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The use of supported ionic liquid catalysts has gained popularity as they can address the limitations of conventional ionic liquids (ILs). Therefore, in this study, two supported ionic liquids (SILs) through a wet impregnation approach were developed, where 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C 2 mim BF 4 ) and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Hmim Cl) were immobilized on layered silicate material, specifically HUS-7, to produce a novel catalyst. The binding of the ILs with layered silicate HUS-7 was confirmed using various characterization techniques (XRD, FE-SEM, 1 H MAS NMR, N 2 isotherms), indicating strong interactions between each IL and layers of HUS-7. A detailed structural analysis of the SILs was conducted using ATR-IR spectroscopic techniques in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations. Despite the different cationic and anionic parts of the chosen ILs, almost similar activity was observed. The outcomes show a strong heterogeneous catalyst was produced as a result of ILs' interaction with layered silicate. To ascertain the robustness of each synthesized catalyst, the reusability and structural analyses of the used catalysts were also performed. Graphical abstract

In the present study, statistically optimized production of thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus phytase was carried out in batch fermentation (1-L). An enhancement in phytase production was noted up to 3.3-folds as compared to unoptimized and using One Variable at a Time strategy. Phytase was purified up to 26-folds with a single band of ~ 62 kDa. The optimum activity of purified phytase was recorded at pH 5.5 and 65 °C. The kinetic parameters, Km and Vmax, were observed to be, 0.75 mM, and 345 µmol/min/mg-protein,respectively. The activity was constrained by silver and mercuric ions and slightly increased by calcium ions. The phytase showed high dephytinization up to 78.7% of wheat flour (10 g) at a small reaction volume (30 mL). On up-scaling to 3-L reaction, a slight decrease in dephytinization to 72.5% was recorded. This is the first report where hyperactive purified phytase from thermotolerant A. fumigatus has been demonstrated to degrade wheat flour-based phytic acid up to a 3-L scale at the bioreactor level. This finding can be explored at a commercial scale for multi-dimensional future biotechnological applications.

The effective treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) remains a challenge due to patient non-adherence to imatinib. Medication non-adherence can lead to poor treatment outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and potential development of drug resistance in patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the factors associated with non-adherence to imatinib therapy in newly diagnosed CML patients. In this study, 82 adult patients initiated on imatinib therapy were recruited. Adherence was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) at 90 days. Demographic, clinical and quality-of-life variables were assessed at baseline. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations and independent predictors of non-adherence, respectively. A total of 22% (18/82) of patients were non-adherent (MPR ≤ 85). Self-reported adherence via VAS correlated significantly with MPR. Among various factors, cognitive function score and occurrence of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) were associated with adherence. The impact of disease on daily life score was negatively associated with adherence. The independent predictors of adherence were role function score and impact of disease on mood score. This study identified cognitive and role function, impact of disease on daily life and mood and occurrence of ADR as variables influencing non-adherence to imatinib in CML patients. Early identification of these factors can guide interventions to improve adherence and treatment outcomes.

Two different ionic liquids (ILs), 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate were used to design the mesoporous silica and to prepare a novel catalyst for the synthesis of β-amino alcohols. In this study, a feasible method was utilized for the binding of ionic liquid (IL) with mesoporous assembly, and the strong interaction of each IL with a series of mesoporous silica was confirmed from the various characterization techniques. The structural properties are studied in detail by experimental techniques as well as by DFT calculations. The chosen ILs have different cationic and anionic parts, however, almost similar activity was observed, which is investigated in the present study. This article illustrates how the strong interaction of IL with mesoporous silica culminated in the creation of a robust heterogeneous catalyst. Reusability and structural analysis of spent catalysts are used to analyze the resilience of all prepared catalysts.

Asthma is an obstructive lung disease with high prevalence. Symptom control in asthma remains poor despite significant advancements in treatment guidelines and inhalatiol devices. This is often attributed to idequate patient adherence to the inhaler technique and insufficient education on its long-term use. Through this study, we aimed to assess the impact of reinforcement of proper inhaler technique on asthma symptom control and quality of life. A prospective cohort of 400 asthma patients using dry powder inhalers and metered dose inhalers was recruited in the outpatient clinic of our hospital. At the time of recruitment, the correctness of inhaler technique usage was assessed, and the pre-test Inhaler Technique Score (ITS) was recorded for each patient. Then, a ten-step inhalation technique was taught through demonstration, and the post-test ITS score was recorded again. This was done for each patient at monthly intervals for 3 months. Along with it, two tailored questionires, the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionire (AQLQ), were administered at each visit to assess disease control and quality of life. Significant enhancements in inhalation technique were noted from the first to the third visit using the ten-step inhalation usage scores, which improved from 6.91 to 9.87 (out of 10) (p<0.001), paralleled by ACT score increases from 17.06 to 19.37 (out of 25) (p<0.001) from visits one to two, and from 19.37 to 20.52 (out of 25) (p<0.001) from visits two to three, signifying improvement in symptom control. Quality of life similarly improved from 4.45 to 5.12 to 5.45 (out of 7) (p<0.001) across the three visits as assessed by AQLQ. In conclusion, promoting proper inhaler technique through structured education programs is crucial for optimizing long-term asthma magement and enhancing patients’ quality of life.

Climate change and global warming are the visible consequences of the increased amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the atmosphere. Among the various sources of anthropogenic CO 2 emission, the diesel engine has a significant contribution. The development of a reliable system to efficiently minimize CO 2 emissions from diesel engines to the safest level is lacking in the open literature. Therefore, a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach has been applied in this paper to investigate the efficacy of the post-combustion carbon capture (PCC) process for the diesel engine. The experiments have been performed on the exhaust of a direct injection diesel engine at five different brake powers with blends of aqueous ammonia (AQ_NH 3 ), monoethanolamine (MEA), N , N -dimethylethanolamine (DMEA), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C 2 mim BF 4 ) ionic liquid (IL) as an absorbent for CO 2 capture. The reaction mechanism of these absorbent with CO 2 are also studied by the geometrical, energetical, MESP, frontier molecular orbitals, and NBO analysis using the first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The maximum CO 2 absorption efficiency of almost 97% was achieved for the blend consisting of 67% of AQ_NH 3 and 33% of MEA. Moreover, AQ_MEA and blend of AQ_NH 3 , DMEA, and C 2 mim BF 4 ionic liquid showed 96% and 94% CO 2 absorption efficiency, respectively.

In many developing countries, the livestock sector plays a vital role in the national economy, providing a source of food, income, and employment. With changes in demographical, socio-economic, and environmental status, the livestock sector in the developing world is facing challenges of low productivity and has become both a culprit and a victim of undesirable climate change impacts globally. In this paper, we will review the status of Nepalese livestock production systems and evaluate possible livestock species-specific strategies to promote a more productive and sustainable livestock sector in the future. In Nepal, the livestock sector is deemed essential to alleviate poverty and improve the nutritional status of the population, as in many other developing countries. However, there is a need for substantial improvements in livestock productivity, in particular improvement of feeding strategies to exploit the genetic potential of livestock. For ruminants, the important issue is to improve nutritional value and hence utilization of existing feedstuffs. Use of, e.g., urea, molasses, and enzymes to improve feed digestibility and implementation of technologies to effectively preserve biomass from forages that are only seasonally available are necessary strategic measures. Identification and use of novel anti-methanogenic feed ingredients will be crucial to develop a ruminant livestock sector that is not only productive, but also environmentally sustainable. For monogastric animals, the development and use of novel protein feed ingredients, such as insects raised on indigestible (for monogastrics) plant residues, should become part of future feeding strategies in support of a circular bioeconomy and improved productivity, not least in small scale poultry production. Future policies should also include a strong focus on capacity building and development of research infrastructure, and promotion of collaborative activities among research and industry sectors to establish a productive yet sustainable livestock sector in Nepal.

In this study, Rhodococcus pyridinivorans cells containing hyperactive acyltransferase was immobilized on various macromolecules based-polymeric matrices and used to improve acetohydroxamic acid production. The calcium-alginate-based matrix retained the maximum residual activity up to 97.8% as compared to free cells (576 U/mg of dry cell weight). After immobilization, cells exhibited a significant improvement in their tolerance towards pH, temperature, and metal ions as potent enzyme inhibitors. Immobilized cells showed 25.5-fold higher thermal stability at 60 °C to control (free cells). Compared to free cells, immobilized cells exhibited a high bioconversion of acetamide and hydroxylamine-HCl to acetohydroxamic acid up to 96% molar conversion. Repeated bench-scale production at 3-L culture, immobilized cells showed 9.5-fold higher residual conversion as compared to control (100%), after five cycles of reuses. The product characterization achieved high purity (97%) of acetohydroxamic acid. This finding showed high feasibility to achieve efficient conversion that can be scaled up to the industrial level for biotechnological application.

Background Age-related decline in reproductive function is a hallmark of organismal aging, yet the molecular mechanisms driving this process remain incompletely understood. The insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway is highly conserved and influences both lifespan and reproductive aging in Caenorhabditis elegans , where reduced IIS extends reproductive span. While prior studies have examined isolated tissues or time points, a comprehensive temporal analysis of gonadal transcriptional dynamics under reduced IIS has been lacking. Here, we compared IIS-dependent regulation of the gonadal transcriptome with that of other somatic tissues to uncover tissue-specific mechanisms of reproductive aging. Methods Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on distal gonads dissected above the spermatheca from wild-type N2 and daf-2(e1370) mutant animals, a well-established model of reduced IIS. Samples were collected at four physiologically relevant adult stages—Day 1 (young adult), Day 2, Day 6, and Day 10—covering early to late reproductive periods. In parallel, whole-worm RNA-seq was conducted for N2 and daf-2 at Day 1 and Day 10 to enable systemic comparisons. Differential gene expression analyses identified IIS-responsive transcripts that were either gonad-specific or non-gonadal. Expression datasets were further analyzed using self-organizing maps (SOMs) with hierarchical clustering. Gene network construction, functional enrichment, transcription factor enrichment, and conservation analyses were performed, and differential expression profiles were integrated with publicly available germline-, gamete-, and somatic tissue-enriched datasets. Results Temporal transcriptomic profiling revealed distinct IIS-dependent expression trajectories in gonadal versus non-gonadal datasets. SOM-based clustering resolved temporally regulated expression modules, while network and enrichment analyses uncovered a multilayered regulatory architecture within the gonad. Gonadal expression was enriched for structural, extracellular matrix, and signaling pathway genes, whereas non-gonadal data showed enrichment for stress response and longevity-associated pathways. Integration with germline-, gamete-, and somatic tissue-enriched datasets distinguished tissue-specific regulatory signatures. Importantly, IIS-regulated gonadal components included genes highly conserved with human orthologs. Conclusion This study provides a high-resolution temporal map of the gonadal transcriptome under reduced IIS and highlights gene modules potentially critical for reproductive maintenance. These findings offer a resource for dissecting tissue-specific aging programs and insulin-dependent regulation of reproductive health. Plain english summary As animals age, fertility naturally declines—but the biological reasons behind this are complex. A key player in aging and reproduction is the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, which influences how long organisms stay fertile. In this study, we wanted to understand how IIS affects the activity of genes in the reproductive organs over time. To do this, we studied the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans , a common model for aging research. We collected reproductive tissue and whole-body samples from worms with normal and reduced IIS at different stages of adulthood. We then analyzed which genes were turned on or off at each stage. Our results revealed that gene activity changes significantly with age, and that these changes look very different in reproductive tissues compared to the rest of the body. Some genes were found to be tightly regulated by IIS and may help preserve reproductive health as animals age. This study provides a valuable gene expression map that helps explain how reproductive tissues age under different insulin signaling conditions. It offers a foundation for future research into how to slow reproductive aging through targeted gene regulation.

Introduction Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common source of low back pain. Though this condition can be treated with conservative measures, there is a subset of patients who fail to respond to conservative treatment. For them, surgical treatment using minimally invasive techniques could be considered. There are currently a number of SIJ fixation methods described. However, there is no case series reported on posterior oblique approach. Therefore, in this paper, the authors report their experience with the Sacrix system via the posterior oblique approach. Method In this series, 19 patients aged 44-84 years, with a median of 58 years, underwent SIJ fusion using this technique. This is a posterior oblique approach in which two screws are inserted into the ilium through the posterior part of the iliac crest and then advanced into the sacrum through the SIJ. Results The follow-up is between 7 and 30 months, with a median of 12 months. Eighteen patients had excellent pain relief. There was no complication from the procedure, and the blood loss was minimal. All eight patients who had follow-up radiographs showed solid fusion. Conclusion Posterior oblique approach for SIJ fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that proved to be effective and safe in this series. It also resulted in solid radiographic fusion, decreased pain, and improved function.