Sulfur Enhancement for the Improvement of Castor Bean Growth and Yield, and Sustainable Biodiesel Production.

Due to limited conventional energy sources, there is a need to find substitute non-conventional sources of energy to meet the societal demands on a sustainable basis. Crude oil and edible oil remain major import items in Pakistan, the deficit of which can be compensated by using biomass, preferably inedible oilseeds. Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of sulfur (S) fertilization for improving yield (seed and oil) and biodiesel value of castor bean, a potential inedible crop with minimum input requirements. For this purpose, a combined approach of field experimentation and laboratory analysis was conducted to explore the potential of two castor bean cultivars (DS-30 and NIAB Gold) against four S supply rates, namely, 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg S ha-1, in terms of growth, phenology, and yield parameters. Subsequently, the obtained seed samples were analyzed for biodiesel-related parameters in the Bio-analytical Chemistry lab, Punjab Bio-energy Institute, Faisalabad. The incremental S rates increased the seed yield for both cultivars, and the highest yield was recorded at 60 kg S ha-1 for NIAB Gold. For NIAB Gold, the oil content increased by 7% with S fertilization at 60 kg ha-1, and for DS-30, the oil content increased by 6% at 60 kg ha-1. As with incremental S fertilization, the oil yield increased on a hectare basis, and the quantity of biodiesel produced also increased. Importantly, the tested quality parameters of biodiesel, except biodiesel viscosity, were in the ASTM standard range. Overall, it has been concluded that castor bean is a promising and sustainable option for producing biodiesel as it is non-competitive to food crops and requires little input.

Bio-diesel production of sunflower through sulphur management in a semi-arid subtropical environment.

Energy security is a prime focus of policy makers to support agriculture, industrialisation, and transportation. Due to limited conventional energy sources, there is a need to harness non-conventional energy sources. In this regard, one of the proposed approaches is using biomass (e.g. energy crops) to produce biofuel-a renewable source of energy. Sunflower has several agronomic features to be exploited for a renewable, non-conventional, and environment-friendly source of bioenergy. Sulphur (S) fertilisation holds key for realising sunflower potential for seed and oil yield. In response to variable S supply rates, here we compared and quantified sunflower yield (seed, oil, and biodiesel) and biodiesel quality according to the ASTM international standards. We used a combined approach of field experimentation and rigorous lab analysis. Firstly, in a field experiment laid out in randomised complete block design with split-plot arrangement, response of two local sunflower hybrids (FH-331 and FH-689) to four S supply rates (0, 25, 50, 75 kg S ha-1) was evaluated in terms of agronomic traits. Experimental data showed that fertilisation of S significantly influenced growth and yield (seed, oil) traits; the response was different between two hybrids which also interacted with S supply rate. FH-331 recorded the highest achene yield at S fertilisation of 75 kg S ha-1, whereas FH-689 recorded the highest achene yield at 50 kg ha-1; achene yield of FH-331 was 13.6% higher than FH-689. Compared to control, S at 75 kg S ha-1 increased oil yield of FH-331 by 22% whereas S at 50 kg ha-1 increased oil yield by 23% of FH-689. Seed samples were analysed for different biodiesel quality parameters. The ranges of all quality parameters of sunflower biodiesel such as viscosity, calorific values, acid value, iodine value, saponification value, cetane number, and pour point were in ASTM standard range. We conclude that sunflower is a promising and sustainable option for producing biodiesel, the potential of which can be increased by optimal S management under field conditions.

The effect of different aromatic conjugated bridges on optoelectronic properties of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based donor materials for organic photovoltaics.

A series of twelve Acceptor-π-Donor-π-Acceptor (A-π-D-π-A) topology-based donor molecules, where diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) as donor core unit is connected through furan which acts as conjugated π-bridge (CB) to aromatic derivatives (Ar) as acceptor units, have been investigated by making substitutions in acceptor units by using density functional theory(DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) for organic solar cell applications. The comparative study of optoelectronic properties indicates that thiadiazole with pyridine units containing molecules (M6b) exhibit lower energy of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels than those of oxadiazole and pyridine containing units (M6b). Among our investigated donors, the smallest Eg of 1.60 eV was observed for both M6a and M6b with distinctive broad absorption at 843 and 857 nm, respectively. Overall, smaller electron transfer (λe) values in contrast to hole transfer (λh) demonstrate that these donor compounds would be best for λe. The calculated open circuit voltage (Voc) is 2.45 and 2.17 eV, regarding bisPCBM and PC60BM (phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester) acceptors. Thus, these theoretical calculations not only endorse the deep consideration between the chemical structures and optoelectronic characteristics of the donor-acceptor systems but also suggest appropriate materials for high-performance Organic Photovoltaics (OPV). Graphical abstract.

Isolation of Several Indigenous Microalgae from Kallar Kahar Lake, Chakwal Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Kallar Kahar lake, Punjab, Pakistan is a rich source of phytoplankton which can be used for biofuel production. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of different microalgae species present in this lake and their possible utilization for bioenergy production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crude culture was examined under microscope. Isolation of the identified species was carried out by using serial dilution and colony picking methods. Isolated strains were evaluated by investigating their biomass productivity, salinity resistance and auto-flocculation ability. RESULTS: Four different microalgae species (Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Oscillatoria and Spirulina) were identified in the crude sample. The experimental results indicated that, among the four isolated strains, the Oscillatoria species showed highest biomass productivity (4.2 gL-1) and Scenedesmus showed comparatively higher salt resistance. Scenedesmus also showed great potential of auto-flocculation as around 70 % of its cells sediment within 5 h without addition of any external flocculating agent. The lipid content in the isolated strains has also been carried out using Soxhlet extraction. CONCLUSION: Four different microalgae strains have been found in Kallar Kahar lake that reflected good biomass productivity and are capable of auto-flocculation.

Anxiolytic and memory enhancing potential of aloe vera and flax seed oil in rats: A comparative study with valproic acid.

For centuries, herbs and herbal oils are used for pharmacological purpose. Aloe vera is well-known as silent healer and flax seed oil is known to contain rich amount of omega-3 fatty acids, both are having effects on central nervous system. Valproic acid is anticonvulsant drug with some side effects and has shown effects on behaviors. This study was designed to monitor the effects of valproic acid, aloe vera and flax seed oil on cognitive and anxiolytic behaviors in rats. Animals were categorized into four groups: Control, valproic acid, aloe vera and flax seed oil which were respectively treated with water, valproic acid (300mg/kg), aloe vera (0.4ml/kg) and flax seed oil (1.8ml/kg). The treatment was continued 2 weeks for drug and 3 weeks for aloe vera and flax seed oil. Anxiolytic effect as well as increased GABA levels were observed following drug and oil treatments. Improvement in cognitive function with decrease in acetylcholine esterase activity in aloe vera and flax seed oil while impairment in learning memory with increase acetylcholine esterase activity was observed in rats treated with valproic acid. Results showed substantial decrease in acetylcholinesterase level in aloe vera and flax seed oil supporting the cognitive impact of oils in contrary to drug.

Alteration in redox profile and behavioral effects following repeated administration of citral in rats.

Essential oils are natural products having several important chemical constituents. Traditionally used worldwide as natural alternatives for treating various pathological conditions due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidants properties. Citral is one of the mono terpene present in lemon peel oil. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of citral at low (0.1 mg/kg) and high (1 mg/kg) doses. In this study rats were subjected to different behavioral parameters such as tail suspension test (TST) to monitor depressive behavior, open field test (OFT) for locomotor activity, light/dark transition test (LDT) for the assessment of level of anxiety and the strength of muscles were monitored by Kondziela's inverted screen test. Plasma corticosterone and antioxidant enzymes activities were also estimated. The results from the present study showed that citral at 0.1mg/kg dose significantly increased the mobility time in TST, increased number of square crossed in OFT, increased time spent in LDT and showed muscles strengthen activity in Kondziela's inverted screen test. Lipid per oxidation (LPO) was decreased and antioxidant profile was improved along with the decrease in plasma corticosterone following the administration of 0.1mg/kg dose of citral in rats. However, at a high dose of 1 mg/kg of citral, behavioral alterations were observed along with the increased plasma corticosterone and decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes in rats. Therefore present findings suggested that citral at low dose has therapeutic potential as compared to high dose. It can be used as an alternative therapy for the treatment of various ailments in humans and animals.

Role of ibuprofen and lavender oil to alter the stress induced psychological disorders: A comparative study.

Stress has become an integral feature of everyday living. Each individual that lives encounters some manifestation of stress in life. Stress causes certain alterations in the structure and functions of the body and is considered to be a major factor in many health problems. Many synthetic and natural compounds are used for the attenuation of stress induced changes in the body. Medicinal plants are used since ancient times to prevent from neurological disorders. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is very efficacious and possesses the ability to improve several neurological disorders. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used against pain and inflammation. However, effectiveness of NSAIDs in the treatment of various psychiatric ailments is also reported. The present study investigated the effects of ibuprofen and lavender oil on stress induced behavioral and biochemical alterations in rats. The rats were subjected to restraint stress and behavioral parameters like open field test (OFT), light/dark transition box activity (LDT) and forced swim test (FST) were used to assess exploratory, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity, respectively. Corticosterone, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and endogenous antioxidant enzymes activities were also estimated. Results of OFT, LDT and FST showed substantial effects of lavender oil and standard drug ibuprofen. A significant decrease in plasma corticosterone and LPO levels with increase in antioxidant enzyme activities was observed in the study. However, the effects of lavender oil were more as compared to standard drug ibuprofen in diminution of stress induced behavioral and biochemical changes in rats. This study demonstrates that lavender oil is more remedial than ibuprofen in stress related disorders.

Role of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors in Diminution of Dissimilar Stress-induced Depressive Behavior and Memory Impairment in Rats.

Memory functions can be considerably affected by various life events and stress has shown to be a chief regulator. Different stress patterns have distinct effects on the overall functioning of the brain. Stress provokes inflammation not only in the periphery but also in the brain. Neuroinflammation causes alterations in neuronal structure and function, which eventually progress to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammatory reactions are modulated through communication between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. An excessive release of stress hormones and changes in the neurotransmission system may cause cognitive impairments. The present study investigated dissimilar stress-related memory deficits and their diminution by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors, which inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, has enhanced memory functions in a number of neuroinflammatory states. In this study, rats were exposed to a series of dissimilar stressors and behavioral parameters for depression and memory functions were examined. Corticosterone, serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) levels were also estimated. Results from the forced swim test, elevated plus maze test and Morris water maze test showed significant effects of NSAIDs. A significant decrease in plasma corticosterone and increased DA and 5-HT levels were observed in NSAID-treated dissimilar-stressed rats. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of NSAIDs for dissimilar stress-induced depressive behaviors and impaired memory functions and related hormonal and neurochemical changes in the rat brain.

Enhancement of memory function by antioxidant potential of Nigella sativa L. oil in restrained rats.

Stress is a vulnerable state to cellular homeostasis which leads to oxidative damage via free radical generation. The acute stress induces alteration in antioxidant enzyme activities to an extent which produce oxidative stress and causes certain pathological conditions. The use of Nigella sativa L. oil (NSO) in folk medicine has increased throughout the world for the prevention or treatment of various ailments because of potent antioxidant properties. In the present study, potential therapeutic effects of NSO on memory in both unrestrained and 2h restrained rats were observed. Shortterm memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) were assessed by elevated plus maze (EPM) and Morris water maze (MWM) respectively. The present study also demonstrated the effect of NSO on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) along with the activity of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE). The results obtained from the present study showed that 2h restraint stress significantly enhanced both short-term memory (p<0.01) and long-term memory (p<0.05) in rats. Pretreatment with NSO at a dose of 0.2ml/kg/day also significantly improved STM (p<0.05) in restrained rats and LTM (p<0.01) in unrestrained rats. This study also showed significantly decreased (p<0.01) LPO and significantly increased (p<0.01) endogenous antioxidant enzymes activity in NSO treated restrained rats. Similarly significant decreased (p<0.01) AChE activity was also observed in NSO treated unrestrained and 2h restrained rats. Therefore, current findings suggested that repeated administration of NSO may exert memory enhancing effects against restrained stress and it can be used for therapeutic purpose because of having fewer side effects.

Uranium remediation using modified Vigna radiata waste biomass.

Present study was designed to explore the possibility of Vigna radiata biomass for recovery of uranium ions. Various fundamental process parameters i.e., pH, contact time, temperature and initial uranium ions concentration were optimized and maximum uranium removal (230mg/g) was achieved at pH 4, biosorbent dose 0.05g, contact time 60min contact time and temperature 40°C using 400mg/L uranium ions concentration. The biomass was also pre-treated by different physical and chemical pretreatments to check out their effect on the adsorption capacity. Different kinetic and equilibrium models were applied to the experimental data to understand the uranium adsorption mechanism. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model explained well the adsorption of uranium ions onto Vigna radiata biomass. The biomass physical and chemical pretreatments significantly affected the uranium adsorption and CH3COOH 0.15M solution found out to be efficient for de-sorption. FT-IR analysis of native and loaded biomass confirmed the involvement of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in the uranium adsorption process. The results outcome revealed that Vigna radiata biomass can be used for uranium adsorption in view of low cost and high adsorption efficiency.

Attenuation of stress induced memory deficits by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rats: Role of antioxidant enzymes.

BACKGROUND: Repeated stress paradigms have been shown to cause devastating alterations on memory functions. Stress is linked with inflammation. Psychological and certain physical stressors could lead to neuroinflammation. Inflammatory process may occur by release of mediators and stimulate the production of prostaglandins through cyclooxygenase (COX). Treatment with COX inhibitors, which restrain prostaglandin production, has enhanced memory in a number of neuroinflammatory states showing a potential function for raised prostaglandins in these memory shortfalls. In the present study, potential therapeutic effects of indomethacin and diclofenac sodium on memory in both unrestraint and restraint rats were observed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two components, long term memory and short term memory were examined by Morris water maze (MWM) and elevated plus maze (EPM) respectively. The present study also demonstrated the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of antioxidant enzymes along with the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Results of MWM and EPM showed significant effects of drugs in both unrestraint and restraint rats as escape latency and transfer latency, in respective behavioral models were decreased as compared to that of control. This study also showed NSAIDs administration decreased LPO and increased antioxidant enzymes activity and decreased AChE activity in rats exposed to repeated stress. CONCLUSION: In conclusion this study suggests a therapeutic potential of indomethacin and diclofenac against repeated stress-induced memory deficits.

By-product identification and phytotoxicity of biodegraded Direct Yellow 4 dye.

Citrus limon peroxidase mediated decolourization of Direct Yellow 4 (DY4) was investigated. The process variables (pH, temperature, incubation time, enzyme dose, H2O2 amount, dye concentration, co-metal ions and surfactants) were optimized for maximum degradation of dye. Maximum dye decolourization of 89.47% was achieved at pH 5.0, temperature 50 °C, enzyme dose 24 U/mL, H2O2 concentration 0.25 mM and DY4 concentration 18.75 mg/L and incubation time 10 min. The co-metal ions and surfactants did not affect the dye decolourization significantly. Response surface analysis revealed that predicted values were in agreement with experimentally determined responses. The degradation products were identified by UPLC/MS analysis and degradation pathway was proposed. Besides, phytotoxicity assay revealed a considerable detoxification in response of biodegradation of DY4 dye. C. limon showed promising efficiency for DY4 degradation and could possibly be used for the remediation of textile effluents.

Increased 5-HT Levels Following Repeated Administration of Nigella sativa L. (Black Seed) Oil Produce Antidepressant Effects in Rats.

The seeds of Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black seed or black cumin, and its extracts are used in folk medicine in the Middle East and in Asian countries for the promotion of good health and as a remedy for many ailments. These seeds have many acclaimed medicinal properties such as broncho-dilatory, immunopotentiating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and hypotensive. In the present study, the antidepressant activity following the repeated administration of Nigella sativa L. oil has been monitored using the forced swim test. Rats treated with Nigella sativa L. oil exhibited a significant increase in struggling time after oral administration of Nigella sativa L. oil (0.1 ml/kg/day) for four weeks. Nigella sativa L. oil increased brain 5-HT levels and decreased 5-HT turnover (5-HT/5-HIAA ratio). Levels of tryptophan increased significantly in the brain and plasma following the repeated administration of Nigella sativa L. oil. Nigella sativa L. oil showed a potential antidepressant-like effect.

Potential use of low-cost lignocellulosic waste for the removal of direct violet 51 from aqueous solution: equilibrium and breakthrough studies.

An efficient biosorbent, sugarcane bagasse was used in native, HCl-treated, and Na-alginate immobilized form for the removal of Direct Violet 51 dye from aqueous solutions. Batch study was performed to optimize important process parameters, such as pH, contact time, biosorbent dose, initial dye concentration, and temperature. Removal of Direct Violet 51 was found to be favorable at pH 2 with the biosorbent dose of 0.05 g. Biosorption process was found to be exothermic in nature. Maximum dye biosorption (39.6 mg/g) was achieved by using HCl-treated biomass. The pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models showed best fitness to the experimental data. Thermodynamic study was also performed to determine the feasibility of biosorption process. Continuous mode study was performed to optimize the important process parameters, such as bed height, flow rate, and initial dye concentration for maximum removal of Direct Violet 51 dye. The higher bed height, low flow rate, and high initial dye concentration were found to be the better conditions for maximum dye biosorption (17.28 mg/g). The linearized form of the Thomas model equation fitted well to the experimental data. The bed depth service time model was used to express the effect of bed height on breakthrough curves. Characterization of biosorbent was performed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. The FT-IR spectral analyses showed the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups in biosorption process. These results indicated that sugarcane bagasse biomass could be used as a novel biosorbent for the removal of Direct Violet 51 dye from real textile and related industries.

Dibromidobis(N,N,N',N'-tetra-methyl-thio-urea-κS)cadmium(II).

In the title compound, [CdBr(2)(C(5)H(12)N(2)S)(2)], the Cd(II) atom lies on a twofold rotation axis. It exhibits a distorted tetra-hedral coordination environment defined by two S atoms of two tetra-methyl-thio-urea (tmtu) ligands and two bromide ions. The crystal structure is consolidated by C-H⋯N and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds.

Diiodidobis(N,N,N',N'-tetra-methyl-thio-urea-κS)cadmium(II).

In the title compound, [CdI(2)(C(5)H(12)N(2)S)(2)], the Cd(II) ion is located on a twofold rotation axis and is coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral mode by two iodide ions and by two tetra-methyl-thio-urea (tmtu) ligands through their S atoms. The crystal structure is stabilized by C-H⋯N and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds.