Sustainable biofuel synthesis from non-edible oils: a mesoporous ZSM-5/Ni/Pt catalyst approach.

This work examines the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) activity of non-edible oils using a high surface area catalyst. The HDO activity was thoroughly examined and contrasted using the high surface area catalyst Ni/Pt-ZSM-5 as well as other supports like MCM-48 and H-beta. Ni/Pt bimetals supported on mesoporous ZSM-5 were created via reverse order impregnation to facilitate HDO of non-edible oils. Techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, BET, HR-TEM, HR-SEM, TPD, and TGA were used to characterize the produced catalysts. The synthesized catalysts considerably influenced the hydrodeoxygenation activities for the synthesis of lengthy chain hydrocarbons in a stainless-steel reactor with a high-pressure fixed bed between 300 and 375 °C under 10-40 bar hydrogen pressure. High levels of Ni/Pt-ZSM-5 acidity, textural, and H2 consumption qualities were discovered. Distributions of the products were also reviewed, along with comparisons of the structure-activity connections.

Sero-molecular epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis virus in swine population of western Uttar Pradesh, India: Unraveling the geographical expansion of the virus.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Swine is a good sentinel for forecast of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) outbreaks in humans. The present study was envisaged with objectives to know the sero-conversion period of JEV and to assess the prevalence of JEV in swine population of western Uttar Pradesh state of India. METHODS: A total of 252 swine serum samples were screened using IgM ELISA over the period of one year to determine the sero-conversion rate and compared seasonally to check the transmission peak of virus. Further, 321 swine blood and serum samples were collected from all seven divisions of western Uttar Pradesh to determine prevalence of JEV using real time RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Seasonal sero-conversion rate was high during monsoon and post-monsoon (32%) followed by winter (22.91%) and summer (10.71%) seasons. The sero-conversion was observed in all months indicating viral activity throughout the year in the region. The low degree of correlation was found between meteorological variables (day temperature, rainfall) and sero-conversion rate. A total of 52 samples (16.19%) were found positive by real time RT-PCR while sero-positivity of 29.91% was observed using IgG and IgM ELISA(s). The overall prevalence of JEV was 39.25%. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The presence of JEV was recorded throughout the year with peak occurrence during monsoon and post-monsoon season indicating that virus has spread its realm to western region of the state. The information generated in the present study will aid in initiating timely vector control measures and human vaccination program to mitigate risk of JEV infection in the region.

Recent Patents on Plant-Derived Nanoparticles and their Potential Application Towards Various Cancer Therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology plays a vital role in the field of medicine. Especially various nanoparticles such as silver, gold, platinum are involved in the treatment of different types of cancer. The effective nanoparticles were synthesized using techniques like chemical, physical, electrochemical and biological methods. In order to overcome the limitations existing in the synthesis of nanoparticles, researchers turned their attention toward the biological single step nanoparticle synthesis method by using plant and plant products. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to overcome the side effects encountered in the existing anti- cancer agents like nonspecificity and fast excretion, and plant-derived nanoparticles that are ecofriendly, cost-effective and biologically active could serve as a promising alternative. CONCLUSION: From the thorough literature review and recent patents, it is understood that the plantderived nanoparticles exhibited an excellent anti-proliferation anti-tumor activity towards different types of cancers without affecting the normal cells. Especially, the traditional chemotherapeutic drugs obtained from the plant source incorporated with the nanoparticles show remarkable results against anti cancer studies. The present review focused on some of the existing herbal plant derived nanoparticles, formulations and their potential application in cancer therapeutics.

Comparative Evaluation of Salivary and Serum High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Aim: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the serum and salivary high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Subjects and Methods: The study group consisted of 60 patients of whom 30 were MI patients and 30 were controls. Serum hs-CRP was assessed using particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. Saliva hs-CRP is determined using a microplate reader cum UV photospectrometer from BMG. Results: In this study, levels of both serum and salivary hs-CRP in control and MI patients showed a positive correlation. Saliva can be used as an alternative biofluid to determine hs-CRP in MI patients. Conclusion: Saliva can be used as a alternative biofluid to determine the risk as well as to determine prognosis in acute myocardial infarction.

A peculiar case of parasitisation with two new species of wasps parasitizing the rice leaf-roller Pelopidas mathias (Fabricius, 1798) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from southern India.

Paddy, Oryza sativa L. (Poales: Poaecea) is infested by a series of lepidopteran, coleopteran, hemipteran, and acarine pests in India. Of the long list, the species Rice Leaf-Roller Pelopidas mathias (Fabricius, 1798) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) is one of most encountered defoliators on paddy. Here we record and describe with illustrations, a new parasitic complex comprising of two new species of parasitic wasps, viz. Brachymeria eastwoodi Binoy, sp. nov. and Sympiesis eastwoodi James & Santhosh, sp. nov. on the pupae of P. mathias from southern India. The parasitoid complexes on P. mathias are also augmented.

Development and validation of LCMS method for determination of Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) in urine.

Background: Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a phase II metabolite of ethanol and is an upcoming biomarker for recent alcohol intake. Monitoring of alcohol intake in case of alcohol-dependent syndrome is very useful for early intervention and preventing harmful effects. EtG has also been identified as a very useful marker in differentiating antemortem ingestion of alcohol from postmortem production of alcohol. This study was undertaken with an objective of developing a sensitive and specific method for determination of EtG in urine. Methods: Triple quadruple Liquid Chromatography (LC)-Mass Spectrometry (MS) with Electrospray Ionization (ESI) negative mode has been used for developing the multiple reaction monitoring method by using the Polaris 3 C 18-Ether analytical column. A simple sample preparation method was adopted using the Bond Elute Plexa PAX SPE cartridge. The developed method was also tested on actual urine samples from 15 individuals after consumption of 60 and 90 ml of whiskey at different time intervals. Results: A simple method was developed for determination of EtG in urine, with a sensitivity of 100 ppb and a recovery of 75%. Validation of the method on urine samples revealed that EtG could be detected for up to 18 h in individuals who ingested 60 ml of whiskey and up to 24 h in those who ingested 90 ml of whiskey. Conclusion: The simple method was developed for determination of EtG in urine and validated on actual urine samples. This method can now be used in aircraft accident investigation to differentiate postmortem production of alcohol, and the method is also a very useful tool to monitor Alcohol dependent Syndrome (ADS) cases.

First discovery of the Neotropical species Brachymeria trinidadensis (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae, Brachymeriinae) in India.

Brachymeria trinidadensis (Narendran Varghese) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), described originally from Trinidad, West Indies, is newly reported from the state of Kerala, India, as a likely accidental introduction. A possible parasitoid association with an unidentified Bembix (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) larva feeding on an unidentified species of Tabanidae (Diptera) is suggested based on collection of the female near the Bembix tunnel. The species is redescribed based on the Kerala female and it and the female holotype of B. trinidadensis are both illustrated with colour photographs. Brachymeria trinidadensis is considered a long tailed species of Brachymeria based on females of the species having a conspicuously elongate syntergum, but is removed from the subconica species group of Brachymeria based on the head lacking a transverse carina across the vertex posterior of the median ocellus. Brachymeria laetiliae Burks is also removed from the subconica species group based on the head lacking the transverse carina. Type material of the long tailed species B. grisselli (Narendran Varghese), B. kraussi (Narendran Varghese), B. aculeata (Walker) and B. producta (Olivier) are illustrated by photographs. Variation of B. trinidadensis from other long tailed (syntergum) congeners is also provided.

Chalcidid parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae) of Phereoeca uterella (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera, Tineidae): description of a new species and the male of Epitranus uterellophagus from southern India.

Neohaltichella uterellophaga Binoy, sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae: Haltichellinae) parasitizing the pupa of household-case bearer moth Phereoeca uterella (Walsingham) is described with illustrations from southern India (Kerala). Host record for the genus Neohaltichella on Tineidae (Lepidoptera) is newly recorded. A male specimen of Epitranus uterellophagus Binoy & Santhosh hitherto unknown is also described with illustrations parasitizing case-bearer moth pupa.

Review of Indian Dasyproctus Lepeletier amp; Brullé 1835 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) with description of four new species.

The Indian species of the genus Dasyproctus Lepeletier Brullé (Crabroninae: Crabronini: Crabronina) are reviewed resulting in the descriptions of four new species viz., D. attenboroughi, D. leclercqi, D. niger, and D. tsunekii. Keys to both sexes of Indian Dasyproctus are provided. Comparisons within D. buddha (Cameron) and D. agilis species groups allowed the withdrawing of Crabro (=Dasyproctus) idrieus Cameron from synonymy and raising D. agilis orientalis (Cameron) to full species status. Dasyproctus amplicarinalis Yue Ma, 2021 is synonymized with D. idrieus (Cameron, 1901) and D. hainanensis Yue Li, 2021 with D. geethae Binoy Girish Kumar, 2021.

A new species of square-headed wasp Dasyproctus Lepeletier amp; Brullé (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Crabronini) from India, with notes on its biology.

Dasyproctus geethae Binoy Girish Kumar sp. nov. is described with illustrations of both sexes, and of preimaginal stages with notes on its biology and ethology. New prey records of Diptera of the families Drosophilidae, Hybotidae, Stratiomyidae and Dolichopodidae are recorded for the genus.

Determination of serotonin metabolites in urine sample by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as biomarkers of recent alcohol intake: Implication for aircraft accident investigation.

BACKGROUND: Determination of ethanol levels in aircraft accident victims constitutes an important part of investigation. However, postmortem production of alcohol by microbial fermentation is known to interfere with the results. Distinguishing postmortem produced alcohols from antemortem ingested is very important in interpretation of results. Ratio of 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) metabolites of serotonin, has known to provide a convenient, rapid, and reliable solution as antemortem ethanol leads to an elevation in the 5-HTOL/5-HIAA ratio after ingestion of alcohol (5-HTOL/5-HIAA = >15 pm/nm). METHODS: Triple quadruple (QQQ) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with electrospray ionization positive mode has been used for development of single tube multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method for simultaneous quantification of 5-HTOL and 5-HIAA in urine. Deglucuronidation of 5-HTOL glucuronide in urine by beta-glucuronidase followed by simple sample preparation has been adopted. Examination of the ratio on urine samples from 15 individuals after consumption of 60 and 90 ml of whiskey has been carried out at different time interval. RESULTS: A single method for analysis of both the analytes was developed with sensitivity of 50 ppb and recovery of around 80-90%. Examination of the ratio on urine samples revealed that the ratio was >15 in all groups consuming 60 ml and 90-ml whiskey up to 12 h after alcohol ingestion. CONCLUSION: This is a unique highly sensitive single LC-MS method, which has been developed for simultaneous estimation of both 5-HTOL and 5-HIAA on same instrument for proving antemortem alcohol ingestion with high degree of sensitivity and specificity.

A review of Stephanidae (Hymenoptera: Stephanoidea) from India, with the description of five new species.

The family Stephanidae from India is reviewed, resulting in the description and illustration of one new species of Megischus Brullé, two new species of Foenatopus Smith and two new species of Parastephanellus Enderlein. In addition, a Chinese species Foenatopus weii Chen, van Achterberg Xu and a range extension of Stephanus Jurine are reported from India. The male of Stephanus bidentatus van Achterberg, 2002, is newly reported with descriptions and illustrations. Keys to genera and species of Indian Stephanidae are provided along with a checklist of Stephanidae occurring in India.

Flaxseed Cysteine Protease Exhibits Strong Anticoagulant, Antiplatelet, and Clot-Dissolving Properties.

In this study, we purified and characterized flaxseed cysteine protease (FSCP) with strong anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and clot-dissolving properties. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a combination of gel permeation and ion-exchange column chromatography techniques. The purity of the enzyme was evaluated by SDS-PAGE, RP-HPLC, and MALDI-TOF. FSCP was observed as a single band of approximately 160 kDa in SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions. The exact molecular mass of FSCP was found to be 168 kDa by MALDI-TOF spectrometry. The CD spectra of FSCP revealed the presence of 25.6% helices, 25.8% turns, and 48% random coils with no beta-sheet structures. FSCP hydrolyzed both casein and gelatin with a specific activity of 3.5 and 4.2 unit/mg min respectively. The proteolytic activity of FSCP was completely abolished by iodoacetic acid (IAA), suggesting FSCP is a cysteine protease. The pH optimum for the proteolytic activity of FSCP was pH 6.0; the temperature optimum was 30°C. FSCP exhibited strong anticoagulant effect in both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) by extending the clotting time from 222 to 1100 s and from 256 to 1210 s, respectively. FSCP degraded human fibrinogen and fibrin clots. The products of fibrinogen degradation by thrombin and FSCP were different. Furthermore, FSCP inhibited aggregation of washed platelets triggered by ADP, epinephrine, thrombin, collagen, arachidonic acid, and platelet activating factor (PAF). FSCP was found to be nontoxic as it did not damage the membrane of red blood cells (RBCs) and did not induce hemorrhage and edema in experimental mice.

Coronavirus disease - COVID-19: new perceptives towards epidemic to pandemic.

The sudden outbreak and uncontrolled spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shocked the world to a degree never seen before. Due to the wide spread transmission of the virus, the number of infected cases worldwide has surpassed 16,421,958 and global death toll has spiked up to 6,52,308 from December 2019 to 27 July 2020. The virus has been labelled as a pandemic by the WHO. Virologists have found that this virus outbreak is similar to past outbreaks of viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome that caused severe respiratory syndrome and transmitted rapidly in humans. These single stranded RNA viruses come under the genera of ß-coronaviruses which ultimately infect lungs and respiratory tract. Even though the origin, source and intermediate hosts of this virus is unknown, transmittance from human-to-human through various paths has been identified globally. As of today, there are no approved drugs and vaccines. Several clinical trials are being conducted today to evaluate vaccines against the virus. The aim of our present review is to furnish brief details about the statistics, diagnosis, epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 to assist researchers and the society at large to come to grip with the deadly disease.HighlightsCumbersome outbreak of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a pandemicAt June 19, 2020, as per WHO report 8,618,787 infected cases and 457,275 dead were recorded globallyMajor spread was found to be human to human transmissionsPeople with positive COVID-19 were infected with severe respiratory syndromeMore animal and clinical studies have to be done to overcome this pandemic.

New synthetic coumarinolignans as attenuators of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced sepsis and carrageenan-induced paw oedema models.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore the inhibition efficacy of new synthetic coumarinolignans (SCLs) against the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in two in vivo models of inflammation. METHODS: Four SCLs 1-4 were screened for their pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitory potential through oral administration at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight in lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse endotoxaemia and carrageenan-induced mouse paw oedema models. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, TNFα and IL-6) in blood and paw tissue samples were estimated using ELISA. Paw oedema was measured using a plethysmometer. Results were compared with a natural coumarinolignan, cleomiscosin A (5), and the structure-activity relationship (SAR) was interpreted. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Compound 2 had the greatest potential in the endotoxaemia model, exhibiting 66.41%, 62.56% and 43.15% inhibition of plasma IL-1ß, TNFα and IL-6 secretions, respectively. Further dose-dependent study revealed its anti-inflammatory potential even at dose of 10 mg/kg body weight with 24.42% decline in the level of IL-1ß. Nevertheless, SCLs 1, 3 and 4 showed marked inhibitory activity with 57.54%, 51.48% and 62.46% reduction in the levels of IL-1ß, respectively. Moreover, compound 2 decreased the plasma TNFα and IL-1ß levels to 50.03% and 36.58% along with the reduction of paw oedema volume in the local inflammation induced by carrageenan. All compounds including cleomiscosin A (5) were more effective against IL-1ß. By studying SAR, the presence of dihydroxyl groups in the phenyl ring of lignans was identified to be essential for the activity. Also, esterification of lignans and presence of a 4-methyl substituent in the coumarin nucleus were found to play some role in enhancing the activity. CONCLUSION: All four SCLs, especially compound 2, have shown vast potential to emerge out as promising anti-inflammatory drugs.

Converting cellulose nanocrystals into photocatalysts by functionalisation with titanium dioxide nanorods and gold nanocrystals.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising building blocks for water purification due to their high surface area, tuneability of surface charge and grafting of surface groups depending on the pollutants. In this report we have converted CNCs into photocatalysts, without altering the surface groups, by in situ growth of TiO2 nanorods (NRs) and functionalization with Au nanocrystals (NCs) for enhanced light absorption. The control of the density of the NRs assures that the CNC surface and functionalities are accessible for the pollutant, followed by the photocatalytic degradation on the light absorption layer under solar illumination. This seed-mediated NR synthesis can be applied to realize a series of CNC-inorganic NR photocatalysts. The low temperature (90 °C compared to commonly reported growth at 150 °C) of the NR growth provides the opportunity to use nanostructured biopolymers as functional substrates for preparation of photocatalysts using a bio-inspired design.

Growth optimization, free radical scavenging and antibacterial potential of Chlorella sp. SRD3 extracts against clinical isolates.

AIM: The aim of present work was to explore the potential of Chlorella sp. SRD3 extracts for antioxidant and antibacterial activity along with the evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and haemolytic activity to detect RBC cell damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Screening and isolation of microalgae was performed using bold basal medium under normal illuminance (at 27°C) and microscopic observation. Growth of the microalgae was optimized using a different medium and light source. The isolated microalgae incubated under fluorescent light when cultured in F/2 medium showed a highest dry biomass yield of 3·77 ± 0·1 g l-1 , when compared to the growth under direct sunlight (2·74 ± 0·07 g dwt l-1 ). The quantitative analysis of extracts revealed higher phenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in ethyl acetate and hexane extracts followed by methanol. The antioxidant activity of extracts was tested against 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS radical, its reducing power assay was performed. From antibacterial activity, the two extracts showed better inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria. Also, they resulted in very low MIC values with effective activity against pathogens. In haemolytic activity, no haemolysis occurred, when the concentration (µg ml-1 ) was below 64 for methanol and 32 for ethyl acetate extract. In addition, Chlorella sp. extracts were characterized by GC-MS analysis to detect the major compounds. CONCLUSION: The polar extracts revealed satisfactory results against the clinical isolates and the compounds responsible were reflected in the GC-MS spectrum. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study revealed significant biological potentials of the green alga, Chlorella sp. such as antioxidant, antibacterial and hemolytic activities. Therefore, this vital source might serve as a cost-effective, alternative choice to the pharmaceutical and food industries in the near future.