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.

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.

Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease PatientsA Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Vascular Calcification (VC) is considered as a cardiovascular risk marker in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. VC is a process characterised by thickening and loss of elasticity of muscular arteries walls. The three pathological forms of cardiovascular disease in CKD are cardiac geometry, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis of the large vessels (carotid artery or aorta). Aim: To evaluate VC as a cardiovascular risk marker in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nephrology Department at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from November 2019 to December 2020. The study included 27 CKD patients who were on maintenance haemodialysis. The participants were 20 to 70 years of age, and of both genders. The Intima Media Thickness (IMT) was assessed by ultrasonography. Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) measurement was done using doppler ultrasonography. Both the measurements were done on common Carotid Artery (CCA), and Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) on both sides of the neck. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test was used in this study. Data were expressed as mean±SD. The p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 27 study participants, 20 (74%) were male and females were 7 (26%), with mean age of 48 years. There was significant increase in IMT of the ICA on the right side of the neck compared to left side (p-value=0.01). Also, there was significant increase in PSV of ICA on the right side compared to left side of the neck (p-value=0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in IMT and PSV when CCA on the right side was compared to that of the left side of the neck. Conclusion: The IMT was increased in ICA and CCA. But there was statistically significant difference only in ICA, where it was more prominent on the right side compared to left side. CKD patients on haemodialysis management could have the risk factors in the form of increased IMT predisposing them to early mortality from cardiovascular complications.

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.

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.

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.

Mechanism of Unstable Inter-trochanteric Fractures in the Elderly

The aim of this prospective comparative study is to analyse the short term follow-up results of unstable inter-trochanteric fractures in the elderly treated with Bipolar hemi-arthroplasty and Dynamic hip screw fixation done in our institution from March 2017 to October 2018. Proximal femoral fractures in the elderly individuals have a tremendous impact on both the health care system and society. Upon treatment of inter-trochanteric factures with conservative management, it usually unites with a mal-union, non-union and with shortening, but the problem of non –union in trochanteric fractures has less incidence. Because of complications associated with prolonged recumbency and its associated morbidities. Primary hemiarthroplasty in these patients provides for adequate fixation and early mobilization. It alleviates pain and improves function. It also prevents post-operative complications such as pneumonia, lung atelectasis and pressure sores. From our clinical observation we would suggest that unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly result most frequently from accidental fall (52.5%), being the most common described mechanism of injury.

Extended genotypic evaluation and comparison of twenty-two cases of lethal EEHV1 hemorrhagic disease in wild and captive Asian elephants in India

Thirteen new lethal cases of acute hemorrhagic disease (HD) with typical histopathogical features were identified in young Asian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) in India between 2013 and 2017. Eight occurred amongst free-ranging wild herds, with three more in camp-raised orphans and two in captive-born calves. All were confirmed to have high levels of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus type 1A (EEHV1A) DNA detected within gross pathological lesions from necropsy tissue by multi-locus PCR DNA sequencing. The strains involved were all significantly different from one another and from nine previously described cases from Southern India (which included one example of EEHV1B). Overall, eight selected dispersed PCR loci totaling up to 6.1-kb in size were analyzed for most of the 22 cases, with extensive subtype clustering data being obtained at four hypervariable gene loci. In addition to the previously identified U48(gH-TK) and U51(vGPCR1) gene loci, these included two newly identified E5(vGPCR5) and E54(vOX2-1) loci mapping far outside of the classic EEHV1A versus EEHV1B subtype chimeric domains and towards the novel end segments of the genome that had not been evaluated previously. The high levels of genetic divergence and mosaic scrambling observed between adjacent loci match closely to the overall range of divergence found within 45 analyzed North American and European cases, but include some common relatively unique polymorphic features and preferred subtypes that appear to distinguish most but not all Indian strains from both those in Thailand and those outside range countries. Furthermore, more than half of the Indian cases studied here involved calves living within wild herds, whereas nearly all other cases identified in Asia so far represent rescued camp orphans or captive-born calves.

Nuclear medicine imaging in osteonecrosis of hip: Old and current concepts

Osteonecrosis (ON) is caused by inadequate blood supply leading to bone death, which results in the collapse of the architectural bony structure. Femoral head is the most common site involved in ON. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used imaging modality to detect early ON. When MRI is inconclusive, bone scan is helpful in detecting ON during early phase of the disease. As newer nuclear medicine equipment, like single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography/CT, are emerging in medical science, we review the role of these imaging modalities in ON of femoral head.

Artesunate as an Anti-Cancer Agent Targets Stat-3 and Favorably Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Aberrant signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) molecular signaling elicit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humans. Therefore, targeting STAT-3 is considered as an attractive option towards suppression of HCC in humans.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to identify a potential small molecule inhibitor that can specifically target STAT-3 and suppress HCC.

METHODS

In this study, we analyze a group of sesquiterpene lactone (STL) candidates that has been recently reported in preclinical trials against cancer by a unified computational and experimental approach.

RESULTS

Our virtual analysis of the STL candidates revealed Artesunate (ATS) as the best potential inhibitor of STAT-3 with comparable potency to specific inhibitor S3I-201. We also observed that ATS inhibited IL-6 driven STAT-3-DNA binding activity with comparable potency to S3I-201 in a cell free system. Furthermore ATS was observed to interfere with STAT-3 dimerization and suppression of both constitutive and IL-6 inducible STAT-3 in vitro. Nevertheless, we also observed that ATS modulated STAT-3 dependent targets (procaspase-3, Bcl-xl and survivin) favoring occurrence of apoptosis in vitro. Overall, the putative inhibition of STAT-3 by ATS suggested its capacity to interfere with STAT-3 dimerization by binding to the SH2 domain of STAT-3 monomer. It resulted in suppression of STAT-3 and also favored promotion of in vitro cells towards apoptosis. Consequently, ATS also exhibited selective cytotoxicity of cancer cells over normal cells in vitro.

CONCLUSION

All the above observations substantiated by unified computational and in vitro experimental approaches suggested its potential role as a therapeutic anti-cancer agent against HCC.

Range extension of the rare braconine genus, <i>Lyricibracon</i> Quicke (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), with the description of a new species from India

The extremely rare, monotypic genus Lyricibracon Quicke, previously known only from L. bicolorus Quicke in Brunei, is recorded from the Indian subcontinent for the first time through description of Lyricibracon jenningsi sp. nov. The two species are described, keyed and illustrated. The genus is a member of the Plesiobracon group of genera of the tribe Braconini.

Effect of Ablation Rate on the Microstructure and Electrochromic Properties of Pulsed-Laser-Deposited Molybdenum Oxide Thin Films

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO₃) is a well-known electrochromic material. In the present work, n-type α-MoO₃ thin films with both direct and indirect band gaps were fabricated by varying the laser repetition (ablation) rate in a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) system at a constant reactive O₂ pressure. The electrochromic properties of the films are compared and correlated to the microstructure and molecular-level coordination. Mixed amorphous and textured crystallites evolve at the microstructural level. At the molecular level, using NMR and EPR, we show that the change in the repetition rate results in a variation of the molybdenum coordination with oxygen: at low repetition rates (2 Hz), the larger the octahedral coordination, and greater the texture, whereas at 10 Hz, tetrahedral coordination is significant. The anion vacancies also introduce a large density of defect states into the band gap, as evidenced by XPS studies of the valence band and supported by DFT calculations. The electrochromic contrast improved remarkably by almost 100% at higher repetition rates whereas the switching speed decreased by almost 6-fold. Although the electrochromic contrast and coloration efficiency were better at higher repetition rates, the switching speed, reversibility, and stability were better at low repetition rates. This difference in the electrochromic properties of the two MoO₃ films is attributed to the variation in the defect and molecular coordination states of the Mo cation.

Does COX1 gene polymorphism (A842G/C50T) influence peptic ulcer bleeding in Indian patients?

This is a pilot study to test the hypothesis that polymorphisms that may be linked to cyclooxygenase production may affect the likelihood and the nature of bleeding in patients with ulcer disease. Of the two polymorphism that have previously been studied for links we chose the A842G polymorphims. Of the 50 patients with ulcer bleeding who were studied, 8 had a heterozygous polymorphisms and 42 had the normal configuration. On comparing these two groups. there were no significant differences in clinical presentation except that there was a tendency to have less gastric ulcers among those with the A842G/C50T polymorphism. Based on these studies we need to undertake a larger studies comparing these groups with those with ulcers without GI bleeding and those without ulcers

A first report of egg parasitism in the Tropical Tasar Silkworm Antheraea mylitta (Drury) occurring on cashew

The present study has documented egg parasitism in Tropical Tasar Silkworm for the first time. The parasitoid is Anastatus leithi (Walker) belonging to Eupelmidae family.  It is a solitary koinobiont endoparasitoid, emerges out as adults from the tasar eggs in 17-20 days during August- September. The parasitism rate was recorded at 11.90 percentage.

Fiber reinforced composites in prosthodontics - A systematic review

Fiber-reinforced composite (FRC), prostheses offer the potential advantages of optimized esthetics, low wear of the opposing dentition and the ability to bond the prosthesis to the abutment teeth, thereby compensating for less-than-optimal abutment tooth retention and resistance form. These prostheses are composed of two types of composite materials: Fiber-composites to build the substructure and hybrid or micro fill particulate composites to create the external veneer surface. This article reviews the various types of FRCs and its mechanical properties.

Comparative evaluation of the three different surface treatments - conventional, laser and Nano technology methods in enhancing the surface characteristics of commercially pure titanium discs and their effects on cell adhesion: An in vitro study

The surface area of the titanium dental implant materials can be increased by surface treatments without altering their shape and form, thereby increasing the biologic properties of the biomaterial. A good biomaterial helps in early cell adhesion and cell signaling. In this study, the commercially pure titanium surfaces were prepared to enable machined surfaces to form a control material and to be compared with sandblasted and acid-etched surfaces, laser treated surfaces and titanium dioxide (20 nm) Nano-particle coated surfaces. The surface elements were characterized. The biocompatibility was evaluated by cell culture in vitro using L929 fibroblasts. The results suggested that the titanium dioxide Nano-particle coated surfaces had good osteoconductivity and can be used as a potential method for coating the biomaterial.

Evaluation depth of the curve of Spee in class I, class II, and class III malocclusion: A cross sectional study

Occlusal plane is an essential consideration when multiple long-span posterior restorations are designed. When restorations are added to an existing tooth arrangement characterized by rotated, tipped, or extruded teeth, excursive interferences may be incorporated, resulting in detrimental squeal. The curve of Spee, which exists in the ideal natural dentition, allows harmony to exist between the anterior tooth and condylar guidance. This curve exists in the sagittal plane and is the best viewed from a lateral aspect. It permits total posterior disclusion on mandibular protrusion, given proper anterior tooth guidance. It is unclear that whether the curve of Spee is a description of the occlusal surface of each arch separately or in maximal intercuspation. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in the depth of curve of Spee between the class I, class II, class III and to investigate the relationship of depth of curve of Spee with over jet, over-bite.

Review of the Oriental genus Neoclarkinella Rema and Narendran, 1996 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with the description of two new species from India

The rarely collected Oriental genus Neoclarkinella Rema and Narendran, 1996 is reviewed. Four species, all from India, are recognized of which two are described as new, namely Neoclarkinella janakikkadensis sp. nov., and N.narendrani sp. nov. from Kerala, India. A key to the oriental species of the genus is provided along with a character state matrix. 

Assessment of well water quality in Tsunami affected regions of south-west coast of Kerala, India

The quality of well waters, based on 23 parameters of water, at 12 stations of south-west coast of Kerala, India, was assessed during monsoon, 2009 and summer, 2010, to determine their suitability for drinking and other domestic purposes. The stations selected were grouped into four regions viz. least, slightly, moderately and severely affected ones based on the severity of 2004 Asian Tsunami at each station. The depths of wells showed variations depending on the seasons and on their distance from the seacoast. The average water temperatures during monsoon and summer seasons were 28.5 degrees C and 30.2 degrees C respectively. The pH of well waters were below 6.5 in least and slightly affected regions and above this value in moderately and severely affected regions. In all the four regions, the well water parameters of electrical conductivity, hardness, fluoride, free chlorine, copper, zinc, calcium and nickel were below, and phosphorus, lead, iron cadmium and manganese were above the standard permissible levels set for them in drinking water. The values of salinity, sodium and potassium in the well waters of moderately and severely affected regions, and the values of nitrate-nitrogen, nitrate and magnesium in the well waters of severely affected regions were above the permissible limits set for them in drinking water. Water quality index calculated on the basis of drinking water standards revealed that the well waters of least and slightly affected regions were moderately polluted in both monsoon and summer seasons and the same of moderately affected region were excessively polluted during monsoon and severely polluted during summer seasons, whereas the well waters of severely affected regions were severely polluted in both seasons. Suitable recommendations were made to improve the quality of well waters of least and slightly affected regions.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms in irritable bowel syndrome in Indian population--a pilot case control study

AIM

This study aimed at evaluating the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in five cytokine genes regulating inflammation at altogether 8 different loci and compared their frequencies in patients with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) versus healthy age and sex matched controls.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected for DNA cytokine analysis from 23 patients with lBS and 20 healthy controls. The cytokine SNPs studied include TNF-alpha (-308G/A), TGF-alpha1 (codon10T/C, codon25G/C), IL-6 promoter (-1082A/G; -819T/C; -592A/C), IL-6 promoter (-174G/C), and IFN-alpha (+874T/A).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between a SNP in IL-b (-592A/C) among cases and controls. There was also a trend to significance as regards to IL-6 promoter (-174G/C). Frequencies of other SNPs were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study shows that there are polymorphism differences in cytokine genes between patients with lBS and healthy controls from India.

Genotype phenotype correlation in Wilson's disease within families--a report on four south Indian families

AIM

To study the genotype phenotype correlation in Wilson's disease (WD) patients within families.

METHODS

We report four unrelated families from South India with nine members affected with WD. Phenotype was classified as per international consensus phenotypic classification of WD. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and 21 exons of ATP7B gene and flanking introns were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were screened for mutations and the aberrant products noted on screening were sequenced.

RESULTS

Four separate ATP7B mutations were found in the four families. ATP7B mutations were identical amongst affected members within each family. Three families had homozygous mutations of ATP7B gene while one family had compound heterozygous mutation, of which only one mutation was identified. We noted concordance between ATP7B gene mutation and Wilson's disease phenotype amongst members within each family. The age of onset of symptoms or of detection of asymptomatic disease, baseline serum ceruloplasmin and baseline urinary copper levels were also similar in affected members of each family. Minor differences in phenotype and baseline serum ceruloplasmin level were noted in one family.

CONCLUSION

We report concordance between ATP7B mutation and WD phenotype within each family with > 1 member affected with WD. Homozygous ATP7B mutation was present in 3 of the 4 families studied. Our report supports allelic dominance as a determinant of WD phenotype. However, in one family with compound heterozygous mutation, there was a similar WD phenotype which suggests that there may be other factors determining the phenotype.

ATP7B mutations in families in a predominantly Southern Indian cohort of Wilson's disease patients

OBJECTIVE

To analyze ATP7B mutations in Wilson's disease (WD) patients from the Indian subcontinent and to correlate these with WD phenotype.

METHODS

We studied 27 WD patients from 25 unrelated families. Twenty-two families were from three southern Indian states - Tamil Nadu andhra Pradesh and Kerala. We applied conformation- sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) to screen for the mutations in patients and their families. PCR products exhibiting aberrant patterns in CSGE were subjected to direct DNA sequencing. As siblings affected by WD within a family share identical ATP7B genotype, we compared WD phenotype among affected siblings within families.

RESULTS

ATP7B mutations were detected in 22 of the 25 probands -13 were homozygotes and 9 were compound heterozygotes. Eleven novel mutations were detected. Only two common mutations were found: G3182A in 4 (16%) and C813A in 3 (12%) probands. 'Hot spots' for ATP7B mutations were exons 18 and 13. Lack of common dominant mutations prevented correlation of individual ATP7B mutations with WD phenotype. Symptomatic WD in a live sibling was not found in any family. In 8 families, a sibling died of presumed WD - in 6 of these, WD phenotype was identical to that in the proband.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the spectrum of ATP7B mutations including 11 novel mutations in Indian WD patients and document lack of a single dominant mutation. Identical WD phenotype among siblings in only 6 of 8 families with >1 child affected by WD suggests that factors other than ATP7B mutations influence WD phenotype.

Effect of chitosan supplementation on antitubercular drugs-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

We have studied the protective effect of chitosan on isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity with respect to the changes in the levels of diagnostic marker enzymes (in serum), lipid components and lipid peroxidation (in serum and liver). The oral administration of antitubercular drugs caused a significant elevation in the levels of diagnostic marker enzymes and cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and lipid peroxidation in serum and liver of experimental rats. There was a slight decline in the level of phospholipids in liver tissue also observed. Co-administration of chitosan significantly prevented the antitubercular drugs-induced elevation in the levels of serum diagnostic marker enzymes (alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase) in experimental groups of rats. It exerted a significant antilipidemic effect against isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatitis by maintaining the levels cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids in serum and liver at near normalcy. A tendency to prevent the isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced lipid peroxidation was also observed. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of chitosan might be ascribable to its antilipidemic effect and/or antioxidant property.