TCF7L2 gene associated postprandial triglyceride dysmetabolism- a novel mechanism for diabetes risk among Asian Indians.

Aim: TCF7L2 gene is believed to increase the risk of T2DM by its effects on insulin secretion. However, the exact mechanism of this enhanced risk is not clearly known. While TCF7L2 gene has been shown to affect lipid metabolism, these effects have remained largely unexplored in the context of diabetes risk. Methods: Postprandial lipid responses to a standardized fat challenge test were performed in 620 Asian Indian subjects (310 with NGT and 310 with T2DM/prediabetes) and compared between the risk and wild genotypes of the rs7903146 TCF7L2 gene. In 30 subjects scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery (10 each with NGT, Prediabetes and T2DM), adipocyte TCF7L2 gene expression was also performed by real time qPCR and confirmed by protein expression in western blot. Results: T allele of rs7903146 TCF7L2 gene was confirmed as the risk allele for T2DM (OR=1.8(1.2-2.74), p=0.005). TT+CT genotypes of rs7903146 TCF7L2 gene showed significantly higher 4hrTg (p<0.01), TgAUC (p<0.01), peakTg (p<0.01) as well as higher postprandial plasma glucose (p=.006) levels and HOMA-IR (p=0.03) and significantly lower adiponectin levels (p=0.02) as compared to CC genotype. The expression of TCF7L2 gene in VAT was 11-fold higher in prediabetes group as compared to NGT (P<0.01) and 5.7-fold higher in T2DM group as compared to NGT group(P=0.003) and was significantly associated with PPTg and glucose levels. Conclusion: There is significant PPTg dysmetabolism associated with the risk allele of rs7903146 polymorphism as well as adipocyte expression of TCF7L2 gene. Significant upregulation of TCF7L2 gene expression in VAT that correlates with PPTg and glycaemia is also seen in Asian Indians with glucose intolerance. Modulation of PPTg metabolism by TCF7L2 gene and the resultant PPHTg may be a novel mechanism that contributes to its diabetes risk in them.

Mesoporous carbon structure impregnated with 2D engineered zirconium: A sustainable adsorbent for the removal of dyes from the aqueous solution.

The key designing of new breeds of the adsorbents aimed to improve the physical, chemical and textural morphology along with surface functionalization, selectivity toward the contaminants, and regenerations efficiency. In this aspect, two adsorbents named wet oxidative and ultrasonicated zirconium impregnated composite, have been synthesized through two routes, i.e., wet oxidation and ultrasonication. In wet oxidation method, carbon-based materials are oxidized using an oxidant followed by impregnation, while in ultrasonication assisted route, the impregnation is carried out using acoustic phenomenon. The characterization study revealed that the wet oxidation process is more competent in impregnating zirconium and developing diverse porosity and functionalities. The maximum adsorption capacity of wet oxidative adsorbent was 812 mg/g for Reactive Blue 19 and 203.18 mg/g for Methylene Blue, that accentuated the efficiency of the adsorbent over raw activated carbon. The electrostatic interaction, hydrogen-bonding and ligand exchange phenomenon are the involved adsorption mechanism for dyes. The regeneration study finally asserts that the wet oxidative adsorbent shows an insignificant decrease in its capacity up to the 5th-cycle (i.e., 87.67% removal at 5th cycle) as compared to raw AC (46.71% removal at 5th cycle). Further, a continuous fixed-bed column study revealed a significant correlation between experimental breakthrough data and kinetic data. Thus, the developed adsorbent has a sedulous adsorption capacity to remove the most stubborn toxic dyes and can be used in industrial-scale applications.

Solar light-driven photocatalysis using BaFe2O4/rGO for chlorhexidine digluconate-contaminated water: comparison with artificial UV and visible light-mediated photocatalysis.

Synthesis and characterization of dual functioning material is an effective approach for the promotion of organic pollutant degradation through adsorption as well as photocatalysis. Herein, graphene oxide was modified by the addition of barium nitrate and iron to construct a smooth sheet-like structure (BaFe2O4/rGO) for the removal of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHD). Compared with GO (75.69%-UV light; 88.17%-visible light), BaFe2O4/rGO showed significant adsorption-photocatalysis effect under visible light (93.95%) than that under UV light (78.17%). The introduction of barium nitrate and iron into graphene oxide leads to a smooth porous structure with increased surface area (93.66 m2 g-1), which resulted in a large number of adsorption active sites and great photocatalytic activity with efficient charge separation. Although catalysts did not mineralize CHD completely, but the parent compound mineralized to some extent, which was confirmed by the TOC measurement and UV254 absorbance variation. In addition, toxicity of degraded products was analysed by bacterial susceptibility test on Bacillus cereus DPAML065, suggesting that nontoxic by-products of CHD were formed, which leads to their safe disposal. Based on the identified transformed products, the possible degradation pathway was proposed. Batch studies demonstrated that BaFe2O4/rGO is highly photoactive based on reaction rate constant (R2 = 0.984), where the kinetics data were well-fitted using the pseudo-first order. Moreover, efficiency of catalysts was examined under solar light to achieve the sustainability.

Adipose Tissue Levels of DDT as Risk Factor for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a potent lipophilic organochlorine pesticide, has long been linked as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, its presence in the adipose tissues of the T2DM subjects has not been explored in the Indian population, where this long-banned pesticide is still in use. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible association of DDT and its metabolites in obese and non-obese T2DM subjects. METHODS: Subjects with normal glucose tolerance (n = 50) and T2DM (n = 50) were divided into equal numbers in obese and non-obese groups. Their plasma glucose levels, HbA1c, and lipid profile were measured. The adipose tissues were collected intraoperatively, and DDT and its metabolites were measured using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. RESULTS: Obese subjects, irrespective of their glycemic status, and T2DM subjects had higher concentrations of DDT. p, p' DDT was found to increase the odds for diabetes, and o, p' DDT for central obesity. p, p' DDD was also strongly correlated with central obesity, glycemic parameters, and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: The excess deposition of p, p' DDD, o, p' DDT, and p, p' DDT in obese subjects may proceed to T2DM by disrupting triglycerides and glycemic parameters.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Tailored Exosomes Treat Bacteria-Associated Diabetes Foot Ulcers: A Customized Approach From Bench to Bed.

Exosomes are nano-vesicles of endosomal origin inherited with characteristics of drug delivery and cargo loading. Exosomes offer a diverse range of opportunities that can be exploited in the treatment of various diseases post-functionalization. This membrane engineering is recently being used in the management of bacteria-associated diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the most crippling disease of society with a large share of its imposing economic burden. DM in a chronic state is associated with the development of micro- and macrovascular complications. DFU is among the diabetic microvascular complications with the consequent occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived exosomes post-tailoring hold promise to accelerate the diabetic wound repair in DFU associated with bacterial inhabitant. These exosomes promote the antibacterial properties with regenerative activity by loading bioactive molecules like growth factors, nucleic acids, and proteins, and non-bioactive substances like antibiotics. Functionalization of MSC-derived exosomes is mediated by various physical, chemical, and biological processes that effectively load the desired cargo into the exosomes for targeted delivery at specific bacterial DFUs and wound. The present study focused on the application of the cargo-loaded exosomes in the treatment of DFU and also emphasizes the different approaches for loading the desired cargo/drug inside exosomes. However, more studies and clinical trials are needed in the domain to explore this membrane engineering.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Exhibit Promising Potential for Treating SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients.

The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the worst global threats in the 21st century since World War II. This pandemic has led to a worldwide economic recession and crisis due to lockdown. Biomedical researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and premier institutes throughout the world are claiming that new clinical trials are in progress. During the severe phase of this disease, mechanical ventilators are used to assist in the management of outcomes; however, their use can lead to the development of pneumonia. In this context, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes can serve as an immunomodulation treatment for COVID-19 patients. Exosomes possess anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties that can be explored in an effort to improve the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Currently, only one ongoing clinical trial (NCT04276987) is specifically exploring the use of MSC-derived exosomes as a therapy to treat SARS-CoV-2-associated pneumonia. The purpose of this review is to provide insights of using exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in management of the co-morbidities associated with SARS-CoV-2-infected persons in direction of improving their health outcome. There is limited knowledge of using exosomes in SARS-CoV-2; the clinicians and researchers should exploit exosomes as therapeutic regime.

Understanding the toxicity effect and mineralization efficiency of in-situ electrogenerated chlorine dioxide for the treatment of priority pollutants of coking wastewater.

Oxidation of phenol, cyanide and aniline have been analyzed by the enhanced electro-oxidation process in which sodium chlorite was used as an electrolyte and results were validated using statistical tool based on Box-Behnken design. The mineralization efficiency of 78.4%, and 98.18% were predicted at optimized variables condition for phenol, and aniline respectively, whereas complete mineralization has been observed for the cyanide at the optimized conditions, which describes the significance of the design model approach.The process mineralizes the higher phenol concentration revealing a drastic reduction in power consumption in comparison of direct oxidation, i.e., 799.36 kWh/kg to 138.18 kWh/kg for more than 90% mineralization of phenol even at a higher current density of 13.63 mA/cm2. The kinetic modelling approach justified that higher current density has also played a role in higher mineralization of pollutants at the specific operating conditions. The by-product formation and toxicity effect on microalgae in wastewater were assessed by the full scan mass spectrometry and microalgae pigment inhibition test after the electro-oxidation of coking wastewater. The pigment growth inhibition rate of Chlorella sp. NCQ and Micractinium sp. NCS2 suggests that sodium chlorite as an electrolyte aid can also effectively used as an oxidizing agent and algal inhibiter in the coking wastewater.

Level of Organochlorine Pesticide in Prediabetic and Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Varying Degree of Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance among North Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) exposure may induce an endocrine disruption which may lead to the risk of developing diabetes through alteration and disturbance of glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and destruction of ß-cells. The present study determines the recent trend of OCPs residue in blood samples and their association with the known risk factors responsible for developing the risk of diabetes among the North Indian population. METHODS: Blood sample of 300 patients (100 each of normal glucose tolerance [NGT], prediabetes and newly detected diabetes mellitus [DM]) between the age group of 30 to 70 years were collected. OCPs residue in whole blood samples was analyzed by using gas chromatography equipped with a 63Ni selective electron capture detector. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of ß-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dieldrin, and p,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE) were found in the prediabetes and newly detected DM groups as compared to NGT group. Insulin resistance showed to be significantly positive correlation with ß-HCH and dieldrin. Also, fasting and postprandial glucose levels were significantly positively correlated with levels of ß-HCH, dieldrin, and p,p'-DDE. Further, when OCPs level was adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), it was found that ß-HCH, dieldrin, and p,p'-DDE levels in blood increases the risk of diabetes by 2.70, 2.83, and 2.55 times respectively. Moreover, when we adjust OCPs level based on BMI categories (BMI <23, ≥23, and ≤25, and >25 kg/m2); ß-HCH and p,p'-DDE showed a significant risk of developing newly detected DM with BMI >25 and ≥23 and ≤25 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: The OCPs level present in the environment may be responsible for biological, metabolic, and endocrine disruptions within the human body which may increase the risk of developing newly detected DM. Hence, OCPs exposure can play a crucial role in the etiology of diabetes.

High levels of organochlorine pesticides in drinking water as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes: A study in north India.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are well known synthetic pesticides widely used in agricultural practices and public health program. Higher toxicity, slow degradation, and bioaccumulation are the significant challenges of OCPs. Due to its uses in agricultural and public health, contamination of drinking water and water table also increases day by day. Contaminated drinking water has become a significant issue and alarming signal for public health globally. The purpose of this study was to assess the recent trend of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) level in drinking water and blood samples of the North Indian population and also to find out its association with glucose intolerance, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance, which are known risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A case-control study was conducted on 130 Non-Glucose intolerance (NGT), 130 pre-diabetes and 130 recently diagnosed T2DM subjects of the age group of 30-70 years. Patients consuming drinking water from the same source for at least ten years were included in this study for blood and water samples collection. Significantly higher levels of α-HCH, ß-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDE, and o,p'-DDT were found in groundwater samples. However, in tap water samples, the level of α-HCH was found to be slightly higher than the permissible limit of 0.001. Among all recruited subjects consuming contaminated groundwater, 42% had T2DM, 38% pre-diabetes, and the remaining 20% were found normal. We also observed that OCP contamination in groundwater is higher than tap and filter water. The levels of ß-HCH, p,p'-DDE, and o,p'-DDT were higher in the pre-diabetes and T2DM group than the NGT group. With an increase of OCPs level in groundwater, the blood OCPs level tends to increase T2DM risk. It depicts that the elevated OCPs level in consumed groundwater may contribute to increased risk for the development of T2DM after a certain period of exposure.

Family history of diabetes determines the association of HOMA-IR with fasting and postprandial triglycerides in individuals with normal glucose tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with family history of diabetes carry nearly double the risk of diabetes than those without. However, the mechanism for this increased risk of diabetes in them is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To study fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) who had family history of diabetes and to ascertain their association with insulin resistance. METHODS: Fasting triglyceride levels and HOMA-IR were compared in 671 NGT individuals with and without a family history of diabetes. A standardized fat challenge test was also done in one tenth of individuals of each group and postprandial triglyceride responses were compared between them. Association of HOMA-IR with fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels was ascertained through pearson's coefficient of correlation. RESULTS: Individuals with family history of diabetes had significantly higher HOMA-IR (P < 0.001) and significantly higher postprandial triglyceride AUC (P = 0.04) after standardized fat meal despite having similar fasting triglyceride levels (P = 0.51) as those without family history of diabetes. Fasting as well as postprandial triglyceride levels significantly correlated with HOMA-IR (r = 0.35, P < 0.001 and r = 0.39, P = 0.04) only in those with a positive family history of diabetes but not in those without. Triglyceride levels mediated the associations of BMI (Δ ß = -0.053) and waist circumference (Δ ß = -0.075) with HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: Triglyceride levels, both in the fasting and the postprandial state are associated with insulin resistance in NGT individuals with a family history of diabetes but not in those without.

Understanding the by-product formation potential during phenol oxidation from in-situ electro-generated radicals by microalgae harvesting.

Advanced oxidation processes have gained colossal attention owing to the prospect of accessible mineralization, but by-product formation and its toxicity evaluation are still inconclusive. The present study demonstrated the performance of electrochemical oxidation process supported with graphite electrodes for the oxidation of phenol from modulated coke oven wastewater. The results suggested that the hydrogen peroxide along with the in-situ synthesized oxidizing agents has the ability to increase the phenol mineralization 1.5 times and by-product toxicity potential on microalgae, Scenedesmus sp. CBIIT(ISM) also revealed that chlorophyll-a synthesis has increased after the electro-oxidation process in coke oven wastewater. The experimental results for phenol mineralization and by-product formation were validated using a mass spectrophotometer.

Performance of biochar-based filtration bed for the removal of Cr(VI) from pre-treated synthetic tannery wastewater.

In the present study, the performance of biochar-based filtration bed was assessed to enhance the removal efficiency of Cr(VI), from the pre-treated synthetic tannery wastewater. The pre-treatment of wastewater was carried out with aluminium formate (AF) as a coagulant and 80% Cr(VI) removal was observed which might be due to the formation of carboxylic complexation reaction. The purity of coagulant and the sludge components were validated with XRD analysis and the results revealed the formation of pure aluminium formate compound as well as a clear change in the crystalline structure in the treated sludge. FT-IR spectra demonstrated the carboxylic compound participated in the removal of Cr(VI) during the coagulation process. The pre-treated wastewater having 20 mg/L (residual) Cr(VI) was passed through a three-layered filtration bed containing biochar, which showed complete removal of Cr(VI) ∼ 99.99% by precipitating into bind form under the influence of CaCO3 and formate ions. The possible mechanistic approach might be due to the presence of formate ions in the pre-treated wastewater, the precipitation of Cr(VI) occurred in the form of Cr(OH)2 by the release of bicarbonate (HCO3-), carbonate ion (CO3 2-) and hydroxide (OH-) ions in the filtration bed. The properties of the biochar were investigated by XRD and FTIR analysis and the results revealed the existence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups, which participated during the removal of Cr(VI). The results suggest that biochar-based filtration bed could be a promising method for the treatment of pre-treated tannery wastewater.

An experimental approach for the utilization of tannery sludge-derived Bacillus strain for biosorptive removal of Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater.

Biosorption efficacy of Bacillus strain DPAML065, isolated from the tannery sludge, was appraised for the removal of toxic hexavalent chromium (VI) ions from synthetic wastewater. Effects of the process variable on biosorbent surface by variation in pH, metal Cr(VI) concentration and retention time were examined using batch experiments. The isolated Bacillus strain biosorbent was studied for its morphology and surface chemistry through FE-SEM, EDX and FTIR. It discloses that, the reduction mechanism of Cr(VI) during the process is mainly attributed to precipitation in addition to the functional groups (such as -COOH, -OH, C-O, P=O) present on the cellular matrix of Bacillus. Biochemical tests and 16s rRNA sequencing were also performed to identify the biosorbent at the genus level. A 95% Cr(VI) removal efficiency was procured by Bacillus strain DPAML065 biosorbent at pH 6, incubation period 24 h, 80 mg/L initial feed concentration and operational temperature 35 °C. Equilibrium behaviour of chromium binding follows the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.968) with an adsorption capacity of 106.38 mg/g. Kinetic modelling disseminates that biosorption of Cr(VI) ions by Bacillus strain DPAML065 obeyed pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.984) rather than the pseudo-first-order model. Concisely, the results indicate that the Bacillus strain DPAML065 is a potential, economically feasible and eco-friendly biosorbent which can be effectively used for removal of chromium (VI) from wastewater.

Physical Mechanisms Governing Substituent Effects on Arene-Arene Interactions in a Protein Milieu.

Arene-arene interactions play important roles in protein-ligand complex formation. Here, we investigate the characteristics of arene-arene interactions between small organic molecules and aromatic amino acids in protein interiors. The study is based on X-ray crystallographic data and quantum mechanical calculations using the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and selected inhibitory ligands as a model system. It is shown that the arene substituents of the inhibitors dictate the strength of the interaction and the geometry of the resulting complexes. Importantly, the calculated interaction energies correlate well with the measured inhibitor potency. Non-hydrogen substituents strengthened all interaction types in the protein milieu, in keeping with results for benzene dimer model systems. The interaction energies were dispersion-dominated, but substituents that induced local dipole moments increased the electrostatic contribution and thus yielded more strongly bound complexes. These findings provide fundamental insights into the physical mechanisms governing arene-arene interactions in the protein milieu and thus into molecular recognition between proteins and small molecules.

Potential human health hazard due to bioavailable heavy metal exposure via consumption of plants with ethnobotanical usage at the largest chromite mine of India.

Usage of native plant species for traditional medicine or nutritional supplement is a popular practice among various cultures. But consumption of plants growing on polluted soil can cause serious human health hazard due to bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals. Present study deals with the ecological and human health impact of heavy metals, in six native plant species with ethnobotanical significance growing at the largest chromite mine of India. Exchangeable, oxidizable, reducible and residual fractions of the metals in plant rhizosphere were analyzed. Only 2-6% of total Cr (270-330 mg/kg) and Ni (150-190 mg/kg) at the mining site is bioavailable. Cd showed highest bioavailability (~ 60%) in mining site posing very high ecological risk (1055-5291) followed by Ni (1297-2124) and Cr (309-1105). The heavy metals in the shoot of the targeted plants were about 0.7 to 80 times higher than the standard limit as per Indian statutory body. The total hazard quotient (THQ) by the consumption of plants growing in mining region was very high (> 1) and varied from 2.6 to 5.9 in adult and 0.6-1.3 in children, while in non-mining region the THQ of same plants indicates low risk (< 1). This study indicates THQ (adult) in the order of, Euphorbia hirta (5.9) > Calotropis procera (4.9) > Argemone mexicana (3.6) > Vernonia cinerea (3.5) > Pteridium latiusculum (3.4) > Tridax procumbens (2.6) through consumption pathway growing in mine soil. This study concludes that consumption of plants growing in heavy metal polluted soil should be avoided due to their potential health hazard.

Integration of cancer and non-cancer human health risk assessment for Aniline enriched groundwater: a fuzzy inference system-based approach.

This study outlines a methodological approach to evaluate the environmental risk from integrating data of Aniline in groundwater near to coal-based industries using fuzzy logic, and a comprehensive artificial intelligence approach and the results were validated using conventional risk assessment approach. The Aniline is well-known carcinogenic pollutant released from coal-based industries, so to understand the associated cancer and non-cancer risks (CR and NCR), 15 groundwater samples were analyzed for Aniline, whose concentration was found within the range 0.10-0.34 mg/L, which is up to 68 times higher than the permissible limit. The alkaline pH of water samples resulted in reduced attractive forces between the soil particles with Aniline, and thereby increased percolation of Aniline into the groundwater. Women were at least risk in terms of Mamdani cancer risk (MCR) and Mamdani hazard index (MHI) which was observed up to 1.04E-04 and 3.04, respectively, while maximum MCR and MHI were observed in case of children, i.e., 1.21-E04 and 3.26, respectively. The newly proposed fuzzy inference rule-based Mamdani combined index (MCI) depicts the combined effect of both CR and NCR and was found to be highly correlated with each other. The detailed comparison analysis exhibited that the fuzzy inference rule-based MCI has better resolving ability to find out priority risk prediction over conventional methods under efficient parameter uncertainty control. Hence, it can be concluded that the fuzzy analyses can reflect human considerations and expertise in indices, empowering them to manage nonlinear, questionable, uncertain and subjective data. Therefore, this tool can predict the more meaningful risk estimation of any pollutants on human health.

Effect of ammonia and formic acid on the CH3O˙ + O2 reaction: a quantum chemical investigation.

In the present work, the catalytic effect of ammonia and formic acid on the CH3O˙ + O2 reaction has been investigated employing the MN15L density functional. The investigations suggest that, in the presence of ammonia, the reaction can proceed through two different pathways, namely a single hydrogen atom transfer and a double hydrogen atom transfer path, but due to the high energy barrier associated with the double hydrogen atom transfer channel, it prefers the single hydrogen atom transfer channel. On the other hand, in the case of formic acid, only the single hydrogen atom transfer path is found to be feasible. Interestingly, it has been found that, in the presence of ammonia and formic acid, the reaction becomes a barrierless reaction. The calculated rate constant values at various temperatures indicate an anti-Arrhenius behavior for both the ammonia and formic acid catalyzed channels.

Synthesis, characterization and sorption studies of a zirconium(iv) impregnated highly functionalized mesoporous activated carbons.

This study aimed to develop a highly functionalized adsorbent material for the removal of persistent anionic reactive dye. The modification process was commenced via a wet oxidation method by using zirconium salt as an impregnating material. The process led to an increase in the overall porosity, thermal stability and its oxidative functionality. The newly synthesised material was named ZrAC. The morphological and textural images revealed the irregular and eroded structures with an increase in porosity of the modified adsorbent. The results of chemical and spectral analysis disclosed that the material had successfully gained the oxidative functionality over the surface that will favour the removal of anionic dye. Equilibrium isotherms and adsorption kinetics studies insinuate that the overall process of adsorption follows the Sips isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model, respectively. The monolayer adsorption capacity of ZrAC was found to be superior (506 mg g-1) to AC at 500 mg L-1 concentration of persistent reactive dye. Moreover, the desorption capabilities of ZrAC were found to be more prominent, which finally affirms its potential use in a continuous flow system as a reusable adsorbent. Additionally, the stability of zirconium, corroborated from ICP-MS and XPS data, revealed the stability of zirconium after adsorption cycles thus verified its reusability. Thus, the characterization and experimental results of ZrAC strongly advocated its potential as a future adsorbent for removal of reactive dyes.

Association of Copeptin With Sense of Coherence in Individuals With Varying Degrees of Glucose Intolerance.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the association of serum copeptin levels, a surrogate marker of arginine-vasopressin secretion with sense of coherence (SOC) among individuals with varying degrees of glucose intolerance. METHODS: The study was conducted in 120 age- and sex-matched individuals who were divided equally into three groups. Group A included individuals with normal glucose tolerance; group B, individuals with prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose); and group C, individuals with newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM). SOC, perceived stress scale (PSS), copeptin, anthropometry, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and salivary cortisol were measured in all study participants. RESULTS: The SOC score was found to be significantly lower in group C compared with group A (p < .001) and group B (p = .006). The PSS score was found to be significantly higher in group C compared with group A (p = .002). No significant difference was found between PSS scores of groups B and C (p = .25). Copeptin levels were found to be significantly higher in group C compared with group A (p = .016). Copeptin levels in group C did not differ significantly from those in group B (p = .056). There was a significant negative correlation between serum copeptin levels and SOC in the NDDM group C (r = 0.31, p = .048) and overall (r = 0.19, p = .037). In multiple regression analysis, SOC emerged as the variable with the strongest association with 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin. CONCLUSION: Individuals with NDDM displayed significantly higher serum copeptin levels that inversely correlated with SOC, a global measure of stress coping ability.

Influence of water on the CH3O˙ + O2 → CH2O + HO2˙ reaction.

Electronic structure calculations employing density functional theory have been used to study the effect of a single water molecule on the CH3O˙ + O2 → CH2O + HO2˙ reaction. The investigation suggests that in the presence of water the reaction barrier reduces from 3.01 kcal mol-1 to -1.86 kcal mol-1. Consequently, when we consider the bimolecular rate constants for the water catalyzed channel, they were found to be 104 to 105 times higher than that of the uncatalyzed reaction. Interestingly, the Arrhenius plot indicates a negative temperature dependency of the catalyzed channel (anti-Arrhenius behavior); as a result of this the domination of the catalyzed channel over the bare reaction increases with the lowering of the temperature. But the effective bimolecular rate constant values for the catalyzed channel were found to be approximately four orders of magnitude lower than that of the uncatalyzed one, which implies that the contribution of the catalyzed channels to the overall rate of the reaction is very small.