Mixed-matrix membranes with enhanced antifouling activity: probing the surface-tailoring potential of Tiron and chromotropic acid for nano-TiO2.

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) were developed by impregnating organofunctionalized nanoadditives within fouling-susceptible polysulfone matrix following the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The facile functionalization of nanoparticles of anatase TiO2 (nano-TiO2) by using two different organoligands, viz. Tiron and chromotropic acid, was carried out to obtain organofunctionalized nanoadditives, FT-nano-TiO2 and FC-nano-TiO2, respectively. The structural features of nanoadditives were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which established that Tiron leads to the blending of chelating and bridging bidentate geometries for FT-nano-TiO2, whereas chromotropic acid produces bridging bidentate as well as monodentate geometries for FC-nano-TiO2. The surface chemistry of the studied membranes, polysulfone (Psf): FT-nano-TiO2 UF and Psf: FC-nano-TiO2 UF, was profoundly influenced by the benign distributions of the nanoadditives enriched with distinctly charged sites ([Formula: see text]), as evidenced by superior morphology, improved topography, enhanced surface hydrophilicity and altered electrokinetic features. The membranes exhibited enhanced solvent throughputs, viz. 3500-4000 and 3400-4300 LMD at 1 bar of transmembrane pressure, without significant compromise in their rejection attributes. The flux recovery ratios and fouling resistive behaviours of MMMs towards bovine serum albumin indicated that the nanoadditives could impart stable and appreciable antifouling activity, potentially aiding in a sustainable ultrafiltration performance.

Molecular Characterization and Computational Modelling of New Delhi Metallo-ß-Lactamase-5 from an Escherichia coli Isolate (KOEC3) of Bovine Origin.

Emergence of antimicrobial resistance mediated through New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamases (NDMs) is a serious therapeutic challenge. Till date, 16 different NDMs have been described. In this study, we report the molecular and structural characteristics of NDM-5 isolated from an Escherichia coli isolate (KOEC3) of bovine origin. Using PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of full blaNDM gene, we identified the NDM type as NDM-5. Cloning of full gene in E. coli DH5α and subsequent assessment of antibiotic susceptibility of the transformed cells indicated possible role of native promoter in expression blaNDM-5. Translated amino acid sequence had two substitutions (Val88Leu and Met154Leu) compared to NDM-1. Theoretically deduced isoelectric pH of NDM-5 was 5.88 and instability index was 36.99, indicating a stable protein. From the amino acids sequence, a 3D model of the protein was computed. Analysis of the protein structure elucidated zinc coordination and also revealed a large binding cleft and flexible nature of the protein, which might be the reason for broad substrate range. Docking experiments revealed plausible binding poses for five carbapenem drugs in the vicinity of metal ions. In conclusion, results provided possible explanation for wide range of antibiotics catalyzed by NDM-5 and likely interaction modes with five carbapenem drugs.

Effect of organic amendment on stem canker and black scurf disease of potato (Solanum tuberosum) / Efeito da alteração orgânica sobre o cancro da haste e doença dos tuberculos pretos da batata (Solanum tuberosum)

An experiment was conducted at Tuber Crops Research Centre, BARI, Bogra during 2008-2009 to evaluate the organic amendment for controlling the stem canker and black scurf of potato. The different kinds of organic amendments were: T1 =Poultry refuse (PR) at 4 t ha-1, T2 =PR at 5 t ha-1, T3 =PR at 6 t ha-1, T4 =Mustard oil cake (MOC) at 300kg ha-1, T5 =MOC at 500kg ha-1, T6 =Neem oil cake (NOC) at 300kg ha-1, T7 =NOC at 500kg ha-1, T8 =Sawdust burning and T9 = Control. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The organic amendment significantly influenced the disease incidence, yield attributes and yield of potato. The lowest disease incidence (17.5%) and per cent disease index (9.99) were found in T3 (poultry waste at 6 t ha-1). The minimum russet, deformed and Sclerotia infected tubers were also recorded in poultry waste at 6 t ha-1. The highest healthy tubers and tuber yield were found in the same treatment. Therefore, poultry manure 6 t ha-1 along with recommended dose of chemical fertilizer can be recommended to produce healthy tubers and maximum tuber yield of potato.

O experimento foi conduzido no (Centro de Pesquisa em Tubérculos ) Tuber Crops Research Centre, Bari, Bogra durante 2008-2009 para avaliar a alteração orgânica e controlar o cancro da haste e Black Scurf da batata. Os diferentes tipos de alterações orgânicas foram: T1 = Poultry recusar (PR) a 4 t ha-1, T2 = PR a 5 t ha-1, T3 = PR em 6 t ha-1, T4 = bolo de óleo de mostarda (MOC) em 300 kg ha-1, T5 = MOC em 500 kg ha-1, T6 = bolo de óleo de Neem (NOC) em 300 kg ha-1, T7 = NOC em 500 kg ha-1, T8 = queima de serragem e T9 = Controle. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados (RCBD) com quatro repetições. A alteração orgânica influenciou significativamente a incidência da doença, os atributos de rendimento e produtividade da batata. A menor incidência da doença (17,5%) por cento do índice de doença (9,99) foram encontrados em T3 (resíduos de aves a 6 t ha-1). O russet mínimo, deformado e Sclerotia tubérculos infectados também foram registrados em resíduos de aves a 6 t ha-1. O rendimento mais elevado tubérculos saudáveis e tubérculos foram encontrados no mesmo tratamento. Portanto, aviário 6 t ha-1, juntamente com a dose recomendada de fertilizante químico pode ser recomendado para a produção de tubérculos saudáveis e rendimento máximo dos tubérculos de batata.

Detection of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Escherichia coli isolated from mastitic milk samples.

In this study, eight Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from milk samples of dairy cattle suffering from clinical/subclinical mastitis. Isolates were characterized for antimicrobial resistance traits and virulence genes. Results revealed that one isolate was harbouring New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase gene (blaNDM ). Cloning and sequencing of the PCR amplicon confirmed the identity of the gene (GenBank accession no. KC769583) having 100% homology with blaNDM-5 (GenBank accession no. JN104597.1), and this isolate was susceptible to colistin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline only. Moreover, another isolate carried extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) gene - blaCTX-M , and all isolates possessed blaTEM gene. Of the eight isolates, only one isolate was positive for shiga toxin gene (stx2), and none were harbouring stx1 gene. Occurrence of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (blaNDM ) in one E. coli isolate and ESBL genes in other isolates poses a potential threat to human health following possible entry and spread through food chain.

Giant room temperature magnetoimpedance in La0.7Ba0.15Sr0.15MnO3 and development of a sensitive position detector.

Observation of room temperature giant magnetoimpedance in La0.7Ba0.15Sr0.15MnO3 compound having nanometric grain size is reported under low magnetic field and over the frequency range between 50 KHz and 15 MHz. Both the resistive and reactive components of impedance increase with increasing frequency due to skin effect of the metallic state below T(C). Above a critical frequency (1 MHz), a sharp increase in both R and X and hence Z is observed. The applied magnetic field influences the impedance by affecting the penetration depth via the transverse permeability and gives rise to large magnetoimpedance (approximately 70%) at low fields up to 0.1 T. Magnetoimpedance of La0.7Ba0.15Sr0.15MnO3 compound display major change (approximatley 61%) between 0.02 and 0.035 T and appears to originate due to the spin alignment of the charge carriers across the grain boundaries. At fields > 0.1 T, magnetoimpedance displays near saturation, corresponding to the completion of the spin alignment across the grain boundaries. An unique scaling behavior has been observed for field dependence of magnetoimpedance at various frequencies, which could be well accounted by a phenomenological model. Feasibility of the development of a sensitive linear position sensor is also demonstrated.

Magnetocaloric effect in potassium doped lanthanum manganite perovskites prepared by a pyrophoric method.

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in fine grained perovskite manganites of the type La(1-x)K(x)MnO(3) (0

Work related physical exertion and spontaneous abortion.

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken among 100 women workers of 35-40 years of age to elicit the risk of spontaneous abortion. Comparison was made with a matched control group of 100 non-working women. Employed women were found at increased risk of spontaneous abortion than the control group. The difference was found statistically significant at p < 0.05, Odds ratio being 1.50 and AR% being 33.14. According to gravidity also, abortion was found to be significantly raised in working women after their joining service for first 3rd - 4th gravida. The risk then fell, to raise again for 8th or more gravida.

Agricultural practices and personal hygiene among agricultural workers in a rural area of Howrah district, West Bengal.

The study attempted to assess agricultural practices and personal hygiene among 100 agricultural workers in a rural area of West Bengal in 1999. 69% of the study population was marginal farmer with less than 2 acres of land. Organophosphorus group of pesticides were most commonly used pesticides (68%); spraying was irregular in nature (98%), through semiautomatic sprayer (99%) and only 5% used any special dress while spraying pesticides. 40% of workers used to store pesticides either in living room or in food storage area. 88% of them did not take any food during work with pesticides, only 37% used to take regular bath after working with pesticides but regular hand washing was practiced by all of them.