Pioneering superior efficiency in Methylene blue and Rhodamine b dye degradation under solar light irradiation using CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary photocatalysts

In this research work, we have successfully synthesized the CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite for hydrothermal method for photocatalytic applications. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy TEM, Photoluminescent spectra (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer- Emmett-Teller (BET) and Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) technique. As per the optical spectroscopic investigations CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite exhibited the high optical absorption range and its band gap is reduced from 2.95 eV to1.83 eV. The PL spectra showed the lowered emission peak intensity of ternary nanocomposite which is revealed that the better charge separation and slow recombination of electron hole pairs. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite showed 93 % and 86 % towards the pollutant methylene blue and Rhodamine B. Moreover, photodegradation of the pollutants followed pseudo-first order kinetics with a very high-rate constant of 0.02211 min-1 and 0.017756 min-1. Additionally, the ternary nano catalyst was delivered the remarkable stability performance even after five cycles. This research may provide a low-cost approach for synthesized visible light responsive catalysts for use in environmental remediation applications.

Treatment of polluted river water using potential bioflocculant produced by Klebsiella pneumonia UKD24

Chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) is a rapid wastewater treatment process involving treating wastewater with two chemical-aided processes, coagulation, and flocculation. In the present study, a natural extracellular polymeric substance flocculant (EPSBF) produced by Klebsiella pneumonia UKD24, a bacterium isolated from the sewage treatment plant, and a synthetic polyacrylamide anionic polymer flocculant (PAM) were evaluated to treat polluted river water. The synthetic PAM showed immediate turbidity reduction after agitation, while the EPSBF expressed a rapid decrease in optical density. After 20 min of the settling period, the EPSBF showed reduced rates of turbidity, optical density, and chemical oxygen demand at 74.14 ± 5.2%, 89.37 ± 0.76%, and 87.21 ± 0.73%, respectively, while PAM showed 67.08 ± 4%, 85.68 ± 2%, and 86.57 ± 2%, respectively. EPSBF treatment significantly improved the water quality parameters in terms of total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, conductivity, and oxidation-reduction potential than PAM treatment. However, the EPSBF has shown a more water-holding capacity and relatively weak flock formation, producing more sludge volume than PAM. Furthermore, though the sludge produced by the EPSBF treatment had a higher moisture content, it showed shorter capillary suction time (CST). In contrast, sludge formed in PAM treatment had lower moisture content, but it exhibited prolonged CST value indicating that PAM treatment sludge showed slow dewaterability.

Natural bioactive compounds and STAT3 against hepatocellular carcinoma: An update

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging and very fatal liver cancer. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is a crucial regulator of tumor development and are ubiquitously active in HCC. Therefore, targeting STAT3 has emerged as a promising approach for preventing and treating HCC. Various natural bioactive compounds (NBCs) have been proven to target STAT3 and have the potential to prevent and treat HCC as STAT3 inhibitors. Numerous kinds of STAT3 inhibitors have been identified, including small molecule inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, and oligonucleotide inhibitors. Due to the undesirable side effects of the conventional therapeutic drugs against HCC, the focus is shifted to NBCs derived from plants and other natural sources. NBCs can be broadly classified into the categories of terpenes, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenols. Most of the compounds belong to the family of terpenes, which prevent tumorigenesis by inhibiting STAT3 nuclear translocation. Further, through STAT3 inhibition, terpenes downregulate matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), modulating metastasis. Terpenes also suppress the anti-apoptotic proteins and cell cycle markers. This review provides comprehensive information related to STAT3 abrogation by NBCs in HCC with in vitro and in vivo evidences.

Emerging technologies and potential applications of algae in dentistry - A critical review

Algae are effective predecessors of nutrient foods and preventive drugs, gaining global attraction in recent years. It exhibits potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycemic, and cholesterol-lowering properties due to their richness in highly valuable secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, algae produce valuable bioproducts, its application in dentistry is in its primitive stage. This review focuses on the emergence and emerging role of micro/macroalgae as a natural source of therapeutic, preventive, and biocompatible agents in dentistry. Several studies unveiled that Cyanobacteria, Spirulina, and Chlorella species offer high oral antibacterial and antifungal properties compared to gold standard agents. The characteristic of algae to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals, fabricate them as an anti-oxidative and anti-cancer agent. Either alone or by synergism with pinnacle therapies they are found to produce promising curative actions against periodontitis by embattling proinflammatory cytokines. Technologies extend the functions of microalgae as a detoxifying agent, potent drug delivery system, and adjunct regenerative material in chronic periodontitis. Its application as thickening, binding, anticariogenic agent in toothpaste, antibacterial agent in mouthwash, and biocompatible agent in dental impression materials remains very primitive. Low-cost and eco-friendly technologies are needed for the production of oral hygiene products using algal biomass.

Pan-tumor landscape of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-4 genomic alterations

BACKGROUND

Selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1-4 genomic alterations are in development or have been approved for FGFR-altered cancers (e.g. bladder cancer and advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). Understanding FGFR inhibitor-resistance mechanisms is increasingly relevant; we surveyed the pan-tumor landscape of FGFR1-4 genomic alterations [short variants (SVs), gene rearrangements (REs), and copy number alterations (CNAs)], including their association with tumor mutational burden (TMB) and the genomic comutational landscape.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Comprehensive genomic profiling of 355 813 solid tumor clinical cases was performed using the FoundationOne and FoundationOne CDx assays (Foundation Medicine, Inc.) to identify genomic alterations in >300 cancer-associated genes and TMB (determined on ≤1.1 megabases of sequenced DNA).

RESULTS

FGFR1-4 SVs and REs occurred in 9603/355 813 (2.7%), and CNAs in 15 078/355 813 (4.2%) samples. Most common FGFR alterations for bladder cancer, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and glioma were FGFR3 SVs (1051/7739, 13.6%), FGFR2 REs (618/6641, 9.3%), and FGFR1 SVs (239/11 550, 2.1%), respectively. We found several, potentially clinically relevant, tumor-specific associations between FGFR1-4 genomic alterations and other genomic markers. FGFR3 SV-altered bladder cancers and FGFR1 SV-altered gliomas were significantly less likely to be TMB-high versus unaltered samples. FGFR3 SVs in bladder cancer significantly co-occurred with TERT and CDKN2A/B alterations; TP53 and RB1 alterations were mutually exclusive. In intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, FGFR2 REs significantly co-occurred with BAP1 alterations, whereas KRAS, TP53, IDH1, and ARID1A alterations were mutually exclusive. FGFR1 SVs in gliomas significantly co-occurred with H3-3A and PTPN11 alterations, but were mutually exclusive with TERT, EGFR, TP53, and CDKN2A/B alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our hypothesis-generating findings may help to stratify patients in clinical trials and guide optimal targeted therapy in those with FGFR alterations.

Evaluation of setting time, tear strength, dimensional stability and antimicrobial property of silver and titanium nanoparticles incorporated elastomeric impression material

Graph 1: Graph represents the dimensional stability of Group I and Group II samples.Image 1.

Phyto mediated biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Andrographis echioides and its bio-efficacy on anticancer and antibacterial activities

The present study reveals the efficiency of Andrographis echioides for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The leaf aqueous extract of A. echioides was used for the synthesis of AgNPs and they were characterized by UV-visible, High Resonance Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The toxicity of AgNPs was evaluated by using MTT assay. Our present study showed that biosynthesized AgNPs inhibited proliferation of human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell line (MCF-7) with 31.5 μg/mL at 24h incubation. Results suggest that AgNPs may exert its anticancer activity on MCF-7 cell line by suppressing its growth. The silver nanoparticles was studied against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The highest antibacterial activity was found against Escherichia coli (28 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (23 mm) respectively.

Influence of fermented tannery solid waste on morphological, biochemical, yield and nutritional responses of tomato plants

The non-tanned proteinaceous tannery solid waste animal fleshing (ANFL), containing high nutritive value, was hydrolyzed using bacteria Selenomonas ruminantium HM000123 through submerged (SmF) and solid-state (SSF) fermentation processes. In addition, the effects of ANFL fermentative hydrolysate on growth, yield and biochemical properties of tomato plants were investigated. The treatments included T1 (SmF-ANFL), T2 (SSF-ANFL), T3 (recommended dose of NPK fertilizers) and a control without any amendment. Hydrolysates of both SmF-ANFL and SSF-ANFL treatments increased the biomass and yield as evidenced by plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and fruit yield when compared with both NPK and control plants. In this 90-day study, significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes were observed in SSF-ANFL treated plants compared to the other treatments. Protein profile analyzed through SDS-PAGE indicates the expression of a high molecular weight protein (205 kDa) and other proteins in the leaves of the SSF-ANFL treated plants. Overall results revealed that SSF-ANFL can be successfully utilized as a fertilizer particularly for cultivating tomato plants.

Antibacterial and cytotoxic effect of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous root extract of Erythrina indica lam

Simple, yet an effective and rapid approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using root extract of Erythrina indica and its in vitro antibacterial activity was tried against human pathogenic bacteria and its cytotoxic effect in breast and lung cancer cell lines has been demonstrated in this study. Various instrumental techniques were adopted to characterize the synthesized Ag NPs viz. UV-Vis (Ultra violet), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), XRD (X-ray diffraction), DLS (Dynamic light scattering), HR TEM (High-resolution transmission electron microscopy), EDX (Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). Surface plasmon spectra for Ag NPs are centered nearly at 438 nm with dark brown color. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of terpenes, phenol, flavonols and tannin act as effective reducing and capping agents for converting silver nitrate to Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs were found to be spherical in shape with size in the range of 20-118 nm. Moreover, the synthesized Ag NPs showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and these biologically synthesized nanoparticles were also proved to exhibit excellent cytotoxic effect on breast and lung cancer cell lines.

Comparison of the roles of serratiopeptidase and dexamethasone in the control of inflammation and trismus following impacted third molar surgery

INTRODUCTION

Surgical extraction of lower 3 rd molar is the most frequent intervention in oral surgery. This procedure is often associated with significant post operative swelling that may have both biological and social implications. Various studies have been done using different anti inflammatory drugs to study their impact on inflammation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 110 patients who had undergone surgical removal of mandibular third molar. The subjects were divided into two groups by double blind method. In addition to post operative swelling and pain , trismus was evaluated using two different groups of drugs.

RESULTS

One group was administered 1 mg of dexamethazone every 8 hours for 3 days post operatively. The other group was administered 10 mg of serratiopaptidase every 8 hours for 3 days post operatively. Swelling, pain and trismus were assessed on the 1 st , 3 rd , 5 th and 7 th post operative days. The results of the studies were statistically analysed.

CONCLUSION

The results showed dexamethazone was more effective in reduction of swelling and pain in comparison with serratiopaptidase. Both dexamethazone and serratiopaptidase had the same effect on trismus.

The effect of implant design on the stress distribution in a three-unit implant-supported distal cantilever fixed partial denture: a three-dimensional finite-element analysis

CONTEXT

Implant design influences the stress distribution in an implant-supported distal cantilever fixed partial denture and supporting bone tissue.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant design on the stress distribution in the framework, implant, and surrounding bone, using a three-dimensional finite-element analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A three-dimensional finite-element model of a mandibular section of bone with implants placed in the first and second premolar region was created to support a distal cantilever fixed partial denture. A one-piece and two-piece implant and its suprastructure were simulated into wire frame models using Pro engineer (Pro E) program. Four models were created in this study.

RESULTS

Comparative analysis of all models showed that the maximum stress overall was in the cervical portion of the secondary abutment. When used in combination, the maximum stress was when the two-piece implant was used as secondary abutment. The one-piece implant showed less stress compared to its counterpart when used as secondary abutment. The maximum stress distribution in the bone was around the neck region of the secondary implant.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that stress distribution is better in a one-piece implant design when compared with the two-piece implant design, with stress concentration being more at the junction of the abutment and the implant fixture in the two-piece implant. When implants are used as abutments (either primary or secondary), irrespective of their position and design, the secondary implant shows the maximum amount of stresses.

Telescopic overdenture supported by a combination of tooth and an implant: a clinical report

The conventional modality of treatment of partial edentulousness with reduced number of teeth was to render them complete edentulous and provide them complete denture or an overdenture with support of few remaining teeth. The goal of maintenance of roots are to prevent alveolar bone resorption, provide better load transmission, maintain sensory feedback and achieve better stability of denture with emphasis on psychological aspect of not being completely edentulous. Over the recent past titanium dental implants have been successfully used as tooth replacement with predictable results. A combination of tooth and implant support is well documented for fixed partial dentures but rarely for overdentures. This clinical report aims at evaluation of tooth root and implant supported mandibular overdenture treatment with telescopic coping.

Comparative evaluation of dimension and surface detail accuracy of models produced by three different rapid prototype techniques

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a technology that produces physical models by selectively solidifying ultra violet (UV) sensitive liquid resin using a laser beam. These models can be formed using various techniques. A study was undertaken to compare the dimensional accuracy and surface details of three prototype models with a 3D STL (standard template library) image. In this study the STL file was used to produce three different rapid prototype models namely; model 1-fused deposition model (FDM) using ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), model 2-Polyjet using a clear resin and model 3-a 3 dimensional printing using a composite material. Measurements were made at various anatomical points. For surface detail reproductions the models were subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis. The dimensions of the model created by Polyjet were closest to the 3D STL virtual image followed by the 3DP model and FDM. SEM analysis showed uniform smooth surface on Polyjet model with adequate surface details.

Performance-Enhanced Caching Scheme for Web Clusters for Dynamic Content

In order to improve the QoS of applications, clusters of web servers are increasingly used in web services. Caching helps improve performance in web servers, but is largely exploited only for static web content. With more web applications using backend databases today, caching of dynamic content has a crucial role in web performance. This paper presents a set of cache management schemes for handling dynamic data in web clusters by sharing cached contents. These schemes use either automatic or expiry-based cache validation, and work with any type of request distribution. The techniques improve response by utilizing the caches efficiently and reducing redundant database accesses by web servers while ensuring cache consistency. The authors present caching schemes for both horizontal and vertical cluster architectures. Simulations show an appreciable performance rise in response times of queries in clustered web servers.

Isolation and characterization of bioactive and antibacterial compound from Helianthus annuus linn

A bioactive compound with antibacterial activity was isolated and purified from the extract of leaves of sunflower, Helianthus annuus. The bioactive compound was characterized using 1H and 13C NMR. The compound induced auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin in Oryza sativa and Phaseolus mungo. It also showed activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Pre-exposure of calli to ozone promotes tolerance of regenerated Lycopersicon esculentum cv. PKM1 plantlets against acute ozone stress

Studies were performed to evaluate the effects of pre-exposure of calli to ozone in promoting tolerance of the regenerated Lycopersicon esculentum cv. PKM1 (tomato) plantlets against acute ozone stress (AOS). Calli induced from tomato leaf explants were subjected to pre-treatment with ozone: T(1)=100 ppb, T(2)=200 ppb and T(3)=300 ppb. For the control (C) calli, charcoal-filtered air was supplied to test differential sensitivity of regenerated plantlets to acute ozone stress. All treated calli were subsequently transferred to shooting, rooting medium and acclimatized. The plantlets regenerated from the respective ozone (T(1), T(2), T(3))-treated calli are referred to here as T(1), T(2), T(3) plantlets and the plantlets regenerated from control calli are referred to as control plantlets. The frequencies of regeneration of tomato plantlets from the calli were T(1)=86%, T(2)=82% and T(3)=67%, and 92% regeneration was obtained from control calli. In order to evaluate the ozone tolerance, all the regenerated plantlets were exposed to the acute ozone exposure (AOE). After AOE, the T(2) plantlets endured remarkably well by experiencing reduced ozone stress, which was evident from the lower level of hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress-related enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activities relative to T(3), T(1) and C plantlets. All T(2) plantlets showed enhanced tolerance against AOE by upholding enhanced soluble phenol content, a higher level of foliar and apoplastic ascorbic acid, elevated dehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.8.5.1) and glutathione content. The present study reveals that the calli pre-exposed to T(2) ozone treatment resulted in an increase in the level of antioxidants and provided the plants greater protection against acute ozone stress.

A bench-scale, cost effective and simple method to elicit Lycopersicon esculentum cv. PKM1 (tomato) plants against Cucumber mosaic virus attack using ozone-mediated inactivated Cucumber mosaic virus inoculum

Studies were undertaken to evaluate ozone for inactivation of Cucumber mosaic virus present in the inoculum and to stimulate Lycopersicon esculentum cv. PKM1 (tomato) plants against Cucumber mosaic virus infection by using the inactivated Cucumber mosaic virus inoculum. Application of a T(4) (0.4mg/l) concentration of ozone to the inoculum containing Cucumber mosaic virus resulted in complete inactivation of the virus. The inactivated viral inoculum was mixed with a penetrator (delivery agent), referred to as T(4) preparation, and it was evaluated for the development of systemic acquired resistance in the tomato plants. Application of a T(4) preparation 5 days before inoculation with the Cucumber mosaic virus protected tomato plants from the effects of Cucumber mosaic virus. Among the components of the inactivated virus tested, coat protein subunits and aggregates were responsible for the acquired resistance in tomato plants. In field trials, the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that, Cucumber mosaic virus accumulation was significantly less for all the test plants (16%) sprayed with the T(4) preparation than untreated control plants (89.5%) at 28 days postinoculation (dpi). A remarkable increase in the activities of the total soluble phenolics (10-fold) and salicylic acid (16-fold) was detected 5 days after the treatment in foliar extracts of test plants relative to untreated control plants. The results showed that treatment of tomato plants with inactivated viral inoculum led to a significant enhancement of protection against Cucumber mosaic virus attack in a manner that mimics a real pathogen and induces systemic acquired resistance.

Self-fusion of protoplasts enhances chitinase production and biocontrol activity in Trichoderma harzianum

Protoplasts were isolated from Trichoderma harzianum strain PTh18 using lysing enzymes and self-fusion of T. harzianum protoplasts was carried out using polyethylene glycol in STC buffer. The fused protoplasts of T. harzianum were regenerated and 15 self-fusants were selected to study the chitinase production and biocontrol activity. High chitinase activity was measured in the culture filtrates of most of the self-fusants (87%) than the parent. Among the fusants, the strain SFTh8 produced maximum chitinase with a two-fold increase as compared to the parent strain. All the self-fusants exhibited increased antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani than the parent. The crude chitinase preparation of SFTh8 lysed the mycelia of T. harzianum, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma reesei and released the protoplasts in higher number than the crude chitinase preparation of parent strain PTh18.

Synthesis, characterization, and anti-bacterial efficacy of some novel cyclophane amide

Synthesis of macrocyclic di, tetra- and hexaamides with aza and oxy linkages has been achieved and the inhibitory activity of cyclophane amides against human pathogenic bacteria well documented.

First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus Subgroup II Infecting Lycopersicon esculentum in India

During a survey in January 2006 near Salem in Tamil Nadu (south India), Cucumber mosaic virus was observed infecting tomatoes with an incidence of more than 70%. Plants exhibiting severe mosaic, leaf puckering, and stunted growth were collected, and the virus was identified using diagnostic hosts, evaluation of physical properties of the virus, compound enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (ELISA Lab, Washington State University, Prosser), reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (DSMZ, S. Winter, Germany). To determine the specific CMV subgroup, total RNA was extracted from 50 infected leaf samples using the RNeasy plant RNA isolation kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and tested for the presence of the complete CMV coat protein gene using specific primers as described by Rizos et al. (1). A fragment of the coat protein was amplified and subsequently digested with MspI to reveal a pattern of two fragments (336 and 538 bp), indicating CMV subgroup II. No evidence of mixed infection with CMV subgroup I was obtained when CMV isolates representing subgroups I (PV-0419) and II (PV-0420), available at the DSMZ Plant Virus Collection, were used as controls. Only CMV subgroup I has been found to predominantly infect tomato in the Indian subcontinent, although Verma et al. (2) identified CMV subgroup II infecting Pelargonium spp., an ornamental plant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV subgroup II infecting tomato crops in India. References: (1) H. Rizos et al. J. Gen. Virol. 73:2099, 1992. (2) N. Verma et al. J. Biol. Sci. 31:47, 2006.

Induction of systemic resistance in Lycopersicon esculentum cv. PKM1 (tomato) against Cucumber mosaic virus by using ozone

Studies were undertaken to evaluate ozone (O(3)) for induction of resistance against Cucumber mosaic virus in Lycopersicon esculentum cv. PKM1 (tomato) plants. Callus induced from tomato leaf explants on Murashige & Skoog's (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (8.82 microM) were treated with different concentrations of ozone T(1), T(2), T(3) and for control (C), filtered air was supplied. Regeneration of shoots was obtained by culturing ozone treated calli on MS medium containing 17.3 microM benzyladenine. The frequency of regeneration of tomato plants from the callus were T(1)=79%, T(2)=61%, T(3)=42%, but for control 90% regeneration was obtained. Regenerated plants were rooted in half strength MS medium supplemented with 10 microM indole-butyric acid and successfully acclimatized. The plants regenerated from ozone treated callus are referred to as T(1), T(2) and T(3) plants, which hold remarkably increased soluble phenolic content compared to the control plants. All the plants were challenged by mechanical inoculation with Cucumber mosaic virus, shows disease incidence ranged from T(1)=32%, T(2)=56%, T(3)=78% and C=94%. Remarkable increase in activities of salicylic acid (SA), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POX) were detected after Cucumber mosaic virus inoculation, in foliar extracts of T(1) plants than T(2) and T(3), compared to the control plants.

Cholesterol granuloma of maxillary sinus

The cholesterol granuloma is a particular form of granulation tissue developing as part of a variety of tissue reactions. It is usually associated with chronic middle ear disease and is common in the mastoid antrum of temporal bone. Cholesterol granuloma is rare in maxillary antrum. A case is reported of cholesterol granuloma in the maxillary sinus of a 42-year-old man, with the unique feature that the soft tissue lesion is enclosed by thick bone, entirely within the sinus.

Pharyngeal airway changes following mandibular setback surgery

Treatment of dentofacial deformities with jaw osteotomies has an effect on airway anatomy and therefore mandibular setback surgery has the potential to diminish airway size. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mandibular setback surgery on airway size. 8 consecutive patients were examined prospectively. All patients underwent mandibular setback surgery. Cephalometric analysis was performed preoperatively and 3 months post operatively with particular attention to pharyngeal airway changes. Pharyngeal airway size decreased considerably in all, patients thus predisposing to development of obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, large anteroposterior discrepancies should be corrected by combined maxillary and mandibular osteotomies.

Production of gliotoxin on natural substrates by Trichoderma virens

Gliotoxin, an epithiodiketopiperazine toxin produced by the "Q" strain of Trichoderma virens, is essential for curtailing growth and multiplication of phytopathogens (Howell et al. 1993, Fravel 1988). Three isolates (Gv, Gv-A and Gv-V) of Trichoderma virens were grown on natural substrates such as bengal gram hull, gingelly cake, green gram hull, rice bran, soya meal, sugarcane bagasse, soyameal + tapioca, tapioca powder, tapioca peel and wheat bran). It was evident from this study that maximum gliotoxin (64 mg/l) was produced on tapioca powder by the alien isolate Gv. However sugarcane bagasse significantly enhanced gliotoxin production (36 mg/l) in the native isolate Gv-A, when compared to other substrates like green gram hull and rice bran. So far, studies on production of gliotoxin on synthetic media has been reported. We report the production of gliotoxin by T. virens on natural substrates "in vitro" for the first time.

Antidermatophytic and bacterial activity of mimosine

Mimosine, a non-protein aromatic amino acid was tested at 100, 50 and 25 microg/mL on some human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Mimosine exhibited total lethality towards Trichophyton tonsurans and Trichophyton rubrum at 100 microg/mL. Among the tested bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited to a larger extent than the other bacteria. The studies revealed mimosine to be potent against fungi rather than bacteria. This study reports the effect of mimosine on dermatophytes for the first time.

Bioremediation of paper and pulp mill effluents

Pulp and paper mill effluents pollute water, air and soil, causing a major threat to the environment. Several methods have been attempted by various researchers throughout the world for the removal of colour from pulp and paper mill effluents. The biological colour removal process uses several classes of microorganisms--bacteria, algae and fungi--to degrade the polymeric lignin derived chromophoric material. White rot fungi such as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Corius versicolor, Trametes versicolor etc., are efficient in decolourizing paper and pulp mill effluents. Gliocladium virens, a saprophytic soil fungus decolourised paper and pulp mill effluents by 42% due to the production of hemicellulase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase.

Synthetic dye decolourization by white rot fungi

Synthetic dyes are integral part of many industrial products. The effluents generated from textile dyeing units create major environmental problems and issues both in public and textile units. Industrial wastewater treatment is one of the major problems in the present scenario. Though, the physical and chemical methods offer some solutions to the problems, it is not affordable by the unit operators. Biological degradation is recognized as the most effective method for degrading the dye present in the waste. Research over a period of two decades had provided insight into the various aspects of biological degradation of dyes. It is observed that the white rot fungi have a non-specific enzyme system, which oxidizes the recalcitrant dyes. Detailed and extensive studies have been made and process developed for treatment of dye containing wastewaters by white rot fungi and their enzyme systems. An attempt is made to summarize the detailed research contributions on these lines.

Xylanase production by Ganoderma lucidum on liquid and solid state fermentation

Ganoderma lucidum, a white rot fungus, was exploited for its potentials to produce xylanase employing shake and solid-state culture conditions. Different culture conditions such as pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen requirements for its growth and production of xylanase were optimized. The culture media pH 6.0-7.0 and temperatures 30 degrees-35 degrees C significantly promoted the growth as well as xylanase secretion into the media. Xylan and peptone were found to be the suitable carbon and nitrogen sources. Among the different agrowastes used, wheat bran was found to be the best substrate for the test fungus for the production of xylanase than sugarcane bagasse and rice bran in solid-state fermentation.

Influence of culture parameters on paper mill effluent decolourization by a white rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Efficacy of a white rot fungus G. lucidum for reduction of colour of paper mill effluent under various growth conditions was evaluated. G. lucidum cultured in IBME medium supported maximum colour reduction on 18th day of fungal growth. The optimization of growth parameters further improved colour reduction. The 18 day old culture at 4 g/l inoculum concentration resulted in maximum decolourization (89%) of the effluent with pH adjusted to 6.5 at 35 degrees C along with maximum reduction in biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. Relative contribution of lignin peroxidase and laccase to the decolourization of paper mill effluent by G. lucidum was also observed.

Purification, characterization, and antifungal activity of chitinase from Fusarium chlamydosporum, a mycoparasiteto groundnut rust, Puccinia arachidis

Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) was isolated from the culture filtrate of Fusarium chlamydosporum and purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular mass of purified chitinase was 40 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Chitinase was optimally active at a pH of 5 and stable from pH 4 to 6 and up to 40°C. Among the metals and inhibitors tested, mercuric chloride completely inhibited the enzyme activity. The activity of chitinase was high on colloidal and pure chitin. The purified chitinase inhibited the germination of uredospores of Puccinia arachidis and also lysed the walls of uredospores and germ tubes. The results from these experiments indicated that chitinase of F. chlamydosporum plays an important role in the biocontrol of groundnut rust. Key words: Fusarium chlamydosporum, chitinase, purification, Puccinia arachidis, uredospores.

Purification, characterization, and antifungal activity of chitinase from Fusarium chlamydosporum, a mycoparasite to groundnut rust, Puccinia arachidis

Chitinase (EC 3.2.1.14) was isolated from the culture filtrate of Fusarium chlamydosporum and purified by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular mass of purified chitinase was 40 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Chitinase was optimally active at a pH of 5 and stable from pH 4 to 6 and up to 40 degrees C. Among the metals and inhibitors tested, mercuric chloride completely inhibited the enzyme activity. The activity of chitinase was high on colloidal and pure chitin. The purified chitinase inhibited the germination of uredospores of Puccinia arachidis and also lysed the walls of uredospores and germ tubes. The results from these experiments indicated that chitinase of F. chlamydosporum plays an important role in the biocontrol of groundnut rust.