Thymoquinone Nanoparticles (TQ-NPs) in Kidney Toxicity Induced by Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC): An In Vivo Study.

Background: Cisplatin (Cis) is potent chemotherapy used to treating already many different types of cancer; however, it is found to correlate with nephrotoxicity and other adverse health consequences. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule that may defend against the consequences of different chemotherapies. Thymoquinone uses, although, are negatively impacted by its weak solubility and inadequate biological availability. Objectives: This investigation examined the efficacy of a new nanoparticle (NP) absorbing TQ in an Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) mice model to address its low solubility, enhance its bioavailability, and protect against Cis-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: Following 4 treatment groups were included in this research: (1) control, (2) EAC, (3) EAC + Cis + Thymoquinone nanoparticle (TQ-NP) treated, and (4) EAC + Cis-treated. Results: The study revealed that TQ-NP was efficacious in avoiding Cis-induced kidney problems in EAC mice, as well as restoring kidney function and pathology. Thymoquinone nanoparticle considerably reduced Cis-induced oxidative damage in renal tissue by augmenting antioxidant levels. According to tumor weight and histological investigation results, TQ-NP did not impair Cis's anticancer efficacy. Conclusion: Thymoquinone nanoparticle might be used as a potential drug along with Cis anticancer therapy to reduce nephrotoxicity and other side effects while maintaining Cis anticancer properties.

Contexte: Le cisplatine (CIS) est un puissant agent chimiothérapeutique utilisé pour le traitement de nombreux types de cancers. Le cisplatine est cependant corrélé à de la néphrotoxicité et à d'autres conséquences néfastes pour la santé. La thymoquinone (TQ) est une molécule antioxydante et anti-inflammatoire qui peut protéger contre les effets néfastes de différents agents chimiothérapeutiques. Les faibles solubilité et biodisponibilité de la TQ limitent toutefois son utilisation. Objectifs: Un modèle de souris atteintes d'un carcinome ascitique d'Ehrlich (souris EAC) a servi à vérifier l'efficacité d'une nouvelle nanoparticule (NP) absorbant la TQ pour remédier aux faibles solubilité et biodisponibilité de la TQ et protéger contre la néphrotoxicité induite par le CIS. Méthodologie: Les quatre groupes suivants ont été examinés: i) témoin; ii) souris EAC; iii) souris EAC traitées par CIS + TQ-NP (thymoquinone-nanoparticule); iv) souris EAC traitées par CIS. Résultats: L'étude a révélé que la TQ-NP était efficace pour éviter les problèmes rénaux induits par le CIS chez les souris EAC, de même que pour restaurer la fonction rénale et soigner la pathologie. En augmentant les niveaux d'antioxydants, la TQ-NP a considérablement réduit les dommages oxydatifs induits par le CIS dans le tissu rénal. Selon le poids des tumeurs et les résultats de l'étude histologique, la TQ-NP n'a pas altéré l'efficacité anticancéreuse du CIS. Conclusion: La TQ-NP pourrait potentiellement être utilisée avec le traitement anticancéreux par CIS afin de réduire la néphrotoxicité et les autres effets secondaires, sans altérer les propriétés anticancer du CIS.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of disorders of sex development in Sudanese patients

Given the scarce data on DSD in Sudan, we aimed to characterize DSD's clinical and genetic profile in Sudanese patients. We studied 60 patients with DSD using clinical data, cytogenetics, and PCR for the SRY gene. The results showed that 65% grew up as females and 35% as males. There was a high percentage of consanguineous parents (85%). Female genital mutilation (FGM) was performed in 75% of females. Patients who presented after pubertal age were 63%, with ambiguous genitalia in 61.7%, followed by primary amenorrhea (PA) in 30%. The SRY gene was positive in 3.3% of patients with 46,XX karyotype and negative in 6.7% of patients with 46,XY karyotype. 5αR2D-DSD was seen in 43.3%, gonadal dysgenesis in 21.7%, Ovotesticular syndrome in 6.7%, Swyer and Turner syndrome in 5% each, and Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) in 3.3%. In conclusion, DSD in Sudan has a distinct profile with late presentation, dominated by 5αR2D-DSD due to the increased consanguineous marriage, and FGM represents a significant risk for DSD patients.

Compte tenu du peu de données sur le DSD au Soudan, nous avons cherché à caractériser le profil clinique et génétique du DSD chez les patients soudanais. Nous avons étudié 60 patients atteints de DSD en utilisant des données cliniques, cytogénétiques et PCR pour le gène SRY. Les résultats ont montré que 65 % ont grandi en tant que femmes et 35 % en tant qu'hommes. Il y avait un pourcentage élevé de parents consanguins (85 %). Des mutilations génitales féminines (MGF) ont été pratiquées chez 75 % des femmes. Les patientes qui se sont présentées après l'âge pubertaire étaient 63 %, avec des organes génitaux ambigus dans 61,7 %, suivis d'une aménorrhée primaire (AP) dans 30 %. Le gène SRY était positif chez 3,3 % des patients de caryotype 46,XX et négatif chez 6,7 % des patients de caryotype 46,XY. Le 5αR2D-DSD a été observé dans 43,3 %, la dysgénésie gonadique dans 21,7 %, le syndrome ovotesticulaire dans 6,7 %, le syndrome de Swyer et Turner dans 5 % chacun et le syndrome d'insensibilité aux androgènes (AIS) dans 3,3 %. En conclusion, le DSD au Soudan présente un profil distinct avec une présentation tardive, dominé par le 5αR2D-DSD en raison de l'augmentation des mariages consanguins, et les MGF représentent un risque important pour les patients DSD.

Portulaca oleracea L seed extracts counteract diabetic nephropathy through SDF-1/IL10/PPARγ-mediated tuning of keap1/Nrf2 and NF-κB transcription in Sprague Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: While oxidative stress is the key player driving diabetic nephropathy (DN), firm glycemic control remains the pillar prophylactic measure. Purslane was extensively described as a potent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic agent owing to its rich content of antioxidants. Therefore, this report aimed to assess the renoprotective potentials of methanol (MO) and methylene chloride (MC) fixed oil extracts of purslane seeds in a diabetic nephropathy (DN) model. METHODS: Purslane seeds were extracted using absolute methanol and methylene chloride, and type-1 diabetes was induced with a single 55 mg/kg dose of Streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 100 mmol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5), and then diabetic animals were received MO, MC, for 42 consecutive days to compare their antidiabetic effect relative to the reference drug "Losartan". Renal functions and DN biomarkers were weekly assessed, and the relative expression of different oxido-inflammatory mediators was quantified in diabetic kidneys by RT-PCR. Data were statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9.0.2. RESULTS: The oral administration of MO and MC extracts (250 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorated the body weight loss (P < 0.0001 / each), fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) (P < 0.0001 / each), urine volume (P < 0.0001 / each), as well as serum creatinine (P < 0.0001 / each), uric acid (P = 0.0022, 0.0052), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P = 0.0265, 0.0338); respectively, compared with the untreated diabetic rats. In addition, both extracts restored the effectuality of antioxidative machinery in diabetic kidneys as indicated by a significant reduction of ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation; higher GSH content, and promoted activity of glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.0001 / each). Histologically, both extracts alleviated the DN-structural alterations including the glomerular congestion and tubular degeneration, with MC-treated kidneys showing near to normal architecture. The transcription profiles of all treated kidneys revealed a significantly downregulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, Keap1 and NF-κB genes, concomitant with a significant upregulation of SDF-1, IL-10, Nrf2, HO-1, and PPARγ gene expression (P < 0.0001 / all). CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the remarkable DN-prophylactic potentials of purslane extracts mediated by neutralizing the hyperglycemia-induced ROS accumulation, and circumventing the downstream inflammatory cascades, surpassing the reference angiotensin receptor blocker; i.e. Losartan.

Neonatal Birthweight Spectrum: Maternal Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

Background and Objectives: Low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality which are inversely proportional to birth weight, while macrosomic babies are at risk of birth injuries and other related complications. Many maternal risk factors were associated with the extremes of birthweight. The objectives of this study are to investigate maternal risk factors for low and high birthweight and to report on the neonatal complications associated with abnormal birth weights. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of deliveries ≥ 23 weeks. We classified the included participants according to birth weight into normal birth weight (NBW), LBW, very LBW (VLBW), and macrosomia. The following maternal risk factors were included, mother's age, parity, maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal diabetes, and hypertension. The neonatal outcomes were APGAR scores < 7, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), respiratory distress (RD), and hyperbilirubinemia. Data were analyzed using SAS Studio, multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the independent effect of maternal risk factors on birthweight categories and results were reported as an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results: A total of 1855 were included in the study. There were 1638 neonates (88.3%) with NBW, 153 (8.2%) with LBW, 27 (1.5%) with VLBW, and 37 (2.0%) with macrosomia. LBW was associated with maternal hypertension (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.62-7.63), while increasing gestational age was less likely associated with LBW (aOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.46-0.57). Macrosomia was associated with maternal diabetes (aOR = 3.75, 95% CI = 1.67-8.41), in addition to maternal obesity (aOR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.24-8.14). The odds of VLBW were reduced significantly with increasing gestational age (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.32-0.53). In total, 81.5% of VLBW neonates were admitted to the NICU, compared to 47.7% of LBW and 21.6% of those with macrosomia. RD was diagnosed in 59.3% of VLBW neonates, in 23% of LBW, in 2.7% of macrosomic and in 3% of normal-weight neonates. Hyperbilirubinemia was reported in 37.04%, 34.21%, 22.26%, and 18.92% of VLBW, LBW, NBW, and macrosomic newborns, respectively. Conclusions: Most neonates in this study had normal birthweights. Maternal hypertension and lower gestational age were associated with increased risk of LBW. Additionally, maternal obesity and diabetes increased the risk of macrosomia. Neonatal complications were predominantly concentrated in the LBW and VLBW, with a rising gradient as birthweight decreased. The main complications included respiratory distress and NICU admissions.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Schiff Base Metal Complexes, Biological Activity, and Molecular Docking Studies.

New cobalt(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) Schiff metal complexes were synthesized by the condensation reaction of 4-nitrobenzene-1,2-diamine with 3-4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet-visible, electron paramagnetic resonance, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and powder X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the synthesized H2L and its metal complexes. Conductance measurements, magnetic moment estimation, and metal estimation have all been determined and discussed. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized compounds have been determined and discussed using cyclic voltammetry. The molecular structures of H2L and its metal complexes have been optimized using the B3LYP functional and the 6-31G (d,p) basis set, and their parameters have been discussed. The quantum chemical properties of these synthesized compounds have been predicted through charge distribution and molecular orbital analysis. The biological properties of the synthesized compounds' antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial activity have been studied and discussed. Furthermore, H2L and its complexes have been docked with HER2-associated target proteins in breast cancer.

Evaluation of lupine seeds (Lupinus albus L.) neutral extract as a texture improver in low-fat yogurt production.

Aqueous lupine seeds (Lupinus albus L.) extracts were evaluated as a natural fat substitute in low-fat yogurt production. Thus, the chemical composition, particle size, molecular weight, total phenolic (TPC), and total flavonoids (TFC) of the selected extract were estimated. Also, the antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of selected extract were investigated. Yogurt with neutral lupine extract (NeLP) had the highest all sensorial attributes compared to other extracts. Also, the incorporation of NeLP during low-fat yogurt processing increased the solid content, and viscosity, as well as improved the textural profile and sensorial attributes without any negative effect on the yogurt's color. SEM micrographs of NeLP-yogurt microstructure showed a matrix characterized by large fused casein micelles clusters with comparatively lower porosity compared to control yogurt (without NeLP). The chemical composition of NeLP indicated that the major sugar constituents are glucose and galactose with different molar fractions. The molecular weight of NeLP is 460.5 kDa with a particle size of 1519.9 nm. Also, IC50 of NeLP is 0.589 mg/ml, while TPC and TFC are 7.17, and 0.0137 g/100 g sample, respectively. Hence, lupine neutral extract (0.25%) could be used as a fat replacer or texture improver ingredient in such low-fat yogurt which led to improved its characteristics without any negative defect during 7 days at 5 °C.

Designing Thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione Core-Based, A2-D-A1-D-A2-Type Acceptor Molecules for Promising Photovoltaic Parameters in Organic Photovoltaic Cells.

Nonfullerene-based organic solar cells can be utilized as favorable photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices due to their enhanced life span and efficiency. In this research, seven new molecules were designed to improve the working efficiency of organic solar cells by utilizing a terminal acceptor modification approach. The perceived A2-D-A1-D-A2 configuration-based molecules possess a lower band gap ranging from 1.95 to 2.21 eV compared to the pre-existing reference molecule (RW), which has a band gap of 2.23 eV. The modified molecules also exhibit higher λmax values ranging from 672 to 768 nm in the gaseous and 715-839 nm in solvent phases, respectively, as compared to the (RW) molecule, which has λmax values at 673 and 719 nm in gas and chloroform medium, respectively. The ground state geometries, molecular planarity parameter, and span of deviation from the plane were analyzed to study the planarity of all of the molecules. The natural transition orbitals, the density of state, molecular electrostatic potential, noncovalent interactions, frontier molecular orbitals, and transition density matrix analysis of all studied molecules were executed to validate the optoelectronic properties of these molecules. Improved charge mobilities and dipole moments were observed, as newly designed molecules possessed lower internal reorganization energies. The open circuit voltage (Voc) of W4, W5, W6, and W7 among newly designed molecules was improved as compared to the reference molecule. These results elaborate on the superiority of these novel-designed molecules over the pre-existing (RW) molecule as potential blocks for better organic solar cell applications.

Multistage in silico approach to identify novel quinoline derivatives as potential c-kit kinase inhibitors.

The type II-C-KIT signaling network has been extensively studied for its potential as a target for cancer treatment, leading to the investigation of quinoline derivatives as compounds with inhibitory effects on c-Kit kinase. In this study, a multistage approach was employed, including the creation of pharmacophore models, 3D QSAR analysis, virtual screening, docking investigations, and molecular dynamics stimulation. The pharmacophore evaluation included a data set of 29 ligands, which resulted in the generation of the ADDHR_1pharmacophore model as the most promising, with a survival score of 5.6812. The main objective was to utilize the atom-based 3D-QSAR approach for generating robust 3D-QSAR models aimed at identifying new TypeII-C-kit kinase inhibitors. The evaluations of these models have convincingly demonstrated their high predictive power (Q2 = 0.6547, R2 = 0.9947). Using atom-based 3D-QSAR data, a total of 7564 novel compounds were generated from R-group enumeration. Molecular docking and MM-GBSA study revealed that compound A1 exhibited the highest binding score of -9.30 kcal/mol and a Δ GBind value of -90.56 kcal/mol. The ZINC compounds were then screened using the pharmacophore model, followed by virtual screening, which identified ZINC65798256, ZINC09317958, ZINC73187176, and ZINC76176670 as potential candidates with promising docking scores. Among these, ZINC65798256 demonstrated the best binding interactions with amino acid residues, ASP810, LYS623, CYS673, and THR670 (PDB ID: 1T46). To further analyze the structural features and molecular interactions, molecular dynamics simulation was conducted for a time scale of 100 ns.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Evolutionary Computing for the Radiative-Convective Heat Transfer of a Wetted Wavy Fin Using a Genetic Algorithm-Based Neural Network.

Evolutionary algorithms are a large class of optimization techniques inspired by the ideas of natural selection, and can be employed to address challenging problems. These algorithms iteratively evolve populations using crossover, which combines genetic information from two parent solutions, and mutation, which adds random changes. This iterative process tends to produce effective solutions. Inspired by this, the current study presents the results of thermal variation on the surface of a wetted wavy fin using a genetic algorithm in the context of parameter estimation for artificial neural network models. The physical features of convective and radiative heat transfer during wet surface conditions are also considered to develop the model. The highly nonlinear governing ordinary differential equation of the proposed fin problem is transmuted into a dimensionless equation. The graphical outcomes of the aspects of the thermal profile are demonstrated for specific non-dimensional variables. The primary observation of the current study is a decrease in temperature profile with a rise in wet parameters and convective-conductive parameters. The implemented genetic algorithm offers a powerful optimization technique that can effectively tune the parameters of the artificial neural network, leading to an enhanced predictive accuracy and convergence with the numerically obtained solution.

Numerical study of thermal and solutal advancements in ZnO-SAE50 nanolubricant flow past a convergent/divergent channel with the effects of thermophoretic particle deposition.

The present research focuses on the significance of thermophoretic particle deposition on a ZnO-SAE50 nanolubricant flow in a stretchable/shrinkable convergent/divergent channel in the presence of an applied magnetic field and nonlinear heat radiation. A parameter in the governing differential equations and wall boundary conditions defines the physical mechanism of the model. The Galerkin finite element method, combined with similarity transformation, is adopted to solve the governing equations. The Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagating algorithm of an artificial neural network model forecasts heat and mass transfer properties. The results reveal that by stretching/shrinking the walls enough, the classical flow and heat properties are significantly affected. The stretching of the convergent or divergent channel is observed to increase the velocity profiles, whilst shrinking results in backflow regions. In terms of the temperature field, stretching causes more heat to be produced in the flow; nevertheless, the thermal layer is decreased and cooling is attained by channel shrinkage, which may have important technical implications.

Heat transfer analysis in magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flow induced by a rotating rough disk with non-Fourier heat flux: aspects of modified Maxwell-Bruggeman and Krieger-Dougherty models.

Non-Newtonian fluids have unique heat transfer properties compared to Newtonian fluids. The present study examines the flow of a Maxwell nanofluid across a rotating rough disk under the effect of a magnetic field. Furthermore, the Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model is adopted to explore heat transport features. In addition, a comparison of fluid flow without and with aggregation is performed. Using similarity variables, the governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations, and this system is then solved by employing the Runge-Kutta Fehlberg fourth-fifth order method to obtain the numerical solution. Graphical depictions are used to examine the notable effects of various parameters on velocity and thermal profiles. The results reveal that an increase in the value of Deborah number decreases the velocity profile. An increase in the thermal relaxation time parameter decreases the thermal profile. An artificial neural network is employed to calculate the rate of heat transfer and surface drag force. The R values for skin friction and Nusselt number were computed. The results demonstrate that artificial neural networks accurately predicted skin friction and Nusselt number values.

Sn-based materials in photocatalysis: A review.

Development and the application of Sn-based materials have become more prevalent in recent years due to concerns regarding the energy crisis, environmental pollution, and the urgent need of constructing inexpensive and highly effective photocatalysis. The recent advancement in Sn-based materials for efficient photocatalysts, such as Sn alloys, Sn oxides, Sn sulfides, Sn selenides, Sn niobates, Sn tantalites, and Sn tungstates, is summarized in this study. Several design ideas for increasing the photoactivity of Sn-based materials in various photocatalytic applications are emphasized. In addition, we considered their present applications in energy generation (H2 evolution, CO2 reduction, and N2 fixation) and environmental remediation (air purification and wastewater treatment). As a result, the current review will deepen the reader's understanding of the properties and potential uses of Sn-based materials in photocatalysis. Hence, this paper will serve as a guide in promoting the domain of Sn-based materials for future photocatalytic technologies.

Effect of dexamethasone administration on gonadal-fertility functions in female albino rats.

Introduction: dexamethasone is misused for skin whitening with broad effects on steroidogenesis and ovarian functions. Here in we investigated the impact of dexamethasone administration on gonadotropin Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), prolactin, and ovarian tissues in albino rats. Methods: in the experimental study, 36 female albino rats weighting (140-162 g) were divided into three groups: control, normal dose received dexamethasone (8.3 µg/kg/day) and high dose (24.9 µg/kg/day), for 30 and 60 days. follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin (PRL) were measured. Histological ovarian sections were examined. Results: luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin significantly increased (p-value < 0.05) following dexamethasone treatment compared to control. The ovary sections showed degenerative tissue with necrosis of the Graafian follicles, stromal fibrosis, and vacuolation of the interstitial cells. Conclusion: the study concludes that dexamethasone administration has a potentially adverse effect on gonadotropin, prolactin, and ovarian follicle cells in female albino rats.

Statistical optimization of enzyme cocktail production using Jew's mallow stalks residues by a new isolate Aspergillus flavus B2 via statistical strategy and enzymes characterization.

This study investigates the production of the enzyme cocktail by the isolated fungi Aspergillus flavus B2 (GenBank accession number OL655454) using agricultural and industrial (AI) residues as the sole substrate. Of all the AI residues tested, Jew's mallow stalk was the best inducer substrate for enzyme cocktail production without adding any nutrients. Statistical optimization using Response Surface Methodology enhanced the production by 5.45, 5.20, and 3.34-fold, respectively for pectinase, xylanase, and CMCase. Optimum temperature, activation energy (Ea), and activation energy for denaturation (Ed) were determined. Michaelis constant (Km) for CMCase, xylanase, and pectinase enzyme was 1.82, 1.23, and 1.05 mg/mL, respectively. Maximum reaction rate (Vmax) was 4.67, 5.29, and 17.13 U/mL, respectively for CMCase, xylanase, and pectinase. Thermal stability revealed that pectinase, CMCase, and xylanase enzymes retained 64.7%, 61.8%, and 53.2% residual activities after incubation for 1 h at 50 °C. Half-life time (t0.5) of pectinase, CMCase, and xylanase at 50 °C were 189.38, 129.8, and 127.89 min, respectively. Thermodynamics of the produced enzymes enthalpy (ΔH*d), free energy (ΔG*d), and entropy (ΔS*d) were determined at 40, 50, and 60 °C. In the presence of EDTA (5 mM), CMCase, xylanase, and pectinase retained 69.5%, 66.2%, and 41.2%, respectively of their activity. This work is significant for the valorization of AI residues and the production of value-added products.

Comparative Study of the Effective Properties of 0-3 and Gyroid Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Cement-Piezocomposites.

In the present numerical simulation work, effective elastic and piezoelectric properties are calculated and a comparative study is conducted on a cement matrix-based piezocomposite with 0-3 and gyroid triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) inclusions. The present study compares the effective properties of different piezoelectric materials having two different types of connectivity of the inclusions namely, 0-3 inclusions where the inclusions are physically separated from each other and are embedded within the matrix and the second one is TPMS inclusions having interpenetrating phase type connectivity. Effective properties are calculated for four different materials at five different volume fractions namely, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% volume fractions of inclusion by volume. In terms of effective properties and direct piezoelectric effect, TPMS piezocomposite is found to perform better compared to 0-3 piezocomposite. Lead-free piezoelectric material 0.5Ba(Ca0.8Zr0.2)O3 - 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 demonstrates better performance compared to all other material inclusions studied. The present study attempts to highlight improved piezoelectric effective properties of lead-free material-based piezocomposites with TPMS inclusions.

Antioxidant capacity and antitumor activity of the bioactive protein prepared from orange peel residues as a by-product using fungal protease.

Agricultural and industrial residues (AIR) are renewable biomass sources present in large quantities causing pollution. Converting AIR to eco-friendly products (bioactive materials) reduces their quantity and impact on the environment, in addition to reducing production costs. Therefore, orange peel (OP) protein degradation, antioxidant capacity, and antitumor activity were investigated using Aspergillus niger WA 2017 protease. The highest value of the protein hydrolysate with the highest antioxidant using the DPPH method was obtained after 24 h. The single-factor method boosted the protein hydrolysate and the DPPH antioxidant activity by 3.7 and 1.7-fold, respectively. Statistical optimized conditions (Central Composite Method) increased the hydrolysate value and the DPPH antioxidant activity by 1.6 and 1.1-fold, respectively. The central trial samples exhibited the highest DPPH antioxidant activity (62.37 %), while the control sample recorded 20 %. All antioxidant tests in vitro (DPPH, reducing power, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed the superiority of the potent hydrolysate as a good antioxidant. In vitro antitumor activity, the potent hydrolysate exhibited the highest effect on the Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells viability as it recorded 60.62 % dead cells. In vivo antitumor activity, the volume of the untreated tumor mice was found to be 1.4-fold bigger than the volume obtained from the potent hydrolysate. The increase in life span (ILS %) for oral treatment and intraperitoneal injection treatment with the potent hydrolysate increased by 13.91 and 19.42 %, respectively, compared to the untreated tumor.

Protease immobilization on a novel activated carrier alginate/dextrose beads: Improved stability and catalytic activity via covalent binding.

Protease from Bacillus thuringiensis strain-MA8 was successfully immobilized onto activated Alginate/dextrose (Alg/dex) beads as a new carrier with immobilization yield 77.6 %. The carrier was characterized using Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometer at every step of the immobilization process. Immobilized protease showed an increase of 10 °C in the optimum temperature compared to the free enzyme. However, the optimum pH for both the free and the Alg/dex/protease was found to be 8. The lower activation energy and deactivation rate constant and the higher half-life time and D-value confirm that the new Alg/dex carrier is suitable for promoting enzyme stability. The raise in thermal stability is also shown by the increased deactivation energy of the Alg/dex/protease compared to its free form by 1.47-fold. Likewise, the enzyme immobilization enhancement of Alg/dex/protease was accompanied by a marked increase in enthalpy and Gibbs free energy. The negative entropy for both free and Alg/dex/protease indicates that the enzyme is more stable in thermal deactivation. The Km and Vmax for the Alg/dex/protease were 2.05 and 1.22-times greater than the free form. Furthermore, Alg/dex/protease displayed good reusability as it retained 92.7 and 52.4 % of its activity after 8 and 12 hydrolysis cycles.

Statistical improvement of protease production from a new isolate Bacillus thuringiensis strain-MA8 and its application in the production of enzyme-modified cheese.

Enzyme-modified cheese (EMC) is a concentrated cheese flavor that is produced enzymatically from dairy substrates to provide an intense source of cheese flavor with broad applications. In this study, EMC was produced by enzymatic biotransformation from a new bacterial isolate described and molecularly identified as Bacillus thuringiensis strain-MA8. Optimization of protease production conditions using one-variable-at-a-time followed by multi-factorial (Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken) designs increased production by 7-fold. Protease was used at different concentrations (300 and 900 U/100 g curd) as a cost-effective source of concentrated cheese flavor in the EMC preparation. Sensorial evaluation of EMC revealed that the overall acceptability, flavor, and texture were improved from the 2nd day compared to the control, and then decreased on the 4th day without any apparent bitterness. The chemical characteristics of EMC showed that the addition of protease extracts increased the total volatile fatty acids, water-soluble nitrogen, and acidity of EMC significantly (p≤0.05) compared to the control. The amino acids profile revealed that EMC1 which was treated with (300 U/100 g curd) protease had the highest essential amino acids (EAA) and EAA/total amino acids ratio. Nutritional parameters including protein efficiency ratio, biological value, and chemical score of EMC were higher than control based on Val, Met + Cys, Ile, Leu, and Phe + Tyr amino acids. Also, Scanning Electron Microscopy showed significant changes in EMC compared to the control. In conclusion, the addition of (300 U/100g curd) of protease revealed good EMC characteristics without any apparent defect.

Negative Poisson's ratio polyethylene matrix and 0.5Ba(Zr0.2 Ti0.8) O3-0.5(Ba0.7 Ca0.3)TiO3 based piezocomposite for sensing and energy harvesting applications.

Finite element studies were conducted on 0.5Ba(Zr0.2 Ti0.8) O3-0.5(Ba0.7 Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCZT) piezoelectric particles embedded in polyethylene matrix to create a piezocomposite having a positive and negative Poisson's ratio of -0.32 and 0.2. Polyethylene with a positive Poisson's ratio is referred to as non-auxetic while those with negative Poisson's ratio are referred to as auxetic or inherently auxetic. The effective elastic and piezoelectric properties were calculated at volume fractions of (4%, 8% to 24%) to study their sensing and harvesting performance. This study compared lead-free auxetic 0-3 piezocomposite for sensing and energy harvesting with non-auxetic one. Inherently auxetic piezocomposites have been studied for their elastic and piezoelectric properties and improved mechanical coupling, but their sensing and energy harvesting capabilities and behavior patterns have not been explored in previous literatures. The effect of Poisson's ratio ranging between -0.9 to 0.4 on the sensing and energy harvesting performance of an inherently auxetic lead free piezocomposite composite with BCZT inclusions has also not been studied before, motivating the author to conduct the present study. Auxetic piezocomposite demonstrated an overall improvement in performance in terms of higher sensing voltage and harvested power. The study was repeated at a constant volume fraction of 24% for a range of Poisson's ratio varied between -0.9 to 0.4. Enhanced performance was observed at the extreme negative end of the Poisson's ratio spectrum. This paper demonstrates the potential improvements by exploiting auxetic matrices in future piezocomposite sensors and energy harvesters.

Effect of Poling on Multicatalytic Performance of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 Ferroelectric Ceramic for Dye Degradation.

Ferroelectric materials with a spontaneous polarization are proven to be potential multicatalysts in water remediation applications. The composition of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-0.5(Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 (BST-BZT) was examined for photocatalysis, piezocatalysis, and piezo-photocatalysis processes by degrading an azo dye named methylene blue (MB). Generally, dis-aligned dipoles restrict the catalytic activities due to which the BST-BZT powder sample was poled by the corona poling technique. Coupled piezocatalysis and photocatalysis process, i.e., the piezo-photocatalysis process has shown maximum dye degradation. There was a significant improvement in degradation efficiency by using a poled BST-BZT sample compared to the unpoled sample in all processes, thus the results suggest an extensive scope of poled ferroelectric ceramic powder in the catalysis field.