Membrane Formation Research Articles

Vertical ridge augmentation using deproteinized bovine bone material without covering with a membrane: a tunnel pouch technique- 4-year follow-up- A pilot clinical study.

The present pilot clinical trial was planned to evaluate the effect of particulate deproteinized bovine bone graft mixed with blood could be used as a vertical ridge augmentation material without covering with any form of collagen membrane in a tunnel pouch technique, resulting in sufficient bone formation to allow placement of dental implants, with maintenance of the newly formed bone after final restoration. Eight patients (three males and five females) were selected for this procedure and treated between February 2016 and December 2017. All these patients had a deficient vertical height of the posterior mandibular alveolar bone above the inferior alveolar canal. The particulate deproteinized an organic bovine bone graft (Bio Oss) mixed with blood was placed through the tunnel in the defected area and compacted firmly to form a dense pack. The average gain of alveolar bone in the first implant site after immediate post-op was 13.51±0.85, and in the second implant site was 13.84± 0.62. Histomorphometric analysis showed that about 70.31% of the area analyzed was occupied by the vital bone, the newly formed bone, whereas only 29.69% of the residual graft remained. In the present pilot study, the deproteinized bovine bone graft placed to enhance vertical and horizontal bone gain showed positive results in regaining the bone needed to place implants and maintaining the bone around restored implants for 4 years of follow-up.

Development of New Chitosan-Based Complex with Bioactive Molecules for Regenerative Medicine

Background/Objectives: The development of new materials incorporating bioactive molecules for tissue regeneration is a growing area of interest. The objective of this study was to develop a new complex specifically designed for bone and skin tissue engineering, combining chitosan, ascorbic acid-2-magnesium phosphate (ASAP), and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). Methods: Chitosan and the complexes chitosan/ASAP and chitosan/ASAP/β-TCP were prepared in membrane form, macerated to a particulate format, and then subjected to characterization through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Cell viability was evaluated through a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI) staining in stem cells obtained from deciduous teeth. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey’s test. Results: The FTIR results indicated the characteristic bands in the chitosan group and the complexation between chitosan, ASAP, and β-TCP. Microscopic characterization revealed a polydisperse distribution of micrometric particles. Zeta potential measurements demonstrated a reduction in surface charge upon the addition of ASAP and β-TCP to the chitosan matrix. TGA and DSC analyses further indicated complexation between the three components and the successful formation of a cross-linked structure in the chitosan matrix. Stem cells cultured with the particulate biomaterials demonstrated their biocompatibility. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in cell viability for the chitosan/ASAP and chitosan/ASAP/β-TCP groups compared to the chitosan control. Conclusions: Therefore, the chitosan/ASAP complex demonstrated potential for skin regeneration, while the chitosan/ASAP/β-TCP formulation showed promise as a biomaterial for bone regeneration due to the presence of β-tricalcium phosphate.

Platelet rich fibrin three-layer reconstruction of the sellar floor after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach: technical note and initial experience.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage frequently complicates endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary resections, despite the use of lumbar drains, nasoseptal flaps, or commercial dura sealants. Managing this complication often requires revision surgery and increases the risk of infection. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an affordable autologous biomaterial derived from the patient's blood through short, angulated centrifugation, contains growth factors and leukocytes embedded in a fibrin matrix. PRF exhibits regenerative properties in various surgical disciplines. This study assesses a three-layer sellar reconstruction method employing solid membranous (s-PRF) and high-viscosity injectable (i-PRF) forms of PRF. We present our initial experience on a series of 22 patients with pituitary macroadenomas. For all patients, an endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach was selected. Following the resection of the pathology, sellar reconstruction was accomplished using a three-layer orthobiologic technique. A membranous s-PRF was utilized as an inlay inside the opened sellar floor, followed by a layer of injectable i-PRF finally covered with another s-PRF membrane over the top to the sellar corridor. In all cases the implementation of the proposed three-layer PRF reconstruction strategy was feasible and safe. During the 12-month follow-up period there were no adverse effects reported associated with the PRF application. 77% (17/22) of the patients demonstrated intraoperatively a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (Esposito Grade 1-3). In total, the proposed PRF reconstruction effectively prevented postoperative CSF leaks in 95% of the patients and in 94% of those with an Esposito Grade 1-3. One of the two patients with intraoperative Esposito Grade 3 developed a CSF leak on the first postoperative day, which was successfully managed with a lumbar drain for 5 days. Sellar reconstruction after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas with PRF is feasible and safe. The three layer PRF augmentation is a novel technique to prevent CSF-leakage.

Seipin governs phosphatidic acid homeostasis at the inner nuclear membrane

The nuclear envelope is a specialized subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum and comprises the inner and outer nuclear membranes. Despite the crucial role of the inner nuclear membrane in genome regulation, its lipid metabolism remains poorly understood. Phosphatidic acid (PA) is essential for membrane growth as well as lipid storage. Using a genome-wide lipid biosensor screen in S. cerevisiae, we identify regulators of inner nuclear membrane PA homeostasis, including yeast Seipin, a known mediator of nuclear lipid droplet biogenesis. Here, we show that Seipin preserves nuclear envelope integrity by preventing its deformation and ectopic membrane formation. Mutations of specific regions of Seipin, some linked to human lipodystrophy, disrupt PA distribution at the inner nuclear membrane and nuclear lipid droplet formation. Investigating the Seipin co-factor Ldb16 reveals that a triacylglycerol binding site is crucial for lipid droplet formation, whereas PA regulation can be functionally separated. Our study highlights the potential of lipid biosensor screens for examining inner nuclear membrane lipid metabolism.

Characterization and mitigation strategies for inorganic scaling in reverse osmosis system treating brackish groundwater

Water desalination has become a more effective and widespread technology for treating seawater and brackish water because of a shortage of freshwater resources in Morocco and the world. Reverse osmosis is a commonly used method for water desalination. Nevertheless, membrane fouling remains a serious problem facing this technique, including inorganic, organic, colloidal, and biofouling. This research aims to analyze the performance of reverse osmosis used on Souss Massa farm and solve the fouling issue by using the chemical and physical properties of feed, permeate, and reject water, thus the characterization of fouling deposited on the membrane. The fouling was characterized by several techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that Ca2+, Na+, Cl–, HCO3–, and SO42– are the most dominant ions in the feedwater. The predicting scaling indices and the characterization results of the scale structure developed on the membrane surface revealed that it was mainly composed of calcium carbonate and silica saturated. Changing the antiscalant and the proposed cleaning protocol prevent scale formation in reverse osmosis membranes and help increase and improve TDS's rejection rate from 94.23% to 97.04%.

Strawberry Grown in an Indoor Vertical Farm Responds to Increased Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density When Calcium Is Supplied at Higher Concentrations

Indoor vertical farms can optimize light, temperature, humidity, and nutrient use, thus potentially maximizing crop growth and yield. However, the reported potential for enhanced crop growth and yield within these systems needs to be tempered against the understanding of the effects of this “forced growth”/optimal growth environment on “actual” plant performance to fully reap the benefits of these innovative vertical farming systems. We investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) on the production of strawberries in an indoor vertical farm system with varying photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). Fruit yield of plants fed with high Ca (9 meq·L−1) increased by 42.3% when the PPFD was 422 µmol·m−2·s−1; however, a subsequent increase to 572 µmol·m−2·s−1 resulted in a decline in fruit production. Plants treated with low Ca (5 meq·L−1) had a reduced yield and demonstrated no response to the PPFD. The observed increase in yield was associated with increased fruit production and total soluble solids. Plants exhibited 21.5% and 57.8% increases in the total dry weight when exposed to 422 and 572 µmol·m−2·s−1, respectively; however, Ca did not have any impact on this response. Independent of the Ca concentration, the photosynthesis rate increased by 16.1% and 22.2% when the PPFD increased to 422 and 572 µmol·m−2·s−1, respectively; however, the highest photosynthesis rate was recorded with 422 µmol·m−2·s−1 when the Ca level was 9 meq·L−1. High Ca-fed plants exhibited a reduction in Ca (−17.1%) content in their fruits when exposed to 572 µmol·m−2·s−1, which was likely caused by a dilution effect attributable to increased fruit biomass. In contrast, shoot Ca increased when plants were given high Ca when the PPFDs were 422 and 572 µmol·m−2·s−1. The Ca concentration in shoots correlated with the increasing yield, and a higher Ca concentration was associated with the increasing transpiration rate and stomatic conductance. Shoot phosphorus declined when plants were exposed to increased PPFD, and phosphorus was lower when plants were provided with 9 meq·L−1 of Ca; however, plants watered with low Ca solutions had more potassium. The shoot nitrogen content and micronutrient contents were unchanged regardless of the variations in PPFD or Ca. In summary, the favorable conditions for the cultivation of strawberry under controlled environments resulted in greater growth and fruit yield as long as Ca was provided at higher concentrations in the irrigation solutions (from 5 to 9 meq·L−1). We suggest that the higher demand of Ca that is necessary to satisfy the enhanced plant development observed in indoor farming systems may be connected to the role of Ca in the formation of new tissues, cell walls, and cell membranes.

Electrospun PAN membrane encapsulated in PEO as a polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries

The novel two-step fabrication method of polymer electrolyte membrane was proposed. In the first step, the polyacrylonitrile nano fibrous membrane was prepared with the help of electrospinning. In the second step, the polyethylene oxide solution was prepared along with lithium salt and plasticizers. The solution was poured on the electrospun polyacrylonitrile to get polymer electrolyte membrane in the form of PAN membrane encapsulated in PEO. The polymer electrolyte membrane was boosted by the liquid LiPF6 before assembled in the lithium metal batteries. The polymer electrolyte membrane was compared with the commercial Celgard separator when assembled in coin cell for the application of lithium metal batteries. The polymer electrolyte membrane outperformed and exhibited a good ultimate tensile strength of 20 MPa and the better thermal stability of 97 % at 305 °C. Moreover, the polymer electrolyte membrane also exhibited excellent ionic conductivity of 1.2 mS cm−1, good lithium-ion transference number of 0.57 and uniform lithium plating/stripping cycles for up to 500 cycles without internal short circuiting. The polymer electrolyte membrane represented outstanding rate capability and exhibited the good discharge capacity of 141 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C rate.

Mixed matrix membrane formation with porous metal–organic nanomaterials for CO2 capture and separation: A critical review

Due to the increasingly severe global warming trend, the reduction of CO2 emission and carbon capture have attracted growing interest. The separation of CO2 from gas mixtures, especially from point source and the atmosphere, is considered as one of the most important strategies for mitigating climate change. Porous metal–organic nanomaterials (PNMs), including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) have been extensively investigated in the fields of carbon capture, catalysts, sensors, biomedical imaging and gas storage. Their inherent pores, diverse surface function groups and potential modification possiblities make them competitive carbon capture materials. This review will introduce detailed scientific and technological advancements in PNMs and explain their fitness for carbon capture and separation, followed by the fabrication and application of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with PNMs. The current challenges appreared and solutions to improve the MMMs’ CO2 separation performance will also be stressed.

The effect of Coix lachrymal L. seed extract on the expression of inflammation and fibrogenesis genes in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a vision-threatening condition associated with retinal-detachment (RD), primarily caused by fibrocellular scar membrane formation. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of adlay seed extract fractions in mitigating PVR-associated pathways, focusing on oxidative stress, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Adlay seed extract fractions (methanolic: MeOH and residual: Res) were obtained through solvent extraction and characterized for carbohydrate, protein, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. RPE cells were cultured, and their viability in response to adlay fractions was assessed using the MTT assay. Gene expression analysis of IL-1β, IL-6, LIF, TGF-β, Snail and α-SMA genes was conducted via real-time PCR after treatment with adlay fractions. The Res fraction exhibited higher levels of protein, carbohydrate, flavonoids, and phenols compared to the MeOH fraction, along with significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Both fractions showed inhibitory effects on RPE cell viability, with the Res fraction demonstrating a more pronounced impact. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant decrease in IL-6 and TGF-β expression with the MeOH fraction treatment, while the Res fraction led to decreased expression of IL-6, LIF, TGF-β, Snail and α-SMA, indicating a more comprehensive modulation of PVR-associated pathways. This study highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of adlay seed extract fractions in mitigating PVR-associated pathways in RPE cells. The Res fraction, particularly rich in bioactive compounds and exhibiting potent antioxidant activity, shows promise in attenuating oxidative stress, proliferation, inflammation, and fibrogenesis, critical processes in PVR development. These findings underscore the potential of adlay seed extracts as a novel therapeutic strategy for PVR warranting further investigation and clinical validation.

Formation of Hybrid Membranes for Water Desalination by the Method of Membrane Distillation

A method has been developed for the formation of hybrid membranes consisting of a hydrophilic microporous substrate and a hydrophobic nanofiber polymer layer deposited by electroforming. A track-etched membrane made of polyethylene terephthalate was used as a hydrophilic microporous substrate, on the surface of which a thin layer of titanium was applied by magnetron sputtering to ensure adhesion of the nanofiber layer. Simultaneously, the titanium coating was used to make a conductive track-etched membrane that served as a collector electrode. It is been shown that the application of this method for the formation of polymer coatings when used as a starting material for the formation of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers makes it possible to obtain a layer with highly hydrophobic properties, the water contact angle of the surface of which, depending on the deposition density, averages 143.3 ± 1.3°. A study of the morphology of the nanofiber coating shows that it has a microstructure typical of non-woven materials. The nanofibers forming the porous system of this layer have a wide range in size. The study of the molecular structure of the nanofiber layer by IR-Fourier spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that its structure is dominated by the β-phase, which is characterized by a maximum dipole moment. It is been shown that the hybrid membranes of the developed sample provide high separation selectivity when desalting an aqueous solution of sodium chloride with a concentration of 26.5 g/l by membrane distillation. The salt rejection coefficient for membranes with a nanofiber layer density from 20.7 ± 0.2 to 27.6 ± 0.2 g/m2 in the studied mode of the membrane distillation process is 99.97−99.98%. It has been established that the use of a highly hydrophobic nanofiber layer with a developed pore structure in combination with a hydrophilic microporous base makes it possible to increase the productivity of the membrane distillation process. The value of the maximum condensate flow through the membranes is on average 7.0 kg m2/h and its depends on the density of the deposited nanofiber layer.

Biomineralized metal-organic framework membrane with high-crystallinity for ultrafast molecular separation

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess uniform and controllable pore structure, holding significant promise for the creation of efficient molecular separation membranes. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in constructing MOF membranes with high crystallinity and effectively utilizing their ordered crystal channels for molecular separation. Drawing inspiration from natural biomineralization processes, an in-situ trace graphene oxide (GO)-mediated crystallization strategy was adopted here to manipulate the crystallization of Zr-MOF (MIP-202(Zr)) membranes. GO nanosheets with abundant oxygen-containing groups could interact with the MOF precursor, furnishing numerous growth sites for the subsequent MOF growth, thereby facilitating the crystallization process during membrane formation within only 60 min. The resultant GO/MIP-202(Zr) composite membrane, composed of highly crystalline MIP-202(Zr) and trace amount of GO nanosheets, overcame the trade-off between MOF crystallinity and membrane formation. Benefiting from the interconnected pore structure, the resulting GO/MIP-202(Zr) membrane presented ultrahigh water permeability (1698.9 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), surpassing that of the pure GO membrane (258.9 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) by 6.5 times, while maintaining a comparable rejection for common dye molecules. Furthermore, the membrane displayed satisfied recyclability and structural stability. This study provides important perspectives for the fabrication of advanced membranes derived from MOFs aimed at enhancing molecular separation processes.

Construction of stable triazine porous organic polymer nanofiltration membrane for selective separation: The role of substrate on the membrane formation and separation performance

Porous organic polymers (POPs) have been regarded as potential candidates for high-performance membrane building blocks ascribed to their robust structure, tunable pore size, and high surface area. Normally, the POPs membrane possesses a POPs selective layer on the porous substrate for its real application. Numerous efforts have been paid to manipulate the POPs selective layer to enhance the separation performance, however, except from providing mechanical strength, the role of substrates in the formation and separation performance of POPs membrane receives less attention. In this work, we employed a systematic study to reveal the role of substrates in the governing POPs membrane formation by choosing substrates with diverse properties. The relationship between the properties of substrate (e.g., pore size, porosity, roughness, hydrophilicity, and surface functional groups) and the assembly structure of POPs membranes was in-detail analyzed. We found that the hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile substrate induced a better assembly of POPs nanoparticles. Its rough surface and carboxylic functional groups created Van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding interactions to reinforce interfacial adhesion between the substrate and POPs selective layer, which facilitated the formation of intact and defect-free POPs membranes. The resulting POPs membrane displayed a high water permeance of 121.3 L m-2h−1 bar−1 with a congo red rejection of 98.9 %. Moreover, benefiting from the robust interfacial interactions between POPs selective layer and the substrate, the POPs membrane enabled itself to maintain structure stability under harsh environments, such as acidic, alkaline, and organic solvents. This work gives new insights to producing robust and high-performance POPs membranes.

Membrane-Based Deoxygenation of an Alkanolamine Absorbent of CO2: Formation of Composite Membranes and Influence of the Turbulators of the Liquid Phase in Them on Their Characteristics

Membrane-Based Deoxygenation of an Alkanolamine Absorbent of CO2: Formation of Composite Membranes and Influence of the Turbulators of the Liquid Phase in Them on Their Characteristics

Regulatory mechanism of blending additives on interface interaction and phase separation of the heterogeneous braid-reinforced hollow fiber membranes

The exfoliation of the polymer layer from the reinforcement material is the key challenge for applying braid-reinforced hollow fiber membranes (BR HFMs). In this work, a mixed amphiphilic additive system was constructed and adopted in BR HFMs preparation by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). The effect of the mixed system on the state of the casting solution and phase inversion process, the interaction between the casting solution and the braid material, together with the structure and filtration performance was studied. The role of the mixed system on the interface coordination and membrane structure formation mechanisms was elucidated. The results showed that both the composition of the mixed amphiphilic additives and the interaction time between the casting solution and braid material threw much light on the interface coordination and membrane formation. The interfacial compatibility of the casting solution and braid material was obviously improved, resulting in the enhancement of the binding force between the braid and PVDF membrane layer. The permeation flux and anti-exfoliation performance were simultaneously improved with the proper addition of the mixed amphiphilic additives. The stability of the BR HFMs was primarily testified by filtration of real sludge suspension solution with back-washing operation.

Interfacial Polymerization of Aromatic Polyamide Reverse Osmosis Membranes.

Polyamide membranes are widely used in reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment, yet the mechanism of interfacial polymerization during membrane formation is not fully understood. In this work, we perform atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to explore the cross-linking of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and m-phenylenediamine (MPD) monomers at the aqueous-organic interface. Our studies show that the solution interface provides a function of "concentration and dispersion" of monomers for cross-linking. The process starts with rapid cross-linking, followed by slower kinetics. Initially, amphiphilic MPD monomers diffuse in water and accumulate at the solution interface to interact with TMC monomers from the organic phase. As cross-linking progresses, a precross-linked thin film forms, reducing monomer diffusion and reaction rates. However, the structural flexibility of the amphiphilic film, influenced by interfacial fluctuations and mixed interactions with water and the organic solvent at the solution interface, promotes further cross-linking. The solubility of MPD and TMC monomers in different organic solvents (cyclohexane versus n-hexane) affects the cross-linking rate and surface homogeneity, leading to slight variations in the structure and size distribution of subnanopores. Our study of the interfacial polymerization process in explicit solvents is essential for understanding membrane formation in various solvents, which will be crucial for optimal polyamide membrane design.

Numerical Approach to Determine the Resistance of Threaded Anchors in Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite

Due to their relatively high tensile strength and dense matrix, UHPFRCs have proven to be a highly effective building material for both strengthening existing reinforced concrete structures and constructing new ones. In both cases, the use of fasteners is prevailing, with threaded anchors being frequently employed. The thicknesses of structural components made of UHPFRCs are relatively thin, i.e., at least 30 mm, typically 50 to 100 mm, and exceptionally 100 to 200 mm. Therefore, the aim is to use fasteners with short anchorage lengths. In this study, the structural behavior of a short threaded anchor with a 20 mm diameter and an embedment length of 50 mm (2.5 Ø) in a UHPFRC is investigated using non-linear finite element models. The UHPFRC is assumed to exhibit tensile strain-hardening behavior, with tensile strengths of 7 MPa and 11 MPa, respectively. The modeled anchor was subjected to a continuously increasing uniaxial pull-out force. The results indicate that the fracture mechanism of threaded anchors in UHPFRCs is primarily characterized by the formation of a tensile membrane within the UHPFRC, which acts as the main resisting element against the pull-out force. Additionally, the influence of the UHPFRC’s tensile properties on the pull-out behavior and ultimate resistance of the threaded anchors was determined.

The role of prenatal choline and its impact on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Extensive evidence demonstrates that prenatal nutrition is crucial for adequate fetal development. Specifically, maternal choline intake plays a significant role in gene expression, epigenetics, and cell membrane formation. Preclinical models have shown that maternal dietary intake improves the development of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. This review focuses on the role of prenatal choline intake and discusses its potential role in neurodevelopmental disorders especially since choline has emerged as a promising coadjutant to mitigate cognitive and developmental disorders. However, more evidence regarding timing, dosage, and molecular mechanisms is needed. In this review, we discuss the impact of prenatal choline availability, evidence from current models, and gaps to address in how choline may impact the symptomology and manifestation of Rett syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Down syndrome. Our ultimate goal is to highlight the importance of choline for maternal health and its potential beneficial impact on neurodevelopmental disorders.

Multi-protection durable unidirectional water-transport fabric with personalized moisture and thermal management

Effective management of the microclimate interface of the human skin-fabric-external environment significantly contributes to enhancing the wearer’s comfort experience. In this paper, a fast sweat-absorbing anti-corrosion durable fabric was prepared based on fiber surface modification and textile structure design to improve the comfort and prolong the service life of fabrics. By the formation of self-assembled membranes (SAMS), silver-plated yarns with excellent oxidative resistance and hydrophobicity were obtained. A durable unidirectional water-transport fabric (DUWF) was received through a weft-double weave organization with hydrophobic silver-plated yarns as the inner weft and hydrophilic lyocell yarns as the outer weft. Spontaneous moisture conduction was achieved by the wettability gradient of two sets of weft threads and one set of warp threads in the thickness direction. DUWF had an electromagnetic shielding effect of over 65 dB, a unidirectional moisture transfer index of 863.33 %, an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 2000, a fast- cooling capacity of 3.3 °C, and good long-term stability and repeatability. The multifunctional smart fabrics proposed in this paper enhance the moisture and heat manageability of conventional garments and pave the way for further research on comfortable protective clothing.

Genome-wide identification of XsDGAT family and their expression patterns in yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium)

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) plays a pivotal role in lipid metabolism, particularly in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols (TAGs), which are essential for energy storage and cellular membrane formation. Xanthoceras sorbifolium, commonly known as yellowhorn, is notable for the high oil content of its seeds and its potential in biodiesel production. However, its DGATs have not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we conducted the bioinformatics analysis of the XsDGAT gene family in X. sorbifolium. The XsDGAT homologs, sequence features, domain architecture, and evolutionary relationships were identified, the expression patterns across different tissues and their potential regulatory elements of XsDGATs were also displayed, providing valuable insights into their potential roles in lipid biosynthesis and accumulation. This comprehensive bioinformatics analysis offers valuable resources for further experimental investigations and potential applications aimed at enhancing lipid productivity in X. sorbifolium.

ACUTE INFECTIVE CONJUNCTIVITIS A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE RECENT OUTBREAK REPORTED IN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Objective: Acute conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of conjunctiva, mostly of viral etiology and is highly contagious and self-limiting. The present study aims to assess the clinical characteristics, presentation, outcomes of acute conjuctivitis and its treatment for complications among the study population. Methods: It was a record-based retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Puducherry for the period of two months among 100 study participants. Results: The study showed that 62% and 16% of patients had complications like membrane formation and Superficial Punctate Keratitis (SPK). Moxifloxacin was highly used antibiotics (57%), with the median duration of the treatment being six days (IQR: 5 – 7.75). Conclusion: From our study, we found that even though the conjunctivitis outbreak is widespread among the general population due to its contagious nature and is self-limiting, it requires medical attention to prevent complications. Public awareness is required regarding this