PDMS nanoparticles-decorated PDMS substrate promotes adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of skin cells

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is known to be a common substrate for various cell culture-based applications. However, native PDMS is not very conducive for cell culture and hence, surface modification via cell adhesion moieties is generally needed to make it suitable especially for long-term cell culture. To address this issue, we propose to coat PDMS nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of PDMS film to improve adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of skin cells. The proposed modification strategy introduces necessary nanotopography without altering the surface chemical properties of PDMS. Due to resemblance in the mechanical properties of PDMS with skin, PDMS NPs can recreate the native extracellular nanoenvironment of skin on the PDMS surface and provide anchoring sites for skin cells to adhere and grow. Human keratinocytes, representing 95% of the epidermal skin cells maintained their characteristic well-spread morphology with the formation of interconnected cell-sheets on this coated PDMS surface. Moreover, our in vitro immunofluorescence studies confirmed expression of distinctive epidermal protein markers on the coated surface indicating close resemblance with the native skin epidermis. Conclusively, our findings suggest that introducing nanotopography via PDMS NPs can be an effective strategy for emulating the native cellular functions of keratinocytes on PDMS based cell culture devices.

Chiral nanomaterial-based approaches for diagnosis and treatment of protein-aggregated neurodiseases: current status and future opportunities

Protein misfolding and its aggregation, known as amyloid aggregates (Aβ), are some of the major causes of more than 20 diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes. The process of Aβ formation involves an energy-driven oligomerization of Aβ monomers, leading to polymerization and eventual aggregation into fibrils. Aβ fibrils exhibit multilevel chirality arising from its amino acid residues and the arrangement of folded polypeptide chains; thus, a chirality-driven approach can be utilized for the detection and inhibition of Aβ fibrils. In this regard, chiral nanomaterials have recently opened new possibilities for various biomedical applications owing to their stereoselective interaction with biological systems. Leveraging this chirality-driven approach with chiral nanomaterials against protein-aggregated diseases could yield promising results, particularly in the early detection of Aβ forms and the inhibition of Aβ aggregate formation via specific and strong "chiral-chiral interaction." Despite the advantages, the development of advanced theranostic systems using chiral nanomaterials against protein-aggregated diseases has received limited attention so far because of considerably limited formulations for chiral nanomaterials and lack of information of their chiroptical behavior. This review aims to present the current status of chiral nanomaterials explored for detecting and inhibiting Aβ forms. This review covers the origin of chirality in amyloid fibrils and nanomaterials and different chiral detection methods; furthermore, different chiral nanosystems such as chiral plasmonic nanomaterials, chiral carbon-based nanomaterials, and chiral nanosurfaces, which have been used so far for different therapeutic applications against protein-aggregated diseases, are discussed in detail. The findings from this review may pave the way for the development of novel approaches using chiral nanomaterials to combat diseases resulting from protein misfolding and can further be extended to other disease forms.

Tetragonal-zircon BiVO4: a better polymorph for the formation of coherent type-II heterostructures for water splitting applications

The monoclinic-scheelite (m-s) polymorph of BiVO4 has the highest photocatalytic activity, whereas tetragonal-zircon (t-z) has the lowest photocatalytic activity, which may be due to a higher band gap. However, t-z has the highest crystal symmetry, which makes it a more suitable candidate to form coherent type-II interfaces for the efficient separation of electron-hole pairs. Furthermore, the method of preparation (e.g. low temperature and moderate pH) of t-z is more facile compared to the m-s polymorph. Hence, in this report, we construct coherent isomaterial and heteromaterial type-II heterostructures by facet engineering of low index surfaces of t-z polymorph with different semiconductor materials (e.g. ZnO, TiO2, CdSe, and ZnS) by screening the band gap, band edge positions, and lattice misfit strain. On the basis of the calculated band-edge positions, the polymorphs of BiVO4 can form 212 combinations of the type-II interface, which reduces to 17 coherent interfaces with lattice misfit strain between 1.55% to 28.5% when translational symmetry, atomic positions, lattice mismatch, and bond complementarity have been imposed. Furthermore, the current study suggests that t-z polymorphs can form more coherent interfaces (4 out of 168), which may be due to its highest symmetry structure in comparison to previously formed 67 isomaterial and heteromaterial type-II heterostructure combinations of BiVO4 (1 out of 67), which suggests that t-z can be a suitable candidate for the formation of type-II coherent interfaces for PEC/PC applications.

Genomic characterization of thymic epithelial tumors in a real-world dataset

BACKGROUND

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare neoplasms arising in the mediastinum, including thymic carcinomas and thymomas. Due to their rarity, little is known about the genomic profiles of TETs. Herein, we investigated the genomic characteristics of TETs evaluated in a large comprehensive genomic profiling database in a real-world setting.

METHODS

We included data from two different cohorts: Foundation Medicine Inc. (FMI) in the United States and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) in Japan. Samples profiled were examined for all classes of alterations in 253 genes targeted across all assays. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 794 patients were collected in our study, including 722 cases from FMI and 72 cases from C-CAT. In the FMI data, CDKN2A (39.9%), TP53 (30.2%) and CDKN2B (24.6%) were frequently altered in thymic carcinoma, versus TP53 (7.8%), DNMT3A (6.8%), and CDKN2A (5.8%) in thymoma. TMB-high (≥10 mutations/Mb) and MSI were present in 7.0% and 2.3% of thymic carcinomas, and 1.6% and 0.3% of thymomas, respectively. Within C-CAT data, CDKN2A (38.5%), TP53 (36.5%) and CDKN2B (30.8%) were also frequently altered in thymic carcinoma, while alterations of TSC1, SETD2 and LTK (20.0% each) were found in thymoma.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest cohort in which genomic alterations, TMB and MSI status of TETs were investigated. Potential targets for treatment previously unbeknownst in TETs are identified in this study, entailing newfound opportunities to advance therapeutic development.

Newer TB diagnostics: An update

In recent years, nucleic-acid amplification tests (NAATs), which are highly specific and sensitive, have helped to transform the TB diagnostic landscape. According to the WHO 2021 Guidelines on Diagnostics, the NAATs used in TB diagnosis at the point of care (POC) include Xpert MTB/RIF a cartridge-based test manufactured by Cepheid, and Truenat a chip-based test manufactured by Molbio. Other POC tests that are expected to be implemented in near future include Xpert Omni and Xpert MTB/XDR. The use of line probe assay is involved at the level of reference labs for the detection of MTB and its resistance to first-line (Isoniazid and Rifampicin) and second-line (fluoroquinolones and second-line injectables) drugs. When the currently available NAATs detect mutations for drug resistance at a particular region of MTB sequence, the Whole genome sequencing (WGS) platform demonstrates the exceptional potential for reliable and comprehensive resistance prediction for MTB isolates, by multiple gene regions or whole genome sequence analysis allowing for accurate clinical decisions.

Development of biohybrid Ag2CrO4/rGO based nanocomposites with stable flotation properties as enhanced Photocatalyst for sewage treatment and antibiotic-conjugated for antibacterial evaluation

The proposed research outlines a facile method to synthesize Silver Chromate/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (Ag₂CrO₄/rGO NCs) with a narrow dissemination size for the ecological treatment of hazardous organic dyes. The photodegradation performance toward the decontamination of model artificial methylene blue dye was assessed under solar light irradiation. The crystallinity, particle size, recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, energy gap and surface morphologies of synthesized nanocomposites were determined. The experiment objective is to use rGO nanocomposites to increase Ag₂CrO₄ photocatalytic efficiency in the solar spectrum. Tauc plots of ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrum were used to calculate the optical bandgap energy of the produced nanocomposites ~1.52 eV, which resulted in a good photodegradation percentage of ~92 % after 60 min irradiation of Solar light. At the same time, pure Ag₂CrO₄ and rGO nanomaterials showed ~46 % and ~ 30 %, respectively. The ideal circumstances were discovered by investigating the effects of several parameters, including catalyst loading and different pH levels, on the degradation of dyes. However, the final composites maintain their ability to degrade for up to five cycles. According to the investigations, Ag₂CrO₄/rGO NCs are an effective photocatalyst and can be used as the ideal material to prevent water pollution. Furthermore, antibacterial efficacy for the hydrothermally synthesized nanocomposite was tested against gram-positive (+ve) bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative (-ve) bacteria viz. Escherichia coli. The maximum zone of inhibition for S. aureus and E. coli were 18.5 and 17 mm, respectively.

Modified Exigent Features Block in JAN Net for Analysing SPECT Scan Images to Diagnose Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND

The quantitative measure of dopamine transporter (DaT) in the human midbrain is generally used as a biomarker for analyzing Parkinson's disease (PD).

INTRODUCTION

DaT scan images or Single- photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images are utilized to capture the dopamine content more accurately.

METHODS

Only sixteen slices out of ninety-one of SPECT images were chosen on the basis of the high amount of dopamine content and were named Volume rendering image slices (VRIS). This paper proposes a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) called JAN Net which particularly treats the VRIS for identifying PD. The JAN Net preserves the edges and spatial features of the striatum by using a modified exigent feature (M-ExFeat) block, that contains convolutional and additive layer. The different-sized convolutional layer extracts both low- and high-level features of Striatum. The additive layer adds up all the features of different filter sized convolutional layers like 1x1, 3x3, and 5x5. The added output features are used to improve the learnability of neurons in the hidden layer. The network performance is tested for stride 1 and stride 2.

RESULTS

The results are validated using the dataset taken from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. The JAN Net ensures improved performance in terms of accuracy. The training and validation accuracy for stride 2 is 100% with minimum losses. The outcome has been compared with different deep learning architectures and the machine learning techniques like Extreme Learning Machines (ELM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to highlight the efficacy of the proposed architecture.

CONCLUSION

Hence, the present work could be of great aid to the experts in neurology to protect the neurons from impairment.

Effect of Mulligan’s Mobilization Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJDF) is about 15% to 30% identified in a patient with low back aches. This Study aimed to determine the effect of mulligan mobilization versus muscle energy technique on sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The study was a randomized controlled trial that involved 66 participants with SIJDF, after a thorough evaluation the participants were divided into three groups. In experimental group I (Mulligan's mobilization group (MMG)), participants underwent Mulligan mobilization for 20 minutes. The experimental group II (Muscle energy group (MEG)) participants underwent the muscle energy technique for 20 minutes, and the third group underwent moist heat therapy (moist heat group (MHG)) for 20 minutes. For all three groups, 10 minutes of exercise were taught to the patients. All the participants of the groups were included based on pre-determined selection criteria, and all were willing to participate in the Study. The outcome measures of Pain, functional disability, and kinesiophobia were measured by the Numerical pain scale, Oswestry disability index, and Tampa scale respectively. The result was computed using One-way ANOVA, showing significant differences between the three groups. When significant differences were obtained on ANOVA, further analysis was done using a post hoc test. The values for the outcomes are Pain was compared with MMG vs. MEG is 8.045 and the MMG vs. MHG is 4.022 and MMG vs. MEG is 12.07, on Oswestry disability index MEG vs. MHG 9.85, MMG vs. MHG is 2.23 and MMG vs. MEG is 12.08. For kinesiophobia, MMG vs. MEG is 20.25, MMG vs. MHG is 15.35, and MMG vs. MEG is 35.60. This Study concludes that Mulligan's mobilization is more effective in reducing pain, improving function, and kinesiophobia in SI joint dysfunction than the other two groups. 

Quaternary Ru(II) complexes of terpyridines, saccharin and 1,2-azoles: effect of substituents on molecular structure, speciation, photoactivity, and photocytotoxicity

Six photoactive ruthenium quaternary complexes (a four-component system consisting of three different N-donor ligands and Ru(II)): trans-[Ru(R-tpy)(pyz/ind)(sac)₂] (1-6) containing substituted terpyridine (R-tpy), saccharin (sac), and monodentate N-donor heterocycles were designed. Here, R-tpy = 4'-(2-furyl (1, 2); thienyl (3, 4); pyridyl (5, 6))-2,2':6',2'' terpyridines, pyz = 1H-pyrazole for 1, 3 and 5 and ind = 1H-indazole for 2, 4 and 6. The azoles are present in a large number of FDA-approved clinical drugs and bioactive molecules. The saccharin acting as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CA-IX) could potentially target aggressive hypoxic tumors that overexpress CA-IX. Such multi-functional ligands bound to a Ru(II)-photocage provide ample scope to tune the electronic structures, photochemistry, and synergistic effect of the photolabile ligands in photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT). The complexes were characterized using various spectroscopic studies, and the molecular structures were determined from X-ray crystallography. They exhibit a distorted octahedral {RuN₆} geometry with equatorial sites coordinated to the tridentate N₃-donor R-tpy and N-donor pyz/ind, while two transoidal axial sites bound to the N-donor saccharinate (sac) ligands. The solvolysis kinetics showed these complexes undergo facile ligand-exchange reactions in equilibrium with varying rates reflecting the possible electronic effect of the R-groups in R-tpy. The photoreactivity of the complexes in green (λ_ex = 530 nm) LED light indicates that the complexes undergo photodissociation of the monodentate N-donors (i.e., sac/pyz/ind) and showed an efficient generation of singlet oxygen (Φ_1O2 = 0.29-0.47), signifying the potential of these complexes in PACT and/or PDT. All the complexes show good binding affinity with CT-DNA with possible intercalation from extended planar polypyridyl ligands with duplex DNA and BSA. The synchronous fluorescence study with BSA suggested preferential interaction at the tryptophan residue in the protein microenvironment. The confocal microscopy studies showed adequate permeability and localization in the cytosol and nucleus of cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast cancer (MCF7) cells. The dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the complexes for both HeLa and MCF7 cells increases upon low-energy (365 nm) photoirradiation. The mechanistic studies revealed that the complexes induce apoptosis and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon green light (λ_ex = 530 nm) irradiation. Overall, these quaternary Ru(II) complexes equipped with three different types of ligands with distinct roles could pave the way for designing multi-targeted chemotherapeutic metallodrugs with synergistic roles for each bioactive ligand.

Effectiveness of various radiofrequency ablation catheters in the treatment of typical atrial flutter

Introduction

Although ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL) can be easily achieved with radiofrequency energy (RF), there are no studies that compare effectiveness of different ablation catheters. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various types of ablation catheters in the treatment of AFL.

Methods

We analysed patients with AFL who underwent RF ablation by a single operator at our institution. Successful ablation was evidenced by presence of bidirectional conduction block (trans-isthmus conduction time ≥130 ms, or doubling of baseline conduction time, or presence of double potentials ≥90ms). Logistic regression was used to compare success rate and linear regression to compare lesion time.

Results

Out of the 222 patients, only 6 patients did not meet success criteria (2.7%). Catheters used were 8 mm tip in 16 patients, internally irrigated (Chili II Boston Scientific) in 47 patients, externally irrigated (non-force sensing) catheters (CoolPath, Abbott) in 40 patients. Externally irrigated force sensing catheter (Tacticath, Abbott) was used with >10 gm of force and (LPLD) setting (30W-45°C-60 sec) in 50 patients, and high-power short duration (HPSD) setting (50W-43°C −12 sec,) in 70 patients. No complications were encountered. Catheter type had no statistically significant association with ablation success. In terms of lesion time, HPSD catheter statistically significantly shortened lesion time by 758.3s, [CI −1128.29, −388.35s] followed by LPLD by 419.0s [CI −808.49, −29.47s]. Table 1 shows the lesion time difference for the catheters used as compared with 8 mm tip.

Conclusions

Typical atrial flutter radiofrequency ablation procedure had a high success rate, not influenced by type of ablation catheter. Contact force ablation catheter on HPSD is associated with shorter total lesion time.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

A simple, robust and scalable route to prepare sub-50 nm soft PDMS nanoparticles for intracellular delivery of anticancer drugs

Soft nanoparticles (NPs) have recently emerged as a promising material for intracellular drug delivery. In this regard, NPs derived from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an FDA approved polymer can be a suitable alternative to conventional soft NPs due to their intrinsic organelle targeting ability. However, the available synthesis methods of PDMS NPs are complicated or require inorganic fillers, forming composite NPs and compromising their native softness. Herein, for the first time, we present a simple, robust and scalable strategy for preparation of virgin sub-50 nm PDMS NPs at room temperature. The NPs are soft in nature, hydrophobic and about 30 nm in size. They are stable in physiological medium for two months and biocompatible. The NPs have been successful in delivering anticancer drug doxorubicin to mitochondria and nucleus of cervical and breast cancer cells with more than four-fold decrease in IC50 value of doxorubicin as compared to its free form. Furthermore, evaluation of cytotoxicity in reactive oxygen species detection, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis-associated gene expression and tumor spheroid growth inhibition demonstrate the PDMS NPs to be an excellent candidate for delivery of anticancer drugs in mitochondria and nucleus of cancer cells.

An optimization of supplements and physical factors for growth of hemocytes culture from Penaeus vannamei (White shrimp) in selective medium

BACKGROUND

Standardization of cell culture medium plays a vital role in the development of primary or continuous cell line. Apart from the basal media, supplements in the medium and various physical factors promote the cell growth. With this context, the study was carried out to optimize the culture medium using various supplements and physical factors for the growth of hemocytes culture from Penaeus vannamei.

METHODS

Various concentrations of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS; 1-25%), Shrimp Muscle Extract (SME; 1-25%) and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF; 0.5-5 ng mL ^-1) were attempted to optimize the cell culture media for the development of primary hemocytes culture of P. vannamei. Various pH, temperature and osmolality was also screened to optimize the medium.

RESULTS

15% FBS was ideal for the healthy morphology of cells with rapid replication. SME supplementation at 5-20% supported the cell growth for 24 h but only 30% of cell viability was observed after 48 h. bFGF (0.5-5 ng mL^-1) enhanced cell growth in the medium with 15% FBS; The ideal pH level was examined by preparing the HBSCM-5 medium at pH between 6.8-8.0. Osmolality of 730 ± 20, pH of 7.2 and temperature of 28 °C resulted in the healthy cells with good morphology. NSW supplement supported the cell growth at low concentrations of salt; however, more than 2% salt concentrations cells did not form fibroblast-like morphology and instead a crystal-like morphology was observed.

CONCLUSION

The hemocytes culture were optimized for use as an in vitro cell culture system by testing cell growth on HBSCM-5 medium with various supplements, growth factors and physical parameters.

Synthesis and Workability Behavior of Cu-X wt.% TiC (x = 0, 4, 8, and 12) Powder Metallurgy Composites

In this work, copper (Cu) matrix composite reinforced with titanium carbide (TiC) was fabricated by powder metallurgy (PM) method with the varying TiC content from 0% to 12% by weight in the step of 4%. The required weight percentage of powders was milled in an indigenously developed ball milling setup. Green compacts were made using a computer-controlled hydraulic press (400 kN) and sintered in a muffle furnace at a temperature of 950°C. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the distribution of TiC particles in Cu matrix in as-sintered conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis resulted in the existence of respective phases in the produced composites. The structural characteristics such as stress, strain, dislocation density, and grain size of the milled composites were evaluated. Cold upsetting was conducted for the sintered composites at room temperature to evaluate the axial (σ z ), hoop (σ ө ), hydrostatic (σ m ), and effective (σ eff ) true stresses. These stresses were analyzed against true axial strain (ε z ). Results showed that the increase in the inclusion of weight percentage of TiC into the Cu matrix increases density, hardness, (σ z ), (σ ө ), (σ m ), (σ eff ), and stress ratio parameters such as (σ z /σ eff ), (σ θ /σ eff ), (σ m /σ eff ), and (σ z /σ θ ) of the composites.

Recent Approaches of Drugs and Vaccines Used in COVID 19: A Review

A novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus developed in December 2019, triggering a life-threatening pneumonia outbreak in China, and has since expanded worldwide, producing a pandemic. Because of the urgent need to control the disease and the dearth of specific and effective treatment options, FDA-approved medicines that have proven efficacy against comparable viruses are being used. In vitro, chloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir or ribavirin are effective at inhibiting SARS-CoV-2. The preliminary findings of a variety of clinical trials utilising various chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine delivery procedures all indicate a positive outcome. They may not be effective in cases of consistently high viremia, and data on ivermectin (another antiparasitic medication) is currently unavailable. Intriguingly, azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, in conjunction with hydroxychloroquine may provide therapeutic benefits. Favipiravir, tocilizumab, and azithromycin types are among the other treatment options being investigated.

An emissive dual-sensitized bimetallic Eu2III-bioprobe: design strategy, biological interactions, and nucleolus staining studies

A dual sensitized Eu2III–bioprobe (1) offers incredible opportunities for fine-tuning and exploring a strongly luminescent probe as a nucleolus staining agent.

Luminescent lanthanide(III) complexes of DTPA-bis(amido-phenyl-terpyridine) for bioimaging and phototherapeutic applications

We report here a series of coordinatively-saturated and thermodynamically stable luminescent [Ln(dtntp)(H₂O)] [Ln(III) = Eu (1), Tb (2), Gd (3), Sm (4) and Dy (5)] complexes using an aminophenyl-terpyridine appended-DTPA (dtntp) chelating ligand as cell imaging and photocytotoxic agents. The N,N″-bisamide derivative of H₅DTPA named as dtntp is based on 4'-(4-aminophenyl)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine conjugated to diethylenetriamine-N,N',N″-pentaacetic acid. The structure, physicochemical properties, detailed photophysical aspects, interaction with DNA and serum proteins, and photocytotoxicity were studied. The intrinsic luminescence of Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes due to f → f transitions used to evaluate their cellular uptake and distribution in cancer cells. The solid-state structure of [Eu(dtntp)(DMF)] (1·DMF) shows a discrete mononuclear molecule with nine-coordinated {EuN₃O₆} distorted tricapped-trigonal prism (TTP) coordination geometry around the Eu(III). The {EuN₃O₆} core results from three nitrogen atoms and three carboxylate oxygen atoms, and two carbonyl oxygen atoms of the amide groups of dtntp ligand. The ninth coordination site is occupied by an oxygen atom of DMF as a solvent from crystallization. The designed probes have two aromatic pendant phenyl-terpyridine (Ph-tpy) moieties as photo-sensitizing antennae to impart the desirable optical properties for cellular imaging and photocytotoxicity. The photostability, coordinative saturation, and energetically rightly poised triplet states of dtntp ligand allow the efficient energy transfer (ET) from Ph-tpy to the emissive excited states of the Eu(III)/Tb(III), makes them luminescent cellular imaging probes. The Ln(III) complexes show significant binding tendency to DNA (K ~ 10⁴ M^-1), and serum proteins (BSA and HSA) (K ~ 10⁵ M^-1). The luminescent Eu(III) (1) and Tb(III) (2) complexes were utilized for cellular internalization and cytotoxicity studies due to their optimal photophysical properties. The cellular uptake studies using fluorescence imaging displayed intracellular (cytosolic and nuclear) localization in cancer cells. The complexes 1 and 2 displayed significant photocytotoxicity in HeLa cells. These results offer a modular design strategy with further scope to utilize appended N,N,N-donor tpy moiety for developing light-responsive luminescent Ln(III) bioprobes for theranostic applications.

Prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in college students

Introduction and Aim: Sacroiliac (SI) joint is considered as one of the pain generators in students. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is one of the common sources of low back pain, and many times the SI joint dysfunction mis-lead as the lumbar problem. Students who sit for longer duration cause stress in the sacroiliac joint. So, this study intended to investigate the prevalence and the contributing risk factors amongst students’ population with work-related musculoskeletal problems and also to identify the percentage of SI joint involvement in them.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 590 students from a private paramedical college, involving full time college students, with age group of 17-27 years, no recent falls or those not on current medications related to any musculoskeletal problems, and students without any congenital problems. Evaluation was done using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire along with a self-developed demographic questionnaire. The involved students were assessed using questionnaire and sacroiliac joint tests to identify the SI Joint dysfunction. Provocation tests included i) Sacroiliac joint distraction test, ii) SI Compression test iii) Thigh thrust test iv) Faber’s test and v) Gaenslen’s Test. Inference considered was presence of pain in more than 3 test indicates Sacroiliac joint involvement. On completion of assessment, a thank you card was given to all the volunteer students participated in the study. The collected data was filled and analyzed.Results: The study results showed that students with lower back pain also had complaints of neck pain. It was also noted that about 30% of the individuals were positive to the sacroiliac joint tests, among them 93 participants complained of low back pain.Conclusion: This study concluded that 61% of individuals were suffering with musculoskeletal disorders in the selected population. Around 30% of the low back pain participants complained of sacroiliac joint dysfunctions.

In vitro propagation of infectious myonecrosis virus in C6/36 mosquito cell line

Infectious myonecrosis (IMN) is an important shrimp viral disease caused by infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV). Based on previous reports, an attempt was made to propagate IMNV in apparently healthy C6/36 subclone of Aedes albopictus cell line. The confirmatory assays such as RT-PCR, real-time PCR and bioassay revealed that C6/36 cells were found to be susceptible to IMNV and these cells could be used easily for isolation and propagation of IMNV. The results of real-time PCR assay showed that a lower C_T value of 22.25 in IMNV-infected cells was obtained on 10 day post-infection (d p.i.), whereas the higher C_T value of 35.21 was obtained in IMNV-infected cells on 2 d p.i. There is no significant difference between C_T values of IMNV production in vitro using C6/36 cell line and in vivo using shrimp. The IMNV propagated in C6/36 cells is capable of infecting shrimp and caused 100% mortality in shrimp. Clinical signs observed in shrimp injected with IMNV propagated in C6/36 cell line were found to be similar to naturally infected shrimp.

Anaesthetic Efficacy of Nalbuphine as an Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade: ARandomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Ultrasonography (USG) guided supraclavicular block is an excellent choice for upper limb surgeries. It not only allows smaller volumes of local anaesthetic usage but also provides optimal tourniquet coverage. Ropivacaine is structurally related to bupivacaine with reduced potential for toxicity and improved sensory and motor blocking profiles. Nalbuphine acquired a significant place in pain control but its efficacy as a local anaesthetic adjuvant is yet to be proved in peripheral nerve blockades. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of adding nalbuphine to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade and to assess the quality of block for patients undergoing ambulatory forearm and hand surgeries. Materials and Methods: Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 and 2 patients were randomised into two groups of 35 each. Group A (n=35): received 24 mL of 0.5% of ropivacaine + 1 mL of nalbuphine (10 mg) and Group B (n=35): received 24 mL of 0.5% of ropivacaine + 1 mL of normal saline. The parameters observed were duration of analgesia, onset of sensory and motor blockade, duration of motor blockade and haemodynamic changes during the procedure. Categorical variables were analysed using the Pearson’s Chi‑square test. Continuous variables were analysed using the independent sample t‑test and p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The onset of sensory and motor blockades were faster in the nalbuphine group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The duration of sensory and motor blockades was similarly longer in nalbuphine group (p<0.001). Also, the mean duration of analgesia was significantly longer with nalbuphine group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Nalbuphine significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia and duration of block while accelerating the onset of blockade thereby improving the overall quality of blockade.

Kinetically labile ruthenium(II) complexes of terpyridines and saccharin: effect of substituents on photoactivity, solvation kinetics, and photocytotoxicity

Herein, we designed six kinetically labile ruthenium(ii) complexes containing saccharin (sac) and 4'-substituted-2,2':6',2''-terpyridines (R-tpy), viz. trans-[Ru(sac)2(H2O)3(dmso-S)] (1) and [RuII(R-tpy)(sac)2(X)] [X = solvent molecule] (2-6). We intentionally kept the labile hydrolysable Ru-X bonds that were potentially activated via solvent-exchange reactions. This strategy generates a coordinative vacancy that allows further binding with potential biological targets. To gain insight into the electronic effects of ancillary ligands on Ru-X ligand-exchange kinetics or photoreactions, we have used a series of substituted terpyridines (R-tpy) and studied their solvation kinetics. The ternary complexes were also studied for their potential utility in Ru-assisted photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) synergized with release of saccharin as a highly selective carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX) inhibitor, over-expressed in hypoxic tumors. The ternary complexes exhibit distorted octahedral geometry around Ru(ii) from two monodentate transoidal saccharin in the axial position, and tridentate terpyridines and labile solvent molecules at the basal plane (2-6). We studied their speciation, solvation kinetics, and photoreactivity in the presence of green LED light (λirr = 530 nm). All the complexes are relatively labile and undergo solvation in coordinating solvents (e.g. DMSO/DMF). The complexes undergo the ligand-substitution reaction, and their speciation and kinetics were studied by UV-Vis, ESI-MS, 1H-NMR, and structural analysis. We also attempted to assess the effect of various substituents on the ancillary terpyridine ligand (R-tpy) in photo-reactivity and ligand-exchange reactions. The photo-induced absorption and emission measurements suggested dissociation of the saccharin from the Ru-center supporting PACT pathways. The complexes display a significant binding affinity with CT-DNA (Kb ∼ 104-105 M-1) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) (KBSA ∼ 105 M-1). Cytotoxicity was studied in the dark and the presence of low energy UV-A light (365 nm) in cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and breast cancer cells (MCF7). Photoirradiation of the complexes induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) assessed using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) and intracellular DCFDA assays. The complexes are sufficiently internalized in cancer cells throughout the cytoplasm and nucleus and induce apoptosis as studied by staining with dual dyes using confocal microscopy.

Comparison of Levobupivacaine and Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block in Patients Undergoing Upper Limb Surgeries-A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Brachial plexus blockade at the supraclavicular level delivers an excellent regional anaesthetic technique with unmatched effectiveness for upper limb surgeries. Levobupivacaine, a safer alternative to the commonly used bupivacaine for regional anaesthesia and addition of α2-agonists like dexmedetomidine further improves the quality of regional anaesthesia. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of levobupivacaine in combination with dexmedetomidine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled study enrolled 50 American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade I and II patients aged between 18-60 years posted for elective upper limb surgeries. Randomisation was done and the patients were divided into two groups with 25 each, to receive either 39 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 100 μgs (1 mL) of dexmedetomidine in group LD (Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine) and 39 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 1 mL of normal saline in group LS (Levobupivacaine with Saline). The onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade along with duration of analgesia were observed. All Quantitative data were compared and analysed using student’s unpaired t test while qualitative data were analysed using Chi-square test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The onset of sensory and motor blockade in group LD was significantly faster when compared to group LS (p<0.001). group LD had a longer mean duration of sensory and motor blockade along with duration of analgesia when compared to group LS (p<0.001). There was a better hemodynamic stability in group LD when compared to group LS. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine added to levobupivacaine provides significantly shorter onset times, greatly prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade along with duration of analgesia without any systemic side effects.

Luminescent naphthalimide-tagged ruthenium(ii)–arene complexes: cellular imaging, photocytotoxicity and transferrin binding

Two luminescent ruthenium(ii)–arene complexes containing a naphthalimide tagged morpholine moiety were studied for their biomaging, transferrin-binding and phototherapeutic activity.

Design of iso-material heterostructures of TiO2via seed mediated growth and arrested phase transitions

Stabilization of different morphologies of iso-material native/non-native heterostructures is important for electron-hole separation in the context of photo-electrochemical and opto-electronic devices. In this regard, we explore the stabilities of different morphologies of rutile ("native", ground state phase) and anatase ("non-native" phase) TiO₂ heterostructures through (1) seed-mediated growth and (2) a thermally induced arrested phase transition synthesis protocol. Furthermore, the experimental results are analyzed through a combination of Density Functional Tight Binding (DFTB) and Finite Element Model (FEM) methods. During the seed-mediated growth, anatase is grown over a polydispersed and polycrystalline rutile core through thermal treatment yielding core-shell, Janus and yolk-shell iso-material heterostructures as observed from HRTEM. The arrested phase transition of anatase to rutile at different annealing temperatures yields rutile crystals in the subsurface region of the anatase and rutile/core-thin anatase/shell heterostructures but does not yield a Janus structure. Small particles that can be modeled via DFTB computations suggest that: (1) a heterostructure of the rutile/core-anatase/shell is energetically more stable than the anatase/core-rutile/shell or any other Janus configuration, (2) the off-centered rutile/core-anatase shell is more favorable to the mid-centered rutile/core-anatase shell and (3) Janus heterostructures can be stabilized when the mass ratio of the rutile seed to anatase overgrowth is high. FEM simulations, performed to evaluate the importance of stress relaxation in bicrystalline materials without defects, suggest that Janus structures can be stabilized in larger particles. The present studies add to the heuristics available for synthesizing iso-material heterostructures.

Synthesis, vibrational spectra, DFT calculations, Hirshfeld surface analysis and molecular docking study of 3-chloro-3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-one

A newly synthesized molecular complex 3-chloro-3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-4-one [CMDP] crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The piperidin-4-one ring exhibits a distorted chair conformation with the puckering parameters Q = 0.559 (3) Å, θ = 173.3 (3°) and φ = 180 (2°). The methyl substituent on the third position of the piperidine ring takes up a syn-periplanar positioning although the chloro substituent takes up an anti-clinical positioning with dihedral angle: Cl1-C2-C1-O1 = 113.3 (2°) due to the repulsion from an adjacent oxygen atom. The optimized molecular geometry and fundamental vibrational frequencies of the CMDP compounds are interpreted with the help of normal coordinate force field calculations based on DFT method B3LYP/6-31+G (d,p) level basis set. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap of the molecule is 5.4194 eV. The hardness value (η) of the CMDP molecule is 2.7097 eV. Hirshfeld surface analysis and fingerprint plots are supportive for determining the molecular shape and visually analyzing the intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure. The Hirshfeld surfaces like d_i,d_e,d_norm, shape index and curvedness of C₁₈H₁₈NOCl were pictured and discussed. The various levels of electronic transitions have been predicted by Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) calculations and compared with the recorded absorption spectrum. Molecular docking study was performed and reported for the synthesized compound against 4ey7 protein.

Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3-butyl-2,6-bis-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)piperidin-4-one

The title compound, C21H23F2NO, consists of two fluoro-phenyl groups and one butyl group equatorially oriented on a piperidine ring, which adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the phenyl rings is 72.1 (1)°. In the crystal, N-H⋯O and weak C-H⋯F inter-actions, which form R 2 2[14] motifs, link the mol-ecules into infinite C(6) chains propagating along [001]. A weak C-H⋯π inter-action is also observed. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most significant contributions to the crystal packing are from H⋯H (53.3%), H⋯C/C⋯H (19.1%), H⋯F/F⋯H (15.7%) and H⋯O/O⋯H (7.7%) contacts. Density functional theory geometry-optimized calculations were compared to the experimentally determined structure in the solid state and used to determine the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and compare it to the UV-vis experimental spectrum.

Triggered Nanoexplosions of Pd Hollow Spheres

Gas filled Pd nanocontainers can serve as model nanochambers for reaction and phase equilibria studies. In the current study, palladium hollow spheres (PdHS) filled with oxygen are brought in intimate contact with hydrogen filled PdHS at room temperature (with internal pressure in both the spheres at 20 bar). The molecular hydrogen gets chemisorbed in the Pd shell and further diffuses into the oxygen filled sphere. The rapid reaction of hydrogen with oxygen in the inner wall of the oxygen filled sphere leads to a nanoexplosion, with the formation of water. This explosion results in either the complete breakage of the nanoshell or the formation of connected shells via the rupture of the internal wall connecting the shells. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy have been used to establish the sequence of processes. Further, the water in the nanochambers is cooled below sub-zero temperature to crystallize ice. This phenomenon is observed for the first time at room temperature.