Effect of Salts (NaCl and Na2CO3) on Callus and Suspension Culture of Stevia rebaudiana for Steviol glycoside Production

Steviol glycosides are natural non-caloric sweeteners which are extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana plant. Present study deals the effect of salts (NaCl and Na₂CO₃) on callus and suspension culture of Stevia plant for steviol glycoside (SGs) production. Yellow-green and compact calli obtained from in vitro raised Stevia leaves sub-cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg l^?1 NAA and different concentrations of NaCl (0.05–0.20 %) and Na₂CO₃ (0.0125–0.10 %) for 2 weeks, and incubated at 24?±?1 °C and 22.4 μmol m^?2 s^?1 light intensity provided by white fluorescent tubes for 16 h. Callus and suspension biomass cultured on salts showed less growth as well as browning of medium when compared with control. Quantification of SGs content in callus culture (collected on 15th day) and suspension cultures (collected at 10th and 15th days) treated with and without salts were analyzed by HPLC. It was found that abiotic stress induced by the salts increased the concentration of SGs significantly. In callus, the quantity of SGs got increased from 0.27 (control) to 1.43 and 1.57 % with 0.10 % NaCl, and 0.025 % Na₂CO₃, respectively. However, in case of suspension culture, the same concentrations of NaCl and Na₂CO₃ enhanced the SGs content from 1.36 (control) to 2.61 and 5.14 %, respectively, on the 10th day.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyamides and poly(amide-imide)s derived from 2,2-bis(4-aminophenoxy) benzonitrile

A series of polyamides and poly(amide-imide)s were prepared by the direct poly-condensation of 2,2-bis(4-aminophenoxy) benzonitrile [4-APBN] with aromatic dicarboxylic acids and bis(carboxyphthalimide)s in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone [NMP] with triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The synthesis of 4-APBN involves a nucleophilic displacement reaction in dipolar aprotic solvent with the alkali metal salt of p-aminophenol and an activated aromatic dichloro compound. Bis(carboxyphthalimide)s were prepared by condensation of 4,4^′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 3,3^′-diaminodiphenylsulfone, 4,4^′-diaminodiphenylether, 4,4^′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3^′-diaminobenzophenone, and trimellitic anhydride at a 1:2 molar ratio. The inherent viscosities of the resulting polymers were found to be in the range of 0.31-0.93 dl/g and glass transition temperatures between 235 and 298 °C. All polymers were soluble in aprotic polar solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide and NMP. The results of thermogravimetry revealed that all the polymers showed no significant weight loss before 400 °C. Wide-angle X-ray diffractograms revealed that all polymers were found to be amorphous except for the polyamide derived from isophthalic acid and polyamide-imides derived from diaminodiphenylether and diaminobenzophenone based bis(carboxyphthalimide)s.     

Proteome profile of zebrafish caudal fin based on one-dimensional gel electrophoresis LCMS/MS and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis MALDI MS/MS analysis

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is the widely used vertebrate model animal for understanding the complexity of development and disease process. Zebrafish has been also extensively used in understanding the mechanism of regeneration for its extensive capability of regenerating fins and other tissues. We have analyzed the proteome profile of zebrafish caudal fin in its native state based on one-dimensional gel electrophoresis LCMS/MS and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis MS/MS analyses. A total of 417 proteins were identified as zebrafish fin tissue specific, which includes 397 proteins identified based on one-dimensional gel electrophoresis LCMS/MS analysis and 101 proteins identified based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis MALDI MS/MS. The proteins mapped to the zebrafish fin tissue were shown to be involved in various biological activities related to development, apoptosis, signaling and metabolic process. Focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, cancer-related pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and proteasome are some of the important pathways associated with the identified proteome data set of the zebrafish fin.     

Internet resources in GPCR modelling1

G-Protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), one of the most important families of drug targets, belong to the super family of integral membrane proteins characterized by seven transmembrane helices. Because they are difficult to crystallize, the three dimensional structure of these receptors have not yet been determined by X-ray crystallography, except one. In the absence of a 3-D structure, in-silico approaches for solving the structure of this class of proteins are widely used and provide valuable information for structure based drug design. There are several web servers and computer programs available that automate the modelling process of GPCRs. Some of these include Modeller, Swiss-Model server, Homer, etc. Using these tools reliable homology models of human histamine H1 receptor (HRH1) and thrombin receptor (PAR-1) have been generated which explain the binding mode of the standard antagonists of these receptors and may be useful in designing their novel antagonists.     

Progress of transition metal chalcogenides as efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion

The continuous excessive usage of fossil fuels has resulted in its fast depletion, leading to an escalating energy crisis as well as several environmental issues leading to increased research towards sustainable energy conversion. Electrocatalysts play crucial role in the development of numerous novel energy conversion devices, including fuel cells and solar fuel generators. In particular, high-efficiency and cost-effective catalysts are required for large-scale implementation of these new devices. Over the last few years, transition metal chalcogenides have emerged as highly efficient electrocatalysts for several electrochemical devices such as water splitting, carbon dioxide electroreduction, and, solar energy converters. These transition metal chalcogenides exhibit high electrochemical tunability, abundant active sites, and superior electrical conductivity. Hence, they have been actively explored for various electrocatalytic activities. Herein, we have provided comprehensive review of transition-metal chalcogenide electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, and carbon dioxide reduction and illustrated structure–property correlation that increases their catalytic activity.     

Study of variation in thermophysical properties of RE<Subscript>6</Subscript>UO<Subscript>12</Subscript>(s) along the lanthanide series

The novel ligand N,N,N′′′′,N′′′′-tetrabutyl-N′′′,N′′′-(N″,N″-diethyl)-ethidene bisdiglycolamide (TBEE-BisDGA) and other eight analogous extractants have been synthesized and characterized by NMR and HRMS. The solvent extraction of Th⁴⁺, UO₂ ²⁺ and Eu³⁺ from nitric acid solution using the above BisDGA extractants was investigated in 1-dodecanol at 30 ± 1 °C. The extractants exhibited higher affinity toward Th⁴⁺ than UO₂ ²⁺ and Eu³⁺ in the present system. The maximum value of separation factor SF _Th(IV)/U(VI) and SF _{Th(IV)/Eu(III)} is 78.5 and 53.3 respectively for TBEE-BisDGA, 88.1 and 69.5 respectively in the case of TB ^i-PE-BisDGA at 3 M HNO₃ solution.     

Synthesis and Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sygyzium cumini</Emphasis> Nanoparticles for Its Protective Potential in High Glucose-Induced Cardiac Stress: a Green Approach

There exists a complex and multifactorial relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hyperglycemia is an important factor imposing damage (glucose toxicity) on cardiac cell leading to diabetic cardiomyopathy. There are substantial clinical evidences on the adverse effects of conventional therapies in the prevention/treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Currently, green-synthesized nanoparticles have emerged as a safe, efficient, and inexpensive alternative for therapeutic uses. The present study discloses the silver nanoparticle biosynthesizing capability and cardioprotective potential of Syzygium cumini seeds already reported to have antidiabetic properties. Newly generated silver nanoparticles S. cumini MSE silver nanoparticles (SmSNPs) were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta sizer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Using methanolic extract of S. cumini seeds, an average size of 40–100-nm nanoparticles with 43.02 nm and ?19.6 mV zeta potential were synthesized. The crystalline nature of SmSNPs was identified by using XRD. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays revealed the antioxidative potential to be 66.87 (±0.7) % and 86.07 (±0.92) % compared to 60.29 (±0.02) % and 85.67 (±1.27) % for S. cumini MSE. In vitro study on glucose-stressed H9C2 cardiac cells showed restoration in cell size, nuclear morphology, and lipid peroxide formation upon treatment of SmSNPs. Our findings concluded that S. cumini MSE SmSNPs significantly suppress the glucose-induced cardiac stress in vitro by maintaining the cellular integrity and reducing the oxidative damages therefore establishing its therapeutic potential in diabetic cardiomyopathy.     

Biocide Use in the Antimicrobial Era: A Review

Biocides are widely used in healthcare and industry to control infections and microbial contamination. Ineffectual disinfection of surfaces and inappropriate use of biocides can result in the survival of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses on inanimate surfaces, often contributing to the transmission of infectious agents. Biocidal disinfectants employ varying modes of action to kill microorganisms, ranging from oxidization to solubilizing lipids. This review considers the main biocides used within healthcare and industry environments and highlights their modes of action, efficacy and relevance to disinfection of pathogenic bacteria. This information is vital for rational use and development of biocides in an era where microorganisms are becoming resistant to chemical antimicrobial agents.     

Evaluating Properties of Green Concrete Produced Using Waste Marble Powder,Quarry Dust,and Paper Pulp

Industrial waste locks are used as raw materials to reduce harmful effects on the environment and improve environmental performance. Marble clay powder can be used as a filling aid and can fill voids in concrete structures. This article will show you how to use a maximum natural sand alternative in concrete with marble powder and quarry dust. The challenge of the 21st century is to change to a new form that can support the natural system. This necessitates a radical rethinking of how to give the community infrastructure and housing. Making a concerted effort to develop novel, innovative, and alternative construction materials may be necessary. Jungles of concrete around cause's impact on the Environment and it would result in climate change. Mankind must avoid the use of things that are detrimental to the environment. So in this paper, it is decided to address the issue by adopting the use of the green concrete concept which is environmentally friendly. Green concrete is concrete made up using industrial wastes such as marble powder, quarry dust, wood ash, paper pulp, etc. Green concrete, which is capable of sustainable development, helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources, energy use, and environmental pollution. Green concrete is more cost-effective than ordinary concrete and reduces the cost of resultant concrete by 14%–20%. It is also observed that the alkali-aggregate reaction and sulfate attack resistance of concrete are both significantly improved. Green concrete is a useful tool for lowering environmental pollution and enhancing concrete's resistance to harsh conditions. All stages of infrastructure construction and rehabilitation will follow this trend of using new cement and techniques. Green concrete's adaptability and its performance derivatives will meet a variety of future needs.