Department Of Chemistry Research Articles

An Insight into Rational Drug Design: The Development of In-House Azole Compounds with Antimicrobial Activity.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to global health as the number of efficient antimicrobials decreases and the number of resistant pathogens rises. Our research group has been actively involved in the design of novel antimicrobial drugs. The blueprints of these compounds were azolic heterocycles, particularly thiazole. Starting with oxadiazolines, our research group explored, one by one, the other five-membered heterocycles, developing more or less potent compounds. An overview of this research activity conducted by our research group allowed us to observe an evolution in the methodology used (from inhibition zone diameters to minimal inhibitory concentrations and antibiofilm potential determination) correlated with the design of azole compounds based on results obtained from molecular modeling. The purpose of this review is to present the development of in-house azole compounds with antimicrobial activity, designed over the years by this research group from the departments of Pharmaceutical and Therapeutical Chemistry in Cluj-Napoca.

Impact of NPK, Rhizobium and FYM on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil for Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Cv. Radha SPL

An experiment was conducted to study the impact of NPK, Rhizobium and FYM on Soil properties, and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Cv. Radha SPL at Research farm of Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, during kharif season of 2023-24. The experiment with 18 treatments, was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The pre and post-harvest soil samples taken for analysis revealed sandy loam in texture. and treatment T18 - [ N20P40K40+ FYM@ 5 t ha-1+Rhizobium@ 600 g ha-1] showed a slight decrease in soil pH (7.18), Db (1.21 Mg.m-1) and Dp (2.20 Mg.m-1) along with increase in EC, pore space, water holding capacity and organic carbon i.e.,0.29 dSm-1, 46.88%, 44.90%, 0.55% respectively. The maximum available nitrogen 292 kg ha-1, phosphorus 31.18kg ha-1 and potassium 264 kg ha-1 were recorded in T18. made it best treatment among soil health parameters.

Portrait of a UK-Africa Capacity Building Initiative Consortium 2015-2022: the Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa and United Kingdom Materials Initiative (CaGSUMI) for developing materials for solar cells.

The CaGSUMI consortium was funded by the Royal Society-Department for International Development (later the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) on the Africa Capacity Building Initiative programme between the years 2015 and 2022 and involved three Sub-Saharan African universities: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, and the University of Zululand, South Africa; and the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The project was used to cement an emergent UK-Africa network in the areas of materials chemistry related to renewable energy generation with both thin films and nanomaterials. The consortium's outputs led to numerous publications of African science in international journals, a number of graduated PhDs who went on to permanent academic positions and prestigious fellowships, the establishment of a capacity-building plan relevant to the chemistry departments in each of the African countries, and the installation of a number of first-in-kind pieces of kit for African laboratories that will keep them on a competitive footing at an international level for the next decade and more.

Micronutrient Dynamics in Soil under Integrated Thermochemical Organic Fertilizer Pellet Application

A soil incubation study was carried out in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, to assess dynamics of micronutrient release. Soil pots were filled with 5 kg air-dried, 2 mm sieved soil. The study was laid in Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Treatments were, T1: Pellet formulation 1; T2: Pellet formulation 2; T3: Pellet formulation 3; T4: FYM+NPK (RDF as per POP) and T5: Control (Soil alone). The Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B content of soil were 10.14 mg kg-1, 8.59 mg kg-1, 1.90 mg kg-1, 2.50 mg kg-1 and 0.30 mg kg-1, respectively. Three distinct pellet formulations P1, P2 & P3 were used in study based on thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF). Fe, Mn and Zn exhibited a gradual and progressive release pattern throughout the incubation period. Whereas Cu and B availability showed a decreasing trend from the 15th day onwards. Highest Fe, Mn and Zn availability were observed towards the end of the incubation study. While the Cu and B recorded highest on the initial 15th day of incubation. Hence it can conclude that TOF based pellets significantly impact the micronutrient availability in soil compared to the FYM based and control treatment.

Effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) in Alluvial Soil

The present study determining the effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) in alluvial soil. A pot experiment was conducted during kharif 2023 at Net House in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, B.H.U, Varanasi, U.P. to study the effect of Boron, Zinc and Sulphur on growth, yield and quality of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The experiment was laid-out in a Completely Randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments, each having three replications. Dry matter accumulation, Number of branches plant-1, test weight, grain yield kg ha-1, straw yield kg ha-1, harvest index significantly affected due to various treatments. T7 (B +Zn+ S) recorded most pronounced improvements.

Analysis of the Relationships Between University Students' Laboratory Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Science Process Skills and Achievement in Chemistry Courses

It is a widely accepted view among educators that chemistry education should include objectives to develop scientific thinking, laboratory competences and science process skills in addition to chemistry. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between laboratory self-efficacy beliefs and science process skills of chemistry department students and their chemical technology course achievement. The study was conducted in the autumn term of the 2023-2024 academic year in the chemistry departments of three universities in Kazakhstan. The study, which was conducted with relational survey model on the basis of quantitative research paradigm, included 198 students studying in chemistry departments. The data of the study were collected with 'Laboratory self-efficacy beliefs scale' and 'Science process skills scale'. The participants' laboratory self-efficacy beliefs were above moderate, and their science process skills were at a moderate level, according to the study's conclusions. Chemistry department students' laboratory self-efficacy and science process skills did not differ by gender. Correlation analyses revealed significant and positive relationships between students' achievement in chemical technology course and their laboratory self-efficacy beliefs and science process skills in the chemistry department. Regression analyses revealed that the participant students' science process skills, in particular, significantly predicted their performance in the chemical technology course.

Effect of Different Levels of Macronutrients and Rhizobium on Soil Health and Yield Attributes of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

The field experiment was carried out at the central research farm in the Department of Soil Science and Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season 2023-24. The soil texture in the experimental region was sandy loam. The design was set up using randomized block design, with two levels of sulphur (50 and 100%), Rhizobium, and NPK (20:60:40) at different levels. The treatment T9 (@100% NPKS +@100% Rhizobium+ 100% Sulphur) gave the best results in terms of plant height, number of pods plant-1, and total Field Pea yield. It also showed a slight decrease in pH, bulk density, and particle density; however, there was a significant increase in pore space, water holding capacity, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as plant growth and yield attributes. There was no discernible difference in the growth and production of Field Pea under control. The use of Biofertilizer, as well as their blend with complete NPK and S, significantly increased the characteristics of growth and total yield attributes of Field Pea.

Effective Media Validation, Benefits and Costs for Achieving High Yield in Ribbed Gourd in Soilless Culture under Matric Suction Irrigation

Aims: To standardize an appropriate method of finding suitable particulate organic substrates for composing soilless media, a soilless experiment was conducted in an open wasteland area in pandal system under matric suction irrigation Study Design: Completely Randomized Design Place and Duration of Study: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, Tamil Nadu during Rabi 2020-2021 Methodology: Three growing media were tested with ten replications. For composing the growing media equal proportion (on a weight basis) of substrates viz., coir pith, vermicompost, fly ash, green manure (Dhaincha), and sand were mixed in different combinations. Ribbed gourd CoH-1 was raised in growing media in containers that were interconnected by tubs and tubes to maintain moisture always by matric suction irrigation technique. Results: Growing media having Coir pith: Vermicompost: Green Manure: Sand registered the highest fruit yield (10.033 kg pot-1), water use efficiency (411.2 kg fresh fruit mm-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.95) than that of the growing media combination with fly ash. This green manure combination significantly recorded 18% more yield and water use efficiency than that of the coir pith and vermicompost combination. Apparent nutrient recovery was highest in the growing media with coir pith: vermicompost: green manure: sand for N (22.42%), P (23.47%), and K (192.9%). Conclusion: Exploitation of the potentiality of particulate organic materials demonstrated in this soilless system technique may be useful for farmers to generate additional farm income with proper use of particulate organic substrates obtainable/ available in their farm.

Effect of Different Levels of NPK, Vermicompost and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Economics Attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Giriraj

A field experiment was conducted at Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) during the Rabi season of 2023-24 with the objective to differentiate levels of NPK, Vermicompost and Sulphur on yield attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Giriraj. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatment combinations, consisting of three N, P and K levels (0, 50 and 100%), Vermicompost (0, 50 and 100%) and Sulphur (0, 50 and 100%). It was observed that the treatment of the application of 100% @ (NPK) +100% @ VC + 100 % @ S (T9) was best in terms of growth parameters in maximum plant height (124.01 cm), Number of branches (12.28), No. of leaves (75.96), number of silique plant-1 (168.67), test weight (4.24) and total yield was highest i.e. (19.90 qha-1).

Magnesium matters: unveiling hidden risks in kidney transplant patients through total and ionized magnesium profiling.

In kidney transplant (KT) patients, magnesium (Mg2+) deficiency is widespread. It is often encountered early after KT, may persist longer, and is frequently promoted by calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and tubular leakage. Studies demonstrated an association between post-KT hypomagnesemia and allograft dysfunction. The concentration of the active form, the ionized Mg2+ (iMg2+), is not measured clinically, and total Mg2+ (tMg2+) and iMg2+ correlations are conflicting. We assess the cross-sectional prevalence of hypomagnesemia in KT patients. The correlation of demographic and anthropometric parameters was also studied. A prospective, single-center analysis of KT patients was conducted at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland (March 2023-August 2023). Blood samples were collected at least twice for the majority of patients. tMg2+ has been quantified from a plasma sample at the Clinical Chemistry Department of the University Hospital of Bern. The PRIME® ES analyzer (Nova Biomedical, USA) provided results for iMg2+. The following co-variables were considered: age, comorbidities, kidney disease, KT history, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and treatment (including Mg2+ supplementation and immunosuppression). A total of 208 measurements in 104 patients were performed [once in 9/104 patients (8.7%), twice in 86/104 (82.7%), and three times in 9/104 (8.7%)]. Compared to that in healthy volunteers (51 measurements in 51 participants), mean iMg2+ was significantly lower in KT patients {KT: 0.46 mmol/L [interquartile range (IQR): 0.40-0.50], volunteers: 0.57 mmol/L (IQR 0.54-0.61), p < 0.01}. Overall, iMg2+ and tMg2+ showed strong category agreement (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.01). In linear regression, low iMg2+ correlated with CNI exposure. For 110/208 measurements (52.9%), a reduced iMg2+ (cutoff: 0.42 mmol/L) was shown. In 58/208 (27.9%), both values were reduced, and 52/208 (25%) had isolated reduced iMg2+. In principal component analysis, patients with isolated low iMg2+ clustered with patients with low iMg2+ and tMg2+. iMg2+ and tMg2+ were strongly correlated. A substantial proportion of patients show isolated low iMg2+. Currently, it is unclear if these patients suffer from Mg2+ deficiency.

Research collaboration: Cross-disciplinary training in sustainable chemistry and chemical processes

Research collaboration: Cross-disciplinary training in sustainable chemistry and chemical processes Greg M. Swain, Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University, is researching cross-disciplinary training in sustainable chemistry and chemical processes. Here, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork for effective research collaborations. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University aims to educate students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering about significant societal sustainability challenges. The program provides graduate-level interdisciplinary research experiences that address various aspects of these challenges.

Diagnostic And Analysis Misconceptions In Learning Redox And Electrochemistry Topic In Chemistry Students

The research’s objective to know students misconceptions on redox and electrochemistry concept, the sources of students misconceptions, to avoid misconception by students worksheet. involved 30 students was studied general chemistry in chemistry department, Islamic State University of Syekh Ali Hasan Ahmad Addary Padangsidimpuan. Instrument of the research is diagnostic test with three tier question to know misconceptions on students, interview sheet to know sources of misconceptions. The result of research are (1) It was founded that students had misconceptions on redox and electrochemistry concept with percentage 52.6% .(2) It was founded 3 sources that affect students misconceptions on redox and electrochemistry, that are Students, have wrong interpreted from books and teacher, Internet that has many unbelievable sources, Friends that have wrong concept and sharing to other students.

Soil Test Crop Response Concerning Soil Properties and Yield Attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Krishna

We experimented in the field at the central research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season of 2022-23. The soil in the experimental area was characterized by a sandy loam texture. There were 27unit plots in total, with each plot sized at 2 X 2 m. We used a randomized block design, incorporating different levels of NPK (80:40:40), vermicompost, and two levels of sulfur (50% and 100%). The T9 (STCR+ 5t ha-1 Vermicompost+ 100% S) demonstrated that although there was a slight decrease in pH, bulk density, and particle density, there was a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in pore space, water holding capacity, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Improvements were observed in plant growth and yield attributes, which showed the best results in terms of plant height, number of siliquae per plant, and total mustard yield compared to the control conditions. However, the use of organic manures and their combination with a full NPK treatment significantly enhanced the growth and overall yield attributes of mustard.

Effect of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures on Growth and Yield Parameters under Wheat-Maize Cropping Sequence Grown on Normal and Saline-Sodic Inceptisol

The present study was conducted at PGI Research farm, Department of Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry, Post Graduate Institute, MPKV., Rahuri during Rabi-2021 and Summer-2022. The experiment consist of eight treatments in wheat crop viz., T1: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through FYM, T2: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through vermicompost, T3: RDN (50% N) + 50% N through poultry manure, T4: (50% N) + 50% N through press mud compost, T5: (50% N) + 50% N through goat manure, T6: (50% N) + 50% N through urban compost T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 10 t FYM ha-1 and T8: absolute control. Whereas, in maize crop treatment from T1 to T6 RDN (50% N) is applied with residual N applied to wheat through FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure, goat manure and urban compost, respectively and T7: GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) + 5 t FYM ha-1 and T8: Absolute control. These treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. In wheat crop, the grain yield, straw yield, test weight, plant height and spike length recorded higher in treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 + 10 t FYM ha-1) under both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (27.87 q ha-1, 41.00 q ha-1, 43.72 g, 92 cm and 9.92 cm) and (34.43 q ha-1, 44.02 q ha-1, 42.40 g, 91 cm and 9.82 cm), respectively. Whereas, in succeeding maize crop, the treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1) recorded highest grain yield, stover yield, test weight, plant height, length of cob and no. of grains per cob in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (64.11 q ha-1, 74.23 q ha-1, 40.34 g, 237.82 cm, 19.99 cm and 633.02 g) and (52.52 q ha-1, 61.82 q ha-1, 38.63 g, 226.24 cm, 18.74 cm and 579.48 g), respectively. In wheat crop application of treatment T7 (GRDF 120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 + 10 t ha-1 FYM) recorded highest total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (88.00, 16.00 and 100 N, P and K kg ha-1) and (99.36, 17.20 and 103 N, P and K kg ha-1), respectively. Whereas in succeeding maize crop, total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium recorded highest in treatment T7 (GRDF (120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 + 5 t ha-1 FYM) in both normal and saline-sodic Inceptisol (107.69, 10.77 and 94.67 N, P and K kg ha-1) and (85.85, 8.58 and 75.47 N, P and K kg ha-1), respectively.

Corrigendum to: Review on Pyrazole Hybrids as Anti-microbial Agents

Similar affiliation error appeared in the author's affiliation in the article entitled “Review on Pyrazole Hybrids as Anti-microbial Agents”, published in Letters in Organic Chemistry, 2024, 21(4), 320-332 [1]. &lt;p&gt; Details of the error and a correction are provided here. &lt;p&gt; Original: &lt;P&gt; Author Affiliation: &lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, India; &lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, India &lt;p&gt; Corrected: &lt;p&gt; Author Affiliation: &lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, India &lt;p&gt; We regret the error and apologize to readers. &lt;p&gt; The original article can be found online at https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/133287

Response of Different Level of Nitrogen and Foliar Application of Nano Zinc on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) Var. PWB-373

A field experiment was conducted during the of 2023-24 at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, to investigate the Response of different levels of Nitrogen and Foliar application of nano zinc on Soil Health and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). We designed the experiment using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and three replications. Results indicated that the application of nano fertilizers significantly influenced various soil physico chemical properties. Bulk density was 1.27Mg m⁻³ to 1.31 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 cm soil depth, and 1.29 to 1.32 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth. Particle density was 2.65 to 2.67 Mg m⁻³ at 0-15 cm depth, and from 2.60 to 2.62 Mg m⁻³ at 15-30 cm depth. Pore space was 47.09% to 48.99% at 0-15 cm depth and 47.09% and 48.84% at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth. Water holding capacity varied between 45.22% and 46.64% at 0-15 cm depth, and 45.14% and 46.89% at 15-30 cm depth. Soil pH was 6.98 to 7.04 at 0-15 cm depth and from 7.00 to 7.05 at 15-30 cm depth. Electrical conductivity (EC) was 0.13 dS m⁻¹ to 0.19 dS m⁻¹ at 0-15 cm depth, and from 0.13 dS m⁻¹ to 0.19 dS m⁻¹ at 15-30 cm depth. Organic carbon content was 0.423%-0.493% at 0-15 cm depth and 0.261% to 0.334% at 15-30 cm depth. The use of NPK and nano zinc also significantly influenced the availability of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These findings suggest that nano fertilizers can effectively enhance soil health and wheat productivity.

Characteristics of HIF-1Α and HSP70 MRNA Expression, Level, and Interleukins in Experimental Chronic Generalized Periodontitis.

Periodontal diseases are a rather complex problem of modern dentistry and do not have only medical but also social significance. The objective of this study is to weigh the effect of a mixture of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine (1:4) on the parameters of the system of endogenous cytoprotection of blood and periodontal illness in rats with experimental chronic generalized periodontitis and substantiate further study of this blend. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a combination of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine (in a ratio of 1:4) on the parameters of the endogenous blood cytoprotection system and periodontium in rats with experimental chronic generalized periodontitis. A group of outbred rats weighing 190-220 g and sourced from the vivarium of the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine were divided into four groups, each consisting of 10 animals. (1) Intact group, animals that were injected intragastrically with a solution of sodium chloride to chloride 0.9% for 30 days. (2) control, animals with experimental CGP who intragastrically sodium chloride solution 0.9% for 30 days. (3) animals with experimental CGP were injected intramuscularly with Thiotriazoline + L-arginine (1:4) in a dosage of 200 mg/kg (30 days). (4) animals with experimental CGP, for which daily intragastric reference drug Mexidol, in dosage 250 mg/kg (30 days). In this study, we utilized two substances: Thiotriazoline and L-arginine hydrochloride. The combination of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine (in a ratio of 1:4) was prepared at the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry of ZSMU. At the conclusion of the experiment, the rats were carefully removed from the study while under thiopental-sodium anesthesia, and administered at a dosage of 40 mg/kg. We have found that the administration of a combined preparation of Thiotriazoline with L-arginine to rats with CGP leads to a significant decrease in the blood concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and TNF-a by 56.1% and 71%, respectively. The administration of Mexidol at a dosage of 250 mg/kg, as well as the combination of Thiotriazoline and Larginine in a ratio of 1:4 at a dosage of 200 mg/kg, resulted in a significant reduction in gingival pocket depth in animals with CGP. Specifically, the gingival pocket depth was reduced to 6 mm (p < 0.05) with Mexidol and further reduced to 4 mm (p < 0.05) with the combination of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine. Additionally, the animals exhibited minimal bleeding, swelling, and tooth mobility when treated with the combination of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine. The administration of a combination of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine (in a ratio of 1:4) at a dosage of 200 mg/kg to animals with CGP resulted in a noteworthy reduction in the blood concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and TNF-a. Specifically, there was a significant decrease of 56.1% (p < 0.05) in IL-1b and 71% (p < 0.05) in TNF-a levels. The course administration of a combination of Thiotriazoline and L-arginine (1:4) (200 mg/kg) to animals with CGP led to an increased expression of HSP70 mRNA (p < 0.05) in the periodontium by 8.2 times and HIF-1a mRNA by 8.2 times. 2.8 times (p < 0.05) against the background of an increase in the blood concentration of HSP70 by 95% (p < 0.05). Also, in the periodontium of animals in this group, a decrease in the expression of c-Fos mRNA by 36.7% (p < 0.05) was found compared to the control group.

Women in Natural Sciences (WiNS) at ETH Zurich Celebrates its 10th Anniversary – A Retrospective and Outlook

For this CHIMIA special issue on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the coincidental 10th anniversary of the association of Women in Natural Sciences (WiNS) at ETH Zurich, there is no better opportunity to share what we have achieved in the last decade. WiNS was originally founded by female PhD students and PostDocs at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (D-CHAB) and has expanded to include three additional departments at ETH Zurich. Join us in celebrating our anniversary, reflecting on what we and other associations with the same mission have done to promote gender equality and reduced inequalities for all. We invite you to reflect on what yet has to be done to enact a systemic change towards achieving equal opportunities for all, rather than simply accommodating the female perspective to Switzerland’s predominantly masculine working culture.

Effect of Zinc, Iron and Biofertilizer on Physical Property of Soil under Chickpea Cultivation

The research was conducted at the Central Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences (SHUATS) in Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with application of Zn, Iron along with standard fertilizer dose (RDF). This design aimed to systematically assess the combined effects of these factors on the specified parameters, insightful information about the potential advantages of using micronutrients in cultivation of chickpea, particularly the “Sadabahar” variety. In the study, Bulk density Mg m-3); Particle density (Mg m-3); Pore Space (%); Water holding capacity (%) was calculated by methods suggested by Muthuvel et al. [1]. The details of nano mixed micronutrients treatment given are T1 (Absolute control); T2 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T3 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T4 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T5 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T6 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T7 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T8 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T9 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 0 kg ha-1); T10 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1); T11 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1); T12 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1); T13 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 0 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 2.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1); T14 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 6.67 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1) and T15 (RDF 100 % + Zinc @ 13.34 kg ha-1 + Iron @ 7.5 kg ha-1+ Rhizobium 20 g kg-1).Zinc and Iron improve root development and microbial activity, enhancing soil structure and porosity. Rhizobium further promotes root nodulation and organic matter decomposition, increasing soil aggregation and moisture retention. This balanced nutrient and microbial application optimizes soil physical properties, leading to superior water holding capacity and pore space.

An effective way for targeting EGFR-mediated carcinogenesis: an in vitro study

Introduction: EGFR-activating overexpression or somatic mutations are common in different human cancers. In this regard, the search for promising ways to control the carcinogenic transformation of tumor cells and the progression of malignant tumors expressing EGFR seems to be one of the most promising and developing areas of modern molecular pathology and pharmacology. Material and Methods: An antitumor activity of a novel compound, a pyridine carboxylic acid derivative LHT-17-19, was studied. The molecule was developed and synthesized at the Department of Chemistry, Drug Design and Technology of All-Russian Research Center for Biological Active Compounds Safety (Russia). The study was carried out in cell cultures of stomach cancer (Hs746T, AGS and MKN1) and patient-derived organoid (PDO) model of breast cancer (BC) expressing wild-type EGFR. Results: It was shown that LHT-17-19 induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of EGFR-expressing gastric cancer cells of all the aforementioned cultures. Pathomorphological, immunohistochemical and molecular validation of BC organoids derived from ductal breast carcinoma cells of a 68-year-old patient was done. PDOs were established as ER-negative, PR-negative, Her2/neu-negative, EGFR-positive with 35% of the Ki-67 expression index. In addition, the tumor cells translocation was resulted in a loss of ER expression and PDOs molecular pattern conversion towards a more aggressive triple negative type. PDOs incubation with 0.5-60.0 µM LHT-17-19 was accompanied not only by inhibition of their growth and proliferation, but also by significant cytoreduction. Conclusion: Thus, in two-dimensional and three-dimensional tumor cell cultures, the possibility of controlling the oncogenic expression of EGFR with the acridone compound 9-ammonium-3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroacridine-1(2H)-OH L-2-hydroxybutanedivacate (LHT-17-19) was shown.