidelines reduces overprescribing of opioids after ophthalmic surgery without increasing refill rates. Continued education is required to improve adherence to the prescribing guidelines further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1:CAS:528:DC%2BB3MXjvVOht78%3D 40 da Silva JT, de Oliveira MG, de Paula JR. HPLC method validated for quantification of fluconazole co-encapsulated with Propolis within chitosan nanoparticles. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BB3cXltl2qtbw%3D 37 Haroon M, Zaidi A, Ahmed B. Effective inhibition of phytopathogenic microbes by eco-friendly leaf extract mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). 1:CAS:528:DC%2BB3cXitlChs7g%3D 7 Sreedharan SM, Singh SP, Singh R. Flower shaped gold nanoparticles: biogenic synthesis strategies and characterization. 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC1cXit1ehtrnJ 3 Otari SV, Patel SKS, Kim S-Y. Copper ferrite magnetic nanoparticles for the immobilization of enzyme. [Extracted from the article]

Methanol production by co-culture of methanotrophs Methylocystis bryophila and Methyloferula stellata was examined from methane, a greenhouse gas. Co-culture exhibited higher methanol yield of 4.72 mM at optimum ratio of M. bryophila and M. stellata (3:2) compared to individual cultures. The immobilized co-culture within polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) showed relative efficiency of 90.1% for methanol production at polymer concentration of 10% (v/v). The immobilized co-culture cells within PVA resulted in higher bioprocess stability over free cells at different pH, and temperatures. Free and encapsulated co-cultures showed maximum methanol production of 4.81 and 5.37 mM under optimum conditions, respectively. After five cycles of reusage under batch conditions, free and encapsulated co-cultures retained methanol production efficiency of 23.8 and 61.9%, respectively. The present investigation successfully revealed the useful influence of co-culture on the methanol production over pure culture. Further, encapsulation within the polymeric matrix proved to be a better approach for the enhanced stability of the bioprocess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) known as COVID-19 has emerged as a major threat to human existence. COVID-19 seems to have undergone adaptive evolution through an intermediate host, most likely bats. The flu leads to severe pneumonia that causes respiratory and multi-organ failure. The absence of any known treatment procedures, drugs, or vaccines has created panic around the World. The need is to develop rapid testing kits, drugs and vaccines. However, these proposals are time-consuming processes. At present social distancing along with previously known traditional medicines can act as quick and short-term alternatives for treating this viral flu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cellobiohydrolase (CBH)-generating fungi have been isolated and categorized as Schizophyllum commune KMJ820 based on morphology and rDNA gene sequence. Cellulose powder was used as carbon source, the total enzyme activity was 11.51 U/ml is noted; which is among the highest amounts of CBH-generating microbes studied. CBH have been purified to homogenize, with pursual of serial chromatography using S. commune supernatants and two different CBHs were found; CBH 1 and 2. The filtered CBHs showed greater activity (Vmax = 51.4 and 20.8 U/mg) in contrast to CBHs from earlier studies. The MW (molecular weights) of S. commune CBH 1 and 2 were verified to be approximately 50 kDa and 150 kDa, respectively, by size exclusion chromatography. Even though CBHs have been evaluated from other sources, but S. commune CBH is prominent in comparison to other CBHs by its high enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermodynamic analysis of Ca-looping sorption enhanced steam reforming of renewable energy source bio-butanol was carried out. The effect of reformer temperature, steam to carbon molar ratio and CaO to carbon molar ratio were investigated on the production rate of H2, CO, CO2 and CH4. The favorable reformer conditions were proposed as 600°C reformer temperature, steam to carbon molar ratio = 4 and CaO to carbon molar ratio = 1 with respect to hydrogen production rate and utility requirement of Ca-looping process. A process was developed for the application of reformer exhaust gases for solid oxide fuel cell. Performance of different reforming processes (sorption enhanced steam reforming, steam reforming and auto-thermal reforming) was evaluated in terms of overall energy efficiency. Among all these processes the auto-thermal reforming exhibited the highest overall energy efficiency of 77.30% followed by steam reforming (66.57%) and sorption enhanced steam reforming (66.04%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in women globally, accounting for 32% of deaths in females. There are several female-specific risk factors for CVD that are under appreciated clinically, insufficiently researched and not given adequate attention in CVD risk prediction. Hypertensive and metabolic disorders of pregnancy are independent risk factors for the development of premature CVD. They confer more than double the risk of CVD in exposed women, but are not included in any current, multivariable CVD risk prediction models. Failure to recognise this risk leads to a lost opportunity to identify at risk women, institute primary preventive strategies, and potentially improve their health trajectory. This also translates into a missed opportunity to educate women and their families about their CVD risks, and to a lack of awareness and prioritisation of CVD within the broader community. Improving CVD outcomes for women globally also requires attention to research methodology and analysis. Researchers should be encouraged to include a thorough pregnancy history in prospective CVD datasets and to power their studies to report on gender disaggregated CVD outcomes. Particular attention should be given to the inclusion of young women of child-bearing age in CVD intervention trials. Ultimately, women should be offered CVD assessment using gender specific risk prediction models that are validated across broad ethic and socioeconomic groups. These prediction models should account for female specific risk factors and their complex interactions with traditional risk factors. This will pave the way for a gender-specific approach to CVD diagnosis, investigation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine if Scheimpflug tomography pachymetry map and posterior elevation map patterns, central corneal thickness (CCT), and corneal backscatter can predict the prognosis of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Cross-sectional study with follow-up of outcomes. Ninety-six eyes (56 subjects) with a range of severity of FECD. Corneas were graded by cornea specialists according to the area and confluence of guttae and the presence of clinically definite edema. Masked and randomized Scheimpflug imaging pachymetry map and posterior elevation map patterns were assessed by 1 observer for loss of regular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point of the cornea, and the presence of posterior surface depression. The prognosis of eyes over a 5-year (median) follow-up period was determined based on FECD progression (new onset of clinically definite edema or ≥5% increase in CCT) or intervention by endothelial keratoplasty. Cumulative probabilities of progression and intervention were estimated from survival analyses, with risk factors determined by using Cox proportional hazards models. Pachymetry map and posterior elevation map patterns, corneal backscatter, and CCT (ultrasonic pachymetry). In univariate analyses, loss of regular isopachs (hazard ratio [HR], 18.00) displacement of the thinnest point (HR, 11.53), focal posterior surface depression (HR, 10.21), and anterior corneal backscatter (HR, 1.22, per 1-grayscale unit increment), were risk factors for progression or intervention (P < 0.001), whereas CCT (HR, 1.30, per 25-μm increment) was not (P = 0.15). In multivariate analyses, loss of regular isopachs (HR, 11.57; P < 0.001) and displacement of the thinnest point (HR, 5.61; P = 0.02) were independent and clinically important risk factors for progression and intervention. The 5-year cumulative risk of disease progression and intervention was 7%, 48%, and 89% when none, 1 or 2, and all 3 pachymetry map and posterior elevation map parameters were present, respectively (P <0.001). The 4-year cumulative risk of disease progression and intervention after uncomplicated cataract surgery was 0%, 50%, and 75% when none, 1 or 2, and all 3 pachymetry map and posterior elevation map parameters were present, respectively (P < 0.001). Three Scheimpflug tomography pachymetry map and posterior elevation map patterns can predict FECD prognosis independent of CCT. The risk of FECD progression and intervention, including after uncomplicated cataract surgery, increases according to the number of parameters present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidase from Bacillus sp. APB-6 with very good acyltransferase activity was purified to homogeneity with a purification fold of 3.68 and 53.20% enzyme yield. The purified protein's subunit molecular mass was determined approximately 42 kDa. Hyperactivity of the enzyme was observed at pH 7.5 (150 mM, potassium-phosphate buffer) and 50 °C of incubation. An enhancement in activity up to 42% was recorded with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and dithiothreitol. The kinetic parameter Km values for substrates: acetamide and hydroxylamine-hydrochloride were 73.0 and 153 mM, respectively. Further, the Vmax for acyltransferase activity was 1667 U/mg of protein and the Ki for acetamide was calculated as 37.0 mM. The enzyme showed tolerance to various organic solvents (10%, v/v) and worked well in the biphasic reaction medium. The acyltransferase activity in presence of solvents i.e. biphasic medium may prove highly favorable for the transformation of hydrophobic amides, which otherwise is not possible in simple aqueous phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very common but is frequently undiagnosed. Symptoms include loud snoring, nocturnal awakening, and daytime sleepiness. Motor vehicle accidents due to drowsy driving are a particular concern. Evaluation and treatment should focus on symptomatic patients, both to alleviate symptoms and to potentially decrease cardiovascular risk. In recent years, a strategy of home sleep apnea testing followed by initiation of autotitrating continuous positive airway pressure therapy in the home has greatly reduced barriers to diagnosis and treatment and has also facilitated routine management of OSA by primary care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Brentuximab vedotin is a monoclonal anti‐CD30 antibody‐drug conjugate that has been used to treat a variety of CD30+ neoplasms. The phenomenon of antigen loss has been observed in patients treated with the anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab. This study seeks to assess for antigen loss in the setting of recurrent CD30+ neoplasms treated with brentuximab vedotin. Methods: We report nine cases of persistent/recurrent cutaneous CD30+ lymphoid neoplasms that demonstrated variable CD30 expression after treatment with brentuximab vedotin. Cases include MF (n = 6), cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (n = 1), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), both primary (n = 1) and systemic (n = 1). Results: Immunohistochemical staining revealed decreased CD30 expression following brentuximab vedotin therapy in seven of nine cases. In these seven cases, the pre‐treatment percent of tumor cells staining for CD30 ranged from 10% to 100% (mean 50.0%, SD 27.8%), compared to 5% to 50% (mean 14.5%, SD 14.8%, P = 0.003) at recurrence. Conclusions: This case series highlights the finding that CD30 positivity can be variable in recurrences after treatment with anti‐CD30 antibodies. This serves to raise awareness of the phenomenon of antigen loss after treatment with brentuximab vedotin and underscores the utility of performing multiple biopsies and/or employing molecular diagnostic techniques in patients with recurrent/persistent disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cheap and effective compound for medicinal application is a major challenge for scientific community. So, several biological materials have been explored for the possible application in material synthesis which are useful in biomedical uses. Here, biomolecules from green tea leaves were functionalized on the surface of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (GSiO2 NPs). Next, the decoration silver (Ag) NPs on the surface of the GSiO2 NPs was observed in very short time of incubation in aqueous AgNO3. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Ag NPs and the high-resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopies confirmed the decoration of spherical Ag NPs of 10 to 15 nm size on the surface of GSiO2 NPs. The antimicrobial activity of the Ag–GSiO2 NPs was determined against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The Ag–GSiO2 NPs displayed sustainable antimicrobial activity compared to Ag ions. The results indicate the potential value of Ag–GSiO2 NPs in surgical material and food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilization of enzymes through metal-based system is demonstrated as a promising approach to enhance its properties. In this study, the influence of metals ions, including copper, cobalt and zinc (Zn) on the immobilization of β-glucosidase (BGL) through the synthesis of protein-inorganic hybrid was evaluated at 4 °C. Among these metal ions-based hybrids, Zn showed the highest encapsulation yield and relative activity of 87.5 and 207%, respectively. Immobilized BGL exhibited higher pH and temperature stability compared to free form. Thermal stability of hybrid improved up to 26-fold at 60 °C. After 10 cycles of reuse, immobilized enzyme retained 93.8% of residual activity. These results suggested that metal ions played a significant role in the enzyme immobilization as a protein-inorganic hybrid. Overall, this strategy can be potentially applied to enhance the properties of enzymes though effective encapsulation for the broad biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In young children at risk of influenza complications, MF59-adjuvanted trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV3) was well-tolerated. • The safety profile of aIIV3 is similar in children at risk/not at risk of influenza complications. • aIIV3 has higher immunogenicity than IIV3 in children at risk of influenza complications. To assess the safety and immunogenicity of the MF59-adjuvanted seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV3; Fluad) in children aged 6 months through 5 years who are at risk of influenza complications. A retrospective analysis was performed to examine unsolicited adverse events (AEs) in an integrated dataset from six randomized clinical studies that compared aIIV3 with non-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV3). The integrated safety set comprised 10 784 children, of whom 373 (3%) were at risk of influenza complications. The at-risk safety population comprised 373 children aged 6 months through 5 years: 179 received aIIV3 and 194 received non-adjuvanted IIV3 (128 subjects received a licensed IIV3). The most important risk factors were respiratory system illnesses (62–70%) and infectious and parasitic diseases (33–39%). During the treatment period, unsolicited AEs occurred in 54% of at-risk children and 55% of healthy children who received aIIV3; of those receiving licensed IIV3, 59% of at-risk and 62% of healthy subjects reported an unsolicited AE. The most common AEs were infections, including upper respiratory tract infection. Serious AEs (SAEs) were reported in <10% of at-risk subjects, and no vaccine-related SAEs were observed. In the immunogenicity subset (involving 103 participants from one study), geometric mean titers (GMTs) were approximately 2- to 3-fold higher with aIIV3 than with IIV3 for all three homologous strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B). Seroconversion rates were high for both aIIV3 (79–96%) and IIV3 (83–89%). In young children at risk of influenza complications, aIIV3 was well-tolerated and had a safety profile that was generally similar to that of non-adjuvanted IIV3. Similar to the not-at-risk population, the immune response in at-risk subjects receiving aIIV3 was increased over those receiving IIV3, suggesting aIIV3 is a valuable option in young children at risk of influenza complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The immune response to aIIV3 is superior to IIV3 in pediatric subjects (N = 11,942). • More children achieve protective HI antibody responses with aIIV3 than with IIV3. • aIIV3 has higher immune responses than IIV3 to homologous and heterologous strains. • Absolute and relative efficacy against influenza were higher with aIIV3 than IIV3. • Solicited AEs, mostly mild to moderate in severity, were more frequent with aIIV3. To demonstrate the potential of an MF59-adjuvanted inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (aIIV3; Fluad™) to improve the immune response in young children, we review the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety/tolerability of aIIV3 from a comprehensive clinical development program in a pediatric population with a specific need for improved influenza vaccines. Data were analyzed from a series of 1 phase Ib, 3 phase II, and 2 phase III studies involving 11,942 children aged 6 months through 5 years. The clinical data showed that aIIV3 had statistically significantly greater immunogenicity and efficacy in the prevention of influenza compared to conventional inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines (IIV3s). The safety profile of aIIV3 was generally similar to that of nonadjuvanted IIV3, apart from an increased frequency of solicited adverse events (AEs) following vaccination. The majority of solicited AEs were mild or moderate in severity and resolved within 1 to 3 days. aIIV3 was well tolerated, with immunogenicity and efficacy exceeding that of conventional IIV3 in children 6 months through 5 years of age. The MF59-adjuvanted vaccine has the potential to fulfill an unmet clinical need in the prevention of seasonal influenza in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy security and waste management are gaining global attention. The modern world is producing a large amount of liquid and solid waste as a result of the increasing population and industrialization. A circular economy encourages the conversion of waste to energy and other value-added products. Waste processing requires a sustainable route for a healthy society and clean environment. One of the emerging solutions for waste treatment is plasma technology. It converts waste into syngas, oil, and char/slag depending on the thermal/non-thermal processes. Most of all the types of carbonaceous wastes can be treated by plasma processes. The addition of a catalyst to the plasma process is a developing field as plasma processes are energy intensive. This paper covers the detailed concept of plasma and catalysis. It comprises various types of plasma (non-thermal and thermal) and catalysts (zeolites, oxides, and salts) which have been used for waste treatment. Catalyst addition improves gas yield and hydrogen selectivity at moderate temperatures. Depending on the properties of the catalyst and type of plasma, comprehensive points are listed for the selection of the right catalyst for a plasma process. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the research in the field of waste-to-energy using plasma-catalytic processes. [Display omitted] • Sustainable approach towards waste valorization is highly imperative worldwide. • Synergistic effect of various catalysts and plasma has been reported. • Catalyst plasma technology gives up to 68% gas yield at 500 °C temperature. • This technology appears to be considerable alternative for waste conversion. • Limited information is available in literature on catalytic thermal plasma system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a bio-friendly inorganic protein hybrid-based enzyme immobilization system using partially purified Coriolus versicolor laccase (Cv Lac) was successfully applied to biomass hydrolysis for the enhancement of sugar production aimed at generating biofuels. After four days of incubation, the maximum Cv Lac production was achieved at 140 U/mg of total protein in the presence of inducers such as copper and wheat bran after four days of incubation. Crude Cv Lac immobilized through inorganic protein hybrids such as nanoflowers (NFs) using zinc as Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 / Cv Lac hybrid NFs (Zn/ Cv Lac-NFs) showed a maximum encapsulation yield of 93.4% and a relative activity of 265% compared to free laccase. The synthesized Zn/ Cv Lac-NFs exhibited significantly improved activity profiles and stability compared to free enzymes. Furthermore, Zn/ Cv Lac-NFs retained a significantly high residual activity of 96.2% after ten reuse cycles. The saccharification of poplar biomass improved ∼2-fold in the presence of Zn/ Cv Lac-NFs, with an 8-fold reduction in total phenolics compared to the control. The Zn/ Cv Lac-NFs treated biomass hydrolysate showed high biological hydrogen (H 2) production and ethanol conversion efficiency of up to 2.68 mol/mol of hexose and 79.0% compared to the control values of 1.27 mol of H 2 /mol of hexose and 58.4%, respectively. The Cv Lac hybrid NFs are the first time reported for biomass hydrolysis, and a significant enhancement in the production of hydrogen and ethanol was reported. The synthesis of such NFs based on crude forms of diverse enzymes can potentially be extended to a broad range of biotechnological applications. [Display omitted] • High laccase production was achieved in copper and wheat bran as inducers. • Crude laccase was efficiently immobilized as inorganic-protein hybrids. • Immobilization of laccase improved saccharification of biomass ∼2-fold. • 2.1- and 1.6-fold higher biohydrogen and ethanol production were recorded, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]