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This work introduces a systematic approach for the development of Kretschmann configuration-based biosensors designed for non-invasive urine glucose detection. The methodology encompasses the utilization of various semiconductors, including Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Gallium Nitride (GaN), Aluminum Nitride (AlN), and Indium Nitride (InN), in combination with a bimetallic layer (comprising Au and Ag films of equal thickness) to enhance the biosensor sensitivity. Additionally, 2D nanomaterials, such as Black Phosphorus and Graphene, are integrated into the semiconductor layers to enhance performance further. These configurations are meticulously optimized through the application of the transfer matrix method (TMM), and the sensing parameters are assessed using the angular modulation method. Among the semiconductors, AlN and GaN exhibit superior results. On these substrates, Graphene and Black phosphorous (BP) layers are applied, resulting in four final structures (thicknesses in nm): BK7/Au(26)/Ag(26)/Si(6)/BP(0.53)/Biosample, BK7/Au(26)/Ag(26)/AlN(14)/BP(0.53)/Biosample, BK7/Au(26)/Ag(26)/GaN(12)/BP(0.53)/Biosample, and BK7/Au(26)/Ag(26)/GaN(12)/Graphene(0.34)/Biosample. These biosensors achieve Sensitivity(° /RIU) and Figure of Merit (FoM) (1/RIU) of 380, 360, 440, 400, and 58.5, 90, 90.65, and 82.4, respectively. Subsequently, these high-performing sensors undergo testing with actual urine glucose samples. Among them, two biosensors, BK7/Au(26)/Ag(26)/AlN(14)/BP (0.53)/Biosample and BK7/Au(26)/Ag(26)/GaN(14)/Graphene(0.34)/Biosample, exhibit outstanding performance, with sensitivities (° /RIU) and FoM (1/RIU) of 394.44 & 294.44, and 112.6 & 92.01 respectively. A comparison is also made with relevant previously published work, revealing improved performance in glucose detection.
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Compuestos de Aluminio , Grafito , Nanoestructuras , Resonancia por Plasmón de Superficie , Glucosa , Semiconductores , SilicioRESUMEN
Unchecked dye effluent discharge poses escalating environmental and economic concerns, especially in developing nations. While dyes are well-recognized water pollutants, the mechanisms of their environmental spread are least understood. Therefore, the present study examines the partitioning of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and Crystal Violet (CV) dyes using water-sediment microcosms and reports that native microbes significantly affect AO7 decolorization and transfer. Both dyes transition from infused to pristine matrices, reaching equilibrium in a fortnight. While microbes influence CV partitioning, their role in decolorization is minimal, emphasizing their varied impact on the environmental fate of dyes. Metagenomic analyses reveal contrasting microbial composition between control and AO7-infused samples. Control water samples displayed a dominance of Proteobacteria (62%), Firmicutes (24%), and Bacteroidetes (9%). However, AO7 exposure led to Proteobacteria reducing to 57% and Bacteroidetes to 3%, with Firmicutes increasing to 34%. Sediment samples, primarily comprising Firmicutes (47%) and Proteobacteria (39%), shifted post-AO7 exposure: Proteobacteria increased to 53%, and Firmicutes dropped to 38%. At the genus level, water samples dominated by Niveispirillum (34%) declined after AO7 exposure, while Bacillus and Pseudomonas increased. Notably, Serratia and Sphingomonas, known for azo dye degradation, rose post-exposure, hinting at their role in AO7 decolorization. Conversely, sediment samples showed a decrease in the growth of Bacillus and an increase in that of Pseudomonas and Serratia. These findings emphasize the significant role of microbial communities in determining the environmental fate of dyes, providing insights on its environmental implications and management.
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Bencenosulfonatos , Violeta de Genciana , Microbiota , Colorantes/química , Compuestos Azo/químicaRESUMEN
Conversion of biomass such as lignocelluloses to an alternative energy source can contribute to sustainable development. Recently, biomass-degrading enzymes are reported to be common resources in insect-microbe interacting systems. Northeast India harbors ample sericigenous insect resources which are exploited for their silk products. Samia ricini Donovan is an economically important poly-phytophagous silkmoth capable of digesting foliage from different plant species, suggesting the versatility of a robust gut system. Here, a gut bacterial profile was determined by 16S rRNA gene characterization across the holometabolous life cycle during the summer and winter seasons, revealing 3 phyla, 13 families, and 22 genera. Comparative analysis among the seasonal gut isolates revealed a high diversity in summer, predominated by the genus Bacillus due to its high occurrence in all developmental stages. Shannon's diversity index demonstrated the second and fourth instars of summer as well as the fifth instar of winter to be relatively better developmental stages for gut bacteria assembly. Bacterial community shifts in concert to host developmental changes were found to be apparent between early instars and late instars in summer, which differed from those of winter. Forty-three and twenty-nine gut bacterial isolates were found to be cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzyme producers, respectively. The present results illustrate the gut microbiota of S. ricini over the seasons and support the holometabolous life cycle effect as the most likely factor shaping the gut bacterial microbiota. These findings may provide leads for the development of new cleaner and environmentally friendly lignocellulose-degrading enzymes.
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Bombyx , Humanos , Animales , Estaciones del Año , ARN Ribosómico 16S/metabolismo , Seda/metabolismo , Bacterias/genéticaRESUMEN
The present study aimed to investigate biodegradability of oily sludge in lab scale composting and slurry bioreactor using a potential bacterial consortium isolated from petroleum-contaminated sites. The consortium used in the study consisted of bacterial genera, including Enterobacter, Bacillus, Microbacterium, Alcaligenes Pseudomonas, Ochrobactrum, Micrococcus, and Shinella which were obtained after rigorous screening using different hydrocarbons. The meticulously designed lab scale composting experiments were carried out and showed that the combination of 10% oily sludge (A1) exhibited the highest total carbon (TC) removal, which was 40.33% within 90 days. To assess the composting experiments' efficiency, the first (k1) and second (k2) order rate constants were evaluated and was found to be 0.0004-0.0067 per day and second (k2) 0.0000008-0.00005 g/kg. day respectively. To further enhance the biodegradation rate of A1 combination, a slurry bioreactor was used. The maximum total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removals in a slurry bioreactor for cycle-I and -II were 48.8% and 46.5%, respectively, on the 78th and 140th days of the treatment. The results obtained in the study will be a technological platform for the development of slurry phase treatment of petroleum waste in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
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Compostaje , Petróleo , Contaminantes del Suelo , Aguas del Alcantarillado , Contaminantes del Suelo/análisis , Microbiología del Suelo , Biodegradación Ambiental , Bacterias/metabolismo , Hidrocarburos/metabolismo , Reactores BiológicosRESUMEN
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. There is an increased incidence of cataract formation in the diabetic population due to several factors. Diabetes mellitus accelerates the development of cataract. Oxidative stress results in most of the diabetic complications including diabetic cataract. Oxidative stress leading to the expression of various enzymes has also been proven as crucial for cataractous changes in the lens in old age. A narrative review was undertaken to investigate the expression of different biochemical parameters as well as enzymes in diabetic and senile cataracts. Identification of these parameters is crucial for the prevention and treatment of blindness. Combinations of MeSH terms and key words were used to do literature search in PubMed. The search resulted 35 articles and among them, 13 were relevant to the topic and were included in synthesis of results. Seventeen different types of enzymes were identified in the senile and diabetic cataracts. Seven biochemical parameters were also identified. Alteration in biochemical parameters and expression of enzymes were comparable. Majority of the parameters were raised or altered in diabetic cataract compared to senile cataract.
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Catarata , Complicaciones de la Diabetes , Diabetes Mellitus , Cristalino , Humanos , Catarata/etiología , Complicaciones de la Diabetes/complicaciones , Complicaciones de la Diabetes/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , CegueraRESUMEN
Coxiella burnetii (Cb) is an obligate intracellular pathogen in nature and the causative agent of acute Q fever as well as chronic diseases. In an effort to identify genes and proteins crucial to their normal intracellular growth lifestyle, we applied a 'reverse evolution' approach where the avirulent Nine Mile Phase II strain of Cb was grown for 67 passages in chemically defined ACCM-D media and gene expression patterns and genome integrity from various passages was compared to passage number one following intracellular growth. Transcriptomic analysis identified a marked downregulation of the structural components of the type 4B secretion system (T4BSS), the general secretory (Sec) pathway, as well as 14 out of 118 previously identified genes encoding effector proteins. Additional downregulated pathogenicity determinants genes included several chaperones, LPS, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. A general marked downregulation of central metabolic pathways was also observed, which was balanced by a marked upregulation of genes encoding transporters. This pattern reflected the richness of the media and diminishing anabolic, and ATP-generation needs. Finally, genomic sequencing and comparative genomic analysis demonstrated an extremely low level of mutation across passages, despite the observed Cb gene expression changes following acclimation to axenic media.
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Coxiella burnetii , Fiebre Q , Humanos , Transcriptoma , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , GenómicaRESUMEN
The present study introduces a highly sensitive bimetallic SPR biosensor based on metal nitride for efficient urine glucose detection. Using a BK-7 prism, Au (25 nm), Ag (25nm), AlN (15 nm), and a biosample (urine) layer, the proposed sensor comprises of five layers. The selection of the sequence and dimensions of both metal layers is based on their performance in a number of case studies including both monometallic and bimetallic layers. After optimizing the bimetallic layer as Au (25 nm) - Ag (25 nm), various nitride layers were used to further increase the sensitivity by utilizing the synergistic effect of the bimetallic and metal nitride layers through case studies of several urine samples, ranging from nondiabetic to severely diabetic patients. AlN is determined to be the best suited material, and its thickness is optimized to 15 nanometers. The performance of the structure has been evaluated using a visible wavelength, i.e., λ = 633 nm, in order to increase sensitivity while providing room for low-cost prototyping. With the layer parameters optimized, a significant sensitivity of 411°/RIU (Refractive Index Unit) and figure of merit (FoM) of 105.38 /RIU has been achieved. The computed resolution of the proposed sensor is 4.17e-06. This study's findings have also been compared to some recently reported results. The proposed structure would be useful for detecting glucose concentrations, with a rapid response as measured by a substantial shift in resonance angle in SPR curves.
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Técnicas Biosensibles , Resonancia por Plasmón de Superficie , Humanos , Resonancia por Plasmón de Superficie/métodos , Metales , Refractometría , GlucosaRESUMEN
In this study, the diversity of diazotrophic bacteria of orchid Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume and its potential application in plant growth promotion were evaluated. About 183 nitrogen-fixing bacteria were isolated to screen various plant growth-promoting traits viz. phosphate solubilization,IAA, siderophore, HCN, biofilm and ammonia production. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis Achromobacter, Arthrobacter, Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Curtobacterium, Erwinia, Kosakonia, Lysinibacillus, Klebseilla, Microbacterium, Mixta, Pantoea, Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas isolates were selected and showed positive results for PGP traits. Overall, genus Pantoea, Brevibacterium, Achromobacter, Arthrobacter, Klebsiella, Mixta, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas had the most pronounced PGP characteristics and acetylene reduction among the screened isolates. BOX PCR fingerprinting analysis showed variation in polymorphic banding patterns among diazotrophic strains. PCR amplification of nifH gene and the presence of 37 kDa nitrogenase reductase enzyme band in western blot indicated presence of nitrogenase activity. Our study showed that orchid R. retusa diazotroph interaction helps orchid plant to fix nitrogen, essential nutrients, and control pathogen entry. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on characterization of diazotrophic bacterial community from aerial roots of R. retusa.
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Bacillus , Bacterias , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Bacterias/genética , Desarrollo de la Planta , Bacillus/genética , Raíces de Plantas/microbiologíaRESUMEN
AIM: Environmental stresses such as water deficit induced stress are one of the major limiting factors in crop production. However, some plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can promote plant growth in such adverse condition. Therefore, the objective was to isolate rhizospheric bacteria from Phaseolus vulgaris L. growing in a drought-affected soil and to analyze its plant growth promoting (PGP) efficacy to black gram (Vigna mungo L.) and Bhut jolokia (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Whole-genome sequencing of the potential bacteria was targeted to analyze the genetic potential of the isolate as a plant growth-promoting agent. METHODS AND RESULTS: The isolate Enterobacter asburiae EBRJ12 was selected based on its PGP efficacy, which significantly improved plant growth and development. The genomic analysis revealed the presence of one circular chromosome of size 4.8 Mb containing 16 genes for osmotic stress regulation including osmotically inducible protein osmY, outer membrane protein A precursor ompA, aquaporin Z, and an operon for osmoprotectant ABC transporter yehZYXW. Moreover, the genome has a complete genetic cluster for biosynthesis of siderophore Enterobactin and siderophore Aerobactin.The PGP effects were verified with black gram and Bhut jolokia in pot experiments. The isolate significantly increased the shoot length by 35.0% and root length by 58.0% of black gram, while 41.0% and 57.0% of elevation in shoot and root length were observed in Bhut jolokia compared to non-inoculated plants. CONCLUSIONS: The EBRJ12 has PGP features that could improve the growth in host plants, and the genomic characterization revealed the presence of genetic potential for plant growth promotion.
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Phaseolus , Rizosfera , Sideróforos/genética , Sideróforos/metabolismo , Desarrollo de la Planta , Bacterias , Plantas/microbiología , Raíces de Plantas/microbiología , Microbiología del SueloRESUMEN
Coxiella burnetii (Cb) is an obligate intracellular pathogen in nature and the causative agent of acute Q fever as well as chronic diseases. In an effort to identify genes and proteins crucial to their normal intracellular growth lifestyle, we applied a "Reverse evolution" approach where the avirulent Nine Mile Phase II strain of Cb was grown for 67 passages in chemically defined ACCM-D media and gene expression patterns and genome integrity from various passages was compared to passage number one following intracellular growth. Transcriptomic analysis identified a marked downregulation of the structural components of the type 4B secretion system (T4BSS), the general secretory (sec) pathway, as well as 14 out of 118 previously identified genes encoding effector proteins. Additional downregulated pathogenicity determinants genes included several chaperones, LPS, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. A general marked downregulation of central metabolic pathways was also observed, which was balanced by a marked upregulation of genes encoding transporters. This pattern reflected the richness of the media and diminishing anabolic and ATP-generation needs. Finally, genomic sequencing and comparative genomic analysis demonstrated an extremely low level of mutation across passages, despite the observed Cb gene expression changes following acclimation to axenic media.
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The mammalian spinal cord functions as a community of cell types for sensory processing, autonomic control, and movement. While animal models have advanced our understanding of spinal cellular diversity, characterizing human biology directly is important to uncover specialized features of basic function and human pathology. Here, we present a cellular taxonomy of the adult human spinal cord using single-nucleus RNA sequencing with spatial transcriptomics and antibody validation. We identified 29 glial clusters and 35 neuronal clusters, organized principally by anatomical location. To demonstrate the relevance of this resource to human disease, we analyzed spinal motoneurons, which degenerate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases. We found that compared with other spinal neurons, human motoneurons are defined by genes related to cell size, cytoskeletal structure, and ALS, suggesting a specialized molecular repertoire underlying their selective vulnerability. We include a web resource to facilitate further investigations into human spinal cord biology.
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Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral , Animales , Humanos , Adulto , Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral/metabolismo , Médula Espinal/metabolismo , Neuronas Motoras/metabolismo , Modelos Animales , Neuroglía/metabolismo , MamíferosRESUMEN
The use of microbial enzymes is highly encouraged in paper and pulp industries to reduce the excessive use of hazardous chemicals. During the study, xylanase of Bacillus stratosphericus EB-11 was characterized for pulp bleaching applications. The extracellular xylanase was produced under submerged fermentation using bamboo waste as a natural carbon source. There was fast cell division and enzyme production under optimized fermentation conditions in the bioreactor. The highest activity was 91,200U after 30 h of growth with Km and Vmax of 3.52 mg/mL and 391.5 µmol/min per mg respectively. The purified enzyme with molecular mass ~ 60 kDa had conferred positive activity on native PAGE. The strong inhibition by ethylenediaminetetraacetate and SDS showed the metallo-xylanase nature of the purified enzyme. The bacterial xylanase reduces the use of hydrogen peroxide by 0.4%. Similarly, biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand were reduced by 42.6 and 35.2%. The xylanase-hydrogen peroxide combined treatment and conventional chlorine dioxide-alkaline (CDE1D1D2) bleaching showed almost similar improvement in physicochemical properties of bamboo pulp. Xylanase-peroxide bleaching reduces the lignin content to 4.95% from 13.32% unbleached pulp. This content after CDE1D1D2 treatment was 4.21%. The kappa number decreased from 15.2 to 9.46 with increasing the burst factor (15.51), crystallinity index (60.25%), viscosity (20.1 cp), and brightness (65.4%). The overall finding will encourage the development of new cleaner methods of bleaching in the paper and pulp industry.
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Bacillus , Elefantes , Animales , Peróxido de Hidrógeno , Lignina/química , Endo-1,4-beta XilanasasRESUMEN
Halophilic archaea are the dominant type of microorganisms in hypersaline environments. The diversity of halophilic archaea in Zehrez-Chergui (Saharian chott) was analyzed and compared by both analysis of a library of PCR amplified 16S rRNA genes and by cultivation approach. This work, represents the first of its type in Algeria. A total cell count was estimated at 3.8 × 103 CFU/g. The morphological, biochemical, and physiological characterizations of 45 distinct strains, suggests that all of them might be members of the class Halobacteria. Among stains, 23 were characterized phylogenetically and are related to 6 genera of halophilic archaea.The dominance of the genus Halopiger, has not been reported yet in other hypersaline environments. The 100 clones obtained by the molecular approach, were sequenced, and analyzed. The ribosomal library of 61 OTUs showed that the archaeal diversity included uncultured haloarcheon, Halomicrobium, Natronomonas, Halomicroarcula, Halapricum, Haloarcula, Halosimplex, Haloterrigena, Halolamina, Halorubellus, Halorussus and Halonotius. The results of rarefaction analysis indicated that the analysis of an increasing number of clones would have revealed additional diversity. Surprisingly, no halophilic archaea were not shared between the two approaches. Combining both types of methods was considered the best approach to acquire better information on the characteristics of soil halophilic archaea.
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Euryarchaeota , Halobacteriales , Archaea/genética , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Argelia , Filogenia , Halobacteriales/genética , Euryarchaeota/genética , ADN de Archaea/genéticaRESUMEN
Root-associated bacteria strongly affect plant growth and development by synthesizing growth regulators and stress-relieving metabolites. The present study is mainly focused on assessing aerial root-associated bacteria of Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume is an endemic epiphytic orchid responsible for auxin production and influencing plant growth. A bacterial isolate, Microbacterium testaceum Y411, was found to be the most active producer of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The maximum IAA production (170µg/mL) was recorded with the bacterium at optimum process parameters such as pH 7, temperature 30°C, and tryptophan 1000 µg/mL in a culture medium for 48 h. The extracted auxin was purified and analyzed by FT-IR, HPLC, and HR-MS, indicating bacterial auxin has a similar mass value to 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid auxin. Furthermore, the bacterial auxin was tested on in vitro propagation of orchid, Cymbidium aloifolium, and 90% seed germination was recorded in Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with bacterial auxin. The novel results obtained in this study are used for agricultural applications and the Microbacterium testaceum Y411 is a valuable biotechnological resource for a natural auxin.
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The rapid advancement of single-cell transcriptomics in neurology has allowed for profiling of post-mortem human brain tissue across multiple diseases. Over the past 3 years, several studies have examined tissue from donors with and without diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting key changes in cell type composition and molecular signatures associated with pathology and, in some cases, cognitive decline. Although all of these studies have generated single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq or ATAC-seq data from the full array of major cell classes in the brain, they have each focused on changes in specific cell types. Here, we synthesize the main findings from these studies and contextualize them in the overall space of large-scale omics studies of Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we touch upon new horizons in the field, in particular advancements in high-resolution spatial interrogation of tissue and multi-modal efforts-and how they are likely to further advance mechanistic and target-selection studies on Alzheimer's disease.
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Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Disfunción Cognitiva , Humanos , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/genética , Transcriptoma , Encéfalo , AutopsiaRESUMEN
Overproduction of free radicals and inflammation could lead to maneb (MB)- and paraquat (PQ)-induced toxicity in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible COX, is imperative in the pesticides-induced pathological alterations. However, its role in MB- and PQ-induced toxicity in the PMNs is not yet clearly deciphered. The current study explored the contribution of COX-2 in MB- and PQ-induced toxicity in the PMNs and the mechanism involved therein. Combined MB and PQ augmented the production of free radicals, lipid peroxides and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the rat PMNs. While combined MB and PQ elevated the expression of COX-2 protein, activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and levels of procaspase-3/9 were attenuated in the PMNs. Celecoxib (CXB), a COX-2 inhibitor, ameliorated the combined MB and PQ-induced modulations in the PMNs. MB and PQ augmented the free radical generation, COX-2 protein expression, NF-κB activation and JNK phosphorylation and reduced the cell viability of cultured rat PMNs and human leukemic HL60. MB and PQ elevated mitochondrial cytochrome c release and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage whilst procaspase-3/9 levels were attenuated in the cultured PMNs. MB and PQ also increased the levels of phosphorylated c-jun and caspase-3 activity in the HL60 cells. CXB; SP600125, a JNK-inhibitor and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a NF-κB inhibitor, rescued from MB and PQ-induced changes in the PMNs and HL60 cells. However, CXB offered the maximum protection among the three. The results show that COX-2 activates apoptosis in the PMNs following MB and PQ intoxication, which could be linked to NF-κB and JNK signaling.
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Maneb , Plaguicidas , Adenosina Difosfato/metabolismo , Animales , Apoptosis , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Celecoxib/metabolismo , Celecoxib/farmacología , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Ciclooxigenasa 2/farmacología , Inhibidores de la Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Inhibidores de la Ciclooxigenasa 2/farmacología , Citocromos c/metabolismo , Radicales Libres/metabolismo , Radicales Libres/farmacología , Humanos , Proteínas Quinasas JNK Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas JNK Activadas por Mitógenos/farmacología , Peróxidos Lipídicos/metabolismo , Peróxidos Lipídicos/farmacología , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo , Paraquat/toxicidad , Plaguicidas/farmacología , Ratas , Ribosa/metabolismo , Ribosa/farmacología , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Nowadays polymer-based thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane technologies are showing key interest to improve the separation properties. TFN membranes are well known in diverse fields but developing highly improved TFN membranes for the removal of low concentration solutions is the main challenge for the researchers. Application of functional nanomaterials, incorporated in TFN membranes provides better performance as permeance and selectivity. The polymer membrane-based separation process plays an important role in the chemical industry for the isolation of products and recovery of different important types of reactants. Due to the reduction in investment, less operating costs and safety issues membrane methods are mainly used for the separation process. Membranes do good separation of dyes and ions, yet their separation efficiency is challenged when the impurity is in low concentration. Herewith, we have developed, UiO-66-NH2 incorporated TFN membranes through interfacial polymerization between piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) for separating malachite green dye and phosphate from water in their low concentration. A comparative study between thin-film composite (TFC) and TFN has been carried out to comprehend the benefit of loading nanoparticles. To provide mechanical strength to the polyamide layer ultra-porous polysulfone support was made through phase inversion. As a result, outstanding separation values of malachite green (MG) 91.90 ± 3% rejection with 13.32 ± 0.6 Lm-2h-1 flux and phosphate 78.36 ± 3% rejection with 22.22 ± 1.1 Lm-2h-1 flux by TFN membrane were obtained. The antifouling tendency of the membranes was examined by using bovine serum albumin (BSA)-mixed feed and deionized water, the study showed a good ~84% antifouling tendency of TFN membrane with a small ~14% irreversible fouling. Membrane's antibacterial test against E. coli. and S. aureus. also revealed that the TFN membrane possesses antibacterial activity as well. We believe that the present work is an approach to obtaining good results from the membranes under tricky conditions.
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A sectorial approach for assessing heavy metal pollution in rivers neglects the inter-relationship between its environmental compartments and thus fails to report realistic pollution status and associated ecological and human health risks. Therefore, a systems approach was adopted to assess heavy metal pollution and associated risks in the Yamuna River (Delhi, India), one of the world's most polluted and populated river-city pairs. Sampling sites selected along the river with distinct land use were uncultivated natural floodplain vegetation, marshy area, invasive community, arable land, and human settlements. The multivariate analysis identified sources of pollutions (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni [anthropogenic]; Fe and Zn [geogenic]). Across the land use, a high log Kp value of Zn and Pb in water-soil phase than in water-sediment phase indicates their long-range transfer, whereas low log Kp (water-soil) of Cd suggests river sediments as its reservoirs. Comparison of pollution indices of Cd, Cr, and Pb in water, sediment, and soil across the land use suggested the role of vegetation in reducing pollution in the environment. Ecological risk also gets reduced progressively from water to sediment to the soil in naturally vegetated sites. Similarly, in river water, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to adults and children, which are also reduced in sediments and soil of different vegetation regimes. This study showed the eco-remediation services rendered by natural vegetation in reducing pollution and associated ecological and human health risks. To conclude, using a systems approach has significance in assessing pollution at the ecosystem level, and focusing on riverbank land use remains significant in developing methods to reduce pollution and ecological and human health risks for sustainable riverbank management.