Basic Constituents Research Articles

Carya Illinoinensis-mediated Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Screening of Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles: The Promising Antimicrobial Agent

Background: The synthesis of metal-based nanoparticles through conventional methods involves harsh conditions, high costs, and severe environmental threats. To overcome these issues, researchers are nowadays focusing on eco-friendly and low-cost methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Finally, several plant-mediated synthesis techniques have been developed, which have various advantages, such as low-cost, environmentally friendly, and easy application. The plant extract not only serves as a reducing agent but also plays a role as a stabilizing agent. The plantmediated synthesis provides new opportunities for cost-effective, environmentally-friendly nanoparticle synthesis with high dispersity and stability. Besides, bio-generated nanoparticles derived from plant extract have promising pharmacological applications, making them potential candidates for future medicines. Aims and Objectives: The current study aimed to synthesize zirconium oxide nanoparticles using Carya illinoinensis extract and examine their physicochemical properties. Additionally, the antimicrobial efficacy of these nanoparticles was evaluated against various pathogens, exploring their potential as potent antimicrobial agents. Method: The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed and characterized by various techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The UV-visible peak at 216 nm confirmed the formation of ZrO2 nanoparticles. The SEM images clearly showed that nanoparticles were spherical and relatively dispersed, with few agglomerations. The EDX spectra confirmed the existence of zirconium and oxygen as the basic constituents of the sample. TEM images demonstrated nanoparticles as spherical and uniformly dispersed but agglomerated with increasing precursor concentrations and decreasing nanoparticle dispersion. Fluconazole and gentamicin were used as standards in determining the antibacterial and antifungal activities of nanoparticles. Results: Considering the antifungal activity, a maximum zone of inhibition of 16 μg/ml was demonstrated in the case of 2 mM as compared to 4 mM and 6 mM concentrations. The Carya illinoinensismediated ZrO2 nanoparticles were screened against Gram-positive (S. aureus and P. aeruginosa) and Gram-negative (S. typhi and E. coli) bacterial strains. The fabricated nanoparticles exhibited promising action against all microorganisms. Conclusion: In the current study, zirconium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using Carya illinoinensis leaves extract as a reducing agent. The antifungal and antibacterial potential of the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated. The green synthesis method used in this study is preferable to the others as it is more affordable, environmentally benign, and widely accessible.

Enhanced Particle Classification in Water Cherenkov Detectors Using Machine Learning: Modeling and Validation with Monte Carlo Simulation Datasets

The Latin American Giant Observatory (LAGO) is a ground-based extended cosmic rays observatory designed to study transient astrophysical events, the role of the atmosphere on the formation of secondary particles, and space-weather-related phenomena. With the use of a network of Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs), LAGO measures the secondary particle flux, a consequence of the interaction of astroparticles impinging on the atmosphere of Earth. This flux can be grouped into three distinct basic constituents: electromagnetic, muonic, and hadronic components. When a particle enters a WCD, it generates a measurable signal characterized by unique features correlating to the particle’s type and the detector’s specific response. The resulting charge histograms from these signals provide valuable insights into the flux of primary astroparticles and their key characteristics. However, these data are insufficient to effectively distinguish between the contributions of different secondary particles. In this work, we extend our previous research by using detailed simulations of the expected atmospheric response to the primary flux and the corresponding response of our WCDs to atmospheric radiation. This dataset, which was created through the combination of the outputs of the ARTI and Meiga simulation frameworks, simulated the expected WCD signals produced by the flux of secondary particles during one day at the LAGO site in Bariloche, Argentina, situated at 865 m above sea level. This was achieved by analyzing the real-time magnetospheric and local atmospheric conditions for February and March of 2012, where the resultant atmospheric secondary-particle flux was integrated into a specific Meiga application featuring a comprehensive Geant4 model of the WCD at this LAGO location. The final output was modified for effective integration into our machine-learning pipeline. With an implementation of Ordering Points to Identify the Clustering Structure (OPTICS), a density-based clustering algorithm used to identify patterns in data collected by a single WCD, we have further refined our approach to implement a method that categorizes particle groups using advanced unsupervised machine learning techniques. This allowed for the differentiation among particle types and utilized the detector’s nuanced response to each, thus pinpointing the principal contributors within each group. Our analysis has demonstrated that applying our enhanced methodology can accurately identify the originating particles with a high degree of confidence on a single-pulse basis, highlighting its precision and reliability. These promising results suggest the feasibility of future implementations of machine-leaning-based models throughout LAGO’s distributed detection network and other astroparticle observatories for semi-automated, onboard and real-time data analysis.

Identification of cellular and noncellular components of mature intact human peripheral nerve.

The goal of this study was to define basic constituents of the adult peripheral nervous system (PNS) using intact human nerve tissues. We combined fluorescent and chromogenic immunostaining methods, myelin-selective fluorophores, and routine histological stains to identify common cellular and noncellular elements in aldehyde-fixed nerve tissue sections. We employed Schwann cell (SC)-specific markers, such as S100β, NGFR, Sox10, and myelin protein zero (MPZ), together with axonal, extracellular matrix (collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin), and fibroblast markers to assess the SC's relationship to myelin sheaths, axons, other cell types, and the acellular environment. Whereas S100β and Sox10 revealed mature SCs in the absence of other stains, discrimination between myelinating and non-myelinating (Remak) SCs required immunodetection of NGFR along with axonal and/or myelin markers. Surprisingly, our analysis of NGFR+ profiles uncovered the existence of at least 3 different novel populations of NGFR+/S100β- cells, herein referred to as nonglial cells, residing in the stroma and perivascular areas of all nerve compartments. An important proportion of the nerve's cellular content, including circa 30% of endoneurial cells, consisted of heterogenous S100β negative cells that were not associated with axons. Useful markers to identify the localization and diversity of nonglial cell types across different compartments were Thy1, CD34, SMA, and Glut1, a perineurial cell marker. Our optimized methods revealed additional detailed information to update our understanding of the complexity and spatial orientation of PNS-resident cell types in humans.

Rod-Shaped Starch from Galanga: Physicochemical Properties, Fine Structure and In Vitro Digestibility.

This work investigated the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and digestive properties of two non-conventional starches extracted from Galanga: Alpinia officinarum Hance starch (AOS) and Alpinia galanga Willd starch (AGS). The extraction rates of the two starches were 22.10 wt% and 15.73 wt%, which is lower than widely studied ginger (Zingiber officinale, ZOS). But they contained similar amounts of basic constituents. AOS and AGS showed a smooth, elongated shape, while ZOS was an oval sheet shape. AOS and ZOS were C-type starches, and AGS was an A-type starch. AOS showed the highest crystallinity (35.26 ± 1.02%) among the three starches, possessed a higher content of amylose (24.14 ± 0.73%) and a longer amylose average chain length (1419.38 ± 31.28) than AGS. AGS starch exhibits the highest viscosity at all stages, while AOS starch shows the lowest pasting temperature, and ZOS starch, due to its high amylose content, displays lower peak and trough viscosities. Significant differences were also found in the physicochemical properties of the three starches, including the swelling power, solubility, thermal properties, and rheological properties of the three starches. The total content of resistant starch (RS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) in AOS (81.05%), AGS (81.46%), and ZOS (82.58%) are considered desirable. These findings proved to be valuable references for further research and utilization of ginger family starch.

Concept of Haemostasis by Acharya Sushruta vis-à-vis Raktasthambanopayas

Dhatus are one among the basic constituents composing the body, These form the foundation to structure, support and sustain life. Rakta among them is responsible for the utpatti, sthiti and pralaya of the body. Rakta is corelated to blood which is merely a fluid connective tissue, however the utility of Rakta Dhatu is considerably more expansive than that of blood. The complications of bleeding can range anywhere from reduced tissue perfusion to death. Hence various techniques and methods of haemostasis have now been implemented. Raktasthambhana means to stop excess flow of Rakta because Atyaadhika Raktasrava may be life threatening. In Ayurveda Chaturvida Raktastambhana Upayas are explained. Certain Vyadhis as well as procedures have mentioned rakta shrava as a laxana or complication, Acharya Sushruta has also also mentioned the management of the same as well as various drugs and procedures which can be performed to arrest bleeding. The relevance of these techniques will be evaluated hereby.

Biogenic amines as an indicator of rye leaven quality during production and storage

Rye leaven, the basic constituent of sour rye soup (‘żurek’ or white borsch), was obtained through three methods of initiating lacto-fermentation of rye flour. Optimal concentrations of NaCl (1.5%) and garlic (0.5%) were selected by utilizing the response surface methodology. During the production and storage of leaven at 10 °C and 20 °C, the secalin proteins of rye flour degraded significantly and the concentration of free amino acids increased, making the rye leaven an environment potentially conducive to the formation of biogenic amines. Putrescine (max. conc: 116.7 mg kg−1) and tyramine (max. conc: 63.4 mg kg−1) were the amines that occurred in the largest amounts in the leavens. The final concentration of histamine (after 150 days of storage) did not exceed 22 mg kg−1. Regardless of the method of initiation of fermentation, the products that contained fewer biogenic amines better retained their sensory characteristics (r ≤ −0.89, p < 0.05) and had a higher number of lactic acid bacteria (r ≤ −0.66, p < 0.05).

Specificity and dynamics of H2O2 detoxification by the cytosolic redox regulatory network as revealed by in vitro reconstitution

The thiol redox state is a decisive functional characteristic of proteins in cell biology. Plasmatic cell compartments maintain a thiol-based redox regulatory network linked to the glutathione/glutathione disulfide couple (GSH/GSSG) and the NAD(P)H system. The basic network constituents are known and in vivo cell imaging with gene-encoded probes have revealed insight into the dynamics of the [GSH]2/[GSSG] redox potential, cellular H2O2 and NAD(P)H+H+ amounts in dependence on metabolic and environmental cues. Less understood is the contribution and interaction of the network components, also because of compensatory reactions in genetic approaches. Reconstituting the cytosolic network of Arabidopsis thaliana in vitro from fifteen recombinant proteins at in vivo concentrations, namely glutathione peroxidase-like (GPXL), peroxiredoxins (PRX), glutaredoxins (GRX), thioredoxins, NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase A and glutathione reductase and applying Grx1-roGFP2 or roGFP2-Orp1 as dynamic sensors, allowed for monitoring the response to a single H2O2 pulse. The major change in thiol oxidation as quantified by mass spectrometry-based proteomics occurred in relevant peptides of GPXL, and to a lesser extent of PRX, while other Cys-containing peptides only showed small changes in their redox state and protection. Titration of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) into the system together with dehydroascorbate reductase lowered the oxidation of the fluorescent sensors in the network but was unable to suppress it. The results demonstrate the power of the network to detoxify H2O2, the partially independent branches of electron flow with significance for specific cell signaling and the importance of APX to modulate the signaling without suppressing it and shifting the burden to glutathione oxidation.

Association of TGFBR2 gene polymorphisms (rs6785358 and rs764522) with congenital heart disease susceptibility in Egyptians

Aim: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) receptor II (TGFBR2) is a basic constituent of TGF-β signalling pathway and is important in heart development. This study investigates the relationship between TGFBR2 gene variance and congenital heart defects (CHD) among Egyptians. Methods: The study involved 75 CHD-affected subjects and 100 healthy controls. Genotyping of two selected tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs, rs6785358, rs764522) within the TGFBR2 gene was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR-RFLP) assays. Results: Significant genotype differences were found for rs764522 and rs6785358 (P &lt; 0.05). In the case of rs6785358, the G/G genotype was more prevalent in cases than controls (18.7% vs. 4.0%). This significance was observed in both the codominant model [A/A vs. A/G vs. G/G; odds ratio (OR) = 0.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.06–0.66, P = 0.0073] and the recessive model (A/A + A/G vs. G/G; OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06–0.60, P = 0.0018). For rs764522, the G/G genotype was more prevalent in cases than controls (21.3% vs. 0.0%). Significant associations were observed in the codominant model (C/C vs. C/G vs. G/G; OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.02–0.90, P &lt; 0.0001), as well as in the dominant model (C/C vs. C/G + G/G) and recessive model (C/C + C/G vs. G/G; P &lt; 0.0001). Gender-specific analysis indicated that the C/G genotype was less common in male cases compared to females and controls (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.07–0.84). For rs6785358, the G/G genotype frequency was higher in male cases compared to females and controls (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.01–0.88 and OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05–0.94, respectively). Conclusions: These findings indicate that TGFBR2 gene SNPs (rs6785358 and rs764522) may be risk factors for CHD in Egyptians.

Role of maceral groups in coal beneficiation: A short review

Macerals are the basic constituents of coal that can be distinguished and identified under the microscope. Depending on the difference in optical properties, the macerals are divided into four maceral groups, including liptinite, vitrinite, huminite and inertinite. These maceral groups not only affect coal mining and utilization but also play different roles in coal beneficiation. According to the different properties of maceral groups, they can be separated (or enriched) to provide high-quality raw materials for the coal industry. This review briefly introduces the international maceral classification system and reviews in detail the role of maceral groups in coal beneficiation combined with their properties.

Asymmetric supercapacitor performance of hydrothermally-synthesized MWCNT-WO3 composite electrode

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that have the potential to significantly contribute to meeting energy demands in the modern era. However, the charge storage capacity and stability of pseudocapacitive materials should be improved. To improve the electrode storage capacity, tungsten trioxide (WO3) has been synthesized and deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-WO3) on stainless-steel substrates via hydrothermal technique. The structural, morphological, elemental, and compositional studies on WO3 and MWCNT-WO3 samples were done with X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The electrochemical features of the WO3 and MWCNT-WO3 materials were studied for supercapacitor application using a three-electrode set-up. The results obtained show highly crystalline films with porous nanoplates at the surface and monoclinic WO3 phase. The basic elemental constituents and chemical bonds present in the synthesized samples were confirmed using EDX and FTIR spectra. The MWCNT-WO3 exhibited an optimized capacitive behavior when compared to WO3. A specific capacitance of 818.31 Fg−1 was obtained at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The composite MWCNT-WO3 was further used as an electrode in a solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor, PANI||MWCNT-WO3 fabricated with polyaniline (PANI) and MWCNT-WO3 as positive and negative electrodes in polyvinyl alcohol/sulphuric acid (PVA/H2SO4) gel electrolyte. The fabricated materials exhibited excellent electrochemical performance which makes them useful for supercapacitor applications.

Singlet-triplets and excited triplets in trapped medium-body systems with particle number 3 ≤ N ≤ 13 and with spin-4 cold atoms

The spin-textures of trapped medium-body cold systems of spin-4 atoms with the interaction dominated by the attractive λ = 4 channel (the two interacting spins are coupled to 4) have been studied via an exact diagonalization of the spin-dependent Hamiltonian under the single spatial mode approximation. Particle number N (3 ≤ N ≤ 13) is assumed. The eigenstates have been analyzed to find out the details of spin-structures and the inherent excitation modes, and the relation between all of them. The emphasis is to find out how the spectra depend on N. We found that the singlet-triplets (a 3-body subsystem where the three spins are coupled to zero) and various excited triplets are basic constituents and all the eigenstates are composed of them. For low-lying states, only a few particles are involved in the excitation modes, while the other particles would 3-by-3 keep themselves in singlet-triplets.

Recent advances in nanopore-based analysis for carbohydrates and glycoconjugates.

Saccharides are not only the basic constituents and nutrients of living organisms, but also participate in various life activities, and play important roles in cell recognition, immune regulation, development, cancer, etc. The analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates is a necessary means to study their transformations and physiological roles in living organisms. Existing detection techniques can hardly meet the requirements for the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates in complex matrices as they are expensive, involve complex derivatization, and are time-consuming. Nanopore sensing technology, which is amplification-free and label-free, and is a high-throughput process, provides a new solution for the identification and sequencing of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. This review highlights recent advances in novel nanopore-based single-molecule sensing technologies for the detection of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and discusses the advantages and challenges of nanopore sensing technologies. Finally, current issues and future perspectives are discussed with the aim of improving the performance of nanopores in complex media diagnostic applications, as well as providing a new direction for the quantification of glycan chains and the study of glycan chain properties and functions.

Electrospun nanofibers: building blocks for the repair of bone tissue.

Bone, one of the hardest structures of the body, is the basic constituent of the skeletal system, which gives the shape to the body, provides mechanical support for muscles and soft tissues, and provides movement. Even if there is no damage, bone remodeling is a permanent process to preserve and renew the structural, biochemical, and biomechanical integrity of bone tissue. Apart from the remodeling, bone healing is the highly complicated process of repairing deficiencies of bone tissue by the harmonious operation of osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and bone lining cells. Various materials can be used to both trigger the bone healing process and to provide mechanical support to damaged bone. Nanofiber scaffolds are at the forefront of these types of systems because of their extremely large surface area-to-volume ratio, small pore size, and high porosity. Nanofibers are known to be highly functional systems with the ability to mimic the structure and function of the natural bone matrix, facilitating osteogenesis for cell proliferation and bone regeneration. Electrospinning is an easy and fast method to produce non-woven structures consisting of continuous ultrafine fibers with diameters ranging from micrometers down to nanometers. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the electrospinning technique, its ability to use a wide variety of synthetic, natural, and mixed polymers, and the formation of highly porous and continuous fibers are the remarkable features of this method. The importance of nanofiber-based scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration is increasing because of suitable pore size, high porosity, osteoinduction, induction of bone growth with osteoconduction, adaptability to the target area, biodegradation, and appropriate mechanical properties, which are among the main parameters that are important in the design of polymeric bone grafts. The aim of this review is to cast light on the increasing use of nanofiber-based scaffolds in bone tissue regeneration and give an insight about bone regeneration, production techniques of the electrospun nanofibers, and varying formulation parameters in order to reach different drug delivery goals. This review also provides an extensive market research of electrospun nanofibers and an overview on scientific research and patents in the field.

Observation of the most H2-dense filled ice under high pressure.

Hydrogen hydrates are among the basic constituents of our solar system's outer planets, some of their moons, as well Neptune-like exo-planets. The details of their high-pressure phases and their thermodynamic conditions of formation and stability are fundamental information for establishing the presence of hydrogen hydrates in the interior of those celestial bodies, for example, against the presence of the pure components (water ice and molecular hydrogen). Here, we report a synthesis path and experimental observation, by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements, of the most H[Formula: see text]-dense phase of hydrogen hydrate so far reported, namely the compound 3 (or C[Formula: see text]). The detailed characterisation of this hydrogen-filled ice, based on the crystal structure of cubic ice I (ice I[Formula: see text]), is performed by comparing the experimental observations with first-principles calculations based on density functional theory and the stochastic self-consistent harmonic approximation. We observe that the extreme (up to 90 GPa and likely beyond) pressure stability of this hydrate phase is due to the close-packed geometry of the hydrogen molecules caged in the ice I[Formula: see text] skeleton.

Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of the Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) Fruits from Alpine-Dinaric Region of Croatia§.

The rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) is a small tree in the Rosaceae family with characteristic orange-red fruits. The raw fruits can be used for making jams, juices and puree, while the dried fruits are used for teas. In folk medicine, they have been used to prevent scurvy and bleeding or as a diuretic and laxative. The aim of this study is to characterize the proximate chemical composition, antioxidant potential and macro- and trace elements of the rowan fruits for their potential use as a functional food. The fruits were collected from 12 populations in the Alpine-Dinaric region of Croatia. After collection, the samples were transported to the laboratory, cut into small pieces, placed in plastic containers and stored at -20 °C until analysis. Proximate chemical composition, including ash, water, cellulose, crude fat and crude protein, was determined according to standard methods and total carbohydrates as non-structural carbohydrates. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also measured. For multielement analysis, fruits were cleaned from the dust, lyophilised, homogenised and acid-digested in a microwave system. Concentrations of elements were determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The basic constituents in the analysed fruits were (in %): water 76.53, total carbohydrates 17.45, crude proteins 2.98, crude fats 1.49, cellulose 1.07 and ash 1.29. On average, the TPC was 932 mg/100 g and the TAC was (60.1±14.5) % and (4.1±1.2) mmol/100 g, determined by DPPH and FRAP assay, respectively. Mass fractions of elements decreased as follows (in mg/kg): K 2485>Ca 459>P 206, Mg 193>Na 6.29>Fe 3.68>Mn 3.58>Zn 1.11>Cu 0.731>Mo 0.098>Co 0.003>Se 0.001. Compared to the literature, the phenolic and element content of the rowan fruits is similar to that of blueberry and raspberry. The obtained results suggest that rowan fruits have valuable nutritional properties and could be useful for fortification in the food industry. The importance of the obtained results is reflected in filling in the gaps in the literature on the composition of elements, especially on the content of essential macro- and trace elements as well as the antioxidant potential of rowan fruits.

On the theory of deep learning: A theoretical physics perspective (Part I)

Deep learning machines are computational models composed of multiple processing layers of adaptive weights to learn representations of data with multiple levels of abstraction. Their structures mainly reflect the intuitive plausibility of decomposing a problem into multiple levels of computation and representation since it is believed that higher layers of representation allow a system to learn complex functions. Surprisingly, after decades of research, from learning and design perspectives these models are still deployed in a heuristic manner. In this paper, deep learning machines are modeled as disordered physical systems where its macroscopic behavior is determined in terms of the interactions defined between the basic information-processing constituent of these models, namely, the artificial neuron. They are viewed as the equilibrium states of a theoretical body that is subject to the law of increase of the entropy. The study of the changes in energy of the body when passing from one equilibrium state to another is used to understand the structure and role of the phase space of the system, and the resulting degree of disorder. It is shown that the topology of these models is strongly linked to their resulting level of disorder. Furthermore, the proposed theoretical characterization permit to assess the thermodynamic efficiency with which information can be processed by these models, and to provide a practical methodology to quantitatively estimate and compare their expected learning and generalization capabilities. These theoretical results provides new insights to the theory of deep learning and their implications are shown to be consistent through a set of benchmarks designed to experimentally assess their validity.

Chromatic alterations induced by preservation treatments on paper: The case of Ag-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose

Artifacts made of paper (books, manuscripts, and other documents) represent a valuable part of cultural heritage. They are particularly fragile compared to other objects due to the multiple physical, chemical, and biological factors able to degrade the paper basic constituents, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Moreover, hemicellulose and lignin represent an ideal growth substrate for proliferation of microorganisms and fungi. Regarding this latter aspect, researchers have experimented several methods to prevent and control fungal development on paper documents, but, sometimes, these treatments present themselves collateral effects, being responsible for the variation of paper chromatic appearance. Recently, a suspension made of crystalline nanocellulose with the adding of silver nanoparticles was tested as antifungal method. Actually, the crystalline nanocellulose has been already experimented as starting material for preservation and consolidation treatments on paper, but the adding of silver nanoparticles also provided the suspension with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. The aim of the research is to investigate the potential effects of the so-prepared suspension in modifying the optical characteristics of the treated paper. To do that, two different types of paper were analyzed: Whatman and Amalfi. Squared paper samples (3 cm side) were prepared, subjected to artificial ageing, and then inoculated with nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) and with Ag-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC/Ag). Spectral reflectance measurements were performed on the samples, and the CIE L*a*b* chromatic coordinates under D65 were obtained. Comparing the measurements referred to samples treated with CNC and those treated with CNC/Ag, it has been possible to describe the effects due to the presence of silver in the suspension. Obtained results demonstrate that the chromatic variations of the samples treated with CNC/Ag are higher than those referred to the samples treated with CNC. Specifically, the chromatic variations ΔE*D65 range from 0.2 to 10.5 for the Whatman paper and from 0.3 to 5.1 for the Amalfi one. Moreover, it has been shown that the two types of paper react in a different way to the treatments and that the alterations are not homogenous on the entire paper sample, but more evident in the inoculation region in which pinkish spots arise. Finally, it has been proved that the alterations are not stable over time, but, especially for Whatman paper, they become more evident after one month and half from the preparation of the samples.

Spondias mombin: biosafety and GC–MS analysis of anti-viral compounds from crude leaf extracts

Essential oils are combinations of naturally occurring phytochemicals that, alone or in synergy with other compounds, can therapeutically attenuate disease-causing viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, and Marburg viruses. This study aimed to investigate the biosafety of and identification of antiviral phytochemicals of Spondias mombin (Linn) leaf crude extracts by GC–MS analysis. GC–MS analysis showed that the compound concentrations were dependent on the polarity of extracting solvent SMH (34), SMDCM (36), SMEA (12), SME (50) and SMM (36). Toluene (15.13%) and di-isooctyl phthalate (14.21%) were identified as the basic constituents of SMH. In SMDCM, n-nonadecanol-1 (19.64%) and eicosane (13.93%) were the main compounds, while in SMEA it was ethanol, 2-butoxy-(83.29%). Both SME and SMM showed the presence of Tetradecyl trifluoroacetate (15.43%). Pentadecanoic acid (12.18%), Propane, 2,2-diethoxy- (33.83%) and o-Xylene (15.87%). The identified antiviral compounds in the crude extracts, were d-Limonene (1.33%), p-Cymene (1.31%), Thymol (0.50%) and Carvacrol (0.87%) in SMM and SMH extracts, with Phytol, acetate being a common constituent in all the essential oils, except SMEA. In vitro cytotoxicity studies of crude S. mombin leaf extracts were performed using the MTT method in three cell lines: MCF-7, A-549 and HEK-293, with IC50 values between 15.91 and 178.5 μg/mL. Therefore, the results indicated that crude extracts from S. mombin leafs had low toxicity and could be used safely. Compared with hexane extracts (1), methanol extracts have more compounds with antiviral properties (3) and can be used as reusable therapeutic candidates, natural dietary supplements or in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, Ebola and Marburg viruses. This can be valuable in pharmaceutical preparations of drug candidates for the treatment of these viruses.

Emergence and identity of quantum particles.

According to classical physics, particles are basic constituents of the physical world. Quantum theory is much less friendly to particles; in particular, relativistic quantum field theory (RQFT) creates serious obstacles for the idea that particles are fundamental. Apparently, when moving from the domain of RQFT to that of classical mechanics (CM), particles have to emerge at some stage. It is standard to assume that this emergence has been completed at the level of quantum mechanics, halfway between RQFT and CM, even though particles of the same kind in many-particle quantum mechanics have the curious feature of being 'entities without identity'. Against this 'Received View' about the nature of quantum particles we outline and defend an Alternative View (AV), in which the emergent character of particles is emphasized. According to this AV, the step to a particle theory has not yet been made in quantum mechanics: conditions have still to be satisfied in order to make the particle concept applicable. If these conditions are met, the quantum particles that emerge are distinguishable individuals possessing physically defined identities, in stark contrast to what the Received View asserts. We will compare and contrast the two Views, both from a physical and a logical/conceptual point of view. This article is part of the theme issue 'Identity, individuality and indistinguishability in physics and mathematics'.

Vatarakta : An Ayurvedic classical literature review

The statement “The inequalities of basic constituents in the body are the root cause for different diseases” is the fundamental principle of the Ayurveda, which indicate the control of different fundamental elements in the body (Sharira) is the sign of good health and free from diseases. Ayurvedic remedies and therapies are found very effective and useful to sustain the equilibrium of these fundamental elements in the body. Vatarakta is a chronic joint and body pain disease accompanied by pain, stiffness, swelling over joints which involve vitiated Vatadosha as well as Raktadhatu. Aggravated Vata is blocked by vitiated Rakta, which leads to further aggravation of Vata Dosha. Vatarakta have two Avasthas i.e., Uttana and Gambhira. Uttana Vatrakta affects Twacha and Mansadhatu whereas Gambhira mainly affects Asthi, Majjadi Gambhira Dhatu. Nidan Panchak is one of the finest and important method of diagnosing disease, its causes &amp; prognosis. Nidan Panchak consists of 5 components viz. Nidan, Purvarupa, Rupa, Upshaya &amp; Samprapti. Every component of Nidan Panchak helps the physician for better understanding of disease growth &amp; treating the disease at an earliest possible stage. Nidana Panchak is the main and important diagnostic tools in Ayurveda. The present life style not only disturb the healthy Aahar but Vihara also. Sedentary lifestyle along with mental stress, consumption of nonveg and highly protein diet, excessive alcohol intake are some of the causing factors which origins acute exacerbation of Vatarakta. The etiological factors responsible for Gouty arthritis, pathology and clinical features are quite similar to Vatarakta.