Isolation and characterization of bio-prospecting gut strains Bacillus safensis CGK192 and Bacillus australimaris CGK221 for plastic (HDPE) degradation.

The present work reports the application of novel gut strains Bacillus safensis CGK192 (Accession No. OM658336) and Bacillus australimaris CGK221 (Accession No. OM658338) in the biological degradation of synthetic polymer i.e., high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The biodegradation assay based on polymer weight loss was conducted under laboratory conditions for a period of 90 days along with regular evaluation of bacterial biomass in terms of total protein content and viable cells (CFU/cm2). Notably, both strains achieved significant weight reduction for HDPE films without any physical or chemical pretreatment in comparison to control. Hydrophobicity and biosurfactant characterization were also done in order to assess strains ability to form bacterial biofilm over the polymer surface. The post-degradation characterization of HDPE was also performed to confirm degradation using analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Interestingly strain CGK221 was found to be more efficient in forming biofilm over polymer surface as indicated by lower half-life (i.e., 0.00032 day-1) and higher carbonyl index in comparison to strain CGK192. The findings reflect the ability of our strains to develop biofilm and introduce an oxygenic functional group into the polymer surface, thereby making it more susceptible to degradation.

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) through application of indigenous strain Alcaligenes faecalis ISJ128.

The resiliency of plastic products against microbial degradation in natural environment often creates devastating changes for humans, plants, and animals on the earth's surface. Biodegradation of plastics using indigenous bacteria may serve as a critical approach to overcome this resulting environmental stress. In the present work, a polyethylene degrading bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis strain ISJ128 (Accession No. MK968769) was isolated from partially degraded polyethylene film buried in the soil at plastic waste disposal site. The biodegradation studies were conducted by employing various methods such as hydrophobicity assessment of the strain ISJ128, measurement of viability and total protein content of bacterial biofilm attached to the polyethylene surface. The proliferation of bacterial cells on polyethylene film, as indicated by high growth response in terms of protein content (85.50 µg mL-1) and viability (1010 CFU mL-1), proposed reasonable suitability of our strain A. faecalis ISJ128 toward polyethylene degradation. The results of biodegradation assay revealed significant degradation (10.40%) of polyethylene film within a short period of time (i.e., 60 days), whereas no signs of degradation were seen in control PE film. A. faecalis strain ISJ128 also demonstrated a removal rate of 0.0018 day-1 along with half-life of 462 days. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies not only displayed changes on polyethylene surface but also altered level of intensity of functional groups and an increase in the carbonyl indexes justifying the degradation of polyethylene film due to bacterial activity. In addition, the secondary structure prediction (M fold software) of 16SrDNA proved the stable nature of the bacterial strain, thereby reflecting the profound scope of A. faecalis strain ISJ128 as a potential degrader for the eco-friendly disposal of polyethylene waste. Schematic representation of methodology.

Utilization of Bacillus cereus strain CGK5 associated with cow feces in the degradation of commercially available high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The accumulation and mismanagement of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste in the environment is a complex problem in the present scenario. Biodegradation of this thermoplastic polymer is a promising environmentally sustainable method that offers a significant opportunity to address plastic waste management with minimal negative repercussion on the environment. In this framework, HDPE-degrading bacterium strain CGK5 was isolated from the fecal matter of cow. The biodegradation efficiency of strain was assessed, including percentage reduction in HDPE weight, cell surface hydrophobicity, extracellular biosurfactant production, viability of surface adhered cells, as well as biomass in terms of protein content. Through molecular techniques, strain CGK5 was identified as Bacillus cereus. Significant weight loss of 1.83% was observed in the HDPE film treated with strain CGK5 for 90 days. The FE-SEM analysis revealed the profused bacterial growth which ultimately caused the distortions in HDPE films. Furthermore, EDX study indicated a significant decrease in percentage carbon content at atomic level, whereas FTIR analysis confirmed chemical groups' transformation as well as an increment in the carbonyl index supposedly caused by bacterial biofilm biodegradation. Our findings shed light on the ability of our strain B. cereus CGK5 to colonize and use HDPE as a sole carbon source, demonstrating its applicability for future eco-friendly biodegradation processes.

Micrococcus luteus strain CGK112 isolated from cow dung demonstrated efficient biofilm-forming ability and degradation potential toward high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Biodegradation is the most promising environmentally sustainable method that offers a significant opportunity with minimal negative environmental consequences while searching for solutions to this global problem of plastic pollution that has now spread to almost everywhere in the entire world. In the present work, HDPE-degrading bacterial strain CGK112 was isolated from the fecal matter of a cow. The bacterial strain was identified as Micrococcus luteus CGK112 by 16S rRNA sequence coding analysis. Significant weight loss, i.e., 3.85% was recorded in the HDPE film treated with strain CGK112 for 90 days. The surface micromorphology was examined using FE-SEM, which revealed spectacular bacterial colonization as well as structural deformation. Furthermore, the EDX study indicated a significant decrease in the atomic percentage of carbon content, whereas FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups alternation as well as an increase in the carbonyl index which can be attributed to the metabolic activity of biofilm. Our findings provide insight into the capacity of our strain CGK112 to colonize and utilize HDPE as a single carbon source, thus promoting its degradation.

The integrative bioinformatics approaches to predict the xanthohumol as anti-breast cancer molecule: Targeting cancer cells signaling PI3K and AKT kinase pathway.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and vast research is being conducted throughout the world for the treatment of this malignancy by natural products using various computational approaches. Xanthohumol, a prenylated flavonoid, is known for its anticancer activity; however, the mechanism behind its action is still in the preliminary stage. Methods: The current study aimed to analyze the efficacy of xanthohumol compared to the currently available anticancer drugs targeting phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase (AKT) receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) for breast cancer treatment through in silico analysis. Results: The result revealed that the target compound showed significant binding affinity to targets within the PI3K, AKT, and HER2 signaling pathways with a binding energy of -7.5, -7.9, and -7.9 kcal/mol, respectively. Further prediction studies were then made concerning this compound's absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) as well as drug-likeness properties, resulting in its oral bioavailability with only a single violation of Lipinski's rule of five. Conclusions: The finding revealed the ability of xanthohumol to bind with multiple cancer cell signaling molecules including PI3K, AKT kinase, and HER2. The current novel study opened the door to advancing research into the management and treatment of breast cancer.

Spectroscopic and chromatographic identification of bioprospecting bioactive compounds from cow feces: Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities evaluation of gut bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa KD155.

The prime objective of our study was to evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa KD155 isolated from cow dung. For identification of the isolate KD155, molecular techniques were employed and obtained 16S rRNA gene sequence was deposited in the NCBI GenBank under the accession number MK801234. Extracellular crude extract of P. aeruginosa KD155 displayed significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 7443) in comparison to tetracycline and ketoconazole. The resistance of extracellular crude chloroform extract to DPPH scavenging activity was also observed with 77.49% inhibition rate reflecting strong antioxidant activity. In addition, HP-TLC, FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of extracellular chloroform crude extract was done which revealed phenolic compound (quercetin) as major bioactive metabolite being produced by our isolate KD155. Further, the stability of 16S rRNA sequence of the strain was studied using bioinformatics tools viz. mfold and NEB cutter indicating the thermodynamic stability of its gene sequence.

Characteristics investigation on biofilm formation and biodegradation activities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain ISJ14 colonizing low density polyethylene (LDPE) surface.

The accelerated population and industrial development have caused an extensive increase in the use of plastic products. Since polyethylene degrades slowly generating poisonous compounds, therefore, elimination of plastic from the environment is the prerequisite requirement today. Biodegradation of plastics seems to be a convenient and effective method to curb this problem. In view of this, the present study focuses on LDPE degradation capability of bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ISJ14 (Accession No. MG554742) isolated from waste dump sites. Further, the stability of 16S rDNA of the isolate was determined by applying bioinformatics tools. For biodegradation studies, the polyethylene films were incubated with the culture of P. aeruginosa ISJ14 in two different growth medium namely Bushnell Hass broth (BHM) and Minimal Salt medium (MSM) for 60 days at 37 °C on 180 rpm. In addition, hydrophobicity and viability of bacterial isolate along with quantification of total protein content was also done. The microbial degradation was confirmed by surface modification and formation of fissures on polyethylene surface along with the variation in the intensity of functional groups as well as an increase in the carbonyl index using field emission scanning electron microscopy (Fe-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR). These results indicate that P. aeruginosa strain ISJ14 can prove to be a suitable candidate for LDPE waste treatment without causing any harm to our health or environment.

The Effects of 24-Week, High-Concentration Hydrogen-Rich Water on Body Composition, Blood Lipid Profiles and Inflammation Biomarkers in Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome is associated with several medical risk factors including dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and obesity, which has become a worldwide pandemic. The sequelae of this condition increase the risk of cardiovascular and neurological disease and increased mortality. Its pathophysiology is associated with redox dysregulation, excessive inflammation, and perturbation of cellular homeostasis. Molecular hydrogen (H2) may attenuate oxidative stress, improve cellular function, and reduce chronic inflammation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown promising effects of H2-rich water (HRW) on specific features of metabolic syndrome, yet the effects of long-term, high-concentration HRW in this prevalent condition remain poorly addressed. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 60 subjects (30 men and 30 women) with metabolic syndrome. An initial observation period of one week was used to acquire baseline clinical data followed by randomization to either placebo or high-concentration HRW (> 5.5 millimoles of H2 per day) for 24 weeks. RESULTS: Supplementation with high-concentration HRW significantly reduced blood cholesterol and glucose levels, attenuated serum hemoglobin A1c, and improved biomarkers of inflammation and redox homeostasis as compared to placebo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, H2 tended to promote a mild reduction in body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSION: Our results give further credence that high-concentration HRW might have promising effects as a therapeutic modality for attenuating risk factors of metabolic syndrome.

Effects of circadian restricted feeding on parameters of metabolic syndrome among healthy subjects.

Experimental studies indicate that energy homeostasis to the circadian clock at the behavioral, physiological, and molecular levels, emphasize that timing of food intake may play a significant role in the development of obesity and central obesity. Therefore, resetting the circadian clock by circadian energy restriction via food intake in the morning or evening, may be used as a new approach for prevention of obesity, metabolic syndrome and related diseases. After ethical clearance and written, informed consent, free living subjects were included if they volunteered to take most of the total daily meals (approximately 2000 Kcal./day) in the evening (4 weeks) or morning (4 weeks). Of 22 adults, half were randomly selected by computer generated numbers to eat in the morning and the other half in the evening, after 8.00 PM. The eating pattern was changed after 4 weeks of intervention and a 4-week washout period, those who ate in the morning were advised to eat in the evening and vice versa. Validated questionnaires were used to assess food intakes, physical activity, and intake of alcohol and tobacco. Physical examination included measurement of body weight, height, and blood pressure (BP) by sphygmomanometer. Data were regularly recorded blindly, in all subjects at start of study and during follow-up. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast for analysis of blood glucose and Hb1c. Feeding in the evening was associated with significant increase in body weight by 0.80 kg (P < .001), body mass index (BMI) by 0.30 kg/m2 (P < .001) and waist circumference by 1.13 cm (P < .05). Feeding the same amount of energy in the morning was not associated with any significant change in weight, BMI or waist circumference (P > .500). Lesser increases in all three variables were associated with AM versus PM feeding (P < .05). Systolic BP slightly increased on PM and decreased on AM feeding, with a difference between the two responses of 1.55 mmHg (P < .05). Fasting blood glucose was lower on AM than on PM feeding (74.86 vs. 77.95 mg/dl, paired t = 4.220, P < .001). Hb1C increased on PM feeding by 0.28 (from 4.45 to 4.73; t = 9.176, P < .001), but decreased on AM feeding by 0.077 (from 4.53 to 4.45; t = -6.859, P < .001). The difference in Hb1C response between AM and PM feeding is also statistically significant (t = -11.599, P < .001). Eating in the evening can predispose to obesity, central obesity and increases in fasting blood glucose and Hb1c that are indicators of the metabolic syndrome. By contrast, eating in the morning can decrease Hb1c and systolic BP, indicating that it may be protective against the metabolic syndrome.

Micronutrient formulations for prevention of complications of pregnancy.

According to a relatively recent UNICEF report, 15 percent of the infant population of the world is of low birth weight with India accounting for one third of all the world's low-weight newborns. Twenty percent of all low birth weight infants die within a month. This mortality figure is higher in developing countries due to inadequate nutritional intake by pregnant women. Development of a new package of nutrient-rich food based on egg or milk or soy bean proteins, containing multiple micronutrient supplements, available at affordable cost, may protect against morbidity and mortality among pregnant women as well as low birth weight in newborns. These benefits may continue to decrease morbidity and mortality during infancy and childhood and might reduce the risk of chronic diseases in later adult life.

Prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity and undernutrition, a triple burden of diseases during transition in a developing economy. The Five City Study Group.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of overweight, obesity, undernutrition and physical activity status in the urban populations of India. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 6-12 urban streets in each of five cities in five different regions of India using a common study protocol and criteria of diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 6940 subjects (3433 women and 3507 men) aged 25 years and above were randomly selected from the cities of Moradabad (n = 2002),Trivandrum (n = 1602), Calcutta (n = 900), Nagpur (n = 894) and Bombay (n = 1542). Evaluation and validation were performed by a physician and dietitian-administered questionnaire at Moradabad. After pooling of data, all subjects were divided into various age groups for men and women. Obesity (body mass index = 30 > kg/m(2)) and overweight (BMI 2 25-29.9 kg/m(2) and > 23 kg/m(2)) as well as waist-hip ratio (> 0.85 in women and > 0.88 in men, central obesity) were calculated and physical activity status assessed by a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity was 6.8% (7.8 vs. 6.2%, P < 0.05) and overweight 33.5% (35.0 vs. 32.0%, P < 0.05) among women and men, respectively. The highest prevalence of obesity (7.8%) and overweight (36.9%) was found among subjects aged 35 to 44 years in both sexes. The prevalence of obesity was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in Trivandrum (8.5%), Calcutta (7. 1%) and Bombay (8.3%) compared to Moradabad (6.2%) among women and in Trivandrum (7.4%) and Bombay (7.2%), compared to Nagpur (5.0%) among men. There was a significant decreasing trend in obesity (P < 0.05) and overweight (P < 0.05) with increasing age above 35-44 years in both sexes. The overall prevalence of subjects > 23 kg/m(2) was 50.8% and central obesity 52.6%. The overall prevalence of sedentary behaviour was 59.3% among women and 58.5% among men. Both sedentary behaviour and mild activity showed a significant increasing trend in women after the age of 35-44 years. In men, such a trend was observed above the age of 45 years. Sedentary behaviour was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in Trivandrum, Calcutta, and Bombay compared to Nagpur. Sedentary behaviour was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with obesity in both sexes, compared to non-obese men and women. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 5.5% (n = 380) which was significantly more common in Moradabad, north and Nagpur, central India compared to other cities. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity, overweight and central obesity and sedentary behaviour coexist with undernutrition, and have become a public health problem in all the five cities of India. The prevalence of obesity and sedentary behaviour was significantly greater in Trivandrum, Calcutta and Bombay compared to Moradabad and Nagpur. Sedentary behaviour was significantly associated with obesity compared to non-obese subjects in both sexes, which may be due to greater economic development in metro cities.

Increased concentrations of lipoprotein(a), circadian rhythms and metabolic reactions evoked by acute myocardial infarction, associated with acute reactions in relation to large breakfasts.

Of 54 patients with acute coronary artery disease (CAD) that were included in this study, 41 patients had acute myocardial infarction (AMI), five patients possible MI, four patients unstable angina and the remaining four angina pectoris. The control subjects (n = 85) were randomly selected from the general population of the city of Moradabad of similar age range after exclusion for CAD (n = 9), diabetes (n = 6) and excess intake of trans fatty acids (n = 20). The incidence of lipoprotein(a) excess (> 30 mg/dl; 42.6 vs 24.7%; P < 0.05) and mean concentration of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a], 6.4 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval: 2.8-10.5; P < 0.05) was significantly greater in the acute CAD group compared with control subjects. Mean total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly higher and mean nitrite level lower in the study group as compared with the control group.There was a significant greater incidence of cardiac events in the second quarter of the day compared with the fourth quarter. Lp(a), triglycerides, blood glucose, plasma insulin, malondialdehyde, diene conjugates, TBARS and TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels, which were significantly greater during the acute phase, showed a significant decline and serum nitrite and coenzyme Q demonstrated an increase at 4 weeks of follow-up when the acute reactions evoked by MI had been controlled. Large breakfasts were a predisposing factor for cardiac events in the second quarter of the day and it was significantly associated with metabolic reactions. The findings indicate that acute reactions as a result or as circadian rhythms appear to be important in the pathogenesis of AMI-associated complications and that a large breakfast in association with nitrite deficiency may further trigger the circadian rhythms. However, more studies in a larger number of subjects would be necessary in order to confirm our findings.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 on risk of atherosclerosis in patients with recent myocardial infarction.

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, the effects of oral treatment with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, 120 mg/day), a bioenergetic and antioxidant cytoprotective agent, were compared for 1 year, on the risk factors of atherosclerosis, in 73 (CoQ, group A) and 71 (B vitamin group B) patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). After 1 year, total cardiac events (24.6 vs. 45.0%, p < 0.02) including non-fatal infarction (13.7 vs. 25.3%, p < 0.05) and cardiac deaths were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to control group. The extent of cardiac disease, elevation in cardiac enzymes, left ventricular enlargement, previous coronary artery disease and elapsed time from symptom onset to infarction at entry to study showed no significant differences between the two groups. Plasma level of vitamin E (32.4 +/- 4.3 vs. 22.1 +/- 3.6 umol/L) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.26 +/- 0.43 vs. 1.12 +/- 0.32 mmol/L) showed significant (p < 0.05) increase whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, malondialdehyde (1.9 + 0.31 vs. 3.1 + 0.32 pmol/L) and diene conjugates showed significant reduction respectively in the CoQ group compared to control group. Approximately half of the patients in each group (n = 36 vs. 31) were receiving lovastatin (10 mg/day) and both groups had a significant reduction in total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to baseline levels. It is possible that treatment with CoQ10 in patients with recent MI may be beneficial in patients with high risk of atherothrombosis, despite optimal lipid lowering therapy during a follow-up of 1 year. Adverse effect of treatments showed that fatigue (40.8 vs. 6.8%, p < 0.01) was more common in the control group than CoQ group.