scholarly journals A marine fungus efficiently degrades polyethylene

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongrong Gao ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Chaomin Sun
Keyword(s):  
Degradation Products ◽  
Marine Fungus ◽  
Degradation Mechanisms ◽  
Fungal Treatment ◽  
Carbon Product ◽  
The World ◽  
Ecological Problems ◽  
Biodegradation Process ◽  
Alternaria Sp ◽  
Global Concern

Plastics pollution has been a global concern. Huge quantities of polyethylene (PE), the most abundant and refractory plastic in the world, have been accumulating in the environment causing serious ecological problems. However, the paucity of microorganisms and enzymes that efficiently degrading PE seriously impedes the development of bio-products to eliminate this environmental pollution. Here, by screening hundreds of plastic waste-associated samples, we isolated a fungus (named Alternaria sp. FB1) that possessing a prominent capability of colonizing, degrading and utilizing PE. Strikingly, the molecular weight of PE film decreased 95% after the fungal treatment. Using GC-MS, we further clarified that a four-carbon product (named Diglycolamine) accounted for 93.28% of all degradation products after the treatment by strain FB1. We defined potential enzymes that involved in the degradation of PE through a transcriptomic method. The degradation capabilities of two representative enzymes including a laccase and a peroxidase were verified. Lastly, a complete biodegradation process of PE is proposed. Our study provides a compelling candidate for further investigation of degradation mechanisms and development of biodegradation products of PE.

Identification of Main Protease of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro)Inhibitors from Melissa officinalis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olusola O. Elekofehinti ◽  
Opeyemi Iwaloye ◽  
Courage D. Famusiwa ◽  
Olanrewaju Akinseye ◽  
Joao B. T. Rocha
Keyword(s):  
Qsar Model ◽  
Computational Approach ◽  
Melissa Officinalis ◽  
Lead Compounds ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
The World ◽  
Recent Outbreak ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Catalytic Dyad ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Intervention

Background: he recent outbreak of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) which has rapidly spread around the world in about three months with tens of thousands of deaths recorded so far is a global concern. An urgent need for potential therapeutic intervention is of necessity. Mpro is an attractive druggable target for the development of anti-COVID-19 drug development. Compounds previously characterized from Melissa officinalis were queried against main protease of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using computational approach. Results: Melitric acid A and salvanolic acid A had higher affinity than lopinavir and ivermectin using both AutodockVina and XP docking algorithms. The computational approach was employed in the generation of QSAR model using automated QSAR, and in the docking of ligands from Melissa officinalis with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The best model obtained was KPLS_Radial_28 (R2 = 0.8548 and Q2=0.6474, and was used in predicting the bioactivity of the lead compounds. Molecular mechanics based MM-GBSA confirmed salvanolic acid A as the compound with the highest free energy and predicted bioactivity of 4.777; it interacted with His-41 of the catalytic dyad (Cys145-His41) of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), as this may hinder the cutting of inactive viral protein into active ones capable of replication. Conclusion: Salvanolic acid A can be further evaluated as potential Mpro inhibitor.

COVID 19, All a Radiologist Needs to Know: A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzaneh Shobeirian
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Protective Measures ◽  
Infection Transmission ◽  
The World ◽  
Positive Sense ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Interlobular Septal Thickening ◽  
Radiologic Characteristics

Background: Coronaviruses are non-segmented enveloped positive-sense single-strand RNA viruses, and COVID-19 is the seventh known coronavirus, infecting humans. Objective: As the COVID-19 continued to spread the world wildly, every radiologist or clinician needs to be familiar with its imaging findings. Methods: In this study, we reviewed available studies to provide a comprehensive statement on COVID-19 imaging findings. Results: Ground-glass opacities, linear opacities, interlobular septal thickening, consolidation, and Crazy-paving patterns are the most frequent findings in computed tomography (CT) of lungs in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, which are mostly bilateral, multifocal, and peripheral. Staff needs to follow some rules to reduce infection transmission. Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia is a new global concern which has many unknown features. In this article, the radiologic characteristics of COVID-19 pneumonia are discussed. We also discussed appropriate protective measures that the radiology team should be aware of.

scholarly journals Biodegradation of two organic UV-Filters by single bacteria strains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentina Laura Chiriac ◽  
Catalina Stoica ◽  
Iuiana Paun ◽  
Florinela Pirvu ◽  
Toma Galaon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Emerging Contaminants ◽  
Degradation Products ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Uv Filters ◽  
Bacterial Strains ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Biodegradation Process ◽  
Salmonella Thyphimurium ◽  
Organic Uv Filters

Abstract Organic UV-filters, including 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1), are persistent emerging contaminants whose presence in the environment poses a threat to aquatic organisms due to their endocrine disruptor’s properties. For this reason, finding suitable technological processes for their safety and efficient removal from the environment represent a priority for the scientific community. To the author’s knowledge, until now, there are no studies reporting the biodegradation of 4-HBP and BP-1 by a single bacteria strain. In this paper, there were tested the 4-HBP and BP-1 biodegradation potential of two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium and Serratia rubidae). The 4-HPB biodegradation process was observed only in the presence of Gram-negative bacterial strains. Thus, the biodegradation rates of 4-HBP reached up to 12.7% after 24h of incubation in presence of Salmonella thyphimurium and up to 24.0% after 24h of incubation with Serratia rubidae. Staphylococcus aureus was able to biodegrade 26.7% of BP-1, while Salmonella thiphymurium was able to biodegrade 14.7% of BP-1 after 24h of incubation. Their biodegradation products generated during the 4-HBP biodegradation process by Serratia rubidae were analyzed through LC-MS/MS analysis. The (bio)degradation products were benzophenone and a multi-hydroxylated derivative of 4-HBP and the degradation pathways were proposed. The data obtained in this study gave important information regarding the 4-HBP and BP-1 potential biodegradation by single bacterial strains.

scholarly journals Conservation of Plants and Trees in the Light of Prophetic Teachings

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-84
Author(s):  
Sumaira Nawaz ◽  
Dr. Shah Moeen ud Din Hashmi
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Environmental Behaviors ◽  
Environment Friendly ◽  
Human Behaviors ◽  
The World ◽  
Ecological Problems

Article endeavors to analyze the prophetic guiding principles regarding human behaviors related to plants and trees being an important component of our environment. The discussion mainly deals with the key environmental issues emphasizing plantation and its significance for balancing the equilibrium of the environment. Additionally, it thrashes out that humans are urged to seedling the plantation even the world is to be ended in Islam. The present study is delimited to the present ecological crises faced by society and a great challenge to the globe. The current ecological problems i.e global warming and climate change are interpreted just to analyze the environmental behaviors in Hadith literature. However, a profundity descriptive study has been conducted in the most influential way to examine the prophetic rules for human behaviors related to trees and plants being environment friendly. Furthermore, the existing practices of humans related to such an environmental sphere also been aptly figure out to highlight all possible ways in the light of prophetic guidance to deal with prevailing environmental issues. Inconsistency between religious teachings and human behaviors need the keen interest of religious scholars and social scientists to carefully harmonize both for maintaining the ecological balance in nature.

scholarly journals A contribution to the identification of charcoal origin in Brazil III: microscopic identification of 10 Cerrado species

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thaís A. P. Gonçalves ◽  
Julia Sonsin-Oliveira ◽  
Silvana Nisgoski ◽  
Carmen R. Marcati ◽  
Adriano W. Ballarin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Wood Anatomy ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Illegal Logging ◽  
Charcoal Production ◽  
Microscopic Description ◽  
Axial Parenchyma ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Scanning Electron

Brazil has one of the richest biodiversities in the world. The Brazilian savanna is a hotspot for conservation priorities and its deforestation is of global concern. Conservation in this biome is threatened by unsustainable use of forests, such as illegal logging for charcoal production. Thus, government agents need to verify whether charcoal loads follow the Document of Forestry Origin (DOF). To improve charcoal identification, our study presents the microscopic description of 10 Cerrado species and provides an identification key to aid government agents during surveillance. We analysed charcoal samples with a scanning electron microscope. The method of carbonisation simulated real conditions. We chose species with similar wood anatomy (sparse axial parenchyma and narrow rays), which increases misidentification by forest controllers because of their difficulty to identify these features. Also, paratracheal scanty, diffuse and diffuse-in-aggregates parenchyma were harder to recognise in charcoal than in wood. Other features, such as vessels, rays and abundant axial parenchyma, were easily identified. The present work can be used as a part of a charcoal anatomy database focussed on preventing deforestation in Brazil and in other countries with similar problems.

Transcending Entrenched Tensions

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Lock
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Molecular Approach ◽  
Medical Facilities ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Aging Societies

This chapter turns to the global concern about aging societies, and the so-called epidemic of aging. It argues that a public health approach to aging and Alzheimer's will have a much greater effect in reducing the incidence of Alzheimer disease (AD) worldwide than will the technologically oriented molecular approach currently being heralded as a paradigm shift. Should such an approach be effective, and there is little evidence to date to be optimistic that this will be the case, the extent of investment in advanced medical facilities and highly trained expertise required to put it in place is not realistic beyond wealthy segments of the world, especially given the global economy of the present and the increasing gaps between rich and poor.

scholarly journals Insights into the Toxicity and Degradation Mechanisms of Imidacloprid Via Physicochemical and Microbial Approaches

Toxics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Shimei Pang ◽  
Ziqiu Lin ◽  
Yuming Zhang ◽  
Wenping Zhang ◽  
Nasser Alansary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Emerging Contaminant ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Degradation Mechanisms ◽  
The World ◽  
Neonicotinoid Insecticide ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Control Insect

Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide that has been widely used to control insect pests in agricultural fields for decades. It shows insecticidal activity mainly by blocking the normal conduction of the central nervous system in insects. However, in recent years, imidacloprid has been reported to be an emerging contaminant in all parts of the world, and has different toxic effects on a variety of non-target organisms, including human beings, due to its large-scale use. Hence, the removal of imidacloprid from the ecosystem has received widespread attention. Different remediation approaches have been studied to eliminate imidacloprid residues from the environment, such as oxidation, hydrolysis, adsorption, ultrasound, illumination, and biodegradation. In nature, microbial degradation is one of the most important processes controlling the fate of and transformation from imidacloprid use, and from an environmental point of view, it is the most promising means, as it is the most effective, least hazardous, and most environmentally friendly. To date, several imidacloprid-degrading microbes, including Bacillus, Pseudoxanthomonas, Mycobacterium, Rhizobium, Rhodococcus, and Stenotrophomonas, have been characterized for biodegradation. In addition, previous studies have found that many insects and microorganisms have developed resistance genes to and degradation enzymes of imidacloprid. Furthermore, the metabolites and degradation pathways of imidacloprid have been reported. However, reviews of the toxicity and degradation mechanisms of imidacloprid are rare. In this review, the toxicity and degradation mechanisms of imidacloprid are summarized in order to provide a theoretical and practical basis for the remediation of imidacloprid-contaminated environments.

Islamic Financial Inclusion

2020 ◽  
pp. 155-173
Author(s):  
S. M. Sohrab Uddin ◽  
Mohammad Zoynul Abedin ◽  
Nahid Afroz
Keyword(s):  
Banking Sector ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Muslim Population ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Empirical Contribution

Financial Inclusion (FI), a global concern of this decade, has been accepted by development agencies, governments, and policymakers as one of the pre-eminent ways to eradicate worldwide poverty and income inequality. Consequently, authorities are looking for possible ways to include the unbanked in formal financial chain. Islamic finance, specifically Islamic banking, with its welfare-oriented principles and unique products, has been able to capture the attention of policy makers. Moreover, a major portion of the Muslim population still exclude themselves from the formal financial chain due to religious prohibition of interest-based transactions for whom Islamic finance is the only way to inclusion. Bangladesh, one of the major Muslim countries in the world, is still to bring one-fourth of its total population under formal financial chain. At this backdrop, this chapter examines the empirical contribution of Islamic banking sector in financial inclusion condition as well as development scenario of Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Degradation of Plastics under Anaerobic Conditions: A Short Review

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xochitl Quecholac-Piña ◽  
María del Consuelo Hernández-Berriel ◽  
María del Consuelo Mañón-Salas ◽  
Rosa María Espinosa-Valdemar ◽  
Alethia Vázquez-Morillas
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Anaerobic Conditions ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Biodegradation Process ◽  
Thermophilic Conditions ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Useful Life ◽  
Life Options ◽  
Temperature Water

Plastic waste is an issue of global concern because of the environmental impact of its accumulation in waste management systems and ecosystems. Biodegradability was proposed as a solution to overcome this problem; however, most biodegradable plastics were designed to degrade under aerobic conditions, ideally fulfilled in a composting plant. These new plastics could arrive to anaerobic environments, purposely or frequently, because of their mismanagement at the end of their useful life. This review analyzes the behavior of biodegradable and conventional plastics under anaerobic conditions, specifically in anaerobic digestion systems and landfills. A review was performed in order to identify: (a) the environmental conditions found in anaerobic digestion processes and landfills, as well as the mechanisms for degradation in those environments; (b) the experimental methods used for the assessment of biodegradation in anaerobic conditions; and (c) the extent of the biodegradation process for different plastics. Results show a remarkable variability of the biodegradation rate depending on the type of plastic and experimental conditions, with clearly better performance in anaerobic digestion systems, where temperature, water content, and inoculum are strictly controlled. The majority of the studied plastics showed that thermophilic conditions increase degradation. It should not be assumed that plastics designed to be degraded aerobically will biodegrade under anaerobic conditions, and an exact match must be done between the specific plastics and the end of life options that they will face.

Paperless Society - From Vision to Fulfillment

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonal Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Environmental Degradation ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Social Effects ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Electronic Revolution ◽  
Infant Stage ◽  
Day By Day

Every year thousands of trees are ruthlessly felled all over the world just to satisfy man's never ending greed! In the present time environmental degradation has emerged as a major global concern for human survival. The situation is getting alarming day-by-day. Pulp and paper production, consumption and disposal have many negative environmental and social effects. Therefore, Going for Paperless Society is the need of today for conservation of natural environment. 21<sup>st</sup> Century is the Digital Age. The revolutionary potential of electronic revolution promises to transform economic and environmental gains. The present paper is an attempt to draw kind attention towards relevance of Paperless Society and highlights the potential of Computers, Information Technology&amp;Networking for resolving natural environment issues to some extent. Apart from various initiatives taken up at all levels, "The Green Movement" is still in its infant stage. By making responsible choices and by joining hands together we would certainly be able to fulfill our vision of "Paper less Society".

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