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Employing bio-waste caffeine carbon-supported heterogeneous cobalt catalyst, synthesis of various substituted pyrrole derivatives is reported. In this methodology, pyrroles were synthesized through coupling between nitroarenes and alkenyl diols in a tandem manner. Among all the heterogeneous catalysts Co(OAc)2-CC-800 displayed the highest catalytic activity. Preparative scale synthesis of pyrroles and synthesis of anti-tubercular agent 5-(4-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol revealed the practical applicability of this protocol. Several kinetic experiments and Hammett studies were conducted to understand the probable mechanism and electronic effects on this transformation.

PURPOSE To report a rare case of multiple fundal colobomata and to review the possible etiopathogenic factors involved in its genesis. METHOD Case report. RESULT A 21-year-old myopic lady was noted to have 2 fundal colobomata-one in the inferior and the other in superior hemisphere of globe in a mirror-image fashion resembling an "hourglass" in the right eye and a typical Type 3 coloboma in the left eye. The iris was normal in both the eye. Multiple fundal colobomata have not been described in the literature. The presence of "accessory embryonic fissure" in the developing eyeball is the only probable mechanism that can explain this presentation. This case is an evidence for the possibility of presence of accessory embryonic fissure in developing eyeball in human. The eponym "hourglass coloboma" or "mirror-image colobomata" best describes this condition. CONCLUSION This report of multiple fundal colobomata is the first of its kind. This case is an evidence for possibility of presence of accessory embryonic fissure in developing eyeball in human.

The current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has affected > 210 countries. Various steps are taken by different countries to tackle the current war-like health situation. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH released a self-care advisory for immunomodulation measures during the COVID-19 and this review article discusses the detailed scientific rationale associated with this advisory. Authors have spotted and presented in-depth insight of advisory in terms of immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, co-morbidity associated actions, and their probable mechanism of action. Immunomodulatory actions of advised herbs with no significant adverse drug reaction/toxicity strongly support the extension of advisory for COVID-19 prevention, prophylaxis, mitigations, and rehabilitation capacities. This advisory also emphasized Dhyana (meditation) and Yogasanas as a holistic approach in enhancing immunity, mental health, and quality of life. The present review may open-up new meadows for research and can provide better conceptual leads for future researches in immunomodulation, antiviral-development, psychoneuroimmunology, especially for COVID-19.

An unknown impurity at the level of 0.62% was observed during routine analysis of Terbutaline Sulfate drug substance. The impurity was isolated using preparative HPLC and the impurity was comprehensively characterized with the help of spectroscopic studies. The characterization tools include accurate mass quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) LC–MS/MS and NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT). Based on the obtained data, the impurity was identified as N-tert-Butyl-N-[2-(3, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-ethyl] acetamide (labeled as Impurity-1a). The existing HPLC method was subsequently validated for determination of this new impurity according to ICH guidelines. In order to understand the formation and apply necessary controls over the process a probable mechanism for the formation of same is discussed in detail.

To access the antimalarial activity, mechanism of action and constituents of the hexane extract of Garcinia kola (GK) seeds and its column-fractions. The in vivo antimalarial activity of the hexane extract of GK and its column-fractions against Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei (ANKA) strain, the mechanism of action and the chemical constituents of the column fractions was determined using the Peters’ 4-day suppressive test, the beta hematin assay and Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry respectively. In this study, Fractions 4,5,15 and 95 obtained from the hexane extract of Garcinia kola seeds using column chromatography produced chemosuppression values ≥ 59.6% at 200 mg/kg. These fractions inhibited the conversion of heme to heamozoin and contained arenes following Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The observed antimalarial activity justifies the use of Garcinia kola seeds in the treatment of febrile illnesses.

Представлены результаты многолетних высокодисперсионных спектральных наблюдений (R = 20000) Ае звезды Хербига HD 36112 в области эмиссионных линий Hα и резонансного дублета NaI D. Показано, что параметры эмиссионной линии Hα демонстрируют сложную переменность на нескольких временных шкалах: 1) переменность от ночи к ночи, обусловленную неоднородной структурой околозвездной газовой оболочки; 2) переменность на шкале времени около 1200 суток, характеризующуюся изменением эквивалентной ширины, интенсивности, а также других параметров эмиссии; 3) переменность на шкале времени более 4000 суток, наблюдаемую как многолетний тренд в изменении параметров эмиссионной линии Hα.Мы связываем полученные результаты с изменением физических и кинематических условий во внутренних областях аккреционного диска и ветра. Наиболее вероятным механизмом таких изменений является активно идущий в околозвездном диске звезды процесс планетообразования.

An efficient new synthesis of 3,5-bis(het)arylisoxazoles, involving the reaction of 1,3-bis(het)arylmonothio-1,3-diketones with sodium azide in the presence of IBX catalyst, has been reported. The reaction proceeds at room temperature in high yields and is applicable to a broad range of substrates including the synthesis of 5-methyl-3-arylisoxazoles, a key subunit present in several β-lactamase-resistant antibiotics. A probable mechanism for the formation of isoxazoles has been suggested. A few of the 5-styryl/arylbutadienyl-3-(het)arylisoxazoles have also been synthesized by reacting the corresponding 1-(het)aryl-1-(methylthio)-4-(het)arylidene-but-1-en-3-ones with sodium azide at higher temperatures. The reaction of β-ketodithioesters with sodium azide is shown to furnish β-ketonitriles in good yields.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the probable mechanism of action of Biochanin A (BCA) on high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance mice. Twenty-four male C57/BL/6J mice were divided into...

The aim of the current study was to explore the correlation between physical properties of wet masses and pellet quality by using powdered herbal slices as model drugs. Wet masses with 100 formulations were prepared by taking 20 kinds of powdered herbal slices as model drugs, microcrystalline cellulose as pelletization aid and five levels of added water as liquid binder. Physical properties of the wet masses such as hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and resilience were measured by a texture analyzer. Meanwhile, the moisture retention capacities (MRC) of powdered herbal slices and wet masses were determined. Particles were classified after they were produced during spheronization. Principal component analysis, factor analysis and classification analysis were performed on the data. Wet masses could be classified into three groups by taking Ha as the first classification index and Ha/Sp as the second classification index. The correct rate of the classification was 91.00%. If Ha value of wet masses was greater than 15610 g, pellets of type ① would form, otherwise, pellets of type ② or type ③ would form based on Ha/Sp value. Then a classification plot of wet masses was developed to predict pellet formation of powdered herbal slices. Meanwhile, the probable mechanism of pellets formation during spheronisation was concluded in this study, which provided useful information to improve pellet quality.

A sol-gel method for the synthesis of manganese dioxide nanoparticles stabilized with methionine is proposed. The optical properties of MnO2 sols, its morphology, elemental and phase composition were studied. A quantum-chemical calculation was performed and models for the formation of a chemical bond between a methionine molecule and a fragment of the manganese dioxide unit cell were constructed. According to the results of the computer simulation, the most probable mechanism of stabilization of MnO2 nanoparticles was revealed.

The purpose of this article is to attract the attention of the scientific community to atmospheric gravity waves (GWs) as the most likely mechanism for the transfer of energy from the surface layers of the atmosphere to space heights and describe the channel of seismic-ionospheric relations formed in this way. The article begins with a description and critical comparison of several basic mechanisms of action on the ionosphere from below: the propagation of electromagnetic radiation; the closure of the atmospheric currents through the ionosphere; the penetration of waves throughout the neutral atmosphere. A further part of the article is devoted to the analysis of theoretical and experimental information relating to the actual GWs. Simple analytical expressions are written that allow one to calculate the parameters of GWs in specific experimental situations. Specificity of GW dispersion properties and features of their propagation are analyzed on this mathematical basis, processes of amplitude amplification and dissipation of GWs with height are investigated, the mechanism of generation of ionosphere-magnetosphere current systems is described and their quantitative characteristics are determined. The experimental part presents an analysis of GWs global distribution in the thermosphere derived from the data of the instrument NACS (Neutral Atmosphere Composition Spectrometer) onboard the satellite DE-2 (NASA, 1981-1983). The statistical association of registered ionospheric disturbances with earthquakes is demonstrated. The results of DE-2 data processing are backed up by comparison with data from the DEMETER satellite (CNES, 2005-2010) whose purpose was to study the ionospheric effects of earthquakes. Specific features of GWs that characterize these waves as a factor of influence on the ionosphere from below are indicated.

During blunt ocular trauma, the anteroposterior compressive forces confronted lead to consequent equatorial expansion of the globe. This may result in ciliary body trauma, typically manifesting as angle recession or cyclodialysis. The authors hypothesize that a likely asymmetric contraction between the longitudinal and circular ciliary fibers, and an intrinsic weak "oblique buffer zone" creates a plane of separation between the 2, resulting in angle recession. When stronger forces are met with, the equatorial expansion of the sclera may outperform the ability of the ciliary body to follow it, and the taut longitudinal ciliary fibers may subsequently disinsert from the scleral spur causing cyclodialysis. In addition to this, the routinely thought dismembering aqueous jets directed toward the angle may also accentuate ciliary body trauma. Therefore, the vivid distractive external forces along with the complex ciliary muscle anatomy and differential functionality may play a crucial role in causation of post-traumatic angle recession and cyclodialysis.

The Lewis acid-catalyzed annulations between anthranils and γ-butyrolactone-fused donor–acceptor cyclopropanes have been developed. Depending on the anthranils used, such annulations proceeded in a chemodivergent way to produce either bridged cyclic products via [4 + 3] annulation or γ-butyrolactone-fused tetrahydroquinoline products via a cascade process in moderate to high yields. A probable mechanism for the two reaction pathways has been proposed. The reaction could be performed on a gram-scale, and the products could be elaborated to other useful cyclic structures bearing multiple contiguous stereogenic centers.

This article analyzes the main causes of terrain instability in the urban area of the Tijuana city, Mexico, and describes its main conditioning and triggering factors. We present the case of a fault that occurred in the access road of an industrial park and the study carried out to investigate its causes, which included two stages: in the first, the main pathologies in the fault zone were identified, a terrain geotechnical characterization was made, and hypotheses were analyzed about the probable mechanism of the failure; and in the second, the analysis of the terrain stability and deformability was carried out by means of computer simulations that allowed to evaluate the influence of different conditioning and triggering factors of the event. The analysis of the causes of the terrain instability and the study of the presented case, allowed to issue conclusions on the natural and anthropic factors that most influence the occurrence of faults, and to give recommendations related to the design and construction of roads in urban areas.

Purpose A widespread focus on the plant-based antimicrobial cotton fabric finishes has been accomplished with notable importance in recent times. The antimicrobials prevent microbial dwelling in fabrics, which causes severe infections to the fabric users. Chemical disinfectants were conventionally used in fabrics to address this challenge; however, they were found to be toxic to humans. Thus, the present study aims to deal with the utilization of phytochemical extracts from different parts of Pongamia pinnata as antimicrobial coatings in cotton fabrics. Design/methodology/approach The root, bark and stem were collected and washed several times using tap water. Then, the leaves were dried at room temperature and the root and bark were dried using an oven at 40ºC. After drying, they were ground into fine powder and extracted with ethanol using the Soxhlet apparatus. After that the extract was coated on the fabric tested for antimicrobial studies. Findings The results reported that the leaf extract of P. pinnata-coated fabric exhibited enhanced antibacterial property towards gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria, followed by root, bark and stem. The wash durability test in the extract-coated fabric samples revealed that dip-coating retained antibacterial activity until five washes. Thus, the current study clearly suggests that the leaf extract from P. pinnata is highly useful to develop antibacterial cotton fabrics as health-care textiles. Originality/value The novelty of the present work is to obtain the crude extract from the leaves, bark, root and stem of P. pinnata and evaluate their antibacterial activity against E. coli, upon being coated on cotton fibres. In addition, the extracts were subjected to wash durability analysis to study the coating efficiency of the phytochemicals in cotton fabrics and a probable mechanism for the antibacterial activity of P. pinnata extracts was also presented.

As an undesired detrimental byproduct in selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over MnOx/TiO2 catalysts, N2O has received great concern in recent years. Its formation pathways and probable mechanism, especially the sources of N and O, were explored by the application of contrastive experiments and targeted characterization analysis in the work. Experimental results showed that both NH3 oxidation reactions and non-selective catalytic reduction (NSCR) of NO with NH3 accounted for N2O formation. The source of N in N2O formation was not only from NH3 involved in NH3 oxidation reactions but also from NH3 and NO involved in NSCR reactions of NO with NH3, while the source of O was closely related to O2 and catalyst oxygen. XPS results confirmed the participation of surface absorbed oxygen in N2O formation during all experiments with different O2 concentrations, and the participation proportion decreased as introduced O2 concentrations increased. Only a little lattice oxygen acted as the oxidizer and provided O for N2O formation, and with sufficient O2 in the reactor, the participation of lattice oxygen seemed negligible. Gaseous O2 was an important source of O in N2O formation, and its role strengthened with the increase of its concentration.

This paper explores the application of corona plasma technology as a tool in treatment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The review introduces the principle of corona discharge and describes the characteristics of plasma, especially of various corona plasma reactors. By summarizing the main features of such reactors, this paper provides a brief background to different power sources and reactor configurations and their application to VOC treatment design. Considering chlorinated compounds, benzene series and sulfur compounds, this paper reveals the probable mechanism of corona plasma in VOC degradation. Additionally, the effects of numerous technical parameters - such as reactor structure, shape and materials of electrodes, and humidity - are analyzed comprehensively. Product distribution, energy efficiency and economic benefits are invoked as factors to evaluate the performance of VOC degradation. Finally, the practical application of corona plasma and its advantages are briefly introduced. The review aims to illustrate the enormous potential of corona plasma technology in the treatment of VOCs, and identifies future directions. Implications: This paper comprehensively describes the principle, characteristics, research progress and engineering application examples of the degradation of volatile organics by corona discharge plasma, to provide a theoretical basis for the industrial application of this process.

A core of bottom sediments from Lake Krugloe located within the 30 km influence zone of the Siberian Chemical Plant (located in the city of Seversk “Tomsk-7”) was studied to determine scales and rates of migration of artificial radionuclides 137Cs and 241Am in organomineral sediment. It was found that the main portion of 137Cs and 241Am was contained in the sediment interval above 10 cm. This means that the horizon of 10 cm corresponds to 1950—the time of the start of widespread tests of nuclear weapons. The 210Pbex dates also confirm that this particular horizon was formed in the 1950s. Pore waters in the core above the 10 cm horizon are in oxidizing conditions. The depth of the oxidized/reduced boundary was determined from the distribution of redox-sensitive elements Fe and U dissolved in the pore solution. The core distribution of 137Cs is a slightly sloping step, with the lower edge at the 10 cm level. The smearing of the lower boundary of this distribution showing the scale of 137Cs migration made it possible to estimate the diffusion mobility of 137Cs. Its diffusion coefficient turned out to be of the order of 10−8 cm2 s−1. As shown by measurements, the scale of migration of 241Am and the scale of migration of 137Cs have similar values. Theoretical analysis carried out in this work shows that the most probable mechanism of 137Cs and 241Am migration in the pore solution of lake sediment is the migration of colloidal particles to which these radionuclides are strongly bound. Calculation of the diameter of such particles by the Stokes–Einstein formula shows that they have submicron dimensions (d ≈ 400 nm). No evidence was found that the change in redox conditions in the sediment had an effect on migration of Am ions in pore solution.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has challenged the health care systems of the world. Although the pulmonary complications of the infection have received extensive attention, addressing the other complications (e.g., changes in androgen levels) could further provide a more efficient understanding of the disease, which might aid in combating it. Since the association between androgens and the expression and activity of SARS-CoV-2 receptors has been proven and anti-androgen-based therapies have been considered in this regard, addressing various aspects of androgen level changes can be constructive. The present paper examines the possible mechanisms of changes in androgen levels by the virus. It seems that the infection of the gonads by the SARS-CoV-2 could reduce the androgen levels by affecting different cellular pathways.

Nanotechnology holds an emerging domain of medical science as it can be utilized virtually in all areas. Phyto-constituents are valuable and encouraging candidates for synthesizing green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which possess great potentials toward chronic diseases. This review gives an overview of the Green approach of AgNPs synthesis and its characterization. The present review further explores the potentials of Phyto-based AgNPs toward anticancer and antiviral activity including its probable mechanism of action. Green synthesized AgNPs prepared by numerous medicinal plants extract are critically reviewed for cancer and viral infection. Thus, this article mainly highlights green synthesized Phyto-based AgNPs with their potential applications for cancer and viral infection including mechanism of action and therapeutic future prospective in a single window.

During the ongoing pandemic, there have been varying presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with the concern that patients who are immunosuppressed (due to underlying medical conditions and/or therapies) are at higher risk of severe disease. We report the case of an elderly renal transplant recipient working in a long-term health care facility who was being monitored by weekly surveillance testing and tested positive for COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, despite having no clinical symptoms. He recovered with supportive care, despite being on multiple long-term immunosuppressant drugs and having multiple comorbidities. Additionally, it was found that he did not mount an antibody response, when he tested negative by serologic testing. Through this case, we wish to highlight the unique clinical scenario of asymptomatic patients who may have an underwhelming immune response to COVID-19, but may nevertheless be an important source of dissemination. We further discuss the probable mechanism of such asymptomatic presentations in immunosuppressed patients, while reinforcing the importance of self-isolation of COVID-19 patients (particularly in asymptomatic health care workers).

The scientific explorations of nanoparticles for their inherent therapeutic potencies as antimicrobial and antiviral agents due to increasing incidences of antibiotic resistance have gained more attention in recent time. This factor amongst others necessitates the search for newer and more effective antimicrobial agents. Several investigations have demonstrated the prospects of nanoparticles in the treatment of various microbial infections. The therapeutic applications of nanoparticles as either delivery agent or broad spectrum inhibition agents in viral and microbial investigations can no longer be overlooked. Their large surface area to volume ratio made them an indispensable substance as delivery agents in many respect. Various materials have been used for the synthesis of nanoparticles with unique properties channelised to meet specific therapeutic requirement. This review focuses on the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral potential of nanoparticles with their probable mechanism of action., Bacteria; Fungi; Virus; Nanoparticles; Anti-microbial therapy.

Temporary blindness, also known as transient cortical blindness, is an uncommon impediment of contrast agent usage during angiography procedures. The occurrence of blindness after a cardiac catheterization procedure is rare and its pathophysiology remains largely speculative. The most probable mechanism seems to be contrast agent-related disruption of the blood–brain barrier, possibly initiated by several predisposing factors. This case reports a 52-year-old man with transient vision loss that occurred following coronary angiography. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no acute pathology and his vision spontaneously returned within approximately 15 hours post-procedure without any requirement of specific therapy. Suggesting that transient cortical blindness may have occurred following coronary angiography which subsequently self-resolved.

Objectives:This study determined the chemical composition of essential oil obtained from fresh leaf ofPlectranthus aegyptiacus, and evaluated it for novelty-induced behavioural (NIB) and determine its mechanism(s) of action in mice. Methods:The oil was hydro-distillated, and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effects of the oil (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg; i.p., n=6) on novelty-induced behavioural was assessed using open field test and head dipping on hole board. Probable mechanism(s) were evaluated using antagonists: flumazenil, naloxone and cyproheptadine at 2 mg/kg each, atropine and yohimbine at 5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg respectively. Key Findings:The LD50 values obtained were 2154 and 490 mg/kg for oral and intraperitoneal routes respectively. The oil (50, 100 and150 mg/kg) significantly (p Conclusions:The study concluded that the oil possessed central nervous system depressant activity, which could be mediated mainly through augmentation of GABAergic neurotransmission, while cholinergic-(muscarinic), adrenergic and serotonergic pathways may be involved.

Variation potential (VP) is an important long-distance electrical signal in higher plants that is induced by local damages, influences numerous physiological processes, and participates in plant adaptation to stressors. The transmission of increased hydraulic pressure through xylem vessels is the probable mechanism of VP propagation in plants, however, the rates of the pressure transmission and VP propagation can strongly vary. We analyzed this problem on the basis of a simple mathematical model of the pressure distribution along a xylem vessel, which was approximated by a tube with a pressure gradient. It is assumed that the VP is initiated if the integral over pressure is more than a threshold one, taking into account that the pressure is transiently increased in the initial point of the tube and is kept constant in the terminal point. It was shown that this simple model can well describe the parameters of VP propagation in higher plants, including the increase in time before VP initiation and the decrease in the rate of VP propagation with an increase in the distance from the zone of damage. Considering three types of the pressure dynamics, our model predicts that the velocity of VP propagation can be stimulated by an increase in the length of a plant shoot and also depends on pressure dynamics in the damaged zone. Our results theoretically support the hypothesis about the impact of pressure variations in xylem vessels on VP propagation.

Effective biventricular pacing is important to improve survival in patients with heart failure. We report a case of a patient with heart failure, who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy, who had loss of biventricular pacing when in low atrial rhythm. We discuss the probable mechanism for the same.

COVID-19 is now pandemic throughout the world, and scientists are searching for effective therapies to prevent or treat the disease. The combination of curcumin and piperine is a potential option for the management of COVID-19 based on several mechanisms including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects. Here, we describe the probable mechanism of curcumin-piperine against COVID-19. Administration of curcumin-piperine combination appears as a potential strategy to counterbalance the pathophysiological features of COVID-19 including inflammation. The optimal dose and duration of curcumin-piperine supplementation should be determined in the future.

The Central Sulawesi Province of Sulawesi Island of Indonesia was hit by a powerful earthquake of moment magnitude (Mw) 7.5 on September 28, 2018. The earthquake was triggered by the left lateral Palu–Koro fault at a shallow hypocentral depth of 20 km. The event resulted in major geotechnical failures and structural damages in Palu city and Sigi Regency, causing thousands of deaths and injuries to more. Areas such as Balaroa, Petobo, Jono Oge and Sibalaya suffered enormous damage due to long-distance flow-slides and mud flows. It was the first of its kind of a large-scale flow-slide event triggered by an earthquake, surprisingly on a very gently sloped ground, displacing ground to hundreds of meters. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief insight on the outcomes of the field investigations launched by teams of researchers from Japan, immediately after the earthquake to delineate the key factors responsible for triggering such intensive flow-slides. Findings from the field investigations performed by means of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), in situ testing using portable dynamic cone penetration test (PDCPT) and trench survey, are described here. In addition, subsequent data interpretation and some probable mechanism of the flow-slides are discussed.

We combine mobile locations, weather data, and COVID-19 confirmed cases in a transformed two-way fixed effects mediation model to estimate the causal impact of weather on the COVID-19 infection rate in the United States, disentangling its direct impact from the indirect effect via the endogenous response of social activity. We show that, while temperature has a negative impact on viral infectiousness, it also increases the amount of time individuals spend out of home, which instead favours the spread of the virus. This second channel substantially attenuates the beneficial effect of temperature in curbing the spread of the virus, offsetting half of the potential seasonal fluctuations in the reproduction rate. The mediation role of social activity is particularly relevant when viral incidence is low, while it becomes negligible when the epidemiological situation is more serious. Wind speed and precipitation, despite being significant predictors of social activity, do not induce sufficient variation to affect infections. Estimates are robust to an alternative definition of social activity based on the number of visits to indoor venues. This suggests that our results are not driven by individuals spending less time indoors on warmer days, leaving a biological effect of temperature on the virus as the most probable mechanism. Finally, our estimates show that school closures and lockdowns are effective in reducing infections.

The recent development in metaomics applications has extended the understanding of the human gut microbiota and its role in health and diseases. This increases the interest in using commensal bacteria as next-generation probiotic (NGP) for the prevention and treatment of disease as a novel health promoting approach. The candidates for NGPs, including Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium hallii, and Parabacteroides goldsteinii, maintain gut homeostasis and target-specific health issues and needs, unlike traditional probiotics that have limited effects on the human gut microbiota and amelioration of diseases. NGP can develop as either dietary supplement or novel drug that faces a new challenge in their efficacy, safety, technological robustness, and regulatory framework. Therefore, the emerging NGP candidate and their probable mechanism of probiotic activities in amelioration of disease along with their safety and other challenges are discussed in this chapter.

In his later years, Albert Einstein brilliantly criticized quantum physics particularly quantum entanglement which illustrates the ability of particles to share a combined state while in separation arbitrarily far away and grappled with oddity he termed this phenomenon as “spooky action at a distance”. Lately, this ambiguity has intensified in various forms of non-locality. However in recent times, scientists have verified the reality of this phenomenon over ever greater distances, even from Earth to a satellite in space. In many cases, it violates the principle of special theory of relativity where the information travels faster than light, which is a mystery so far. In this paper, the author has proposed a probable mechanism of quantum entanglement which does not break the assumption of special theory of relativity and concept of time latency is also introduced.

Cancer therapy has undergone tremendous advancements in the past few years. The drawbacks of most of these therapies have encouraged researchers to obtain further insight into the complex chemical, biochemical and biological processes ongoing in the evolving cancer cells. These studies have led to an advent of reactive oxygen species mediated therapies to target and disrupt the cancer pathology. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a potent candidate for oxidative stress mediated non-invasive technique for rapid diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Towards this, biomacromolecules derived hybrid nanomaterials have contributed largely in the development of various therapeutics and theranostics for efficacious cancer management that can assist PDT. This review summarizes various hybrid biomaterials and advanced techniques that have been explored widely in the past few years for PDT application. The article also mentions some of the important in-vitro and in-vivo developments and observations explored by employing these materials for PDT application. The article also describes the interactions of these materials at the biological interface and the probable mechanism that assist in generation of oxidative stress and subsequent cell death.

β-sheet breakers (BSB) constitute a class of peptide inhibitors of amyloidogenesis, a process which is a hallmark of many diseases called amyloidoses, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), however the molecular details of their action are still not fully understood. Here we describe the results of the computational investigation of the three BSBs, iaβ6 (LPFFFD), iaβ5 (LPFFD) and iaβ6_Gly (LPFGFD), in complex with the fibril model of Aβ42 and propose the kinetically probable mechanism of their action. The mechanism involves the binding of BSB to the central hydrophobic core (CHC) region (LVFFA) of Aβ fibril and the π-stacking of its Phe rings both internally and with the Aβ fibril. In the process the Aβ fibril undergoes distortion accumulating on the side of chain A (located on the odd tip of the fibril). In a single replica of extended molecular dynamics run of one of the iaβ6 poses, the distortion concludes in a dissociation of chain A from the fibril model of Aβ42. Altogether, we postulate that including consecutive Phe residues into BSBs docked around Phe 20 in the CHC region of Aβ42 improve their potency for dissolution of fibrils. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In the last few decades, microbes have evolved, having resistance to several drugs and antibiotics. Multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) strains have become a severe threat to human health that needs to be addressed immediately. In this context, research has led to a quest for new strategies in the development of novel antimicrobial therapies. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) has gained the attention of the research community working in the field of targeted delivery systems for drugs. Though NPs have proved their extraordinary antimicrobial activity against several disease-causing microbes, NPs with magnetic properties are found to be more efficient and effective. The unique physicochemical properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been proved to offer better antimicrobial activity when compared to the conventional forms. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles have an extensive range of commercial and domestic applications in several fields, including environment, medicine, electronics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. This chapter provides aspects of the synthesis, use, and antimicrobial properties of MNPs along with a brief discussion of the probable mechanism involved. It also focuses on the characterization technique of MNPs, followed by the assessment strategies of antimicrobial activity. Overall, the chapter offers an insight into the antimicrobial activity of different MNPs while exploring the correlation of factors affecting the overall process.

OBJECTIVE Epidural fluid collection (EFC) is one of the postoperative complications of cranioplasty and is easily ignored. Not only the predictive factors of EFC formation are unknown, the pathologic mechanisms are also unknown. We determined to analyze the predictive factors and the mechanism of EFC formation. METHODS A total of 340 patients underwent cranioplasty were retrospectively analyzed in this study. A series of factors were compared in the EFC and none-EFC groups and farther compared in the progress epidural fluid collection (PEFC) and none-PEFC subgroups to determine the predictive factors. The t test, χ test, and logistic regression analysis were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS The rate of EFC formation was 34.41%, and the size of skull defect, preoperative volume of collapse, intraoperative dura suspending, a pre- or intraoperative ventriculoperitoneal shunt (V-P shunt), and an postoperative air bubble in epidural space were predictive factors for EFC formation. Furthermore, the incidence of PEFC was 10.29%, the size of skull defects and intraoperative dura suspending were predictive factors for PEFC formation. The protein ratio and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ratio of effusion to serum were >0.5 and 0.6, respectively. There was no adverse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Although EFC can be treated with conservative therapy, we need to emphasize EFC incidence and development. As neurosurgeons, it is necessary to analyze the preoperative predictive factors of EFC, pay attention to the intraoperative details such as dura suspending to prevent PEFC formation, and the early intervention should be performed in the postoperative.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant cancers with high morbidity and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that affect biological processes by binding to mRNAs and regulating their expression, and epigenetic alterations including miRNA dysregulation are significantly involved in CRC development. Determining the effect of the miRNA-mRNA network on CRC could be helpful for developing novel therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers, and even improving survival. In this study, microarray assays were used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) and mRNAs (DE mRNAs) in CRC and the adjacent normal tissues. Among the detected genes, 42 miRNAs and 142 mRNAs were significantly upregulated in CRC, while 23 miRNAs and 279 mRNAs were significantly downregulated. Through overlapping of predicted targets of DE miRNAs and anti-expressed DE mRNAs, networks of DE miRNAs and DE mRNAs in CRC were established. Additionally, the formation of a protein-protein interaction network of DE mRNAs possibly targeted by DE miRNAs, functional annotation and pathway analysis, stable subnetwork mining, and determination of hub genes provided the probable mechanism used by DE miRNAs and DE mRNAs to regulate CRC growth. Finally, validation of expression and prognostic potential of hub genes provided further support for the results above and indicated that CCL-28, GPR15, PNOC, NUSAP1, and their interacted miRNAs may be a potential signature for prognosis of CRC patients. In sum, we successfully established miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks based on microarray results targeting CRC, and these findings may elucidate the mechanisms used for CRC growth and identify miRNA-related signatures for prognosis and treatment of CRC.

The article presents the possibilities of using special prepared binders to reduce the emission of ions from soil, and immobilize metals migration from waste deposits. Clay-cement slurries are mixtures containing in their compositions clinker binder and clay minerals, in this case they were Bełchatów and Koniecpol clays. After hydratation process mixtures they create flexible and tight structures that are used, among others, as a barriers immobilizing the spread of pollution. The tests have shown that in the case of amphoteric metals, it is possible to accumulate almost 100% of the contamination using clay-cement suspensions. An attempt was also made to explain the mechanisms of ion retention in arised structures. The article presents three probable mechanism of amphoteric ions binding, the first is retention in the clay minerals interlayer spaces, the second is entrapment in CSH type phases formed during hydratation. Last possibility is formation of some new silicate structures.

Background: In the present scenario, diabetes is a growing health challenge, and its occurrence is growing across the globe. Diabetes, with its complications like diabetic wounds, vasculopathy, neuropathy, wound infections, and oxidative stress, is a serious cause of mortality worldwide. Introduction: Among the various complications, treatment of diabetic foot and ulcers is one of the major concerns in patients who are suffering from diabetes. The causative factors for this condition include increased oxidative stress, high blood glucose levels, vascular insufficiency, and microbial infections, and many a time, if left untreated, it may even lead to amputations of the lower extremities. The present therapy for the treatment of diabetic wounds mainly involves the use of synthetic moieties and other biotechnology-derived biomolecules, including growth factors. Few plant products are also useful in the treatment of wounds. Method: Essential oils derived from various herbs are reported to possess significant wound healing potential and promote blood clotting, help to fight infections, and accelerate the wound healing process. Hence, the present review is a systematic analysis of all the available data on the use of the natural oils with their biological source, active phytochemical constituents present, and the probable mechanism of action for the treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds in suitable animal models. A methodical collection of data was performed, and information was searched up to April 2020 in entirety. Key phrases used for the data search include the pathophysiology of wounds, diabetic foot wound and its complications, natural oils for chronic and diabetic wound treatment. Results: This review summarizes the natural oils which are reported in the literature to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic wounds, while some oils have been specifically also studied against wounds in diabetic rats. Essential oils are said to interact with the body pharmacologically, physiologically and psychologically and help in rapid wound healing. However, the majority of the literature studies have demonstrated wound healing activity only in animal models (preclinical data), and further clinical studies are necessary. Conclusion : This review provides a platform for further studies on the effective utilization of natural oils in the treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds, especially if oils are to receive credibility in the management of chronic wounds.

In this study, field investigation and numerical modeling using Particle Flow Code (PFC) were conducted to investigate deposit characteristics and their implications for the fragmentation mechanisms of the 2009 Jiweishan rock avalanche in Wulong, China. The results show that average grain-size distribution of the debris diminishes both from the proximal to the distal end and from the surface to the bottom of the deposit. A carapace of large boulders was formed at the surface and passively carried by the underlying finely fragmented debris during runout. Stratigraphic preservation, directly aligned boulders on the surface, and jigsaw fracture patterns exclude fragmentation mechanisms involving collision. Fragmentation induced by normal stress also cannot explain the progressive reduction in grain size of the deposit from the proximal to the distal end. Loose soil on the transport path was bulldozed to the very front and pushed passively by the rock debris, rather than remaining at the bottom and reducing frictional resistance between the debris and the ground. Thus, the undrained-loading hypothesis widely used to explain the long-runout of rock avalanches is not applicable. Shear-induced fragmentation is the most probable mechanism that can adequately explain the characteristics of the rock avalanche deposit.

Background: Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have become the largest group of new psychoactive substances monitored by the European Union Early Warning System. Despite the wide diffusion on the market, data regarding effects, toxicities and mechanisms as well as toxic/lethal doses are still scarce. Methods: A comprehensive literature search for articles published up to January 2019 was performed in multiple electronic databases. Only cases of death in which toxicological analyses revealed the presence of SCRAs in blood or urine and at least an external examination was performed, including those occurred in emergency departments, were included. Results: Of 380 studies identified, 354 were excluded, while 8 additional manuscripts were included through the screening of relevant references cited in the selected articles. A total number of 34 manuscripts (8 case series and 26 case reports) were included. Conclusions: Typical toxic ranges for SCRAs have not been so far identified and the results of toxicological analyses should be interpreted with caution. In death cases involving SCRAs, a thorough post-mortem examination is a prerequisite to assess the role of the substance use in the deceased and to identify a probable mechanism of death. Even after a comprehensive analysis of clinical, circumstantial, toxicological and autoptic data, the cause and manner of death remain unclear in some cases.

An artificial sugar saccharine based anion-functionalized ionic liquid [Bmim]Sac was synthesized and used for new and straightforward strategies for the construction of a diverse range of bis-enols. The advantage of this methodology is the use of a non-toxic, inexpensive and reusable catalyst, and high atom economy and easy purification make this an efficient process. Besides, a probable mechanism describing dual activation of the ionic liquid as well as dual hydrogen bonding of the saccharinate anion has been proposed.

Context: The use of herbal medications can improve the quality of life and prevent the side effects of chemical drugs. The present narrative review study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Zataria multiflora, Satureja, oak fruit husk, and Jaftex herbal mouthwash for the treatment of minor oral aphthous stomatitis. Evidence Acquisition: A literature review was conducted in electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as Persian databases such as SID, Magiran, and IranMedex from 2000 to 2019, particularly in the last 10 years. The appropriate keywords were searched including “recurrent aphthous stomatitis”, “oak tree”, “Satureja”, “Zataria multiflora”, and “Jaftex mouthwash”. Results: Six clinical trials were analyzed in the present study. The results showed that Zataria multiflora, Satureja, oak fruit husk, and Jaftex mouthwash have beneficial effects on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The main outcome measures assessed in this study were the duration of the complete healing process, ulcer size, and the level of pain. No side effects were reported in Zataria multiflora, oak fruit husk, and Jaftex mouthwash, but Satureja khuzestanica essential oil revealed a trivial burning at the initial time of application. Conclusions: Reviewing these studies indicated that Zataria multiflora, Satureja, oak fruit husk, and Jaftex mouthwash greatly improved the patients’ symptoms by shortening the duration of the complete healing process, reducing ulcer size, and relieving pain. Therefore, these herbal medicines can be used as alternative treatment agents for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. More investigations are required to elucidate the probable mechanism(s) and mode(s) of action of these plants and standardization.

Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that induces several complications in various organs such as the liver, kidney, and reproductive system. Trace elements such as copper, zinc, selenium, and magnesium play an essential role in the management or treatment of diabetes mellitus. Aim the aim of the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of these trace elements nanoparticles and their probable mechanism of action on diabetes and its complications. Methods The present brief report was conducted with a search of articles published in several databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The articles were selected from 2011 to 2018 using the keywords “zinc,” “copper,” “selenium,” “magnesium,” and “diabetes.” Following the eligibility criteria were selected 16 articles and 1 book. Results The scientific results of the presented brief report show that zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium have antidiabetic effects. Also, they improved the diabetes-induced complications through increase antioxidant enzyme level, glucose utilization, and insulin sensitivity. Conclusion While zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium revealed antidiabetic effects, but their nanoparticles were more potent for the treatment of this disease.

Aim To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Khadirarishta (An Ayurvedic traditional formulation) against some of the bacterial strains as well as to investigate the probable mechanism of action against sensitive bacterial strains by using standard procedures. Methods The antibacterial activity of Khadirarishta against some of the bacterial strains was evaluated by using bacterial susceptibility assay and the broth Microdilution method by using microplate reader and p-iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) reagent assay. The mechanism of action of Khadirarishta was observed by its effects on the bacterial membrane followed by quantification of effluxes components. Resistance analysis and Combination effect of Khadirarishta was also performed to explore its antibacterial dimensions. HPLC analysis of Khadirarishta was carried out for identifying the different marker compounds. Results Khadirarishta revealed a significant (p Conclusion This study shows that Khadirarishta has antibacterial potency and has a vigorous effect on the bacterial cell wall and membrane permeability. This could be due to the presence of identified marker compounds in this herb-decoction based Ayurvedic traditional formulation.

An ionic liquid catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of substituted benzenes with CCl4 was developed. The reaction proceeded efficiently under mild conditions, gave corresponding trichloromethylarenes with diversity functional groups in moderate to good yields. The influence of Lewis acidity of ionic liquids on the conversion of the alkylation reaction has been investigated. Notably, the probable mechanism of this reaction has been proposed with the assistance of 27Al NMR spectroscopy. It was noteworthy that the predominance of [Al2Cl7]− species in EmimCl–AlCl3, N = 0.67 could be detected by 27Al NMR spectral analysis, and [AlCl4]− was generated at the beginning of reaction. Additionally, it was found that [AlCl4]− could be transformed into [Al2Cl7]− when the reaction finished. Some control experiments confirmed that the interaction between Lewis acidic species [Al2Cl7]− of the ionic liquid and CCl4 led to the change in speciation of aluminum during the alkylation reactions.

Diols and primary alcohols were subjected to the action of a system FeCl3–NaNO2/O2 (air) under mercury lamp irradiation to synthesize unsubstituted and 2-methyl-1,3-dioxacyclanes: 1,3-dioxolane, 1,3-dioxepane, 1,3-dioxocane, 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, 2-methyl-1,3-dioxepane, 2-methyl-1,3-dioxocane. The probable mechanism of the photocatalytic synthesis of 1,3-dioxacyclanes was described by an example of 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane.

A highly active Z-scheme layer-by-layer g-C3N4/Ag/Bi2WO6 system was designed and prepared by a facile in situ growth strategy, which led to superior visible-light photocatalytic efficiency with excellent stability and reusability. The photocatalytic degradation rate of Rhodamine B with CN/Ag/BWO was proved to be 3 times higher than g-C3N4 and 4 times higher than Bi2WO6, further demonstrating the necessity of the layer-by-layer structure and the suitable electron mediator Ag in Z-scheme system. A probable mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of CN/Ag/BWO system was proposed. The results demonstrated that ·O2− or direct h+ was the primary reactive radicals involved, which confirmed that the Z-scheme mechanism of charge carrier transfer conducted the higher photocatalytic activity. This work provided scientific basis for rational construction of Z-scheme photocatalytic system.

Heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts with the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS), which offer the advantages of fast reaction rate, wide functional pH range and cost efficiency, have attracted great interest in wastewater treatment. In this study, a novel magnetic MnO2/Fe3O4/diatomite nanocomposite is synthesized and then used as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst to degrade the organic pollutant methylene blue (MB) with the activation of PMS. The characterization results show that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and nanoflower-like MnO2 are evenly distributed layer-by-layer on the surface of diatomite, which can be readily magnetically separated from the solution. The as-prepared catalyst, compared with other Fenton-like catalysts, shows a superb MB degradation rate of nearly 100% in 45 min in the pH range of 4 to 8 and temperature range of 25 to 55 °C. Moreover, the nanocomposite shows a good mineralization rate of about 60% in 60 min and great recyclability with a recycle efficiency of 86.78% after five runs for MB. The probable mechanism of this catalytic system is also proposed as a synergistic effect between MnO2 and Fe3O4.

A one-pot synthesis of 2-(het)aryl/alkyl-3-cyanobenzofurans has been reported. The overall sequence involves base-induced reaction of 2-(2-bromoaryl)-3-(het)aryl-3-(methylthio)acrylonitriles with benzyl carbamate, generating α-(het)aroyl-α-(2-bromoaryl)acetonitriles, which are in situ subjected to copper-catalyzed intramolecular O-arylation, furnishing the 2-(het)aryl/alkyl-3-cyanobenzofurans in high yields. A probable mechanism for the base-induced cleavage of 2-(2-bromoaryl)-3-(het)aryl-3-(methylthio)acrylonitriles to α-(het)aroyl-α-(2-bromoaryl)acetonitriles in the presence of benzyl carbamate has been proposed.

Complete uniparental isodisomy (iUPD)—the presence of two identical chromosomes in an individual that originate from only a single parental homolog—is an underestimated cause of recessive Mendelian disease in humans. Correctly identifying iUPD in an index patient is of enormous consequence to correctly counseling the family/couple, as the recurrence risk for siblings is reduced from 25% to usually 85% proportion of homozygous calls on a single chromosome with ≥30 sufficiently interspaced called variants results in a sensitivity of 97.9% and specificity of 99.7%. The PPV is 95.1%, the NPV 99.9%. When this threshold is exceeded for a chromosome on which a patient harbors an apparently homozygous disease-associated variant, it should be sufficient cause to discuss iUPD as a plausible or probable mechanism of disease in the genetic analysis report, even when parental segregation has not (yet) been performed.