Unravelling the role of the combined effect of metallic charge transfer channel and SiO_(x) overlayer in the Zr/Si-Fe_(2)O_(3):Au:SiO_(x) nanorod arrays to boost photoelectrochemical water splitting

Hematite(α-Fe_(2)O_(3)) based photoanodes have been extensively studied due to various intriguing features that make them viable candidates for a photoelectrochemical(PEC) water splitting photoanode.Herein,we propose a Zr-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) photoanode decorated with facilely spin-coated Au nanoparticles(NPs) and microwave-assisted attached Si co-doping in conjunction with a SiO_(x) overlayer that displayed a remarkable photocurrent density of 2.01 mA/cm^(2) at 1.23 V vs.RHE.The kinetic dynamics at the photoelectrode/-electrolyte interface was examined by employing systematic electrochemical investigations.The Au NPs played a dual role in increasing PEC water splitting.First,the Schottky interface that was formed between Au NPs and Zr-Fe_(2)O_(3) lectrode ensured the prevention of electron flow from the photoanode to the metal,increasing the number of available charges as well as suppressing surface charge recombination.Second,Au extracted photoholes from the bulk of the Zr-Fe_(2)O_(3) and transported them to the outer SiO_(x) overlayer,while the SiO_(x) overlayer efficiently collected the photoholes and promoted the hole injection into the electrolyte.Further,Si co-doping enhanced bulk conductivity by reducing bulk charge transfer resistance and improving charge carrier density.This study outlines a technique to design a metallic charge transfer path with an overlayer for solar energy conversion.

Gradient Si-and Ti-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) hierarchical homojunction photoanode for efficient solar water splitting:Effect of facile microwave-assisted growth of Si-FeOOH on Ti-FeOOH nanocorals

The construction of a homojunction is an effective approach for addressing issues such as slow charge separation and charge-transfer kinetics in photoanodes.In the present work,we designed a gradient Si-and Ti-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) homojunction photoanode to improve the photoelectrochemical(PEC)performance of a Ti-doped Fe_(2)O_(3) photoanode.Ti-FeOOH nanocorals were synthesized using a hydrothermal process,and Si-FeOOH was grown on Ti-FeOOH nanocorals using a rapid and facile microwaveassisted(MW)technique.By varying the MW irradiation time,the thickness of the Si/Ti:Fe_(2)O_(3) photoanode was adjusted and an optimized 3-Si/Ti:Fe_(2)O_(3) photoelectrode was achieved with a significantly enhanced photocurrent density(1.37 mA cm^(-2) at 1.23 V vs.RHE)and a cathodic shift of the onset potential(150 mV)compared with that of bare Ti-Fe_(2)O_(3).This enhanced PEC performance can be ascribed to homojunction formation and Si gradient doping.The Si dopant increased the donor concentration and the formation of a homojunction improved the intrinsic built-in electric field,thereby promoting charge separation and charge transfer.Furthermore,the as-formed homojunction passivated the surfacetrapping states,consequently improving the charge transfer efficiency(60%at 1.23 VRHE)at the photoanode/electrolyte interface.These findings could pave the way for the microwave-assisted fabrication of diverse efficient homojunction photoanodes for PEC water splitting applications.

Combination eect of pH and acetate on enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis

The productivity and efficiency of cellulase are significant in cellulose hydrolysis. With the accumulation of volatile fatty acids （VFAs）, the pH value in anaerobic digestion system is reduced. Therefore, this study will find out how the pH and the amount of acetate influence the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. The effects of pH and acetate on cellulase produced from Bacillus coagulans were studied at various pH 5-8, and acetate concentrations （0-60 mmol/L）. A batch kinetic model for enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis was constructed from experimental data and performed. The base hypothesis was as follows： the rates of enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis rely on pH and acetate concentration. The results showed that the suitable pH range for cellulase production and cellulose hydrolysis （represents efficiency of cellulase） was 2.6-7.5, and 5.3-8.3, respectively. Moreover, acetate in the culture medium had an effect on cellulase production （KI = 49.50 mmol/L, n = 1.7） less than cellulose hydrolysis （/（＇i = 37.85 mmol/L, n = 2.0）. The results indicated that both the pH of suspension and acidogenic products influence the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in an anaerobic environment. To enhance the cellulose hydrolysis rate, the accumulated acetate concentration should be lower than 25 mmol/L, and pH should be maintained at 7.

Functional properties, phenolic constituents and antioxidant potential of industrial apple pomace for utilization as active food ingredient

Apple pomace is a waste biomass generated after apple fruit processing.In present investigation,efforts were made to comprehend influence of differently dried pomace on cell wall properties and phenolic profile.Different drying techniques were employed to remove moisture content from fresh apple pomace.Total dietary fiber yield(74%)and array of functional properties such as density,water and oil holding capacity,swelling capacity and glucose dialysis retardation index(36.91%)was found better in freeze dried fraction.The higher total phenolics(5.78±0.08 mg GAE/g dry weight)content was also recorded in freeze dried fraction followed by oven and sun drying.The 50%aqueous acetone was found as more efficient solvent for extraction of phenolic constituents.RP-HPLC analysis has revealed presence of quercetin,phloridzin and phloretin as major phenolics.Thus,it is evident from the results that pomace generated at industrial scale can be utilized as a source of dietary food ingredient.

Isolation and Identification of Shoot-Tip Associated Endophytic Bacteria from Banana cv. Grand Naine and Testing for Antagonistic Activity against <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i>f. sp. <i>cubense</i>

Endophytic bacteria colonizing the shoot-tips of banana cv. Grand Naine were isolated and tested for the antagonistic activity against the Panama wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). Pre-isolation, the suckers were given extensive disinfection treatments and the homogenate from the excised shoot-tip portion was plated on nutrient agar (NA) and trypticase soy agar (TSA). This yielded altogether 47 isolates: 26 on NA and 21 on TSA, respectively, from the 10 suckers collected during August to February. The number of bacterial isolates obtained per sucker varied from one to 15 based on colony characteristics registering up to 10 distinct species per shoot-tip based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The 47 isolates belonged to 19 genera and 25 species under the phylogenetic classes of Actinobacteria, α- and γ-Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Actinobacteria constituted the predominant phylum (55% isolates) with the constituent genera of Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Curtobacterium, Kocuria, Kytococcus, Micrococcus, Naumanella, Rothia and Tessaracoccus spp. and an unidentified isolate belonging to the family Frankiaceae. Proteobacteria constituted the second major phylum (Brevundimonas, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Sphingomonas spp.) followed by Firmicutes (Bacillus and Staphylococcus spp.). Antagonistic activity of the endophytes against Foc was tested through agar plate assays (pit and spot applications on fungal lawn) employing potato dextrose agar and NA. Endophytic Pseudomonas aeruginosa (isolate GNS.13.2a) which was associated with a single sucker showed significant growth inhibition effect on Foc while Klebsiella variicola (GNS.13.3a) and Enterobacter cloacae (GNS13.4a) exhibited moderate inhibition. The study brings out considerable sucker to sucker variation in the associated cultivable endophytic bacteria in “Grand Naine” banana and identifies a few bacterial endophytes with biocontrol potential against the devastating Foc pathogen.

Chromatin-binding in vivo of the erythroid kruppel-like factor,EKLF,in the murine globin loci

EKLF is an erythroid-specific, zinc finger-containing transcription factor essential for the activation of the mammalian beta globin gene in erythroid cells of definitive lineage. We have prepared a polyclonal anti-mouse EKLF antibody suitable for Western blotting and immunoprecipitation （IP） qualities, and used it to define the expression patterns of the EKLF protein during mouse erythroid development. We have also used this antibody for the chromatin-immunoprecipitation （CHIP） assay. EKLF was found to bind in vivo at both the mouse beta-major-globin promoter and the HS2 site of beta-LCR in the mouse erythroleukemia cells （MEL） in a DMSO-inducible manner. The DMSO-induced bindings of EKLF as well as three other proteins, namely, RNA polymerase Ⅱ, acetylated histone H3, and methylated histone H3, were not abolished but significantly lowered in CB3, a MEL-derived cell line with null-expression of p45/NF-E2, an erythroid-enriched factor needed for activation of the mammalian globin loci. Interestingly, binding of EKLF in vivo was also detected in the mouse alpha-like globin locus, at the adult alpha globin promoter and its far upstream regulatory element alpha-MRE （HS26）. This study provides direct evidence for EKLF-binding in vivo at the major regulatory elements of the mouse beta-like globin gene clusters the data also have interesting implications with respect to the role of EKLF-chromatin interaction in mammalian globin gene regulation.

Previous hepatitis B viral infection–an underestimated cause of pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND The etiology of pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This limits the possibility of prevention and effective treatment. Hepatitis B virus(HBV) is responsible for the development of different types of cancer, but its role in pancreatic cancer is still being discussed.AIM To assess the prevalence of previous HBV infection and to identify viral biomarkers in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) to support the role of the virus in etiology of this cancer.METHODS The data of 130 hepatitis B surface antigen-negative subjects were available for the final analysis,including 60 patients with PDAC confirmed by cytology or histology and 70 sex-and age-matched controls. All the participants were tested for HBV biomarkers in blood [antibody to hepatitis B core antigen(anti-HBc), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen(anti-HBs) and HBV DNA], and for those with PDAC, biomarkers in resected pancreatic tissues were tested(HBV DNA, HBV pregenomic RNA and covalently closed circular DNA). We performed immunohistochemistry staining of pancreatic tissues for hepatitis B virus X antigen and Ki-67 protein. Non-parametric statistics were used for the analysis.RESULTS Anti-HBc was detected in 18/60(30%) patients with PDAC and in 9/70(13%) participants in the control group(P = 0.029). Accordingly, the odds of PDAC in anti-HBc-positive subjects were higher compared to those with no previous HBV infection(odds ratio: 2.905, 95% confidence interval: 1.191-7.084, standard error 0.455). HBV DNA was detected in 8 cases of PDAC and in 6 of them in the pancreatic tumor tissue samples only(all patients were anti-HBc positive). Blood HBV DNA was negative in all subjects of the control group with positive results of the serum anti-HBc test. Among 9 patients with PDAC, 5 revealed signs of replicative competence of the virus(covalently closed circular DNA with or without pregenomic RNA) in the pancreatic tumor tissue samples. Hepatitis B virus X antigen expression and active cell proliferation was revealed by immunohistochemistry in 4 patients with PDAC in the pancreatic tumor tissue samples.CONCLUSION We found significantly higher risks of PDAC in anti-HBc-positive patients. Detection of viral replication and hepatitis B virus X protein expression in the tumor tissue prove involvement of HBV infection in pancreatic cancer development.

Wound healing activity of Delonix elata stem bark extract and its isolated constituent quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside in rats

Delonix elata L.is a Ceasalpinaceae species and is traditionally used in India for treatment of skin diseases,liver diseases and rheumatic problems.However,systematic evaluation of its wound healing activity is lacking.Thus,in the present study,we aimed to assess the wound healing activity of D.elata stem bark extract(DSE) and its isolated constituent quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside(QRPG) in rats.The formulations effects on wound healing were assessed by the wound contraction rate,epithelialization period,tensile strength,content of the hydroxyproline,hexosamine and uronic acid in granulation tissue,histopathological studies and Col 1 α(I) expression level in wound tissue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) study.The topical application of DSE ointment caused faster epithelialization,significant wound contraction(100%),and better tensile strength(710.5 ± 10.5 g/cm^2),while QRPG showed wound epithelialization with 98.2%contraction,better than that of the control group(78.18%).The biochemical analysis of granulation tissue revealed that DSE and QRPG significantly increased hydroxyproline,hexosamine and uronic acid content.A significant increase in the expression of Col 1 α(I) was observed in the wound tissue of DSE and QRPG treated rats.DSE and QRPG were shown to enhance wound healing by increasing collagen synthesis through upregulation of Col 1 α(I),thus validating ethnomedicinal uses.

Testing of Bacterial Endophytes from Non-Host Sources as Potential Antagonistic Agents against Tomato Wilt Pathogen <i>Ralstonia solanacearum</i>

The study was taken up with the objective of testing whether the endophytic organisms isolated from crops that are normally non-hosts to the bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum possessed pathogen-antagonistic activity and to evaluate the selected isolates for the alleviation of wilt disease in the target tomato crop through horizontal movement of promising organisms. Sixteen endophytic bacteria (EB) isolated from the micropropagated cultures of grape, watermelon and papaya were tested for potential antagonistic effects against R. solanacearum tomato isolate “NH-01” through agar-well diffusion assay. Enterobacter cloacae from papaya (EB-11) displayed the maximum antagonistic effect followed by Bacillus subtilis (EB-06) and B. flexus (EB-07) from watermelon and B. pumilus (EB-02) from grape. Testing the above organisms for crop protection through seed fortification of susceptible tomato cv. Arka Vikas at sowing in R. solanacearum inoculated (Ral+) organic cocopeat showed EB-02 and EB-11 promising (33% and 32% survival, respectively, four weeks after sowing against 15% in Ral+ control). A second trial showed 37%, 28%, 21% and 55% seedling survival 6 weeks after sowing for EB-02, EB-06, EB-07 and EB-11 respectively, compared to 2.5% in non-treated control. Assessing the four endophytes for crop protection in Ral+ sick-soil through seedling fortification at transplanting indicated less disease incidence in treated sets (40%, 40%, 20% and 20% survival, respectively, six weeks after transplanting) over non-fortified control (5%). Endophytic fortification of seedlings through hypocotyl inoculation showed some systemic resistance induction upon seedling transplanting to sick soil but not with petiole fortification. Seedling growth was enhanced by the isolates EB-06 and EB-07. The study thus identifies four endophytic organisms from crops unrelated to tomato possessing potential antagonistic activity against the wilt pathogen and prospects for exploitation as biocontrol agents coupled with seedling growth promotion effects.

General Evaluation of Biocide （Bt-ASF-1） Produced from Iraqi Isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis

General evaluation of isolate Bacillus thuringiensis （Bt-ASF-1） used as biocide in meddle scale application was conducted. Some morphological and confirmation tests were achieved. The sensitivity tests had been accomplished by diffusion and dilution techniques to determine the response of isolate against the antibiotics. The results of diffusion tests showed to the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics of cefixime, erythromycin, gentamicin and tetracycline respectively. It was resistant to trimethoprim sulfonamide （TMP）, bacitracin, penicillin and all its generations, and moderate resistance to nalidixic acid. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration （MIC） for amoxicillin was ranged between 30-40 pg/mL and these results are an approximation of the universal findings. Curing experiments showed the effective role of sodium dodecyl sulfate （SDS） （1.5%） comparing with temperature. The bacterial cells became sensitive to amoxicillin and TMP. The curing by temperature did not differ significantly from control treatment in plasmid pattern or antibiotics response. Plasmid profile referring that curing by SDS has been caused disturbance in beta -lactamase genes through the sensitivity to amoxicillin and remaining resistance to ampicillin. Curing isolate by SDS also became more sensitive to nalidixic acid, erythromycin and tetracycline respectively. It was found from the curing treatments the complexity distribution of r-genes between different plasmid size and chromosome but not effect on their insecticidal ability.

An Effective Wood DNA Extraction Protocol for Three Economic Important Timber Species of India

Extraction of DNA from fresh tissues is routine in studies of tropical forest species, but DNA extraction from wood is considered as difficult due to its highly degraded nature and adequate quality of genomic DNA extraction is essential for molecular studies. Very few studies have validated the potential for isolating DNA from dried wood (Heartwood and Sapwood). Wood genomic DNA extraction is difficult from mature timber (Teak (Tectona grandis f;verbanaceae), Black Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia f;Fabaceae) Ben Teak (Lagerstroemia lanceolata f;Lytheraceae) tissues due to presence of high quantity of secondary metabolites polyphenols, tannins and terpenoids and protein inhibitors. Mostly in laboratories DNA extraction kits are available but by using kits, DNA yield is very low and it is quite expensive too. We have standardized and validated the DNA extraction through manual protocol which is applicable for Bark, Sapwood and Heartwood samples of tree species which contains huge amount of inflexible tissues and fibers. The quality of the DNA was tested by spectrophotometer, gel electrophoresis and PCR (ISSR and SSR) amplification. An avrage DNA yield for heartwood ranges from 0.186 - 0.166 μg/μL and sapwood was ranges from 0.26 - 0.244 μg/μL. Modification of CTAB method was by addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) appx 0.25%, variation in Rnase concentration, proteinase treatment with different concentration and incubation time. In order to evaluate the standardized wood genomic DNA extraction protocol, we compared it with the mature leaf and core samples (heartwood and sapwood) of the same timber species. The outcome was also quantified and proved by means of polymerase chain reaction analysis by using ISSR and SSR microsatellite markers conducted with isolated pure DNAs. This modified protocol made increased yield and purity of wood total genomic DNA and facilitate the important application of forensic timber species effort.

SIRT1-dependent modulation of methylation and acetylation of histone H3 on lysine 9(H3K9)in the zygotic pronuclei improves porcine embryo development

Background: The histone code is an established epigenetic regulator of early embryonic development in mammals.The lysine residue K9 of histone H3(H3 K9) is a prime target of SIRT1, a member of NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase family of enzymes targeting both histone and non-histone substrates. At present, little is known about SIRT1-modulation of H3 K9 in zygotic pronuclei and its association with the success of preimplantation embryo development. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of SIRT1 activity on H3 K9 methylation and acetylation in porcine zygotes and the significance of H3 K9 modifications for early embryonic development.Results: Our results show that SIRT1 activators resveratrol and BML-278 increased H3 K9 methylation and suppressed H3 K9 acetylation in both the paternal and maternal pronucleus. Inversely, SIRT1 inhibitors nicotinamide and sirtinol suppressed methylation and increased acetylation of pronuclear H3 K9. Evaluation of early embryonic development confirmed positive effect of selective SIRT1 activation on blastocyst formation rate(5.2 ± 2.9% versus 32.9 ± 8.1% in vehicle control and BML-278 group, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Stimulation of SIRT1 activity coincided with fluorometric signal intensity of ooplasmic ubiquitin ligase MDM2, a known substrate of SIRT1 and known limiting factor of epigenome remodeling.Conclusions: We conclude that SIRT1 modulates zygotic histone code, obviously through direct deacetylation and via non-histone targets resulting in increased H3 K9 me3. These changes in zygotes lead to more successful pre-implantation embryonic development and, indeed, the specific SIRT1 activation due to BML-278 is beneficial for in vitro embryo production and blastocyst achievement.

The extract of the immature fruit of Poncirus trifoliata induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via mitochondrial autophagy

The immature fruits of Poncirus trifoliate are used as a medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders,inflammation,and allergies in East Asia.However,their effect on colon cancer cells remains unclear.We investigated the effect of the immature fruit of P.trifoliate extract on colorectal adenocarcinoma.The extract of the immature fruit of P.trifoliata inhibited the proliferation of CT-26 cells compared with untreated cells and it induced autophagy and apoptosis through the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase pathways.The number of autophagic vacuoles and autophage markers increased in response to the extract.At later time-points,apoptosis increased dose/time-dependently.In CT-26 cells pre-treated a pan-caspase inhibitor prior to P.trifoliata immature fruit extract treatment,we did not find any change in pro-caspase 3 and pro-PARP levels.Additionally,in cells pre-treated autphage inhibitor,SQSTM1/p62 and LC3AB,pro-caspase 3 and pro-PARP levels did not change.Our results indicate the molecular mechanisms that the extract of the immature fruit of P.trifoliata induces apoptosis in colorectal carcinoma cells by inducing mitochondrial autophagy.In this study,we provided a draft for further investigate the use of MEPT for colorectal cancer inhibition.

Exploration of natural enzyme inhibitors with hypoglycemic potentials amongst Eucalyptus Spp. by in vitro assays

AIM: To investigate the presence and potency of natural enzyme inhibitors with hypoglycemic potentials amongst Eucalyptus Spp. by in vitro assays.METHODS: The leaf extracts of the three different Eucalyptus species [E. globulus(EG), E. citriodora(EC), E. camaldulensis(ECA)] were subjected to in vitro assay procedures to explore the prevalence of natural enzyme inhibitors(NEIs) after preliminary qualitative and quantitative phytochemical evaluations, to study their inhibitory actions against the enzymes like α-amylase, α-glucosidase, aldose reductase, angiotensin converting enzyme and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 playing pathogenic roles in type 2 diabetes. The antioxidant potential and total antioxidant capacity of the species were also evaluated.RESULTS: Major bioactive compounds like polyphenols(341.75 ± 3.63 to 496.85 ± 3.98) and flavonoids(4.89 ± 0.01 to 7.15 ± 0.02) were found in appreciable quantity in three species. Based on the IC50 values of the extracts under investigation, in all assays the effectivity was in the order of EG > ECA > EC. The results of the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay showed that the reducing ability of the species was also in the order of EG > ECA > EC. A strong correlation(R2 = 0.81-0.99) was found between the phenolic contents and the inhibitory potentials of the extracts against the targeted enzymes.CONCLUSION: These results show immense hypoglycemic potentiality of the Eucalyptus Spp. and a remarkable source of NEIs for a future phytotherapeutic approach in Type 2 diabetes.

Effects of difructose dianhydride (DFA)-Ⅳ on in vitro fertilization in pigs

Difructose dianhydride Ⅳ(DFA-Ⅳ) is produced from levan, which is a natural polysaccharide that belongs to the fructan family, through the activity of levan fructotransferase(LF) derived from microorganisms. Recently, DFA-Ⅳ has been expected to have diverse applications in the food and medical industry. Here, we examined the potential application of DFA-Ⅳ for in vitro fertilization(ⅣF) in pigs. In the assessment of acrosomal integrity during incubation, intact acrosomal or viable spermatozoa were highly sustained in 0.1% or 0.25% DFA-Ⅳ(69.8%-70.8%,P<0.05). Reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels during sperm incubation decreased following the addition of DFA-Ⅳ, and 0.1 %-0.5% DFA-Ⅳ in particular significantly decreased ROS production relative to that seen with no addition or 0.75% DFA-Ⅳ. Total fertilization(mono + polyspermic oocyte) rate was significantly higher in the addition of0.1% DFA-Ⅳ(94.2%) than with other concentrations(71.8%-86.7%, P<0.05). When using reduced ⅣF times and lower sperm numbers, we found that addition of 0.1%-0.5% DFA-Ⅳ significantly increased the fertilization rate(P<0.05). Fertilized oocytes treated with 0.1% DFA-Ⅳ exhibited higher embryonic development and blastocyst formation than those treated with other concentrations(P<0.05). Consequently, the addition of DFA-Ⅳ during ⅣF improved fertilization and embryonic development, suggesting the possible use of novel sugars for enhancement of assisted reproductive technology(ART) in mammals.

Computational pharmacokinetics and in vitro-in vivo correlation of anti-diabetic synergistic phyto-composite blend

Despite tremendous strides in modern medicine stringent control over insulin resistance or restoration of normoglycemia has not yet been achieved.With the growth of molecular biology,omics technologies,docking studies,and in silico pharmacology,modulators of enzymes and receptors affecting the molecular pathogenesis of the disease are being considered as the latest targets for anti-diabetic therapy.Therapeutic molecular targets are now being developed basing on the up or down regulation of different signaling pathways affecting the disease.Phytosynergistic antidiabetic therapy is in vogue both with classical and non-classical medicinal systems.However its chemoprofiling,structural and pharmacokinetic validation awaits providing recognition to such formulations for international acceptance.Translational health research with its focus on benchside product development and its sequential transition to patient bedside puts the pharma RDs to a challenge to develop bio-waiver protocols.Pharmacokinetic simulation models and establishment of in vitro-in vivo correlation can help to replace in vivo bioavailability studies and provide means of quality control for scale up and post approval modification.Thisreview attempts to bring different shades highlighting phyto-synergy,molecular targeting of antidiabetic agents via different signaling pathways and bio-waiver studies under a single umbrella.

Influence of Seedling Age on the Susceptibility of Tomato Plants to <i>Ralstonia solanacearum</i>during Protray Screening and at Transplanting

The study was undertaken to assess whether seedling age played any role in governing the vulnerability of tomato to the bacterial wilt pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, based on the preliminary observations that the extent of mortality during seedling-stage screening was relatively less in older seedlings. Employing the virulent strain ‘NH-Av01’ isolated from tomato, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-week-old seedlings of susceptible ‘Arka Vikas’ raised in organic cocopeat in 98 cavity protrays were inoculated with the pathogen through root-injury inoculation approach. Disease symptoms appeared earlier and with more severity in 2-week-old seedlings followed by 3-, 4- and 5-week-old saplings recording 74%, 68%, 63% and 49% mortality, respectively, after four weeks of inoculation suggesting that older the seedlings, less the susceptibility to the pathogen. The growth characteristics of seedlings (shoot height, shoot and root weights) showed a significant increase with seedling age (0.21, 0.54, 1.14 and 2.09 g gross weight/seedling at 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks, respectively) indicating healthier saplings with delay in inoculation time. In subsequent trials, seedlings of 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks were transplanted to field-sick soil in protrays or in pots with monitoring for 1 - 4 months which indicated a significant reduction in disease incidence and severity with increase in seedling age. The observations suggested that seedling age should be considered as a major factor influencing the susceptibility of tomato seedlings to R. solanacearum with the chances of variations in the extent of disease incidence or inconsistent results during seedling-stage screening and the possibility of escapes with older seedlings. Two-week seedlings formed the best when the aim is to induce maximum disease incidence, while transplanting at 5 - 6 weeks stage appeared the best when the objective is minimal disease incidence or formulating disease management strategies.

Self-motivated,thermally oxidized hematite nanoflake photoanodes:Effects of pre-polishing and ZrO_(2) passivation layer

High-temperature thermal oxidation of an Fe foil produces a high-quality,crystalline hematite nanoflake suitable as a photoanode for the photoelectrochemical(PEC)water oxidation.Physical pre-polishing of the foil surface has a profound effect in the formation of a vertically-aligned nanoflakes of hematite phase with extended(110)planes by removing the loosely-bonded oxide layer.When the surface of the photoanode is modified with a ZrO_(2) passivation layer and a cobalt phosphate co-catalyst,the charge recombination at the photoanode-electrolyte interface is greatly suppressed to improve its overall PEC activity.As a result,the photocurrent density at 1.10 VRHE under 1 sun condition is enhanced from 0.22 mA cm^(-2) for an unmodified photoanode to 0.59 mA cm^(-2) for the fully modified photoanode,and the photocurrent onset potential is shifted cathodically by 400 mV.Moreover,the photoanode demonstrates outstanding stability by showing steady production of H_(2) and O_(2) gases in the stoichiometric ratio of 2:1 in a continuous PEC operation for 10 h.

Down-regulation of Halr1 during induced differentiation of embryonal carcinoma P19 cells

Maintenance of pluripotency depends to diverse regulatory factors.Studies in embryonic stem cells(ESCs)have indicated that large intergenic non-coding RNAs(lincRNAs)are involved in the regulatory network of pluripotency.However,the presence and function of pluripotency-associated lincRNAs in cancer cells with pluripotency features are unknown.In this study,we used embryonal carcinoma(EC)P19 cell lines to investigate the expression level of Halr1 in pluripotency and retinoic acid(RA)-induced differentiated states.Down-regulation of pluripotency associated factors such as OCT4,NANOG,SSEA1 and alkaline phosphatase at transcript and protein levels were used to confirm the differentiated status of P19 cells.Quantitative measurement of Halr1 transcript levels revealed a 79% decrease during RA-induced differentiation of P19 cells.These results indicate that upon exiting the pluripotency state the expression level of Halr1 similar to core pluripotency factors is remarkably reduced.

<i>In Vitro</i>Introduction of Hardy Alcohol Resistant Bacillus spp. through Aseptically Grown Watermelon Seedlings

The present study was taken up with a view to ascertain the possibility of introduction of alcohol resistant bacteria in vitro through the aseptically raised watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seedlings in the backdrop of isolating such organisms from micropropagated watermelon stocks. Watermelon cv. Arka Manik seedlings grown in vitro from surface-sterilized seeds with the intact seed coat on MS medium appeared visibly clean largely, but upon subjecting them to tissue-indexing, the segments from the collar or root tissue showed bacterial colony growth on Nutrient Agar (NA) from 72% of such healthy seedlings and the cotyledon and hypocotyl tissue of 44% seedlings. The pooled colony growth from NA upon challenge with 90% alcohol yielded 10 distinct colony types, identified as B. pumilus (4×), B. subtilis (4×), B. cereus (1×) or B. safensis (1×) based on partial 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The shoot-tip tissue from the healthy index-negative seedlings cultured on watermelon proliferation medium partly turned index-positive within 2 - 4 sub-culture cycles while being apparently clean. On the other hand, those from the previously index-positive cultures tended to show obvious bacterial growth during subsequent in vitro culturing. The observations suggested the possibility of introduction of spore-forming Bacillus spp. through surface-sterilized seeds, their gradual emergence in vitro in visibly clean seedlings, possible transmittal of spores to the alcohol through tissue-culturing tools and the survival therein with the chances of unsuspected lateral spread. Seed coat removal followed by surface sterilization with sodium hypochlorite facilitated the raising of clean seedlings with no detectable bacterial association.