Synthesis of a novel cone-shaped CaAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH): its potential use as a reversible oil sorbent.

A novel cone-shaped superhydrophobic and oleophilic CaAl-LDH intercalated with dodecyl sulphate (DS(-)) anions was synthesized from calcium dodecyl sulphate as a precursor via a one-step hydrothermal method. The synthesized LDH has been successfully utilized in mopping and regeneration of oil from oil-water mixtures.

Histone deacetylase inhibition by Japanese encephalitis virus in monocyte/macrophages: a novel viral immune evasion strategy.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a common cause of encephalitis in humans who are dead-end hosts producing negligible viremia. The virus reaches the brain and causes massive inflammation. Our study seeks to understand the virus-host interaction using the murine monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.

Ambient temperature SNAD process treating anaerobic digester liquor of swine wastewater.

In present study, effluent from anaerobic digestion of swine wastewater was treated by the simultaneous partial nitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation and denitrification (SNAD) process using a lab scale 5L sequencing batch reactor (SBR) under ambient temperature. The fluctuation of anaerobic digester liquor quality (COD, 387 ± 145 mg/L; TKN, 662 ± 190 mg/L; NH₄(+)-N, 519 ± 134 mg/L) and temperature created difficulties to develop a stable SNAD process in the SBR (days 1-285). Fed batch feeding strategy was adopted to have a stable condition in the reactor and overcome the negative effects of organic nitrogen.

Regulatory interactions between a bacterial tyrosine kinase and its cognate phosphatase.

The cyclic process of autophosphorylation of the C-terminal tyrosine cluster (YC) of a bacterial tyrosine kinase and its subsequent dephosphorylation following interactions with a counteracting tyrosine phosphatase regulates diverse physiological processes, including the biosynthesis and export of polysaccharides responsible for the formation of biofilms or virulence-determining capsules. We provide here the first detailed insight into this hitherto uncharacterized regulatory interaction at residue-specific resolution using Escherichia coli Wzc, a canonical bacterial tyrosine kinase, and its opposing tyrosine phosphatase, Wzb. The phosphatase Wzb utilizes a surface distal to the catalytic elements of the kinase, Wzc, to dock onto its catalytic domain (WzcCD).

The first bifluoride sensor based on fluorescent enhancement.

The first fluorescent sensor for HF2(-) anion, N(1), N(3)-di(naphthalene-1-yl)isophthalamide (L) has been derived from α-Napthylamine and isopthaloyl chloride. In 1:1 (v/v) DMSO:H2O, L exhibits high selectivity towards HF2(-) anion with a 4-fold enhancement in fluorescent intensity. Very little enhancement in fluorescence intensity is observed for F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-), SCN(-), PO4(3-), SO4(2-), and CH3COO(-) anions.

Amphiphiles as hydrophobicity regulator: fine tuning the surface hydrophobicity of an electropolymerized film.

Smart clean surfaces exhibiting reversible superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic transitions have been widely fabricated. A myriad of complex fabricating procedures have evolved over the years. Here, we demonstrate an apparently simple approach, wherein we utilized the attractive interaction between an unfabricated electropolymerized film and negative charge bearing amphiphilic molecules to precisely control the hydrophobicity of the surface of the film.

Azithromycin in combination with riboflavin decreases the severity of Staphylococcus aureus infection induced septic arthritis by modulating the production of free radicals and endogenous cytokines.

Objective And Design: To determine alternate therapeutic measures to combat Staphylococcus aureus induced arthritis. Thus, azithromycin was combined with riboflavin, which may combat the ROS production and inflammation.

Methods: An in vivo model of S.

The α(1)AT and TIMP-1 Gene Polymorphism in the Development of Asthma.

Asthma has been an inflammatory disorder accompanied by tissue remodeling and protease-antiprotease imbalance in lungs. The SNPs of alpha-1 antitrypsin (α(1)AT) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) genes were studied for their association with asthma. Genotyping of α(1)AT and TIMP-1 genes was performed in 202 asthmatics and 204 controls.

Sequence-specific backbone ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N assignments of the catalytic domain of the Escherichia coli protein tyrosine kinase, Wzc.

Protein tyrosine kinases in bacteria are structurally and functionally distinct from their eukaryotic counterparts. The largest family of bacterial tyrosine kinases, the BY-kinase family, is highly conserved in Gram-negative and Gram-positive species, and plays a central role in biofilm and capsule formation. In Escherichia coli the BY-kinase, Wzc, is a critical component of the machinery responsible for the synthesis and export of the exo-polysaccharide colanic acid, a key constituent of biofilms.

Ampicillin alone and in combination with riboflavin modulates Staphylococcus aureus infection induced septic arthritis in mice.

Effects of ampicillin (Amp) in combination with riboflavin on septic arthritis in mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus have been reported. Ampicillin was given at 100 mg/kg after 24 h of infection, followed by riboflavin (Ribo) at 20 mg/kg body wt, after 2 h of Amp treatment. Mice were sacrificed at 3, 9, 15 days post infection (dpi).

Recent trends in ultra-fast HPLC: new generation superficially porous silica columns.

New generation columns, i.e. packed with superficially porous silica particles are available as trade names with following manufacturers: Halo, Ascentis Express, Proshell 120, Kinetex, Accucore, Sunshell, and Nucleoshell.

Increased resistance of immobilized-stressed mice to infection: correlation with behavioral alterations.

Immobilization is an easy and convenient method to induce both psychological and physical stress resulting in restricted motility and aggression and is believed to be the most severe type of stress in rodent models. Although it has been generally accepted that chronic stress often results in immunosuppression while acute stress has been shown to enhance immune responses, the effects of IS on the host resistance to Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection and associated behavioral changes are still not clear.

Tackling hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma--the future is now.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers in many developing countries including India. Among the various etiological factors being implicated in the cause of HCC, the most important cause, however, is hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Among all HBV genes, HBx is the most critical carcinogenic component, the molecular mechanisms of which have not been completely elucidated.

Microscopy and microanalysis of hematological parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in North East India.

Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of red blood cells (RBCs) of common carp, Cyprinus carpio, inhabiting a polluted lake in Northeast India revealed a number of abnormalities. About 7% of the RBC showed the presence of a micronucleus, besides the presence of some bi-nucleated and abnormally shaped nuclei. RBCs, white blood cells, and hemoglobin content were found to be reduced significantly as compared to the control.

Structure and dynamics of the second CARD of human RIG-I provide mechanistic insights into regulation of RIG-I activation.

RIG-I is a cytosolic sensor of viral RNA, comprised of two N-terminal CARDs followed by helicase and C-terminal regulatory domains (helicase-CTD). Viral RNA binds to the helicase-CTD and "exposes" the CARDs for downstream signaling. The role of the second CARD (CARD2) is essential as RIG-I activation requires dephosphorylation of Thr170 followed by ubiquitination at Lys172.

Gentamicin in combination with ascorbic acid regulates the severity of Staphylococcus aureus infection-induced septic arthritis in mice.

To study the effects of gentamicin in combination with ascorbic acid on septic arthritis, mice were infected with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and treated with gentamicin, which was given at 5 mg/kg after 24 h of infection, followed by ascorbic acid, given at 20 mg/kg body weight after 2 h of gentamicin treatment. Mice were sacrificed at 3, 9, 15 days post-infection (dpi).

Hematopathology in Sprague-Dawley rats following sub-chronic topical application of para-phenylenediamine.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the hematological profile of male SD rats treated topically with aqueous solution of para-phenylenediamine (PPD), a component of almost all hair dye formulations. The rats were painted with different concentration of PPD (0, 1, 2 and 3 mg Kg(-1) Day(-1)) for 90 days and then sacrificed. The hematological profile indicated severe anemia characterized by significant (p < 0.

Repeated Topical Application of para-Phenylenediamine Induces Renal Histopathological Changes in Rats.

Hemolytic anemia and rhabdomyolysis have been often reported to be an adverse effect of drug- and chemical-induced toxicity both in experimental and real-life scenario. para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a derivative of para-nitroaniline and has been found as an ingredient of almost all hair dye formulations in varying concentrations from 2% to 4% w/v. Earlier studies have reported that the accidental oral ingestion of PPD in humans can lead to acute renal failure because of rhabdomyolysis.

Reversible assembly and disassembly of micelles by a polymer that switches between hydrophilic and hydrophobic wettings.

Supramolecular complexes involving nanoscopic amphiphilic assemblies (AAs) and polyelectrolytes have been used to prepare a variety of materials, wherein the dynamic AAs retain the structural features, but the polyelectrolytes undergo conformational changes. Here we show that a charge bearing rigid conjugated polymer can alter the structural features and disassemble AAs. We also demonstrate reversible assembly and disassembly of AAs by controlling the number of charges on the rigid polymer.

STING mediates neuronal innate immune response following Japanese encephalitis virus infection.

Flavivirus-mediated inflammation causes neuronal death, but whether the infected neurons can evoke an innate immune response to elicit their own protection, is unknown. In an earlier study we have shown that neuronal RIG-I, play a significant role in inducing production and release of molecules that are related to inflammation. In this study, using a neuronal cell line, we show that RIG-I acts with STING in a concerted manner following its interaction with Japanese encephalitis viral RNA to induce a type 1 interferon response.

Band edge modulated conjugated polymers for oxidation prevention.

The impact of electron transfer (ET) from a series of band edge modulated polymers to atmospheric oxygen is examined in connection with substrate oxidation prevention. Polymers with the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level below and above the oxygen energy level were tested and the former showed better efficiency. Furthermore, the oxidation prevention efficiency of a polymer with lower HOMO increased by two orders of magnitude, when the pores on the film were filled with spherical molecules, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester.

The alternatively spliced acid box region plays a key role in FGF receptor autoinhibition.

Uncontrolled fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling can lead to human malignancies necessitating multiple layers of self-regulatory control mechanisms. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) autoinhibition mediated by the alternatively spliced immunoglobulin (Ig) domain 1 (D1) and the acid box (AB)-containing linker between D1 and Ig domain 2 (D2) serves as the first line of defense to minimize inadvertent FGF signaling. In this report, nuclear magnetic resonance and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy are used to demonstrate that the AB subregion of FGFR electrostatically engages the heparan sulfate (HS)-binding site on the D2 domain in cis to directly suppress HS-binding affinity of FGFR.

Testicular toxicity of para-phenylenediamine after subchronic topical application in rat.

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is a most widely used chemical in almost all hair dye formulations. The present experiment was conducted in order to assess the reproductive toxicity of PPD in male rats. After sub-chronic topical application of different doses (0, 1, 2 and 3 mg/kg/day) of PPD, the male albino rats exhibited significant decrease in the total sperm count (p<0.

Solution structure and DNA-binding properties of the phosphoesterase domain of DNA ligase D.

The phosphoesterase (PE) domain of the bacterial DNA repair enzyme LigD possesses distinctive manganese-dependent 3'-phosphomonoesterase and 3'-phosphodiesterase activities. PE exemplifies a new family of DNA end-healing enzymes found in all phylogenetic domains. Here, we determined the structure of the PE domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LigD (PaePE) using solution NMR methodology.

Heisenberg approximation in passive scalar turbulence.

We use Heisenberg's approximation to derive analytic expressions for eddy viscosity and eddy diffusivity from the transfer integrals of energy and mean-square scalar arising from the Navier-Stokes and passive scalar dynamics. In the same scheme, we evaluate the flux integrals for the transports of energy and mean-square scalar. These procedures allow for the evaluation of relevant amplitude ratios, from which we calculate the universal numbers, namely, Batchelor constant B, Kolmogorov constant C, and turbulent Prandtl number σ, under two different schemes (with and without ε expansion).