Physicochemical assessment of industrial effluents of Kala Sanghian drain, Punjab, India.

The discharge of industrial effluents has a significant impact on the Water Quality Index (WQI) of the water bodies and is a major source of contamination of groundwater. The present study investigated the physicochemical characteristics and scrutinized the pollution potential of the tannery, textile, and electroplating effluents uploading into the Kala Sanghian drain, located in Jalandhar, Punjab, India. In this study, 12 samples were collected from the four sites (leather complex drain (LD), leather complex outlet (LO), focal point drain (FD), and Bulandpur drain (BD)) of Kala Sanghian drain in the dry season. The result showed that the drain under consideration is very much contaminated and the water is not suitable for irrigation and agricultural purposes. Rather it has a bad impact on the health of local people, the physiology of aquatic organisms, and the soil quality of agricultural land nearby. The present study confirmed the water quality index was more than 100, indicating a highly contaminated drain and water is unfit for any use. The correlation analysis shows that there exists a positive correlation between TDS and temperature (r = 0.994), DO and pH (r = 0.808), BOD and temperature (r = 0.987), BOD and TDS (r = 0.978), EC and temperature (r = 0.963), EC and TDS (r = 0.954), and EC and BOD (r = 0.956). The principal component analysis (PCA) confirms that PC1 alone has more than 89% of the variance with high positive loading for TDS, temperature, EC, and BOD. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) reflected two clusters where cluster 1 consists of pH, DO, temperature, and BOD of water while cluster 2 consists of TDS and EC of water. The PCA and HCA study of the data set confirms the high degree contribution of anthropogenic activities through the application of chemicals in agriculture, disposal of municipal waste, and industrial effluents in the deterioration of water quality. The results of the study will help to enhance the sustainable action plan for the management of industrial effluents in the studied area.

Volatile organic compounds: A threat to the environment and health hazards to living organisms - A review.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the organic compounds having a minimum vapor pressure of 0.13 kPa at standard temperature and pressure (293 K, 101 kPa). Being used as a solvent for organic and inorganic compounds, they have a wide range of applications. Most of the VOCs are non-biodegradable and very easily become component of the environment and deplete its purity. It also deteriorates the water quality index of the water bodies, impairs the physiology of living beings, enters the food chain by bio-magnification and degrades, decomposes and manipulates the physiology of living organisms. To unveil the adverse impacts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their rapid eruption and interference in the living world, a review has been designed. This review presents an insight into the currently available VOCs, their sources, applications, sampling methods, analytic procedures, imposition on the health of aquatic and terrestrial communities and their contamination of the environment. Elaboration has been done on representation of toxicological effects of VOCs on vertebrates, invertebrates, and birds. Subsequently, the role of environmental agencies in the protection of environment has also been illustrated.

Genome-wide association mapping identifies an SNF4 ortholog that impacts biomass and sugar yield in sorghum and sugarcane.

Sorghum is a feed/industrial crop in developed countries and a staple food elsewhere in the world. This study evaluated the sorghum mini core collection for days to 50% flowering (DF), biomass, plant height (PH), soluble solid content (SSC), and juice weight (JW), and the sorghum reference set for DF and PH, in 7-12 testing environments. We also performed genome-wide association mapping with 6 094 317 and 265 500 single nucleotide polymorphism markers in the mini core collection and the reference set, respectively. In the mini core panel we identified three quantitative trait loci for DF, two for JW, one for PH, and one for biomass. In the reference set panel we identified another quantitative trait locus for PH on chromosome 6 that was also associated with biomass, DF, JW, and SSC in the mini core panel. Transgenic studies of three genes selected from the locus revealed that Sobic.006G061100 (SbSNF4-2) increased biomass, SSC, JW, and PH when overexpressed in both sorghum and sugarcane, and delayed flowering in transgenic sorghum. SbSNF4-2 encodes a γ subunit of the evolutionarily conserved AMPK/SNF1/SnRK1 heterotrimeric complexes. SbSNF4-2 and its orthologs will be valuable in genetic enhancement of biomass and sugar yield in plants.

Genome-Wide Association Mapping Identifies Novel Panicle Morphology Loci and Candidate Genes in Sorghum.

Panicle morphology is an important trait in racial classification and can determine grain yield and other agronomic traits in sorghum. In this study, we performed association mapping of panicle length, panicle width, panicle compactness, and peduncle recurving in the sorghum mini core panel measured in multiple environments with 6,094,317 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We mapped one locus each on chromosomes 7 and 9 to recurving peduncles and eight loci for panicle length, panicle width, and panicle compactness. Because panicle length was positively correlated with panicle width, all loci for panicle length and width were colocalized. Among the eight loci, two each were on chromosomes 1, 2, and 6, and one each on chromosomes 8 and 10. The two loci on chromosome 2, i.e., Pm 2-1 and Pm 2-2, were detected in 7 and 5 out of 11 testing environments, respectively. Pm 2-2 colocalized with panicle compactness. Candidate genes were identified from both loci. The rice Erect Panicle2 (EP2) ortholog was among the candidate genes in Pm 2-2. EP2 regulates panicle erectness and panicle length in rice and encodes a novel plant-specific protein with unknown functions. The results of this study may facilitate the molecular identification of panicle morphology-related genes and the enhancement of yield and adaptation in sorghum.

Tribological Properties of Chromium Nitride on the Cylinder Liner under the Influence of High Temperature.

The chromium nitride coating is a hard coating used to improve the sliding friction and wear behavior and is applied to engine components in various operating conditions even at an elevated temperature. In this study, chromium nitride was deposited by a physical vapor deposition process onto the cast iron substrate. All tribological tests were performed on linear reciprocating tribometer with a stroke length of 5 mm in a dry condition at variable temperature levels of 28 °C, 100 °C, 200 °C, and of 300 °C corresponding to loads of 10 N, 20 N, 30 N, and 40 N against the cylinder liner material. The worn surfaces of chromium nitride(CrN) coatings after friction tests were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that friction coefficients (COF) ranged from 0.93 to 0.34 from room temperature to 300 °C against the cylinder liner material as a counter-body of 6 mm in diameter; higher temperature results in the positive tribological performance of CrN, with at least 0.34 COF at 300 °C. The wear mechanisms of CrN and counter-body surfaces are abrasive wear accompanied by the slight oxidation. This study guides the wear behavior of cylinder liner coatings in an environment similar to the engine.

Chemoenzymatic, biomimetic total synthesis of (-)-rugulosin B, C and rugulin analogues and their biosynthetic implications.

Herein, we report the chemoenzymatic synthesis of a heterodimeric (-)-rugulosin B, homodimeric (-)-rugulosin C, and several rugulin analogues in three to four steps starting from anthraquinones. This work supports dimerization between variously substituted putative monomeric intermediates during the biosynthesis of naturally occurring (+)-rugulosin B and C.

Chemoenzymatic reduction of citreorosein and its implications on aloe-emodin and rugulosin C (bio)synthesis.

A chemoenzymatic reduction of citreorosein by the NADPH-dependent polyhydroxyanthracene reductase from Cochliobolus lunatus or MdpC from Aspergillus nidulans in the presence of Na2S2O4 gave access to putative biosynthetic intermediates, (R)-3,8,9,10-tetrahydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3,4-dihydroanthracene-1(2H)-one and its oxidized form, (R)-3,4-dihydrocitreorosein. Herein, we discuss the implications of these results towards the (bio)synthesis of aloe-emodin and (+)-rugulosin C in fungi.

A Redox-Based Superoxide Generation System Using Quinone/Quinone Reductase.

Superoxide (O2.- ) generation in biological systems is achieved through some of the most complex enzymatic systems. Of these, only xanthine/xanthine oxidase has been used for in vitro biochemical studies. However, it suffers from limitations such as a lack of suitable heterologous expression system for xanthine oxidase and the irreversible consumption and low solubility of xanthine under physiological conditions. Herein, we report a redox-based, enzyme-catalyzed system, in which autoxidation of hydroquinone to quinone via semiquinone results in superoxide generation. Quinone is reduced back to hydroquinone by using the NfsB (oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase) enzyme of Escherichia coli strain K-12 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydride (NADPH; which is regenerated by using the glucose/glucose dehydrogenase system). This new system relies on quinones that can be recycled and have superior water solubility, as well as enzymes that are heterologously expressed. By using a variety of quinones and reaction conditions, along with a comparison of real-time fluorescence, menadione has been identified as the optimal substrate for superoxide generation. The new redox-based system presents a viable alternative for studying the biochemistry of superoxide under different physiological and pathological conditions.

Monomeric Dihydroanthraquinones: A Chemoenzymatic Approach and its (Bio)synthetic Implications for Bisanthraquinones.

Modified bisanthraquinones are complex dimeric natural products containing a cage-like structural motif. For their biosynthesis, monomeric dihydroanthraquinones have been proposed as key intermediates despite not being isolated from natural sources or synthesized as of yet. Here, isolation and characterization of dihydroemodin, as well as dihydrolunatin, synthesized by a biomimetic and chemoenzymatic approach using NADPH-dependent polyhydroxyanthracence reductase (PHAR) from Cochliobolus lunatus followed by Pb(OAc)4 oxidation is reported. Subsequent dimerization through a hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of the dihydroemodin and dihydrolunatin resulted in (-)-flavoskyrin (68 %) and (-)-lunaskyrin (62 %), respectively. Pyridine treatment of (-)-flavoskyrin and (-)-lunaskyrin gave (-)-rugulosin and (-)-2,2'-epi-cytoskyrin A in 64 % and 60 % yield, respectively, through a cascade that involves two dimeric intermediates. Implications of the described synthesis for the biosynthesis of bisanthraquinones by a combination of enzymatic and spontaneous steps are discussed.

Phylogenetic Studies, Gene Cluster Analysis, and Enzymatic Reaction Support Anthrahydroquinone Reduction as the Physiological Function of Fungal 17ß-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase.

17ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17ß-HSDcl) from the filamentous fungus Curvularia lunata (teleomorph Cochliobolus lunatus) catalyzes NADP(H)-dependent oxidoreductions of androgens and estrogens. Despite detailed biochemical and structural characterization of 17ß-HSDcl, its physiological function remains unknown. On the basis of amino acid sequence alignment, phylogenetic studies, and the recent identification of the physiological substrates of the homologous MdpC from Aspergillus nidulans and AflM from Aspergillus parasiticus, we propose an anthrahydroquinone as the physiological substrate of 17ß-HSDcl. This is also supported by our analysis of a secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster in C. lunata m118, containing 17ß-HSDcl and ten other genes, including a polyketide synthase probably involved in emodin formation. Chemoenzymatic reduction of emodin by 17ß-HSDcl in the presence of sodium dithionite verified this hypothesis. On the basis of these results, the involvement of a 17ß-HSDcl in the biosynthesis of other anthrahydroquinone-derived natural products is proposed; hence, 17ß-HSDcl should be more appropriately referred to as a polyhydroxyanthracene reductase (PHAR).

Nerve abscess in primary neuritic leprosy.

Nerve abscess is an infrequently reported complication of leprosy. We describe a patient with a pure neuritic type of leprosy with multiple nerve abscesses, who presented with tingling and numbness in the medial aspect of his right forearm and hand. Subsequently he developed pain, redness and swelling over the medial side of his right elbow and the flexor aspect of his right wrist. High-resolution ultrasound showed diffuse thickening of the right ulnar nerve with hypoechoic texture housing a cystic lesion with internal debris suggesting an abscess, at the cubital tunnel. Histopathological examination of the pus and tissue obtained from the abscess revealed presence of granulomas with lepra bacilli. The patient responded to surgery and multidrug therapy. In conclusion, the nerve abscess as the first manifestation of leprosy is uncommon and a high index of suspicion is required to make a correct diagnosis.

Asymmetric graves ophthalmopathy as a sole manifestation of autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) is commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, however its coexistence with hypothyroidism is seen uncommonly in 5% of cases. The ophthalmic signs in GO are usually bilaterally symmetrical, however in 10-15% of cases patients may present asymmetrically. The ophthalmic signs in GO are commonly seen with other systemic features of thyroid disease, however when a patient present with asymmetric ophthalmic signs in the absence of other thyroid manifestations, it is difficult to consider the possibility of thyroid disorder, which may result in delayed diagnosis and further progression of disease. Here, we report a case of 22-year-old man who presented with progressive painless bulging of right eye without other features of thyroid disease which on workup was diagnosed as a case of autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Cardiac type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection: diagnosis and demonstration by multidetector CT angiography.

Pulmonary venous developmental anomalies have been evaluated conventionally with echocardiography and catheter angiography, multidetector CT angiography (MDCTA) and MR angiography are playing increasing roles in their characterisation. Here, we report a rare case of a 15-year-old boy, who presented with cyanosis and dyspnoea which he had had since childhood. Cardiac type of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) was diagnosed and demonstrated using MDCTA in this case. Only a few case reports describing the MDCTA findings in cardiac TAPVC are available in the published literature.

The stone man disease: fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: imaging revisited.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare, disabling connective tissue disorder of unknown aetiology. Its occurrence is usually sporadic but may be an inherited autosomal-dominant condition with wide range of expression. FOP is characterised by congenital malformations of the great toes and abnormal progressive heterotopic ossification of striated muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and aponeuroses of the trunk and extremities leading to painful swellings. The ossifications typically appear within the first decade of life, resulting in progressive morbidity and severe disability. So far, there has been no effective treatment or prevention. In the early localised phase of disease it may be misdiagnosed, hence the role of correct diagnosis through imaging is essential. Herein, we report a case of a 10-year-old female who was evaluated radiologically and diagnosed as a case of FOP. The findings of plain radiography are described and the role of CT is highlighted.