Textile effluents decolourization potential of metal tolerant Aspergillus species and optimization of biomass concentration and temperature.

This research was performed to assess the physicochemical properties of textile effluents collected from different sampling points (industrial park, Hosur, Tamil Nadu, India) and also evaluate the multiple metal tolerance efficiency of pre-isolated Aspergillus flavus. Moreover, their textile effluent decolourization potential was investigated and quantity and temperature required for effective bioremediation was optimized. About 5 textile effluent samples (S0, S1, S2, S3, and S4) were collected from various sampling points and noted that certain physicochemical properties (pH: 9.64 ± 0.38, Turbidity: 18.39 ± 1.4 NTU, Cl-: 3185.38 ± 15.8 mg L-1, BOD: 82.52 ± 6.9 mg L-1, COD: 342.28 ± 8.9 mg L-1, Ni: 74.21 ± 4.31 mg L-1, Cr: 48.52 ± 18.34 mg L-1, Cd: 34.85 ± 1.2 mg L-1, Zn: 25.52 ± 2.4 mg L-1, Pb: 11.25 ± 1.5 mg L-1, Hg: 1.8 ± 0.05 mg L-1, and As: 7.1 ± 0.41 mg L-1) were beyond the permissible limits. The A. flavus, showed remarkable metal tolerance to Pb, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Hg, and Zn on PDA plates with elevated dosage up to 1000 µg mL-1. The optimal dosage required for effective decolourization was found as 3 g (48.2%) and compare to dead biomass (42.1%) of A. flavus, the viable biomass showed remarkable decolourization activity on textile effluents in a short duration of treatment process. The optimal temperature for effective decolourization by viable biomass was found at 32 ᵒC. The toxic effects of S4 samples treated at 32 ᵒC on O. sativa as well as brine shrimp larvae were significantly reduced. These findings show that pre-isolated A. flavus viable biomass can be used to decolorize metal-enriched textile effluent. Furthermore, the effectiveness of their metals remediation should be investigated using ex-situ and ex-vivo approaches.

Bioremediation efficiency of free and immobilized form of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubigenesis biomass on tannery effluent.

Untreated tannery effluent discharge, which causes severe environmental pollution. This research was performed to assess the bioremediation (multi-pollutant adsorption) potential of pre-identified and multi metal tolerant Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubigenesis through a stirred tank bioreactor in free and immobilized form. Physicochemical property analysis results showed that most of the tannery effluent properties were beyond the permissible limits. These A. niger and A. tubigenesis effectively immobilized on corncob and coir solid support material. The stirred tank bioreactor based bioremediation study revealed that the fungal biomass (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubigenesis) immobilized coir and corncob material demonstrated remarkable multi-pollutant (TSS: 22.5% & 13.5%, TS: 29% & 22%, BOD: 21% & 10%, TDS: 28% & 19%, COD: 30% & 22%, Cr: 27% & 19%, Cu: 28% & 12%, and Pb: 48% & 29% respectively) adsorption potential in a week of treatment. Moreover, it reduced the toxicity of tannery effluent and promotes the sprouting of Oriza sativa seeds, as demonstrated by petri plate bioassay. These finding suggest that the metal-tolerant fungal isolates A. niger and A. tubigenesis demonstrated impressive bioremediation proficiencies in an immobilized state. A field investigation is required to assess the feasibility of this strategy on tannery effluent.

Enhancing effects of Te substitution on the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured SnSe1-xTex.

Nanostructured SnSe1-xTex (0 < x < 0.2) was prepared by the planetary ball milling method. The prepared materials were studied by various analytical techniques. XRD analysis shows the pure phase of SnSe when x ≤ 0.1 and the secondary phase of SnTe was observed when x ≥ 0.1, possibly due to the low solid solubility limit of Te in SnSe. FESEM images revealed that the grain sizes of all the samples were in the range of 100 to 500 nm. TEM images showed the grain structures, sizes and grain boundaries of the samples. XPS analysis confirmed the incorporation of Te in SnSe1-xTex and the binding states of the elements in the samples. The samples were made into pellets and sintered at high temperature. The electrical resistivity of the SnSe1-xTex pellets decreased by up to two orders of magnitude as the x value increased in the samples. Concomitantly, the Seebeck coefficient of the SnSe1-xTex samples decreased drastically as the x value increased in the samples. A power factor (PF) of 102.8 µW K-2 m-1 was obtained for the SnSe0.9Te0.1 sample at 550 K, which is higher than the reported values for SnSe and SnSe1-xTex. When substituting Se with Te, the band structure of SnSe changes, which significantly enhances the thermoelectric PF of SnSe1-xTex for x ∼ 0.1. The PF decreased when the x value was increased further (x ≥ 0.1), possibly due to the precipitation of the SnTe phase. These experimental results demonstrate that the addition of a reasonable amount of Te is a promising approach for improving the thermoelectric properties of SnSe.

Ketamine and suicidal ideation in depression: Jumping the gun?

Depression and suicide are known to be intricately entwined but the neurobiological basis underlying this association is yet to be understood. Ketamine is an N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist used for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia but paradoxically its euphoric effects lead to its classification under drugs of abuse. The serendipitous finding of rapid-onset antidepressant action of subanaesthetic dosing with ketamine by intravenous infusion has sparked many preclinical and clinical investigations. A remarkable suppression of suicidal ideation was also reported in depressed patients. This review focuses on the clinical trials on ketamine that reported remedial effects in suicidal ideation in depression and addresses also the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant and psychotomimetic actions of ketamine. The neuropsychiatric profile of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine encourages its use in the management of suicidal ideation that could avert emergent self-harm or suicide. Finally, the need for neuroimaging studies in suicidal patients to identify the brain region specific and temporal effects of ketamine, and the possibility of employing ketamine as an experimental tool in rodent-based studies to study the mechanisms underlying suicidal behaviour are highlighted.

Identification of pheromone-carrying protein in the preorbital gland post in the endangered Indian male Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra L.

In mammals, a low molecular mass protein (17-20 KDa) reported from the pheromone sources such as urine, saliva, glandular secretion, etc., as ligand-carrier (pheromone carrier) has been associated with chemo-communication. Since the preorbital gland post is one of the major pheromone sources in Indian Blackbuck, an endangered species, we assumed that it possibly contains low molecular mass protein for chemical communication. Hence, we investigated the preorbital gland post in territorial and non-territorial male blackbucks for such low molecular mass proteins adopting SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS analysis. The total content of protein was higher in the post of territorial males than non-territorial males of adult and sub-adult. In fact, the protein profiles such as 17, 21, 25, 42 and 61 kDa were noted in the gland secretion of territorial and non-territorial males. The intensity of the 17 kDa protein band was higher in territorial males than non-territorial males. In-gel trypsin digestion of the 17 kDa band was processed and subjected to LC-MS/MS and SEQUEST analyses. The results of LC-MS/MS and SEQUEST search showed the presence of α(2u)-globulin in the 17 kDa band. In addition, the identified α(2u)-globulin sequence possessed GDW residues, which are the characteristic signature for lipocalin family. Since the α(2u)-globulin has been reported from the pheromone-carrying proteins in some mammals, this protein may carry the volatiles (pheromone compounds) in male Blackbucks preorbital gland to evoke the scent marking for maintaining territoriality (home range) and attraction towards female, through the secretion of glandular protein.

Crystal structure of methyl 2-[2,4-bis-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-3-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.1]nonan-9-yl-idene]hydrazine-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C22H23F2N3O2, the bicyclic ring system exists in a twin-chair conformation with an equatorial disposition of the 4-fluoro-phenyl groups on the heterocycle. These aromatic rings are inclined to one another by 19.4 (1)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers, incorporating R 1 (2)(7) and R 2 (2)(8) ring motifs; the same O atom accepts both hydrogen bonds. These dimers are further linked by a pair of C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds, enclosing R 2 (2)(28) ring motifs, forming supra-molecular chains along [010]. The NH group of the pyridine ring is not involved in hydrogen bonding, probably due to the steric hindrance of the fluoro-phenyl groups.

Crystal structure of 1-cyclo-propane-carbon-yl-3-methyl-2,6-di-p-tolyl-piperidin-4-one.

The title compound, C24H27NO2, crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. The two mol-ecules have very similar conformations and each exhibits an intra-molecular C-H⋯π inter-action. The central piperidine rings adopt boat conformations and the p-tolyl rings are inclined to the mean plane of the piperidine ring by 71.21 (11) and 89.86 (12)° in mol-ecule A and by 68.01 (12) and 89.33 (12)° in mol-ecule B. The cyclopropanecarbonyl group is oriented at an angle of 68.5 (2)° with respect to the mean plane of the piperidine ring in mol-ecule A and 66.2 (2)° in mol-ecule B. In the crystal, the A and B mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, enclosing R 2 (1)(6) ring motifs, forming ribbons running along the a-axis direction.

Predicting performance in attention by measuring key metabolites in the PCC with 7T MRS.

The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is a key hub of the default mode network and is known to play an important role in attention. Using ultra-high field 7 Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to quantify neurometabolite concentrations, this exploratory study investigated the effect of the concentrations of myo-inositol (Myo-Ins), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), aspartate or aspartic acid (Asp) and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) in the PCC on attention in forty-six healthy participants. Each participant underwent an MRS scan and cognitive testing, consisting of a trail-making test (TMT A/B) and a test of attentional performance. After a multiple regression analysis and bootstrapping for correction, the findings show that Myo-Ins and Asp significantly influence (p < 0.05) attentional tasks. On one hand, Myo-Ins shows it can improve the completion times of both TMT A and TMT B. On the other hand, an increase in aspartate leads to more mistakes in Go/No-go tasks and shows a trend towards enhancing reaction time in Go/No-go tasks and stability of alertness without signal. No significant (p > 0.05) influence of Glu, Gln and GABA was observed.

Aqueous extract of Allium sativum L bulbs offer nephroprotection by attenuating vascular endothelial growth factor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 expression in diabetic rats.

To investigate the nephroprotective effect of garlic and elucidate the mechanism by which it prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic rats, diabetes was induced by a single ip injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg body weight). Garlic extract (500 mg/kg body weight) and aminoguanidine (1 g/L) were supplemented in the treatment groups. Histopathological examination using H&E, PAS staining and the immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1 (ERK-1) expression were performed on kidney sections at the end of 12 weeks. Significant change in both, the urine and serum biochemistry confirmed kidney damage in diabetic animals which was further confirmed by the histological changes such as mesangial expansion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, glycosuria and proteinuria. However, the diabetic animals treated with garlic extract showed a significant change in urine and serum biochemical parameters such as albumin, urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to that of diabetic rats. Further, the garlic supplemented diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and ERK-1 compared to diabetic rats, attenuating mesangial expansion and glomerulosclerosis. Thus, garlic extract rendered nephroprotection in diabetic rats.

Evaluation of quality and shelf life of buffalo meat keema at refrigerated storage.

Scientific basis on the quality changes of traditional keema will boost and sustain meat production and utilization in buffalo abundant countries. A programme was undertaken to determine the influence of age and gender on the quality of buffalo meat keema at refrigerator storage (4 ± 1 °C). Buffalo meat keema was evaluated by analyzing the changes in physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes. The product characteristics and acceptability of keema were better in spent buffalo group than young male group. The values of pH, TBARS, total aerobic mesophils, coliforms, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic and psychrophilic counts of buffalo meat keema increased but appearance, flavour, juiciness, tenderness, connective tissue residue and overall acceptability scores decreased with progressing refrigerated storage. The shelf life of refrigerated buffalo meat keema was 18 days with an overall acceptability score ranging from extremely acceptable to moderately acceptable.

Unusual occurrence of non carotenogenic strains of Dunaliella bardawil and Dunaliella parva in India.

Identification of green algal genus Dunaliella by conventional method is hard target since the strains vary morphologically and physiologically with conditions of growth. In this study, a total of nine different isolates of Dunaliella isolated from the salt pans of Tamil Nadu, India, were identified based on their morphology and cultural characteristics. In addition, the isolates were subjected to molecular identification using genus specific and species specific primers which distinguished the discrepancy in the conventional identification. This study evidently reported the first occurrence of non carotenogenic strains (a new variety) of D. bardawil and D. parva in India.

Cryogenic Refrigerant Burns: A Rare Occupational Hazard.

BACKGROUND: Cryogenic burns induced by coolant gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners are rarely encountered, despite the wide use of these gases. To date, only a few cases have been reported in the literature. This study examined the occupational circumstances leading to such injuries, relevant injury sites, types of chemicals involved, and treatment measures. METHODS: This study was conducted in a tertiary burn center in India between March 2015 and March 2019. The demographic details, chemicals involved, and burn regions and characteristics were analyzed. FINDINGS: There were 15 burn cases all involving injury to the hand. All injuries were managed initially with dressings and nonoperative management. One patient required anti-edema therapy with limb elevation and fingertip debridement, while another patient required skin grafting. All patients had satisfactory hand function after treatment. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Cryogenic burn injuries caused by refrigerants are rare, and their etiology varies considerably. Exposure time is the primary factor that determines burn depth and severity; hence, reducing exposure time is important in first aid. Our findings suggest that after exposure, the patient should be treated in a specialized burn center. Adequate knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of these types of burn injuries and their management is necessary; otherwise, misjudgments in the treatment plan can lead to adverse consequences.

Comminuted middle third orbito-zygomatic complex fracture leading to blindness due to unanticipated tyre rim explosion during service - A rare case.

An explosion is caused by conversion of solid, liquid into gas with resultant energy release. Blast injuries of large tyres are similar to injuries resulting from landmine explosions. Most of the patients were polytraumatised, initial evaluation and management should follow ATLS. Trauma following tyre blast results in severe soft tissue, orthopedic and head injuries. Head and face is the most commonly affected region followed by upper limb. A 40 year old male patient was watching a car tyre getting inflated with air. Unfortunately the tyre rim exploded on his face, which led to penetrating injury to the eye ball and comminuted middle third fractures. Patient was stabilized and primary hemostasis was achieved. Fractured maxilla was fixed by arch bar wiring and stabilized by using circum-suspension wiring bilaterally. Left eyeball was removed due to open globe injury and intraocular content loss. Unusual maxillofacial injuries are more common. Decision making and treatment of facial penetrating injuries depends on number of factors, which includes location and extent of injury, type of foreign body involved, proximity of vital structures, extent of injury to soft and hard tissue and the relative benefits and risk ratio for the patient. In this case report we have explained about the primary assessment and management of blast injuries.

Detection of alpha(2u)-globulin and its bound putative pheromones in the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat (Rattus rattus) using mass spectrometry.

The role of pheromones and pheromone-binding proteins in the laboratory rat has been extensively investigated. However, we have previously reported that the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat produces a variety of pheromonal molecules and preputial glands would seem to be the predominant source for pheromonal communication. The presence of pheromone-binding proteins has not yet been identified in the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat; therefore, the experiments were designed to unravel the alpha(2u)-globulin (alpha2u) and its bound volatiles in the commensal rat. Total preputial glandular proteins were first fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and subsequently analyzed by mass spectrometry. Further, we purified alpha2u and screened for the presence of bound pheromonal molecules with the aid of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A novel alpha2u was identified with a high score and this protein has not been previously described as present in the preputial gland of Indian commensal rats. This novel alpha2u was then characterized by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Peptides with m/z values of 969, 1192, 1303 and 1876 were further fragmented with the aid of MS/MS and generated de novo sequences which provided additional evidence for the presence of alpha2u in the preputial gland. Finally, we identified the presence of farnesol 1 and 2 bound to alpha2u. The present investigation confirms the presence of alpha2u (18.54 kDa) in the preputial gland of the Indian commensal rat and identifies farnesol 1 and 2 as probably involved in chemo-communication by the Indian commensal rat.

Using mass spectrometry to detect buffalo salivary odorant-binding protein and its post-translational modifications.

A large number of mammalian odorant-binding proteins, which are lipocalins, have been studied. These proteins participate in peri-receptor events by selecting and carrying odorant molecules. The present study aimed at identifying the buffalo salivary odorant-binding protein (sOBP), and to determine its post-translational modification using mass spectrometry. The buffalo salivary 21 kDa protein was initially separated adopting sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and it was identified as sOBP with high statistical reliability using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and SEQUEST, for the first time. Further, the post-translationally modified peptides were screened adopting MS/MS. A total of four post-translational modifications, namely glycation at lysine-(59), hydroxylation at lysine-(134), ubiquitination at lysine-(121), and dihydroxylation in lysine-(108), were recorded. Moreover, these modifications have not been identified in buffalo salivary odorant-binding protein.

AFLP-based genetic diversity assessment of commercially important tea germplasm in India.

India has a large repository of important tea accessions and, therefore, plays a major role in improving production and quality of tea across the world. Using seven AFLP primer combinations, we analyzed 123 commercially important tea accessions representing major populations in India. The overall genetic similarity recorded was 51%. No significant differences were recorded in average genetic similarity among tea populations cultivated in various geographic regions (northwest 0.60, northeast and south both 0.59). UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the tea accessions according to geographic locations, with a bias toward China or Assam/Cambod types. Cluster analysis results were congruent with principal component analysis. Further, analysis of molecular variance detected a high level of genetic variation (85%) within and limited genetic variation (15%) among the populations, suggesting their origin from a similar genetic pool.

Enhancing the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured ZnCo2O4 by Bi substitution.

Bi x ZnCo2-x O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) nanoparticles with different x values have been prepared by the sol-gel method; the structural, morphological, thermal and thermoelectric properties of the prepared nanomaterials are investigated. XRD analysis confirms that Bi is completely dissolved in the ZnCo2O4 lattice till the x values of ≤0.1 and the secondary phase of Bi2O3 is formed at higher x value (x > 0.1). The synthesized nanomaterials are densified and the thermoelectric properties are studied as a function of temperature. The electrical resistivity of the Bi x ZnCo2-x O4 decreased with x value and it fell to 4 × 10-2 Ω m for the sample with x value ≤ 0.1. The Seebeck coefficient value increased with the increase of Bi substitution till the x value of 0.1 and decreased for the sample with higher Bi content (x ≤ 0.2) as the resistivity of the sample increased due to secondary phase formation. With the optimum Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity, Bi0.1ZnCo1.9O4 shows the high-power factor (α 2 σ 550 K) of 2.3 µW K-2 m-1 and figure of merit of 9.5 × 10-4 at 668 K respectively, compared with other samples. The experimental results reveal that Bi substitution at the Co site is a promising approach to improve the thermoelectric properties of ZnCo2O4.

Identification of alpha2u-globulin and bound volatiles in the Indian common house rat (Rattus rattus).

The alpha2u-globulin (alpha2u) is a pheromone carrier urinary protein believed to be relevant for sexual communication among rats and is characterized in laboratory rats. In the present study 17 kDa protein and the bound pheromones were characterized in a population of wild-type Indian common house rat (Rattus rattus). The protein was purified by two runs of Sephadex G-50 chromatography and analyzed with SDS-PAGE with MALDI-TOF/MS. The results of MASCOT search identified the protein as an alpha2u and suggested a role for binding pheromones. To confirm the protein bound volatiles, purified alpha2u was extracted with dichloromethane and volatile molecules were detected using of gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 1-Chlorodecane was detected as the predominant compound and 2-methyl-N-phenyl-2-propenamide, hexadecane and 2,6,11-trimethyl decane as the minor compounds. The simple method of protein purification and the identification of bound volatiles may help in designing efficient pheromone-based rat traps.

Oral malignant melanoma of alveolar ridge.

Malignancy of melanocytes, a pigment-producing cell, is referred as malignant melanoma (MM) which occur basically on skin and oral mucous membrane, but as well found in ears, eyes, gastrointestinal tract and genital mucosa. Oral melanomas has propensity to metastasise and invade more voluntarily than other malignant counterparts. Here we present a case of 52-year-old male patient with a chief symptom of blackening of gums in the upper front tooth region. In dental history, the patient revealed history of faulty artificial prosthesis fixed in the same region since 6 months. On the basis of a through clinical assessment, a provisional opinion of oral malignant melanoma, was prepared. On histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis with S-100 and homatropine methylbromide 45 the diagnosis of MM was confirmed.

Assessing the neuronal serotonergic target-based antidepressant stratagem: impact of in vivo interaction studies and knockout models.

Depression remains a challenge in the field of affective neuroscience, despite a steady research progress. Six out of nine basic antidepressant mechanisms rely on serotonin neurotransmitter system. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the significance of serotonin receptors (5-HT(1-3,6,7)), its signal transduction pathways and classical down stream targets (including neurotrophins, neurokinins, other peptides and their receptors) in antidepressant drug action. Serotonergic control of depression embraces the recent molecular requirements such as influence on proliferation, neurogenesis, plasticity, synaptic (re)modeling and transmission in the central nervous system. The present progress report analyses the credibility of each protein as therapeutically relevant target of depression. In vivo interaction studies and knockout models which identified these targets are foreseen to unearth new ligands and help them transform to drug candidates. The importance of the antidepressant assay selection at the preclinical level using salient animal models/assay systems is discussed. Such test batteries would definitely provide antidepressants with faster onset, efficacy in resistant (and co-morbid) types and with least adverse effects. Apart from the selective ligands, only those molecules which bring an overall harmony, by virtue of their affinities to various receptor subtypes, could qualify as effective antidepressants. Synchronised modulation of various serotonergic sub-pathways is the basis for a unique and balanced antidepressant profile, as that of fluoxetine (most exploited antidepressant) and such a profile may be considered as a template for the upcoming antidepressants. In conclusion, 5-HT based multi-targeted antidepressant drug discovery supported by in vivo interaction studies and knockout models is advocated as a strategy to provide classic molecules for clinical trials.