Transient binocular vision loss and pain insensitivity in Klippel-Feil syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Klippel-Feil syndrome is a rare congenital bone disorder characterized by an abnormal fusion of two or more cervical spine vertebrae. Individuals with Klippel-Feil syndrome exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, including skeletal irregularities, visual and hearing impairments, orofacial anomalies, and anomalies in various internal organs, such as the heart, kidneys, genitourinary system, and nervous system.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report describes a 12-year-old Pashtun female patient who presented with acute bilateral visual loss. The patient had Klippel-Feil syndrome, with the typical clinical triad symptoms of Klippel-Feil syndrome, along with Sprengel's deformity. She also exhibited generalized hypoalgesia, which had previously resulted in widespread burn-related injuries. Upon examination, bilateral optic disc swelling was observed, but intracranial pressure was found to be normal. Extensive investigations yielded normal results, except for hypocalcemia and low vitamin D levels, while parathyroid function remained within the normal range. Visual acuity improved following 2 months of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, suggesting that the visual loss and optic nerve swelling were attributed to hypocalcemia. Given the normal parathyroid function, it is possible that hypocalcemia resulted from low vitamin D levels, which can occur after severe burn scarring. Furthermore, the patient received a provisional diagnosis of congenital insensitivity to pain on the basis of the detailed medical history and the findings of severe and widespread loss of the ability to perceive painful stimuli, as well as impaired temperature sensation. However, due to limitations in genetic testing, confirmation of the congenital insensitivity to pain diagnosis could not be obtained.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights a rare presentation of transient binocular vision loss and pain insensitivity in a patient with Klippel-Feil syndrome, emphasizing the importance of considering unusual associations in symptom interpretation.

Towards Industrially Important Applications of Enhanced Organic Reactions by Microfluidic Systems

This review presents a comprehensive evaluation for the manufacture of organic molecules via efficient microfluidic synthesis. Microfluidic systems provide considerably higher control over the growth, nucleation, and reaction conditions compared with traditional large-scale synthetic methods. Microfluidic synthesis has become a crucial technique for the quick, affordable, and efficient manufacture of organic and organometallic compounds with complicated characteristics and functions. Therefore, a unique, straightforward flow synthetic methodology can be developed to conduct organic syntheses and improve their efficiency.

Designing a Silymarin Nanopercolating System Using CME@ZIF-8: An Approach to Hepatic Injuries

It is commonly known that silymarin, a phytoconstituent obtained from the Silybum marianum plant, has hepatoprotective and antioxidative properties. However, its low oral bioavailability and poor water solubility negatively impact its therapeutic efficacy. The goal of the present study was to determine the efficiency of the Cordia myxa extract-based synthesized zeolitic imidazole metal-organic framework (CME@ZIF-8 MOF) for increasing silymarin's bioavailability. A coprecipitation technique was used to synthesize the CME@ZIF-8 and polyethylene glycol-coated silymarin-loaded MOFs (PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8) and a complete factorial design was used to optimize them. The crystalline size of CME@ZIF-8 was 14.7 nm and the size of PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 was 17.39 nm. The loading percentage of the silymarin drug in CME@ZIF-8 was 33.5%. The optimized formulations were then characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, surface morphology, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and drug release in an in vitro medium. Additionally, a rat model was used to investigate the optimized formulation's in vivo hepatoprotective effectiveness. The synthesized silymarin-loaded CME@ZIF-8 MOFs were distinct particles with a porous, spongelike shape and a diameter of (size) nm. Furthermore, the designed silymarin-loaded PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 MOF formulation exhibited considerable silymarin release from the synthesized formula in dissolution investigations. The in vivo evaluation studies demonstrated that the prepared PEG-Sily@CME@ZIF-8 MOFs effectively exhibited a hepatoprotective effect in comparison with free silymarin in a CCl4-based induced-hepatotoxicity rat model via ameliorating the normal antioxidant enzyme levels and restoring the cellular abnormalities produced by CCl4 toxication. In combination, biologically produced CME@ZIF-8 may promise to be a viable biologically based nanocarrier that can enhance the loading and release of silymarin medication, which has low solubility in water.

Assessing the Efficacy of Fenugreek Saponin Nanoparticles in Attenuating Nicotine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

During smoking, nicotine, the most bountiful compound in cigarettes, is absorbed into the body by the lungs and quickly metabolized in the liver, causing three major adverse impacts such as toxic, neoplastic, and immunomodulatory effects. Saponins extracted from several plants are reported to exhibit various biological actions, such as anticancer effects. So, the potential protective effect of fenugreek saponin and nanofenugreek saponin against toxicity induced by nicotine in male rats was investigated in this study. Animals were exposed to nicotine (1.5 mg/kg/day) and/or treated with fenugreek saponin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) and nanofenugreek saponin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day). Comet assays, histopathological examination, and analyses for the expression levels of glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) genes in liver tissues as well as the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were conducted. The results revealed that nicotine treatment induced a significant increase in DNA damage, decrease in the expression levels of (GLAST) and (GLT-1) genes, and increase in histopathological alterations in liver tissues. Moreover, nicotine treatment induced a significant reduction in the activity of antioxidant enzymes GPx and GST. On the other hand, administration of fenugreek saponin or nanofenugreek saponin with nicotine significantly decreased the DNA damage, increased the expression levels of (GLAST) and (GLT-1) genes, and decreased histopathological alterations in liver tissues. Additionally, a significant increase in the activities of GPx and GST was observed. The results suggested that DNA damage and histological injuries induced by nicotine were decreased by the administration of fenugreek saponin or nanofenugreek saponin; thus, fenugreek saponin and nanofenugreek saponin can be used as ameliorative agents against nicotine toxicity.

Morpho-physiological growth performance and anti-oxidative capabilities of Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica upon exposure to Co3O4 Nbs in lead-contaminated soil

Immense crowd of heavy metal in cultivated land is evolving as a global concern as a result of boosted level of soil toxicity. Amongst various metals, Lead (Pb) contamination has become alarming for plant and human heath through ingesting of polluted soils and food crops. To counterfeit this, a nanotechnological neutralizer effective in form of soiling of cobalt oxide Co3O4 Nbs to Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica with various meditations as 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm). A Substantial result was observed on growth of plants but premium results were got by applications of cobalt oxide Nbs at 75 ppm. By this means, enhanced root length (39%), fresh weight (32%), shoot length (58%), as well as dry weight (28%) in selected Acacia species compared to control. Chlrophy contents in A. jacquemontii were estimated to be 0.23, 2.73 and 3.19 mg/L with treated with different concentrations of cobalt Nbs while in A. nilotica, the contents were 0.51, 2.93 and 3.12 mg/L respectively on same concentration. The atomic absorption (AAS), antioxidant activity and defendable positive comeback by using Co3O4 Nbs. Hence, the greenly synthesized Co3O4 Nbs counter acts lead toxicity to override and preserving the growth of plant. Such nanotechnological kits can consequently enhance the alternative system to stunned toxicity for distinguish the yield demand end to end with the progress of agronomic management approaches.

A longitudinal prospective study of septoplasty impact on headache and allergic rhinitis in patients with septal deviation

OBJECTIVE

To measure the severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) and different types of headaches in patients with septal deviation before and after septoplasty.

METHODS

This multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, observational study enrolled patients with deviated nasal septum, nasal symptoms and headaches associated with persistent AR lasting at least 2 months without resolution. The nasal obstruction evaluation (NOSE) scale, immunoglobulin-E (Ig-E) levels and visual analogue scale (VAS) for headache pain severity were evaluated before and after septoplasty using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients were enrolled in the study (102 males; 94 females). A total of 134 patients (68%) were diagnosed with severe AR and 166 (85%) experienced headaches with AR. The majority (100 of 166 patients; 60%) had sinusoidal headaches, while 25% (42 of 166 patients) reported a combination of sinusoidal headache and migraine and 14% (24 of 166 patients) experienced migraines. A comparison of preoperative and postoperative Ig-E levels, NOSE and VAS scores demonstrated that septoplasty significantly improved AR symptoms and headaches. Although there were significant improvements in headaches overall post-septoplasty, only the sinusoidal components improved, while migraine remained unaffected.

CONCLUSION

Septoplasty improved AR and sinusoidal headaches in patients with septal deviation, but migraines remained unaffected.

Advancing Nanoscale Science: Synthesis and Bioprinting of Zeolitic Imidazole Framework-8 for Enhanced Anti-Infectious Therapeutic Efficacies

Bacterial infectious disorders are becoming a major health problem for public health. The zeolitic imidazole framework-8 with a novel Cordia myxa extract-based (CME@ZIF-8) nanocomposite showed variable functionality, high porosity, and bacteria-killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli strains have been created by using a straightforward approach. The sizes of synthesized zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) and CME@ZIF-8 were 11.38 nm and 12.44 nm, respectively. Prepared metal organic frameworks have been characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. An antibacterial potential comparison between CME@ZIF-8 and zeolitic imidazole framework-8 has shown that CME@ZIF-8 was 31.3%, 28.57%, 46%, and 47% more efficient than ZIF-8 against Staphylococcus aureus and 43.7%, 42.8%, 35.7%, and 70% more efficient against Escherichia coli, while it was 31.25%, 33.3%, 46%, and 46% more efficient than the commercially available ciprofloxacin drug against Staphylococcus aureus and 43.7%, 42.8%, 35.7%, and 70% more efficient against Escherichia coli, respectively, for 750, 500, 250, and 125 μg mL-1. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of CME@ZIF-8 for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 15.6 and 31.25 μg/mL respectively, while the value of zeolitic imidazole framework-8 alone was 62.5 μg/mL for both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The reactive oxygen species generated by CME@ZIF-8 destroys the bacterial cell and its organelles. Consequently, the CME@ZIF-8 nanocomposites have endless potential applications for treating infectious diseases.

Side chain inset of neurogenerative amino acids to metalloproteins: a therapeutic signature for huntingtin protein in Huntington's disease

OBJECTIVE

Huntington's disease is a dominant autosomal inherited neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive impairment, characterized by dementia, chorea, and behavioral and cognitive decline. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential activity of metalloproteins against the huntingtin protein using various insertion-based engineering computational methods. Metalloproteins, metal protein complexes involved in important biochemical and physiological processes, were explored as potential drug candidates for Huntington's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 metalloproteins were selected as drug candidates and studied to assess their potential inhibitory effects on the huntingtin protein. The screening process was based on the lowest binding energy. The metalloprotein with the lowest docking score was chosen for side chain insertion of neurogenerative amino acids. The engineered metalloprotein was then evaluated based on physiochemical properties, allergenicity, toxicity, and surface accessibility. Cloning and expression analysis was performed to further investigate its potential as a therapeutic agent.

RESULTS

The metalloprotein chosen for side chain insertion, cytochrome C oxidase, showed promising results. It was computed as a probable non-allergen and exhibited no toxic domains, indicating its non-toxic nature. Additionally, it demonstrated a strong binding affinity with the huntingtin protein, with a binding energy of -1,253.3 Kcal/mol.

CONCLUSIONS

Metal-based proteins, when engineered with additional neurogenerative amino acids, hold potential as drug candidates for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease. The successful development of these engineered metalloproteins could offer therapeutic advantages. Further testing, both in vitro and in vivo, is necessary to evaluate their efficacy and validate their potential activity as novel drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Pathogens identified in the internal tissues and placentas of stillbirths: results from the prospective, observational PURPOSe study

OBJECTIVE

To examine internal organ tissues and placentas of stillbirths for various pathogens.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTINGS

Three study hospitals in India and a large maternity hospital in Pakistan.

POPULATION

Stillborn infants delivered in a study hospital.

METHODS

A prospective observational study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Organisms identified by pathogen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in internal organs and placental tissues of stillbirths.

RESULTS

Of 2437 stillbirth internal tissues, 8.3% (95% CI 7.2-9.4) were positive. Organisms were most commonly detected in brain (12.3%), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (9.5%) and whole blood (8.4%). Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum was the organism most frequently detected in at least one internal organ (6.4% of stillbirths and 2% of all tissues). Escherichia coli/Shigella was the next most common (4.1% one or more internal organ tissue sample and 1.3% of tissue samples), followed by Staphylococcus aureus in at least one internal organ tissue (1.9% and 0.9% of all tissues). None of the other organisms was found in more than 1.4% of the tissue samples in stillbirths or more than 0.6% of the internal tissues examined. In the placenta tissue, membrane or cord blood combined, 42.8% (95% CI 40.2-45.3) had at least one organism identified, with U. urealyticum/parvum representing the most commonly identified (27.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

In about 8% of stillbirths, there was evidence of a pathogen in an internal organ. Ureaplasma urealyticum/parvum was the most common organism found in the placenta and in the internal tissues, especially in the fetal brain.

Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord Secondary to Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Here, we report a case of subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord in the setting of nitrous oxide poisoning seen at the Medical Ward, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Our patient was a 28-year-old lady who presented with impaired sensations in the lower limbs and difficulty walking for approximately one and a half months. Her clinical symptoms did not match common neurological conditions. Upon detailed history, she revealed that she had been frequently using nitrous oxide recreationally for several years. Although her baseline investigations were normal, her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed bilateral symmetrical T2 hyperintense signal changes in the dorsal columns extending from C2 to C6 spinal segment. Based on history, clinical findings, and MRI of the cervical spine, the diagnosis of SCD of the spinal cord was made, and her symptoms fully resolved with treatment.

Bioinspired Cobalt Oxide Nanoball Synthesis, Characterization, and Their Potential as Metal Stress Absorbants

Massive accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural land as a result of enhanced levels of toxicity in the soil is an emerging global concern. Among various metals, zinc contamination has severe effects on plant and human health through the food chain. To remove such toxicity, a nanotechnological neutralizer, cobalt oxide nanoballs (Co₃O₄ Nbs) were synthesized by using the extract of Cordia myxa. The Co₃O₄ Nbs were well characterized via UV-vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Green-synthesized Co₃O₄ Nbs were exposed over Acacia jacquemontii and Acacia nilotica at different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm). Highly significant results were observed for plant growth by the application of Co₃O₄ Nbs at 100 ppm, thereby increasing the root length (35%), shoot length (48%), fresh weight (44%), and dry weight (40%) of the Acacia species with respect to the control. Furthermore, physiological parameters including chlorophyll contents, relative water contents, and osmolyte contents like proline and sugar showed a prominent increase. The antioxidant activity and atomic absorption supported and justified the positive response to using Co₃O₄ Nbs that mitigated the heavy-metal zinc stress by improving the plant growth. Hence, the biocompatible Co₃O₄ Nbs counteract the zinc toxicity for governing and maintaining plant growth. Such nanotechnological tools can therefore step up the cropping system and overcome toxicity to meet the productivity demand along with the development of agricultural management strategies.

Casting Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Fagonia Blend Microbial Arrest

Physical and chemical methods for production of nanoparticles (NPs) are not only harmful for environment but also toxic for living organism. The present study attempts to synthesize ZnO NPs using the natural plant extract of Fagonia cretica. The phytochemical screening of F. cretica water extract was performed to check the presence of biologically active compounds like alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, and steroids. Well-prepared ZnO NPs given sharp absorption peak at 362 were confirmed by UV-visible. XRD analysis showed the ZnO NPs having wurtzite hexagonal structure with crystalline form. TEM analysis endorses flower-shaped ZnO nanoparticles ~ 100-1000 nm. FTIR spectrum suggested the involvement of phenolic groups and amino acids and amide linkages in protein performs as the stabilizing agent in the synthesis of ZnO NPs. The ZnO NPs showed strong antibacterial behavior against two bacterial strains Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. In addition, ZnO NPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity of 79%:85.6%:89.9% at 5 μg/mL:10 μg/mL:5 μg/mL concentration of ZnO NPs respectively. This work indicates that Fagonia is considered to be appropriate and promising candidate for extending the innovative applications in the field of medicine and industry and also helpful and useful to the scientific communities.

Incubating Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanorods for Proteomics-Derived Motif Exploration: A Fusion to Deep Learning Oncogenesis

The nanotechnological arena has revolutionized the diagnostic efficacies by investigating the protein corona. This displays provoking proficiencies in determining biomarkers and diagnostic fingerprints for early detection and advanced therapeutics. The green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared via Withania coagulans and were well characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nano-LC mass spectrophotometry. Iron oxides were rod-shaped with an average size of 17.32 nm and have crystalline properties. The as-synthesized nanotool mediated firm nano biointeraction with the proteins in treatment with nine different cancers. The resultant of the proteome series was filtered oddly that highlighted the variant proteins within the differentially expressed proteins on behalf of nano-bioinformatics. Further magnification focused on S13_N, RS15, RAB, and 14_3_3 domains and few abundant motifs that aid scanning biomarkers. The entire set of variant proteins contracting to common proteins elucidates the underlining mechanical proteins that are marginally assessed using the robotic nanotechnology. Additionally, the iron rods indirectly possess a prognostic effect in manipulating expression of proteins through a smarter route. Thereby, such biologically designed nanotools provide a dual approach for medical studies.

Environmental and health impacts of spraying COVID-19 disinfectants with associated challenges

Coronavirus refers to a group of widespread viruses. The name refers to the specific morphology of these viruses because their spikes look like a crown under an electron microscope. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has been reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was proclaimed an international public health emergency (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020, and on 11 March 2020, it was declared as a pandemic (World Health Organization 2020). The official name of the virus was declared by the WHO as "COVID-19 virus", formerly known as "2019-nCoV", or "Wuhan Coronavirus". The International Committee on Virus Taxonomy's Coronavirus Research Group has identified that this virus is a form of coronavirus that caused a severe outbreak of acute respiratory syndrome in 2002-2003 (SARS). As a result, the latest severe acute respiratory syndrome has been classified as a corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogen by this committee. This disease spread quickly across the country and the world within the first 3 months of the outbreak and became a global pandemic. To stop COVID-19 from spreading, the governing agencies used various chemicals to disinfect different commercial spaces, streets and highways. However, people used it aggressively because of panic conditions, anxiety and unconsciousness, which can have a detrimental impact on human health and the environment. Our water bodies, soil and air have been polluted by disinfectants, forming secondary products that can be poisonous and mutagenic. In the prevention and spread of COVID-19, disinfection is crucial, but disinfection should be carried out with sufficient precautions to minimize exposure to harmful by-products. In addition, to prevent inhalation, adequate personal protective equipment should be worn and chemical usage, concentrations, ventilation in the room and application techniques should be carefully considered. In the USA, 60% of respondents said they cleaned or disinfected their homes more often than they had in the previous months. In addition to the robust use of disinfection approaches to combat COVID-19, we will explore safe preventative solutions here.

Lattice distortions and the metal-insulator transition in pure and Ti-substituted Ca3Ru2O7

We report pair distribution function studies on the relationship between the metal-insulator transition (MIT) and lattice distortions in pure and Ti-substituted bilayer Ca₃Ru₂O₇. Structural refinements performed as a function of temperature, magnetic field and length scale reveal the presence of lattice distortions not only within but also orthogonal to the bilayers. Because of the distortions, the local and average crystal structure differ across a broad temperature region extending from room temperature to temperatures below the MIT. The coexistence of distinct lattice distortions is likely to be behind the marked structural flexibility of Ca₃Ru₂O₇under external stimuli. This observation highlights the ubiquity of lattice distortions in an archetypal Mott system and calls for similar studies on other families of strongly correlated materials.

Crest to Trough Cellular Drifting of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide and Silver Nanoparticles

Green nanotechnology facilitates the blooming of zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) with distinct flowerlike and spherical morphologies, respectively. The well-characterized NPs with an average size of 35 nm (ZnO) and 25 nm (Ag) were functionalized on the cresty plates for antibacterial inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the flowerlike ZnONPs exhibiting 90.9% inhibition and AgNPs exhibiting 100% inhibition. Further, the in vivo underwater troughs for hematological, immunological, and serological analysis in Labeo rohita exhibited 102 > 575 > 104 and 206 > 109 > 81% at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg/L with 4-day and 15-day treatment, respectively, over ZnONPs. However, AgNPs exhibited 257 > 408 > 124 and 86 > 202 > 43% with 4-day and 15-day treatment, respectively, at the same concentrations. The classical ZnNPs and AgNPs exhibited excellent inhibition potential and significant transfiguration of hematological, enzymological, and protein parameters as safe nanomedicine, but ZnONPs were found to be 58, 69, 29 and 34, 51, 70% more active than AgNPs with 4-day and 15-day treatment, respectively. Therefore, the onset of ROX and antioxidant arena favors beneficial cellular drifting of NPs.

Association between immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy with cardiovascular events

Background

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has been associated with a 3-fold higher risk for cardiovascular events as compared to cancer patients who did not receive ICI. Therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have also been associated with a wide range of cardiovascular events. The combination use of ICIs and VEGF inhibitors is currently approved as a treatment for patients with renal-cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and endometrial cancer. Data are lacking whether the combination of ICIs and VEGF-targeted therapy is associated with an additional increase in cardiovascular events.

Purpose

To evaluate whether the combination use of ICI and VEGF targeted therapies are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events as compared to ICI therapy alone, we performed a retrospective matched case-control study.

Methods

Cases received both ICI and VEGF-targeted therapy (n=157), and control patients (n=157) only received ICI therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, ischemic stroke, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism). Patients were censored at time of first event or at last date of follow up. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to calculate hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), counting only the first cardiovascular event.

Results

Baseline characteristics for the cases and controls are shown in Table 1. Overall cases (combination ICI and VEGF inhibitor) and controls (ICI alone) were not different with respect to age, type of cancer, and a prior history of any cardiovascular event. Cases received more ICI cycles as compared to controls (median of 7 [4–17] cycles vs. 4 [2–10] cycles, P<0.001). Cases also had a longer follow-up time (334 [127–663] days vs. 201 [60–564] days, P=0.008) as compared to the control group. As compared to ICI alone, a similar risk for a composite cardiovascular event was observed in those who received both ICI and VEGF-targeted therapy (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.39–1.25]; P=0.23, Table 1). In total, 21/157 patients had a composite cardiovascular event among the cases, who received the combination of ICI and VEGF inhibitor (9 DVT, one MI, 9 PE, two ischemic strokes) as compared to 25/157 among the controls, who received ICI alone (14 DVT, 3 MI, 7 PE, one ischemic stroke). The median time to event was not different between the two groups (126 [98–260] days vs. 145 [28–205] days, P=0.47).

Conclusion

We found that among 157 patients who received a combination of ICI and VEGF-targeted therapy and 157 matched control patients who only received ICI therapy, the risk for cardiovascular events was not different between the two groups.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding.

Trident Nano-Indexing the Proteomics Table: Next-Version Clustering of Iron Carbide NPs and Protein Corona

Protein corona composition and precise physiological understanding of differentially expressed proteins are key for identifying disease biomarkers. In this report, we presented a distinctive quantitative proteomics table of molecular cell signaling differentially expressed proteins of corona that formed on iron carbide nanoparticles (NPs). High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization coupled with ion trap mass analyzer (HPLC/ESI-Orbitrap) and MASCOT helped quantify 142 differentially expressed proteins. Among these proteins, 104 proteins showed upregulated behavior and 38 proteins were downregulated with respect to the control, whereas 48, 32 and 24 proteins were upregulated and 8, 9 and 21 were downregulated CW (control with unmodified NPs), CY (control with modified NPs) and WY (modified and unmodified NPs), respectively. These proteins were further categorized on behalf of their regularity, locality, molecular functionality and molecular masses using gene ontology (GO). A STRING analysis was used to target the specific range of proteins involved in metabolic pathways and molecular processing in different kinds of binding functionalities, such as RNA, DNA, ATP, ADP, GTP, GDP and calcium ion bindings. Thus, this study will help develop efficient protocols for the identification of latent biomarkers in early disease detection using protein fingerprints.

Supercritical water oxidation of phenol and process enhancement with in situ formed Fe2O3 nano catalyst

During the past few decades, the treatment of hazardous waste and toxic phenolic compounds has become a major issue in the pharmaceutical, gas/oil, dying, and chemical industries. Considering polymerization and oxidation of phenolic compounds, supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) has gained special attention. The present study objective was to synthesize a novel in situ Fe₂O₃nano-catalyst in a counter-current mixing reactor by supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) method to evaluate the phenol oxidation and COD reduction at different operation conditions like oxidant ratios and concentrations. Synthesized nano-catalyst was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). TEM results revealed the maximum average particle size of 26.18 and 16.20 nm for preheated and non-preheated oxidant configuration, respectively. XRD showed the clear peaks of hematite at a 2θ value of 24, 33, 35.5, 49.5, 54, 62, and 64 for both catalysts treated preheated and non-preheated oxidant configurations. The maximum COD reduction and phenol oxidation of about 93.5% and 99.9% were observed at an oxidant ratio of 1.5, 0.75 s, 25 MPa, and 380 °C with a non-preheated H₂O₂ oxidant, while in situ formed Fe₂O₃nano-catalyst showed the maximum phenol oxidation of 99.9% at 0.75 s, 1.5 oxidant ratio, 25 MPa, and 380 °C. Similarly, in situ formed Fe₂O₃ catalyst presented the highest COD reduction of 97.8% at 40 mM phenol concentration, 1.0 oxidant ratio, 0.75 s residence time, 380 °C, and 25 MPa. It is concluded and recommended that SCWO is a feasible and cost-effective alternative method for the destruction of contaminants in water which showed the complete conversion of phenol within less than 1 s and 1.5 oxidant ratio.

IL12RB1 allele bias in human TH cells is regulated by functional SNPs in its 3'UTR

Allele bias is an epigenetic mechanism wherein only the maternal- or paternal-derived allele of a gene is preferentially expressed. Allele bias is used by T cells to regulate expression of numerous genes, including those which govern their development and response to cytokines. Here we demonstrate that human T_H cell expression of the cytokine receptor gene IL12RB1 is subject to allele bias, and the extent to which this bias occurs is influenced by cells' differentiation status and two polymorphic sites in the IL12RB1 3'UTR. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at these sites, rs3746190 and rs404733, function to increase expression of their encoding allele. Modeling suggests this is due to a stabilizing effect of these SNPs on the predicted mRNA secondary structure. The SNP rs3746190 is also proximal to the predicted binding site of microRNA miR-1277, raising the possibility that miR-1277 cannot exert suppression in the presence of rs3746190. Functional experiments demonstrate, however, that miR-1277 suppression of IL12RB1 3'UTR expression-which itself has not been previously reported-is nevertheless independent of rs3746190. Collectively, these data demonstrate that rs3746190 and rs404733 are functional SNPs which regulate IL12RB1 allele bias in human T_H cells.

Barriers to access cancer screening and treatment services in Germany

Introduction

individual attitudes and structural inadequacies act as major barriers towards non-utilization of cancer screening and treatment offers in many high-income countries with subsidized public healthcare.

Objectives

Our interdisciplinary research group at Heidelberg University is studying the underlying individual perceptions, attitudes and experiences of age- and gender-specific barriers against cancer-related medical and psychosocial offers available in Germany.

Methods

We designed a mixed-methods, sequential explanatory study using two quantitative instruments to determine the most important age- and gender-specific barriers for non-patients and cancer patients and survivors. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews will be conducted via selective sampling to record participant opinions, experiences and expectations of using cancer-related health services.

Results

We expect to identify and explain important personal barriers and facilitators related to the use of cancer screening and treatment offers. Further interviews with stakeholders in cancer healthcare, such as physicians, nurses and self-help groups will be conducted to complement data from the service-providers’ point of view. The results will be analyzed with behavioral and sociocultural theories to gain a deeper understanding of perceived and experienced barriers in accessing cancer care in Germany and to formulate recommendations for prospective targeted approaches and interventions.

Conclusions

Our findings will be useful for facilitating knowledge transfer and policy dissemination to increase public awareness about cancer offers and improve participation rates. The results will be also used to develop an interprofessional teaching module in the medical curriculum as well as prepare and implement advanced training courses for medical professionals certified by the State Medical Association.

Disclosure

This study is funded by Strube Stiftung Stuttgart.

Will weather stem the spread of the COVID-19 in Pakistan?

The pandemic of COVID-19 started spreading more exponentially across Pakistan since the end of February 2020. Numerous models and factors have been used to estimate predictions of the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 infections around the globe. While many factors play a role in the spread of COVID-19, climate and weather conditions are considered key elements in the transmission of COVID-19. Many researchers believe that recent increases in COVID-19 cases correlate strongly with local temperatures and factors (such as humidity, weather conditions, etc.) related to it. In this manuscript we test the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 spread is temperature-dependent by using the available data derived from Pakistan. The present review focuses on the relationship between temperature and COVID-19, examining the virus's viability and infectivity under various conditions. Our findings indicate that the trough and crest of the COVID-19 wave observed in 2020 are likely to repeat in the summer and winter of 2021, respectively. In Pakistan, temperatures, and humidity significantly affect the COVID-19 transmission and incidence. Like other types of beta-coronaviruses (ß-CoVs), the spread of COVID-19 may depend upon a great deal on temperature.

Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapeutic Efficacy with Sonotheranostic Strategies

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the modality for establishing a firm immune response and immunological memory. However, intrinsic limitations of conventional low responsive poor T cell infiltration and immune related adverse effects urge the coupling of cancer nanomedicines with immunotherapy for boosting antitumor response under ultrasound (US) sensitization to mimic dose-limiting toxicities for safe and effective therapy against advanced cancer. US is composed of high-frequency sound waves that mediate targeted spatiotemporal control over release and internalization of the drug. The unconventional US triggered immunogenic nanoengineered arena assists the limited immunogenic dose, limiting toxicities and efficacies. In this Review, we discuss current prospects of enhanced immunotherapy using nanomedicine under US. We highlight how nanotechnology designs and incorporates nanomedicines for the reprogramming of systematic immunity in the tumor microenvironment. We also emphasize the mechanical and biological potential of US, encompassing sonosensitizer activation for enhanced immunotherapeutic efficacies. Finally, the smartly converging combinational platform of US stimulated cancer nanomedicines for amending immunotherapy is summarized. This Review will widen scientists' ability to explore and understand the limiting factors for combating cancer in a precisely customized way.

Pericardial disease in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background

There are limited data on the occurrence, associations and outcomes of pericardial effusions and pericarditis after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Purpose

To evaluate incidence of pericardial disease in patients treated with an ICI.

Methods

This was a retrospective study at a single academic center that compared 2842 consecutive patients who received ICIs with 2699 age- and cancer-type matched patients with metastatic disease who did not receive ICI (design 1). A pericardial event was defined as a composite outcome of pericarditis and new or worsening moderate or large pericardial effusion. The endpoints were obtained through chart review and were blindly adjudicated. To identify risk factors associated with a pericardial event, in a second analysis, we also compared patients who developed an event on an ICI to patients treated with an ICI who did not develop a pericardial event (design 2). Cox proportional hazard model and logistical regression analysis were performed to study the association between ICI use and pericardial disease as well as pericardial disease and mortality. An additional 6-week landmark analysis was performed to account for lead-time bias.

Results

There were 42 pericardial events in the patients treated with ICI (n=2842) over 193 days (interquartile range 64 to 411) with an incidence rate of 1.57 events per 100 person-years. There was a 4-fold increase in the risk for pericarditis or a pericardial effusion among patients on an ICI compared to controls not treated with ICI after adjusting for potential confounders (hazard ratio [HR] 4.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.09–9.14, p<0.001). Patients who developed pericardial disease while on an ICI had a trend for increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.53, 95% CI 0.99–2.36, p=0.05) compared to those who did not develop pericardial disease. When comparing those who developed pericardial disease after ICI treatment to those who did not, a higher dose of corticosteroid pre-ICI (>0.7 mg/kg prednisone) was associated with increased risk of pericardial disease (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.00–6.57, p=0.049).

Conclusions

ICI use was associated with an increased risk for development of pericardial disease among cancer patients and a pericardial event on an ICI was associated with a trend towards increased mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; a gift from A. Curt Greer and Pamela Kohlberg

441 Management of Intracapsular Hip Fractures During Unprecedented COVID Times In A DGH

Aim

NICE published eligibility criteria for Total Hip Replacement (THR) vs Hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular hip fractures. COVID-19 resulted in the BOA publishing emergency guidelines regarding management of patients eligible for THR. If the available surgeon does not routinely perform hip arthroplasty, the patient should undergo a hemiarthroplasty to maximise theatre efficiency and minimise hospital stay. This project will compare Kings Mill Hospitals compliance with these new guidelines.

Method

Retrospective data was collected over a two-month period (24/03/20 – 22/05/20) from patients with intracapsular hip fractures. Notes and records allowed us to determine suitability for THR using NICE guidelines. National statistics were taken from the National Hip Fracture Database. The standards for this project consist of the NICE guidelines for Hip Fracture management and the BOA standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics - Management of patients with urgent orthopaedic conditions and trauma during the coronavirus pandemic’.

Results

51 patients were included in this audit. THR compliance dropped during the peak months of COVID 35% to 21.4%. Length of acute admissions stay decreased from 10 days to 8 days. Compared to the national averages, Kings Mills THR compliance rate was 27.3% vs 18.3%. 54.5% of eligible patients were operated on by THR performing consultants but received Hemiarthroplasty's

Conclusions

Some patients were eligible for THR according to the BOA guidelines ⁽¹⁾ however received Hemiarthroplasty’s. Better identification may increase guideline compliance. Introduction of a new table in the clerking booklet will be implemented and Re-audited to evaluate effectiveness.

Synthesis, Characterization, Immune Regulation, and Antioxidative Assessment of Yeast-Derived Selenium Nanoparticles in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Rats

This article introduces an environmentally friendly and more economical method for preparing red selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) with high stability, good biocompatibility, and narrow size using yeast as a bio-reducing agent with high antioxidant, immune regulation, and low toxicity than inorganic and organic Se. The yeast-derived Se-NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results revealed spherical-shaped particles of Se-NPs with an average diameter of 71.14 ± 18.17 nm, an amorphous structure, and surface enhancement with an organic shell layer, that provide precise geometry and stability in the formation of bio-inert gray or black Se-NPs instead of red Se-NPs. Furthermore, the addition of 0.3-0.8 mg/kg Se-NPs in the feed significantly improved the health of mice. As Se-NPs stimulated the oxidative state of mice, it significantly increased the level of GSH-Px, SOD, and AOC, and decreased the level of MDA. The yeast-derived Se-NPs alleviated the immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide, whereas protected the liver, spleen, and kidney of mice, stimulated the humoral immune potential of the mice, and significantly increased the levels of I g M, IgA, and I g G. These results indicated that the yeast-derived Se-NPs, as a trace element feed additive, increased the defense of the animal against oxidative stress and infectious diseases and therefore Se-NPs can be used as a potential antibiotic substitute for animal husbandry.

PEGylated dihydromyricetin-loaded nanoliposomes coated with tea saponin inhibit bacterial oxidative respiration and energy metabolism

The biofilms produced by the aggregation of bacterial colonies are among the major obstacles of host immune system monitoring and antimicrobial treatment. Herein, we report PEGylated dihydromyricetin-loaded liposomes coated with tea saponin grafted on chitosan (TS/CTS@DMY-lips) as an efficient cationic antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which is supported by their deep penetration into bacterial biofilms and broad pH-stable release performance of dihydromyricetin (DMY). The successful construction of the drug delivery system relied on tea saponin grafted on chitosan (TS/CTS) via formatted ester bonds or amido bonds as a polyelectrolyte layer of PEGylated dihydromyricetin-loaded liposomes (DMY lips), which achieved controlled release of DMY in weak acidic and neutral physiological environments. The micromorphology of TS/CTS@DMY-lips was observed to resemble dendritic cells with an average size of 266.49 nm, and they had excellent encapsulation efficiency (41.93%), water-solubility and stability in aqueous solution. Besides, TS/CTS@DMY-lips displayed effective destruction of bacterial energy metabolism and cytoplasmic membranes, resulting in the deformation of the cell wall and leaking of cytoplasmic constituents. Compared to free DMY, DMY lips and chitosan-coated dihydromyricetin liposomes (CTS@DMY-lips), TS/CTS@DMY-lips has more thorough killing activity against E. coli and S. aureus, which is related to its excellent sustained release performance of DMY under the protection of the TS/CTS coating.

Sustainable Hydrates for Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Capture from an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle in a Fixed Bed Reactor

An increase in temperature of up to 2 °C occurs when the amount of CO₂ reaches a range of 450 ppm. The permanent use of mineral oil is closely related to CO₂ emissions. Maintaining the sustainability of fossil fuels and eliminating and reducing CO₂ emissions is possible through carbon capture and storage (CCS) processes. One of the best ways to maintain CCS is hydrate-based gas separation. Selected type T1-5 (0.01 mol % sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) + 5.60 mol % tetrahydrofuran (THF), with the help of this silica gel promotion was strongly stimulated. A pressure of 36.5 bar of CO₂ is needed in H₂O to investigate the CO₂ hydrate formation. Therefore, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGME at 0.10 mol %) along with SDS (0.01 mol %) labeled as T1A-2 was used as an alternative to THF at the comparable working parameters in which CO₂ uptake of 5.45 mmol of CO₂/g of H₂O was obtained. Additionally, it was found that with an increase in tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) supplementation of CO₂, the hydrate and operating capacity of the process increased. When the bed height was reduced from 3 cm to 2 cm with 0.1 mol % TBAB and 0.01% SDS (labelled as T3-2) in fixed bed reactor (FBR), the outcomes demonstrated a slight expansion in gas supply to 1.54 mmol of CO₂/g of H₂O at working states of 283 K and 70 bar. The gas selectivity experiment by using the high-pressure volume analysis through hydrate formation was performed in which the highest CO₂ uptake for the employment of silica contacts with water in fuel gas mixture was observed in the non-IGCC conditions. Thus, two types of reactor configurations are being proposed for changing the process from batch to continuous with the employment of macroporous silica contacts with new consolidated promoters to improve the formation of CO₂ hydrate in the IGCC conditions. Later, much work should be possible on this with an assortment of promoters and specific performance parameters. It was reported in previous work that the repeatability of equilibrium moisture content and gas uptake attained for the sample prepared by the highest rates of stirring was the greatest with the CIs of ±0.34 wt % and ±0.19 mmol of CO₂/g of H₂O respectively. This was due to the amount of water occluded inside silica gel pores was not an issue or in other words, vigorous stirring increased the spreadability. The variation of pore size to improve the process can be considered for future work.

Validating TDP1 as an Inhibition Target for the Development of Chemosensitizers for Camptothecin-Based Chemotherapy Drugs

Cancer chemotherapy sensitizers hold the key to maximizing the potential of standard anticancer treatments. We have a long-standing interest in developing and validating inhibitors of the DNA repair enzyme tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) as chemosensitizers for topoisomerase I poisons such as topotecan. Herein, by using thieno[2,3-b]pyridines, a class of TDP1 inhibitors, we showed that the inhibition of TDP1 can restore sensitivity to topotecan, results that are supported by TDP1 knockout cell experiments using CRISPR/Cas9. However, we also found that the restored sensitivity towards topoisomerase I inhibitors is likely regulated by multiple complementary DNA repair pathways. Our results showed that one of these pathways is likely modulated by PARP1, although it is also possible that other redundant and partially overlapping pathways may be involved in the DNA repair process. Our work thus raises the prospect of targeting multiple DNA repair pathways to increase the sensitivity to topoisomerase I inhibitors.

Treatment of lymphomas via regulating the Signal transduction pathways by natural therapeutic approaches: A review

Lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies, which comprises 4.2 % of all new cancer cases and 3.3 % of all cancer deaths in 2019, globally. The dysregulation of immune system, certain bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and immune suppression are associated with a high risk of lymphoma. Although several conventional strategies have improved during the past few decades, but their detrimental impacts remain an obstacle to be resolved. However, natural compounds are considered a good option in the treatment of lymphomas because of their easy accessibility, specific mode of action, high biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. Vegetables, fruits, and beverages are the primary sources of natural active compounds. The present review investigated the activities of different natural medicinal compounds including curcumin, MK615, resveratrol, bromelain, EGCG, and Annonaceous acetogenins to treat lymphomas. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies, classification, risk factors, and diagnosis of lymphoma are also discussed in the present review. The accumulated data proposed that natural compounds regulate the signaling pathways at the level of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle to exhibit anti-lymphoma activities both in-vivo and in-vitro studies and suggested that these active compounds could be a good therapeutic option in the treatment of different types of lymphomas.

Removal of micropollutants from municipal wastewater using different types of activated carbons

The water reservoirs are getting polluted due to increasing amounts of micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, organic polymers and suspended solids. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) has been proved to be a promising solution for the purification of water without having harmful impacts on the environment. Parameters such as PAC dosing, wastewater hardness, the effect of coagulant and flocculant were evaluated in a batch scale study. These parameters were further applied on a pilot plant scale for the performance evaluation of PAC based removal of micropollutants concerning the contact time and PAC dosing with main focus on recirculation of PAC sludge. The obtained optimum dose was 10-20 mg/L providing 84.40-91.30% removal efficiency of suspended solid micropollutants (MPs) and this efficiency increased to 88.90-93.00% along with coagulant which further raised by the addition of polymer and recirculation process at batch scale. On pilot plant scale, the concentration in contact reactor and PAC removal effectiveness of dissolved air flotation, lamella separator and sedimentation tank were compared. Constant optimisation resulted in a concentration ranging from 2.70 to 3.40 g/L at dosing of PAC 10 mg/L, coagulant 2.00 mg/L and polymer 0.50 mg/L. PAC doses of 10-20 mg/L with 15-30 min contact time proved best for above 70-80% elimination. The recirculation system has also proved an efficient technique because the PAC's adsorption capacity was practically completely used. Small PAC dosages yielded high micropollutants elimination.

Inhibition of the GDP-d-Mannose Dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Using Targeted Sugar Nucleotide Probes

Sufferers of cystic fibrosis are at extremely high risk for contracting chronic lung infections. Over their lifetime, one bacterial strain in particular, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, becomes the dominant pathogen. Bacterial strains incur loss-of-function mutations in the mucA gene that lead to a mucoid conversion, resulting in copious secretion of the exopolysaccharide alginate. Strategies that stop the production of alginate in mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are therefore of paramount importance. To aid in this, a series of sugar nucleotide tools to probe an enzyme critical to alginate biosynthesis, guanosine diphosphate mannose dehydrogenase (GMD), have been developed. GMD catalyzes the irreversible formation of the alginate building block, guanosine diphosphate mannuronic acid. Using a chemoenzymatic strategy, we accessed a series of modified sugar nucleotides, identifying a C6-amide derivative of guanosine diphosphate mannose as a micromolar inhibitor of GMD. This discovery provides a framework for wider inhibition strategies against GMD to be developed.

Efficacy of Tacrolimus Versus Clobetasol in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Introduction Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin and mucous membranes which is characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules and patches. Vitiligo is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected skin are selectively destroyed. Around 0.5-2% of the world population is affected by vitiligo and the average age of onset is 20 years. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus versus clobetasol in the treatment of vitiligo. It is an open randomized control trial conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan for six months.  Methods One hundred sixty-two patients of vitiligo were included in the study. The disease was diagnosed on basis of clinical features and the Standard Assessment scale proposed by Hossain which was used to monitor and grade the response. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups by lottery method having 81 patients in each group. Group A was given tacrolimus whereas Group B was given clobetasol. Patients were followed up every four weeks. On the 12^th week of treatment, effectiveness was assessed by measuring the Assessment scale proposed by Hossain. The results of the two groups were then compared. Results Sixty-three patients (38.9%) were males whereas 99 patients (61.1%) were females. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 29.68 + 8.162 years. The mean weight of the patients was 62.25 + 9.529 Kg. Out of 162, treatment was effective in 89 patients (54.9%) whereas in 73 patients (45.1%) the treatment was ineffective. In Group A (tacrolimus), 42 patients (51.9%) had effective treatment (on the complete resolution of symptoms) whereas 39 patients (48.1 %) had ineffective treatment. In Group B (clobetasol), 47 patients (58%) had effective treatment, and the rest (34, 42%) had ineffective treatment. A Chi-Square test was applied to compare the efficacy of the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in both the groups in terms of efficacy. Group B was numerically superior in terms of effective treatment (47 versus 42) but not superior statistically. Conclusion Comparison of tacrolimus and clobetasol in patients of vitiligo showed no significant difference in the efficacy of the two groups. It can be concluded that tacrolimus may be considered superior to corticosteroids as its local and systemic adverse effects are less.

New insights on possible vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2

In December 2019, a novel virus, namely COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, developed from Wuhan, (Hubei territory of China) used its viral spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) for the entrance into a host cell by binding with ACE-2 receptor and cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Data revealed that the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 affected more than 24,854,140 people with 838,924 deaths worldwide. Until now, no licensed immunization or drugs are present for the medication of SARS-CoV-2. The present review aims to investigate the latest developments and discuss the candidate antibodies in different vaccine categories to develop a reliable and efficient vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in a short time duration. Besides, the review focus on the present challenges and future directions, structure, and mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 for a better understanding. Based on data, we revealed that most of the vaccines are focus on targeting the spike protein (S) of COVID-19 to neutralized viral infection and develop long-lasting immunity. Up to phase-1 clinical trials, some vaccines showed the specific antigen-receptor T-cell response, elicit the humoral and immune response, displayed tight binding with human-leukocytes-antigen (HLA), and recognized specific antibodies to provoke long-lasting immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

Metal-Dependent Cytotoxic and Kinesin Spindle Protein Inhibitory Activity of Ru, Os, Rh, and Ir Half-Sandwich Complexes of Ispinesib-Derived Ligands

Ispinesib is a potent inhibitor of kinesin spindle protein (KSP), which has been identified as a promising target for antimitotic anticancer drugs. Herein, we report the synthesis of half-sandwich complexes of Ru, Os, Rh, and Ir bearing the ispinesib-derived N,N-bidentate ligands (R)- and (S)-2-(1-amino-2-methylpropyl)-3-benzyl-7-chloroquinazolin-4(3H)-one and studies on their chemical and biological properties. Using the enantiomerically pure (R)- and (S)-forms of the ligand, depending on the organometallic moiety, either the S_M,R or R_M,S diastereomers, respectively, were observed in the molecular structures of the Ru- and Os(cym) (cym = η⁶-p-cymene) compounds, whereas the R_M,R or S_M,S diastereomers were found for the Rh- and Ir(Cp*) (Cp* = η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) derivatives. However, density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the energy difference between the diastereomers is very small, and therefore a mixture of both will be present in solution. The organometallics exhibited varying antiproliferative activity in a series of human cancer cell lines, with the complexes featuring the (R)-enantiomer of the ligand being more potent than the (S)-configured counterparts. Notably, the Rh and Ir complexes demonstrated high KSP inhibitory activity, even at 1 nM concentration, which was independent of the chirality of the ligand, whereas the Ru and especially the Os derivatives were much less active.

SFPQ and Tau: critical factors contributing to rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease

Dysfunctional RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, this paradigm of RBPs has been extended to pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we identified disease subtype specific variations in the RNA-binding proteome (RBPome) of sporadic AD (spAD), rapidly progressive AD (rpAD), and sporadic Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (sCJD), as well as control cases using RNA pull-down assay in combination with proteomics. We show that one of these identified proteins, splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ), is downregulated in the post-mortem brains of rapidly progressive AD patients, sCJD patients and 3xTg mice brain at terminal stage of the disease. In contrast, the expression of SFPQ was elevated at early stage of the disease in the 3xTg mice, and in vitro after oxidative stress stimuli. Strikingly, in rpAD patients’ brains SFPQ showed a significant dislocation from the nucleus and cytoplasmic colocalization with TIA-1. Furthermore, in rpAD brain lesions, SFPQ and p-tau showed extranuclear colocalization. Of note, association between SFPQ and tau-oligomers in rpAD brains suggests a possible role of SFPQ in oligomerization and subsequent misfolding of tau protein. In line with the findings from the human brain, our in vitro study showed that SFPQ is recruited into TIA-1-positive stress granules (SGs) after oxidative stress induction, and colocalizes with tau/p-tau in these granules, providing a possible mechanism of SFPQ dislocation through pathological SGs. Furthermore, the expression of human tau in vitro induced significant downregulation of SFPQ, suggesting a causal role of tau in the downregulation of SFPQ. The findings from the current study indicate that the dysregulation and dislocation of SFPQ, the subsequent DNA-related anomalies and aberrant dynamics of SGs in association with pathological tau represents a critical pathway which contributes to rapid progression of AD.

Quantifying Serum Derived Differential Expressed and Low Molecular Weight Protein in Breast Cancer Patients

Background:

Searching the biomarker from complex heterogeneous material for early detection of disease is a challenging task in the field of biomedical sciences.

Objective:

The study has been arranged to explore the proteomics serum derived profiling of the differential expressed and low molecular weight protein in breast cancer patient.

Methods:

Quantitative proteome was analyzed using the Nano LC/Mass and Bioinformatics tool.

Results:

This quantification yields 239 total protein constituting 29% of differentially expressed protein, with 82% downregulated differential protein and 18% up-regulated differential protein. While 12% of total protein were found to be cancer inducing proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) described that the altered proteins with 0-60 kDa mass in nucleus, cytosol, ER, and mitochondria were abundant that chiefly controlled the RNA, DNA, ATP, Ca ion and receptor bindings.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrate that the organelle specific, low molecular weighted proteins are significantly important biomarker. That act as strong agents in the prognosis and diagnosis of breast cancer at early stage.

Physiological and anti-oxidative response of biologically and chemically synthesized iron oxide: Zea mays a case study

The synthesis methodology, particle size and shape, dose optimization, and toxicity studies of nano-fertilizers are vital prior to their field application. This study investigates the comparative response of chemically synthesized and biologically synthesized iron oxide nanorods (NRs) using moringa olefera along with bulk FeCl3 on summer maize (Zea mays). It is found that FeCl3 salt and chemically synthesized iron oxides NRs caused growth retardation and impaired plant physiological and anti-oxidative activities at a concentration higher than 25 mg/L due to toxicity by over accumulation. While iron released form biologically synthesized NRs have shown significantly positive results even at 50 mg/L due to their low toxicity, an improved leaf area (13%), number of leaves per plant (26%), total chlorophyll content (80%) and nitrate content (6%) with biologically synthesized NRs are obtained. Moreover, the plant anti-oxidative activity also increased on treatment with biologically synthesized NRs because of their ability to form a complex with metal ions. These findings suggest that biologically synthesized iron oxides NRs are an efficient iron source and can last for a long time. Thus, proving that nanofertilizer are required to have specific surface chemistry to release the nutrient in an appropriate concentration for better plant growth.