Acetic Acid Derivatives Research Articles

Evaluation of Chemical Compounds and their Relationship to the Breaking Point after adding Chlorine to Water

Evaluation of the chemical compounds formed during the process of sterilizing water with chlorine is a very important point. During sterilization the water goes through three stages each stage resulting different chemical compounds. In the first stage, chlorine reacts with iron, magnesium and nitrates. In the second stage it reacts with ammonia and in the third stage it reacts with the organic compounds in the water. Chlorine in these three stages is called combined chlorine. Then it reaches the breaking point, after this point the water must be free from side chemical compounds, and chlorine after this point is called the residual free Chlorine. Drinking water samples were taken from 3 city in Kirkuk governorate, and the concentrations of magnesium, nitrate, sulfate, acetic acid derivatives, as well as the halomethane group in addition to some physical determinants were evaluated.
 There were deviations in some chemical concentrations when comparing the results with the last Iraqi specification NO. 417. The deviations that appeared in some concentrations were treated by using two chemical methods, the first using activated carbon and the second using aluminum chloride polymer. The importance of the study is to ensure the effectiveness of chlorine by eliminating chemical compounds dangerous in the water.

Interactive effects of polystyrene microplastics and Pb on growth and phytochemicals in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Interaction of different pollutants can aggravate hazards to biotic components in agroecosystems. Microplastics (MPs) are especially needed to be focused on because of their increasing use in life around the globe. We investigated the interactive impacts of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MP) and lead (Pb) on mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Toxicity of MPs and Pb directly impeded V. radiata attributes. In combination i.e., M2P2 (40 µM Pb + 4.0 mg L-1 MPs) predominantly reduced the shoot root fresh and dry weights. \\ Pb and PS-MP impaired the Rubisco activity and chlorophyll contents. The dose dependent relationship (M2P2) discomposed indole 3-acetic acid by 59.02%. Individual treatments P2 (40 µM Pb) and M2 (4.0 mg L-1 MPs) respectively instigated a decline (44.07% and 27.12%) in IBA, while ABA was elevated. M2 significantly enhanced the contents of Alanine (Ala), Arginine (Arg), Proline (Pro), and glycine (Gly) by 64.11%, 63%, and 54% compared to control. Lysine (Lys) and Valine (Val) presented a converse relationship with other amino acids. Except for control, a gradual decline in yield parameters were observed in individual and combined applications of PS-MP. Proximate composition of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins also reflected a clear decrease in these compounds after combined application of Pb and MPs. Although, individual doses caused a decline in these compounds but effect of combined doses Pb and PS-MP was highly significant. Our results demonstrated the toxicity effect of Pb and MP in V. radiata attributes that is mainly linked with cumulative physiological and metabolic perturbations. These collective negative impacts of different doses of MPs and Pb on V. radiata would certainly pose serious implications for humans.

Establishment of seed biopriming in salt stress mitigation of rice plants by mangrove derived Bacillus sp.

Salinity stress is one of the growing challenges for agro-ecosystems. Present study aimed to explore the role of halotolerant bacteria in alleviation of salinity stressed rice plants. Bacillus sp. strain PnD was isolated from Indian Sundarban Mangrove Forest, conferred plant growth promoting (PGP) traits like indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production but had negative effect of 1-aminoacyclopropane 1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. Rice seeds (Oryza sativa L.) of Amal-Mana variety were subjected to salinity stress for 24 h by being immersing in 1% NaCl. Another set of seeds were soaked in a broth cultured with Bacillus sp strain PnD, containing 1% NaCl in the media, denoted as bioprimed condition. The seeds that were soaked in distilled water had no salt stress and were not primed, served as control. All the treatments were assigned randomly to the seeds and each treatment was replicated three times resulting in nine experimental units. Completely randomized design was adopted in this experiment. Overall results showed bioprimed seeds soaked in 1% NaCl for 24 h had significantly higher germination percentage, seedling growth, photosynthetic pigments content compared to control and non-primed salinity exposed plants. Scanning electron micrograph revealed root colonization of bacteria in bioprimed seedlings, tissue distortion was also noted during salt stress. The study revealed that Bacillus sp. strain PnD is a potential plant growth promoting bacterium (PGPB), and the seed biopriming technique can efficiently mitigate inhibitory effects of salinity stress in rice plants.

Study on New Dental Materials Containing Quinoxaline-Based Photoinitiators in Terms of Exothermicity of the Photopolymerization Process.

Modern dentistry places great demands on the dental composites used for filling tooth cavities or treating cavitated tooth decay. The aim of the work was to modify the properties of composites by changing the initiators and co-initiators. This was achieved by using initiators based on a quinoxaline skeleton and co-initiators that are derivatives of acetic acid, which is an advantage of these photoinitiating systems due to the elimination of aromatic amines from the photocurable composition. The composites also differed in dental fillers. The effect of the compounds on the exothermicity of the photopolymerization process, the surface morphology of the obtained materials and the maximum compressive strength were determined. The photoinitiating capacity of the two-component systems was tested by the microcalorimetric method using the multifunctional monomer TMPTA, typical for dental filler compositions. The new photoinitiating systems show particularly good efficiency of free radical polymerization initiation, which occurs by the photoinduced intermolecular electron transfer (PET) mechanism. The comparison of the tested systems with camphorquinone, a photoinitiator traditionally used in dentistry, made it possible to observe a decrease in temperature during photopolymerization without a significant decrease in the polymerization rate or increase in photocuring time, as well as a better homogeneity of the surface of the obtained polymeric materials. This indicates that dye-acetic acid derivative systems may be useful in dental applications.

P004 Untargeted serum metabolome shows Crohn Disease (CD) associated signature, signals that correlate with disease activity and CRP, and signals that may precede disease flare

Abstract Background The serum metabolome contains potential disease biomarkers, some of which are produced endogenously, derived from the diet, or formed by the gut microbiome. We aimed to characterize metabolomics profiles linked with Crohn Disease (CD), with active CD, and with remitting pre-flare CD. Methods Serum untargeted metabolomics was performed using liquid chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LC/MS). PERMANOVA on beta diversity was used to define factors affecting serum metabolome. Multivariate analyses in MaAsLin2 were applied to identify differentially abundant metabolites between CD and controls, between active CD and those in remission, and between those that subsequently flared and those that remained in remission within 24 months of follow-up. Results The cohort included 202 samples from 53 CD patients and 31 healthy controls (156 samples from CD and 46 from controls; Table 1). 545 metabolites were included in our predefined library and were subsequently analyzed. PERMANOVA on the serum metabolomic data indicated that fasting, age, gender, disease, and subject are significant factors contributing to metabolomics variations. Using multivariate analyses and controlling for fasting, age, gender, and subject, we identified 34 specific metabolites that were significantly higher in CD and 26 that were significantly higher in Controls (FDR<0.25; Fig. 1). CD samples were significantly enriched for purine derivatives, simple sugars, and histidine, compared to healthy controls. In contrast, amino-acids, caffeine, and TCA cycle related metabolites were consistently downregulated in CD. 37 metabolites were higher in active CD and 24 in quiescent CD. Saturated fatty acids and acetylated amino-acids were positively correlated with active CD, while histidine and other standard amino-acids were downregulated in active samples compared to remission. Interestingly, acetylated amino acids, asparagine and phenylalanine, were also significantly correlated with CRP. A sub-cohort of 25 CD subjects was enrolled during remission and monitored every 3 months over 2 years. During that prospective follow-up, 11 flared. Focusing on the pre-flare samples, patients who eventually flared showed a significant reduction in N-acetyl glycine and reduction in two ketogenic derivates, acetoacetate and 3-hydroxybutyric acid, in comparison to patients who remained in remission throughout (FDR<0.15). Conclusion CD, CD activity, and a subsequent flare in CD patients with longitudinal data were associated with distinct serum metabolic signature after controlling for confounders like age, gender, and fasting. Additional validation is needed to test if these can be used as predictive biomarkers.

Revisiting the oldest manure of India, Kunapajala: Assessment of its animal waste recycling potential as a source of plant biostimulant

India's oldest documented manure, most commonly referred to as Kunapajala, has a long history of over 1,000 years in crop cultivation. Kunapajala is primarily an in-situ decomposition technology of animal waste and can potentially provide an eco-friendly pipeline for recycling bio-waste into essential plant nutrients. This traditional animal manure, in addition, also contains dairy excreta (e.g., feces and urine), dairy products (e.g., milk and ghee), natural resources (e.g., honey), broken seeds or grains, and their non-edible by-product waste. Here, we aimed to assess the waste recycling and plant biostimulant potential of Kunapajala prepared from livestock (e.g., Black Bengal goats) or fish (e.g., Bombay duck) post-processed wastes over different decomposition periods, e.g., (0, 30, 60, and 90-days). In this study, an in-situ quantification of livestock- (lKPJ) and fish-based Kunapajala (fKPJ) reveals a dynamic landscape of essential plant primary nutrients, e.g., (0.70 > NH4-N < 3.40 g•L−1), (100.00 > P2O5 < 620.00 mg•L−1), and (175.00 > K2O < 340.00 mg•L−1), including other physico-chemical attributes of Kunapajala. Using correlation statistics, we find that the plant-available nutrient content of Kunapajala depicts a significant (p < 0.0001) transformation over decomposition along with microbial dynamics, abundance, and diversities, delineating a microbial interface to animal waste decomposition and plant growth promotion. Importantly, this study also reports the indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) content (40.00 > IAA < 135.00 mg•L−1) in Kunapajala. Furthermore, the bacterial screening based on plant growth-promoting traits and their functional analyses elucidate the mechanism of the plant biostimulant potential of Kunapajala. This assay finally reports two best-performing plant growth-promoting bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas chlororaphis and Bacillus subtilis) by the 16S ribotyping method. In support, in-planta experiments have demonstrated, in detail, the bio-stimulative effects of Kunapajala, including these two bacterial isolates alone or in combination, on seed germination, root-shoot length, and other important agronomic, physio-biochemical traits in rice. Together, our findings establish that Kunapajala can be recommended as a source of plant biostimulant to improve crop quality traits in rice. Overall, this work highlights Kunapajala, for the first time, as a promising low-cost microbial technology that can serve a dual function of animal waste recycling and plant nutrient recovery to promote sustainable intensification in agroecosystems.

Photocatalyzed Decarboxylative Addition of N-Substituted Acetic Acids to Aldehydes.

Herein, we report a photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative addition of N-substituted acetic acids to aldehydes to generate secondary alcohols under mild reaction conditions. Protic solvents were found to be critical to the successful implementation of this methodology. This strategy enables the formation of a novel C-C bond between aldehydes and N-substituted acetic acid derivatives of weakly nucleophilic and medicinally relevant heteroaryls such as indoles, pyrroles, indazoles, and azaindoles.

Novel acetic acid derivatives containing quinazolin-4(3H)-one ring: Synthesis, in vitro, and in silico evaluation of potent aldose reductase inhibitors.

Aldose reductase (AR) is a crucial enzyme of the polyol pathway through which glucose is metabolized under conditions of hyperglycemia related to diabetes. A series of novel acetic acid derivatives containing quinazolin-4(3H)-one ring (1-22) was synthesized and tested for in vitro ARinhibitory effect. All the target compounds exhibited nanomolar activity against the target enzyme, and all compounds displayed higher activity as compared to the reference drug epalrestat. Among them, Compound 19, named 2-(4-[(2-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-4-oxoquinazolin-3(4H)-ylimino)methyl]phenoxy)acetic acid, displayed the strongest inhibitory effect with a KI value of 61.20 ± 10.18 nM. Additionally, these compounds were investigated for activity against L929, nontumoral fibroblast cells, and MCF-7, breast cancer cells using the MTT assay. Compounds 16 and 19 showed lower toxicity against the normal L929 cells. The synthesized compounds' (1-22) absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretionproperties were also evaluated. Molecular docking simulations were used to look into the possible binding mechanisms of these inhibitors against AR.

Rhodium-catalyzed C-H carboxymethylation of anilines with vinylene carbonate.

A rhodium-catalyzed synthesis of phenylacetate has been realized by direct C-H carboxymethylation of anilines bearing removable directing groups. The reaction occurred most efficiently in air, without any external base or oxidant. This methodology is expected to provide a facile and general access to various bioactive 2-amino aromatic acetic acid derivatives.

Synergistic Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Micropropagation of Eclipta alba: A Plant with Diverse Medicinal Properties

Synergism between various plant growth regulators is reported to be a key factor for the development of efficient in vitro propagation for any plant. Therefore, the current study examines the synergistic impact of plant growth regulators on in vitro propagation of Eclipta alba, an important medicinal plant possessing diverse medicinal properties. For the establishment of aseptic cultures, nodal segments were employed as explants on MS medium supplemented with 2.5 μM of 6-benzyle adenine (BA). Varying concentrations of BA and Kinetin (KIN)(0.0-5.0 μM), either alone or in combination with α- naphthalene acetic acid (NAA @ 0.0-5.0 μM) and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA@ 0.0-5.0 μM), were found to be effective for promoting shoot proliferation. Compared to KIN, BA was found to promote shoot proliferation and elongation more effectively. Further, the addition of 0.5μM NAA in the MS medium supplemented with 2.5 μM of BA increased shoot multiplication and elongation frequency from 58 and 17 percent to 65 and 21 percent respectively. The rooting frequency was found to be maximum on 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with 5.0 μM of indole 3-butyric acid (IBA), which was found to be a superior auxin for inducing roots as compared to the NAA and IAA. With a 75% survival rate, in vitro raised plantlets were effectively acclimatized first in a poly house and later under greenhouse conditions. Molecular analysis was carried out using RAPD markers, with results indicating that the micropropagated plants were genetically identical to the mother plant. The developed micropropagation protocol for E. alba can be used at the commercial level for the mass multiplication of plants.

In vitro Propagation of Curcuma caesia Roxb. via Bud Culture Technique and ISSR Profiling of the Plantlets for Genetic Homogeneity

An in vitro propagation protocol has been developed for Curcuma caesia Roxb., an endangered medicinal plant by Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions and Central Forest Department of India. The plant bears poorly germinated seeds and produces two-storage organs: rhizomes and multiple root tubers. Only rhizomes have medicinal-economic values. They serve as propagules too, which results in a shortage of planting material. Therefore, a complete one-year production cycle of C. caesia has been standardized through in vitro propagation including explants establishment (one month), subculture cycles (seven months), rooting (one month) followed by primary hardening (one month) and secondary hardening (two months). Dormant shoot buds on rhizome served as explants for culture initiation on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and kinetin (KIN) in combination with citric acid (CA), adenine sulfate (AdS) and indole- 3-acetic acid (IAA). Maximum bud break (70%) was obtained on MS with 8 mg L-1 BA, 8 mg L-1 KIN, 100 mg L-1 CA, 200 mg L-1 AdS and 2 mg L-1 IAA (standard medium). Shoot production potential continued on this medium during the subsequent seven-month-long subculture cycle. The in vitro raised shoots rooted best on ½-strength MS containing 1 mg L-1 indole-3-butyric acid. Plantlet survival rate was >95% after acclimatization. The genetic homogeneity of plantlets with the mother plant was analyzed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeats which generated a monomorphic banding pattern to confirm the uniformity of in vitro raised plantlets of C. caesia.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolic analyses provide insights into the maintenance of embryogenic potential and the biosynthesis of phenolic acids and flavonoids involving transcription factors in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) techniques have been established for micropropagation or basic research related to plant development in many conifer species. The frequent occurrence of non-embryogenic callus (NEC) during SE has impose constraints on the application of somatic embryogenesis SE in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr, but the potential regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed in embryogenic callus (EC) and NEC originating from a single immature zygotic embryo to better decipher the key molecular and metabolic mechanisms required for embryogenic potential maintenance. The results showed that a total of 13,842 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in EC and NEC, among which many were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and the biosynthesis of amino acids pathways. Metabolite profiling showed that 441 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified in EC and NEC. Both EC and NEC had vigorous primary metabolic activities, while most secondary metabolites were upregulated in NEC. Many totipotency-related transcription factor (TF) genes such as BBMs, WUSs, and LEC1 showed higher expression levels in EC compared with NEC, which may result in the higher accumulation of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) in EC. NEC was characterized by upregulation of genes and metabolites associated with stress responses, such as DEGs involved in jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ETH) biosynthesis and signal transduction pathways, and DEGs and DAMs related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. We predicted and analyzed TFs that could target several key co-expressed structural DEGs including two C4H genes, two CcoAOMT genes and three HCT genes involved in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. Based on the targeted relationship and the co-expression network, two ERFs (Lk23436 and Lk458687), one MYB (Lk34626) and one C2C2-dof (Lk37167) may play an important role in regulating phenolic acid and flavonoid biosynthesis by transcriptionally regulating the expression of these structural genes. This study shows an approach involving integrated transcriptomic and metabolic analyses to obtain insights into molecular events underlying embryogenic potential maintenance and the biosynthesis mechanisms of key metabolites involving TF regulation, which provides valuable information for the improvement of SE efficiency in L. kaempferi.

Screening and Isolation of Plant Growth Promoting, Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria from Mangrove Plant Avicennia officinalis L. at Coastal Region of Corangi Andhra Pradesh

Background: Main objective of this study is to isolate and characterize halo tolerant plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria from leaves and pneumatophores of mangrove plant Avicennia officinalis L. Isolates were also screened for their ability to provide resistance to extreme salt tolerance and temperatures and to produce exo enzymatic activity like catalase, amylase, protease, phosphate solubilization and plant growth promoting hormone (Indole 3-acetic acid). Methods: The present study was carried out during 2020-21 to 2021-22 at field and laboratory level. Eleven endophytic bacterial isolates were obtained from mangrove Avicennia officinalis L. grown at coastal region of Corangi Wildlife Sanctuary, East Godavari. All Isolates were enumerated, purified and preserved for further studies. Result: Out of eleven isolates obtained bacteria “AOL2” isolated from leaves of Avicennia officinalis L. was found promising in production of exo enzymes, Indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and phosphate solubilization parameters. Isolate AOL2 was a Gram’s negative, motile, moderately halophilic, rod shaped diplobacilli which grows optimally at 32°C, pH 8.3 and had a salt tolerance of 10% NaCl. Microbial identification was carried out by morphological, biochemical and by 16S rRNA sequence. Based on nucleotide homology and phylogenetic analysis isolate AOL2 showed high degree of resemblance with Salinicola salarius. On the basis of the experimental findings, strain Salinicola salarius AOL2 had a capability in producing plant growth promoting substances, exo enzymes, phosphate solubilization ability and was first reported in endophytic bacteria isolated from Avicennia officinalis L. that can be studied further.

Bacillus thuringiensis CHGP12 uses a multifaceted approach for the suppression of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and to enhance the biomass of chickpea plants.

Bacillus species synthesize antifungal lipopeptides (LPs) making them a sustainable and eco-friendly management option to combat Fusarium wilt of chickpea. In this study, 18 endophytic Bacillus strains were assessed for their antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC) associated with Fusarium wilt of chickpea. Among them, 13 strains produced significant inhibition zones in a direct antifungal assay while five strains failed to produce the inhibition of FOC. Bacillus thuringiensis CHGP12 exhibited the highest inhibition 3.45 cm of FOC. The LPs extracted from CHGP12 showed significant inhibition of the pathogen. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirmed that CHGP12 possessed the ability to produce fengycin, surfactin, iturin, bacillaene, bacillibactin, plantazolicin, and bacilysin. In an in vitro qualitative assay CHGP12 exhibited the ability to produce lipase, amylase, cellulase, protease, siderophores, and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA and gibberellic acid (GA) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with 370 and 770 ng mL-1 concentrations of IAA and GA respectively. Furthermore, the disease severity showed a 40% decrease over control in CHGP12 treated plants compared to the control in a glasshouse experiment. Moreover, CHGP12 also exhibited a significant increase in total biomass of the plants namely, root and shoot growth parameters, stomatal conductance, and photosynthesis rate. In conclusion, our findings suggest that B. thuringiensis CHGP12 is a promising strain with high antagonistic and growth-promoting potential against Fusarium wilt of chickpea. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of the psychedelic experience induced by N,N-dimethyltryptamine - Implications for dose considerations.

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a psychedelic compound that is believed to have potential as a therapeutic option in several psychiatric disorders. The number of clinical investigations with DMT is increasing. However, very little is known about the pharmacokinetic properties of DMT as well as any relationship between its exposure and effects. This study aimed to characterize population pharmacokinetics of DMT as well as the relationship between DMT plasma concentrations and its psychedelic effects as measured through subjective intensity ratings. Data were obtained from 13 healthy subjects after intravenous administration of DMT. The data were analyzed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling in NONMEM. DMT plasma concentrations were described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination leading to formation of the major metabolite indole 3-acetic acid. The relationship between plasma concentrations and psychedelic intensity was described by an effect site compartment model with a sigmoid maximum effect (Emax ) response. DMT clearance was estimated at 26 L/min, a high value indicating elimination of DMT to be independent of blood flow. Higher concentrations of DMT were associated with a more intense experience with the concentration of DMT at the effect site required to produce half of the maximum response estimated at 95 nM. The maximum achievable intensity rating was 10 and the simulated median maximum rating was zero, 2, 4, 8, and 9 after doses of 1, 4, 7, 14, and 20 mg, respectively. The model can be useful in predicting suitable doses for clinical investigations of DMT based on the desired intensity of the subjective experience.

New Thiazole Acetic Acid Derivatives: A Study to Screen Cardiovascular Activity Using Isolated Rat Hearts and Blood Vessels.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major causes of mortalities worldwide. In the present research, new synthetic derivatives of thiazole were studied using isolated hearts and blood vessels of rats. The heart and thoracic aorta were tested with six new synthesized thiazole acetic acid derivatives (SMVA-10, SMVA-35, SMVA-40, SMVA-41, SMVA-42 and SMVA-60), and the data obtained were statistically analyzed and compared. Isolated rat hearts were used to record the changes in developed tension and heart rate, while thoracic aortas were used to measure the contractile response, before and after treatments. Analysis of the results indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in developed tension with the addition of SMVA-35, SMVA-40, SMVA-41 and SMVA-42, which was augmented in the presence of adrenaline without affecting the heart rate. On the other hand, acetylcholine significantly decreased the developed tension, which was significantly reversed (p < 0.01) in the presence of compounds (SMVA-35 and SMVA-60). However, in the presence of SMVA-35 and SMVA-40, acetylcholine-induced bradycardia was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced. Furthermore, only SMVA-42 induced a dose-dependent contractile response in the isolated blood vessel, which was abolished in the presence of prazosin. Therefore, it can be concluded that some of the new synthesized thiazole derivatives exhibited promising results by raising the developed tension without changing the heart rate or blood vessel function, which could be helpful in failing heart conditions. However, more research is required to fully comprehend the function, mechanism and effectiveness of the compounds.

Enhanced remediation of diesel contaminated soil by the combined use of Lolium perenne and bacterial consortium

Rhizoremediation is a cost effective and aesthetically pleasing technology for the remediation of diesel polluted environment. The influence of diesel fuel contamination on Lolium perenne with bacterial consortium (Microbacterium schleiferi and Bacillus subtilis) on plant growth and hydrocarbon degradation was investigated. In this study, three different bacterial strains were grown at varying diesel oil concentration i.e. 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5%. Bacteria were also screened for biosurfactant, indole 3-acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization, and antifungal bioassay. Microbacterium schleiferi and Bacillus subtilis were able to grow at 2% diesel oil concentration and exhibited plant growth promoting activities. Green house analysis revealed that augmentation with biosurfactant producing and plant growth promoting bacteria enhanced the plant growth and diesel oil degradation (80%) as compared to the treatments in which bacteria and plants were separately used. Therefore, the study concludes that application of selected strains with the Lolium perenne is a better approach for successful remediation of diesel oil contaminated soil.

Improving the performance of DSSCs by modulating the electron donor and electron acceptor of dye molecules with the DTPBT group as π-bridge

When searching for abundant and economically viable green energy sources is a pressing task of our time, the study of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as a photovoltaic conversion device is particularly important. Thus, to improve the performance of dye molecules with large planar dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole (DTPBT) as a π-bridge, the electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) of the H1 molecule were replaced with phenanthroimidazole and rhodanine 3-acetic acid, respectively, resulting in the new molecules Q1 and Q2. The photovoltaic properties of all molecules were investigated comprehensively, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs based on these dyes was predicted using a rational model. The results show that rhodanine 3-acetic acid as the A of the Q2 increased the light-trapping ability of the dye molecule. And the Q2 has a unidirectional charge transfer excitation characteristic, which is favourable for generating effective photocurrents. Also, we predict a PCE of 6.15% for DSSCs based on the Q2, which is higher than the 4.73% (H1). Therefore, for using large DTPBT groups as π-bridges of molecules, suitable A will be more favourable for electron transfer and overall performance improvement, and the group’s potential can be more easily demonstrated.

A molecular hybridization approach for the design of selective aldose reductase (ALR2) inhibitors and exploration of their activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)

Type II diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease associated with insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels. Under hyperglycemic conditions the polyol pathway is significantly activated resulting in a series of stress conditions and, finally, in cellular damage. Aldose reductase is the first enzyme of the polyol pathway which is implicated in the onset of long-term diabetic complications. Although many efforts have been focused on developing clinical aldose reductase inhibitors in previous years, they were fruitless due to the poor selectivity profile over the detoxifying aldehyde reductase enzyme. A series of novel benzothiazole-based 4-oxothiazolidin-2-yl-imino acetic acid derivatives has been designed based on our experience from previously reported (Z)-2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylimino)thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. In addition, we followed a molecular hybridization of two well-known aldose reductase inhibitors (zopolrestat and epalrestat) by replacing toxicophore moieties and combining crucial fragments for aldose reductase inhibitory activity as well as selectivity. The most promising compounds in this series (5b and 5d) exhibited potent aldose reductase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 46 and 67 nM, respectively, and optimal selectivity towards aldehyde reductase. Moreover, inspired by the idea that certain pharmacophoric features of aldose reductase inhibitors overlap with that of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors, we investigated the inhibitory activity of synthesized compounds towards this enzyme. Finally, an extensive docking simulation study was carried out in order to explore the binding modes of examined compounds in the active sites of these enzymes and to interpret the influence of fluorinated moieties in compounds 5b and 5d on their selectivity profiles.

Biotechnological applications of Clostridium thermocellum and Bacillus coagulans

Clostridium thermocellum and Bacillus coagulans both bacteria hold commercial biotechnological importance because of their capability to produce numerous industrial products such as Clostridium thermocellum due to its cellulose fermenting capability are used either as pure or as co–cultures to produce alternative sustainable energy sources such as biofuels including bioethanol, biogas, organic acid, acetic acid derivatives.