Nanoinspired Biocompatible Chemosensors: Progress toward Efficient Prognosis of Arsenic Poisoning

Diagnosing heavy metals poisoning in human beings is of paramount importance. In this work, we present the design of a biocompatible Fe_xNi_(1-x)O hierarchical nanostructure-based sensor for ultraselective detection of arsenate (As(V)) ions in biological environments (e.g., body fluids, blood plasma, etc.). A novel iron doping technique was employed to fabricate the nanostructures rich with Fe cores to induce ultraselectivity toward arsenates. These nanostructures were used as dispersed markers and thin films deposited on Si/SiO₂ substrates to support in vivo and in vitro detection of As(V) ions. The device demonstrated excellent sensitivity with a maximum response of 64.7% (for 1000 ppm As(V) ions) with a limit of detection of 1 ppb in blood plasma. The sensor's response time (τ_r) was 5 s with 95.48% recovery with a maximum error of ±0.549% after three washes. The device showed excellent response stability for 63 days with a maximum error of ±1.27%. The sensor devices were highly reproducible, with a maximum variation of ±0.6% in response for a batch of four devices. Due to Fe doping, the nanostructures in suspension demonstrated as arsenate markers with excellent cytocompatibility (with dosage up to 1 mg/mL) for human umbilical vein endothelial cells and 3T3 fibroblasts (LDH < 120 and cell viability ∼80%) till 48 h of incubation. The sensing mechanism suggested that the nanostructures not only detect arsenates but also prevent their substantial reduction to arsenites under anoxic environments. Thus, the sensors may show considerable progress toward early arsenate detection in living systems.

Catalyst Engineering through Heterobidentate (N–X-Type) Ligand Design for Iridium-Catalyzed Borylation

Iridium-catalyzed C–H activation and borylation reactions operate under mild conditions that enable easy and atom-economical installation of the versatile boronate ester group in (het)arenes and alkanes. The standard catalytic system for iridium-catalyzed borylation uses [Ir(cod)(OMe)]2 as a precatalyst, a bipyridine type ligand, and B2pin2 or HBpin as the borylating agent. Initially, a bipyridine-ligated trisboryl–iridium complex is generated that enables the borylation reaction and the regioselectivity is mainly governed by the sterics of substituents present on the ring. As a result, monosubstituted and 1,2-disubstituted arenes give mixtures of isomers. Significant efforts by several research groups have overcome the selectivity issue for directed proximal C–H borylation by introducing a directing group and newly developed ligands. This short review aims to summarize recent elegant discoveries in directed C(sp2)–H and C(sp3)–H borylation by using heterobidentate ligand (P/N–Si, N–B, and N–C) coordinated iridium catalysts.

1 Introduction

2 Iridium-Catalyzed Directed C–H Borylation of C(sp2)–H Bonds

3 Iridium-Catalyzed Directed C–H Borylation of C(sp3)–H Bonds

4 Conclusions

Punzi-loss:: a non-differentiable metric approximation for sensitivity optimisation in the search for new particles

We present the novel implementation of a non-differentiable metric approximation and a corresponding loss-scheduling aimed at the search for new particles of unknown mass in high energy physics experiments. We call the loss-scheduling, based on the minimisation of a figure-of-merit related function typical of particle physics, a Punzi-loss function, and the neural network that utilises this loss function a Punzi-net. We show that the Punzi-net outperforms standard multivariate analysis techniques and generalises well to mass hypotheses for which it was not trained. This is achieved by training a single classifier that provides a coherent and optimal classification of all signal hypotheses over the whole search space. Our result constitutes a complementary approach to fully differentiable analyses in particle physics. We implemented this work using PyTorch and provide users full access to a public repository containing all the codes and a training example.

MicroRNA 155:145 ratio as a marker of atherogenic tilt manifested across different age groups and risk factor profiles

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 Differential expression of microRNAs is critical in the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. MiR145 has atheroprotective role through improved homeostasis of smooth muscle cells (SMC). MiR155 is pro-atherogenic due to its suppression of Bcl6, which antagonises NF-κB and modulates macrophages.

Purpose

  Our purpose was to determine if the differential expression of miR 155 & 145 (expressed as miR 155:145 ratio) across various age groups and risk factor profiles correlates with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Materials and Methods

  This observational cross-sectional study was done between Feb"19 & Jan"20 on 108 patients divided equally into 3 age groups: &lt;18, 18-45 & &gt;45yrs. Family history (of ASCVD or risk factors) and risk factor profile were assessed in all 3 groups; and in the latter two, presence or absence of ASCVD was additionally evaluated by coronary angiogram and/or carotid IMT. MiR155 & 145 were measured in all by RT-PCR, & the results were then compared after calculating the ratio.

Results

 miR 155:145 ratio was significantly increased in &lt;18yrs aged subjects with a positive family history(p = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation of miR155:145 with family history of risk factors or ASCVD in this group(p &lt; 0.001).

In the 18-45yrs age group, the miR 155:145 ratio was found to be significantly increased in patients with diabetes(p = 0.037) and significant coronary artery disease(CAD) as determined by Syntax score(p &lt; 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, a significant positive correlation was found between miR 155:145 and Syntax score(p &lt; 0.001) – a ratio of 155:145 &gt; 1 implied a greater chance of CAD, with increased numerical values correlating with increased severity of disease as evidenced by Syntax score; and a ratio &lt; 1 decreased the chances of significant CAD considerably. A positive association was also discovered for this ratio with hypertension, diabetes, tobacco exposure and a combination of multiple risk factors, but none of them were statistically significant.

In the age group of &gt;45 yrs, regression analysis revealed a statistically insignificant positive association of the miR 155:145 ratio with Syntax score, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and a combination of risk factors.

Conclusion

 MiR 155:145, when &gt;1, can point towards an ‘atherogenic tilt’, and greater increase in the ratio numerically may denote more severe disease, as indicated by a positive association with Syntax Score. This atherogenic tilt occurs very early in life, even before 18 years with significant family history. Above 18 years, with addition of other risk factors, this tilt is further compounded, and correlated well with Syntax score and such risk factors. Therefore, miR 155:145 ratio may help in identifying the individuals at risk for development of clinically significant CAD and can be utilised for development of future therapeutic strategies as well as prognostication. Abstract Figure 1  Abstract Figure 2

Bilateral obstructive megaureter with right lower ureteric urothelial carcinoma: a very rare coalition

Upper tract urothelial cancers account for 5% of all urothelial cancers. Among these, more than 90% of tumours are located in the renal pelvis, while ureteric tumours are extremely rare. The distal ureter is the most common location, although multifocal implants may also occur. Megaureter is a common cause of obstructive uropathy in neonates and children. Nevertheless, it may be unnoticed, if asymptomatic. Megaureter may be obstructing or refluxing. Long-standing urinary stasis and recurrent urinary tract infection in megaureter may cause chronic irritation of the ureteric mucosa leading to dysplasia and malignancy. We report a 55-year-old man diagnosed with bilateral obstructive megaureter with right lower ureteric urothelial cancer and review the current literature.

Precise Measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} Lifetimes at Belle II

We report a measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} lifetimes using D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+} and D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays reconstructed in e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data, collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72  fb^{-1}. The results, τ(D^{0})=410.5±1.1(stat)±0.8(syst)  fs and τ(D^{+})=1030.4±4.7(stat)±3.1(syst)  fs, are the most precise to date and are consistent with previous determinations.

Search for B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] Decays Using an Inclusive Tagging Method at Belle II

A search for the flavor-changing neutral-current decay B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] is performed at the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric energy electron-positron collider. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 63  fb^{-1} collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance and a sample of 9  fb^{-1} collected at an energy 60 MeV below the resonance. Because the measurable decay signature involves only a single charged kaon, a novel measurement approach is used that exploits not only the properties of the B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] decay, but also the inclusive properties of the other B meson in the ϒ(4S)→BB[over ¯] event, to suppress the background from other B meson decays and light-quark pair production. This inclusive tagging approach offers a higher signal efficiency compared to previous searches. No significant signal is observed. An upper limit on the branching fraction of B^{+}→K^{+}νν[over ¯] of 4.1×10^{-5} is set at the 90% confidence level.

Risk Association, Clinical Presentation and Management of Uterine Leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyoma is a common gynecological problem throughout the world. As 50% hysterectomies in black and 40% in Australians are performed due to fibroid, in our country also it is assumed that about 40%-50% hysterectomies are done due to fibroid uterus. Thus leiomyoma constitute a major public health cost to the community in terms of outpatient attendance and hospital cost for surgery. This is a descriptive type of cross sectional study among 50 patients having leiomyoma of uterus in the department of Obs and Gynae, BSMMU hospital from March 2011 to August 2011. The objective of the study is to find out the risk associated with leiomyoma, to find out the common presenting features of uterine leiomyoma and to find out best options for management. Study results showed that 62% patients were in the age group 36-45 years, 48%patients were in para1-2 group, 32% patients used combined oral contraceptive pill for contraception. Sixty percent (60%) patients presented with progressive menorrhagia and palpable mass was found in 62% cases. About 46% patients had associated medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity. Total abdominal hysterectomy was done in 32% cases. TAH with unilateral or bilateral salpingoophorectomy was done in 40% cases. Myomectomy was done in 20% cases. There is a scope for large scale study about risk factors of uterine leiomyoma like obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, use of hormonal contraceptive, racial differences, different treatment modalities etc. Treatment should be individualized. However in this connection a good referral system and good communication has got a tremendous contribution in the proper management of such problems.

Versatility Of Square Flaps In Post-Burn Contractures Involving Upper Limb

Post-burn contractures are a common problem and functionally limiting for upper limbs. Many different techniques have been described in the literature for their treatment. Z-plasty and release with SSG cover are the commonest procedures done for post-burn contractures. In this study we assess the use of the square flap technique in post-burn contractures of upper limb. Eleven patients with a total number of twelve upper limb contractures (mild to moderate) involving axilla, elbow and finger underwent release by standard square flap technique. All cases were followed up for at least 6 months and analyzed for range of motion and aesthetic outcome. Patient and surgeon satisfaction was recorded. All operated cases achieved a satisfactory range of movement post-operatively without any recurrence. The number of patients who were satisfied with the surgery were 7 out of 11, and 4 patients were somewhat satisfied with the results obtained. In contrast, the surgeons were satisfied in all cases. Square flap is shown to be an easy and reliable flap for mild to moderate contractures of the anterior or posterior axillary folds, elbow contractures and finger contractures with low recurrence rate.

Obstetric Outcome of Multiple Pregnancy in a Medical College Hospital

The Incidence of twin and high order multiple gestation has increased significantly over the past 15 years primarily because of the availability and increased use of ovulation inducing drugs and assisted reproductive technology. Both maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity is higher in multiple pregnancy than in singleton pregnancy. Proposed study is designed to determine the incidence and obstetric outcome of multiple pregnancy which is a high-risk pregnancy in a tertiary referral hospital. The purpose of this study is to evaluate obstetric outcome of multiple pregnancy. This prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Obs and Gynae, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh from December 2011 to May 2012. Patients were selected by purposive way. In this study it was observed that incidence of twin pregnancy was 1.66% common age group 30-35 years (48%), common in multipara (74%), no pregnancy crossed EDD. Family history of twin was 32% and unknown etiology 58%. Most common maternal complication was preterm labour (60%). Commonest mode of delivery was LSCS (64%), incidence of perinatal mortality 15%, 36% baby had birth weight in between 2.1-2.5kg, all the baby requiring admission in neonatal unit. This prospective observational study revealed that perinatal mortality was high in our center, there was no maternal mortality.

Socio-demographic Profile of COVID-19 Patients and Difficulties Faced by Them while Testing RT-PCR: A Multi-center Cross-sectional Study

This study was aimed to find out the socio-demographic profiles as well as difficulties of Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing faced by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 10th August to 7th September 2020. Data were collected by telephone interview using a pre-designed questionnaire after taking verbal consent from the participants. Out of 281 COVID-19 patients, 279 were diagnosed by RT-PCR; 10.3% were asymptomatic. Off them 67.6%were males, 24% were hospital staffs. Majority (66.2%) were from the non-city corporation area. History of recent contact with known COVID-19 patients was present in 56.9% cases. Fever (78.3%) and cough (58%) were the most common symptoms. One third of the patients faced difficulty to test RT-PCR for COVID-19. Sixteen percent patients complained of difficulty of getting serial for testing, the maximum waiting time was one week before giving samples. Thirty patients (10.8%) had to wait longer than usual time after reaching the center before giving sample. Hospital staffs were unable to co-operate in 2.5% of the patients while difficulty of managing transport to the hospital for suspected COVID-19 patient was an issue in 2.2% of the patients. Though testing was more difficult in city corporation areas (p=0.028), delay of getting test result was less (p<0.001). Maximum delay of getting test result was 10 days. Finding out the difficulties of COVID-19 testing will help to point out the issues behind these and will help to take necessary steps to tackle this matter. Testing rate can be increased to contain this highly contagious virus in this densely populated country.

Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of eugenol and linalool from Ocimum tenuiflorum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm

AIMS

The aim of this study is to determine the ability of two bioactive compounds, namely, eugenol and linalool, purified from leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum for eradication of biofilm produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The phytoextract of O. tenuiflorum (KT), a common ethno-botanical plant of India, was purified through high-performance liquid chromatography and was analysed using ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eugenol and linalool were found to be the most active amongst all phytocompounds present in phytoextract and showed a significant reduction in the viability of sessile cells of P. aeruginosa and the minimum revival after withdrawal of phyto-challenge. They could bring about notable reduction in the protein and carbohydrate content of exopolysaccharide of biofilm. Eugenol and linalool could affect the synthesis of quorum sensing (QS) proteins like LasA and LasB as well as virulence factors such as pyocyanin, and rhamnolipids, which seriously hamper the formation of biofilm. The biofilm framework was extremely affected by the phytocompounds through the reduction of protein and carbohydrate content of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Another interesting found out was that they brought about maximum inhibition to the genomic DNA and RNA content. The studies were supported by in silico interaction between eugenol and linalool with the QS proteins. The antibiofilm efficacies of eugenol, linalool and phytoextract (KT) were further confirmed by microscopic studies with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy and fluorescence confocal microscopy microscopic studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The phytocompounds are proved to be more effective than conventional antibiotics in inhibiting the biofilm forming sessile cells and can be used as a replacement for antibiotic.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Pure eugenol extracted from common basil leaves can be used as a safe substitute for common antibiotic for treatment of chronic infections caused by P. aeruginosa. It will be cost effective, devoid of notable side effects and will not generate antibiotic resistance in host body.

Iridium-Catalyzed Site-Selective Borylation of 8-Arylquinolines

We report a convenient method for the highly site-selective borylation of 8-arylquinoline. The reaction proceeds smoothly in the presence of a catalytic amount of [Ir(OMe)(cod)]2 and 2-phenylpyridine derived ligand using bis(pinacolato)diborane as the borylating agent. The reactions occur with high selectivity with many functional groups, providing a series of borylated 8-aryl quinolines with good to excellent yield and excellent selectivity. The borylated compounds formed in this method can be transformed into various important synthons by using known transformations.

The safety and efficacy of day-case total joint arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

The popularity of day-case arthroplasty has been fuelled by focus on its cost effectiveness for the healthcare system. Safety concerns still remain. The aim of this review was to compare readmission rates after total joint arthroplasty for patients undergoing day-case surgery and for inpatients.

METHODS

A comprehensive online search of databases was performed for all published articles in the English language evaluating readmission rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Seventeen studies were deemed eligible and included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

All studies included in the meta-analysis described readmission rates following THA/TKA. The readmission rate for day-case patients was 1.9% (n=124) whereas for inpatients, it was 2.0% (n=12,399). Compared with inpatient arthroplasty, day-case arthroplasty was associated with lower total readmission rates (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.94, p=0.01). Furthermore, day-case surgery conferred a decrease in readmission rates for both THA (1.3% vs 7.0%) and TKA (2.7% vs 4.3%). Moreover, day-case THA and TKA were both associated with a decreased chance of readmission (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17-0.42, p<0.00001; and OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.42-0.72, p<0.00001 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This review emphasises that with a thoughtful, designated protocol and with careful patient selection, day-case arthroplasty is a safe and effective option.

Development of High Performance Computing Tools for Estimation of High-Resolution Surface Energy Balance Products Using sUAS Information

sUAS (small-Unmanned Aircraft System) and advanced surface energy balance models allow detailed assessment and monitoring (at plant scale) of different (agricultural, urban, and natural) environments. Significant progress has been made in the understanding and modeling of atmosphere-plant-soil interactions and numerical quantification of the internal processes at plant scale. Similarly, progress has been made in ground truth information comparison and validation models. An example of this progress is the application of sUAS information using the Two-Source Surface Energy Balance (TSEB) model in commercial vineyards by the Grape Remote sensing Atmospheric Profile and Evapotranspiration eXperiment - GRAPEX Project in California. With advances in frequent sUAS data collection for larger areas, sUAS information processing becomes computationally expensive on local computers. Additionally, fragmentation of different models and tools necessary to process the data and validate the results is a limiting factor. For example, in the referred GRAPEX project, commercial software (ArcGIS and MS Excel) and Python and Matlab code are needed to complete the analysis. There is a need to assess and integrate research conducted with sUAS and surface energy balance models in a sharing platform to be easily migrated to high performance computing (HPC) resources. This research, sponsored by the National Science Foundation FAIR Cyber Training Fellowships, is integrating disparate software and code under a unified language (Python). The Python code for estimating the surface energy fluxes using TSEB2T model as well as the EC footprint analysis code for ground truth information comparison were hosted in myGeoHub site https://mygeohub.org/ to be reproducible and replicable.

Effect of Amniotomy on Outcome of Spontaneous Labour

Intentional artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes during labour, called amniotomy or 'breaking of the water's, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in modern obstetric and midwifery practice. The primary aim of amniotomy is to speed up uterine contractions and therefore shorten the length of labour. However there are concerns regarding unintended adverse effects on the woman and baby. A prospective observational study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of routine procedure of amniotomy to shorten the duration of labour (prolonged or not) in Mymensingh Medical College & Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from July 2011 to December 2011. One hundred low-risk women with spontaneous onset of labour at term with singleton fetus in cephalic presentation and intact amniotic membranes and a cervical dilatation between 4 and 5cm were conventionally assigned to have amniotomy during the course of labour. Maternal demographics, duration of labour (prolonged or not), maternal and perinatal outcome were considered as major outcome. Majority (49.0%) of the patients belonged to 21-25 years age group and primigravida was predominant and most of them had middle socio-economic conditions. More the three-fourth (89.0%) of the patients had head engaged. Rh-positive and negative were found 96.0% and 4.0% respectively. The primigravidae required 10.07±2.17 hours in 1st stage of labour and had 1.51±0.5 hours duration of 2nd stage of labour. In case of multi-gravidae it was 6.07±2.06 hours in 1st stage of and 1±0.5 hours in 2nd stage of labour. There was a marked reduction of amniotomy-delivery interval time in this study, which was 3 hours 40 minutes and whereas mean cervical dilatation was 4cm during amniotomy. Almost three fourth (72.0%) cases delivered vaginally among which, with episiotomy in 49.0% and without episiotomy in 23.0%. Instrumental delivery was in 9.0% of which 4.0% by forceps, 5.0% by vaccum extraction and 14.0% underwent LUCS. Still birth was found 2.0%, asphyxiated 3.0% and prenatal death 1.0%. In terms of referral to neonatal care unit it was found that 7.0% were asphyxiated. Asphyxia and low APGAR score was 4.0%, low birth weight 9.0%, instrumental delivery was 5.0%, Rh incompatibility was 2.0%. Only 1.0% babies needed admission to neonatal care unit and were intubated. So, Amniotomy significantly reduced the duration of the first stage of labour without affecting the oxytocin requirement, the rate of caesarean section and newborn outcome.