New insights into APCVD grown monolayer MoS2 using time-domain terahertz spectroscopy.

In modern era, wireless communications at ultrafast speed are need of the hour and search for its solution through cutting edge sciences is a new perspective. To address this issue, the data rates in order of terabits per second (TBPS) could be a key step for the realization of emerging sixth generation (6G) networks utilizing terahertz (THz) frequency regime. In this context, new class of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been introduced as potential candidates for future generation wireless THz technology. Herein, a strategy has been adopted to synthesize high-quality monolayer of molybdenum di-sulfide (MoS2) using indigenously developed atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) set-up. Further, the time-domain transmission and sheet conductivity were studied as well as a plausible mechanism of terahertz response for monolayer MoS2 has been proposed and compared with bulk MoS2. Hence, the obtained results set a stepping stone to employ the monolayer MoS2 as potential quantum materials benefitting the next generation terahertz communication devices.

Investigating the impacts of treated effluent discharge on coastal water health (Visakhapatnam, SW coast of Bay of Bengal, India).

The present study investigated the impacts of treated effluent discharge on physicochemical and biological properties of coastal waters from three pharmaceuticals situated along the coast of Visakhapatnam (SW Bay of Bengal). Seawater samples were collected (during the months of December 2013, March 2014 and April 2014) from different sampling locations (Chippada (CHP), Tikkavanipalem (TKP) and Nakkapalli (NKP)) at 0- and 30-m depths within 2-km radius (0.5 km = inner, 1 km = middle and 2 km = outer sampling circles) from the marine outfall points. Physicochemical and biological parameters, which differed significantly within the stations, were likely to be influenced by strong seasonality rather than local discharge. Dissolved oxygen variability was tightly coupled with both physical and biological processes. Phytoplankton cell density and total chlorophyll (TChla) concentrations were significantly correlated with dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations. CHP (December) represented a diatom bloom condition where the highest concentrations of diatom cells, total chlorophyll (TChla), dissolved oxygen coupled with lower zooplankton abundance and low nutrient levels were noticed. The centric diatom, Chaetoceros sp. (> 50%) dominated the phytoplankton community. TKP (March) represented a post-diatom bloom phase with the dominance of Pseudo-nitzschia seriata; zooplankton abundance and nutrient concentrations were minimum. Conversely, NKP (April) represented a warm well-stratified heterotrophic period with maximum zooplankton and minimum phytoplankton density. Dinoflagellate abundance increased at this station. Relatively higher water temperature, salinity, inorganic nutrients coupled with very low concentrations of dissolved oxygen, TChla and pH were observed at this station. Copepods dominated the zooplankton communities in all stations and showed their highest abundance in the innermost sampling circles. Treated effluent discharge did not seem to have any significant impact at these discharge points.

A Highly-Sensitive Picric Acid Chemical Sensor Based on ZnO Nanopeanuts.

Herein, we report a facile synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical sensing application of ZnO nanopeanuts synthesized by a simple aqueous solution process and characterized by various techniques in order to confirm the compositional, morphological, structural, crystalline phase, and optical properties of the synthesized material. The detailed characterizations revealed that the synthesized material possesses a peanut-shaped morphology, dense growth, and a wurtzite hexagonal phase along with good crystal and optical properties. Further, to ascertain the useful properties of the synthesized ZnO nanopeanut as an excellent electron mediator, electrochemical sensors were fabricated based on the form of a screen printed electrode (SPE). Electrochemical and current-voltage characteristics were studied for the determination of picric acid sensing characteristics. The electrochemical sensor fabricated based on the SPE technique exhibited a reproducible and reliable sensitivity of ~1.2 µA/mM (9.23 µA·mM-1·cm-2), a lower limit of detection at 7.8 µM, a regression coefficient (R²) of 0.94, and good linearity over the 0.0078 mM to 10.0 mM concentration range. In addition, the sensor response was also tested using simple I-V techniques, wherein a sensitivity of 493.64 µA·mM-1·cm-2, an experimental Limit of detection (LOD) of 0.125 mM, and a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 1.0 mM-5.0 mM were observed for the fabricated picric acid sensor.

Application of pristine and doped SnO2 nanoparticles as a matrix for agro-hazardous material (organophosphate) detection.

With an increasing focus on applied research, series of single/composite materials are being investigated for device development to detect several hazardous, dangerous, and toxic molecules. Here, we report a preliminary attempt of an electrochemical sensor fabricated using pristine Ni and Cr-doped nano tin oxide material (SnO2) as a tool to detect agro-hazardous material, i.e. Organophosphate (OP, chlorpyrifos). The nanomaterial was synthesized using the solution method. Nickel and chromium were used as dopant during synthesis. The synthesized material was calcined at 1000 °C and characterized for morphological, structural, and elemental analysis that showed the formation of agglomerated nanosized particles of crystalline nature. Screen-printed films of powder obtained were used as a matrix for working electrodes in a cyclic voltammogram (CV) at various concentrations of organophosphates (0.01 to 100 ppm). The CV curves were obtained before and after the immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) on the nanomaterial matrix. An interference study was also conducted with hydroquinone to ascertain the selectivity. The preliminary study indicated that such material can be used as suitable matrix for a device that can easily detect OP to a level of 10 ppb and thus contributes to progress in terms of desired device technology for the food and agricultural-industries.

Sol­Gel Synthesis of Manganese Doped Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Sensing of Hydroquinone.

Here we report development of a hydroquinone (HQ) electrochemical sensor using nanosized manganese doped titanium oxide as a composite material. The nanomaterial was synthesized with sol gel method using calculated amount of Mn and Ti atoms resulting into a composite metal oxide. Morphological observations indicated a uniform particle size and shape distribution with almost spherical shape and size of about 20­30 nm. While structural analysis indicated formation of mixed phase of TiO2 and MnO forming MnTiO3. The synthesized nanomaterial was used as a matrix for fabrication of hydroquinone electrochemical sensor and tested over a wide range from 2 mM to 10 mM. The developed electrochemical sensor exhibited sensitivity of 2.96 µA mM⁻¹ (23.55 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻²) with a detection limit of 7.5 µM, which is rarely reported for such composite nanomaterial.

Evaluation of surface water and sediment quality in Chicalim Bay, Nerul Creek, and Chapora Bay from Goa coast, India-a statistical approach.

To better understand the spatial and temporal variation in surface water and sediment quality, parameters were evaluated from the three sites Chicalim Bay (CB), Nerul Creek (NC), and Chapora Bay (ChB) along the Goa coast, which has major oyster beds. Multivariate analysis such as cluster analysis (CA), Box-Whisker plot (Box plot), and principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that nitrate (NO3-N), nitrite (NO2-N), phosphate (PO4-P), particulate organic carbon (POC), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), and phaeopigments are the responsible parameters for spatio-temporal variability among the studied sites. Results showed an elevated level of ecotoxicological hazard at CB while moderate toxicological risks were observed for organisms at NC. In contrast, ChB was considerably pristine compared with other two sampling sites. Results of present study showed marked dominance of nutrients, phaeopigments, POC, and TSS at CB and NC. The increased levels of these parameters are attributed to the anthropogenic activities which may cause potential risk to humans via consumption of oysters. Therefore, we suggest monitoring heavy metal concentrations in tissue of commercially important oyster species, and their ambient environment (water and sediment) from these estuaries is necessary to create a comprehensive pollution database.

Homocysteine and Mild Cognitive Impairment: Are These the Tools for Early Intervention in the Dementia Spectrum?

Dementia, being a neurodegenerative disease, has devastating consequences not just for the ailing but also for the carers as it has a tremendous negative impact on the quality of life. The pathophysiology of dementia commences far earlier than its diagnosis. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage prior to definite dementia. The progression from MCI to dementia is insidious with no definite demarcation, thus making diagnosis clinically difficult at an early stage. This paper attempts to throw light on the epidemiology, risk factors and the aetiopathogenesis of MCI. It further attempts to elaborate on the rate of conversion of MCI to definite dementia and the factors influencing the same. Many established as well as probable, modifiable as well as non-modifiable risk factors influence the progress of MCI to definite dementia. Homocysteine, a sulphur containing amino-acid has been identified as a probable risk factor for the dementia spectrum. Various existing clinical evidences and biological plausibility towards probable link between homocysteine and dementia are discussed in this paper. B vitamin mediated homocysteine reduction and cognitive outcomes demonstrate mixed results. This review attempts to evaluate hyperhomocysteinaemia and MCI as a brain risk marker and assess their potential for future research with a view to attempt early intervention.

Tailoring the Optoelectronic Properties of Nano-Metal Oxides Using Anthocyanins and Lanthanide.

Here we report a simple and effective method in tailoring the optoelectronic properties of semi-conducting metal oxide for suitable device application. Sol-gel synthesis was used to synthesize manganese doped TiO2 nanopowder and commercially available TiO2 nanopowder was used as reference material. Thick films of these powder were screen printed on FTO coated glass and annealed at 450 degrees C in ambient air. Separately, 60 µL of neodymium chloride prepared from neodymium oxide, 60 µL of ruthenium based commercial dye (N719) and 60 µL of extracts of calendula orange and dog flower were used as sensitizer to improve the photoconductance properties. Elemental analysis confirmed synthesis of composite material of Mn and TiO2. Morphological observation showed a uniform particles of 25 to 50 nm diameter. Optoelectronic properties were studied by using thick films of these powders as working electrode as a function of wavelength from 430 to 750 nm and the cyclic voltammogram were obtained by scanning potential from -1.5 V to +1.5 V at the illumination intensity of 1000 Wm(-2). Sensitization resulted in additional absorption and functional bands. Oxidation peak current was found decreasing with increasing wavelength. Sensitization with flower extract resulted in increased oxidation current at higher wavelength indicating the improved photoconduction in comparison with N719 and neodymium.

Relief of Oxidative Stress Using Curcumin and Glutathione Functionalized ZnO Nanoparticles in HEK-293 Cell Line.

To elucidate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) with different surface modifications in relieving the oxidative stress in cultured human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) following investigation was performed. Oxidative stress was artificially induced by hydrogen peroxide in HEK-293 cell culture and its management was studied. Alkyl amines modified ZnO-NPs with curcumin and reduced glutathione (GSH) functionalization was used in managing oxidative stress and had shown promising results. ZnO-NPs used in this study were synthesized via non-aqueous sol-gel method and FESEM characterisation showed them of spherical shape of about 20-50 nm size with amine, curcumin and GSH functionalization. UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopic characterizations confirmed functionalization of ZnO-NPs. Decrease in oxidative stress was found with the dose-dependent culture of HEK-293 cells with these functionalized ZnO-NPs. Cell viability and morphology, as observed using AFM and inverted microscope, was retained with the prescribed dosages of the functionalized nanoparticles while at higher dosages they caused cytotoxicity and death. Diethylamine (DEA) modified ZnO-NPs and their functionalization with GSH and curcumin were found more effective in managing oxidative stress in cells. Present study could help in designing economical and bio-compatible functionalized non-toxic nanoparticles designed for managing oxidative stress leading to possible therapeutical and medicinal uses.

A Label-Free Photoluminescence Genosensor Using Nanostructured Magnesium Oxide for Cholera Detection.

Nanomaterial-based photoluminescence (PL) diagnostic devices offer fast and highly sensitive detection of pesticides, DNA, and toxic agents. Here we report a label-free PL genosensor for sensitive detection of Vibrio cholerae that is based on a DNA hybridization strategy utilizing nanostructured magnesium oxide (nMgO; size >30 nm) particles. The morphology and size of the synthesized nMgO were determined by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies. The probe DNA (pDNA) was conjugated with nMgO and characterized by X-ray photoelectron and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The target complementary genomic DNA (cDNA) isolated from clinical samples of V. cholerae was subjected to DNA hybridization studies using the pDNA-nMgO complex and detection of the cDNA was accomplished by measuring changes in PL intensity. The PL peak intensity measured at 700 nm (red emission) increases with the increase in cDNA concentration. A linear range of response in the developed PL genosensor was observed from 100 to 500 ng/µL with a sensitivity of 1.306 emi/ng, detection limit of 3.133 ng/µL and a regression coefficient (R(2)) of 0.987. These results show that this ultrasensitive PL genosensor has the potential for applications in the clinical diagnosis of cholera.

Electrochemical enzyme-less urea sensor based on nano-tin oxide synthesized by hydrothermal technique.

Nano-Tin oxide was synthesized using hydrothermal method at 150 °C for 6 h and then thin films were deposited by electrophoretic method at an optimized voltage of 100 V for 5 min on electropolished aluminum substrate. Spherical particles of about 30-50 nm diameters are observed with partial agglomeration when observed under electron microscope, which are tetragonal rutile structure. XPS results showed peaks related to Sn 4d, Sn 3d, O 1s & C 1s with spin-orbit splitting of 8.4 eV for Sn 3d. Feasibility studies of enzyme less urea sensing characteristics of nano-tin oxide thin films are exhibited herein. The deposited films have been used for enzyme less urea sensing from 1 to 20 mM concentration in buffer solution. The sensors were characterized electrochemically to obtain cyclic voltammogram as a function of urea concentration and scan rate. The sensitivity is estimated as 18.9 µA/mM below 5 mM and 2.31 µA/mM above 5 mM with a limit of detection of 0.6 mM.

Vitamin D replacement therapy in patients with cardiac syndrome X.

AIMS: The aim of present study was to assess whether vitamin D, with proven beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, has any effect on angina and exercise-induced ischemia in patients with cardiac syndrome X and low serum vitamin D. METHODS: Patients with cardiac syndrome X and low serum vitamin D3 were studied before and after treatment with an intramuscular injection of vitamin D3 (300,000 units, every other week for 2 months). We determined the angina episode (per day) and several indices of exercise capacity. RESULTS: At the end of the treatment course (75±6 day), a significant increase of serum vitamin D3 occurred and was within the normal range (45±8 ng/ml) and the frequency of angina improved significantly (p=0.003). Exercise duration and maximal work capacity increased significantly (p<0.001). Maximal ST-segment depression (mm) decreased significantly (p=0.001). The calculated Duck treadmill score improved significantly (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that vitamin D replacement therapy in patients with cardiac syndrome X and vitamin D deficiency dramatically improves symptoms and signs of ischemia.

Biocompatible nanostructured magnesium oxide-chitosan platform for genosensing application.

A novel organic-inorganic platform comprising of chitosan (CH) modified nanostructured magnesium oxide (nanoMgO) has been electrophoretically deposited on the indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrate. The single stranded probe DNA (ssDNA) sequence of Vibrio cholerae has been covalently functionalized onto CH-nanoMgO/ITO surface. The cytotoxicity assay of nanoMgO particles, examined using human intestinal cell line (INT 407), reveals no significant cytotoxicity at the given doses in the range of 50-350 µg/mL. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and various microscopic techniques have been employed for the structural and morphological analysis of the fabricated electrodes. The electrochemical response studies of ssDNA and fragmented genomic DNA hybridized electrode (dsGDNA/CH-nanoMgO/ITO) have been carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The dsGDNA/CH-nanoMgO/ITO bioelectrode exhibits a linear response in the range 100-500 ng/µL with improved sensitivity of 36.72 nA/ng/cm(2), faster response time of 3s and high stability of 3-4 months under refrigerated condition. The lower detection limit of fabricated genosensor has been estimated as 35.20 ng/µL and it shows good reproducibility/repeatability.

Interaction of polyethyleneimine-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles with bovine serum albumin.

In biological fluids, nanoparticles are always surrounded by proteins. As the protein is adsorbed on the surface, the extent of adsorption and the effect on the protein conformation and stability are dependent on the chemical nature, shape, and size of the nanoparticle (NP). We have carried out a detailed investigation on the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with polyethyleneimine-functionalized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-PEI). ZnO-PEI was synthesized using a wet chemical method with a core size of ~3-7 nm (from transmission electron microscopy). The interaction of BSA with ZnO-PEI was examined using a combination of calorimetric, spectroscopic, and computational techniques. The binding was studied by ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry), and the result revealed that the complexation is enthalpy-driven, indicating the possible involvement of electrostatic interaction. To investigate the nature of the interaction and the location of the binding site, a detailed domain-wise surface electrostatic potential calculation was performed using adaptive Poisson-Boltzmann software (APBS). The result shows that the protein surface can bind the nanoparticle. On binding ZnO-PEI, the protein gets destabilized to some extent, as displayed by CD (circular dichroism) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy. Chemical and thermal denaturation of BSA, when carried out in the presence of ZnO-PEI, also indicated a small perturbation in the protein structure. A comparison of the enthalpy and entropy components of binding with those derived for the interaction of BSA with ZnO nanoparticles explains the effect of hydrophilic cationic species attached on the NP surface. The effect of the NP surface modification on the structure and stability of BSA would find useful applications in nanobiotechnology.

Photoconducting properties of a unit nanostructure of ZnO assembled between microelectrodes.

The photoconducting properties of a unit microflower of zinc oxide are investigated as a function of wavelength from UV to IR region at constant illumination intensity. Synthesized flowers were trapped in 2 microm gap, between pre-prepared gold microelectrodes, using AC dielectrophoresis. Photocurrent drastically increases upon illumination in the UV region, whereas it gradually reduces when irradiated in visible and IR region. Higher photoconductivity in UV region is correlated to band to band transition upon illumination. In visible region, deep level transitions are expected which intern exhibits comparatively low photocurrent. Photoconduction in IR region is only due to the adsorbed surface oxygen species. This investigation suggests the potential application of ZnO nanostructures for various optoelectronic device applications.

The anticancer activity of chloroquine-gold nanoparticles against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

In the present study, 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid-modified gold nanoparticles (∼7 nm) were conjugated with chloroquine to explore their potential application in cancer therapeutics. The anticancer activity of chloroquine-gold nanoparticle conjugates (GNP-Chl) was demonstrated in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of GNP-Chl conjugates, and the cell viability was assayed using trypan blue, resulting in an IC(50) value of 30 ± 5 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the major pathway of cell death was necrosis, which was mediated by autophagy. The drug release kinetics of GNP-Chl conjugates revealed the release of chloroquine at an acidic pH, which was quantitatively estimated using optical absorbance spectroscopy. The nature of stimuli-responsive drug release and the inhibition of cancer cell growth by GNP-Chl conjugates could pave the way for the design of combinatorial therapeutic agents, particularly nanomedicine, for the treatment of cancer.

Understanding the effect of flower extracts on the photoconducting properties of nanostructured TiO2.

Here we report an easy method to improve the optoelectronic properties of commercially available TiO2 nanopowder using extracts of various flowers viz. Calendula Orange (CO), Calendula Yellow (CY), Dahlia Violet (DV), Dahlia Yellow (DY), Rabbit flower (RF), Sweet Poppy (SP), Sweet Williams (SW) and their Mixed Extracts (ME). Various analysis techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize for elemental, structural and morphological properties of the unmixed/mixed TiO2 nanopowder. TiO2 nanopowder was also calcined at 550 degrees C. Thick films of the these unmixed/mixed powder were printed, using conventional screen printing method, on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate with organic binders and dried at 45 degrees C. The photoconducting properties are investigated as a function of wavelength from ultra-violet (UV) to infra-red (IR) region at a constant illumination intensity. Photocurrent gradually decreases when irradiated from UV to IR region. In case of unmixed and uncalcined TiO2, conductance decreased continuously whereas when extracts are added, a flat region of conductance is observed. The overall effect of extracts (colour pigments) is seen as an increase in the photoconductance. Highest photoconductance is observed in case of DY flower extract. Anthocyanins, present in flowers are known to have antioxidative properties and hence can contribute in photoconduction by reducing the surface adsorbed oxygen. This investigation indicates the potential use of flower extracts for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC).

One-pot synthesis and characterization of Nb2O5 nanopowder.

Nanosized niobium oxide powders were synthesized with a yield of approximately 87% using a simple and facile soft-chemical process. Niobium pentachloride (Nb2Cl5) was used as the precursor which was first converted into niobium ethoxide and then hydrolysed with water to synthesize niobia nanopowder. The synthesized powder was calcined at 500 degrees C for phase conversion to end-centered monoclinic as confirmed by diffraction studies and elemental analysis with a chemical composition in the ratio of Nb:O as 1:2.5. The molecular framework of Nb-O-Nb stretching and asymmetric frequency was confirmed by FT-IR, UV-visible and Raman spectroscopic studies. The size, shape and surface morphology of the powders were observed by SEM and TEM which indicated particle sizes of approximately 20 nm. The surface area of 20 m2/g, pore volume of 0.0538 cm2/g and the average pore size of 6.5 nm2 for the calcined sample were obtained with the help of nitrogen adsorption/desorption method using the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method which indicates that the synthesized powder can be used for catalysis and other surface sensitive applications.

Evaluation of dietary stevioside supplementation on anti-human serum albumin immunoglobulin G, Alpha-1-glycoprotein, body weight and thyroid hormones in broiler chickens.

Sixty male broiler chickens fed a diet supplemented with 130 mg/kg stevioside (S group) or an unsupplemented diet (C group) from day 1 of age onwards. On day 21 of age, ten birds from either the S (SH) or C (CH) group were injected subcutaneously with 100 µg human serum albumin (HSA) and ten others from either S (SP) or C (CP) group injected with 100 µl phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in the same way. There were no significant effect of supplementation nor interaction with age on average body weights, T(3) and T(4) concentrations of non-injected chickens. After the primary immunization, α(1) -glycoprotein concentrations increased in all treatment groups except the CP group, and were significantly higher in the CH group in relation to the other groups. Fourteen and 18 days after the primary immunization, HSA injected chickens of both dietary treatments had significantly higher anti-HSA immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels than their PBS injected controls. No effect of stevioside supplementation was observed for IgG level. In conclusion, dietary stevioside inclusion can attenuate the pro-inflammatory response after stimulation of the innate immune response in broiler chickens.

Antibacterial Activity of Mangrove Leaf Extracts against Human Pathogens.

The antibacterial activity of leaf extract of mangroves, namely, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba and Exoecaria agallocha from Chorao island, Goa was investigated against human bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp., Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis. As compared to aqueous, ethanol extract showed broad-spectrum activity. The multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria Salmonella typhi was inhibited by the ethanol extract of S. alba leaf whereas the other two resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus sp. were inhibited by the ethanol extract of leaves of all the species. The aqueous extract of S. alba and E. agallocha showed their activity against P. vulgaris and P. mirabilis, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, phenol and volatile oils in the leaves of mangroves. Further studies using different solvents for extraction are necessary to confirm that mangroves are a better source for the development of novel antibiotics.