Current Scenario and Global Perspective of Sustainable Algal Biofuel Production.

Industrialization and globalization have increased the demand for petroleum products that has increased a load on natural energy resources. The escalating fossil fuel utilization has resulted in surpassing the Earth's capacity to absorb greenhouse gases, necessitating the exploration of sustainable bioenergy alternatives to mitigate emissions. Biofuels, derived from algae, offer promising solutions to alleviate fossil fuel dependency. Algae, often regarded as third-generation biofuels, present numerous advantages owing to their high biomass production rates. While algae have been utilized for their bioactive compounds, their capability as biomass for the production of biofuel has gained traction among researchers. Various biofuels such as bio-hydrogen, bio-methane, bio-ethanol, bio-oil, and bio-butanol can be derived from algae through diverse processes like fermentation, photolysis, pyrolysis, and transesterification. Despite the enormous commercial potential of algae-derived biofuels, challenges such as high cultivation costs persist. However, leveraging the utilization of algae byproducts could improve economic viability of biofuel production. Moreover, algae derived biofuels offer environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and waste reduction benefits, promising novel opportunities for a more sustainable energy future.

Ethnic differences in the effects of lifestyle interventions on adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Lifestyle interventions are widely used among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to assess the ethnic disparities in the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly macrosomia and neonatal hypoglycemia among women with GDM. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 2000, up to March 31, 2024, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of lifestyle interventions in GDM patients. Subgroup analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity across different ethnic groups (including Asians, Whites/Caucasians, Hispanics/ Latinos, and Unknown ethnicity). The random effects model was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, twenty-one studies comprising 4567 participants were included. Lifestyle interventions significantly reduced the incidence of macrosomia ((RR = 0.54; 95 % CI: 0.42-0.70, P < 0.001), with consistent effects observed across racial groups. Conversely, lifestyle interventions were associated with a significant reduction in the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia only among Asians (RR = 0.56; 95 % CI: 0.38-0.84, P = 0.004), while no significant effects were observed in Whites/Caucasians or Hispanics/Latinos (all P > 0.05). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of ethnic background, this study emphasizes the significant benefits of lifestyle interventions in reducing the risk of macrosomia among women with GDM. However, lifestyle interventions seem to reduce the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia only among Asians, which warrants further studies.

Water dissociation and COOH formation on Fe modified Cu(100) surface: A density functional theory study.

Water splitting has emerged as a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production. In this research paper, adsorption and dissociation of H2O accompanied with dissociated constituents reactions with CO2 and CO have been investigated on Fe modified Cu(100) surface employing density functional theory (DFT) at GGA-PW91 level. The adsorption and other reactions carried out on Fe2-Cu(100) surfaces gave very promising results. The adsorption of H2O on Fe top of this surface occurs yielding Eads -1.73 eV, which highlights a favorable adsorption on the Fe-modified Cu(100) surface. The activation energy for the water splitting reaction is found to be 0.65 eV, suggesting a feasible pathway for hydrogen evolution. The process also accompanies reaction energy of -0.54 eV. Furthermore, the interaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and the H-atom on the surface lead to the formation of COOH through surmounting an activation barrier of 1.09 eV. The final position of COOH gets further stabilization having exothermicity of -0.43 eV. Another route for COOH formation from CO + OH operates on the Cu(100) part of the surface with a small activation barrier of 0.14 eV through exothermic process of -0.29 eV, however, diffusion of CO and OH from Fe to Cu is energetically expensive. This study signifies the consumption of CO and CO2 in addition to water splitting giving birth to useful products.

Association between Dietary Pattern, Weight Loss, and Diabetes among Adults with a History of Bariatric Surgery: Results from the Qatar Biobank Study.

We aimed to examine the association between weight loss, dietary patterns, diabetes, and glycemic control among Qatari adults with a history of bariatric surgery (BS). Data from 1893 adults from the Qatar Biobank study were analyzed. Diabetes was defined by blood glucose, HbA1c, and medical history, with poor glycemic control defined as HbA1c ≥ 7.0%. The dietary patterns were derived from a Food Frequency Questionnaire using factor analysis. The participants' mean age was 38.8 years, with a mean weight loss of 23.4% and a 6.1% prevalence of poor glycemic control. Weight loss was inversely associated with diabetes and poor glycemic control. The traditional dietary pattern (high intake of Biryani, chicken, meat, fish dishes, zaatar fatayer, croissant, lasagna, and Arabic bread) was inversely associated with diabetes prevalence, with an OR of 0.61 (95%CI, 0.41-0.99) when comparing extreme quartiles. No significant associations were found between prudent or sweet dietary patterns and diabetes. Among the individuals with known diabetes, the prevalence of remission was 33.4%, with an OR for remission of 5.94 (95%CI, 1.89-18.69) for the extreme quartiles of weight loss. In conclusion, weight loss and traditional dietary patterns are inversely associated with diabetes and glycemic control among adults with a history of BS, with weight loss being the main determinant.

Analyzing invariants and employing successive reductions for the extended Kadomtsev Petviashvili equation in (3+1) dimensions.

In this research, we employ the potent technique of Lie group analysis to derive analytical solutions for the (3+1)-extended Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (3D-EKP) equation. The systematic application of this method enables the identification of Lie point symmetries associated with the equation, leading to the derivation of an optimal system of one-dimensional subalgebras relevant to the equation. This optimal system is utilized to obtain several invariant solutions. The Lie group method is subsequently applied to the reduced governing equations derived from the given equation. We complement our findings with Mathematica simulations illustrating some of the obtained solutions. Furthermore, a direct approach is used to investigate local conservation laws. Importantly, our study addresses a gap in the exploration of the 3D-EXP equation using group theoretic methods, making our findings novel in this context.

Photoactivated Anticancer Activity of Cobalt(III) Complexes with Naturally Occurring Flavonoids Chrysin and Silibinin.

Photoactive metal complexes of bioessential transition metal ions with natural chelators are gaining interest as photocytotoxic agents for cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT). We report six new cobalt(III) complexes with a mixed-ligand formulation [Co(B)2(L)](ClO4)2 (Co1-Co6), where B represents a N,N-donor α-diimine ligand, namely, phenanthroline (phen; Co1, Co2), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq; Co3, Co4), and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz; Co5, Co6), and L is the monoanionic form of the naturally occurring flavonoids chrysin (chry; Co1, Co3, Co5) and silibinin (sili; Co2, Co4, Co6). Complexes displayed a d-d absorption band within 500-700 nm and exhibited excellent dark and photostability in solution. Cytotoxicity studies indicated significant activity of Co5 and Co6 against cervical (HeLa) and lung (A549) cancer cells under visible light (400-700 nm) irradiation giving low micromolar IC50 values (2.3-3.4 µM, phototoxicity index~15-30). The complexes demonstrated notably low toxicity against normal HPL1D lung epithelial cells. Flow cytometry assay revealed an apoptotic mode of cell damage triggered by the complexes when irradiated. ROS generation assay indicated the involvement of singlet oxygen species in the cell death mechanism when irradiated with light. Overall, complexes Co5 and Co6 with coordinated dipyridophenazine and flavonoid ligands are potential candidates for cancer PDT applications.

Exact solutions for the Cahn-Hilliard equation in terms of Weierstrass-elliptic and Jacobi-elliptic functions.

Despite the historical position of the F-expansion method as a method for acquiring exact solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), this study highlights its superiority over alternative auxiliary equation methods. The efficacy of this method is demonstrated through its application to solve the convective-diffusive Cahn-Hilliard (cdCH) equation, describing the dynamic of the separation phase for ternary iron alloys (Fe-Cr-Mo) and (Fe-X-Cu). Significantly, this research introduces an extensive collection of exact solutions by the auxiliary equation, comprising fifty-two distinct types. Six of these are associated with Weierstrass-elliptic function solutions, while the remaining solutions are expressed in Jacobi-elliptic functions. I think it is important to emphasize that, exercising caution regarding the statement of the term 'new,' the solutions presented in this context are not entirely unprecedented. The paper examines numerous examples to substantiate this perspective. Furthermore, the study broadens its scope to include soliton-like and trigonometric-function solutions as special cases. This underscores that the antecedently obtained outcomes through the recently specific cases encompassed within the more comprehensive scope of the present findings.

Dynamics of invariant solutions of the DNA model using Lie symmetry approach.

The utilization of the Lie group method serves to encapsulate a diverse array of wave structures. This method, established as a robust and reliable mathematical technique, is instrumental in deriving precise solutions for nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) across a spectrum of domains. Its applications span various scientific disciplines, including mathematical physics, nonlinear dynamics, oceanography, engineering sciences, and several others. This research focuses specifically on the crucial molecule DNA and its interaction with an external microwave field. The Lie group method is employed to establish a five-dimensional symmetry algebra as the foundational element. Subsequently, similarity reductions are led by a system of one-dimensional subalgebras. Several invariant solutions as well as a spectrum of wave solutions is obtained by solving the resulting reduced ordinary differential equations (ODEs). These solutions govern the longitudinal displacement in DNA, shedding light on the characteristics of DNA as a significant real-world challenge. The interactions of DNA with an external microwave field manifest in various forms, including rational, exponential, trigonometric, hyperbolic, polynomial, and other functions. Mathematica simulations of these solutions confirm that longitudinal displacements in DNA can be expressed as periodic waves, optical dark solitons, singular solutions, exponential forms, and rational forms. This study is novel as it marks the first application of the Lie group method to explore the interaction of DNA molecules.

A review of nanotechnology in enzyme cascade to address challenges in pre-treating biomass.

Nanotechnology has become a revolutionary technique for improving the preliminary treatment of lignocellulosic biomass in the production of biofuels. Traditional methods of pre-treatment have encountered difficulties in effectively degrading the intricate lignocellulosic composition, thereby impeding the conversion of biomass into fermentable sugars. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of enzyme cascade processes that present a potential solution for addressing the limitations. The focus of this review article is to delve into the utilization of nanotechnology in the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass through enzyme cascade processes. The review commences with an analysis of the composition and structure of lignocellulosic biomass, followed by a discussion on the drawbacks associated with conventional pre-treatment techniques. The subsequent analysis explores the importance of efficient pre-treatment methods in the context of biofuel production. We thoroughly investigate the utilization of nanotechnology in the pre-treatment of enzyme cascades across three distinct sections. Nanomaterials for enzyme immobilization, enhanced enzyme stability and activity through nanotechnology, and nanocarriers for controlled enzyme delivery. Moreover, the techniques used to analyse nanomaterials and the interactions between enzymes and nanomaterials are introduced. This review emphasizes the significance of comprehending the mechanisms underlying the synergy between nanotechnology and enzymes establishing sustainable and environmentally friendly nanotechnology applications.

International Diabetes Federation Position Statement on the 1-hour post-load plasma glucose for the diagnosis of intermediate hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes.

Many individuals with intermediate hyperglycaemia (IH), including impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), as presently defined, will progress to type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is confirmatory evidence that T2D can be prevented by lifestyle modification and/or medications, in people with IGT diagnosed by 2-h plasma glucose (PG) during a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Over the last 40 years, a wealth of epidemiological data has confirmed the superior value of 1-h plasma glucose (PG) over fasting PG (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and 2-h PG in populations of different ethnicity, sex and age in predicting diabetes and associated complications including death. Given the relentlessly rising prevalence of diabetes, a more sensitive, practical method is needed to detect people with IH and T2D for early prevention or treatment in the often lengthy trajectory to T2D and its complications. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Position Statement reviews findings that the 1-h post-load PG ≥ 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) in people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during an OGTT is highly predictive for detecting progression to T2D, micro- and macrovascular complications, obstructive sleep apnoea, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes mellitus, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and mortality in individuals with risk factors. The 1-h PG of 209 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L) is also diagnostic of T2D. Importantly, the 1-h PG cut points for diagnosing IH and T2D can be detected earlier than the recommended 2-h PG thresholds. Taken together, the 1-h PG provides an opportunity to avoid misclassification of glycaemic status if FPG or HbA1c alone are used. The 1-h PG also allows early detection of high-risk people for intervention to prevent progression to T2D which will benefit the sizeable and growing population of individuals at increased risk of T2D. Using a 1-h OGTT, subsequent to screening with a non-laboratory diabetes risk tool, and intervening early will favourably impact the global diabetes epidemic. Health services should consider developing a policy for screening for IH based on local human and technical resources. People with a 1-h PG ≥ 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L) are considered to have IH and should be prescribed lifestyle intervention and referred to a diabetes prevention program. People with a 1-h PG ≥ 209 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L) are considered to have T2D and should have a repeat test to confirm the diagnosis of T2D and then referred for further evaluation and treatment. The substantive data presented in the Position Statement provides strong evidence for redefining current diagnostic criteria for IH and T2D by adding the 1-h PG.

Impact of COVID-19 on risks and deaths of non-communicable diseases in the Western Pacific region.

Countries and areas in the Western Pacific region (WPR) experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and took various preventive measures, which affected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risks and mortality. Due to differences in COVID-19 prevention measures and other characteristics such as culture, religions, political systems, socioeconomic development, lifestyles, and health care systems, the effects of COVID-19 on NCDs varied greatly among WPR countries. Most countries had an increased all-cause and NCDs mortality during the pandemic, but some developed countries, including New Zealand, Singapore and Australia reported decreased mortality. The pandemic and the preventive measures increased NCD risk factors including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and sleep disorders. The effects varied by socioeconomic status and health conditions. COVID-19 related stress, food shortages, and confined lifestyle had immediate detrimental effects on NCDs, and also affected pregnancy outcomes with long-term effects on NCDs risks in coming years.

Synthesis, characterization, and cancer cell-selective cytotoxicity of mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes of 8-hydroxyquinolines and phenanthroline bases.

Transition metal complexes exhibiting selective toxicity towards a broad range of cancer types are highly desirable as potential anticancer agents. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity studies of six new mixed-ligand cobalt(III) complexes of general formula [Co(B)2(L)](ClO4)2 (1-6), where B is a N,N-donor phenanthroline base, namely, 1,10-phenanthroline (phen in 1, 2), dipyrido[3,2-d:2',3'-f]quinoxaline (dpq in 3, 4), and dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppz in 5, 6), and L is the monoanion of 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ in 1, 3, 5) and 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (CQ in 2, 4, 6). The X-ray single crystal structures of complexes 1 and 2 as PF6- salts revealed a distorted octahedral CoN5O coordination environment. Complexes demonstrated good stability in an aqueous buffer medium and in the presence of ascorbic acid as a reductant. Cytotoxicity studies using a panel of nine cancer cell lines showed that complex 6, with the dppz and CQ ligands, was significantly toxic against most cancer cell types, yielding IC50 values in the range of 2 to 14 µM. Complexes 1, 3, and 5, containing the HQ ligand, displayed lower toxicity compared to their CQ counterparts. The phenanthroline complexes demonstrated marginal toxicity towards the tested cell lines, while the dpq complexes exhibited moderate toxicity. Interestingly, all complexes demonstrated negligible toxicity towards normal HEK-293 kidney cells (IC50 > 100 µM). The observed cytotoxicity of the complexes correlated well with their lipophilicities (dppz > dpq > phen). The cytotoxicity of complex 6 was comparable to that of the clinical drug cisplatin under similar conditions. Notably, neither the HQ nor the CQ ligands alone demonstrated noticeable toxicity against any of the tested cell lines. The Annexin-V-FITC and DCFDA assays revealed that the cell death mechanism induced by the complexes involved apoptosis, which could be attributed to the metal-assisted generation of reactive oxygen species. Overall, the dppz complex 6, with its remarkable cytotoxicity against a broad range of cancer cells and negligible toxicity toward normal cells, holds significant potential for cancer chemotherapeutic applications.

Use of targeted SMS messaging to encourage COVID-19 oral antiviral uptake in South West Victoria.

OBJECTIVES: During winter 2022, as part of a multifaceted approach to optimise oral antiviral uptake in the Barwon South West region in Victoria, Australia, the Barwon South West Public Health Unit (BSWPHU) implemented an innovative, targeted SMS messaging program that encouraged people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be assessed for antiviral treatment. In this study, we investigated patterns of antiviral uptake, identified barriers and facilitators to accessing antivirals, and examined the potential impact of targeted SMS messaging on oral antiviral uptake. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of notified COVID-19 cases aged 50 years and older, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 30-49 years, in the BSWPHU catchment area over a 6-week period commencing 21 July 2022. We analysed survey data using descriptive statistics and generalised linear models. RESULTS: Of the 3829 survey respondents, 36.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35.2, 38.2) reported being prescribed oral antivirals, with 75.4% (95% CI 72.8, 77.9) of these aged ≥70. Antiviral prescriptions increased significantly over the 6-week survey period. Most prescriptions (87.5%; 95% CI 85.7, 89.2) were provided by the respondents' usual general practitioners (GPs). Barriers to receiving antivirals included respondents being unable to get a medical appointment in time (3.7%; 95% CI 3.1, 4.2), testing too late in their illness (2.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 2.8) and being unable to access medications in time after receiving a prescription (0.2%; 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Facilitators to receiving antivirals included respondents first hearing about antivirals from a trusted source such as a family member, friend or usual doctor. Nearly one in eight people who were prescribed antivirals reported first hearing about them from the SMS message sent by BSWPHU. CONCLUSIONS: Oral antiviral treatment uptake in south-west Victoria in July-August 2022 was high among survey respondents and increased over time. GPs were the key prescribers in the community. Targeted SMS messaging to COVID-19 cases is a simple, low-cost intervention that potentially increases antiviral uptake.

A dipyridophenazine Ni(II) dithiolene complex as a dual-acting cancer phototherapy agent activatable within the phototherapeutic window.

A combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) within the phototherapeutic window (600-900 nm) can lead to significantly enhanced therapeutic outcomes, surpassing the efficacy observed with PDT or PTT alone in cancer phototherapy. Herein, we report a novel small-molecule mixed-ligand Ni(II)-dithiolene complex (Ni-TDD) with a dipyridophenazine ligand, demonstrating potent red-light PDT and significant near-infrared (NIR) light mild-temperature PTT activity against cancer cells and 3D multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTSs). The four-coordinate square planar complex exhibited a moderately intense absorption band (ε âˆ¼ 3700 M-1cm-1) centered around 900 nm and demonstrated excellent dark and photostability in an aqueous phase. Ni-TDD induced a potent red-light (600-720 nm) PDT effect on HeLa cancer cells (IC50 = 1.8 µM, photo irritation factor = 44), triggering apoptotic cell death through efficient singlet oxygen generation. Ni-TDD showed a significant intercalative binding affinity towards double-helical calf thymus DNA, resulting in a binding constant (Kb) âˆ¼ 106 M-1. The complex induced mild hyperthermia and exerted a significant mild-temperature PTT effect on MDA-MB-231 cancer cells upon irradiation with 808 nm NIR light. Simultaneous irradiation of Ni-TDD-treated HeLa MCTSs with red and NIR light led to a remarkable synergistic inhibition of growth, exceeding the effects of individual irradiation, through the generation of singlet oxygen and mild hyperthermia. Ni-TDD displayed minimal toxicity towards non-cancerous HPL1D and L929 cells, even at high micromolar concentrations. This is the first report of a Ni(II) complex demonstrating red-light PDT activity and the first example of a first-row transition metal complex exhibiting combined PDT and PTT effects within the clinically relevant phototherapeutic window. Our findings pave the way for designing and developing metal-dithiolene complexes as dual-acting cancer phototherapy agents using long wavelength light for treating solid tumors.

Current status of metabolic engineering of microorganisms for bioethanol production by effective utilization of pentose sugars of lignocellulosic biomass.

Lignocellulosic biomass, consisting of homo- and heteropolymeric sugars, acts as a substrate for the generation of valuable biochemicals and biomaterials. The readily available hexoses are easily utilized by microbes due to the presence of transporters and native metabolic pathways. But, utilization of pentose sugar viz., xylose and arabinose are still challenging due to several reasons including (i) the absence of the particular native pathways and transporters, (ii) the presence of inhibitors, and (iii) lower uptake of pentose sugars. These challenges can be overcome by manipulating metabolic pathways/glycosidic enzymes cascade by using genetic engineering tools involving inverse-metabolic engineering, ex-vivo isomerization, Adaptive Laboratory Evolution, Directed Metabolic Engineering, etc. Metabolic engineering of bacteria and fungi for the utilization of pentose sugars for bioethanol production is the focus area of research in the current decade. This review outlines current approaches to biofuel development and strategies involved in the metabolic engineering of different microbes that can uptake pentose for bioethanol production.

A computational study of adsorption of H2S and SO2 on the activated carbon surfaces.

An effort has been made to explore the adsorption potential of activated carbon (AC) structures for adsorption of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) employing density functional theory (DFT) at GGA level. 2-ring, 3-ring, 6-ring, and 9-ring carbon structures are used as adsorbent surfaces. The above mentioned rings are examined by creation of defect and inclusion of hydrogen as well to get the clear view close to experimental observations of adsorption properties of activated carbon. The adsorption properties depend upon many factors including whether adsorbate adsorbs in planer or non-planer mode, defect creation in the adsorbent substrate, atomic hydrogen insertion in the system and size of the adsorbent system. Our calculations show that side by side (planer) interaction binds the molecules much more strongly in comparison with molecules adsorbed upon the surface in non-planer mode. If vacancy is created at the central position of the surface, the molecules bind with substantial binding energy. However, overall Eads of the molecules varies randomly and no consistency could be achieved. Additionally, smaller sized structures are favorable relative to the bigger surfaces. The highest Eads for both the molecules is -2.97 eV, though not on the same substrate system. Finally, it can be argued that activated carbon is very useful material for adsorbing the noxious gases.