Plot Density Research Articles

The Quantitative InVivo Assessment of Diabetic andNon-Diabetic Skin Wound Healing Using Phasor-FLIM Approach.

A quantitative assessment of wound status in a murine model was developed using phasor plot presentation of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) data. The quantitative assessment is based on calculating Bhattacharyya distance between g coordinates of FLIM data phasor plot density distributions of wound and healthy skin. The approach was validated for both diabetic and non-diabetic mice wounds, including during low-dose photodynamic therapy (LDPDT). Analysis revealed a shift in the FLIM data phasor plot g coordinates, suggesting altered metabolic processes involved in wound healing. Bhattacharyya distances in the LDPDT groups were closer to zero compared to the control group, which was not treated by LDPDT. Bhattacharyya distances in the non-diabetic LDPDT groups were closer to zero compared to the diabetic LDPDT groups that is consistent with the literature regarding the positive role of LDPDT in accelerating wound healing and the role of diabetes mellitus in impairing wound healing.

Interpreting the shifts in forest structure, plant community composition, diversity, and functional identity by using remote sensing-derived wildfire severity

BackgroundWildfires are increasingly impacting ecosystems worldwide especially in temperate dry habitats, often interplaying with other global changes (e.g., alien plant invasions). Understanding the ecological consequences of wildfires is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of wildfire severity on plant community (both the canopy trees and herbaceous layer) and alien plant invasion, combining field observations and remotely sensed data.We conducted an observational study in the Karst forests (North-East Italy) 1 year after the large wildfire which affected the area in 2022. We assessed the impact through 35 field plots (200 m2 each) distributed among different fire severity (i.e., the loss of organic matter) classes assessed using the differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR) calculated from satellite images. In each plot, tree species, diameter, vitality, resprouting capacity, and seedling density were measured. In addition, herb species richness (taxonomical diversity) was quantified, and plant cover was visually estimated. Functional diversity was also assessed considering six functional traits retrieved from databases.ResultsSome woody species (e.g., Quercus pubescens) showed a higher resistance to the fire (i.e., lower mortality rate), while others showed a higher resilience (i.e., recovery after fire through resprouting or seedlings, e.g., Cotinus coggygria). The transition to a shrub-dominated community (i.e., Cotinus coggygria) where fire severity was the highest underlines the dynamic nature of the post-fire succession. We detected a significant variation in the herbaceous plant community composition, diversity, and functional identity (i.e., community-weighted mean of trait) along the fire severity gradient. In particular, high-fire severity areas exhibited higher species richness compared to low-severity or unburned areas. Total alien plant cover increased with fire severity, while native cover remained constant. We also found shifts in species that enhance traits related to germination potential and growth strategy.ConclusionsOur results highlight the vulnerability of the forest stands to an increase in wildfire severity, resulting in significant mortality and changes in tree community structure. This study contributes to the understanding of ecological processes after wildfires using a novel remote sensing approach in a temperate forest, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies aimed at mitigating high severity wildfires.

Construction of a novel flavonol fluorescent probe for copper (II) ion detection and its application in actual samples

Copper is an essential trace element in the human body, and its level is directly related to many diseases. While the source of copper in human body is mainly intake from food, then the detection of copper ions (Cu2+) in food becomes crucial. Here, we synthesized a novel probe (E)-3-hydroxy-2-styryl-4H-benzo[h]chromen-4-one (NSHF) and explored the binding ability of NSHF for Cu2+ using nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (1H NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), Job's plot method and density functional theory (DFT). NSHF shows the advantages of fast response time, good selectivity and high sensitivity for Cu2+. The fluorescence intensity ratio (F/F0) of NSHF shows a good linear relationship with the concentration of Cu2+ and the detection limit is 0.061 μM. NSHF was successfully applied to the detection of Cu2+ in real samples. In addition, a simple and convenient Cu2+ detection platform was constructed by combining NSHF with a smartphone and a UV lamp, which can realize the rapid detection of Cu2+. This work provides an effective tool for the real-time detection of Cu2+.

Effect of different planting density of sunflower varieties on yield and yield attributing characters in rice-rice-sunflower cropping pattern

The experiments were carried out at the Agronomy Experimental Field of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali in order to evaluate the effect of sowing date and planting density on the yield and yield contributing characters of sunflower varieties. The experiment comprised of two varieties viz. BARI Sunflower2 and Hysun33 and six planting densities viz. 40cm×25cm, 40cm×35cm, 40cm×45cm, 50cm×25cm, 50cm×35cm, 50cm×45cm. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, where the variety was assigned in the main plot and planting density was assigned as sub-plot treatment. Planting density had a significant influence on all the characteristics of morphological growth, yield, and yield contributing character except plant height at 75 DAS and 90 DAS. In case of Hysun33 variety, the highest number of leaves (21.89), leaf area (3214.22 cm2), head diameter (19.27 cm), head weight (539.07 gm), number of seed head-1 (973.33), seed weight head-1 (65.89 gm), thousand seed weight (67.73 gm), total seed yield (3.27 tha-1) and harvest index (34.30 %) was obtained from 50 cm × 45 cm planting density. On the other hand, in case of BARI Sunflower2 variety the highest number of leaves (18.44), leaf area (3342.90 cm2), head diameter (18.73 cm), head weight (457.80 gm), number of seed head-1 (832.17), seed weight head-1 (53.39 gm), thousand seed weight (64.07 gm) was obtained from 50 cm × 45 cm planting density and the highest stover yield (8.04 tha-1) and biological yield (10.73 tha-1) were obtained from 40 cm × 25 cm planting density. The highest total seed yield (2.94 tha-1) was obtained from 50 cm × 25 cm (8 plants m-2) planting density. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 229-235

The predictability of near‐term forest biomass change in boreal North America

AbstractClimate change is driving substantial changes in North American boreal forests, including changes in productivity, mortality, recruitment, and biomass. Despite the importance for carbon budgets and informing management decisions, there is a lack of near‐term (5–30 year) forecasts of expected changes in aboveground biomass (AGB). In this study, we forecast AGB changes across the North American boreal forest using machine learning, repeat measurements from 25,000 forest inventory sites, and gridded geospatial datasets. We find that AGB change can be predicted up to 30 years into the future, and that training on sites across the entire domain allows accurate predictions even in regions with only a small amount of existing field data. While predicting AGB loss is less skillful than gains, using a multi‐model ensemble can improve the accuracy in detecting change direction to >90% for observed increases, and up to 70% for observed losses. Higher stem density, winter temperatures, and the presence of temperate tree species in forest plots were positively associated with AGB change, whereas greater initial biomass, continentality (difference between mean summer and winter temperatures), prevalence of black spruce (Picea mariana), summer precipitation, and early warning metrics from long‐term remote sensing time series were negatively associated with AGB change. Across the domain, we predict nondisturbance‐induced declines in AGB at 23% of sites by 2030. The approach developed here can be used to estimate near‐future forest biomass in boreal North America and inform relevant management decisions. Our study also highlights the power of machine learning multi‐model ensembles when trained on a large volume of forest inventory plots, which could be applied to other regions with adequate plot density and spatial coverage.

Assessing the Effect of Electronic Pseudopotentials and Relativistic Treatments on the Structural and Electrical Properties of GaN: A DFT Study

Applying the principle of Density functional theory, we can calculate various parameters like lattice constant, band gap, band plot, dielectric function plot, refractive index plot, conductivity plot, density of state plot, loss function etc. of GaN. In this work, we use different electronic pseudopotentials with different relativistic treatment studied using Local density approximation functional (LDA-CAPZ) within DFT for GaN. We used to calculate the energy values, lattice parameters change after geometry optimisation and plot the band energies. Electronic structure calculations results are compares taking different electronic pseudopotentials of different cut-off energy having different relativistic approaches. The Density of state plot and partial density of states plot help to studied more about the electronic as well as magnetic characteristics of the GaN sample. Here, we also compare the advantages and disadvantages of different pseudopotentials with different relativistic approaches of the sample. Energy level distribution and partial density of states were compared for all the pseudopotentials with different relativistic treatments, providing insight into the orbital contributions of electrons to the density of levels. Our study provides a deeper understanding into the impact of electronic pseudopotentials and relativistic treatments on the electronic and structural properties of GaN.

A least squares regression-based approach in the investigation of the influence of density metrics of 14 distinct Toronto neighbourhoods on the roof and facade solar potential

Introduction: This Toronto-based study explores how density metrics relate to the solar potential of rooftops and facades of buildings in neighbourhoods differentiated by their use classifications. In the context of Toronto’s 2040 Net Zero Strategy, this research contributes insight on identifying neighbourhood types in Toronto that are suitable for undergoing retrofits of active solar technologies.Methods: The methodological approach adopted in this investigation mainly entails the selection of representative neighbourhood archetypes in the city; compilation of density metrics representing the neighbourhood morphological form and conducting solar analysis and regression assessments using relevant computational tools. By identifying 14 distinct neighbourhood archetypes and examining 20 relevant density metrics, the variation of roof and façade solar potential has been evaluated through a least squares regression-based approach.Results: The findings indicate a negative correlation between certain density metrics, such as the standard deviation of height, plot density, nearest neighbour ratio, and complexity with the roof solar potential, thereby demonstrating that certain neighbourhoods such as those categorized as Employment or Institutional may be more suitable for active solar technologies retrofits. Additionally, there is no significant relationship between most density metrics and façade solar irradiance, apart from the open space ratio, which only affects it moderately. Façade solar potential is unique to building position and orientation and can vary non-uniformly across neighbourhood-use classifications based on the extent of overshadowing inherent to that configuration.Discussion: The study provides valuable insights for urban planning and neighbourhood design, specifically in terms of density metrics that need to be considered when opting for active solar technology retrofits of existing Toronto neighbourhoods. Additionally, the study’s methodological approach can be emulated as a framework for future research exploring neighbourhood archetypes in other cities and climatic conditions. The findings of this research also contribute to promoting sustainable energy transition in Toronto’s neighbourhoods.

Comparative study of conventional and synchrotron X-ray electron densities on molecular crystals.

Five different electron density datasets obtained from conventional and synchrotron single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments are compared. The general aim of the study is to investigate the quality of data for electron density analysis from current state-of-the-art conventional sources, and to see how the data perform in comparison with high-quality synchrotron data. A molecular crystal of melamine was selected as the test compound due to its ability to form excellent single crystals, the light atom content, and an advantageous suitability factor of 3.6 for electron density modeling. These features make melamine an optimal system for conventional X-ray diffractometers since the inherent advantages of synchrotron sources such as short wavelength and high intensity are less critical in this case. Data were obtained at 100 K from new in-house diffractometers Rigaku Synergy-S (Mo and Ag source, HyPix100 detector) and Stoe Stadivari (Mo source, EIGER2 1M CdTe detector), and an older Oxford Diffraction Supernova (Mo source, Atlas CCD detector). The synchrotron data were obtained at 25 K from BL02B1 beamline at SPring-8 in Japan (λ = 0.2480 Å, Pilatus3 X 1M CdTe detector). The five datasets were compared on general quality parameters such as resolution, ⟨I/σ⟩, redundancy and R factors, as well as the more model specific fractal dimension plot and residual density maps. Comparison of the extracted electron densities reveals that all datasets can provide reliable multipole models, which overall convey similar chemical information. However, the new laboratory X-ray diffractometers with advanced pixel detector technology clearly measure data with significantly less noise and much higher reliability giving densities of higher quality, compared to the older instrument. The synchrotron data have higher resolution and lower measurement temperature, and they allow for finer details to be modeled (e.g. hydrogen κ parameters).

Quantifying vegetation indices using terrestrial laser scanning: methodological complexities and ecological insights from a Mediterranean forest

Abstract. Accurate measurement of vegetation density metrics including plant, wood and leaf area indices (PAI, WAI and LAI) is key to monitoring and modelling carbon storage and uptake in forests. Traditional passive sensor approaches, such as digital hemispherical photography (DHP), cannot separate leaf and wood material, nor individual trees, and require many assumptions in processing. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data offer new opportunities to improve understanding of tree and canopy structure. Multiple methods have been developed to derive PAI and LAI from TLS data, but there is little consensus on the best approach, nor are methods benchmarked as standard. Using TLS data collected in 33 plots containing 2472 trees of 5 species in Mediterranean forests, we compare three TLS methods (lidar pulse, 2D intensity image and voxel-based) to derive PAI and compare with co-located DHP. We then separate leaf and wood in individual tree point clouds to calculate the ratio of wood to total plant area (α), a metric to correct for non-photosynthetic material in LAI estimates. We use individual tree TLS point clouds to estimate how α varies with species, tree height and stand density. We find the lidar pulse method agrees most closely with DHP, but it is limited to single-scan data, so it cannot determine individual tree properties, including α. The voxel-based method shows promise for ecological studies as it can be applied to individual tree point clouds. Using the voxel-based method, we show that species explain some variation in α; however, height and plot density were better predictors. Our findings highlight the value of TLS data to improve fundamental understanding of tree form and function as well as the importance of rigorous testing of TLS data processing methods at a time when new approaches are being rapidly developed. New algorithms need to be compared against traditional methods and existing algorithms, using common reference data. Whilst promising, our results show that metrics derived from TLS data are not yet reliably calibrated and validated to the extent they are ready to replace traditional approaches for large-scale monitoring of PAI and LAI.

New optical soliton solutions of thin-film ferroelectric material equation via the complete discrimination system method

In this paper, our main aim is to construct the optical soliton solutions of the well-known thin-film ferroelectric material equation, which describes the propagation of polarization in thin-film materials. Because it has been found that solitary waves may be important for the propagation of polarization fields in ferroelectrics, we investigate its optical soliton solutions using the complete discrimination system technique in this study. As a result, the optical soliton solutions and various solutions are acquired, covering the elliptic double periodic function solution, Jacobian elliptic function solution etc. It appears that bright and singular waves can be propagated in thin-film ferroelectric materials. The richness of the solutions obtained will be conducive to further understand the whole picture of the dynamic behavior of wave propagation in thin-film material. Moreover, this research methods and results are efficacious and can be applied to the exploration of more complex phenomena. Finally, via giving some fixed parameter values, we plot 3D, 2D, density and contour graphs of some obtained solutions for presenting in visual form.

Variation in the Built Form of Neighborhoods of Different Socio-Economic Groups:

Unequal distribution of physical activity resources for the disadvantaged has become a major topic of discussion in today’s world. The resources include parks, urban greenery, and private facilities for recreation to name a few. Although morphological indicators such as street connectivity, block size, and block length are important for walking, limited literature explains how these built forms vary for neighborhoods of different socio-economic groups. The study can be important in Indian conditions since walking is a necessity for work as well as for leisure for a certain group of people who cannot afford to buy motorized vehicles. Assessing spatial inequality for them can contribute to recommendations for sustainable planning. This study compares four neighborhoods of different property values in Bhubaneswar, India to examine the inequality in the built-form distribution. India is specially chosen for this study because standard rules for subdivisions are almost missing there. Seven built-form indicators are compared for the four neighborhoods. The analysis shows that a variation in built form does exist between neighborhoods of different socio-economic groups. Longer blocks, higher block density, and higher plot density are observed for neighborhood of lower socio-economic status. However, neighborhood predominated by informal housing is compact and found to have the best walkability conditions.

Dynamic stratification for vertical forest structure using aerial laser scanning over multiple spatial scales

• Develop a method to solve the problem of the overlapped tree crowns delineation. • Develop a new method for the multi-scale and dynamic forest stratification. • Quantitatively evaluate and compare the raw and the stratified canopy cover changes. The distinct vertical structure (i.e., “overstory-understory-grass”) in natural forest stand causes significant differences in species composition, carbon–water cycles, and phenology variations in different vertical layers. Due to the complex forest structure and apparent topographic variations, it remains challenging to stratify a forest stand with highly overlapped tree crowns on a large spatial scale. This work successfully developed a lidar-based method to stratify vertical forest structures with different canopy covers and tree species by separating understory using various stratification heights with the aerial laser scanning (ALS) data. Our results showed that: (1) The F-score values of forest overstory segmentation changed from 0.83 to 1 as forest density increased, and their values improved by 0.08 and 0.1 for coniferous and mixed forest stand by using our newly developed method, respectively. (2) The correlation coefficients (R 2 ) between the visual- and ALS-based forest canopy cover increased from 0.72 to 0.84 by masking forest understory layers. The values of the F-score ranged from 0.5 to 1 as the plot density changed in the understory. (3) Varied stratification heights showed apparent effects on vertical forest structure separation. Our work provides a solid foundation for accurately estimating the forest structural parameters (i.e., leaf area index and biomass) and precision forestry.

Planning in the age of pandemics: Renewing suburban design

The ongoing pandemic has disrupted all dimensions of human life and impacted a variety of disciplines, including urban planning and design. There is an urgent need to design cities to accommodate pandemic-control measures while attending to people's daily needs, including access to outdoor spaces for physical, social, and mental well-being. These requirements for post-pandemic cities have positioned suburbs as a more attractive and viable alternative to compact urban cores. However, the conventional suburban model of low-density, automobile-centric development with fragmented streets cannot foster high levels of accessibility within neighborhoods. This study offers an alternative, evidence-based suburban design model for post-pandemic cities. Quantitative examination of case studies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with illustrations of potential redesign options, show how suburbs can be made more accessible to pedestrian traffic. The study uses the Gravity metric to calculate accessibility at walkable radii of 400 and 800 m. It draws design ideals from high-performing neighborhoods and uses these ideals to redesign low-performing ones. Findings reveal that accessibility in suburban neighborhoods requires integrating several morphological attributes, including plot density, interconnected street networks, and strategic placement of alleys.

The modified Williamson-Hall plot and dislocation density evaluation from diffraction peaks

Diffraction peak profiles were calculated numerically for dislocation ensembles with different spatial arrangements and correlations between the Burgers vector signs. The latter property determines the stored elastic energy in the crystal and the width of the diffraction peaks. It is shown that within the approximation of the asymptotic line-profile theory the relationship between peak breadth and the magnitude of the diffraction vector in the modified Williamson-Hall (mWH) plot is linear. The slope of the line is proportional to the arrangement parameter M0.3 and to the square root of the dislocation density. The only rigorous way for determining M is the asymptotic Fourier method. Therefore, the evaluation of the dislocation density from the mWH-plot alone is impossible and should be avoided. The mWH plot however, is very useful in practice. Its linearity indicates a consistent asymptotic line-profile analysis.

Synthesis, Characterization and Host-Guest Complexation of Asplatin: Improved In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Biocompatibility as Compared to Cisplatin.

Para-sulfocalix[n]arenes are promising host molecules that can accommodate various chemotherapeutic drugs. Pt(IV)-based complexes, including satraplatin and asplatin, are promising alternatives that overcome the shortcomings of Pt(II) complexes. In this study, asplatin has been synthesized by fusing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and cisplatin. Furthermore, it has been characterized using 1H NMR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and UHPLC. A host-guest complex of asplatin and p-sulfocalix[4]arene (PSC4) has been developed and characterized using UV, Job’s plot analysis, HPLC, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental and computational investigations propose that a 1:1 complex between asplatin and PSC4 is formed. The stability constant of the designed complex has been determined using Job’s plot and UHPLC and computed to be 9.1 × 104 M–1 and 8.7 × 104 M−1, which corresponds to a free energy of complexation of −6.8 kcal mol–1, while the calculated value for the inclusion free energy is −13.2 kcal mol−1. Both experimentally and theoretically estimated complexation free energy show that a stable host-guest complex can be formed in solution. The in vitro drug release study displayed the ability of the complex to release its cargo at a cancerous pH (pH of 5.5). Additionally, the asplatin/PSC4 complex is shown to be biocompatible when tested on human skin fibroblast noncancerous cells, demonstrating the highest in vitro cytotoxic activity against (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and lung cancer cells (A-549), with IC50 values of 0.75, 2.15, and 3.60 µg/mL, respectively. This is as compared to either cisplatin (IC50 of 5.47, 5.94 and 9.61 µg/mL, respectively) or asplatin (IC50 of 1.54, 5.05 and 3.91 µg/mL, respectively). On the other hand, the free asplatin exhibited higher cytotoxicity on cancerous cells and lower toxicity on noncancerous cells. The outcomes of the present joint theoretical and experimental investigation reinforce the interest in platinum-based anticancer therapeutics when they are protected from undesired interactions and suggest the use of the PSC4 macromolecule as a promising carrier for Pt(IV) anticancer drugs. The formed asplatin/PSC4 inclusion complex may represent an effective chemotherapeutic agent.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc ferrite nanoparticles using prunus dulcis (almond gum) for antibacterial applications

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesised by Sol-gel method, using zinc nitrate, ferric nitrate and almond gum (prunus dulcis). ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it indicates that cubic structure with average crystalline size of 9.81 nm. Crystalline size and microstrain were analysed to using W-H (Williamson- Hall) analysis. Lorentz factor (LF), Lorentz polarization factor (LPF), stress- strain plot (SSP), morphological index(MI) and dislocation density write calculated based on the X-ray diffraction data of ZF NPs. From FTIR analysis the peaks confirms the presence of Zn and Fe metals. The SEM analysis shows the agglomeration with spherical nature of ZF nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity study reveals the zone of inhibition of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles which is used in pathogen gram positive bacteria and it shows the excellent antibacterial effect of ZF NPs. The VSM study shows the high saturation magnetization of prepared nanoparticles that were super-paramagnetism in nature and the zinc ferrite nano particles has soft magnetic properties. The magnetic saturation value of zinc ferrite NPs is found to be 0.1799 and the squareness ratio 0.2033.

A QUALITATIVE CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE DEVELOPERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON DEVELOPMENT CHARGES

The conversion of land, increment of plot ratios or density that increases the land value often comes with a development charge. While the local governments view the development charge as one of their income sources for providing utilities to the society, property developers’ communities still contend that the charge surges development uncertainty. Moreover, the existing empirical studies of the implementation of development charges in Malaysia are limited since lack of developers’ views regarding this matter. Through semi structured interviews among the property developers, this paper had explored the property developers’ perspectives on the implementation of development charges in Malaysia. Data from the interviews were analysed using content analysis techniques. Findings from the analysis revealed that the effect it has on property developers seems to have increased the developers’ uncertainties, especially on the cost of property development. This paper provides new insights for future research in the study of relevant approaches to improve the efficiency of the development charge and the effect it has on the developer’s uncertainty.

Canopy openness and soil conditions explain community structure and diversity in a tropical seasonal forest in south-eastern Brazil

In tropical semi-deciduous forests, where 20-50 % of canopy trees shed their leaves in the dry season, species with varying degrees of leaf deciduousness share the same space and resources. Here, we describe the tree community in a 10.24-ha plot to assess whether small-scale variation in canopy structure and soil conditions are associated with changes in tree community structure, diversity, and composition. We sampled 11,585 individuals with diameter at breast height ≥ 4.8 cm belonging to 146 species. Plot density (1,129 trees ha-1) and basal area (24.81 m2 ha-1) were smaller than other similar forests, which may be due to an old wind disturbance. For 8.96 ha, we evaluated the relationship between abiotic factors and community descriptors using regression models. Results varied within size classes, but canopy openness was associated with changes in the community structure and diversity, and soil fertility did not affect species diversity. Tree density, basal area, and diversity were smaller in areas with more canopy gaps. Tree density and basal area increase with phosphorus availability, while the density of deciduous trees increased with canopy openness and base saturation. Thus, we found evidence that canopy openness and soil can explain small-scale variations of forest structure and diversity.

Gum mediated synthesis and characterization of CuO nanoparticles towards infectious disease-causing antimicrobial resistance microbial pathogens

BackgroundIn this work biologically active CuO nanoparticle were discussed. The literature suggests that CuO shows very good antibacterial activity on both Gram positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Further, it is used in antibacterial coatings on various substrates to prevent various kinds of medical equipment’s. Here CuO NPs was prepared via greener approach and almond gum is used as a reducing agent. Almond gum is nontoxic and contains huge amount of polysaccharides. Hence, the gum mediated CuO NPs can be used to treat urinary tract infection (UTI). MethodThe CuO NPs were characterized using UV, FTIR, XRD and HESEM with EDX analysis. The antibacterial (both Gram positive and Gram negative) effects of CuO NPs were determined with agar well diffusion method. ResultsThe CuO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction pattern result indicates that the monoclinic structure with average crystallite size about 12.91 nm. Straight line model in Scherrer method results found to be crystallite size. The crystallite size and microstrain were estimated in W–H analysis. Lorentz polarization factor, size-strain plot (SSP), morphological index (M-I) and dislocation density were calculated based on x-ray diffraction data. The FTIR analysis confirms presence of Cu and O band. From the absorption spectrum of CuO NPs, it was found to be cutoff wavelength of 230 nm and direct bandgap was found to be 4.97 eV. Morphology analysis shows that the synthesized of CuO NPs reveals agglomerated and spherical in shape. It was found to be 16 nm–25 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) result indicates percentages of Cu and O element present in the sample. Antimicrobial studies reveal zone of inhibition of CuO NPs. This was used in different pathogens such as gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This study shows exhibit excellent antimicrobial effects of CuO NPs. ConclusionHence, in this article the novel and cost-effective method to prepare CuO NPs was discussed. The prepared CuO NPs can be used as an antifungal and antibacterial reagent.

Selenium abates manganese-induced striatal and hippocampal toxicity via abrogation of neurobehavioral deficits, biometal accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and caspase-3 activation in rats.

Excessive exposure to manganese (Mn) is associated with neurotoxicity characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induction. Selenium (Se) has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties in humans and animals. The present study investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of Se in rats sub-chronically treated with Mn at 30mg/kg body weight or orally co-treated with Se at 0.2 and 0.4mg/kg body weight for 35 consecutive days. Locomotive and exploratory profiles were recorded and computed with the aid of ANY-Maze (a video-tracking software) for 5-min trial, in a novel apparatus. The ANY-Maze analysis showed that Se significantly (p < 0.05) abated Mn-induced locomotive impairment evidenced by increased in maximum speed, total time traveled, absolute turn angle, number of line crossing, rotation and forelimb grip and decreased total time immobile, grooming, and negative geotaxis as verified by the enhanced track plot density. Furthermore, the striatum and hippocampus of the rats were excised and the levels of Mn and Se, oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines including acetylcholinesterase and caspase-3 activities were assayed. The result shows that Se abates Mn-mediated accumulation of Mn. Also, Se ameliorated Mn-induced decrease in antioxidant enzymes as well as glutathione level and increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation, proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha), and caspase-3 activation in the striatum and hippocampus of the rats. Collectively, Se abated Mn-induced striatal and hippocampal toxicity via abrogation of neurobehavioral deficits, biometal accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and caspase-3 activation in rats. Se may serve as a neuroprotective agent against Mn-mediated neurotoxicity.