Antifungal activity of Carica papaya fruit extract against Microsporum canis: in vitro and in vivo study.

Background: Tinea capitis (T. capitis), commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair. Among the causative agents, Microsporum canis (M. canis) stands out, often transmitted from cats to humans (zoonotic disease). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Carica papaya (C. papaya), fruit extract against dermatophytes, particularly M. canis, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we aimed to identify the active compounds responsible for suppressing fungal growth and assess the toxicity of C. papaya on human cells. Methodology: It conducted in two parts. First, In Vitro Study include the preparation of C. papaya fruit extract using methanol as the solvent, Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract including Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted, Cytotoxicity assays were performed using HUH-7 cells, employing the MTT assay (1-(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), Antimicrobial activity against M. canis was evaluated, including: Zone of inhibition (ZI), Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), M. canis cell alterations were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Second, In Vivo, Albino Wistar male rats were included. Results: The phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract from papaya revealed several functional groups, including hydroxyl, ammonia, alkane, carbonate, and alcohol. Additionally, the GC-MS analysis identified 15 compounds, with xanthosine and decanoic acid being the predominant components. The methanolic extract of papaya fruits demonstrated potent antifungal activity: ZI = 37 mm, MIC = 1,000 µg/mL, MFC = 1900 µg/mL, MTT results indicated lower cytotoxicity of the fruit extract at concentrations of 20 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, 150 µg/mL, and 200 µg/mL, The IC50 revealed a significant decrease in cell viability with increasing extract concentration. Notably, papaya extract induced considerable alterations in the morphology of M. canis hyphae and spores. In animal tissue, improvements were observed among the group of rats which treated with Papaya extract. This study highlights the potential of C. papaya fruits as a natural antifungal agent, warranting further exploration for clinical applications.

The Efficacy of Hispidin and Magnesium Nanoparticles against Zearalenone-Induced Fungal Toxicity Causing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats.

Contamination by fungi and the toxins they secrete is a worldwide health concern. One such toxin is zearalenone (Zea), which is structurally similar to the hormone estrogen, interferes with its action on the reproductive system, and is therefore classified as an endocrine disruptor. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of hispidin and magnesium nanoparticles (MgONPs) against zearalenone-induced myotoxicity, which causes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats. A three-month exposure study was performed using female Wistar rats (n = 42) with an average weight of 100-150 g. The animals were divided into six groups (I to VI) of seven rats each. Group I was administered distilled water as a negative control. Group II was exposed to Zea 0.1 mg/kg b.w. through gavage daily. Group III was treated with 0.1 mg/kg of hispidin through gavage daily. Group IV was given 150 µg/mL MgONPs orally each day. Group V was treated with Zea 0.1 mg/kg b.w. + 0.1 mg/kg hispidin orally each day. Group VI was treated with Zea 0.1 mg/kg b.w. and the combination treatment of 0.1 mg/kg hispidin + 150 µg/mL MgONPs through gavage every day. The effectiveness of hispidin and MgONPs against Zea toxicity was evaluated in terms of ovarian histological changes, gene expression, oxidative stress biomarkers, biochemical variables, and hormone levels. The findings showed that exposure to Zea promotes PCOS in rats, with Zea-treated rats displaying hyper-ovulation with large cysts; elevated testosterone, luteinizing hormone, insulin, and glucose; and reduced sex hormone-binding globulin. In addition, qRT-PCR for aromatase (Cyp19α1) showed it to be downregulated. Treatment with hispidin improved the histopathological and hormonal situation and rescued expression of Cyp19α. Our data indicate the potential therapeutic effects of hispidin against Zea-induced Fungal Toxicity.

Actas Pink-2B dye removal in biochar nanocomposites augmented vertical flow constructed wetland (VF-CWs).

Industries generate hazardous dye wastewater, posing significant threats to public health and the environment. Removing dyes before discharge is crucial. The ongoing study primarily focused on synthesizing, applying, and understanding the mechanism of green nano-biochar composites. These composites, including zinc oxide/biochar, copper oxide/biochar, magnesium oxide/biochar, and manganese oxide/biochar, are designed to effectively remove Actas Pink-2B (Direct Red-31) in conjunction with constructed wetlands. Constructed wetland maintained pH 6.0-7.9. At the 10th week, the copper oxide/biochar treatment demonstrated the highest removal efficiency of total suspended solids (72%), dissolved oxygen (7.2 mg/L), and total dissolved solids (79.90%), followed by other biochar composites. The maximum removal efficiency for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color was observed at a retention time of 60 days. The electrical conductivity also followed the same order, with a decrease observed up to the 8th week before becoming constant. A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted, encompassing various techniques including variance analysis, regression analysis, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis. The rate of color and COD removal followed a second-order and first-order kinetics, respectively. A significant negative relationship was observed between dissolved oxygen and COD. The study indicates that employing biochar composites in constructed wetlands improves textile dye removal efficiency.

The novelty of this study is the selection of Cymbopogon as a proper plant for phytoremediation of dye along with green metal oxide coated biochar. These were selected due to their good ability to remove organic pollutant. This study demonstrates the uptake and degradation processes of persistent dye in constructed wetland.

Carbon trade-off and energy budgeting under conventional and conservation tillage in a rice-wheat double cropping system.

Amid rising energy crises and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, designing energy efficient, GHG mitigation and profitable conservation farming strategies are pertinent for global food security. Therefore, we tested a hypothesis that no-till with residue retaining could improve energy productivity (EP) and energy use efficiency (EUE) while mitigating the carbon footprint (CF), water footprint (WF) and GHG emissions in rice-wheat double cropping system. We studied two tillage viz., conventional and conservation, with/without residue retaining, resulting as CT0 (puddled-transplanted rice, conventional wheat -residue), CTR (puddled-transplanted rice, conventional wheat + residue), NT0 (direct seeded rice, zero-till wheat -residue), and NTR (direct seeded rice, zero-till wheat + residue). The overall results showed that the NTR/NT0 had 34% less energy consumption and 1.2-time higher EP as compared to CTR/CT0. In addition, NTR increased 19.8% EUE than that of CT0. The grain yield ranged from 8.7 to 9.3 and 7.8-8.5 Mg ha-1 under CT and NT system, respectively. In NTR, CF and WF were 56.6% and 17.9% lower than that of CT0, respectively. The net GHG emissions were the highest (7261.4 kg CO2 ha-1 yr-1) under CT0 and lowest (4580.9 kg CO2 ha-1 yr-1) under NTR. Notably, the carbon sequestration under NTR could mitigate half of the system's CO2-eq emissions. The study results suggest that NTR could be a viable option to offset carbon emissions and water footprint by promoting soil organic carbon sequestration, and enhancing energy productivity and energy use efficiency in the South Asian Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Glucose input profit soil organic carbon mineralization and nitrogen dynamics in relation to nitrogen amended soils.

Exogenous carbon (C) inputs stimulate soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, strongly influencing atmospheric concentrations and climate dynamics. The direction and magnitude of C decomposition depend on the C and nitrogen (N) addition, types and pattern. Despite the importance of decomposition, it remains unclear whether organic C input affects the SOC decomposition under different N-types (Ammonium Nitrate; AN, Urea; U and Ammonium Sulfate; AS). Therefore, we conducted an incubation experiment to assess glucose impact on N-treated soils at various levels (High N; HN: 50 mg/m2, Low N; LN: 05 mg/m2). The glucose input increased SOC mineralization by 38% and 35% under HN and LN, respectively. Moreover, it suppressed the concentration of NO3--N by 35% and NH4+-N by 15% in response to HN and LN soils, respectively. Results indicated higher respiration in Urea-treated soils and elevated net total nitrogen content (TN) in AS-treated soils. AN-amended soil exhibited no notable rise in C mineralization and TN content compared to other N-type soils. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was higher in glucose treated soils under LN conditions than control. This could result that high N suppressed microbial N mining and enhancing SOM stability by directing microbes towards accessible C sources. Our results suggest that glucose accelerated SOC mineralization in urea-added soils and TN contents in AS-amended soils, while HN levels suppressed C release and increased TN contents in all soil types except glucose-treated soils. Thus, different N-types and levels play a key role in modulating the stability of SOC over C input.

Responses of soil microbial biomass, microbial entropy and soil-microorganism stoichiometry imbalance to different utilization patterns in the artificial grassland of karst desertification area.

Different utilization patterns can alter the C, N, P cycles and their ecological stoichiometry characteristics in grassland soils. However, the effects of different utilization patterns on soil microbial biomass, microbial entropy and soil-microorganism stoichiometry imbalance of artificial grassland are not clear. So this study was took different utilization patterns of artificial grassland [i.e., grazing grassland (GG), mowing grassland (MG), enclosed grassland (EG)] as the research object to investigate responses of soil microbial biomass, microbial entropy and soil-microorganism stoichiometry imbalance to different utilization patterns in the karst rocky desertification control area. We found that the contents of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) were highest in GG, and the content of microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) was highest in EG. Soil microbial biomass entropy carbon (qMBC) and soil microbial biomass entropy nitrogen (qMBN) of GG and MG were higher than those of EG, but soil microbial biomass entropy phosphorus (qMBP) was opposite. C:N stoichiometry imbalance (C:Nimb) was EG > GG > MG, C:P stoichiometry imbalance (C:Pimb) was EG > MG > GG, N:P stoichiometry imbalance (N:Pimb) was MG > EG > GG. MBN was significantly positive correlated with C:Nimb and C:Pimb, MBC was significantly negative correlated with C:Pimb, MBP was significantly negative correlated with N:Pimb. The redundancy analysis (RDA) results showed that N:Pimb (p = 0.014), C:Nimb (p = 0.014), and C:P in the soil (C:Psoil, p = 0.028) had the most significant effect on microbial entropy. EG had a significant effect on soil microbial biomass and microbial entropy. The results of this study can directly or indirectly reflect the grassland soil quality under different utilization patterns in the karst rocky desertification area, which has a certain reference value for the degraded ecosystem restoration.

Assessing coastal bathymetry and climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery.

Coastal ecosystems are facing heightened risks due to human-induced climate change, including rising water levels and intensified storm events. Accurate bathymetry data is crucial for assessing the impacts of these threats. Traditional data collection methods can be cost-prohibitive. This study investigates the feasibility of using freely accessible Landsat and Sentinel satellite imagery to estimate bathymetry and its correlation with hydrographic chart soundings in Port Klang, Malaysia. Through analysis of the blue and green spectral bands from the Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 datasets, a bathymetry map of Port Klang's seabed is generated. The precision of this derived bathymetry is evaluated using statistical metrics like Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination. The results reveal a strong statistical connection (R2 = 0.9411) and correlation (R2 = 0.7958) between bathymetry data derived from hydrographic chart soundings and satellite imagery. This research not only advances our understanding of employing Landsat imagery for bathymetry assessment but also underscores the significance of such assessments in the context of climate change's impact on coastal ecosystems. The primary goal of this research is to contribute to the comprehension of Landsat imagery's utility in bathymetry evaluation, with the potential to enhance safety protocols in seaport terminals and provide valuable insights for decision-making concerning the management of coastal ecosystems amidst climate-related challenges. The findings of this research have practical implications for a wide range of stakeholders involved in coastal management, environmental protection, climate adaptation and disaster preparedness.

Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Extract on Neurobehavioral and Neurobiological Changes in Male Rats with Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy.

This study investigated the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (RO) extract on neurobehavioral and neurobiological changes in male rats with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epilepsy. Rats were assigned into five groups: (1) control rats, (2) RO-treated rats, (3) PTZ-treated rats, (4) PTZ + RO-treated rats, and (5) PTZ + valproic acid (VA)-treated rats. The PTZ-treated rats required a significantly longer time and distance to find the platform in the Morris water maze test than the control and RO-treated rats. Additionally, PTZ-treated rats showed a decrease in tendency to cross over the platform compared to PTZ group. PTZ + RO-treated rats showed decreased swimming time and distance to find the platform compared to PTZ group. PTZ + RO-treated rats showed a significant decrease in seizure score, a reduced number of myoclonic jerks, and an increased onset of the first myoclonic jerk compared to PTZ group. PTZ reduced the time required to enter the dark room in the passive avoidance learning test, which was reversed by RO treatment. Biochemical results revealed that PTZ-treated rats had higher levels of oxidative stress markers. RO significantly increased the antioxidant markers levels and maintained normal rat brain histology. This study revealed that RO can shield the brain and neural tissues from PTZ.

Utilization of ZnFe2O4-Polyaniline (PANI), ZnFe2O4-Polystyrene (PST), and ZnFe2O4-Polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposites for removal of Red X-GRL and Direct Sky Blue dyes from wastewater: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

In this study, ZnFe2O4-Polyaniline (PANI), ZnFe2O4-Polystyrene (PST), and ZnFe2O4-Polypyrrole (Ppy) nanocomposites were synthesized by the adsorption method and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted for removing two types of hazardous dyes Red X-GRL and Direct Sky Blue 51 from an aqueous solution and the effect of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial concentration of dyes were investigated. Meanwhile, kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic parameters were also determined. The electrolyte and surfactant effect was also tested for the prepared nanocomposites. To test the reusability desorption study was also conducted.

Three cases of colon cancer in four generations of the Saudi family, caused by endogamous germline mutations.

Various research pieces of evidence have been published in recent years, establishing the increasing prevalence of early colon cancer among young people. In this background, the current study aimed to analyze the reasons behind colon cancer recurrence among endogamous consanguineous cases in four generations of a single Saud family. For this study, the authors conducted the whole-exome sequencing analysis to screen for germline mutations in DNA samples from consanguineous cases within the family. After collecting the colon samples, it was analyzed histologically and immunohistochemically with the help of Breast Cancer antibodies (BRCA2 and 1 correspondingly) and H&M staining (hematoxylin and eosin). For this study, 26 at-risk consanguineous cases were considered. Three cases were diagnosed with malignant colon cancer, two with breast cancer, and 17 with germline mutations, yet remain unaffected by cancerous tumors. The rest, four consanguineous cases, are healthy and non-carriers of the mutations. However, as per the exome analysis outcomes, 15 cases inherited germline mutations in nine genes. Nine substitution mutations were present in six of the nine inherited genes in these inherited germline mutations. Furthermore, it also presented six insertion and deletion frameshift mutations in five of nine inherited genes. The immunohistochemical staining process achieved positive staining outcomes for BRCA1 and 2. Therefore, germline mutations inherited from the nine genes of endogamous consanguineous cases of mutation carriers remain the primary reason behind colon cancer recurrence in the same family.

Enhancing coastal ecosystem resilience: Investigating the interplay between safety criteria and ferry employee's perceptions to address climate change impacts.

Coastal ecosystems play an important part in mitigating the effects of climate change. Coastal ecosystems are becoming more susceptible to climate change impacts due to human activities and maritime accidents. The global shipping industry, especially in Southeast Asia, has witnessed numerous accidents, particularly involving passenger ferries, resulting in injuries and fatalities in recent years. In order to mitigate the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between employees' perceptions of safety criteria and their own safety behaviour on Langkawi Island, Malaysia. A straightforward random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 112 ferry employees aboard Malaysian-registered passenger boats by administering questionnaires. The findings shed light on the strong connection between providing safety instructions for passengers and safety behaviour among ferry workers. Safety instructions should contain climate-related information to successfully address the effects of climate change. The instructions might include guidance on responding to extreme weather events and understanding the potential consequences of sea-level rise on coastal communities. The ferry company staff should also expand their safe behaviour concept to include training and preparation for climate-related incidents. The need to recognise the interconnectedness between climate change, ferry safety and the protection of coastal ecosystems is emphasised in this study. The findings can be utilised by policymakers, regulatory agencies and ferry operators to design holistic policies that improve safety behaviour, minimise maritime mishaps and preserve the long-term sustainability of coastal ecosystems in the face of difficulties posed by climate change.

Risk assessment of toxic and hazardous metals in paddy agroecosystem by biochar-for bio-membrane applications.

Toxic and carcinogenic metal (loid)s, such arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd), found in contaminated paddy soils pose a serious danger to environmental sustainability. Their geochemical activities are complex, making it difficult to manage their contamination. Rice grown in Cd and As-polluted soils ends up in people's bellies, where it can cause cancer, anemia, and the deadly itai sickness. Solving this issue calls for research into eco-friendly and cost-effective remediation technology to lower rice's As and Cd levels. This research delves deeply into the origins of As and Cd in paddy soils, as well as their mobility, bioavailability, and uptake mechanisms by rice plants. It also examines the current methods and reactors used to lower As and Cd contamination in rice. Iron-modified biochar (Fe-BC) is a promising technology for reducing As and Cd toxicity in rice, improving soil health, and boosting rice's nutritional value. Biochar's physiochemical characteristics are enhanced by the addition of iron, making it a potent adsorbent for As and Cd ions. In conclusion, Fe-BC's biomembrane properties make them an attractive option for remediating As- and Cd-contaminated paddy soils. More efficient mitigation measures, including the use of biomembrane technology, can be developed when sustainable agriculture practices are combined with these technologies.

Citrus sinensis Peel Oil Extraction and Evaluation as an Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent.

Throughout the tropical and subtropical climates, the genus Citrus can be found. The current study was conducted to extract the Citrus sinensis peel oil and evaluate its antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic potential. Petroleum ether was used to extract the C. sinensis peel oil through a Soxhlet apparatus. The antimicrobial and antifungal potential was determined via agar well diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were calculated (test bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae; test fungal strains: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Altrnaria alternata). Antiparasitic activity against Leishmaniatropica was determined following standard protocol using amphotericin-B as positive and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a negative control and the percentage inhibition was calculated. The oil extracted was brownish yellow with a tangy smell, water-insoluble, density (0.778 g/cm3) and specific gravity (0.843 g/cm). In antibacterial activity, the diameter of the zone of inhibition was maximum against E. coli (14 mm) and minimum for S. agalactiae (10 mm). While in antifungal activity diameter of the zone of inhibition was maximum against A. flavus (12.5 mm) and minimum for A. alternata (8.6 mm). S. agalactiae exhibited the minimum MIC value (6 mg/mL) and in fungal strains A. alternata exhibited the minimum value (2 mm). Citrus sinensis peel oil displayed antileishmanial efficiency of 60% at 50 µg/mL concentration after 48 h of incubation. C. sinensis peel oil demonstrated antimicrobial capabilities, implying that it could be used as a natural preservative in food or as an effective treatment against a variety of pathogenic organisms. Industries should extract oil from the waste of citrus fruits which will be beneficial from an economic point of view.

Unveiling sex-based differences in developing propionic acid-induced features in mice as a rodent model of ASD.

Background: Males are more likely to develop autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder than females are, although the mechanisms underlying male vulnerability are not fully understood. Therefore, studying the role of autism etiologies considering sex differences in the propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism would build greater understanding of how females are protected from autism spectrum disorder, which may be used as a treatment strategy for males with autism. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut microbiota impairment as etiological mechanisms for many neurological diseases, with specific reference to autism. Method: Forty albino mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each with two control and two treated groups of both sexes received only phosphate-buffered saline or a neurotoxic dose of PPA (250 mg/kg body weight) for 3 days, respectively. Biochemical markers of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity were measured in mouse brain homogenates, whereas the presence of pathogenic bacteria was assessed in mouse stool samples. Furthermore, the repetitive behavior, cognitive ability, and physical-neural coordination of the animals were examined. Results: Collectively, selected variables related to oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and gut bacteria were impaired concomitantly with altered behavior in PPA-induced rodent model, with males being more susceptible than females. Conclusion: This study explains the role of sex in the higher vulnerability of males to develop autistic biochemical and behavioral features compared with females. Female sex hormones and the higher detoxification capacity and higher glycolytic flux in females serve as neuroprotective contributors in a rodent model of autism.

The importance of monitoring endocrine-disrupting chemicals and essential elements in biological samples of fertilizer industry workers.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can lead to adverse health effects, including immune and endocrine system disruption, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth impairment, neurological and learning disabilities, and cancer. Fertilizers, which contain varying levels of heavy metals, are known to pose a significant risk to human health, especially for those residing or working near fertilizer industries. This study aimed to investigate the levels of toxic elements in biological samples of individuals working in a fertilizer industry's quality control and production units and those residing within 100-500 m of the industry. Biological samples, including scalp hair and whole blood, were collected from fertilizer workers, individuals living in the same residential area, and control age-matched persons from nonindustrial areas. The samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through certified reference materials from scalp hair and whole blood. The results showed that the concentrations of toxic elements, such as cadmium and lead, were higher in biological samples of quality control and production employees. In contrast, lower essential element levels (iron and zinc) were detected in their samples. These levels were higher than those found in samples collected from residents living within 10-500 m of the fertilizer manufacturing facilities and unexposed areas. This study highlights the significance of adopting better practices to reduce exposure to harmful substances and protect the health of fertilizer industry workers and the environment. It also suggests that policymakers and industry leaders should take measures to minimize exposure to EDCs and heavy metals to promote worker safety and public health. These measures could include implementing strict regulations and better occupational health practices to reduce toxic exposure and promote a safer work environment.

Correlation of endocrine disrupting chemicals with essential elements in biological samples of children (1-5 years) with different infectious diseases and impact on sustainable outdoor activities.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been extensively explored due to their harmful effects on individual health and the environment by interfering with hormone activity and disrupting the endocrine system. However, their relationship with essential trace elements remains uncertain. This research aimed to investigate the possible correlation between essential trace elements and toxic metals, including cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in children aged 1-5 years with various infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, typhoid fever, and pneumonia. The study was conducted on biological testing and specimen (scalp hair and whole blood) of diseased and non-diseased children of the same residential area and referent/control age-matched children from developed cities consuming domestically treated water. The media of biological samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before being analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through accredited reference material from scalp hair and whole blood sample. The study results revealed that diseased children had lower mean values of essential trace elements (iron, copper, and zinc) in both scalp hair and blood, except for copper, which was found to be higher in blood samples of diseased children. This implies that the deficiency of essential residue and trace elements in children from rural areas who consume groundwater is linked to various infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for more human biomonitoring of EDCs to better comprehend their non-classical toxic properties and their concealed costs on human health. The findings suggest that exposure to EDCs could be associated with unfavorable health outcomes and emphasizes the need for future regulatory policies to minimize exposure and safeguard the health of current and forthcoming generations of children. Furthermore, the study highlights the implication of essential trace elements in maintaining good health and their potential correlation with toxic metals in the environment.

Environmental sustainable: Biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles as nano-pesticides for investigating bioactivities against phytopathogens.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of interest in human physiopathology and have been extensively studied for their effects on the endocrine system. Research also focuses on the environmental impact of EDCs, including pesticides and engineered nanoparticles, and their toxicity to organisms. Green nanofabrication has surfaced as an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach to manufacture antimicrobial agents that can effectively manage phytopathogens. In this study, we examined the current understanding of the pathogenic activities of Azadirachta indica aqueous formulated green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) against phytopathogens. The CuONPs were analyzed and studied using a range of analytical and microscopic techniques, such as UV-visible spectrophotometer, Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD spectral results revealed that the particles had a high crystal size, with an average size ranging from 40 to 100 nm. TEM and SEM images were utilized to verify the size and shape of the CuONPs, revealing that they varied between 20 and 80 nm. The existence of potential functional molecules involved in the reduction of the nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectra and UV analysis. Biogenically synthesized CuONPs revealed significantly enhanced antimicrobial activities at 100 mg/L concentration in vitro by the biological method. The synthesized CuONPs at 500 µg/ml had a strong antioxidant activity which was examined through the free radicle scavenging method. Overall results of the green synthesized CuONPs have demonstrated significant synergetic effects in biological activities which can play a crucial impact in plant pathology against numerous phytopathogens.

Differences of nitrogen metabolism in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seedlings subjected to water deprivation and salt exposure.

Drought and salt exposure are among the most prevalent and severe abiotic stressors causing serious agricultural yield losses, alone and in combination. Little is known about differences and similarities in the effects of these two stress factors on plant metabolic regulation, particularly on nitrogen metabolism. Here, we studied the effects of water deprivation and salt exposure on water relations and nitrogen metabolites in leaves and roots of date palm seedlings. Both, water deprivation and salt exposure had no significant effects on plant water content or stable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope signatures. Significant effects of water deprivation on total C and N concentrations were only observed in roots, i.e., decreased total C and increased total N concentrations. Whereas salt exposure initially decreased total C and increased total N concentrations significantly in roots, foliar total C concentration was increased upon prolonged exposure. Initially C/N ratios declined in roots of plants from both treatments and upon prolonged salt exposure also in the leaves. Neither treatment affected soluble protein and structural N concentrations in leaves or roots, but resulted in the accumulation of most amino acids, except for glutamate and tryptophan, which remained stable, and serine, which decreased, in roots. Accumulation of the most abundant amino acids, lysine and proline, was observed in roots under both treatments, but in leaves only upon salt exposure. This finding indicates a similar role of these amino acids as compatible solutes in the roots in response to salt und drought, but not in the leaves. Upon prolonged treatment, amino acid concentrations returned to levels found in unstressed plants in leaves of water deprived, but not salt exposed, plants. The present results show both water deprivation and salt exposure strongly impact N metabolism of date palm seedlings, but in a different manner in leaves and roots.

Multiplex heteroatoms doped carbon nano dots with enhanced catalytic reduction of ionic dyes and QR code security label for anti-spurious applications.

Herein, a simple hydrothermal approach was used to make multiplex heteroatoms doped carbon dots from Tinospora cordifolia miers plant extract. Their ability to the catalytic activity of dyes and anti-spurious applications was evaluated. The formation of NBCNDs and source of (T. cordifolia miers) study the optical properties, and functional groups are investigated using UV-Visible spectroscopy and FT-IR techniques. The synthesized NBCNDs structure and elemental compositions were examined via HR-TEM, XRD, and XPS, respectively. According to the HRTEM images, the average particle size of the NBCNDs was around 4.3± 1 nm, with d-spacing of 0.19 nm. The obtained NBCNDs were exposed under 395 nm UV light to emit bluish-green tuneable fluorescence with QY (quantum yield) of 23.7%. The prepared NBCNDs as a potential catalyst for the AYR and CV dye reduction process using freshly prepared NaBH4, with determined rate constant values at 0.1220 and 0.1521 min-1, respectively. Lastly, we constructed a quick response (QR) code security label for anti-spurious applications using stencil techniques. The "confidential info" was encrypted using a QR code digital system, and the decryption was read using a smartphone under 365 nm light irradiation.

Lotus-biowaste derived sulfur/nitrogen-codoped porous carbon as an eco-friendly electrocatalyst for clean energy harvesting.

Recent research is focused on biomass-derived porous carbon materials for energy harvesting (hydrogen evolution reaction) because of their cost-effective synthesis, enriched with heteroatoms, lightweight, and stable properties. Here, the synthesis of porous carbon (PC) materials from lotus seedpod (LP) and lotus stem (LS) is reported by the pyrolysis method. The porous and graphitic structure of the prepared LP-PC and LS-PC materials were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. Heteroatoms in LP-PC and LS-PC materials were investigated by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The specific surface area of LP-PC and LS-PC were calculated as 457 and 313 m2 g-1, respectively. Nitrogen and sulfur enriched LP-PC and LS-PC materials were found to be effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions. LP-PC catalyst showed a very low overpotential of 111 mV with the Tafel slope of 69 mV dec-1, and LS-PC catalyst achieved a Tafel slope of 85 mV dec-1 with a low overpotential of 135 mV. This work is expected to be extended for the development of biomass as a sustainable porous carbon electrocatalyst with a tunable structure, elements, and electronic properties. Furthermore, preparing carbon materials from the biowaste and applying clean energy harvesting might reduce environmental pollution.