Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022-2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND

Future trends in disease burden and drivers of health are of great interest to policy makers and the public at large. This information can be used for policy and long-term health investment, planning, and prioritisation. We have expanded and improved upon previous forecasts produced as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) and provide a reference forecast (the most likely future), and alternative scenarios assessing disease burden trajectories if selected sets of risk factors were eliminated from current levels by 2050.

METHODS

Using forecasts of major drivers of health such as the Socio-demographic Index (SDI; a composite measure of lag-distributed income per capita, mean years of education, and total fertility under 25 years of age) and the full set of risk factor exposures captured by GBD, we provide cause-specific forecasts of mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) by age and sex from 2022 to 2050 for 204 countries and territories, 21 GBD regions, seven super-regions, and the world. All analyses were done at the cause-specific level so that only risk factors deemed causal by the GBD comparative risk assessment influenced future trajectories of mortality for each disease. Cause-specific mortality was modelled using mixed-effects models with SDI and time as the main covariates, and the combined impact of causal risk factors as an offset in the model. At the all-cause mortality level, we captured unexplained variation by modelling residuals with an autoregressive integrated moving average model with drift attenuation. These all-cause forecasts constrained the cause-specific forecasts at successively deeper levels of the GBD cause hierarchy using cascading mortality models, thus ensuring a robust estimate of cause-specific mortality. For non-fatal measures (eg, low back pain), incidence and prevalence were forecasted from mixed-effects models with SDI as the main covariate, and YLDs were computed from the resulting prevalence forecasts and average disability weights from GBD. Alternative future scenarios were constructed by replacing appropriate reference trajectories for risk factors with hypothetical trajectories of gradual elimination of risk factor exposure from current levels to 2050. The scenarios were constructed from various sets of risk factors: environmental risks (Safer Environment scenario), risks associated with communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases (CMNNs; Improved Childhood Nutrition and Vaccination scenario), risks associated with major non-communicable diseases (NCDs; Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenario), and the combined effects of these three scenarios. Using the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways climate scenarios SSP2-4.5 as reference and SSP1-1.9 as an optimistic alternative in the Safer Environment scenario, we accounted for climate change impact on health by using the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change temperature forecasts and published trajectories of ambient air pollution for the same two scenarios. Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy were computed using standard methods. The forecasting framework includes computing the age-sex-specific future population for each location and separately for each scenario. 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for each individual future estimate were derived from the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles of distributions generated from propagating 500 draws through the multistage computational pipeline.

FINDINGS

In the reference scenario forecast, global and super-regional life expectancy increased from 2022 to 2050, but improvement was at a slower pace than in the three decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (beginning in 2020). Gains in future life expectancy were forecasted to be greatest in super-regions with comparatively low life expectancies (such as sub-Saharan Africa) compared with super-regions with higher life expectancies (such as the high-income super-region), leading to a trend towards convergence in life expectancy across locations between now and 2050. At the super-region level, forecasted healthy life expectancy patterns were similar to those of life expectancies. Forecasts for the reference scenario found that health will improve in the coming decades, with all-cause age-standardised DALY rates decreasing in every GBD super-region. The total DALY burden measured in counts, however, will increase in every super-region, largely a function of population ageing and growth. We also forecasted that both DALY counts and age-standardised DALY rates will continue to shift from CMNNs to NCDs, with the most pronounced shifts occurring in sub-Saharan Africa (60·1% [95% UI 56·8-63·1] of DALYs were from CMNNs in 2022 compared with 35·8% [31·0-45·0] in 2050) and south Asia (31·7% [29·2-34·1] to 15·5% [13·7-17·5]). This shift is reflected in the leading global causes of DALYs, with the top four causes in 2050 being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, compared with 2022, with ischaemic heart disease, neonatal disorders, stroke, and lower respiratory infections at the top. The global proportion of DALYs due to YLDs likewise increased from 33·8% (27·4-40·3) to 41·1% (33·9-48·1) from 2022 to 2050, demonstrating an important shift in overall disease burden towards morbidity and away from premature death. The largest shift of this kind was forecasted for sub-Saharan Africa, from 20·1% (15·6-25·3) of DALYs due to YLDs in 2022 to 35·6% (26·5-43·0) in 2050. In the assessment of alternative future scenarios, the combined effects of the scenarios (Safer Environment, Improved Childhood Nutrition and Vaccination, and Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenarios) demonstrated an important decrease in the global burden of DALYs in 2050 of 15·4% (13·5-17·5) compared with the reference scenario, with decreases across super-regions ranging from 10·4% (9·7-11·3) in the high-income super-region to 23·9% (20·7-27·3) in north Africa and the Middle East. The Safer Environment scenario had its largest decrease in sub-Saharan Africa (5·2% [3·5-6·8]), the Improved Behavioural and Metabolic Risks scenario in north Africa and the Middle East (23·2% [20·2-26·5]), and the Improved Nutrition and Vaccination scenario in sub-Saharan Africa (2·0% [-0·6 to 3·6]).

INTERPRETATION

Globally, life expectancy and age-standardised disease burden were forecasted to improve between 2022 and 2050, with the majority of the burden continuing to shift from CMNNs to NCDs. That said, continued progress on reducing the CMNN disease burden will be dependent on maintaining investment in and policy emphasis on CMNN disease prevention and treatment. Mostly due to growth and ageing of populations, the number of deaths and DALYs due to all causes combined will generally increase. By constructing alternative future scenarios wherein certain risk exposures are eliminated by 2050, we have shown that opportunities exist to substantially improve health outcomes in the future through concerted efforts to prevent exposure to well established risk factors and to expand access to key health interventions.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND

Understanding the health consequences associated with exposure to risk factors is necessary to inform public health policy and practice. To systematically quantify the contributions of risk factor exposures to specific health outcomes, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 aims to provide comprehensive estimates of exposure levels, relative health risks, and attributable burden of disease for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, from 1990 to 2021.

METHODS

The GBD 2021 risk factor analysis used data from 54 561 total distinct sources to produce epidemiological estimates for 88 risk factors and their associated health outcomes for a total of 631 risk-outcome pairs. Pairs were included on the basis of data-driven determination of a risk-outcome association. Age-sex-location-year-specific estimates were generated at global, regional, and national levels. Our approach followed the comparative risk assessment framework predicated on a causal web of hierarchically organised, potentially combinative, modifiable risks. Relative risks (RRs) of a given outcome occurring as a function of risk factor exposure were estimated separately for each risk-outcome pair, and summary exposure values (SEVs), representing risk-weighted exposure prevalence, and theoretical minimum risk exposure levels (TMRELs) were estimated for each risk factor. These estimates were used to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF; ie, the proportional change in health risk that would occur if exposure to a risk factor were reduced to the TMREL). The product of PAFs and disease burden associated with a given outcome, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), yielded measures of attributable burden (ie, the proportion of total disease burden attributable to a particular risk factor or combination of risk factors). Adjustments for mediation were applied to account for relationships involving risk factors that act indirectly on outcomes via intermediate risks. Attributable burden estimates were stratified by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile and presented as counts, age-standardised rates, and rankings. To complement estimates of RR and attributable burden, newly developed burden of proof risk function (BPRF) methods were applied to yield supplementary, conservative interpretations of risk-outcome associations based on the consistency of underlying evidence, accounting for unexplained heterogeneity between input data from different studies. Estimates reported represent the mean value across 500 draws from the estimate's distribution, with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) calculated as the 2·5th and 97·5th percentile values across the draws.

FINDINGS

Among the specific risk factors analysed for this study, particulate matter air pollution was the leading contributor to the global disease burden in 2021, contributing 8·0% (95% UI 6·7-9·4) of total DALYs, followed by high systolic blood pressure (SBP; 7·8% [6·4-9·2]), smoking (5·7% [4·7-6·8]), low birthweight and short gestation (5·6% [4·8-6·3]), and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG; 5·4% [4·8-6·0]). For younger demographics (ie, those aged 0-4 years and 5-14 years), risks such as low birthweight and short gestation and unsafe water, sanitation, and handwashing (WaSH) were among the leading risk factors, while for older age groups, metabolic risks such as high SBP, high body-mass index (BMI), high FPG, and high LDL cholesterol had a greater impact. From 2000 to 2021, there was an observable shift in global health challenges, marked by a decline in the number of all-age DALYs broadly attributable to behavioural risks (decrease of 20·7% [13·9-27·7]) and environmental and occupational risks (decrease of 22·0% [15·5-28·8]), coupled with a 49·4% (42·3-56·9) increase in DALYs attributable to metabolic risks, all reflecting ageing populations and changing lifestyles on a global scale. Age-standardised global DALY rates attributable to high BMI and high FPG rose considerably (15·7% [9·9-21·7] for high BMI and 7·9% [3·3-12·9] for high FPG) over this period, with exposure to these risks increasing annually at rates of 1·8% (1·6-1·9) for high BMI and 1·3% (1·1-1·5) for high FPG. By contrast, the global risk-attributable burden and exposure to many other risk factors declined, notably for risks such as child growth failure and unsafe water source, with age-standardised attributable DALYs decreasing by 71·5% (64·4-78·8) for child growth failure and 66·3% (60·2-72·0) for unsafe water source. We separated risk factors into three groups according to trajectory over time: those with a decreasing attributable burden, due largely to declining risk exposure (eg, diet high in trans-fat and household air pollution) but also to proportionally smaller child and youth populations (eg, child and maternal malnutrition); those for which the burden increased moderately in spite of declining risk exposure, due largely to population ageing (eg, smoking); and those for which the burden increased considerably due to both increasing risk exposure and population ageing (eg, ambient particulate matter air pollution, high BMI, high FPG, and high SBP).

INTERPRETATION

Substantial progress has been made in reducing the global disease burden attributable to a range of risk factors, particularly those related to maternal and child health, WaSH, and household air pollution. Maintaining efforts to minimise the impact of these risk factors, especially in low SDI locations, is necessary to sustain progress. Successes in moderating the smoking-related burden by reducing risk exposure highlight the need to advance policies that reduce exposure to other leading risk factors such as ambient particulate matter air pollution and high SBP. Troubling increases in high FPG, high BMI, and other risk factors related to obesity and metabolic syndrome indicate an urgent need to identify and implement interventions.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Withdrawal notice to "Structural and functional characterization for interaction of silver nanoparticles with ergostrol in Trichoderma harzianum" [Microb. Pathog. 125 (2018) 318-324]

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor and publisher. The publisher regrets that an error occurred which led to the premature publication of this paper. This error bears no reflection on the article or its authors. The publisher apologizes to the authors and the readers for this unfortunate error. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal).

Characterization of the antagonistic potential of the glyphosate-tolerant Pseudomonas resinovorans SZMC 25872 strain against the plant pathogenic bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens

The utilization of microorganisms with biocontrol activity against fungal and bacterial pathogens of plants is recognized as a promising, effective, and environment-friendly strategy to protect agricultural crops. We report the glyphosate-tolerant Pseudomonas resinovorans SZMC 25872 isolate as a novel strain with antagonistic potential towards the plant pathogenic bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. In our studies, the growth of the P. resinovorans SZMC 25872 and A. tumefaciens SZMC 14557 isolates in the presence of 74 different carbon sources, and the effect of 11 carbon sources utilized by both strains on the biocontrol efficacy was examined. Seven variations of media with different carbon sources were selected for the assays to observe the biocontrol potential of the P. resinovorans strain. Also, 50% concentrations of the cell-free culture filtrates (CCF) obtained from medium amended with L-alanine or succinic acid as sole carbon source were found to be effective for the growth suppression of A. tumefaciens by 83.03 and 56.80%, respectively. The effect of 7 media on siderophore amount and the activity of extracellular trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like proteases, as well as esterases were also evaluated. Significant positive correlation was found between the siderophore amount and the percentage of inhibition, and the inhibitory effect of the CCFs obtained from medium amended with succinic acid was eliminated in the presence of an additional iron source, suggesting that siderophores produced by P. resinovorans play an important role in its antagonistic potential. The metabolic profile analysis of the P. resinovorans SZMC 25872 strain, performed by high performance liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS), has identified several previously not reported metabolites that might play role in the antagonistic effect against A. tumefaciens. Based on our findings we suggest that the possible inhibition modes of A. tumefaciens SZMC 14557 by P. resinovorans SZMC 25872 include siderophore-mediated suppression, extracellular enzyme activities and novel bioactive metabolites.

Retraction Note: Improved glycemic control, pancreas protective and hepatoprotective effect by traditional poly-herbal formulation "Qurs Tabasheer" in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-10.

Differential expression of long non-coding RNAs under Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infection in goats

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) characterized by fever, sore mouth, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and pneumonia, is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats. The role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in PPRV infection has not been explored to date. In this study, the transcriptome profiles of virulent Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) infected goat tissues – lung and spleen were analyzed to identify the role of lncRNAs in PPRV infection. A total of 13,928 lncRNA transcripts were identified, out of which 170 were known lncRNAs. Intergenic lncRNAs (7625) formed the major chunk of the novel lncRNA transcripts. Differential expression analysis revealed that 15 lncRNAs (11 downregulated and 4 upregulated) in the PPRV infected spleen samples and 16 lncRNAs (13 downregulated and 3 upregulated) in PPRV infected lung samples were differentially expressed as compared to control. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) possibly regulate various immunological processes related to natural killer cell activation, antigen processing and presentation, and B cell activity, by regulating the expression of mRNAs through the cis- or trans-regulatory mechanism. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) revealed enrichment of immune pathways and biological processes in concordance with the pathways in which correlated lncRNA-neighboring genes were enriched. The results suggest that a coordinated immune response is raised in both lung and spleen tissues of the goat through mRNA-lncRNA crosstalk.

Synergistic Effect of Azotobacter nigricans and Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Fertilizer on Agronomic and Yieldtraits of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) Azotobacter spp. is the most promising bacteria among all microorganisms. It is an aerobic, free-living, and N2-fixing bacterium that commonly lives in soil, water, and sediments. It can be used as a biofertilizer for plant growth and nutrient utilization efficiency. Maize is the highly consumed cereal food crop of the cosmopolitan population, and the sustainable maize productivity achieved by applying bacteria in combination with nitrogen phosphorus potassium (NPK) is promising. In the present study, a bacterial isolate (PR19). Azotobacter nigricans, obtained from the soil of an organic farm was evaluated for its plant growth promoting potential alone and in combination with an inorganic fertilizer (NPK) included. The bacterial cultue (PR19) was screened for its morphological, biochemical, and plant growth-promoting characteristics, sequenced by the 16S rDNA method, and submitted to NCBI for the confirmation of strain identification. Further, the inoculation effect of the bacterial culture (PR19) in combination with NPK on growth and yield parameters of maize under pot were analyzed. Based on phenotypic and molecular characteristics, PR19 was identified as Azotobacter nigricans it was submitted to NCBI genbank under the accession No. KP966496. The bacterial isolate possessed multiple plant growth-promoting (MPGP) traits such as the production of ammonia, siderophore, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ACC Deaminase (ACCD). It showed phosphate solubilization activity and tolerance to 20% salt, wide range of pH 5-9, higher levels of trace elements and heavy metals, and resistance to multiple antibiotics. PR19 expressed significantly increased (p < 0.001) antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GSH) under the abiotic stress of salinity and pH. In vitro condition, inoculation of maize with the PR19 showed a significant increase in seed germination and enhancement in elongation of root and shoot compared to untreated control. The combined application of the PR19 and NPK treatments showed similar significant results in all growth and yield parameters of maize variety SHIATS-M S2. This study is the first report on the beneficial effects of organic farm isolated PR19-NPK treatment combinations on sustainable maize productivity.

Biosynthesis Pathways, Transport Mechanisms and Biotechnological Applications of Fungal Siderophores

Iron (Fe) is the fourth most abundant element on earth and represents an essential nutrient for life. As a fundamental mineral element for cell growth and development, iron is available for uptake as ferric ions, which are usually oxidized into complex oxyhydroxide polymers, insoluble under aerobic conditions. In these conditions, the bioavailability of iron is dramatically reduced. As a result, microorganisms face problems of iron acquisition, especially under low concentrations of this element. However, some microbes have evolved mechanisms for obtaining ferric irons from the extracellular medium or environment by forming small molecules often regarded as siderophores. Siderophores are high affinity iron-binding molecules produced by a repertoire of proteins found in the cytoplasm of cyanobacteria, bacteria, fungi, and plants. Common groups of siderophores include hydroxamates, catecholates, carboxylates, and hydroximates. The hydroxamate siderophores are commonly synthesized by fungi. L-ornithine is a biosynthetic precursor of siderophores, which is synthesized from multimodular large enzyme complexes through non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), while siderophore-Fe chelators cell wall mannoproteins (FIT1, FIT2, and FIT3) help the retention of siderophores. S. cerevisiae, for example, can express these proteins in two genetically separate systems (reductive and nonreductive) in the plasma membrane. These proteins can convert Fe (III) into Fe (II) by a ferrous-specific metalloreductase enzyme complex and flavin reductases (FREs). However, regulation of the siderophore through Fur Box protein on the DNA promoter region and its activation or repression depend primarily on the Fe availability in the external medium. Siderophores are essential due to their wide range of applications in biotechnology, medicine, bioremediation of heavy metal polluted environments, biocontrol of plant pathogens, and plant growth enhancement.

A Comprehensive Review on the Heavy Metal Toxicity and Sequestration in Plants

Heavy metal (HM) toxicity has become a global concern in recent years and is imposing a severe threat to the environment and human health. In the case of plants, a higher concentration of HMs, above a threshold, adversely affects cellular metabolism because of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which target the key biological molecules. Moreover, some of the HMs such as mercury and arsenic, among others, can directly alter the protein/enzyme activities by targeting their –SH group to further impede the cellular metabolism. Particularly, inhibition of photosynthesis has been reported under HM toxicity because HMs trigger the degradation of chlorophyll molecules by enhancing the chlorophyllase activity and by replacing the central Mg ion in the porphyrin ring which affects overall plant growth and yield. Consequently, plants utilize various strategies to mitigate the negative impact of HM toxicity by limiting the uptake of these HMs and their sequestration into the vacuoles with the help of various molecules including proteins such as phytochelatins, metallothionein, compatible solutes, and secondary metabolites. In this comprehensive review, we provided insights towards a wider aspect of HM toxicity, ranging from their negative impact on plant growth to the mechanisms employed by the plants to alleviate the HM toxicity and presented the molecular mechanism of HMs toxicity and sequestration in plants.

Technological advances for improving fungal cellulase production from fruit wastes for bioenergy application: A review

Fruit wastes can be imperative to elevate economical biomass to biofuels production process at pilot scale. Because of the renewable features, huge availability, having low lignin content organic nature and low cost; these wastes can be of much interest for cellulase enzyme production. This review provides recent advances on the fungal cellulase production using fruit wastes as a potential substrate. Also, the availability of fruit wastes, generation and processing data and their potential applications for cellulase enzyme production have been discussed. Several aspects, including cellulase and its function, solid-state fermentation, process parameters, microbial source, and the application of enzyme in biofuels industries have also been discussed. Further, emphasis has been made on various bottlenecks and feasible approaches such as use of nanomaterials, co-culture, molecular techniques, genetic engineering, and cost economy analysis to develop a low-cost based comprehensive technology for viable production of cellulase and its application in biofuels production technology.

Analysis of culturable airborne fungi in outdoor environments in Tianjin, China

Background

Fungal spores dispersed in the atmosphere may become cause of different pathological conditions and allergies for human beings. A number of studies have been performed to analyze the diversity of airborne fungi in different environments worldwide, and in particular in many urban areas in China. We investigated, for the first time, the diversity, concentration and distribution of airborne fungi in Tianjin city. We sampled 8 outdoor environments, using open plate method, during a whole winter season. Isolated fungi were identified by morphological and molecular analysis. Environmental factors which could influence the airborne fungi concentration (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and air pressure) were monitored and analyzed. The effect of different urban site functions (busy areas with high traffic flow and commercial activities vs. green areas) on airborne fungal diversity was also analyzed.

Results

A total of 560 fungal strains, belonging to 110 species and 49 genera of Ascomycota (80 %), Basidiomycota (18 %), and Mucoromycota (2 %) were isolated in this study. The dominant fungal genus was Alternaria (22 %), followed by Cladosporium (18.4 %), Naganishia (14.1 %), Fusarium (5.9 %), Phoma (4.11 %), and Didymella (4.8 %). A fungal concentration ranging from 0 to 3224.13 CFU m^− 3 was recorded during the whole study. Permutational multivariate analysis showed that the month was the most influential factor for airborne fungal community structure, probably because it can be regarded as a proxy of environmental variables, followed by wind speed. The two analyzed environments (busy vs. green) had no detectable effect on the air fungal community, which could be related to the relatively small size of parks in Tianjin and/or to the study season.

Conclusions

Our study shed light on the highly diverse community of airborne fungi characterizing the outdoor environments of Tianjin, and clarified the role that different environmental factors played in shaping the analyzed fungal community. The dominant presence of fungi with potential hazardous effect on human health, such as Alternaria, Cladosporium and Naganishia, deserves further attention. Our results may represent a valuable source of information for air quality monitoring, microbial pollution control, and airborne diseases prevention.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02205-2.

Artificial intelligence technologies empowering identification of novel diagnostic molecular markers in gastric cancer

In recent clinical practice the molecular diagnostics have been significantly empowered and upgraded by the use of Artificial Intelligence and its assisted technologies. The use of Machine leaning and Deep Learning Neural network architectures have brought in a new dimension in clinical oncological research and development. These algorithm based software system with enhanced digital image analysis have emerged into a new branch of digital pathology and contributed immensely towards precision medicine and personal diagnostics. In India, gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in males as well as in females. Various molecular biomarkers are associated with gastric cancer development and progression of which HER2 protein, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase (TK) receptor of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) family is of prime importance. The EGF receptor expression in gastric cancer is linked with its prognostics and theragnostics. These expressions are assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular techniques such as Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), as per recommendations for HER2 targeted immunotherapy. These have motivated the software giants like Google Inc. to produce innovative state of art technologies mimicking human traits such as learning and problem solving skill sets. This field is still under development and is slowly evolving and capturing global importance in recent times. A literature search on PubMed was performed to access updated information for this manuscript.

Advances in nanomaterials induced biohydrogen production using waste biomass

Recent advances on biohydrogen production using different types of waste biomass with the implementation of nanomaterials are summarized. Inspired by exceptional physicochemical and catalytic properties of nanomaterials, the present review focuses on several approaches including impact of nanomaterials on cellulosic biohydrogen production, possible pretreatment technology, as well as improved enzyme & sugar production in order to enhance the biohydrogen yield. Particularly, impacts of nanomaterial are elaborated in detail on different pathways of biohydrogen production (e.g. dark fermentation, photo-fermentation and hybrid-fermentation) using variety of waste biomass. Additionally, emphases are made on the feasibility of nanomaterials for making the biohydrogen production process more economical and sustainable and hence to develop advanced techniques for biohydrogen production using waste biomass.

In Vivo Biocompatibility of Electrospun Biodegradable Dual Carrier (Antibiotic + Growth Factor) in a Mouse Model-Implications for Rapid Wound Healing

Tissue engineering technologies involving growth factors have produced one of the most advanced generations of diabetic wound healing solutions. Using this approach, a nanocomposite carrier was designed using Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/Gelatin polymer solutions for the simultaneous release of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) and gentamicin sulfate at the wound site to hasten the process of diabetic wound healing and inactivation of bacterial growth. The physicochemical characterization of the fabricated scaffolds was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ay diffraction (XRD). The scaffolds were analyzed for thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The porosity, biodegradability, and swelling behavior of the scaffolds was also evaluated. Encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, and in vitro drug release were also investigated. Further, the bacterial inhibition percentage and detailed in vivo biocompatibility for wound healing efficiency was performed on diabetic C57BL6 mice with dorsal wounds. The scaffolds exhibited excellent wound healing and continuous proliferation of cells for 12 days. These results support the applicability of such systems in rapid healing of diabetic wounds and ulcers.

A novel strategy to enhance biohydrogen production using graphene oxide treated thermostable crude cellulase and sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzate under co-culture system

Graphene oxide (GO) treated thermostable crude cellulase has been obtained via fungal co-cultivation of strain Cladosporium cladosporioides NS2 and Emericella variecolor NS3 using mix substrate of orange peel and rice straw under solid state fermentation (SSF). Enzyme activity of 60 IU/gds FP, 300 IU/gds EG and 400 IU/gds BGL are recorded in the presence of 1.0% GO in 96 h. This crude enzyme showed 50 °C as optimum incubation temperature, thermally stable at 55 °C for 600 min and stability in the pH range 4.5-8.0. Further, 70.04 g/L of sugar hydrolyzate is obtained from enzymatic conversion of 3.0% alkali pre-treated baggase using GO treated crude cellulase. Finally, 2870 ml/L cumulative biohydrogen production having bacterial biomass ∼2.2 g/L and the complimentary initial pH 7.0 is recorded from sugar hydrolyzate via dark fermentation using co-culture of Clostridium pasteurianum (MTCC116) and a newly isolated Bacillus subtilis PF_1.

WITHDRAWN: Structural and functional characterization for interaction of silver nanoparticles with ergostrol in Trichoderma harzianum

This article has been withdrawn: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor and publisher. The publisher regrets that an error occurred which led to the premature publication of this paper. This error bears no reflection on the article or its authors. The publisher apologizes to the authors and the readers for this unfortunate error.

Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of conessine against multi drug resistant Serratia marcescens

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is an immediate precursor of polyamine biosynthesis in Serratia marcescens and a potential target for inhibition of its growth. We predicted the 3D structural conformation of ODC enzyme and validated it using MDS in our previous study. In this current study, the potential inhibitors of ODC were obtained by virtual screening of potential inhibitors from ZINC database and studied in depth for their different binding pose. Among the ten virtually screened inhibitors, Conessine exhibited the best binding with ODC and its inhibition property was studied further by MDS studies. The natural compound conessine is isolated from plant Holarrhena antidysenterica and it is studied against ODC of Serratia marcenses for its inhibitory potentials. This revealed unforeseen twisted position in root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and ODC modelled conformation that influenced ligand binding. Both predicted model and ligand bound model were compared and found to be stable with Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) of approximately 7 nm and 0.25 nm to that of crystallographic structure over simulation time of 55 ns and 70 ns respectively. This work paves the way for future development of new drugs against nosocomial diseases caused by Serratia marcescens.

Attenuation of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) - Induced hepatic cancer in experimental model of Wistar rats by Carissa carandas embedded silver nanoparticles

OBJECTIVE

Hepatic cancer is well known, and leading cancer around the world and remain asymptomatic diseases. Carissa carandas possess anti-proliferative, antioxidant, hepatoprotective property and used in hepatic cancer. The current study deals to evaluate the chemoprotective and therapeutic property of Carissa carandas embedded silver nanoparticles (CCAgNPs) against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) -induced hepatic cancer.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Wistar rats were divided into six groups and hepatic cancer was induced with diethylnitrosamine at the dose of 200 mg/kg BW. The animals were gastrogavaged with standard drug and CCAgNPs for 16 weeks. Serum biomarkers, haematological profile, antioxidants enzymes, inflammatory markers and membrane bound enzymes were assessed to find the anti-proliferative potential of silver nanoparticles. Histological evaluation and microscopic characterizations were also performed to authenticate the outcomes of the present work.

RESULTS

Biosynthesized CCAgNPs significantly down-regulated the serum marker enzymes of hepatic and non-hepatic parameter, elevated the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant profile, elevation in membrane bound enzymes and diminish the levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) via NF-κB pathway. Histopathological features also showed recovery of a hepatic architecture in cancer-induced rats in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our consequences established that such plant mediated silver nanoparticles shown a defensive impact against DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, and serves as a better option to ameliorate the clinical results against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Recent development on sustainable biodiesel production using sewage sludge

Biodiesel as a renewable energy is an important alternative to biofuels in current scenario to explore green energy sources. It is well known that the major cost involved in biodiesel production technology is dependent upon the used feedstock. This review presents an overview of biodiesel production using municipal sewage sludge as a cost-effective substrate. Municipal sewage sludge which possesses high lipid content with zero cost availability can meet the characteristics of a potential feedstock to produce biodiesel. Different types of substrates based processes to produce biodiesel have been also explored in brief. In addition, limitations of the existing process technology for biodiesel production with sustainable solutions have been also discussed.

Overcoming antibiotic resistance: Is siderophore Trojan horse conjugation an answer to evolving resistance in microbial pathogens?

Comparative study of siderophore biosynthesis pathway in pathogens provides potential targets for antibiotics and host drug delivery as a part of computationally feasible microbial therapy. Iron acquisition using siderophore models is an essential and well established model in all microorganisms and microbial infections a known to cause great havoc to both plant and animal. Rapid development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial as well as fungal pathogens has drawn us at a verge where one has to get rid of the traditional way of obstructing pathogen using single or multiple antibiotic/chemical inhibitors or drugs. 'Trojan horse' strategy is an answer to this imperative call where antibiotic are by far sneaked into the pathogenic cell via the siderophore receptors at cell and outer membrane. This antibiotic once gets inside, generates a 'black hole' scenario within the opportunistic pathogens via iron scarcity. For pathogens whose siderophore are not compatible to smuggle drug due to their complex conformation and stiff valence bonds, there is another approach. By means of the siderophore biosynthesis pathways, potential targets for inhibition of these siderophores in pathogenic bacteria could be achieved and thus control pathogenic virulence. Method to design artificial exogenous siderophores for pathogens that would compete and succeed the battle of intake is also covered with this review. These manipulated siderophore would enter pathogenic cell like any other siderophore but will not disperse iron due to which iron inadequacy and hence pathogens control be accomplished. The aim of this review is to offer strategies to overcome the microbial infections/pathogens using siderophore.

In vivo diabetic wound healing with nanofibrous scaffolds modified with gentamicin and recombinant human epidermal growth factor

Diabetic wounds are susceptible to microbial infection. The treatment of these wounds requires a higher payload of growth factors. With this in mind, the strategy for this study was to utilize a novel payload comprising of Eudragit RL/RS 100 nanofibers carrying the bacterial inhibitor gentamicin sulfate (GS) in concert with recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF); an accelerator of wound healing. GS containing Eudragit was electrospun to yield nanofiber scaffolds, which were further modified by covalent immobilization of rhEGF to their surface. This novel fabricated nanoscaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The thermal behavior of the nanoscaffold was determined using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. In the in vitro antibacterial assays, the nanoscaffolds exhibited comparable antibacterial activity to pure gentemicin powder. In vivo work using female C57/BL6 mice, the nanoscaffolds induced faster wound healing activity in dorsal wounds compared to the control. The paradigm in this study presents a robust in vivo model to enhance the applicability of drug delivery systems in wound healing applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 641-651, 2018.

Association of polymorphisms of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors in early and late onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Genetic variation of disease susceptible genes is different in different ethnic groups and there is an evidence of association of polymorphisms of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPARs) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This research analyses the association of PPARs in early and late onset of T2DM in North Indian Population (NIP).

METHODS

Total of 703 subjects were recruited from north of India and subjects were further divided into subjects of early onset (less than 25 years of onset, 26 T2DM and 26 controls) and late onset (more than 25 years of onset, 326 T2DM and 325 controls).

RESULT

The onset of T2DM begins from 15 years and continues further to maximum T2DM subjects to the age of 50 (76% of T2DM). High BMI and WHR, high blood pressure leading to early onset of hypertension, early mortality due to T2DM (7% of T2DM is above 75 years and 3% of T2DM has 20 years duration of onset) and high hyperglycemic NIP were the few outcomes of this research.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong association of PPAR γ, PPAR α and PPAR δ genes on the susceptibility of T2DM in late onset but not with the early onset of T2DM subjects in North Indian Population: Dual association of PPAR γ was observed with its genotype G/G (Ala/Ala) favoring protection against T2DM and genotype C/C (Pro/Pro) favoring susceptibility to T2DM. Association of intron7 polymorphism of PPAR α and +T294C polymorphism of PPAR δ on the susceptibility to T2DM requires further analysis.

Efficient dark fermentative hydrogen production from enzyme hydrolyzed rice straw by Clostridium pasteurianum (MTCC116)

In the present work, production of hydrogen via dark fermentation has been carried out using the hydrolyzed rice straw and Clostridium pasteurianum (MTCC116). The hydrolysis reaction of 1.0% alkali pretreated rice straw was performed at 70°C and 10% substrate loading via Fe₃O₄/Alginate nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄/Alginate NCs) treated thermostable crude cellulase enzyme following the previously established method. It is noticed that under the optimized conditions, at 70°C the Fe₃O₄/Alginate NCs treated cellulase has produced around 54.18g/L sugars as the rice straw hydrolyzate. Moreover, the efficiency of the process illustrates that using this hydrolyzate, Clostridium pasteurianum (MTCC116) could produce cumulative hydrogen of 2580ml/L in 144h with the maximum production rate of 23.96ml/L/h in 96h. In addition, maximum dry bacterial biomass of 1.02g/L and 1.51g/L was recorded after 96h and 144h, respectively with corresponding initial pH of 6.6 and 3.8, suggesting higher hydrogen production.

Nanofibre Based Smart Pharmaceutical Scaffolds for Wound Repair and Regenerations

Chronic wounds and ulcers are posing a devastating manifestation on the socioeconomic status across the globe along with the patient compliance. It reinforces a need for the development of successful alternative treatments for the chronic wound care and ulcer management practices. This review explores the progressive developments being made in the fabrication of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds towards elimination of microbial infection from chronic wounds to accelerate the wound healing process. Functional three dimensional nanofibrous scaffolds produced by electrospinning have great potential in a wide spectrum of biomedical practices, such as tissue engineering, drug/gene delivery and wound dressing. Moreover, this review also highlights the materials and post modification methods, such as the functionaliation of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds using growth factors, so that such smart and bioactive nanofibrous scaffolds could be made suitable for wound healing applications.

Identification, characterization and phylogenetic analysis of antifungal Trichoderma from tomato rhizosphere

The use of Trichoderma isolates with efficient antagonistic activity represents a potentially effective and alternative disease management strategy to replace health hazardous chemical control. In this context, twenty isolates were obtained from tomato rhizosphere and evaluated by their antagonistic activity against four fungal pathogens (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporoides and Rhizoctonia solani). The production of extracellular cell wall degrading enzymes of tested isolates was also measured. All the isolates significantly reduced the mycelial growth of tested pathogens but the amount of growth reduction varied significantly as well. There was a positive correlation between the antagonistic capacity of Trichoderma isolates towards fungal pathogens and their lytic enzyme production. The Trichoderma isolates were initially sorted according to morphology and based on the translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequence similarity, the isolates were designated as Trichoderma harzianum, T. koningii, T. asperellum, T. virens and T. viride. PCA analysis explained 31.53, 61.95, 62.22 and 60.25% genetic variation among Trichoderma isolates based on RAPD, REP-, ERIC- and BOX element analysis, respectively. ERG-1 gene, encoding a squalene epoxidase has been used for the first time for diversity analysis of antagonistic Trichoderma from tomato rhizosphere. Phylogenetic analysis of ERG-1 gene sequences revealed close relatedness of ERG-1sequences with earlier reported sequences of Hypocrea lixii, T. arundinaceum and T. reesei. However, ERG-1 gene also showed heterogeneity among some antagonistic isolates and indicated the possibility of occurrence of squalene epoxidase driven triterpene biosynthesis as an alternative biocontrol mechanism in Trichoderma species.

Application of ZnO Nanoparticles for Improving the Thermal and pH Stability of Crude Cellulase Obtained from Aspergillus fumigatus AA001

Cellulases are the enzymes which are responsible for the hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass. In this study thermal and pH stability of crude cellulase has been investigated in the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. We synthesized ZnO nanoparticle by sol-gel method and characterized through various techniques including, X-ray Diffraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscope, field emission scanning electron microscope and high resolution scanning electron microscope. The crude thermostable cellulase has been obtained from the Aspergillus fumigatus AA001 and treated with ZnO nanoparticle which shows thermal stability at 65°C up to 10 h whereas it showed pH stability in the alkaline pH range and retained its 53% of relative activity at pH 10.5. These findings may be promising in the area of biofuels production.

Evaluation of fatty acid profile and biodiesel properties of microalga Scenedesmus abundans under the influence of phosphorus, pH and light intensities

The present study dealt with biomass, lipid concentration, fatty acid profile and biodiesel properties of microalga Scenedesmus abundans under different phosphate concentrations, pH and light intensities, one at a time. Among different phosphate concentrations, higher biomass (770.10±11.0mg/L) and lipid concentration (176.87±4.6mg/L) were at the concentration of 60mg/L. Light intensity at 6000lux yielded higher biomass and lipid concentration of 742.0±9.7 and 243.15±9.1mg/L, respectively. The biomass (769.0±12.3mg/L) and lipid (179.47±5.5mg/L) concentration were highest at pH 8 and pH 6, respectively. All the culture treatments showed marked effect on the fatty acid profile and biodiesel properties of the extracted oil. FAME derived biodiesel properties were compared with European biodiesel standards (EN 14214), Indian biodiesel standards (IS 15607) and American biodiesel standards (ASTM D 6751-08) to assess the suitability of algal oil as biodiesel feedstock.

An Approach for Identification of Novel Drug Targets in Streptococcus pyogenes SF370 Through Pathway Analysis

Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the most important pathogens as it is involved in various infections affecting upper respiratory tract and skin. Due to the emergence of multidrug resistance and cross-resistance, S. Pyogenes is becoming more pathogenic and dangerous. In the present study, an in silico comparative analysis of total 65 metabolic pathways of the host (Homo sapiens) and the pathogen was performed. Initially, 486 paralogous enzymes were identified so that they can be removed from possible drug target list. The 105 enzymes of the biochemical pathways of S. pyogenes from the KEGG metabolic pathway database were compared with the proteins from the Homo sapiens by performing a BLASTP search against the non-redundant database restricted to the Homo sapiens subset. Out of these, 83 enzymes were identified as non-human homologous while 30 enzymes of inadequate amino acid length were removed for further processing. Essential enzymes were finally mined from remaining 53 enzymes. Finally, 28 essential enzymes were identified in S. pyogenes SF370 (serotype M1). In subcellular localization study, 18 enzymes were predicted with cytoplasmic localization and ten enzymes with the membrane localization. These ten enzymes with putative membrane localization should be of particular interest. Acyl-carrier-protein S-malonyltransferase, DNA polymerase III subunit beta and dihydropteroate synthase are novel drug targets and thus can be used to design potential inhibitors against S. pyogenes infection. 3D structure of dihydropteroate synthase was modeled and validated that can be used for virtual screening and interaction study of potential inhibitors with the target enzyme.

Genetic basis of dyslipidemia in disease precipitation of coronary artery disease (CAD) associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications are linked to environmental, clinical, and genetic factors. This review analyses the disorders of lipids and their genetics with respect to coronary artery disease (CAD) associated with T2DM. Cell organelles, hepatitis C-virus infection, reactive oxygen species produced in mitochondria, and defective insulin signaling due to the arrest of G1 phase to S phase transition of β-cells have significant roles in the precipitation of the diseases. Adiponectin is anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic and improves insulin resistance. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is atherosclerotic, and LDL-cholesterol in T2DM is associated with high-cardiovascular risk. Further, LDL cholesterol reduction significantly reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is also anti-atherosclerotic due to HDL associated paraoxonase-1 serum enzyme, which prevents LDL oxidative modifications and the development of CAD. Moreover, elevated apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) ratio in plasma is also a risk factor for CAD. LDL receptor, adiponectin, and endocannabinoid receptor-1 genes are independently associated with CAD and T2DM. Polymorphism of Apo E2 (epsilon2) is a positive factor to increase the T2DM risk and Apo E4 (epsilon4) is a negative factor to reduce the disease risk. Taq 1B polymorphism of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) gene contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, whereas haplotypes of APOA5, APOC3, APOC4, and APOC5 genes are in the same cluster and are independently associated with high plasma triglyceride level, CAD and T2DM. In conclusion, because various genes, LDLR, CETP, APOA5, Apo E, Apo B, and Apo A-I, are associated with the precipitation of CAD associated with T2DM, a personalized diet-gene intervention therapy may be advocated to reduce the disease precipitation.

A Quantitative Measure of Conformational Changes in Apo, Holo and Ligand-Bound Forms of Enzymes

Determination of the native geometry of the enzymes and ligand complexes is a key step in the process of structure-based drug designing. Enzymes and ligands show flexibility in structural behavior as they come in contact with each other. When ligand binds with active site of the enzyme, in the presence of cofactor some structural changes are expected to occur in the active site. Motivation behind this study is to determine the nature of conformational changes as well as regions where such changes are more pronounced. To measure the structural changes due to cofactor and ligand complex, enzyme in apo, holo and ligand-bound forms is selected. Enzyme data set was retrieved from protein data bank. Fifteen triplet groups were selected for the analysis of structural changes based on selection criteria. Structural features for selected enzymes were compared at the global as well as local region. Accessible surface area for the enzymes in entire triplet set was calculated, which describes the change in accessible surface area upon binding of cofactor and ligand with the enzyme. It was observed that some structural changes take place during binding of ligand in the presence of cofactor. This study will helps in understanding the level of flexibility in protein-ligand interaction for computer-aided drug designing.

Improved production of reducing sugars from rice straw using crude cellulase activated with Fe₃O₄/alginate nanocomposite

Effect of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and Fe3O4/Alginate nanocomposites (NCs) have been investigated on production and thermostability of crude cellulase enzyme system obtained by newly isolated thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus AA001. Fe3O4 NPs and Fe3O4/Alginate NCs have been synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized through various techniques. In presence of Fe3O4 NPs and Fe3O4/Alginate NCs, filter paper activity of crude cellulase was increased about 35% and 40%, respectively in 72 h as compared to control. Fe3O4/Alginate NCs treated crude enzyme was thermally stable up to 8h at 70°C and retained 56% of its relative activity whereas; control samples could retain only 19%. Further, the hydrolysis of 1.0% alkali treated rice straw using Fe3O4/Alginate NCs treated cellulase gave much higher sugar productivity than control at optimal condition. These findings may be utilized in the area of biofuels and biowaste management.

A quantitative measure of conformational changes in Apo, holo and ligand bound form of enzymes

Determination of the native geometry of the enzymes and ligand complexe is a key step in the process of structure based drug designing. Enzymes and ligands show flexibility in structural behavior as they come in contact with each other. When ligand binds with active site of the enzyme, in presence of cofactor some structural changes are expected to occur in the active site. Motivation behind this study is to determine the nature of conformational changes as well as regions where such changes are more pronounced. To measure the structural changes due to cofactor and ligand complex, enzyme in Apo, holo and ligand bound form is selected. Enzyme data set was retrieved from protein data bank (PDB). 15 triplet groups were selected for the analysis of structural changes based on selection criteria. Structural features for selected enzymes were compared at the global as well as local region. Accessible surface area for the enzymes in entire triplet set was calculated, which describes the change in accessible surface area upon binding of cofactor and ligand with the enzyme. It was observed that some structural changes take place during binding of ligand in presence of cofactor. This study will helps in understanding the level of flexibility in protein-ligand interaction for computer aided drug designing.

Progress in genetic engineering of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)--a review

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major species of the family, Leguminosae, and economically important not only for vegetable oil but as a source of proteins, minerals and vitamins. It is widely grown in the semi-arid tropics and plays a role in the world agricultural economy. Peanut production and productivity is constrained by several biotic (insect pests and diseases) and abiotic (drought, salinity, water logging and temperature aberrations) stresses, as a result of which crop experiences serious economic losses. Genetic engineering techniques such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens and DNA-bombardment-mediated transformation are used as powerful tools to complement conventional breeding and expedite peanut improvement by the introduction of agronomically useful traits in high-yield background. Resistance to several fungal, virus and insect pest have been achieved through variety of approaches ranging from gene coding for cell wall component, pathogenesis-related proteins, oxalate oxidase, bacterial chloroperoxidase, coat proteins, RNA interference, crystal proteins etc. To develop transgenic plants withstanding major abiotic stresses, genes coding transcription factors for drought and salinity, cytokinin biosynthesis, nucleic acid processing, ion antiporter and human antiapoptotic have been used. Moreover, peanut has also been used in vaccine production for the control of several animal diseases. In addition to above, this study also presents a comprehensive account on the influence of some important factors on peanut genetic engineering. Future research thrusts not only suggest the use of different approaches for higher expression of transgene(s) but also provide a way forward for the improvement of crops.

Nitrile-converting enzymes: an eco-friendly tool for industrial biocatalysis

Nitriles are organic compounds bearing a − C ≡ N group; they are frequently known to occur naturally in both fauna and flora and are also synthesized chemically. They have wide applicability in the fields of medicine, industry, and environmental monitoring. However, the majority of nitrile compounds are considered to be lethal, mutagenic, and carcinogenic in nature and are known to cause potential health problems such as nausea, bronchial irritation, respiratory distress, convulsions, coma, and skeletal deformities in humans. Nitrile-converting enzymes, which are extracted from microorganisms, are commonly termed nitrilases and have drawn the attention of researchers all over the world to combat the toxicity of nitrile compounds. The present review focuses on the utility of nitrile-converting enzymes, sources, classification, structure, properties, and applications, as well as the future perspective on nitrilases.

Molecular evolution, characterization and expression profiling of uterine aldoketoreductase 1B5 gene in endometrium of goat (Capra hircus)

Aldoketoreductase 1B5 (AKR1B5), a member of the Aldoketoreductase family, is involved in the production of Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) as one of vital prostaglandin F synthase (PGFS). PGs (Prostaglandins) play a crucial role in female reproductive system. In the present study, we cloned and characterized the full-length open reading frame of AKR1B5 gene in Black Bengal (BB) goat. The complete coding sequence of AKR1B5 comprises an entire open reading frame of 951 bp, encoding 316 amino acid (AA) residues. BB AKR1B5 showed >82.9% identity with that of cattle, rabbit, human, and rat at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Further, a systematic study of AKR1B5 sequence evolution was also conducted using Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood (PAML), entropy plot, and Blossum 62 in a phylogenetic context. Analysis of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rate ratios (Ka/Ks) revealed that negative selection may have been operating on this gene during evolution in goat, cattle, rabbit, human, and rat, which showed its conservation across species. Further, expression of AKR1B5 was determined by quantitative real-time PCR in goat endometrial tissues at different stages of the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Our results indicated its high expression at luteolytic phase (stage III; day 16-21) during the estrous cycle. However, during early (day ∼30-40) pregnancy the expression was highest as compared to estrous cycle.

Fresh water green microalga Scenedesmus abundans: A potential feedstock for high quality biodiesel production

Present investigation studied the potential of fresh water green microalga Scenedesmus abundans as a feedstock for biodiesel production. To study the biomass and lipid yield, the culture was grown in BBM, Modified CHU-13 and BG-11 medium. Among the tested nitrogen concentration using Modified CHU-13 medium, the highest biomass and lipid yield of 1.113±0.05g/L and 489±23mg/L respectively was found in the culture medium with 0.32g/L of nitrogen (KNO3). Different lipid extraction as well as transesterification methods were also tested. Fatty acid profile of alga grown in large scale indigenous made photobioreactor has shown abundance of fatty acids with carbon chain length of C16 and C18. Various biodiesel properties such as cetane number, iodine value and saponification value were found to be in accordance with Brazilian National Petroleum Agency (ANP255) and European biodiesel standard EN14214 which makes S. abundans as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.

Paederia foetida Linn. leaf extract: an antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycaemic and antioxidant activity

Background

The primary objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the antidiabetic, antihyperlidemic and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of the Paederia foetida Linn. (PF) leaf extract in the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Single intraperitoneal injection (IP) of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight) was used for induction of diabetes is swiss albino (wistar strain) rats. The induction of diabetes was confirmed after 3 days as noticing the increase in blood sugar level of tested rats. PF at a once a daily dose of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, p.o. along with glibenclamide 10 mg/kg, p.o. was also given for 28 days. On the 28^th day rats from all the groups fasted overnight fasted and the blood was collected from the puncturing the retro orbit of the eye under mild anesthetic condition. There collected blood sample was used to determine the antihyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant parameters.

Results

The oral acute toxicity studies did not show any toxic effect till the dose at 2000 mg/kg. While oral glucose tolerance test showed better glucose tolerance in tested rats. The statistical data indicated that the different dose of the PF significantly increased the body weight, hexokinase, plasma insulin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxides. It also decreases the level of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, malonaldehyde, glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-1-6-biphosphate and glycated hemoglobin in STZ induced diabetic rats. The histopathology of STZ induce diabetic rats, as expected the test dose of PF extract considerably modulates the pathological condition of various vital organ viz. heart, kidney, liver, pancreas as shown in the histopathology examinations.

Conclusions

Our investigation has clearly indicated that the leaf extract of Paederia foetida Linn. showed remarkable antihyperglycemic activity due to its possible systematic effect involving in the pancreatic and extra pancreatic mechanism. Forever, the antihyperlipidemic activity was exerted possible by lowering the higher level of lipid profile and decreasing the intercalated disc space in the heart. The antioxidant activity of extract was due to inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increasing the SOD, GPx and CAT. It was corroborate that the extract shown the Paederia foetida Linn leaves potential to be act as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties.

Improved glycemic control, pancreas protective and hepatoprotective effect by traditional poly-herbal formulation "Qurs Tabasheer" in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effect of a traditional unani formulation "Qurs Tabasheer" in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic wistar rats. Up till now no study was undertaken to appraise the efficacy of "Qurs Tabasheer" in the diabetic rats. Qurs Tabasheer is a unani formulation restraining preparations from five various herbs namely Tukhme Khurfa (Portulaca oleracea seed), Gule Surkh (Rosa damascena flower), Gulnar (Punica granatum flower), Tabasheer (Bambusa arundinasia dried exudate on node), Tukhme Kahu (Lactuca sativa Linn seed).

METHODS

Effect of Qurs Tabasheer was assessed in STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p single shot) induced diabetic wistar rats. STZ produced a marked increase in the serum glucose, Total Cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and trim down the HDL level. We have weighed up the effect of Qurs Tabasheer on hepatic activity through estimating levels of various liver enzymes viz. Hexokinase, Glucose-6-Phosphatase and Fructose-1-6-biphosphatase in STZ diabetic wistar rats.

RESULTS

In STZ-induced diabetic wistar rats level of Hexokinase, and Glucose-6-Phosphatase was decreased to a significant level while the level of fructose-1-6-biphophatase was augmented. Therapy with Qurs Tabasheer for 28 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly reduces the level of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1-6-biphosphatase, while magnitude of HDL cholesterol and hexokinase was amplified.

CONCLUSION

Antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic activity of Qurs Tabasheer extract in STZ- induced wistar rats was found to be more effective than standard oral hypoglycemic drug Glimepiride.

Effect of Linum usitatissimum (linseed/flaxseed) fixed oil on experimental esophagitis in albino rats

INTRODUCTION

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of Linum usitatissimum fixed oil on experimental esophagitis in albino rats.

METHODS

Group of rats (n = 6), treated with vehicle control (0.9% NaCl, 3 mL/kg, i.p.) or L. usitatissimum fixed oil (1, 2, 3 mL/kg, i.p.) or omeprazole (30 mg/kg, i.p.). Rats were subjected to pylorus and forestomach ligation to induce esophagitis and were compared to a control sham group. Animals were sacrificed after 6 h and evaluated for the gastric pH, gastric volume, total acidity and esophagitis index. Esophageal tissues were further subjected to estimations of sialic acid, collagen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, tissue glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase.

RESULTS

Treatment with fixed oil significantly inhibited the gastric secretion, total acidity and esophagitis index. The oil also altered the levels of sialic acid and collagen towards normal with significant antioxidant activity in esophageal tissues.

CONCLUSION

The lipoxygenase inhibitory, histamine antagonistic, antisecretory (anticholinergic) and antioxidant activity of the oil was attributed for its effect in reflux esophagitis.