Influencing intertidal food web: Implications of ocean acidification on the physiological energetics of key species the 'wedge' clam Donax faba

Ocean acidification has become increasingly severe in coastal areas. It poses emerging threats to coastal organisms and influences ecological functioning. Donax faba, a dominant clam in the intertidal zone of the Bay of Bengal, plays an important role in the coastal food web. This clam has been widely consumed by the local communities and also acts as a staple diet for shorebirds and crustaceans. In this paper, we investigated how acidified conditions will influence the physiology, biochemical constituents, and energetics of Donax faba. Upon incubation for 2 months in lowered pH 7.7 ± 0.05 and control 8.1 ± 0.05 conditions, we found a delayed growth in the acidified conditions followed by decrease in calcium ions in the clam shell. Although not significant, we found the digestive enzymes showed a downward trend. Total antioxidant was significantly increased in the acidified condition compared to the control. Though not significant, the expression level of MDA and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GST, GPX, and APX) showed increasing trend in acidified samples. Among nutrients such as amino acids and fatty acids, there was no significant difference between treatments, however, showed a downward trend in the acidified conditions compared to control. Among the minerals, iron and zinc showed significant increase in the acidified conditions. The above results suggest that the clam growth, and physiological energetics may have deleterious effects if exposed for longer durations at lowered pH condition thereby affecting the organisms involved in the coastal food web.

Polyethylene terephthalate waste derived nanomaterials (WDNMs) and its utilization in electrochemical devices

Plastics are a vital component of our daily lives in the contemporary globalization period; they are present in all facets of modern life. Because the bulk of synthetic plastics utilized in the market are non-biodegradable by nature, the issues associated with their contamination are unavoidable in an era dominated by polymers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is extensively used in industries such as automotive, packaging, textile, food, and beverages production represents a major share of these non-biodegradable polymer productions. Given its extensive application across various sectors, PET usage results in a considerable amount of post-consumer waste, majority of which require disposal after a certain period. However, the recycling of polymeric waste materials has emerged as a prominent topic in research, driven by growing environmental consciousness. Numerous studies indicate that products derived from polymeric waste can be converted into a new polymeric resource in diverse sectors, including organic coatings and regenerative medicine. This review aims to consolidate significant scientific literatures on the recycling PET waste for electrochemical device applications. It also highlights the current challenges in scaling up these processes for industrial application.

Unlocking the potential of cotton stalk as a renewable source of cellulose: A review on advancements and emerging applications

Cotton stalk (CS) is a global agricultural residue, with an annual production of approximately 50 million tons, albeit with limited economic significance. The utilization of cellulose derived from CS has gained significant attention in green nanomaterial technologies. This interest stems from its unique properties, including biocompatibility, low density, minimal thermal expansion, eco-friendliness, renewability, and its potential as an alternative source for chemicals, petroleum, and biofuels. In this review, we delve into various extraction and characterization methods, the physicochemical attributes, recent advancements, and the applications of cellulose extracted from CS. Notably, the steam explosion method has proven to yield the highest cellulose content (82 %) from CS. Moreover, diverse physicochemical properties of cellulose can be obtained through different extraction techniques. Sulfuric acid hydrolysis, for instance, yields nanocrystalline cellulose fibers measuring 10-100 nm in width and 100-850 nm in length. Conversely, the steam explosion method yields cellulose fibers with dimensions of 10.7 μm in width and 1.2 mm in length. CS-derived products, including biochar, aerogel, dye adsorbents, and reinforcement fillers, find applications in various industries, such as environmental remediation and biodegradable packaging. This is primarily due to their ready availability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable nature.

Innovations in textile wastewater management: a review of zero liquid discharge technology

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology emerges as a transformative solution for sustainable wastewater management in the textile industry, emphasizing water recycling and discharge minimization. This review comprehensively explores ZLD's pivotal role in reshaping wastewater management practices within the textile sector. With a primary focus on water recycling and minimized discharge, the review thoroughly examines the economic and environmental dimensions of ZLD. Additionally, it includes a comparative cost analysis against conventional wastewater treatment methods and offers a comprehensive outlook on the global ZLD market. Presently valued at US $0.71 billion, the market is anticipated to reach US $1.76 billion by 2026, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of 12.6%. Despite ZLD's efficiency in wastewater recovery, environmental challenges, such as heightened greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon footprint, elevated energy consumption, and chemical usage, are discussed. Methodologies employed in this review involve an extensive analysis of existing literature, empirical data, and case studies on ZLD implementation in the textile industry worldwide. While acknowledging existing adoption barriers, the review underscores ZLD's potential to guide the textile industry toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Enhanced sensing performance of tapered profile in the apodized fiber Bragg grating for detection of cancerous cells utilizing their refractive index

Tapered profiles are introduced in Bessel and Blackman apodized fiber Bragg grating, and their sensing performance is theoretically estimated. Reflectivity equation of proposed apodized tapered profiles is obtained using transfer matrix method and coupled mode theory. Since the effective refractive index (RI) of proposed waveguides varies with core radius therefore amplitude distribution and penetration depth of light in surroundings are modified. It is found that the exponential tapered profile with Bessel apodization shows a higher sensitivity of 682.5 nm/RIU, detection accuracy of 3858.45, and quality parameter 1718.02/RIU with minimum full width at half maxima (FWHM) 0.3972 nm of the reflection spectra. The spectral response of the tapered fiber Bragg grating is also analyzed through a group delay study. Again, exponential profile was found to be particularly effective, producing less group delay ripples 2.98 ps and is maximum slope of 42.43°. Hence, exponential tapered profile is demonstrated for detection of cancer cells lies between the refractive index of 1.3333-1.4412.

Chemical Diversity and Medicinal Potential of Vitex negundo L.: From Traditional Knowledge to Modern Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

In Vedic context, Nirgundi (V. negundo) has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. It has been employed to alleviate pain, treat skin conditions, and address various ailments. The plant's leaves, roots, and seeds have all found applications in traditional remedies. The knowledge of Nirgundi's medicinal benefits has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a part of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practices in India.

The resilient cotton plant: uncovering the effects of stresses on secondary metabolomics and its underlying molecular mechanisms

Cotton is an important fiber crop cultivated around the world under diverse climate conditions and generates billions of dollars in annual revenue globally. Biotic and abiotic stresses have caused reduction in yield and productivity of cotton crops. In this review, we comprehensively analyzed and summarized the effect of biotic and abiotic stress on secondary metabolite production in cotton. The development of cotton varieties with improved tolerance against abiotic and biotic stress can play an important role in sustainable cotton production. Under stress conditions, plants develop a variety of defense mechanisms such as initiating signaling functions to upregulate defense responsive genes and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Understanding the impact of stress on secondary metabolite production in cotton is crucial for developing strategies to alleviate the negative effects of stress on crop yield and quality. Further, the potential industrial applications of these secondary metabolites in cotton, such as gossypol, could provide new opportunities for sustainable cotton production and the development of value-added products. Additionally, transgenic and genome-edited cotton cultivars can be developed to provide tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stress in cotton production.

An inexpensive and rapid diagnostic method for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)

SARS-CoV-2 is a public pandemic health concern globally. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples are used for Covid-19 viral detection. Sample collection procedure was tedious and uncomfortable and unsuitable for biochemical and CBC analysis in swab samples. Biochemistry and CBC tests are key determinant in management of Covid-19 patients. We developed a LAMP test to detect viral RNA in blood samples. LAMP is required four specific primers targeting the internal transcribed S-region and loop primers for viral RNA amplification. RNA was extracted from blood samples by TRIzol method. LAMP reaction was performed at 60 °C for 1 hour and amplicons were visualized in HNB dye. No cross-reactivity was seen with HBV, HCV, and HIV infected sample. Out of 40 blood samples, 33 samples were positive for LAMP and Q-PCR analysis, one sample was positive for LAMP and negative for Q-PCR, two samples were negative for LAMP but positive for Q-PCR, and four blood samples were negative for LAMP and Q-PCR. LAMP method has an accuracy of 92.50%, with sensitivity and specificity of 94.28% and 80%, respectively. Thus, LAMP diagnostic test has proved reliable, fast, inexpensive and can be useful for detection where the limited resources available.•LAMP method is a potential tool for detection of SARS-CoV-2.•Blood samples are the key determinant for routine diagnostics as well as molecular diagnostics.•LAMP assay is an appropriate diagnostics method which offers greater simplicity, low cost, sensitivity, and specificity than other methods in molecular diagnostics.

Evaluation of growth, primary productivity, nutritional composition, redox state, and antimicrobial activity of red seaweeds Gracilaria debilis and Gracilaria foliifera under pCO2-induced seawater acidification

The genus Gracilaria is an economically important group of seaweeds as several species are utilized for various products such as agar, used in medicines, human diets, and poultry feed. Hence, it is imperative to understand their response to predicted ocean acidification conditions. In the present work, we have evaluated the response of Gracilaria foliifera and Gracilaria debilis to carbon dioxide (pCO₂) induced seawater acidification (pH 7.7) for two weeks in a controlled laboratory conditions. As a response variable, we have measured growth, productivity, redox state, primary and secondary metabolites, and mineral compositions. We found a general increase in the daily growth rate, primary productivity, and tissue chemical composition (such as pigments, soluble and insoluble sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids), but a decrease in the mineral contents under the acidified condition. Under acidification, there was a decrease in malondialdehyde. However, there were no significant changes in the total antioxidant capacity and a majority of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, except for an increase in tocopherols, ascorbate and glutathione-s-transferase in G. foliifera. These results indicate that elevated pCO₂ will benefit the growth of the studied species. No sign of oxidative stress markers indicating the acclimatory response of these seaweeds towards lowered pH conditions. Besides, we also found increased antimicrobial activities of acidified samples against several of the tested food pathogens. Based on these observations, we suggest that Gracilaria spp. will be benefitted from the predicted future acidified ocean.

Experimental Evidence of t_{2g} Electron-Gas Rashba Interaction Induced by Asymmetric Orbital Hybridization

We report the control of Rashba spin-orbit interaction by tuning asymmetric hybridization between Ti orbitals at the LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} interface. This asymmetric orbital hybridization is modulated by introducing a LaFeO_{3} layer between LaAlO_{3} and SrTiO_{3}, which alters the Ti-O lattice polarization and traps interfacial charge carriers, resulting in a large Rashba spin-orbit effect at the interface in the absence of an external bias. This observation is verified through high-resolution electron microscopy, magnetotransport and first-principles calculations. Our results open hitherto unexplored avenues of controlling Rashba interaction to design next-generation spin orbitronics.

A survey on ethnoveterinary medicines used by the tribal migratory shepherds of Northwestern Himalaya

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tribal migratory shepherds (Gaddi) living in the Northwestern Himalayan region are well known for their nomadic lifestyle in which tribal migratory shepherds along with their livestock which mainly include sheep and goat migrate seasonally in the Northwestern Himalayan region from high hills to low hills for the survival of their livestock from cold winters and hot summer. Due to harsh environmental conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rainfall, wild animal attacks, no medical facilities, no transportation, and no electricity facilities tribal migratory shepherds mostly rely on plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use to treat livestock disease.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of our study is to conduct ethnoveterinary survey for the first time to document the contemporary oral ethnoveterinary knowledge of Gaddi shepherds living in Northwestern Himalayan region.

METHODOLOGY

The documentation of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use was executed through extensive field surveys from 2017 to 2019. Data were collected through direct interviews by administrating questionnaire among tribal migratory shepherds.

RESULTS

A total of 181 plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use belonging to the same or different families were documented during the seasonal migration of shepherds from Northwestern Himalayan region. Most frequently occurring family of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary was Poaceae, leaves and roots were reported to be the most frequently used plant parts. Most frequently documented plant species for ethnoveterinary use were Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Zanthoxylum armatum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica and Cannabis sativa. Chrysopogon serrulatus, Cynodon dactylon, and Vitex negundo were reported with high use reports. Some of the endemic species of Northwestern Himalayan region such as Elymus himalayanus and Euphorbia pilosa and one endangered species Picrorhiza kurrooa were reported in current study.

CONCLUSION

It is observed that there is a need to raise awareness among the tribal migratory shepherds about the sustainable use and conservation of some of the plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use. This study provided an inventory of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use having significant ethnoveterinary potential, however there is need of scientific evaluations by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.

Clinical and genetic correlates of mitral valve pathology in patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease: results from the montalcino aortic consortium

Background

Mitral valve (MV) pathology, including prolapse and regurgitation, is a well-known cardiovascular manifestation associated with the genes that predispose to Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease (HTAD). The extent to which there are differences in prevalence, presentation and severity of MV pathology as a function of the underlying genetic cause has not been investigated in detail.

Purpose

Assess the prevalence, presenting features and outcome of mitral valve pathology according to the underlying genetic defect in patients with HTAD.

Study design

We leveraged clinical and genetic data of a large international multicenter retrospective cohort study. Probands and relatives with a validated (likely) pathogenic (LP/P) variant in 8 HTAD genes were included. Genes were categorized in 2 groups: Group 1 encoding for components of the TGFβ pathway (TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3 and TGFB2) and Group 2 encoding for proteins involved in vascular smooth muscle cell contraction (VSMC) (ACTA2, MYLK, PRKG1, MYH11). Comparison between these groups was performed. MV pathology was defined as at least moderate MV regurgitation, MV prolapse and past MV surgeries.

Results

A total of 459 patients. 68.8% of the patients carried a variant in one of the Group 1 genes and 31.2% had a Group 2 gene variant. 52 patients (11.3%) presented MV pathology. Significant differences in MV status according to the gene group were present: 15.5% of the patients in group 1 presented MV disease, versus 2.1% in group 2, (p<0.001). Within Group 1, LP/P variants in SMAD3 were most common (32.7%), followed by TGFBR2 (25.0%) and TGFB2 (23.1%) (p=0.006). The remaining 5.8% of MV pathology cases were patients carrying ACTA2 variants. No MV pathology was found in MYLK, PRKG1 and MYH11 variant carriers.

Compared to patients without MV pathology, patients with MV pathology more often underwent aortic aneurysm repair (34.6% vs 15.5%, p<0.001). To the contrary, aortic dissection/rupture occurred less frequently in patients with MV pathology (7.7% vs 26.8%, p<0.001). No differences were observed for prevalence of congenital heart defects, left ventricular dilatation, arrhythmic events or heart failure.

Conclusion

Patients with HTAD carrying LP/P variants in genes encoding TGFβ components present more frequently with MV pathology than patients carrying variants in genes encoding proteins involved in VSMC contraction. In the latter group, only patients carrying ACTA2 variants presented MV pathology. Patients with MV pathology are more likely to undergo aortic aneurysm repair and present less frequently with aortic dissection/rupture. Whether the presence of MV pathology accelerates the diagnosis and hence leads to a more aggressive management/stricter surveillance in these patients and/or whether biological differences between these genetic entities explain these differences requires further study. These data provide tools for developing improved, gene-tailored management of patients with HTAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Baillet Latour FoundationFunds for Scientific Research Flanders

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Investigation on characterization, antifouling and cytotoxic properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized by a mangrove-associated actinobacterium Streptomyces olivaceus (MSU3)

The present study was undertaken to biosynthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using a mangrove-associated actinobacterium Streptomyces olivaceus (MSU3) under in vitro conditions. The synthesized ZnONPs were structurally characterized through UV, FT-IR, TG-DTA, XRD, SEM and EDX analysis. Analysis of biosynthesized ZnONPs in UV-Vis spectroscopy showed presence of functional groups between the wavelengths 325 and 380 nm. FT-IR analysis showed the functional groups, such as halo bromide (C-Br), alkyne (C≡C), carboxylic acid (O-H), nitro (N-O), fluoro (C-F), alkene (C=C) and aromatic (R-C-H) groups, respectively, within the wave numbers between 614.30 and 3074.41 cm^-1. The crystalline poly-dispersed quasi spherical nature of ZnONPs expressed the average particle size of 37.9 nm with the 2θ values of 11.802-37.885°. Antibacterial activity of ZnONPs showed pronounced inhibitory zone (25 mm) and least MIC and MBC values (125 and 250 µg ml^-1) against Escherchia sp. In the antifouling study, ZnONPs strongly inhibited byssal thread formation in mussel Perna indica and recorded LC₅₀ value of 424.47 µg ml^-1. Mollusc foot adherence assay inferred that the ZnONPs effectively inhibited settlement of limpet Patella vulgata and showed minimal fouling (26.43%) at 350 µg ml^-1 and recorded LC₅₀ value of 218.77 µg ml^-1. Results of anticrustacean assay depicted that, ZnONPs had registered LC₅₀ value of 676.08 µg ml^-1 against Artemia salina nauplii. From this study, it could be concluded that an eco-friendly approach could be used to open a new avenue for biosynthesis of ZnONPs from a mangrove associated actinobacterium S. olivaceus (MSU3) in antifouling studies.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) polysaccharides: Extraction, characterization, bioactivities, and industrial application

Owing to numerous biological activities of different parts of Moringa oleifera Lam., various studies have been carried out to isolate and explore the activities of its various bioactive compounds including polysaccharides. Polysaccharides of M. oleifera have been reported to possess a variety of biofunctionalities including antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive and gastrointestinal protection. In addition to bioactive polysaccharides, the gum exudated by stem of this plant is of commercial importance with wide range of applications in pharmaceutical industries. Various extraction and purification methods as well as combination of methods have been used to isolate and purify moringa polysaccharides. Studies suggest that extraction methods influence the structure of polysaccharides and thus their biological activity. This review summarizes all the available literature to provide updated information related to extraction, purification, modification, structural characterization, bioactivities and potential applications of moringa polysaccharides. This review will provide novel insights for future research and applications of moringa polysaccharides.

Influence of seawater acidification on biochemical composition and oxidative status of green algae Ulva compressa

The sequestration of elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels in seawater results in increasing acidification of oceans and it is unclear what the consequences of this will be on seaweed ecophysiology and ecological services they provide in the coastal ecosystem. In the present study, we examined the physiological and biochemical response of intertidal green seaweed Ulva compressa to elevated pCO₂ induced acidification. The green seaweed was exposed to control (pH 8.1) and acidified (pH 7.7) conditions for 2 weeks following which net primary productivity, pigment content, oxidative status and antioxidant enzymes, primary and secondary metabolites, and mineral content were assessed. We observed an increase in primary productivity of the acidified samples, which was associated with increased levels of photosynthetic pigments. Consequently, primary metabolites levels were increased in the thalli grown under lowered pH conditions. There was also richness in various minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids, indicating that the low pH elevated the nutritional quality of U. compressa. We found that low pH reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content, suggesting reduced oxidative stress. Consistently we found reduced total antioxidant capacity and a general reduction in the majority of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the thalli grown under acidified conditions. Our results indicate that U. compressa will benefit from seawater acidification by improving productivity. Biochemical changes will affect its nutritional qualities, which may impact the food chain/food web under future acidified ocean conditions.

Plasma cell rich acute rejection: Risk factors, treatment and outcomes

Plasma cell-rich rejection is a rare and poorly defined entity. Its treatment is not clearly defined and has universally poor prognosis. More data should be published from various transplant centers around the world to identify the treatment that has the best outcomes and to formulate treatment guidelines for these cases. It is a retrospective analysis of kidney biopsies form 2008 to 2018. Four hundred biopsied were screened and 55 were found to have features of rejection and among them, 13 had plasma cell-rich rejection. Data of treatment given and the graft survival outcomes in these cases were retrieved by medical records. One patient had complete recovery, three had graft loss and the remaining nine had permanent decline in glomerular filtration rate. Decrease in immunosuppression and presence of infection are risk factors for plasma cell-rich acute rejection (PCAR). It can be acute cell-mediated rejection (ACR)/antibody-mediated rejection (AMR)/ACR+AMR. Resistant rejection, ACR+AMR, C4d positivity, and severe interstitial inflammation are poor prognostic factors. Overzealous decrease in immunosuppression should not be done. Management of immunosuppression during infection is most critical for the development of PCAR. Bortezomib is emerging as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of PCAR.

Blood group discrepancy in Ah para-Bombay phenotype: a rare blood group variant and its clinical significance

Individuals with the rare para-Bombay phenotype have inherited defects in producing H associated with FUT1 and/or FUT2 genes. We report a case of blood group discrepancy in a para-Bombay patient from a tertiary care hospital of eastern India. A 31-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease presented with fatigue and breathlessness and was then scheduled for valvuloplasty, for which a blood transfusion request was sent to the blood center. During pre-transfusion testing, red blood cell (RBC) testing showed group O, and serum testing showed strong reactivity with group B RBCs, weak reactivity with group O RBCs, and very weak reactivity with group A RBCs. Saliva inhibition testing and enzyme treatment of RBCs concluded the patient to be of "A_h para-Bombay" phenotype. The patient's Lewis phenotype was Le(a-b+). This patient's serum also had cold-reacting anti-IH along with anti-B. This case report highlights the importance of performing an advanced immunohematologic workup, including adsorption, elution, enzyme treatment, and saliva inhibition testing for identification of weak A or B subgroups as well as the rare para-Bombay blood group, when routine ABO typing, using forward and reverse grouping, is inconclusive. Accurate identification of blood group helps in preventing transfusion-related adverse events and encouraging safe transfusion practice.

Individuals with the rare para-Bombay phenotype have inherited defects in producing H associated with FUT1 and/or FUT2 genes. We report a case of blood group discrepancy in a para-Bombay patient from a tertiary care hospital of eastern India. A 31-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease presented with fatigue and breathlessness and was then scheduled for valvuloplasty, for which a blood transfusion request was sent to the blood center. During pre-transfusion testing, red blood cell (RBC) testing showed group O, and serum testing showed strong reactivity with group B RBCs, weak reactivity with group O RBCs, and very weak reactivity with group A RBCs. Saliva inhibition testing and enzyme treatment of RBCs concluded the patient to be of “A_h para-Bombay” phenotype. The patient’s Lewis phenotype was Le(a–b+). This patient’s serum also had cold-reacting anti-IH along with anti-B. This case report highlights the importance of performing an advanced immunohematologic workup, including adsorption, elution, enzyme treatment, and saliva inhibition testing for identification of weak A or B subgroups as well as the rare para-Bombay blood group, when routine ABO typing, using forward and reverse grouping, is inconclusive. Accurate identification of blood group helps in preventing transfusion-related adverse events and encouraging safe transfusion practice.

Study of nitrazepam interaction with alcohol: an ultrasonic and physiochemical investigation

The intermolecular interaction between the constituent components of liquid mixtures can be revealed by ultrasonic analysis. In the present study, interaction of nitrazepam with methyl alcohol has been studied and presented using ultrasonic tools. The investigation involves calculation of ultrasonic velocity (υ), density (ρ), viscosity (η), and the associated derived parameters. The specific acoustic impedance (Z), isentropic compressibility (β), relaxation time (τ), intermolecular free length (Lf), and solvation number (Sn) are calculated to reveal the interaction information. The solvent–solvent and solute–solvent interaction between nitrazepam and alcohol molecules is considered. To see the impact of nitrazepam with alcohol in an ordinary day to day scenario, the investigation was carried out under normal temperature (303–313 K) and pressure conditions. The results indicate increased molecule association of nitrazepam in the presence of alcohol. This study suggests the presence of a synergistic depressants effect when nitrazepam is used with alcohol.

An Early Breast Cancer Detection System Using Stacked Auto Encoder Deep Neural Network with Particle Swarm Optimization Based Classification Method

The demand in breast cancer’s early detection and diagnosis over the last few decade has given a new research avenues. For an individual who is suffered from breast cancer, a successful treatment plan can be specified if early stage diagnosis of non-communicable disease is done as stated by world health organization (WHO). Around the world, mortality can be reduced by cure disease’s early diagnosis. For breast cancer’s early detection and to detect other abnormalities of human breast tissue, digital mammogram is used as a most popular screening method. Early detection is assisted by periodic clinical check-ups and self-tests and survival chance is significantly enhanced by it. For mammograms (MGs), deep learning (DL) methods are investigated by researchers due to traditional computer-aided detection (CAD) systems limitations and breast cancer’s early detection’s extreme importance and patients false diagnosis high impact. So, there is need to have a noninvasive cancer detection system which is efficient, accurate, fast and robust. There are two process in proposed work, Histogram Rehabilitated Local Contrast Enhancement (HRLCE) technique is used in initial process for contrast enhancement with two processing stages. Contrast enhancements potentiality is enhanced while preserving image’s local details by this technique. So, for cancer classification, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and stacked auto encoders (SAE) combined with framework based on DNN called SAE-PSO-DNN Model is used. The SAE-DNN parameters with two hidden layers are tuned using PSO and Limited-memory BFGS (LBFGS) is used as a technique for reducing features. Specificity, sensitivity, normalized root mean square erro (NRMSE), accuracy parameters are used for evaluating SAE-PSO-DNN models results. Around 92% of accurate results are produced by SAE-PSO-DNN model as shown in experimentation results, which is far better than Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) as well as Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques.

An Early Breast Cancer Detection System Using Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) Based Classification Method

Breast cancer can be detected using early signs of it mammograms and digital mammography. For Computer Aided Detection (CAD), algorithms can be developed using this opportunities. Early detection is assisted by self-test and periodical check-ups and it can enhance the survival chance significantly. Due the need of breast cancer’s early detection and false diagnosis impact on patients, made researchers to investigate Deep Learning (DL) techniques for mammograms. So, it requires a non-invasive cancer detection system, which is highly effective, accurate, fast as well as robust. Proposed work has three steps, (i) Pre-processing, (ii) Segmentation, and (iii) Classification. Firstly, preprocessing stage removing noise from images by using mean and median filtering algorithms are used, while keeping its features intact for better understanding and recognition, then edge detection by using canny edge detector. It uses Gaussian filter for smoothening image. Gaussian smoothening is used for enhancing image analysis process quality, result in blurring of fine-scaled image edges. In the next stage, image representation is changed into something, which makes analyses process as a simple one. Foreground and background subtraction is used for accurate breast image detection in segmentation. After completion of segmentation stage, the remove unwanted image in input image dataset. Finally, a novel RNN forclassifying and detecting breast cancer using Auto Encoder (AE) based RNN for feature extraction by integrating Animal Migration Optimization (AMO) for tuning the parameters of RNN model, then softmax classifier use RNN algorithm. Experimental results are conducted using Mini-Mammographic (MIAS) dataset of breast cancer. The classifiers are measured through measures like precision, recall, f-measure and accuracy.

Anemia prevalence in mothers with children under five years of age in Dodi Papase, Volta region of Ghana and preventive practices

Introduction/Objective

Sociodemographic factors influence the prevalence of anemia in endemic areas. The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence and causes of anemia and to determine anemia preventive practices carried out by mothers with children under five years of age in the Kadjebi District of the Volta region of Ghana.

Methods/Case Report

This homogenous sampling study involved women of reproductive age with children less than five years of age from Saint Mary Theresa Hospital. Interview guides were administered, and the data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

A total of 150 participants were studied. 52.7% of the mothers indicated that their children had never been diagnosed with anemia; however, Hb levels recorded for these children showed that 73.3% were anemic, even though 93.8% of the mothers had been given iron supplements during their pregnancy. Furthermore, anemia prevention practices comprised of whether the child had been given any anti-malaria prophylaxis (98.4% denied / 1.6% confirmed) if the child had been dewormed in the last three months (89.9% denied / 10.1% confirmed), whether the child was given iron supplements in the last three months (59.7% denied / 40.3% confirmed), if the child had been given vitamin supplements in the last three months (24.0% denied / 76.0% confirmed).

Conclusion

Nutritional deficiencies, worm infestation, and malaria were identified as the major causes of anemia among the children. Mothers were educated about the possible causes and prevention methods of anemia.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in the Health Care System: Survey of the Mid Hills of Solan District, Himachal Pradesh, India

The study was performed in the mid hills of the Dharampur region in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. At the study site, a total of 115 medicinal plants were documented (38 trees, 37 herbs, 34 shrubs, 5 climbers, 1 fern, and 1 grass). In the study region, extensive field surveys were performed between March 2020 and August 2021. Indigenous knowledge of wild medicinal plants was collected through questionnaires, discussions, and personal interviews during field trips. Plants with their correct nomenclature were arranged by botanical name, family, common name, habitat, parts used, routes used, and diseases treated. In the present study, the predominant family was Rosaceae, which represented the maximum number of plant species, 10, followed by Asteraceae and Lamiaceae, which represented 8 plant species. The rural inhabitants of the Dharampur region in the Solan district have been using local plants for primary health care and the treatment of various diseases for a longer time. However, information related to the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants was not documented. The rural inhabitants of the Dharampur region reported that the new generation is not so interested in traditional knowledge of medicinal plants due to modernization in society, so there is an urgent need to document ethnomedicinal plants before such knowledge becomes inaccessible and extinct.

Plant-Based Antioxidant Extracts and Compounds in the Management of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, and its prevalence is particularly high in developing countries, where people chew tobacco and betel nut on a regular basis. Radiation-, chemo-, targeted-, immuno-, and hormone-based therapies along with surgery are commonly used as part of a treatment plan. However, these treatments frequently result in various unwanted short- to long-term side effects. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop treatment options for oral cancer that have little or no adverse effects. Numerous bioactive compounds derived from various plants have recently attracted attention as therapeutic options for cancer treatment. Antioxidants found in medicinal plants, such as vitamins E, C, and A, reduce damage to the mucosa by neutralizing free radicals found in various oral mucosal lesions. Phytochemicals found in medicinal plants have the potential to modulate cellular signalling pathways that alter the cellular defence mechanisms to protect normal cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various medicinal plants and phytoconstituents that have shown the potential to be used as oral cancer therapeutics.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Antigen Fluorescence Immunoassay Test for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2

Introduction

Tests detecting SARS-CoV-2-specific antigen have recently been developed, and many of them are now commercially available. However, the real-world performance of these assays is uncertain; therefore, their validation is important. In this study, we have evaluated the performance of STANDARD F COVID-19 antigen fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) kit.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal samples collected from patients were subjected to the test as per manufacturer's instructions. The performance of the kit was compared with the gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

A total of 354 patients were tested with STANDARD F COVID-19 antigen FIA test kit. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this test were found to be 38%, 99%, 96.2%, and 72%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 75.7%.

Conclusion

STANDARD F COVID-19 antigen FIA showed high specificity and positive predictive value but low sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Betatron coupling measurement and optimization in Indus-2 storage ring

Brightness is an important parameter for any synchrotron radiation source. Correcting the emittance coupling is one of the ways to increase photon beam brightness in the operational storage ring. The main source of this effect is betatron coupling, resulting from the skew quadrupolar errors. Tune split and Linear Optics from Closed Orbit (LOCO) techniques are used to measure the betatron coupling. We discuss the measurement result of betatron coupling and its correction in the Indus-2 storage ring using available four power supplies, as the knobs, driving the skew quadrupole windings located on sextupoles. The measured coupling ratio of ∼0.8% closely matches with the coupling ratio obtained from the LOCO fit model. Based on LOCO correction, the coupling ratio can be reduced to ∼0.4%, which is limited by the degrees of freedom and not by the field strengths. To achieve a smaller and controlled value of coupling, simulation studies based on the LOCO fit model and using the multi-objective differential evolution algorithm with more skew quadrupole power supplies are performed in Indus-2. With sixteen independent power supplies, the emittance ratio can be reduced to <0.04% and the brightness enhances by an order of magnitude. Besides, the optimization method used provides quantitative trade-offs between coupling related parameters such as beam tilt angle, emittance ratio, vertical emittance, and vertical beam size, and desired values can be chosen from the Pareto optimal front.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

ICU shift related effects on sleep, fatigue and alertness levels

BACKGROUND

Shift work may lead to suboptimal sleep resulting in impaired alertness, and lowered performance levels, all of which can lead to medical errors.

AIMS

To examine fatigue, sleepiness and behavioural alertness prospectively in a tertiary level Australian intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

All full-time doctors providing 24-h resident cover on a 12-h day and 12-h night shift roster were invited to participate in this study. Data collected included Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), sleep and awake history, Samn-Perelli Fatigue (SPF) Scale, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) and iOS-based Psychomotor Vigilance Test (behavioural alertness). Data about medical emergency team (MET) shifts were collected separately as they were perceived to be busier shifts.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine ICU doctors participated in this study for a consecutive 6-week period. At baseline the median (interquartile range (IQR)) ESS was 5 (3-9). Day shift leads to an increase in fatigue and sleepiness (both P < 0.01). Night shift leads to worsening in fatigue, sleepiness and psychomotor vigilance (all P < 0.01). MET shifts had a lower psychomotor vigilance than non-MET shifts. The difference in the psychomotor vigilance was mostly due to the difference in recorded lapses and response time.

CONCLUSIONS

Shift work ICU doctors experience high levels of fatigue and sleepiness. Night shifts also lead to decreased vigilance. This is even more evident in doctors working MET shifts. These factors may lead to errors. Optimal rostering may reduce these effects and improve patient safety.

Navigating the Diagnostics of COVID-19

Introduction/Objective

The recent outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began in Hubei province, China in December 2019 and has spread worldwide at an alarming rate. With millions of individuals infected and over two hundred thousand deaths, the necessity to develop fast and efficient diagnostic methods is of high importance. Diagnostic modalities rely on a combination of epidemiology, clinical presentation, laboratory examination, and appropriate imaging to diagnose and distinguish SARS-CoV-2 from other pulmonary infections. The purpose of this paper is to report on currently available diagnostic screening methods for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 to guide frontline healthcare workers involved with COVID-19 patient care.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed for peer-reviewed articles published from January 1, 2020, until April 26, 2020. Articles were then reviewed and included based on the applicability to the topic.

Results

The preferred diagnostic approach is reverse transcription of the virus’ RNA followed by PCR amplification (RT-PCR). This method recognizes the gene-specific primers to target various viral protein genes, such as the envelope protein gene or the nucleocapsid protein gene, which enables this test to be both sensitive and specific toward SARS-CoV-2. However, this method has been proven to be time-consuming taking hours-to-days for the results. In order to improve the speed and efficiency of diagnostics, newer rapid diagnostic serological tests are being developed for testing SARS-CoV-2, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. They could potentially be used as triage tests to rapidly identify patients who are very likely to have COVID-19 in combination with other accurate diagnostic methods.

Conclusion

Therefore, a combination of diagnostic testing used in a timely manner may be beneficial for the rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2. This was evident in cases where despite initial negative RT-PCR tests for various patients, who later demonstrate chest CT scans with various degrees of consolidation and ground-glass opacity. Thus establishing the need for radiology diagnosis to be complementary to RT-PCR for COVID-19 patients. Hopefully, the continuous development and use of rapid diagnostic tests and the implementation of public health measures will help control the spread of the disease.

Incidence and risk predictors analysis of adverse donor reactions in whole blood donation

OBJECTIVE

Adverse donor reactions in normal healthy blood donors is not unusual. However, these unpleasant effects have a negative impact on donor retention. Adverse event due to blood donation is multifactorial in origin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the frequency and type of adverse donor reactions during or after blood donation. More importantly, this study also aimed at analyzing important risk predictors of adverse donor reaction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted from May 2017 to April 2019 in the department of Transfusion Medicine at a tertiary care center in eastern India. Data were stored in Microsoft excel 2016 by using a standardized format as per ISBT criteria and analyzed with software "R, version 3.5.3" to find out the various independent precipitating factor.

RESULTS

Overall, 107 donors (0.98%) experienced adverse events with 10,814 whole blood donations. The first time, females, younger age donors (18-30 years), and donors with a mean arterial blood pressure of less than 90mm of Hg were the most important independent risk factors predicting the possibility of adverse donor reaction. Donors' weight, hemoglobin, and the type of donation had not affected the frequency of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of adverse donor reactions helps in selecting the blood donors who are at risk of donor reactions. Our study highlights the importance of proper predonation screening especially in terms of assessment of mean blood pressure, along with identification of first time and female blood donors in order to reduce untoward donor reaction.

Changing epidemiology of acute kidney injury in pregnancy: A journey of four decades from a developing country

The incidence of acute kidney injury in pregnancy (P-AKI) has markedly decreased over the last three decades in India, particularly due to decreased incidence of postabortion AKI. However, P-AKI still accounts for 3%-5% of cases of total AKI. Postabortion sepsis has decreased to between 0.9% and 1.5% in 2014 from 9.4% in 1980-1990 in the new millennium. Currently, in India, majority of P-AKI (70%-90%) occurs in the postpartum period and in late 3^rd trimester similar to the developed countries, but causes are different. We observed that preeclampsia/eclampsia is the most common cause of P-AKI in the late 3^rd trimester and postpartum period followed by puerperal sepsis and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Both puerperal sepsis and PPH are treatable and preventable etiologies of P-AKI. Timely and aggressive management of antepartum hemorrhage (APH/PPH) and puerperal sepsis are required to reduce the burden of P-AKI in developing countries. Specific-pregnancy disorders such as P-aHUS/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, pregnancy-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are the uncommon/rare causes of P-AKI in India and possibly also because of the lack of awareness toward diagnosis. Despite decreasing incidence of P-AKI, fetal mortality remained high and unchanged. However, maternal mortality has decreased to 5% from initial high mortality of 20%-25%. The incidence and severity of renal cortical necrosis have significantly decreased at our center.

Notes on some crinoid associated decapod crustaceans (Crustacea: Decapoda) of Lakshadweep Archipelago, Central Indian Ocean

Decapod crustaceans symbiotic with echinoderms (sea stars, brittle stars, feather stars, basket stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins) possess remarkable diversification in the Indo-Pacific. In the present study, seven species of decapod crustaceans symbiotic with crinoids are recorded based on collections from selected Islands (Agatti, Amini, Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy) of Lakshadweep Archipelago. Of these decapods, five caridean shrimps (Alpheidae: Synalpheus carinatus (de Man, 1888), S. comatularum (Haswell, 1882), S. stimpsonii (de Man, 1888); Palaemonidae: Palaemonella pottsi (Borradaile, 1915), Pontoniopsis comanthi (Borradaile, 1915), one brachyuran crab [Pilumnidae: Permanotus purpureus (Gordon, 1934)] and one squat lobster [Galatheidae: Allogalathea elegans (Adams White, 1848)] were identified. The caridean shrimps have associated with the crinoids Comaster multifidus (Müller, 1841), Phanogenia gracilis (Hartlaub, 1893), P. distincta (Carpenter, 1888), P. multibrachiata (Carpenter, 1888) and Stephanometra indica (Smith, 1876). The brachyuran crab was observed in association with the crinoid Phanogenia gracilis whereas the squat lobsters were associated with Stephanometra tenuipinna (Hartlaub, 1890) and S. indica. Except S. stimpsonii and P. purpureus, all other species were recorded for the first time from India. Here, we provide details on morphology, distribution, habitat, and hosts for all species. We recommend further exploration of the sub-shallow coral reef areas of Lakshadweep as there will be many species that certainly remain to be discovered.

BIOIMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH A CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bioimpedance spectroscopy measurements (L-Dex) in the diagnosis of breast cancer-related lymphedema. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of all patients that underwent surgical treatment for breast cancer at a tertiary medical center. Patients who had preoperative and postoperative evaluation for possible lymphedema by limb circumference measurements and bioimpedance were eligible for inclusion in the study. No significant demographic differences were found between the group of patients clinically diagnosed with lymphedema (N=134) and those without a clinical diagnosis of lymphedema (N=261). The ability of bioimpedance to diagnose lymphedema based on the manufacturer's criteria demonstrated low sensitivity, which was 7.5% when lymphedema was defined as an absolute L-Dex value greater than 10, and 24.6% when defined as a relative change of &gt;10 between preoperative and postoperative measurements. This corresponded with a positive predictive value of 61-71% and a negative predictive value of 67-70%. We are unable to recommend the use of bioimpedance as a screening tool or for measurement of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Etiopathological Study of Crescentic Glomerulonephritis and its Outcome: A Retrospective Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Crescentic Glomerulonephritis (CGN) is most aggressive structural phenotype and accounts for 2%-7% of renal biopsy in most series. The aim of study was to assess the clinical feature and outcome of CGN at our centre.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The renal biopsy performed during the period of January 2015 to January 2018 was studied and patients showing crescentic glomerulonephritis on histology were selected for this study. The clinical presentation, immunological assay, biochemical and haematological investigations, treatment protocol and final outcome at three month of these patients were analysed in the present study.

RESULTS

Of 380 biopsy, 26 (male=17, female=9) patients had histological evidence of CGN (6.8%). The age of patients ranged between 13-75 (mean=43) years. Fibro cellular and cellular crescent was noted in 84.61% and 15.38% of patients respectively. Small vessels vasculitis and granuloma was observed in 5 (19.23%) cases. Based on immunohistopathology, we observed type I (n=3), type II (n=8), type III (n=5), type IV (n=3), and type V (n=7) crescentic GN in 11.53%, 30.76%, 19.23%, 11.53% and 26.92% of patients respectively. Haemodialysis was given to 22(84.61%) and 4(15.38%) patients were treated with immunosuppressive therapy. Plasmapheresis was used in two double positive (ANCA + Anti GBM Ab) patients. Remaining 21(80.76%) has progressed to ESRD over a period of 2-3 months.

CONCLUSION

Type II (immune complex) CGN was most common type followed by type V (immune negative) and type III (pauci-immune) CGN. The crescentic GN had worse prognosis with >80% of patients progressed to ESRD within 3 month of time from onset of illness. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with favourable outcome.

Outcome of HIV Related Kidney Diseases Treated with Combined Antiretroviral Therapy (cART)

INTRODUCTION

The safe and effective treatment of HIV-associated renal diseases with cART can decrease the progression to ESRD and also improve the morbidity and mortality secondary to renal failure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

HIV positive patients with clinical kidney disease were the subjects of this study. The diagnosis of HIV was established using immunochromatographic assays. The patients were subjected to meticulous history, physical examination, laboratory investigations and kidney biopsy. Patients were treated with combined antiretroviral therapy and enalapril. They were followed at 3 months interval for one year. Short term outcome was assessed using changes in serum creatinine and proteinuria. Long term outcome assessments were done using progression to end stage renal disease and patients survival.

RESULT

Ten (Male=7; Female=3) HIV patients with clinical renal disease were included in this study. Their age ranged between 26-55 (Mean=40.5±8.8) years. The mean serum creatinine at the baseline, three, six, nine and twelve months was 2.46, 2.09, 2.43, 2.46 and 2.58 mg/dl respectively. The mean e-GFR by MDRD equation at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months was 40.9, 45.5, 48.2, 51.1 and 52.5 ml/ min/1.73m2 respectively. The mean twenty four hour urinary protein excretion at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months was 3.01, 2.82, 2.22, 2.02 and 1.79 grams respectively. Six patients showed improvement in creatinine and e-GFR, whereas worsening of renal function was seen in four patients. Proteinuria decreased in seven patients, whereas it remained unchanged in three patients. There was no mortality at the end of one year of follow up.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with combined ART and ACEIs slows the progression of HIV-associated kidney disease, decreases proteinuria and improves the GFR.

Quantum chemical studies and spectroscopic investigations on 22-amino-3-methyl-5-nitropyridine by density functional theory

Quantum chemical calculations on energy and molecular structure of 2-amino-3-methyl-5-nitropyridine (2A3M5NP) have been attempted by implementing DFT/B3LYP method using 6-311G (d,p), 6-311G++ (d,p) and cc-pVTZ basis sets. The optimized geometry and the vibrational analysis for energetically most stable configuration, are carried out theoretically by using B3LYP/cc-pVTZ basis set. The computed vibrational frequencies were scaled by using scaling factors and compared with the experimental Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) solid phase spectrum in the region 4000-400 cm⁻¹ and FT-Raman spectrum in the region 4000-100 cm⁻¹. The complete vibrational assignments, analysis and correlation of fundamental modes of the compound have been carried out using the potential energy distribution (PED). The intramolecular charge transfer, hyperconjugative interaction of the compound is investigated from natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis. The UV-Visible spectrum of 2A3M5NP was obtained with ethanol as a solvent. The electronic properties such as HOMO (Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital) and LUMO (Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital) energies are determined by B3LYP/cc-pVTZ basis set. The electronic absorption spectrum of the compound was studied from UV-Visible analysis by using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The electron density distribution and chemical reactive sites of 2A3M5NP were analyzed from molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) analysis and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis.

Anticancer Activity of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized from Brassia actinophylla Flower Extract

There are many methods to synthesize metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. In this paper, copper oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized by solution combustion method using Brassia actinophylla i.e. Schefflera actinophylla flower extract belongs to Araliaceae family. The importance of solution combustion is one of the easy and simplest methods for the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticle. The CuO nanoparticles were synthesized at various temperatures and the characterization has been carried out by UV, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, TEM and EDAX analysis. At lower temperature, the peak was not observed but at 400 ºC, the UV peak was observed at 340 nm. The FTIR peaks observed at 1000-500 cm-1 confirms again the presence of CuO nanoparticles. The monoclinic phase and crystalline structure of nanoparticles were revealed by PXRD pattern, by Scherrer′s method the average crystalline sizes were found to be in the range of 15 to 24 nm. The size and the shape of nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and TEM reports. The SEM images of nanoparticles show spherical in shape and free from agglomeration. TEM analysis reports the nanoparticle sizes ranging from 2 to 20 nm. The percentage of copper (52 %) and oxygen (26 %) elements were recorded in the EDAX analysis. The study of size and stability of nanoparticles were done by zeta potential values. The antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles were carried out against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria's by agar well diffusion method. The MTT assay was performed in order to check the anticancer activity of CuO nanoparticles against HT-29 colon cancer cells.