Evidence of Conformational Changes in Adsorbed Lysozyme Molecule on Silver Colloids

In this article, we discuss metal-protein interactions in the Ag-lysozyme complex by spectroscopic measurements. The analysis of the variation in relative intensities of SERS bands reveal the orientation and the change in conformation of the protein molecules on the Ag surface with time. The interaction kinetics of metal-protein complexes has been analyzed over a period of three hours via both Raman and absorption measurements. Our analysis indicates that the Ag nanoparticles most likely interact with Trp-123 which is in close proximity to Phe-34 of the lysozyme molecule.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figure

Study on yield potentiality and spatial requirement of rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) in system of rice intensification (SRI) under red and laterite zone of West Bengal, India

Field experiment was conducted at Rice Research Station, Bankura during kharif season 2009 and 2010 to study the yield potentiality and spatial requirement of rice varieties in system of rice intensification (SRI) under red and laterite zone of West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a three replications with two rice varieties (Swarna and Lalat). Performances of swarna and lalat varieties in SRI as compared to conventional method of rice cultivation (CMRC) were investigated. Swarna (MTU 7029) has yielded maximum grain yield (6.07, 5.66 and 5.86 t ha-1 during 2009, 2010 and in pooled, respectively) from the treatment T7 (25 × 25 cm spacing) under SRI. Lowest grain yield (3.55, 3.23 and 3.38 t ha-1 during 2009, 2010 and in pooled, respectively) was recorded from treatment T9 (Lalat at 20 × 15 cm spacing) under CMRC. SRI technology has potential in increasing more grain yield, it saves seed requirement and irrigation water and chemical fertilizer considering than conventional method of cultivation. Rice cultivation is more sustainable and profitable for the farmers in SRI under the red and laterite zone of West Bengal

Investigation of ZnO nanoparticles for their applications in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial activity

The photocatalytic as well as the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) through solution based approach have been presented in this study. ZnO-NPs have been characterised by thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Raman studies confirm that it has stable wurtzite structure. FTIR spectrum confirms the Zn–O band at ~460 cm-1. Optical studies reveal that the optical band gap value increases with increasing annealing temperature. The photocatalytic activity of the ZnO-NPs has been evaluated for removal of pollutants from wastewater by measuring COD and BOD. Results show that ZnO-NPs are capable of working efficiently for waste water treatment. ZnO-NPs also demonstrate antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains

Prediction-based protein engineering of domain I of Cry2A entomocidal toxin of Bacillus thuringiensis for the enhancement of toxicity against lepidopteran insects

Issues relating to sustenance of the usefulness of genetically modified first generation Bt crop plants in the farmer’s field are of great concern for crop scientists. Additional biotechnological strategies need to be in place to safeguard the possibility for yield loss of Bt crop by other lepidopteran insects that are insensitive to the Cry1A toxin, and also against the possibility for emergence of resistant insects. In this respect, Cry2A toxin has figured as a prospective candidate to be the second toxin to offer the required protection along with Cry1A. In the present study, the entomocidal potency of Cry2A toxin was enhanced through knowledge-based protein engineering of the toxin molecule. Deletion of 42 amino acid residues from the N-terminal end of the peptide followed by the replacement of Lys residues by nonpolar amino acids in the putative transmembrane region including the introduction of Pro resulted in a 4.1–6.6-fold increase in the toxicity of the peptide against three major lepidopteran insect pests of crop plants

Understanding psycholinguistic behavior of predominant drunk texters in social media

In the last decade, social media has evolved as one of the leading platform to create, share, or exchange information; it is commonly used as a way for individuals to maintain social connections. In this online digital world, people use to post texts or pictures to express their views socially and create user-user engagement through discussions and conversa

Recent Advances on Metal Oxide Based Nano-Photocatalysts as Potential Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents

Photocatalysis, a unique process that occurs in the presence of light radiation, can potentially be utilized to control environmental pollution, and improve the health of society. Photocatalytic removal, or disinfection, of chemical and biological species has been known for decades; however, its extension to indoor environments in public places has always been challenging. Many efforts have been made in this direction in the last two–three years since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Furthermore, the development of efficient photocatalytic nanomaterials through modifications to improve their photoactivity under ambient conditions for fighting with such a pandemic situation is a high research priority. In recent years, several metal oxides-based nano-photocatalysts have been designed to work efficiently in outdoor and indoor environments for the photocatalytic disinfection of biological species. The present review briefly discusses the advances made in the last two to three years for photocatalytic viral and bacterial disinfections. Moreover, emphasis has been given to the tailoring of such nano-photocatalysts in disinfecting surfaces, air, and water to stop viral/bacterial infection in the indoor environment. The role of such nano-photocatalysts in the photocatalytic disinfection of COVID-19 has also been highlighted with their future applicability in controlling such pandemics

Bobbling head in a young subject

Bobble-head Doll Syndrome is a rare and unique movement disorder found in children. Clinically, it is characterized by a to and fro or side to side movement of the head at the frequency of 2 to 3 Hz. It is mostly associated with cystic lesions around the third ventricle, choroid plexus papilloma, aqueductal stenosis and other rare disorders. An eleven year old child presented in the outpatient department with continuous to and fro movement of the head and declining vision for the last one month. MRI Scan showed a large contrast-enhanced lesion in the region of the third ventricle along with gross hydrocephalus. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was inserted and the movements of the head disappeared completely. Bobble-head doll syndrome is a rare condition and therefore this case is presented and the literature reviewed

Studies on the interaction of isoxazolcurcumin with calf thymus DNA

The interaction of isoxazolcurcumin (IOC), a synthetic derivative of curcumin, with calf thymus-DNA (ct-DNA) has been investigated by UV–Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectroscopies, viscosity measurements and docking studies. From these analyses, the binding constant, number of binding sites and mode of binding of IOC to ct-DNA has been determined. The binding constant of IOC to DNA calculated from both UV–Vis and CD spectra was found to be in the 104 M−1 range. Analyses of fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurements and molecular modeling of IOC–DNA interactions indicate that IOC is a minor groove binder of ct-DNA and preferentially binds to AT rich regions. Ethidium bromide displacement studies revealed that IOC did not have any effect on ethidium bromide bound DNA which is indicative of groove binding. To elucidate the preferred region of binding of IOC to DNA, docking studies have been performed and changes in accessible surface area (ΔASA) of nucleobases determined due to IOC–DNA complexation