Genomic characterization of Puccinia triticina using molecular marker technology

Abstract Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is the most common rust disease of wheat. The fungus is an obligate parasite capable of producing infectious urediniospores. To study the genetic structure of the leaf rust population 20 RAPD primers were evaluated on 15 isolates samples collected in Pakistan. A total of 105 RAPD fragments were amplified with an average of 7 fragments per primer. The number of amplified fragments varied from 1 to 12. GL Decamer L-07 and GL Decamer L-01 amplified the highest number of bands (twelve) and primer GL Decamer A-03 amplified the lowest number of bands i.e one. Results showed that almost all investigated isolates were genetically different that confirms high genetic diversity within the leaf rust population. Rust spores can follow the migration pattern in short and long distances to neighbor areas. Results indicated that the greatest variability was revealed by 74.9% of genetic differentiation within leaf rust populations. These results suggested that each population was not completely identical and high gene flow has occurred among the leaf rust population of different areas. The highest differentiation and genetic distance among the Pakistani leaf rust populations were detected between the leaf rust population in NARC isolate (NARC-4) and AARI-11and the highest similarity was observed between NARC isolates (NARC-4) and (NARC-5). The present study showed the leaf rust population in Pakistan is highly dynamic and variable.

Bifunctional g-C3N4/carbon nanotubes/WO3 ternary nanohybrids for photocatalytic energy and environmental applications

Ternary nanohybrids based on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) were synthesized and presented for developing stable and efficient Hydrogen (H2) production system. Based on photocatalytic activity, optimization was performed in three different stages to develop carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and WO3 loaded g-C3N4 (CWG-3). Initially, the effect of exfoliation was investigated, and a maximum specific surface area of 100.77 m2/g was achieved. 2D-2D interface between WO3 and g-C3N4 was targeted and achieved, to construct a highly efficient direct Z-scheme heterojunction. Optimized binary composite holds the enhanced activity of about 2.6 folds of H2 generation rates than the thermally exfoliated g-C3N4. Further, CNT loading towards binary composite in an optimized weight ratio enhances the activity by 6.86 folds than the pristine g-C3N4. Notably, optimized ternary nanohybrid generates 15,918 μmol h-1. g-1cat of molecular H2, under natural solar light irradiation with 5 vol% TEOA as a sacrificial agent. Constructive enhancements deliver remarkable H2 production and dye degradation activities. Results evident that, the same system can be useful for pilot-scale energy generation and other photocatalytic applications as well.

Human primary chronic wound derived fibroblasts demonstrate differential pattern in expression of fibroblast specific markers, cell cycle arrest and reduced proliferation

INTRODUCTION

Although wound refers to simple cut in the skin, most wounds don't heal because of the various local and systemic factors that lead to its complexity and chronicity. Thus, prior understanding of the status of the wound is necessary and methods that can differentiate between the healing and non-healing wounds at a much earlier stage is crucial for a successful treatment.

METHODS

The current study aims at differentiating Acute Wound Fibroblasts (AWFs) and Chronic Wound Fibroblasts (CWFs) based on differential expression of fibroblast specific markers such as Vimentin and Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) and compare its cell cycle and proliferation.

RESULTS

Immunostaining and western blotting analysis showed that, AWFs and CWFs differentially expressed vimentin and α-SMA, with AWFs and CWFs showing higher expression of vimentin and α-SMA respectively. AWFs showed higher distributions in G0/G1 (67.43% vs. 62.16%), S phase (22.61% vs. 8.51%) compared to CWFs. However, AWFs showed decreased distributions compared to CWFs in G2 + M phase (8.14% vs. 10.6%). Thus, it was observed that CWFs showed cell cycle arrest in the G1/G0 phase and inhibited DNA synthesis, which was further confirmed by reduced proliferation of CWFs. We suggest that, differential expression of the cell specific markers can be attributed to its pathophysiological status and chronicity of the wound and reduced proliferation rate of CWFs is due to lesser expression of vimentin, which is a key protein for in vitro cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome of the study serve as an immunological tool to guide the chronicity of the wound, which helps to understand the wound towards design of personalized care. The findings also represent a promising opportunity to gain insight into how cell cycle arrest can impact on wound healing and clinical outcomes.

“CSR leads to economic growth or not”: an evidence-based study to link corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of the Indian banking sector with economic growth of India

The study aims to measure the link between CSR and economic growth. This study investigates whether CSR expenses shown by the banks are contributing to the sustainability of an emerging economy like India. For this study, CSR spending of 21 commercial banks, on nine development areas of the Indian economy, the human development index of India, and its indicators along with the growth rate of GDP of India and state-wise GDP for the year 2014-2015 to 2017-2018 have been taken as secondary data. The research techniques used are the case analysis method, correlation, and descriptive analysis. The study highlights that CSR activities are more of a myth and a far-reaching possibility in developing nations like India, where most institutions are engrossed in such activities to gain laurels and secure investors from the globe.

Augmenting the electrochemical performance of NiMn2O4 by doping of transition metal ions and compositing with rGO

The transition metal ions (TMIs) such as Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺ doped NiMn₂O₄ (NMO)/rGO nanocomposite synthesized by facile sol-gel method was used for the fabrication of supercapacitor. The presence of metal ions in the nanocomposite was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) mapping techniques. The fabricated electrode showed high specific capacitance of 710 F/g which was 3-fold higher than NMO (254 F/g). The addition of RGO in the nanocomposite increased the cycle stability of TMIs doped NMO significantly from 51 to 91%. In addition, the symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) fabricated using TMIs doped NMO/rGO nanocomposite with 3.5 M KOH as an electrolyte delivered a maximum energy density of 43 Wh/kg and power density of 10 kW/kg. Furthermore, the SSC device retained 90% of capacitance retention over 10,000 cycles with coulombic efficiency of 99% at 5 A/g. These result suggested that the TMIs doped NMO/rGO nanocomposite electrode is a promising material for high-energy supercapacitors.

The construction of a dual direct Z-scheme NiAl LDH/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic oxygen and hydrogen evolution

Dual direct Z-scheme photocatalysts for overall water decomposition have demonstrated strong redox abilities and the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. Overall water splitting utilizing NiAl-LDH-based binary and ternary nanocomposites has been extensively investigated. The synthesized binary and ternary nanocomposites were characterized via XRD, FTIR, SEM, HRTEM, XPS, UV-DRS, and photoelectrochemical measurements. The surface wettability properties of the prepared nanocomposites were measured via contact angle measurements. The application of the NiAl-LDH/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 ternary nanocomposite was investigated for photocatalytic overall water splitting under light irradiation. In this work, we found that in the presence of Ag3PO4, the evolution of H2 and O2 is high over LCN30, and 2.8- fold (O2) and 1.4-fold (H2) activity increases can be obtained compared with the use of LCN30 alone. It is proposed that Ag3PO4 is involved in the O2 evolution reaction during water oxidation and g-C3N4 is involved in overall water splitting. Our work not only reports overall water splitting using NiAl-LDH-based nanocomposites but it also provides experimental evidence for understanding the possible reaction process and the mechanism of photocatalytic water splitting. Photoelectrochemical measurements confirmed the better H2 and O2 evolution abilities of NiAl-LDH/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 in comparison with NiAl LDH, g-C3N4, Ag3PO4, and LCN30. The observed improvement in the gas evolution properties of NiAl LDH in the presence of Ag3PO4 is due to the formation of a dual direct Z-scheme, which allows for the easier and faster separation of charge carriers. More importantly, the LCNAP5 heterostructure shows high levels of H2 and O2 evolution, which are significantly enhanced compared with LCN30 and pure NiAl LDH.

Microplastic contamination in salt pans and commercial salts - A baseline study on the salt pans of Marakkanam and Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu, India

We studied the abundance of microplastics from commercial table salts and table salts from salt pans at Marakkanam and Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu, India. Microplastic abundance in the salts collected from salt pans had a range of 3.67 ± 1.54 to 21.33 ± 1.53 nos./10 g of salt which were higher than the microplastics retrieved from the commercial salts which ranged from 4.67 ± 1.15 to 16.33 ± 1.53 nos./10 g of salt. All the microplastics retrieved were fibers which were secondary in origin. Black, red, blue, green, white, brown, and colorless microplastics were observed in the samples. FT-IR results showed that 4 types of polymers, namely, Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) were present in the samples. Domestic and municipal wastewater discharges into the estuaries may contribute to microplastics in the table salts. Our study proves that table salts (processed and unprocessed) are prone to microplastic contamination.

Tailoring the capacitive performance of ZnCo2O4 by doping of Ni2+ and fabrication of asymmetric supercapacitor

The specific capacity of ZnCo2O4 tailored effectively by doping with Ni2+

Tuning the type of nitrogen on N-RGO supported on N-TiO2 under ultrasonication/hydrothermal treatment for efficient hydrogen evolution - A mechanistic overview

Efficient hydrogen production through water splitting has been the challenging task to be achieved in the present context of energy crisis. Among the various catalysts employed, nitrogen doped Titanium dioxide/Reduced graphene oxide (N-TiO₂/RGO) nanocomposite has been established to be a promising photocatalytic material for this purpose. However, nuances of doping nitrogen on TiO₂ and the type of nitrogen (pyridinic, pyrrolic and graphitic) stabilized on RGO responsible for facilitating the H₂ production has not yet been addressed mechanistically. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to synthesise N-Titanium dioxide/N-Reduced graphene oxide (NTNG) nanocomposite under ultrasonication followed by hydrothermal treatment. A stainlesssteel ultrasonic bath, of 6.5 L tank size (LxBxH) 300 × 150 × 150 mm, was used for ultrasonic treatments. The transducers located at the bottom of the ultrasonic bath generate a frequency of 40 kHz with maximum power of 200 W. A mechanism has been proposed including the nuances of formation and the stabilisation of each type of nitrogen on N-RGO as a function of ultrasonication time. The present work supports the stabilization of a given type of nitrogen on RGO through keto enol tautomerism. XPS and FTIR studies have been undertaken to identify the different types of nitrogen doping and the presence of functional groups respectively. XRD, UV-Vis DRS and PL investigations have been made to establish morphological profile and band gap structure of the nanocomposite. It was observed that pyrrolic type nitrogen stabilized on N-RGO augments the efficiency of photocatalytic activity through hydrogen production by water splitting.

High and reversible oxygen uptake in carbon dot solutions generated from polyethylene facilitating reactant-enhanced solar light harvesting

Solar-driven photocatalysis is emerging as a key chemical transformation strategy due to its favourable energy economy. However, in photocatalytic oxidation reactions where molecular oxygen (O2) is a reactant, achieving higher efficiency requires an O2-saturated environment in order to maintain a high oxygen level on the catalyst surface, necessitating an additional energy-consuming step of O2 separation from air. Here we show that in the presence of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), the oxygen content and the ability of O2 to diffuse in water increase significantly. We first demonstrate a novel strategy to convert several grams of polyethylene, a stubborn pollutant, into highly photoactive CQDs by stepwise dehydrogenation and graphitization. In a typical CQD concentration of ∼1 mg ml-1, the oxygen level in water reaches ∼640 μM, double that of pure water inferring an extremely high O2 content of ∼1 wt% associated with CQDs under ambient conditions. Therefore, when the CQDs were used to catalyze photo-oxidation of aromatic alcohols by sunlight, the efficiency was found higher than previous instances despite those employing high oxygen pressure, temperature and expensive materials. Besides waste polyethylene utilization, the uniqueness of oxygen enrichment in CQD solutions may offer immense prospects including those in photo-oxidation reactions.

Construction of heterostructure based on hierarchical Bi2MoO6 and g-C3N4 with ease for impressive performance in photoelectrocatalytic water splitting and supercapacitor

This work demonstrates the formation of g-C₃N₄/Bi₂MoO₆ heterostructure for water splitting and supercapacitor; which shows highest PEC efficiency and symmetric device delivered a energy density and power density of 47 W h kg⁻¹ and 4.5 kW kg⁻¹.

Hydrothermal synthesis of cobalt telluride nanorods for a high performance hybrid asymmetric supercapacitor

Cobalt telluride nanostructured materials have demonstrated various applications, particularly in energy generation and storage. A high temperature and reducing atmosphere are required for the preparation of cobalt telluride-based materials, which makes this a difficult and expensive process. The development of a facile route for producing the desirable nanostructure of cobalt telluride remains a great challenge. We demonstrated a simple hydrothermal method for preparing cobalt telluride nanorods (CoTe NRs) and telluride nanorods (Te NRs) for supercapacitor applications. The morphology of CoTe NRs and Te NRs was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared CoTe NR electrode material exhibited a high specific capacity of 170 C g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ with an exceptional cyclic stability. The asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled using CoTe NRs and orange peel-derived activated carbon (OPAA-700) as a positive and negative electrode, respectively. The fabricated device delivered a high energy density of 40.7 W h kg⁻¹ with a power density of 800 W kg⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ current density. When the current density was increased to 30 A g⁻¹, the fabricated device delivered a high power density of 22.5 kW kg⁻¹ with an energy density of 16.3 W h kg⁻¹. The fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor displayed a good cyclic stability performance for 10 000 cycles at a high current density of 30 A g⁻¹ and retained 85% of its initial capacity for after 10 000 cycles. The prepared materials indicate their applicability for high performance energy storage devices.

A one-step hydrothermal derived cobalt telluride nanorods and activated carbon-based hybrid asymmetric supercapacitor delivered a high energy (40.7 W h kg⁻¹) and power density (22.5 kW kg⁻¹) with an electrochemical stability of 85% for 10000 cycles.

Sustainable hydrogen production for the greener environment by quantum dots-based efficient photocatalysts: A review

Nano-size photocatalysts exhibit multifunctional properties that opened the door for improved efficiency in energy, environment, and health care applications. Among the diversity of catalyst Quantum dots are a class of nanomaterials having a particle size between 2 and 10 nm, showing unique optoelectrical properties that are limited to some of the metal, metal oxide, metal chalcogenides, and carbon-based nanostructures. These unique characteristics arise from either pristine or binary/ternary composites where noble metal/metal oxide/metal chalcogenide/carbon quantum dots are anchored on the surface of semiconductor photocatalyst. It emphasized that properties, as well as performance of photocatalytic materials, are greatly influenced by the choice of synthesis methods and experimental conditions. Among the chemical methods, photo-deposition, precipitation, and chemical reduction, are the three most influential synthesis approaches. Further, two types of quantum dots namely metal based and carbon-based materials have been highlighted. Based on the optical, electrical and surface properties, quantum dots based photocatalysts have been divided into three categories namely (a) photocatalyst (b) co-catalyst and (c) photo-sensitizer. They showed enhanced photocatalytic performance for hydrogen production under visible/UV-visible light irradiation. Often, pristine metal chalcogenides as well as metal/metal oxide/carbon quantum dots attached to a semiconductor particle exhibit enhanced the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production through absorption of visible light. Alternatively, noble metal quantum dots, which provide plenty of defects/active sites facilitate continuous hydrogen production. For instance, production of hydrogen in the presence of sacrificial agents using metal chalcogenides, metal oxides, and coinage metals based catalysts such as CdS/MoS₂ (99,000 μmol h^-1g^-1) TiO₂-Ni(OH)₂ (47,195 μmol h^-1g^-1) and Cu/Ag-TiO₂ nanotubes (56,167 μmol h^-1g^-1) have been reported. Among the carbon-based nanostructures, graphitic C₃N₄ and carbon quantum dots composites displayed enhanced hydrogen gas (116.1 μmol h^-1) production via overall water splitting. This review accounts recent findings on various chemical approaches used for quantum dots synthesis and their improved materials properties leading to enhanced hydrogen production particularly under visible light irradiation. Finally, the avenue to improve quantum efficiency further is proposed.

Ultrasonically aided selective stabilization of pyrrolic type nitrogen by one pot nitrogen doped and hydrothermally reduced Graphene oxide/Titania nanocomposite (N-TiO2/N-RGO) for H2 production

Herein, we report the simultaneous doping of nitrogen on TiO₂ and reduced graphene oxide (N-TiO₂/N-RGO) with exclusive stabilization of pyrrolic type nitrogen on RGO network by ultrasonic conditions followed by hydrothermal method for efficient photocatalytic H₂ production. Interestingly, during synthesis of N-TiO₂/N-RGO composite, pyrrolic type nitrogen in RGO has been exclusively stabilized as confirmed by XPS analysis. The exclusive stabilization of pyrrolic nitrogen changed the optical and electronic properties of N-TiO₂/N-RGO nanocomposites by giving two π-electrons to the system for extended conjugation, which enhanced the optical absorption and charge carrier separation efficiency as confirmed by UV-Vis DRS and PL studies. Notably, N-TiO₂/N-RGO nanocomposite demonstrated. This enhanced photocatalytic activity can be ascribed to synergetic action of N-TiO₂ and N-RGO in optical and photogenerated charge carrier separation. Moreover, the plausible mechanism for exclusive stabilization of pyrrolic type nitrogen and enhanced photocatalytic activity were also proposed.

Comparative analysis of functional outcome of anatomical precontoured locking plate versus reconstruction plate in the management of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures

INTRODUCTION

For the fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, different plates are available, each with its specific pros and cons. The ideal plating choice remains subject to ongoing discussion. Reconstruction plates are cheap and easily bendable, but their strength and stability have been questioned. The anatomical precontoured locking plates provide better stability and strength compared with the reconstruction plate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have analyzed both prospectively and retrospectively 55 cases of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures treated surgically using precontoured anatomical locking plate (24 cases) or reconstruction plate (31 cases) for patients admitted in our institute between January 2011 and December 2017. The clinical and radiological outcomes between the reconstruction plate and precontoured anatomical locking plate were compared using Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and plain radiographs, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean time to union was 16.3 weeks in the reconstruction plate group compared with 13.4 weeks in the precontoured locking plate group. The mean score in Quick DASH was 32.65 in the reconstruction group and 25.44 points in the precontoured locking plate group. We had complications such as hypertrophic scar, painful shoulder, and restricted range of motion in both the groups, whereas screw cutout and plate failure were noted only in the reconstruction plate group, which needed implant removal. The mean follow-up period was 16.44 months (14-31 months). The removal of implant was carried out in three patients in the reconstruction group. None of the group had nonunion.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of fresh middle third clavicle fractures with anatomical precontoured locking plate provided stable fixation, faster union, and better functional outcome compared with the reconstruction plating. Anatomical plate had the advantage of less soft tissue stripping, and there is less need for lag screw fixation of the plate for fracture stability as precontoured plate itself provides a rigid construct.

N-Containing Carbon/Graphene Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Supercapacitor Applications

Hetero atoms containing conductive nanocarbon materials are being studied extensively for their electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications. Herein, we report a facile process for the preparation of N-containing carbon/graphene nanocomposites by simultaneous thermal decomposition of polypyrrole into N-containing carbon and reduction of graphene oxide into graphene in H2/Ar atmosphere. The XRD pattern of N-containing carbon/graphene nanocomposites prepared at different temperatures indicated the formation of reduced graphene oxide from the reduction of GO. The FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of N atoms in the nanocomposites and the elemental analysis was used to estimate the amount of N in the nanocomposite. The XPS analysis distinguished the pyridine, pyrrolic and quaternary forms of N present in the nanocomposite. The slow decomposition of polypyrrole resulted in the mesoporous structure to the resulting nanocomposite, which was confirmed by the BET adsorption–desorption isotherm. The electron microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of highly transparent carbon nanosheets. The amount of N in the nanocomposite that depends on the decomposition temperature was found to influence the electrochemical performance. The nanocomposite prepared at 700 °C showed a large specific capacitance of 296 F/g with an excellent cycling stability of 93% after 1000 cycles.

All-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors based on cobalt hexacyanoferrate-derived CoS and activated carbon

All-solid-state flexible asymmetric supercapacitors fabricated using CoS and AC showed a high cell voltage, high specific capacitance, and high energy density of 5.3 W h kg⁻¹ with excellent electrochemical stability.

Aloe vera Derived Activated High-Surface-Area Carbon for Flexible and High-Energy Supercapacitors

Materials which possess high specific capacitance in device configuration with low cost are essential for viable application in supercapacitors. Herein, a flexible high-energy supercapacitor device was fabricated using porous activated high-surface-area carbon derived from aloe leaf (Aloe vera) as a precursor. The A. vera derived activated carbon showed mesoporous nature with high specific surface area of ∼1890 m²/g. A high specific capacitance of 410 and 306 F/g was achieved in three-electrode and symmetric two-electrode system configurations in aqueous electrolyte, respectively. The fabricated all-solid-state device showed a high specific capacitance of 244 F/g with an energy density of 8.6 Wh/kg. In an ionic liquid electrolyte, the fabricated device showed a high specific capacitance of 126 F/g and a wide potential window up to 3 V, which results in a high energy density of 40 Wh/kg. Furthermore, it was observed that the activation temperature has significant role in the electrochemical performance, as the activated sample at 700 °C showed best activity than the samples activated at 600 and 800 °C. The electron microscopic images (FE-SEM and HR-TEM) confirmed the formation of pores by the chemical activation. A fabricated supercapacitor device in ionic liquid with 3 V could power up a red LED for 30 min upon charging for 20s. Also, it is shown that the operation voltage and capacitance of flexible all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitors fabricated using aloe-derived activated carbon could be easily tuned by series and parallel combinations. The performance of fabricated supercapacitor devices using A. vera derived activated carbon in all-solid-state and ionic liquid indicates their viable applications in flexible devices and energy storage.

Facile and scalable route to sheets-on-sheet mesoporous Ni–Co-hydroxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites and their electrochemical and magnetic properties

Sheets-on-sheet mesoporous Ni–Co-hydroxide/RGO nanocomposite with a specific capacitance of 835 F g⁻¹ was obtained by the chemical decomposition of nickel cobalt hexacyanoferrate complex.

Supercritical fluid processing of nitric acid treated nitrogen doped graphene with enhanced electrochemical supercapacitance

Supercritical fluid assisted synthesis of N-doped graphene with nitric acid showed a enhanced specific capacitance of 261 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ and 126% capacitance retention was observed after 1000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹ due to cycling induced surface wetting.