Crystal and molecular structure of a pentagonal dodecahedrane

The successful synthesis of a pentagonal dodecahedrane molecule has been achieved. Obtained by a sequence of 20 stereochemically controlled steps beginning with the readily available cyclopentadienide anion, the 1,16-dimethyl derivative has D(3d) symmetry and unusual physical properties. The x-ray crystal structure shows that the alkyl groups cause only small distortions from pure dodecahedral symmetry.     

Subchronic toxicity study of urea molasses mineral block in kids

A study was conducted on twenty indigenous goat kids allocated into two different groups. All animals were offered ad libitum rice straw and berseem hay (40:60). Group I (T₁) was fed concentrate mixture (100 g/d). Group II (T₂) was supplemented with urea molasses mineral block (200 g/d). The experiment lasted for 90 days. There was significant decrease in serum sodium (60.68 mEq/L), increase in serum potassium (34.50 mEq/L) and increased activity of AST (340.42 U/L) and ALT (164.96 U/L) was observed in kids of group T₂ in comparison to the controls (T₁). On histopathological examination mild degenerative changes in kidney of group T₂ with congestion in intertubular vessel, granular cytoplasm of the epithelial cells in PCT and DCT, necrosis and swelling of the epithelial cells, congestion of vessels and cloudy swelling was observed in PCT and DCT. Albuminious mass was also present in tubule. On histopathological observation of liver of kid of group T₂ oedema in liver parenchyma and proliferation of fibrious tissue in periportal area was observed.     

3-Bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Isolated from Polysiphonia morrowii Suppresses TNF-α/IFN-γ-Stimulated Inflammation and Deterioration of Skin Barrier in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Polysiphonia morrowii is a well-known red alga that has promising pharmacological characteristics. The current study evaluates the protective effect of 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) isolated from P. morrowii on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ-stimulated inflammation and skin barrier deterioration in HaCaT keratinocytes. The anti-inflammatory effect of BDB in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes is evaluated by investigating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Further, the interaction between BDB and the skin barrier functions in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes is investigated. The findings of the study reveal that BDB dose-dependently increases cell viability while decreasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. BDB downregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, -8, -13, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and chemokines, Eotaxin, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), regulated on activation, normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) by modulating the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, BDB increases the production of skin hydration proteins and tight junction proteins in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes by preserving skin moisturization and tight junction stability. These findings imply that BDB exhibits a protective ability against inflammation and deterioration of skin barrier via suppressing the expression of inflammatory signaling in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes.     

Nitrogen recovery in reclaimed mine soil under different amendment practices in tandem with legume and non-legume revegetation: A review

Nitrogen (N) supply is the major limiting nutrient in most reclamation schemes. In reclaimed mine soil (RMS), examining the N dynamics can be especially informative for understanding constraints on recovery that restrict revegetation success. Scholarly studies worldwide have focused on exogenous N incorporation to alleviate N shortages in the agriculture, and forestry sectors. Currently, growing concerns for the negative consequences of mining have highlighted N deficiency as one of the most significantly identified abiotic limits. Only a few researchers have focused on the N transformation mechanisms in drastically altered mine soils. The review comprises the last 10 years’ research on mine reclamation approaches using legume and non-legume plant communities. Also the capacity of different amendments to alleviate N shortages in mine soils is emphasized. The major findings of the present review suggest: (i) Revegetation using legume and non-legume species is a self-sustaining and economical alternative to mineral N fertilizer application; however, they cannot fully activate the biological N cycle in RMS. (ii) A more biological amendment-assisted revegetation would enhance the key concepts of “soil-biomass N balance” and would be ideal for N recovery in imbalanced mine soil. Altogether, grass-legume seeding offers a potentially valuable mine reclamation tool for managing N and addressing the challenges of sustainable development.