Transcriptome analysis provides insights for understanding the adverse effects of endosulfan in Drosophila melanogaster

Indiscriminate use of agrochemicals worldwide, particularly, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), is of concern. Endosulfan, a POP, is used by various developing/developed nations and is known to adversely affect the development and the hormonal profiles of humans and animals. However, little is known about the molecular players/pathways underlying the adverse effects of endosulfan. We therefore analyzed the global gene expression changes and subsequent adverse effects of endosulfan using Drosophila. We used Drosophila melanogaster keeping in view of its well annotated genome and the wealth of genetic/molecular reagents available for this model organism. We exposed third instar larvae of D. melanogaster to endosulfan (2.0 μg mL⁻¹) for 24 h and using microarray, we identified differential expression of 256 genes in exposed organisms compared to controls. These genes are associated with cellular processes such as development, stress and immune response and metabolism. Microarray results were validated through quantitative PCR and biochemical assay on a subset of genes/proteins. Taking cues from microarray data, we analyzed the effect of endosulfan on development, emergence and survival of the organism. In exposed organisms, we observed deformities in hind-legs, reminiscent of those observed in higher organisms exposed to endosulfan. In addition, we observed delayed and/or reduced emergence in exposed organisms when compared to their respective controls. Together, our studies not only highlight the adverse effects of endosulfan on the organism but also provide an insight into the possible genetic perturbations underlying these effects, which might have potential implications to higher organisms.     

Screening and detection of biomarkers in chickpea plants exposed to chromium and cadmium

A broad screening protocol, covering the most general phytochemical groups of compounds, was developed on the basis of high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). A total of six TLC systems, comprising three derivatization reagents, two stationary phases and two mobile phases, were included. The screening method was applied for the identification of biomarkers in the chickpea plant exposed to cadmium and chromium. The biomarkers were selected on the basis of significant changes (0.26-4.6 fold) in concentration levels of phytochemicals. Totally, five different amino acids, three organic acids, one sulphur containing compound and one sugar were identified as biomarkers in chickpea exposed heavy metal.     

Production and Characterization of Sodium Alginate/Gum Arabic Based Films Enriched with Syzygium cumini Seeds Extracts for Food Application

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Biodegradable sodium alginate/gum Arabic (SG) films were obtained. The influence of Syzygium cumini seeds extract (SCSE) incorporation in SG films on...     

Development of Hybrid Film Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Gum Arabic Incorporated Citric Acid and Polyphenols from Cinnamomum camphora Seeds for Active Food Packaging

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan with gum Arabic (CG) based novel functional films containing Cinnamomum camphora seeds extract (CCSE) at varying...     

Two‐Steps of Gelation System Enhanced the Stability of Syzygium cumini Anthocyanins by Encapsulation with Sodium Alginate,Maltodextrin, Chitosan and Gum Arabic

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - An efficient method based on encapsulation efficiency of Syzygium cumini anthocyanin extract (ANC.E) was established by using a stable concentration from...     

X-ray diffraction and SEM study of kidney stones in Israel: quantitative analysis, crystallite size determination, and statistical characterization

Urinary calculi have been recognized as one of the most painful medical disorders. Tenable knowledge of the phase composition of the stones is very important to elucidate an underlying etiology of the stone disease. We report here the results of quantitative X-ray diffraction phase analysis performed on 278 kidney stones from the 275 patients treated at the Department of Urology of Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital (Jerusalem, Israel). Quantification of biominerals in multicomponent samples was performed using the normalized reference intensity ratio method. According to the observed phase compositions, all the tested stones were classified into five chemical groups: oxalates (43.2%), phosphates (7.7%), urates (10.3%), cystines (2.9%), and stones composed of a mixture of different minerals (35.9%). A detailed analysis of each allocated chemical group is presented along with the crystallite size calculations for all the observed crystalline phases. The obtained results have been compared with the published data originated from different geographical regions. Morphology and spatial distribution of the phases identified in the kidney stones were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This type of detailed study of phase composition and structural characteristics of the kidney stones was performed in Israel for the first time.     

Active Bio-composite Sodium Alginate/Maltodextrin Packaging Films for Food Containing Azolla pinnata Leaves Extract as Natural Antioxidant

The aim of the current work was to produce sodium alginate (SA) maltodextrins (MD) based functional films incorporated with phenolic extract of Azolla pinnata leaves fern (AF) by solution molding technique. AF with different concentrations (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6% w/w) were integrated inside SA.MD films. The resulted films were characterized to investigate the surface structure by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal disposal by (DSC), crystallization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), potential interaction by (FT-IR) and some mechanical properties. The SEM micrographs indicated that the higher concentration (1.6%) of AF extract caused development of wrinkles on the surface of films. And as a result, there were a significant decrease of elongation at break (EB) and tensile strength properties of films to 55.01 and 58.42%, respectively. By continues addition of AF extract to SA.MD films, the film thickness increased from 0.124 to 0.181 mm, the scavenging and antimicrobial properties were enhanced by the attendance of ferulic acid, rutin, thiamine, tamarixetin, astragalin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid and epicatechin inside extracts. Furthermore, the films solubility, swelling degree and water vapor permeability were decreased to 13.08%, 26.41% and 1.662?×?10^??10 g H₂O/m s p.a. The resulted films could be utilized as composite packaging material for different food applications.