Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Antibacterial Characterizations of Cadmium-Based Nanoparticles

In the current study, the co-precipitation technique was employed for the synthesis of Cadmium oxide (CdO) and Copper‒doped Cadmium oxide (Cu‒CdO) nanoparticles. The synthesized samples were subjected to powder X-Ray diffraction (P-XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transforms Infrared (FT-IR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy and antibacterial investigations. According to the P-XRD analysis, both the samples were simple cubic in structure and have average grain sizes of 54 and 28 nm, respectively. FE-SEM was deployed to explore the surface textures of the samples. EDX technique was used to look at the elemental compositions of the samples. The technique of FT-IR was employed to identify the vibrational modes. UV-Vis spectra in diffuse reflectance mode were obtained and the optical bandgaps of the CdO and Cu‒CdO samples were obtained as 4.52 eV and 2.83 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence studies were conducted at an excitation wavelength of 300 nm and emission peaks were red-shifted in both samples. Fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to explore the lifetimes of synthesized nanoparticles. The technique of Agar-well diffusion was applied to assess the antibacterial performance of the generated nanoparticles against Micrococcus Luteus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) bacterium at variable concentrations. Both samples in the current study are significantly effective against both bacterial strains.

Genus Equisetum L: Taxonomy, toxicology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

INTRODUCTION

The genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae) is cosmopolitan in distribution, with 41 recognized species. Several species of Equisetum are widely used in treating genitourinary and related diseases, inflammatory and rheumatic problems, hypertension, and wound healing in traditional medicine practices worldwide. This review intends to present information on the traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of Equisetum spp. and to analyze the new insights for further study.

METHODS

Relevant literature has been scanned and collected via various electronic repositories, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Connect, and Science Online, from 1960 to 2022.

RESULTS

Sixteen Equisetum spp. were documented as widely used in traditional medicine practices by different ethnic groups throughout the world. A total of 229 chemical compounds were identified from Equisetum spp. with the major group of constituents being flavonol glycosides and flavonoids. The crude extracts and phytochemicals of Equisetum spp. exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties. A wide range of studies have also demonstrated the safety of Equisetum spp.

CONCLUSION

The reported pharmacological properties of Equisetum spp. support its use in traditional medicine, though there are gaps in understanding the traditional usage of these plants for clinical experiments. The documented information revealed that the genus is not only a great herbal remedy but also has several bioactives with the potential to be discovered as novel drugs. Detailed scientific investigation is still needed to fully understand the efficacy of this genus; hence, very few Equisetum spp. were studied in detail for phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Moreover, its bioactives, structure-activity connection, in vivo activity, and associated mechanism of action ought to be explored further.

Negative predictive value of PSMA PET scan for lymph node staging in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection

PURPOSE

To assess the negative predictive value of PSMA PET scan for lymph node staging in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and had a preoperative negative PSMA PET scan for metastasis was performed. The documented pre-operative variables studied included age, BMI, PSA at diagnosis, Gleason score, and biopsy ISUP grades. Patients were categorised as low, intermediate and high risk according to the D Amico classification. The post-op variables included were number of lymph nodes harvested, number of positive nodes, positivity rate, size of the node metastasis, T staging and ISUP grading.

RESULTS

The overall negative predictive value of PSMA PET scan was 71.6%. Further sub-classification according to risk stratification demonstrated a NPV of 58.02%, 92.7% and 90% for high, intermediate and low risk, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic lymph node dissection cannot be excluded based on a negative preop PSMA PET/CT scan.

Improved photocatalytic dye degradation and seed germination through enzyme-coupled titanium oxide nanopowder - A cost-effective approach

Enzyme-coupled titanium oxide nanopowder samples were prepared usingdifferent volumes of vermiwash using a cost-effective soft chemical method and their photocatalytic efficiency was studied against Methylene Blue (MB) dye decomposition. The volume of vermiwash used in the starting solution was varied from 50 to 200 mL in steps of 50 mL and the effect of enzymes prevalent in the vermiwash on the photocatalytic activity of titanium oxide (TiO₂) was studied. The resultant water obtained after the photocatalytic dye degradation was found to inherit the enzymes from the nanoproduct. This enzyme-activated treated water showed effective seed germination of black gram (Vigna mungo L.). The results suggested that the enzyme-coupled TiO₂ can be used as an effective and eco-friendly material for the treatment of contaminated water and consequently the treated water can also be utilized for enhanced seed germination.

Engineering the surface of titanium to improve its bioactivity and antibacterial activity through a multi-functional coating approach

The present study reports development of multi-functional coatings on titanium for orthopaedic implant application. The multi-functional coating approach involves development of TiO2 nanotubes by anodization followed by dip coating of...

Crystal structure, DFT and Hirshfeld surface analysis of N-acetyl-t-3-methyl-r-2,c-6-diphenylpiperidine

In the title compound, C₂₀H₂₃NO, the piperidine ring adopts a distorted boat conformation, while the phenyl rings subtend a dihedral angle 65.1 (2)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains extending along the b-axis direction.

In the title compound [systematic name: 1-(3-methyl-2,6-diphenylpiperidin-1-yl)ethanone], C₂₀H₂₃NO, the piperidine ring adopts a distorted boat conformation, while the phenyl rings subtend a dihedral angle 65.1 (2)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds into chains extending along the b-axis direction. The DFT/B3LYP/6–311 G(d,p) method was used to determine the HOMO–LUMO energy levels. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to verify the contributions of the different inter­molecular inter­actions, indicating that the important contributions to the crystal packing are from H⋯H (73.2%), C⋯H (18.4%) and O⋯H (8.4%) inter­actions.

Rising Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Azithromycin: A Therapeutic Challenge in Treating Enteric Fever

Introduction: Enteric fever continues to be endemic in the Indian subcontinent carrying with it significant morbidity, despite available antibiotics. With changing trends in antibiotic use, concern for emerging resistance to many common pathogens is very common. Taking enteric fever, as a case in point, there is evidence of increased use of azithromycin and thirdgeneration cephalosporins. Documenting evidence of increasing concentrations of antibiotics, required to inhibit the organism, is necessary to alter the prescribing practice and to adopt course correction. This is required to modify antibiotic policies in health care setups both for the management of antibiotic susceptible and resistant cases of enteric fever. Aim: To document the rising Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of azithromycin among Salmonella isolates. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences for a period of seven years (January 2014 to December 2020). A total of 168 clinical isolates from enteric fever cases were tested for drug resistance to azithromycin by disk diffusion as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. MIC was estimated using the Epsilometer test. Results were interpreted as per CLSI 2020 guidelines. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r) and twotailed p-values were estimated to note the trend. Results: Out of 168 Salmonella isolates, 65 were Salmonella Typhi and 103 were Salmonella Paratyphi A. MIC of these isolates ranged from 1.5-64 µg/mL and three isolates were resistant to azithromycin with MIC ≥32 µg/mL and nine isolates had a high level of MIC of 24 µg/mL. Disc diffusion test results were consistent with MIC of azithromycin against Salmonella isolates from enteric fever. Regression coefficient for MIC for the given value of zone diameter for 65 Salmonella Typhi isolates was -0.579 (p<0.001, considered highly significant) and -0.475 (p<0.01, considered as significant) for Salmonella Paratyphi A isolates. Rising MIC to azithromycin was observed among Salmonella isolates over a period of seven years. Conclusion: There is a need to monitor the rising trend of MIC, which may pose a therapeutic challenge for treating enteric fever cases in near future. Regular MIC estimation can pre-empt overt resistance. Hence, MIC testing should be routinely done where facilities are available than doing only disk diffusion testing for enteric fever isolates.

Relationship of Maternal and Neonatal Variables With Breastmilk Sodium

OBJECTIVE

To determine breastmilk sodium changes in the first 72 hours after birth and to correlate maternal and neonatal variables with maternal breastmilk sodium.

METHODS

We enrolled 245 mothers and their exclusively breast-fed neonates in this prospective cohort study. Singleton, inborn babies of greater than 34 weeks gestation, who were exclusively breastfed for the first 72 hours were included. Babies who required neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, top up feeds or discharged before 72 hours were excluded. Study outcomes were changes in breast milk sodium in the first 72 hours and association of high maternal breast milk sodium with various maternal and neonatal variables.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) breastmilk sodium steadily declined over the first 72 hours [53.5 (19.2), 38.5 (19.0) and 22.2 (10.6) mmol/L at 24, 48, 72 hours, respectively]. Breastfeeding £8 times per 24 hours in the first three days was the only factor significantly associated with high breastmilk sodium (P=0.008). Maternal age, gravida, mode of delivery, significant neonatal weight loss, hypernatremia, neonatal morbidities like fever, irritability, lethargy and poor suck had no significant correlation with high breastmilk sodium.

CONCLUSIONS

Breastmilk sodium shows a steady decline in the first 72 hours after delivery. Feeding ≤8 times per day is associated high breastmilk sodium at 72 hours of age.

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.

Docking and in vitro molecular biology studies of p-anisidine-appended 1-hydroxy-2-acetonapthanone Schiff base lanthanum(iii) complexes

A new series of lanthanum(iii) complexes was synthesized using a p-anisidine-appended 1-hydroxy-2-acetonapthanone (3) Schiff base and characterized via spectroscopic methods. The ligand was synthesized via sonication and the crystalline product was characterized using X-ray crystallography. The genotoxicity of the compound was assessed primarily by the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) test and the in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test; in both cases, the samarium complex 5 was found to be non-mutagenic. The anti-tumor activity of complexes 4, 5, and 6 was assayed against HeLa tumor cells and screened using the MTT assay. The IC₅₀ value of complex 5 was found to be 34 ± 1.2 μg mL^-1 and this compound exhibited superior activity towards the cells compared to 4 and 6. These results were further confirmed by Hoechst 33258 staining and AO/EI dual staining, which indicated that the cells underwent an apoptosis mechanism in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptosis was further confirmed by the formation of ladders in the DNA fragmentation assay, and the western blot analysis of complex 5 suggested that the cells underwent the caspase-3-dependent pathway with PARP cleavage. Furthermore, the docking studies of complex 5 with HSA showed that it was situated in a hydrophilic cavity held by the electrostatic attraction of four hydrogen-bonding interactions. PDB ID:1BNA binds with complex 5via strong π-π stacking interactions, which facilitate binding with the major grooves of DNA strands. The above-mentioned results illustrate that for complex 5, mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis occurs via caspase-3 activation. Complex 5 binds with DNA via intercalation because of S-phase cell cycle arrest in the HeLa cells.

Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT studies of 1-[r-2,c-6-diphenyl-t-3-(propan-2-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethan-1-one

In the title compound, C22H27NO, the piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation. The dihedral angles between the mean plane of the piperidine ring and the phenyl rings are 89.78 (7) and 48.30 (8)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains along the b-axis direction by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The DFT/B3LYP/6-311 G(d,p) method was used to determine the HOMO-LUMO energy levels. The mol-ecular electrostatic potential surfaces were investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were used to analyse the inter-molecular inter-actions in the mol-ecule.

Synthesis and characterisation of novel Cu(ii)-anchored biopolymer complexes as reusable materials for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Biopolymer-incorporated Cu(ii) complexes are proven to be excellent photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dyes (methylene blue) under UV-visible light.

Crystal structure, DFT and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 2-amino-4-(2-chlorophenyl)-7-hydroxy-4H-benzo[1,2-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile

The benzopyran ring of the title compound, C16H11ClN2O2, is planar [maximum deviation = 0.079 (2) Å] and is almost perpendicular to the chlorophenyl ring [dihedral angle = 86.85 (6)°]. In the crystal, N—H...O, O—H...N, C—H...O and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds form inter- and intramolecular interactions. The DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method was used to determine the HOMO–LUMO energy levels. The molecular electrostatic potential surfaces were investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were used to analyse the intermolecular interactions in the molecule.

Excitation-induced tunable luminescence of luminomagnetic Dy and Ce co-doped ZnO nanoparticles

Here, 1 mol% Dy,Ce co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a simple, cost-effective combustion method which could produce large-scale products. The structure and phase purity of synthesized nanoparticles were shown by X-ray diffraction, selected-area-electron-diffraction patterns and Raman spectroscopy to be a hexagonal wurtzite structure with no secondary peaks. Spherical morphology was shown by field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The presence of dopants with elemental composition was authenticated by energy dispersive spectroscopy and elemental mapping. Enhanced reflectance in the visible region for Ce-doped ZnO samples was noted by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. An increase in the bandgap for doped samples was indicated by the Kubelka-Munk function. Significant visible luminescence was observed, which varied with different excitations. The room-temperature weak ferromagnetic behaviour of 2 mol% Ce-doped ZnO and distinct paramagnetic behaviour of 1 mol% Dy,Ce co-doped ZnO was detected using vibrating sample magnetometry.

A Modulation Technique for Sensorless Control of Switched Reluctance Motor

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) uniquely bears several merits with respect to other motor configurations. Especially, the construction of the rotor is simple in the sense that it neither contains copper not contains permanent magnets. Because of this construction, likelihood of rotor’s failure is less than the other motor configurations. This makes this motor more suitable for harsh environments. On the flip side, this motor cannot directly operate with AC or DC power source and needs electronic commutation. For commutation, the information on instantaneous orientation of the rotor is essential. Since inclusion of appropriate sensor adds to the cost and complexity of the system, sensor-less commutation of SRM gained interest among the researchers and has been studied extensively in literature. The techniques for sensorless control of SRM can be broadly classified into Active phase and Idle phase techniques. Idle phase techniques are generally believed to be not suitable for high speed operation beause of tail current in a phase, i.e., because of inductive nature of the phase, it takes time for flow of current to stop. This paper proposes a novel idle phase technique that is conducive for high speed operation of switched reluctance motor.

Tailoring the morphological features of sol–gel synthesized mesoporous hydroxyapatite using fatty acids as an organic modifier

Nowadays, owing to their large surface area, enhanced pore volume, increased porosity, and variable pore size, mesoporous materials, such as mesoporous silica and mesoporous carbon, have attracted significant attention in the areas of physical science and biomedical sciences. Due to their compositional and biological similarities to natural tissues, synthetic nanoscaled mesoporous hydroxyapatite (MPHA) nanoparticles possess good biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteoconductivity and have recently expanded their applicability in a wide range of fields such as in tissue replacement, drug/gene delivery carriers, and biocompatible coatings. In this study, we defined a novel route to synthesize mesoporous hydroxyapatite nanoparticles by the sol–gel method in the presence of stearic acid (SA), a biocompatible medium chain fatty acid that would function as an organic modifier. The as-prepared HAP particles were subjected to structural, functional and morphological characterization. Mesopores in HAP were observed for samples synthesized at pH 11 by removing the organic template. The porosity of HAP was confirmed by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The apatite deposition phenomenon in simulated body fluid at pH 7.4 confirms their in vitro bioactivity, and based on the in vitro cytotoxicity examined using Vero cell cultures, the as-prepared HAP particles exhibit excellent cytocompatibility and cell viability as high as 83% at an extract concentration as low as 25%. Moreover, the loading and leaching behavior of the drug in mesoporous HAP was studied using methionine (MT), an essential amino acid. These results confirm that nano mesoporous hydroxyapatite loaded with MT can be a potential aspirant as a biomaterial in biomedical applications.

Nowadays, owing to their large surface area, enhanced pore volume, increased porosity, and variable pore size, mesoporous materials, such as mesoporous silica and mesoporous carbon, have attracted significant attention in the areas of physical science and biomedical sciences.

Adsorption of alanine with heteroatom substituted fullerene for solar cell application: A DFT study

C₂₀ is the most important fullerene cage and alanine is the simplest representation of a backbone unit of the protein. The absorption feasibility of alanine molecule in the Si-doped C₂₀ and B-doped C₂₀ fullerenes has been studied based on calculated electronic properties of fullerenes using density functional theory (DFT). In this work, we explore the ability of Si-doped C₂₀, B-doped C₂₀ fullerene to interact with alanine at the DFT-B3LYP/6-31G, RHF level of theory. We find that noticeable structural change takes place in C₂₀ when one of its carbon is substituted with Si or B. The molecular geometry, electronic properties and vibrational analysis have also been performed on the title compounds. The NMR study reveals the aromaticity of the pure and doped fullerene compounds. Stability of the doped fullerene - alanine compound arises from hyper conjugative interactions. It leads to one of the major property of bioactivity, charge transfer and delocalization of charge and this properties has been analyzed using Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. The energy gap of the doped fullerene reveals that there is a decrease in the size of energy gap significantly, making them more reactive as compared to C₂₀ fullerene. Theoretical studies of the electronic spectra by using time - dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method were helpful to interpret the observed electronic transition state. We aim to optimize the performance of the solar cells by altering the frontier orbital energy gaps. Considering all studied properties, it may be inferred that the applicability of C₂₀ fullerene as the non-linear optical (NLO) material and its NLO property would increase on doping fullerene with Si and B atom. Specifically C₁₉Si would be better among them.

4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1,2,3-selenadiazole

In the title compound, C8H5ClN2Se, the dihedral angle between the planes of the selenadiazole and chlorophenyl rings is 16.6 (2)°. In the crystal, the packing of the molecules is consolidated by weak C—H...N hydrogen bonds, which generate [001] chains, and π–π stacking interactions are observed between the phenyl and selenadiazole rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.884 (2) Å. There is also a short Se...Cl contact of 3.468 (1) Å

Mitochondrial DNA quantification as a tool for embryo viability assessment: retrospective analysis of data from single euploid blastocyst transfers

STUDY QUESTION

Does the amount of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in blastocyst biopsy specimens have the potential to serve as a biomarker of euploid embryo implantation ability, independent of morphology?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The results of this study strongly suggest that elevated mtDNA levels, above a previously defined threshold, are strongly associated with blastocyst implantation failure and represent an independent biomarker of embryo viability.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Improved methods of embryo selection are highly desirable in order to increase the efficiency of IVF treatment. At present, even the transfer of chromosomally normal embryos of high morphological grade cannot guarantee that a pregnancy will follow. Recently, it has been proposed that the quantity of mtDNA in embryonic cells may be an indicator of developmental potential, with higher levels of mtDNA associated with reduced implantation. However, thus far reported data sets have been relatively small and in some cases have lacked appropriate validation.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This large, blinded, retrospective study involved the analysis of relative mtDNA levels in 1505 euploid blastocysts obtained from 490 couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Implantation outcomes were compared to mtDNA levels in order to determine the capacity of the method to predict viability and to assess the validity of previously established thresholds.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

DNA from blastocyst biopsy samples was amplified and then subjected to aneuploidy analysis using next generation sequencing or array comparative genomic hybridization. Only those embryos classified as chromosomally normal had their mtDNA levels assessed. This analysis was undertaken retrospectively using quantitative real-time PCR, without knowledge of the outcome of embryo transfer. Predictions of implantation failure, based upon mtDNA levels were subsequently compared to the observed clinical results. All cycles involved the transfer of a single embryo.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of all blastocysts analyzed, 9.2% (139/1505) contained mtDNA levels above a previously established viability threshold and were therefore predicted to have reduced chances of implantation. To the date of analysis, 282 euploid blastocysts had been transferred with an overall implantation rate of 65.6% (185/282). Of the transferred embryos, 249 contained levels of mtDNA in the normal range, 185 of which produced a pregnancy, giving an implantation rate of 74.3% for euploid embryos with 'normal' quantities of mtDNA. However, 33 of the transferred embryos were determined to have elevated mtDNA quantities. None of these led to a pregnancy. Therefore, the negative predictive value of mtDNA assessment in this cohort was 100% (33/33). The difference between the implantation rates for embryos with normal and elevated mtDNA levels was highly significant (P < 0.0001). The mtDNA thresholds, used for classification of embryos, were unaffected by female age or the clinic in which the IVF was undertaken. The probability of an embryo having elevated levels of mtDNA was not influenced by variation in embryo morphology.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

This study provides strong evidence that mtDNA quantification can serve as a valuable tool to assist the evaluation of blastocyst viability. However, to determine the true extent of any clinical benefits, other types of investigations, such as non-selection studies and randomized controlled trials, will also be necessary.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The results of this study suggest that mtDNA quantity can serve as an independent biomarker for the prediction of euploid blastocyst implantation potential. Prospective studies should now be undertaken to confirm these results. Additionally, investigations into the underlying biological cause(s) of elevated mtDNA levels and an enhanced understanding of how they relate to diminished implantation potential would be invaluable.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by funding provided by Reprogenetics. None of the authors have any competing interests.

Correlation of Friedewald's calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with direct low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

One of the risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease is high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III guidelines suggest drug therapy to be considered at LDL-cholesterol levels >130 mg/dl. This makes accurate reporting of LDL cholesterol crucial in the management of Coronary heart disease. Estimation of LDL cholesterol by direct LDL method is accurate, but it is expensive. Hence, We compared Friedewald's calculated LDL values with direct LDL values.

AIM

To evaluate the correlation of Friedewalds calculated LDL with direct LDL method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared LDL cholesterol measured by Friedewald's formula with direct LDL method in 248 samples between the age group of 20-70 years. Paired t-test was used to test the difference in LDL concentration obtained by a direct method and Friedewald's formula. The level of significance was taken as P < 0.05. Pearsons correlation formula was used to test the correlation between direct LDL values with Friedewald's formula.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the direct LDL values when compared to calculated LDL by Friedewalds formula (P = 0.140). Pearson correlation showed there exists good correlation between direct LDL versus Friedewalds formula (correlation coefficient = 0.98). The correlation between direct LDL versus Friedewalds calculated LDL was best at triglycerides values between 101 and 200 mg/dl.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates calculated LDL by Friedewalds equation can be used instead of direct LDL in patients who cannot afford direct LDL method.

The rediscovery of Brownlowia tersa (L.) Kosterm. (Malvaceae), from the Andaman Islands, India — a Near Threatened mangrove species

Brownlowia tersa, described by C.E. Parkinson from the Andaman Islands during the 1920s, was never recollected. The present report concerns its recent collection from North Andaman and Middle Andaman Islands with updated nomenclature, detailed description and distribution notes. It is considered a near threatened species due to habitat loss.

The rediscovery of Brownlowia tersa (L.) Kosterm. (Malvaceae), from the Andaman Islands, India — a Near Threatened mangrove species

Brownlowia tersa, described by C.E. Parkinson from the Andaman Islands during the 1920s, was never recollected. The present report concerns its recent collection from North Andaman and Middle Andaman Islands with updated nomenclature, detailed description and distribution notes. It is considered a near threatened species due to habitat loss.

Fabrication of a novel low-cost triple layer system (TaZO/Ag/TaZO) with an enhanced quality factor for transparent electrode applications

A triple layer system (TaZO/Ag/TaZO), consisting of tantalum doped zinc oxide (TaZO) as the top and bottom layers and metallic silver (Ag) as the intermediate layer, was deposited onto glass substrates.

Aerobic Fitness, Heart Rate Recovery and Heart Rate Recovery Time in Indian School Children

Data on aerobic fitness and heart rate recovery in children are limited. This study was done to evaluate the relation between them in Indian school going children. Three hundred children of 7 to 10.5 years were recruited and their aerobic fitness was predicted using modified Harvard's step test (VO₂max) and 20 meter shuttle test (VO₂peak). The heart rate was monitored for 12 minutes post modified Harvard's step test. The difference between the maximum and the 1st minute HR was noted as HRR1 and the time taken to reach the resting heart rate was also recorded. VO₂max was inversely correlated with HRR1 (r = -0.64, p<0.001). However, the partial correlation of the two was not significant (r(partial) = -0.037, p = 0.55), indicating children with higher basal HR had higher HRR1 and that accounted for the observed association with aerobic fitness. Cox regression analysis showed that the recovery rate per unit time was 3% greater with increasing VO₂max (HR = 1.03, 95% CI:1.01 to 1.05, p = 0.013). The heart rate parameters did not show any associat with VO₂peak This study demonstrates that there is no relation between VO₂max and HRR1 after 3 minutes of modified Harvard's step test in Indian children of 7 to 10.5 years. However, aerobic fitness is a positive predictor of heart rate recovery time in this group.

Rhizophoramucronatavar.alokii - a new variety of mangrove species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India (Rhizophoraceae)

Rhizophoramucronatavar.alokii (Rhizophoraceae), a new variety of Rhizophora from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, is described and illustrated. The new variety is remarkable in having four stamens, laterally folded leaves, a short peduncle, thick leathery petals, and a four-sided ovary with a sessile style. A key for the species of Rhizophora of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also provided.

Free and forced vibrations of hollow elastic cylinders of finite length

An analytical model of axisymmetric vibrations of hollow elastic circular cylinders with arbitrary boundary conditions is presented. Free vibrations of cylinders with free or fixed boundaries and forced vibrations of cylinders with specified non-uniform displacement or stress on the boundaries are considered. Three series solutions are used and each term in each series is an exact solution to the exact governing equations of motion. The terms in the expressions for components of displacement and stress are products of Bessel and sinusoidal functions and are orthogonal to each other. Complete sets of functions in the radial and axial directions are formed by terms in the first series and the other two, respectively. It is therefore possible to satisfy arbitrary boundary conditions. It is shown that just two terms in each series are sufficient to determine several resonance frequencies of cylinders with certain specified boundary conditions. The error is less than 1%. Numerical results are also presented for forced vibration of hollow steel cylinders of length 10 mm and outer diameter 10 mm with specified normal displacement or stress. Excellent agreement with finite element results is obtained at all frequencies up to 1 MHz. Convergence of the series is also discussed.

A facile electrochemical approach for the deposition of iron–manganese phosphate composite coatings on aluminium

Cathodic electrochemical treatment is a facile approach for the deposition of iron–manganese phosphate composite coatings on Al.