Bacillus subtilis suppresses the charcoal rot disease by inducing defence responses and physiological attributes in soybean.

Endophytes can induce the defence responses and modulates physiological attributes in host plants during pathogen attacks. In the present study, 127 bacterial endophytes (BEs) were isolated from different parts of healthy soybean plant. Among them, two BEs (M-2 and M-4) resulted a significant antagonistic property against Macrophomina phaseolina, causes charcoal rot disease in soybean. The antagonistic potential was evaluated through dual culture plate assay, where M-4 expressed higher antifungal activity than M-2 against M. phaseolina. The M-4 produces cell wall degrading enzymes viz. cellulase (145.71 ± 1.34 µgmL-1), chitinase (0.168 ± 0.0009 unitmL-1) and ß,1-3 endoglucanase (162.14 ± 2.5 µgmL-1), which helps in cell wall disintegration of pathogens. Additionally, M-4 also can produce siderophores, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (17.03 ± 1.10 µgmL-1) and had a phosphate solubilization potential (19.89 ± 0.26 µgmL-1). Further, GC-MS profiling of M-4 has been carried out to demonstrate the production of lipophilic secondary metabolites which efficiently suppress the M. phaseolina defensive compounds under co-culture conditions. Bio-efficacy study of M-4 strain shown a significant reduction in disease incidence around 60 and 80% in resistant and susceptible varieties of soybean, respectively. The inoculation of M-4 potentially enhances the physiological attributes and triggers various defence responsive enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), phenol peroxidase (PPO), peroxidase (PO) and catalase (CAT). The histopathological study also confirmed that M-4 can reduce the persistence of microsclerotia in root and shoot tissue. Conclusively, M-4 revealed as an efficient biocontrol agent that can uses multifaceted measures for charcoal rot disease management, by suppress the M. phaseolina infection and enhance the physiological attributes of soybean.

Phenotypic similarities within the morphologic spectrum of DICER1-associated sarcomas and pleuropulmonary blastoma: Histopathologic features guide diagnosis in the LMIC setting.

Extrapulmonary DICER1-associated sarcomas (DS) can harbor morphological features overlapping with pleuropulmonary blastoma. We report three children with intracranial and genital tract sarcomas, suspected to have DS based on a heterogeneous yet defining combination of spindle-cell sarcomatous and blastemal morphology, with rhabdomyomatous differentiation. Foci of immature cartilage at diagnosis (n = 2/3) and increased neuroepithelial differentiation at recurrence (n = 1) were noted. Morphological suspicion prompted somatic testing at reference centers, confirming likely biallelic, loss-of-function, and "hotspot" missense DICER1 variants in all three tumors. This can serve as a model for this diagnosis in resource-limited settings and has implications for germline testing, surveillance, and tumor management.

Effects of Oxytocin on Emotion Recognition in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to poor social function. Oxytocin (OXT), a neuropeptide involved in social cognition, is a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating social dysfunction. Therefore, we investigated the effects of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OXT) on emotional processes in experimental interactive social contexts in individuals with SCZ. METHODS: In a male-only parallel randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial, we investigated the effects of IN-OXT (24 IU) on visual fixation on pictures of faces and emotion recognition in an interactive ball-tossing game that probed processing of social and nonsocial stimuli. RESULTS: Intranasal oxytocin enhanced the recognition of emotions during an emotion-based ball-tossing game. This improvement was specific to the game that included social cue processing. Intranasal oxytocin did not affect eye gaze duration or gaze dwell time on faces in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: An acute low dose of IN-OXT had a modest effect on social cue processing and was limited to emotion recognition. Higher doses and long-term trials targeting emotional processing in SCZ may lead to improved social function.

Immunohistochemical screening for mismatch repair protein deficiency in paediatric high-grade gliomas - institutional experience and review of literature.

PURPOSE: Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing for mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency (MMRD) is used as a screening tool to identify microsatellite instability in various cancers (especially colon). This not only identifies hereditary cancer syndromes like Lynch and constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) but also aids in prognostication and prediction of sensitivity to checkpoint inhibitor drugs. There are very few reported studies on MMRD status of pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) and none from the Indian subcontinent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of MMRD in pHGG and to assess if there is a need for universal screening with immunohistochemistry. METHODS: Paraffin blocks of consecutive cases of pHGG (< 18 years) were retrieved from 2 centres, and IHC with four MMR antibodies - MLH1, PMS2, MSH2 and MSH6 - was performed using tissue microarray-based technique. RESULTS: Three out of nine cases (33%) studied showed loss of staining. One case had loss of MSH2 and MSH6 confirmed by gene sequencing. Eight of the cases were glioblastoma. One case of IDH1-mutated anaplastic astrocytoma showed loss of MLH1 and PMS2 staining. Isolated PMS2 loss was noted in 1 case, where the non-tumour cells also showed loss of staining, indicative CMMRD syndrome. This patient had prior colon cancer with isolated PMS2 loss and responded to check-point inhibitor therapy with nivolumab. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the frequency of MMRD to be about one-third of pHGG. Universal IHC screening for MMRD in all pHGGs may benefit early diagnosis and play a role in therapeutic decisions. A larger multi-institutional study will help better assess the prevalence and treatment implications in MMRD tumours.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children: A retrospective case series of 126 cases.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare neoplasm of hematopoietic myeloid precursor cells, is clinically characterized by spontaneously resolving lesions to a progressive life-threatening multisystem disorder. Diagnosing LCH in children is challenging as it mimics other skin disorders. This study describes the varied clinical presentation and disease course in children less than 18 years diagnosed with LCH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of all cases diagnosed with LCH presenting to a children's hospital in the last 26 years. Data on history, cutaneous and systemic examination, and laboratory evaluation performed, were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 126 children diagnosed with LCH were included in the study. There were 68% cases limited only to skin, and 32% children with multisystem involvement at the initial presentation. Scaly papules were the most common morphologic finding in skin. The skeletal system was the second most common organ system to be affected. Failure to thrive was a common symptom. Progression of skin to systemic involvement was seen in 27.9%. In 76.7%, skin lesions cleared over a period of 2 to 4 years. Complete remission was seen in 56.9% of children over a period of 3 to 7 years, while 8.1% children died of complicationsand 31.8% were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term follow-up in this study has shown cutaneous LCH without systemic involvement has a good prognosis. Skin involvement,along with failure to thrive, was the most common clinical presentation in our study. The skeletal system was the second most common organ system involved.

Endophyte-Mediated Modulation of Defense-Related Genes and Systemic Resistance in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal under Alternaria alternata Stress.

Endophytes have been explored and found to perform an important role in plant health. However, their effects on the host physiological function and disease management remain elusive. The present study aimed to assess the potential effects of endophytes, singly as well as in combination, in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, on various physiological parameters and systemic defense mechanisms against Alternaria alternata Seeds primed with the endophytic bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens individually and in combination demonstrated an enhanced vigor index and germination rate. Interestingly, plants treated with the two-microbe combination showed the lowest plant mortality rate (28%) under A. alternata stress. Physiological profiling of treated plants showed improved photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and stomatal conductance under pathogenic stress. Additionally, these endophytes not only augmented defense enzymes and antioxidant activity in treated plants but also enhanced the expression of salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-responsive genes in the stressed plants. Reductions in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) along with enhanced callose deposition in host plant leaves corroborated well with the above findings. Altogether, the study provides novel insights into the underlying mechanisms behind the tripartite interaction of endophyte-A. alternata-W. somnifera and underscores their ability to boost plant health under pathogen stress.IMPORTANCEW. somnifera is well known for producing several medicinally important secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites are required by various pharmaceutical sectors to produce life-saving drugs. However, the cultivation of W. somnifera faces severe challenge from leaf spot disease caused by A. alternata To keep pace with the rising demand for this plant and considering its capacity for cultivation under field conditions, the present study was undertaken to develop approaches to enhance production of W. somnifera through intervention using endophytes. Application of bacterial endophytes not only suppresses the pathogenicity of A. alternata but also mitigates excessive ROS/RNS generation via enhanced physiological processes and antioxidant machinery. Expression profiling of plant defense-related genes further validates the efficacy of bacterial endophytes against leaf spot disease.

Understanding pivotal experiences in behavior change for the design of technologies for personal wellbeing.

Most health technologies are designed to support people who have already decided to work toward better health. Thus, there remains an opportunity to design technologies to help motivate people who have not yet decided to make a change. Understanding the experiences of people who have already started to make a health behavior change and how they made a pivotal decision can be useful in understanding how to design such tools. In this paper, we describe results from data collected in 2 phases. Phase 1 consisted of 127 surveys and 13 interviews with adults who have already accomplished behavior change(s). Phase 2 consisted of 117 surveys and 12 interviews with adults who have either already accomplished their behavior change(s) or are currently working toward them. We identified four factors that lead to pivotal experiences: (1) prolonged discontent and desire to change, (2) significant changes that increase fear or hope of future, (3) increased understanding of one's behavior and personal data, and (4) social accountability. We also describe a design space for designing technology-based interventions for encouraging people to decide to make a change to improve their health. Based on feedback from participants, we discuss opportunities for further exploration of the design space for people who are not yet motivated to change and for ethical considerations for this type of intervention.

Nonsense suppression in archaea.

Bacterial strains carrying nonsense suppressor tRNA genes played a crucial role in early work on bacterial and bacterial viral genetics. In eukaryotes as well, suppressor tRNAs have played important roles in the genetic analysis of yeast and worms. Surprisingly, little is known about genetic suppression in archaea, and there has been no characterization of suppressor tRNAs or identification of nonsense mutations in any of the archaeal genes. Here, we show, using the ß-gal gene as a reporter, that amber, ochre, and opal suppressors derived from the serine and tyrosine tRNAs of the archaeon Haloferax volcanii are active in suppression of their corresponding stop codons. Using a promoter for tRNA expression regulated by tryptophan, we also show inducible and regulatable suppression of all three stop codons in H. volcanii. Additionally, transformation of a ΔpyrE2 H. volcanii strain with plasmids carrying the genes for a pyrE2 amber mutant and the serine amber suppressor tRNA yielded transformants that grow on agar plates lacking uracil. Thus, an auxotrophic amber mutation in the pyrE2 gene can be complemented by expression of the amber suppressor tRNA. These results pave the way for generating archaeal strains carrying inducible suppressor tRNA genes on the chromosome and their use in archaeal and archaeviral genetics. We also provide possible explanations for why suppressor tRNAs have not been identified in archaea.

Tailoring shape and size of biogenic silver nanoparticles to enhance antimicrobial efficacy against MDR bacteria.

Spherical, rectangular, penta, and hexagonal silver nanoparticles of different dimensions were biosynthesized in an eco-friendly manner by biocontrol agent, Trichoderma viride by manipulating physical parameters, pH, temperature, and reaction time. The particles were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy; Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR). Shape and size dependent antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles against human pathogens was observed. Maximum inhibition was found with spherical nanoparticles (2-5 nm) showing 40, 51, 43, 53.9 and 55.8% against Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively, where as pentagonal and hexagonal nanoparticles (50-100 nm) demonstrated 32, 41, 31, 42.84 and 42.80% of inhibition as compared to control. Nanoparticles of different geometry and dimension established enhanced antagonistic activity against pathogens with all the tested antibiotics. Excellent antimicrobial efficacy was obtained with spherical nanoparticles of 2-5 nm with ampicillin and penicillin. Shape and size played major role in enhancing antimicrobial potential of silver nanoparticles, both singly and synergistically with antibiotics which can be exploited to combat the spread of multidrug resistant pathogens.

Lessons from Practice: Designing Tools to Facilitate Individualized Support for Quitting Smoking.

Many health care providers, with a variety of trainings, counsel clients on quitting smoking on a day-to-day basis. In their clinical practice, they draw from and adapt guidelines and research-based strategies to fit individual client situations and challenges. Designers of technologies to support quitting smoking can learn from these real world practices to create tools that better adapt to individual differences. We present findings from interviews with 28 providers with diverse experiences in smoking cessation counselling. Through analysis of their individualization strategies, challenges, and perceptions of technology, we find that providers: (1) individualize context appropriate coping strategies by involving clients in brainstorming, (2) emphasize the need to support nicotine withdrawal in clients, (3) mitigate social triggers and mediate social support for clients, and (4) need to navigate dependencies with other providers for managing medications and comorbid health conditions of clients. With this empirical understanding, we extend the discussion on the design of technology to support quitting smoking, highlight current barriers to individualization, and suggest future opportunities to address these barriers.

Tbf1 or not Tbf1?

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Hogues et al. (2008) demonstrate a wholesale shift in the key regulatory protein involved in ribosomal protein (RP) synthesis during the evolution of S. cerevisiae and, en passant, raise interesting questions about the relationship between RP genes and telomeres.

Identical RNA-protein interactions in vivo and in vitro and a scheme of folding the newly synthesized proteins by ribosomes.

A distinct three-dimensional shape of rRNA inside the ribosome is required for the peptidyl transfer activity of its peptidyltransferase center (PTC). In contrast, even the in vitro transcribed PTC RNA interacts with unfolded protein(s) at about five sites to let them attain their native states. We found that the same set of conserved nucleotides in the PTC interact identically with nascent and chemically unfolded proteins in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The time course of this interaction, difficult to follow in vivo, was observed in vitro. It suggested nucleation of folding of cytosolic globular proteins vectorially from hydrophilic N to hydrophobic C termini, consistent with our discovery of a regular arrangement of cumulative hydrophobic indices of the peptide segments of cytosolic proteins from N to C termini. Based on this observation, we propose a model here for the nucleation of folding of the nascent protein chain by the PTC.

Involvement of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins in ribosomal RNA-mediated protein folding.

The peptidyl transferase center of the domain V of large ribosomal RNA in the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cytosolic ribosomes acts as general protein folding modulator. We showed earlier that one part of the domain V (RNA1 containing the peptidyl transferase loop) binds unfolded protein and directs it to a folding competent state (FCS) that is released by the other part (RNA2) to attain the folded native state by itself. Here we show that the peptidyl transferase loop of the mitochondrial ribosome releases unfolded proteins in FCS extremely slowly despite its lack of the rRNA segment analogous to RNA2. The release of FCS can be hastened by the equivalent activity of RNA2 or the large subunit proteins of the mitochondrial ribosome. The RNA2 or large subunit proteins probably introduce some allosteric change in the peptidyl transferase loop to enable it to release proteins in FCS.

Distribution of vitamin D-binding protein/group-specific component gene subtypes in Kuwaiti population.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D-binding protein or group-specific component (Gc) is the major plasma carrier protein of Vitamin D. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs7041 (NM_000583.3:c.1296G>T;NP_000574.2:p.Asp432Glu) and rs4588 (c.1307C>A; p.Thr436Lys), in the GC gene result in three major genotypes, that is, GC1F (c.1296T, c.1307C), GC1S (c.1296G, c.1307C), GC2 (c.1296T, c.1307A), and phenotypes such as Gc1F (p.432Asp, p.436Thr), Gc1S (p.432Glu, p.436Thr), and Gc2 (p.432Asp, p.436Lys). Significant variations in the frequencies of GC subtypes (genotypes/phenotypes) are reported in different populations living in different geographical locations, for example, GC1S/Gc1S (c.1296G, c.1307C/p.432Glu, p.436Thr) and GC2/Gc2 (c.1296T, c.1307A/p.432Asp, p.436Lys) are predominant in Caucasians and people living in the northern hemisphere, and GC1F/Gc1F (c.1296T, c.1307C/p.432Asp, p.436Thr) is predominant in Africans. However, frequencies of major GC subtypes are not known in the Kuwaiti population. In this study, we investigated 512 alleles to identify the major GC subtypes in Kuwaiti nationals. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 128 healthy subjects. DNA regions covering the targeted mutations were amplified by PCR. Amplified DNAs were sequenced by the Sanger method and analyzed for specific mutations to determine the GC genotypes and phenotypes. RESULTS: The results identified the presence of four GC genotypes/phenotypes namely GC1F/Gc1F (c.1296T, c.1307C/p.432Asp, p.436Thr), GC1S/Gc1S (c.1296G, c.1307C/p.432Glu, p.436Thr), GC2/Gc2 (c.1296T, c.1307A/p.432Asp, p.436Lys), and GC3/Gc3 (c.1296G;c.1307A/p.432Glu, p.436Lys). Among the allelic subtypes (n = 512), GC1S (c.1296G; c.1307C) (n = 270, 52.7%) was predominant, followed by GC1F (c.1296T; c.1307C) (n = 138, 27%), GC2 (c.1296T; c.1307A) (n = 72, 14%), and GC3 (c.1296G; c.1307A) (n = 32, 6.3%). Three common subtypes, that is, GC1F (c.1296T; c.1307C), GC1S (c.1296G; c.1307C), and GC2 (c.1296T; c.1307A) are well documented in the literature, but GC3 (c.1296T; c.1307A) is an uncommon variant found in our study subjects. CONCLUSION: We found that GC subtype distribution was unique in the Kuwaiti population, with some affinity to Caucasians. Several factors including ancestral origin, migration history, and environmental forces such as solar intensity may be responsible for the unique distribution of GC subtypes in this population.

Phenotype microarray analysis reveals the biotransformation of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici influenced by Bacillus subtilis PBE-8 metabolites.

Herein, Bacillus subtilis PBE-8's biocontrol efficacy was evaluated through physiological and metabolic approaches against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL). The study elaborates on PBE-8's cell-free filtrate (CFF) antifungal activity through mycelial growth inhibition, metabolite profiling, and substrates utilization patterns. Additionally, under different CFF concentrations, reduction in spore count (94%-55%), biomass (50%), and cytoplasmic bulbous protrusions in mycelia were also observed. Furthermore, the effect of bacterial CFF on FOL metabolism was confirmed through GC-MS. CFF suppresses the concentration of aliphatic amino acids like L-valine, L-leucine, L-Isoleucine, glycine, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid and α- linolenic acid during the co-culturing conditions, which are essential for pathogenicity and resistance against host's systemic acquired resistance. The phenotype microarray assay revealed that CFF-treated FOL shows phenotype loss in 507 (56.58%) out of 896 substrates. Among 507, twenty-seven substrates showed significant phenotype loss, among which four substrates such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, ammonia, and L-arginine are common in different crucial metabolic pathways of FOL, like alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline, carbon metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, amino-acyl tRNA synthesis, and biosynthesis of amino acids. The results suggest that PBE-8 CFF has certain antifungal metabolites that hinder the fungal metabolic pathways.

Lessons learned from designing an asynchronous remote community approach for behavioral activation intervention for teens.

Adolescent depression is common; however, over 60% of depressed adolescents do not receive mental health care. Digitally-delivered evidence-based psychosocial interventions (EBPIs) may provide an opportunity to improve access and engagement in mental health care. We present a case study that reviews lessons learned from using the Discover - Design - Build - Test (DDBT) model to create, develop, and evaluate a high-fidelity prototype of an app to deliver an EBPI for depression, behavioral activation (BA), on an Asynchronous Remote Communities (ARC) platform (referred to as ActivaTeen). We review work at each stage of the DDBT framework, including initial formative work, iterative design and development work, and an initial feasibility study. We engaged teens with depression, mental health clinicians, and expert evaluators through the process. We found that the DDBT model supported the research team in understanding the requirements for our prototype system, ActivaTeen, and conceiving of and developing specific ideas for implementation. Our work contributes a case study of how the DDBT framework can be applied to adapting an EBPI to a new, scalable and digital format. We provide lessons learned from engaging teens and clinicians with an asynchronous approach to EBPIs and human centered design considerations for teen mental health.

Families Playing Animal Crossing Together: Coping With Video Games During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic was stressful for everyone, particularly for families who had to supervise and support children, facilitate remote schooling, and manage work and home life. We consider how families coped with pandemic-related stress using the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Combining a family coping framework with theorizing about media as a coping tool, this interview study of 27 families (33 parents and 37 children) found that parents and children individual coped with pandemic-related stress with media. Parents engaged in protective buffering of their children with media, taking on individual responsibility to cope with a collective problem. Families engaged in communal coping, whereby media helped the family cope with a collective problem, taking on shared ownership and responsibility. We provide evidence for video games as coping tools, but with the novel consideration of family coping with media.

Designing Asynchronous Remote Support for Behavioral Activation in Teenagers With Depression: Formative Study.

BACKGROUND: Many teenagers in the United States experience challenges with symptoms of depression, and they lack adequate resources for accessing in-person mental health care. Involving teens and clinicians in designing technologies that use evidence-based practices that reduce barriers to accessing mental health care is crucial. Interventions based on behavioral activation (BA) help teens understand the relationship between mood and activity, help them practice goal-directed behaviors to improve mood, and may be particularly well-suited to delivery via internet-based platforms. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the needs and challenges that teens and mental health clinicians face in depression management and involve them in the design process of a remote intervention that uses asynchronous remote communities. Our goal is to understand the benefits and challenges of adapting BA to an internet-based platform that supports the asynchronous remote community approach as a delivery tool for teen depression management. METHODS: We enrolled mental health clinicians (n=10) and teens (n=8) in separate, private, internet-based groups on Slack (Slack Technologies Inc). They participated in 20-minute design activities for 10 weeks and were then invited to interviews about their experiences in the study. RESULTS: Both teen and clinician participants wanted internet-based support for BA as a supplement to in-person therapy. Although participants perceived the asynchronous format as conducive to supporting accessible care, teens and clinicians raised concerns about safety, privacy, and the moderating of the internet-based group. Design decisions that address these concerns need to be balanced with the potential benefits of learning coping skills, increasing access to mental health care, and promoting asynchronous human connection to support teens. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss considerations for balancing tensions in privacy and safety while designing and selecting internet-based platforms to support remote care and integrating evidence-based support when designing digital technologies for the treatment of teens with depression.

Super protective anti-bacterial coating development with silica-titania nano core-shells.

In the present study, we have developed an anti-bacterial as well as mechanically-strengthened super protective coating material, which can be used as a marine antifouling paint. In this research, silica, titania and silica-titania core-shell nanoparticles were individually prepared via sol-gel and peptization processes. The idea behind the synthesis of core-shell nanoparticles was to utilize the mechanical strength of silica and the antimicrobial property of TiO2 together. These nanoparticles were characterized via dynamic light scattering, UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Coating formulations were developed with two types of model binders, i.e., solvent-based polyurethane and water-based poly-acrylic, containing all nanoparticles individually at various concentrations for a better comparative study. These coating formulations were applied onto mild steel for anti-bacterial testing that was performed against Escherichia coli and Bacillus. The nanoparticle concentration was varied from 1% (wt) to 6% (wt). The best anti-bacterial result was obtained with 4% (wt) of silica-titania core-shell nanoparticles prepared via the peptization process among all the nanoparticles. The scratch testing was performed successfully using an Erichsen scratch tester; the formulated PU coating passed up-to 20 N load with good adhesion, impact resistance, flexibility and has shown satisfactory anti-corrosion performance.

Role of silica coated magnetic nanoparticle on cell flocculation, lipid extraction and linoleic acid production from Chlorella pyrenoidosa.

In the present work, it has been observed that magnetic (Fe3O4) - silica core- shell nanoparticles helps in flocculation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa cells with simultaneous production of linoleic acid. The mean particle size in Dynamic light scattering (DLS) of the silica coated magnetic nanoparticle was estimated 444.7 nm. The characterization of nanoparticles was also performed by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). Apart from flocculation, it has been observed that in presence of magnetic silica core- shell nanoparticles the amount of lipid obtained was four times than that of control. On the contrary, in presence of these nanoparticles, linoleic acid (18:2) has been produced in Chlorella pyrenoidosa cells almost by 80% whereas, it has been noticed only 8.73% in control. This is the first report where the linoleic acid has been obtained as major component of microalgal fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) having important application in nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical sectors.